Advancing to General Convention 2015

Bishop Hollerith and a deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia will head to Salt Lake City, UT, June 25 - July 3 to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Over the next few weeks, we'll be giving you some background on General Convention, explain how it works, and introduce our deputation. While we are in Salt Lake City, you can follow the action on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

 

General Convention: Equality of representation

Equality of representation between lay persons and priests was enshrined from the beginning of General Convention, as was the equal representation of states - the words "state" and "diocese" were synonymous in the church's early years.

To protect the rights of states with fewer church members the constitution made provision for votes by states for major issues. This provision was the ancestor of our votes by orders in which each diocese casts one clerical and one lay vote on amendments to the constitution, revisions of the Book of Common Prayer and other weighty matters.

Because the organizing conventions and the first General Convention under its constitution did not include bishops, the House of Deputies is sometimes referred to as the senior house (by date of establishment). To encourage the church in New England to join the General Convention, provision was made in the church's first constitution for a House of Bishops at such time in the future as there would be at least three bishops. After the passage of the constitution, the election of bishops required the consent of both houses of the General Convention, and consecrations could take place only during a meeting of the convention. When this proved unworkable, the convention voted in 1799 to allow diocesan standing committees to vote consent in place of the House of Deputies, except when the election fell within a reasonable time before a meeting of the General Convention.

Even after the formation of the House of Bishops, the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies could override a "no" vote in the House of Bishops by a 4/5's vote. This provision was amended in 1808, allowing the bishops to veto legislation passed by deputies, but only if they did so within three days of passage. (The House of Bishops did not get parity with the House of Deputies until 1901, when the "three days clause" was deleted from a revision of the constitution.) Since then, for legislation to be enacted, it must be passed in identical language by both houses. If either house fails to concur, the resolution does not pass.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. Luke's, Blackstone

Loving God, whose promise is to be with us always: Be with us in the year ahead as we continue the work you have given us to do. Strengthen us to move through this time of transition, trusting in your faithfulness. May our efforts to reach out to our community continue and increase, empowered by the Spirit and revealing Christ in our midst; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Johns Memorial, Farmville

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and on earth, grant the people of Johns Memorial the means of peace and harmony so that we may find our way toward the unity that will allow us to accomplish all that you desire for us. Help us to be conscious of all that are in any way in need of prayer, comfort, or solace. Keep us mindful of the Holy Spirit working in our midst as we discern how best to minister to the students among us wherever they are on their journey. Guide our Vestry, our rector and our congregation in the way of being a church where people come not only for worship, but for community service, for learning and for comfort and joy, Grant us strength in numbers so that we may do even more to glorify you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

ACS Users Training Day on June 24

Join us for a one-day classroom training for ACS software users led by ACS Certified Trainer Fred Forrey on Wednesday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Newport News.

 

This ACS classroom training will provide learning in a traditional classroom environment. ACS Certified Trainer Fred Forrey will demonstrate the use of software projected onto a large screen. This one-day training will focus on People during the morning session and on Financials during the afternoon session.  

This event is an excellent opportunity to learn and enhance valuable skills amongst your peers. Come with your questions and get answers!  

 Click here for more information and registration. 

Church Business Administrator training and certification

Church Business Administrator certification through The Church Network (formerly NACBA) is a  two-week core course requirement that can be fulfilled on the Richmond campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary from July 21-30. Or, if you need just a few of the seminars, register for one week, or individual classes. These seminars are open to anyone with interest in this area, and will give you some valuable information on the administration of your church. The cost for the full two weeks of classes (8 days) is $550; for one week (4 days), $275; and for individual classes $85 ($170 for a two-day class). Click here for more information and to register.

CE-Net monthly meeting on May 28

CE-Net (Christian Education Network) invites you to join them on Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton as they catch up and discuss future CE-Net meetings. Breakfast will be provided. Feel free to invite anyone you think would be interested. RSVP to Jennifer Nauroth, jenny.nauroth@cox.net.

Leadership Program for Musicians now accepting registration for Fall classes

The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM), a national program offering classes for church musicians and those interested in church music, is accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 year.

Courses being offered for the 2015-2016 year are Liturgy and Music: Foundations for Christian Worship (offered online through the Center for Liturgy and Music at Virginia Theological Seminary, visit www.liturgyandmusic.com); Principles of Choral Leadership; Teaching New Music to the Congregation; and Philosophy of Church Music.

LPM gives church musicians the tools and resources to lead congregations to sing well and to participate actively in worship. LPM offers classes that cover key areas in church music and liturgical education, spiritual formation, and teach a full range of church music skills.

For more information visit www.lpm-va.org or contact Jane Barthurst, atlpmvacoordinator@gmail.com or 804-883-7112.

Palestine of Jesus: A two-part course offered through Kanuga and St. George's College

Kanuga retreat center in Hendersonville, NC, and St. George's College in Jerusalem are partnering for a two-part course - The Palestine of Jesus. In December, 2015, participants will gather at Kanuga for a three-day program led by St. George's course director, the Rev. Rodney Aist. Students will learn about the Holy Land and the places they will visit during the second part of the course in Israel/Palestine that will take place in February, 2016 at St. George's College. Click here for a brochure with more information.