UBE Sunday is September 4

Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) Sunday is September 4. The UBE invites all Episcopalians, regardless of race, to join them in their mission of fighting racism and encouraging the involvement of Black people in the total life of the church. Congregations are invited to take a special offering for UBE on Sept. 4.

The James Solomon Russell chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) meets on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Grace, Norfolk (1400 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk). All Episcopalians in the Diocese of Southern Virginia are invited and encouraged to join the UBE and become members of this diverse and concerned group. Annual dues are $70 for individuals, $60 for retired, and $105 four couples. For more information contact David Flores, drf71137@gmail.com.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Dick Budd began as interim rector at Christ the King, Tabb, on August 7, 2016. 

DC Rally4Refugees on August 28

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations is encouraging Episcopalians to participate in the DC Rally4Refugees on Sunday, August 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In the midst of the greatest refugee crisis since WWII, volunteers and advocates from across the country will gather at the outdoor Sylvan Theater at the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC (rain or shine). The rally will raise awareness about the magnitude of the global refugee crisis, encourage advocacy and U.S. action to alleviate suffering through relief efforts and support, and stand in solidarity with refugees and displaced people worldwide. To learn more the rally, watch refugee stories, find resources and ways you can help, even if you can't attend the rally, go to www.dcrally4refugees.org and visit the Facebook page. 

News from Chanco on the James

Family Camp - the affordable family vacation 

Have you been working hard all summer and trying to figure out an affordable family vacation? Or was your vacation early in the summer and you are wishing for one last family hurrah before school is back in session? We have the answer for you! FAMILY CAMP! This session is being held August 18-21 and offers campers of all ages a chance to enjoy Camp Chanco together. It includes many of the favorite traditional camper activities including zip lining, rock wall climbing, boating, swimming and bonfires. Relax by the pool or river with a book or be active all day - you choose how to spend your day! Choose to stay in chalets or pay a bit more and stay in our motel lodges. This session is the perfect opportunity to introduce a new camper to Chanco before attending a full session next summer or a great way to reunite with camp friends. It is an incredible, affordable family vacation! For more information or easy on line registration visit www.chanco.org.  Questions? Contact us at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or hospitality@chanco.org. We look forward to welcoming your family this summer!

YASC Mission to Tanzania: Good to be back!

By Andy Russell, Bruton Parish, Williamsburg

Andy Russell, a member of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, just completed a year in Tanzania as part of the Episcopal Church's Young Adult Service Corps. You can read his mission blog here.

If you ever have the chance to visit Tanzania, probably one of the first Swahili words you will hear is karibu (care-ri-boo). The word means "welcome" and you literally hear it everywhere: when you enter someone's house, when they offer you food or a seat, when you arrive in a new place, when you give thanks to someone for something.

The use and meaning of karibu in Swahili, especially in Tanzania, is one of those instances where the language reflects the culture of the people who speak it. In other words, the widespread use of karibu in Swahili is  a reflection of the extreme hospitality with which Tanzanians treat visitors (and one another). You cannot help but feel welcomed in Tanzania; I certainly could not help feeling welcomed in Tanzania. Now I would like to extend a welcome to you!

On Sunday, August 7, from 3 to 4pm in the Bruton parish hall, I will be giving a small presentation (including time for questions and answers) on my time in Tanzania. I want to share the excitement, the struggles, the triumphs, and the feelings of God's presence I have experienced with you all, the people who helped make my YASC mission in Tanzania possible.  So my brothers and sisters in Christ, karibu! Hope to see you soon.

ODU Canterbury staying active this summer

There's been no summer vacation for the ODU Canterbury Center. Students have gathered for Eucharist. Last week they also met for lunch to welcome back students who traveled abroad this summer and to say farewell to those going on to graduate school in the fall. ODU Canterbury Center's mascot, Kuma the dog, joined in the fun!

Register now for Tri-Diocesan Fall Camp Oct. 24-27

	Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

This year's Fall Camp, Oct. 24-27 with keynote speaker Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, promises to be another opportunity to gather at Shrine Mont with over 125 folks from all three Episcopal Dioceses in Virginia. Fall Camp is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (but we don't have an age limit) from across the Commonwealth and from other states.  The Camp is an attempt to take seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people. We attempt to challenge participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another. We worship together in daily sessions, explore various issues, and participate in one or two session workshops (each session is an hour and a half) on a variety of topics. Click here for a list of this year's workshops. In addition to the scheduled activities, there is plenty of time to sit on the porches, visit with friends, relax, and enjoy the amazing scenery and to explore the surrounding area.  Click here for a Welcome Letter, with lots more info, from the Tri-Diocesan Planning Committee.  Click here for a brochure with registration information.