CE-Net: Challenges of church in the 21st century

Monday, June 6, 5:30 p.m. at Ascension, Norfolk

Parishes in Southern Virginia, and throughout the church, continue to wrestle with decreasing attendance and participation in formation programs. Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) for dinner and conversation on Monday, June 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Ascension, Norfolk, as we share and discuss our challenges going forward in 2016 and develop strategies for meeting the new reality of church in the 21st century. Are we doing what we are called to do, or are we just recycling the same programs? Your voice is important! We hope to see you there.  Questions? Contact Lynn Farlin, 757-423-6715 or Lfarlin@ascension-Norfolk.org , or Jennifer Nauroth, 757-759-5107 or Jenny.nauroth@cox.net.

Summer camp & VBS are just around the corner - get staff and volunteers Safe Church training now!

Summer camp and Vacation Bible School season is almost here. Time to make sure your staff and volunteers have completed the required Safe Church training. There are two classroom trainings: May 21 at St. Christopher's, Portsmouth and June 18 at Good Shepherd, Norfolk. Online training is also available. Click here for more information about Safe Church training. Questions? Contact Susan Allen, sallen@diosova.org or 757-213-3391.

Festival Gathering of the Network of Biblical Storytellers Aug. 3-6

 Biblical Storytellers from all over the world will gather at the 4H Center in Chevy Chase, MD August 3-6 for a fabulous week of storytelling. The Network of Biblical Storytellers is dedicated to spreading the gospel through the dramatic presentation of Bible stories. This summer's event will feature epic tellings of the entire book of Ruth and the Jacob Saga from Genesis. The Rev. Mark Wilkinson (St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach) and the Rev. Wendy Wilkinson (Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach) will be among the tellers. There are also workshops for everyone from beginners who have never told a story to experienced tellers. The gathering is a wonderful continuing education opportunity for clergy and a great way to involve members of your congregation in worship using the techniques that are taught. More than anything else it is just a lot of fun. Click here for more information or contact the Rev. Mark Wilkinson, rector@aidanvbva.net.

Network of Biblical Storytelling - Tidewater Tellers chapter

The Revs. Mark and Wendy Wilkinson invite you to consider being involved the Network of Biblical Storytellers. The local chapter is the Tidewater Tellers. They meet monthly to practice our skills and also offer storytellers for area congregations. If you would like to learn more or would like the tellers to come to your parish, email Mark Wilkinson, rector@aidanvbva.net. Visit the Network's website at http://nbsint.org.

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.