Join us for our Chanco Open House this Sunday!

This Sunday, May 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. Chanco is open to the public and will be offering tours, hayrides, face painting, games, rock climbing and more. You can even fly along a zip line if you dare (adults, you too)! Join us to learn more about our diocesan summer camp and see why more and more campers are coming every summer to the best summer camp in eastern Virginia (as voted by Virginia Living magazine). Bring a friend! For every new camper you refer that registers, you can receive $50 off your own camp tuition. Questions? Contact us at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or director@chanco.org.  See you soon!

 

Episcopal Church Archives unveils new website

The Archives of the Episcopal Church has unveiled a newly-designed and content-rich website here featuring historical items and the rich, important stories of the church.

"The Archives website has been completely reorganized to enable users to locate information more quickly and intuitively," noted Mark Duffy, Canonical Archivist and Director. "The upgrade enables the Archives to reach inquirers with timely news of its holdings and to publish new educational content from the Church's historic collections."

The Archives of the Episcopal Church, located in Austin, TX, is dedicated to observing and honoring the history of the Episcopal Church. "In addition, our mission is to support the faithful in fulfilling the Baptismal Covenant," Duffy added.

Ridley Scholarship applications due June 20

Through the great generosity and charity of Miss Roberta Ridley, an endowed trust was established many years ago to provide financial support for continuing education for qualified members of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and for residents of Southampton County and the City of Franklin. Scholarships are based on academic excellence and financial need. In addition to the application forms and transcripts, students also submit tax records for themselves and/or their parents, a copy of the FAFSA Student Aid Report, and letters of recommendation from the clergy of their parish. Applications are due by June 20 or consideration for the fall semester. Click here for more information and application forms. 

Report from Province III Synod

Scott Norris elected vice president; Joyce Douglas elected to Provincial Council   

The Province III Synod meaning was held April 25 in Martinsburg, WV. The Rev. Frederick Walker and Andrea Morgan were in attendance as deputies from Southern Virginia. Joyce Douglas and Scott Norris were also present.

Scott Norris is a member of the ad hoc committee formed last year to formulate a proposal for revitalizing our Province, which was presented at this meeting. In addition, Norris was elected to fill the vice president position that would became vacant when Bishop Mike Klusmeyer was elected President.

Under the Ordinances of Province 3, the members of the Provincial Council are elected by the Synod and need not be Synod deputies. Our deputies selected Joyce Douglas to be our Provincial Council member, and her selection was approved by the Synod.

eFormation: A conference on ministry is a digital world

Is your congregation getting serious about its online presence, or hoping to take it to the next level? Would you like to learn with other ministry practitioners using technology in faith formation, communication, and other ministries?

 

If so, jump-start your learning with hands-on training and big-picture inspiration at e-Formation 2016. Join our supportive learning community June 6-8 at Virginia Theological Seminary near Washington DC for just $289 or by webinar for just $89. Limited Spanish interpretation and inexpensive evening programing in Spanish and in English are also available.

Explore the full program,  webinar schedule, and registration options  at  eformationvts.org. You can join the conversation using #eform16.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry 101 and other new courses from ChurchNext

ChurchNext has just launched three new courses. For those interested in training and working in Eucharistic Ministry in a congregational setting, Lay Eucharistic Ministry 101 offers training in the practicalities of offering the chalice to communicants, but also offers a great deal more. Another new course, How to Become a Christian, discusses the journey towards becoming a Christian and practicing Christian faith. Finally, there's a very inspiring course, My Church is Not Dying: finding Hope in the Mainline Church, offers a sobering and practical view of just how well poised mainline churches are to address the spiritual needs of a new generation.

ChurchNext is a website where you can learn from expert teachers in scripture, liturgy, and important Christian topics. Students can interact in a safe, online environment that's convenient, engaging, and affordable. Classes are available for both groups and individuals.

2016 Episcopal Health Ministry Conference September 15-17 at St. Christopher's Church in Carmel, IN

"Love Your Neighbor as Yourself" - the 2016 Episcopal Health Ministry Conference - will be held September 15-17 at St. Christopher's Church in Carmel, Indiana. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Melford E. (Bud) Holland Jr. Holland has been assisting groups and individuals to understand more fully the complexities of transitions and their gifts and assets to work effectively within them. He was involved in the early organization of National Episcopal Health Ministries. He has worked with dioceses, the wider church, urban to suburban congregations, and groups that were seeking to discover new ways in their work, and individuals seeking to strengthen their vocations. Click here for more information and registration.