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.

Epiphany, Norfolk

Holy and Living God, you have revealed your loving kindness in your Christ; ever deepen our congregation in Christ's Spirit, through gratitude, mindfulness, compassion and service, in the name of the Trinity, One God.  Amen

St. Matthew's, Chesterfield

God of generosity and compassion, you pour upon all your people abundant gifts and call them in every generation to offer and spend their talents gladly in the service of your love. Guide us to discern your voice afresh and become ever more aware of the call you invite us to share at this time, and in this place. Help us to recognize and affirm each other's unique gifts. Keep us constant in our prayers and give us clear vision, creative imaginations, and the fearless daring to perceive true needs and persevere in practical and lively ministries of loving service. And as we are fed here at your altar, may we faithfully go forth, knowing that you are ever with us, and that in carrying out your mission, we are doing your holy work. We ask these things in the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. R. Christopher Heying will leave Emmanuel, Chatham for Diocese of Western Louisiana, 8/1/2015

Learn more about Boys Home!

Megan-Drew Tiller, who works in Church Relations for the Boys Home of Virginia, would like to visit your church. Learn more about this 109-year-old Episcopal ministry which was founded in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, and explore some ways your church can get involved! To schedule her for an adult forum, homily, outreach event or youth group activity, please contact Megan-Drew at mdtiller@boyshomeofva.org or 540-958-2455.

Enneagram Conference at Kanuga

Harmony in a Discordant World is the topic of this year's Enneagram Conference at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC.  Participants will learn skills to better know themselves and enrich their relationship with God while considering such questions as how to be agents of peace in a violent world and dealing with conflict in the family, church and workplace.  Dates are October 4-7.  To learn more, visit www.kanuga.org/enneagram.

Save the date: Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens on Oct. 10

All Senior Wardens are invited to join the Bishop and senior staff for a morning of conversation and information sharing on Saturday, October 10 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Hickory Neck Church, Toano. Registration and continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m.  This gathering is designed for Senior Warden’s only and will be offered only once.  More information and registration coming soon.

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. Stephen's, Petersburg

Dear God, we come to you for strength and guidance. As always, we pray that we are more of a help than a hindrance. But we also pray that we better appreciate the vast and varied gifts we've been blessed with...that we can help each other uplift the strengths and not condemn the weaknesses but instead strengthen those as well. We ask that you grant each of us a better understanding of the struggles we may be going through and help us to show more compassion. And Lord, we pray for an extra dose of patience as you help us to see that our opinion isn't the only opinion and that it is your will that shall be done. Amen.

St. Francis', Virginia Beach

Lord Jesus Christ, who called your servants to be disciples of your Word.  Give us the grace to follow in their footsteps, that we may devote heart, soul, mind, and strength to your loving service and discipleship.  Guide us into your glorious kingdom, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and for ever.  Amen.

Historic moments at the 78th General Convention

Bishop Hollerith and the deputation from Diocese of Southern Virginia just spent 10 days in Salt Lake City to take part in the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. This Convention, in a series of historic moments, elected the first African-American presiding bishop; approved marriage equality for all Episcopalians; adopted a budget that emphasizes racial reconciliation and evangelism; opposed divestment in Israel, Palestine; and made some significant changes to the church's governance. Get more information and lots of pictures on our General Convention blog and the diocesan Facebook page.  

General Convention Deputation from Southern Virginia, L to R front row: Ms. Lily Burroughs; the Rev. Samatha Vincent-Alexander; Ms. Alice Webley; the Rev. Mark Wilkinson. L to R back row: the Rev. Keith Emerson; the Rev. Charles Robinson; the Rev. Dale Custer; Mr. Tony Robinson; Bishop Jay Magness; Bishop Hollerith; Ms. Toni Hogg; Ms. Cindy Barns; Mr. Sam Webster.