Jackson-Feild Homes' Gwaltney School holds its 18th commencement excercises

On June 5, three students at the Edna Hayden Gwaltney School received their high school diploma, and one received his GED certificate. Six students received their ServSafe food certificate and two their food occupation certificate of completion.

Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education, presided over the ceremony at the Golden Leaf Commons at the Southside Virginia Community College Emporia Campus. Mrs. Angela M. Carter was the commencement speaker.

Angela M. Carter, born and raised in Alberta, VA, is the author of a full-length poetry collection, Memory Chose a Woman's Body, a poetic journey and memoir that spotlights the effects of abuse, neglect and depression. An advocate of the healing ability of the arts, Mrs. Carter is a 2014 Pushcart Prize nominee, a nominee for the 2015 Virginia Library Literacy Award (poetry), a motivational speaker, an arts advocate, a painter and a photographer. Mrs. Carter lives in Harrisonburg with her husband, two children and a collection of pets.

Mrs. Carter - herself a victim of child abuse - shared her life story and spoke of her continuing struggle with mental illness. She urged the graduates to know that they are not alone in their daily struggles, and that they can make a difference in their lives. "Each new day is a new beginning. Don't give up. Don't convince yourself that you do not matter. And don't convince yourself that you cannot become the person you want to be, if you want to become someone new."

Over the last eighteen years, 149 students have graduated from the Gwaltney School with either a diploma or GED certificate. Each year, in honor and recognition of the student's work, an anonymous donor has provided a bouquet of roses for each girl, a wallet for each boy, and a gift card for each graduate.  

The Diocesan office has moved!

Movers spent two days loading and moving the Diocesan office to its new location in Newport News' City Center. Everything from desks and copy paper to Communion silver and bishops' portraits made the trip. The movers unloaded the last boxes at the new office yesterday afternoon, and staff are starting to unpack and settle in. Unfortunately our internet and phone system will not be installed until the end of the week. You can still reach Diocesan staff via email, which they are accessing with mobile devices for the time being.

Once we are settled, we look forward to hosting an open house for our Diocesan family. Watch for your invitation!

Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons

On June 6, at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, Bishop Hollerith ordained Tyler Montgomery and Mark Riley to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Click here for pictures from the service. 

Godly Play training: The basics and beyond

July 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trinity, Portsmouth

Learning about God is an essential part of religious education, but Godly Play also emphasizes the spiritual formation of children and the adults who work with them. In those moments of crisis that all of us inevitably face, a sense of God's presence can sustain us and carry us through. At this day-long workshop, you can learn - or refresh your enthusiasm for the basics of Godly Play - and experience time-tested approaches to classroom enrichment from veteran Godly Play trainer Kathleen Capcara.

In the morning, participants will experience a full Godly Play session with an opportunity to learn about time, sacred space and classroom management techniques. Included will be ideas about ways students of all ages can use the Godly Play approach. The afternoon will concentrate on helping each participant leave the workshop with the skills and confidence to present a Godly Play lesson. Click here to register.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Tyler Montgomery will begin as Associate Rector and Canterbury Chaplain at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, 6/8/2015

The Rev. Cherian Pulimootil will retire from Good Shepherd, McKenney, 6/28/2015

The Rev. Ashley Urquidi will begin as Assistant Rector at Old Donation, Virginia Beach, 7/1/2015 

News from Mission of the Holy Spirit

By Keith A. Josey, Lay Pastor, Mission of the Holy Spirit

I would like to take a moment to thank each of you for supporting the Mission of the Holy Spirit. Our ability to impact so many lives is made possible by your generosity. The donations we receive from individuals, churches and other organizations help wholeheartedly with building the lives of the young people we serve.

Our desire is to continue reaching out into a hurting community and offer hope by modeling the Love of God through our worship and the programs we offer.

Our worship community is growing, and we are actively searching for priest to volunteer one Sunday afternoon per month to provide a Eucharistic presence in our service. Celebrating Holy Communion one Sunday a month would be a real blessing for us.

As the school year draws to an end, it's imperative that we begin to establish a fun, safe alternative to hanging out in the neighborhood for our children and teens. Throughout this year, we have been blessed to offer educational support for our young people on Tuesday evenings and music and arts on Wednesdays. Many of the school-aged members have taken advantage of these programs and are developing academically as well as boosting their self-esteem by sharing their gifts.

"Grown and Growing" is our adult life skills support group that combines Bible study, coping skills and positive strategies for everyday life. Through this program, many adults are raising the level of functionality for themselves and their families.

You are the catalyst of this great change that is touching the lives of every member of the Mission. Your support is crucial to the continuation of our programs. With all the violence and hopelessness that is gripping the country, our presence in the community remains important to bridge gaps and break down barriers by standing together and giving, out of a true Godly love for our neighbors.

To learn more about Mission of the Holy Spirit and how you can help support their programs, contact them at info@missionoftheholyspirit.org or 757-858-0010.

Beneath the Sea of Enchantment - a night to remember at Jackson-Feild

Students created this prom photo backdrop with the help of their art teacher.

May 30 was a special evening that will be etched into the memories of the children at Jackson-Feild Homes forever. The Robinson-Withers Gym was transformed into an undersea world as residents celebrated the 2015 Prom.

The theme was Beneath the Sea of Enchantment. Students in the art program prepared the decorations that hung throughout the gym. The boys and girls were gussied up in evening gowns and tuxedos and looked great.

A great deal of hard work was done prior to the event to ensure it would be a success. Staff members met with children do discuss self-awareness and prom etiquette. Girls received had their hair and nails done by a JFH friend who performed these services at a greatly discounted cost. The DJ for the event, Craig Mangrum, is a staff member who also provided his services at a discount. The table decorations were loaned by Wootton Brothers Greenhouse. The Home's food service staff prepared all the food for the event taking a special interest in making special treats for the occasion. The Fairy Godmother program provided prom dresses, shoes and accessories for the girls. A photographer shoots prom photos for the boys and girls as a memory of this evening.

Prom is a rite of passage for most teenagers is a spring. Jackson-Feild's staff members were committed to ensuring that their children would have this special opportunity and worked hard to make it a night that the residents will cherish for a lifetime.