Trinity Institute webcast cancelled, to be re-scheduled

After much thought and consideration, we have decided to cancel the Trinity Institute live webcast Jan. 21-23.  Weather reports are calling for "significant" snow north and west of Williamsburg and a possible "wintry mix" on the lower Peninsula.  Our desire is to have a full, meaningful engagement around the topic of racism, and uncertain weather provides a distraction.

We will show the entire Trinity Institute broadcast at a later date in parishes in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and possibly the Richmond area within the next few months.  While this will not be a live telecast, it will give us an opportunity to hear all speakers and presentations in their entirety and to engage in dialogue with other participants at these locations.  The dates for these events will be publicized very soon and we hope that you will be able to join us at one of these events.

Ecumenical Biblical Storytelling workshop Jan. 30

Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, will host an Ecumenical Biblical Storytelling workshop on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This is an interactive workshop which will cover how to prepare, deliver and share biblical stories. The workshop is free, bu you should register by emailing ellenclements@vaumc.org. Good Samaritan is located at 848 Baker Road, Virginia Beach. 

Angelica Garcia-Randle named Missioner for Latino Ministries for the Eastern Shore

Congratulations to Angelica Garcia-Randle on being named Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries for the Eastern Shore. In her new role, Angelica will make available resources and information for parishes and parish leaders drawn to establishing or cultivating Latino ministries. This includes cultural education and information exchange across the diocese through workshops, site visits, etc. A seven-member Advisory Board for Episcopal Latino Ministries was recently formed to provide oversight and create benchmarks and goals for the venture.

"I'm incredibly honored and grateful to be doing this work that I'm so passionate about," Angelica says. "Serving the Eastern Shore Latino community and growing the mission in Southern Virginia is a dream come true. I'm thankful to so many people that have supported this ministry along the way."

For more information on the work of this ministry, visit www.diosova.org/latino_min.

Celebrating Absalom Jones and James Solomon Russell

The Union Of Black Episcopalians will celebrate Absalom Jones day on Sunday, February 28, at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Chapel on the campus of St Paul's College in Lawrenceville. They will also celebrate James Solomon Russell at the same service. A reception will follow the service.

Congregations across Southern Virginia - including choirs and acolytes - are invited to participate in this service. For more information about the service and how your congregation can participate, call David Flores at 757-466-1991 or the Rev. Joseph Green at 757-461-3864. 

New Safe Church training classes scheduled

Safe Church training is available in both classroom and online formats. Based on the positive training evaluations received from participants, we strongly recommend that all first-time users complete a live classroom training. The collaborative learning, and question and answer period are invaluable in evaluating individual parish needs. Upcoming classroom training:

• Jan. 23 - Johns Memorial, Farmville
• Feb. 27 - Good Shepherd, Richmond
• Mar. 19 - St. John's, Hopewell
• Apr. 2 - Emmanuel, Franklin
• Apr. 9 - St. Matthias', Midlothian
• Apr. 23 - Hickory Neck, Toano
• May 21 - St. Christopher's, Portsmouth
• Jun. 18 - Good Shepherd, Norfolk

Click here for more upcoming classes, information about Safe Church training and to register for an upcoming class or for online training. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Clay Riley will leave St. Martin's, Williamsburg, for a call in another diocese, 1/23/2016  

Jackson-Feild's children express thanks

Every year, Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services conducts a "Sponsor-a-Child for Christmas" program to raise funds for gifts, special meals, outings and activities during the Christmas holidays and throughout the year.

 

The children want to thank the churches and church groups of the Diocese of Southern Virginia for their generosity and kindness in providing gifts and opportunities during the Christmas holidays.

 

Wayne, 13, commented that last year "I received a pair of socks. It was bad because I watched everyone else open gifts and I got only socks. This year I am blessed that I spent my Christmas as Jackson-Feild. I had the best Christmas ever!"

 

The staff also thanks the churches, ECW's, youth groups and parishioners for making Christmas wishes come true for the children in their care.