Campus Ministries retreat at Chanco

 

The Episcopal Campus Ministries from Christopher Newport University, Longwood University, Hapden-Sydney College, Old Dominion University, and College of William & Mary joined together for an overnight retreat at Chanco this past weekend. With the theme of "Sabbath Time," the students centered their retreat around the Daily Offices, and concluded their time together with Eucharist. Taking time to nourish themselves in the beauty of God's creation, the students joined together for praying, hiking, zip-lining, rock climbing, guided meditation, and time around a campfire. The students enjoyed having time to be together as members of campus ministry in Southern Virginia. 

2018 Clergy Compensation Guidelines available

The Executive Board has approved a cost of living increase for clergy and lay employees of 2% for 2018. Click here for the 2018 Clergy Compensation Guidelines manual.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Becky Crites left Epiphany, Danville, on September 30, 2017.

 

The Rev. Dr. Regina Christianson left Emmanuel, Chatham, on October 16, 2017.

 

The Rev. Gini DiStanislao will leave St. Paul & St. Andrew, Kenbridge, on November 5, 2017.

 

The Rev. Dr. K. Drew Baker will leave Epiphany, Danville, on November 30, 2017.

 

The Rev. Gini DiStanislao will begin as Rector of Manakin, Midlothian on December 1, 2017.

 

The Rev. Lisa Green will begin as Associate Rector at St. Martin's, Williamsburg, on December 11, 2017.

 

The Rev. J. Scott Baker will leave St. Stephen's, Newport News, on December 31, 2017.

James R. Chisman recognized by Jackson-Feild

In recognition of and appreciation for 33 years of outstanding and dedicated service to helping children and furthering the mission of Jackson-Feild, the Board of Trustees of Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) presented Chisman with a personalized captain's chair at a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees.

 

Chisman's ties to Jackson-Feild are long. For more than twenty years, his father was a member of the Board of Trustees, and Jimmy himself currently serves as the Chairman of the Jackson-Feild Homes Foundation.

 

By his own wry admission, Jimmy could all too easily have been a Jackson-Feild child himself. "I was an underachiever as a youth," says Chisman. "I had a number of role models, and - but for the grace of God - I didn't wander down the wrong path."

 

Chisman has served in a number of important capacities including Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. He was also the campaign chairman for our Act of Faith capital campaign which raised $3,000,000 for campus improvements and for our endowment.

 

Chisman has devoted countless hours to provide opportunities that improve the quality of life for the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild. Very often, he works behind the scenes to help procure necessities either at no cost or with deep discounts. While he is very committed and faithful in such efforts, Chisman gets particular pleasure and satisfaction in planning events and activities that directly benefit the children.

 

When asked why it's been so important to him to support the work at Jackson-Feild, Chisman says, "When I look back on my youth, I realize that there is a thin line separating success and struggle, and it's important that we provide our youth the opportunities and support to help them overcome their obstacles."

 

JFBHS is blessed to have such a wonderful donor and champion, and Jimmy Chisman cherishes and values his efforts and the efforts of his father. "Not a day goes by that I don't think of JFBHS and the children."

Directory of spiritual directors

For several years, the Rev. Mike Ferguson convened a group of spiritual directors for a monthly gathering at the diocesan office. Whenever I received a request for names of spiritual directors, I would always contact Mike. Since his death, we no longer have a designated contact person for this ministry, even though we receive requests on a regular basis. To that end, we are asking anyone who is doing spiritual direction, to send contact information to Caroline Black at cblack@diosova.org so we can begin to compile a directory. Thanks for your assistance.

CE-Net meeting on Nov. 16

CE-Net (Christian Education Network) will hold an informal face to face meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Diocesan office in Newport News. Please join us as we catch up and discuss future CE-Net meetings. We would love to hear your plans for the upcoming Advent season as well as how your summer programs went.  For those who wish, we can head to a local restaurant for lunch after the conversation. Feel free to pass this invite along to anyone who you think would be interested! Please RSVP to Jennifer Nauroth, jnauroth75@gmail.com, or Lynn Farlin, lfarlin@ascension-norfolk.org. 

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group in Farmville on Nov. 16

Attention parish administrators, treasurers, and anyone (staff or volunteer) involved in the financial or administrative functions of your parish -- on Thursday, November 16, John's Memorial will host the Administrators and Treasurers Lunch Group. This is your opportunity to learn, ask questions, share your experiences, and connect with your colleagues in other parishes. There is no agenda other than the one you set. Bring your own lunch. Beverages will be provided. Please RSVP Judy Dobson, Diocesan Comptroller at jdobson@diosova.org. Johns Memorial is located at 400 High Street, Farmville.