Update on progress of James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives

James Grimstead, chairman, provides this update on the progress of the James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives. The purpose of the museum is to preserve and honor the legacy of Archdeacon James Salomon Russell and the archives of Saint Paul's college, which Russell founded.

 

The floor plan for the museum display rooms has been completed. Earlier the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors approved using the former school board office at 219 North Main Street for the museum. The museum was granted 501(c)3 federal tax exempted status in April 2017 and has obtained membership in the Virginia Association of Museums.

 

"This membership gives us direct association with over 2000 other museums in the state of Virginia. It offers training in all aspects of museum operations, gives us access to equipment donations from other museums, and provides school credit to students who visit the museum," said Grimstead.

 

Another significant accomplishment this year was to purchase a computer system to catalog the archives. With over thousands of items to catalog, the process will take several months. The museum committee also now has an email address:  jsrspc1888@gmail.com.

 

Grimstead said the next goals are to set up a grant-writing committee, obtain showcases for displays, and to set up a committee to organize the grand opening, tentatively set for May 2018.

2018 UTO Grant applications now accepted

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 United Thank Offering grants. Application forms are available here. The focus for 2018 grants is "Becoming the Beloved Community: Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice." Information on Becoming the Beloved Community is available here. UTO grant applications must be endorsed by the Bishop and submitted by the diocesan office. Therefore, applications must be sent to the diocesan office no later than February 2, 2018. This will allow the diocesan UTO Grant Committee to review all applications and select the application that will be submitted no later than March 2, 2018 for consideration by United Thank Offering.  

Adopt-a-Canterburian bridges generations

In 2015, the Rev. Tyler Montgomery, associate rector at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, and chaplain to William & Mary, resurrected the Adopt-a-Canterburian program in conjunction with the university. The program pairs church members with W&M students to lend them support and friendship during their time at the university.

 

"Our first year, we had 25 sign-ups," he said. "Now we're up to 55. In three years, we've doubled the number of students adopted. The feedback has been really positive. With few exceptions, it's worked out really well."  

 

The program was recently featured in William & Mary's university communications. Click here to read about this successful program. 

2018 Safe Church training schedule

Safe Church classroom training for 2018 has been scheduled. Now is the time to start planning for your new vestry members, lay ministers, teachers, vacation Bible school volunteers, and others to get the necessary Safe Church training. In addition to the scheduled classroom training, online training is also available. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training. Click here for more information on Safe Church training and requirements.

• January 20, 2018 - St. Mark's, Hampton (registration closes Jan. 16) Register here.  February 3, 2018 - St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield (registration closes Jan. 30) Register here. 
• February 10, 2018 - Epiphany, Norfolk (registration closes Feb. 6) Register here.
• February 24, 2018 - Bruton Parish, Williamsburg (registration closes Feb. 20) Register here
• March 10, 2018 - Merchants Hope, Hopewell (registration closes March 6) Register here
• April 14, 2018 - St. Paul's, Suffolk  
• April 21, 2018 - Holy Trinity, Onancock
• April 28, 2018 - St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge
• May 12, 2018 - Galilee, Virginia Beach
• June 2, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston
• September 8, 2018 - Ascension, Norfolk
• September 22, 2018 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
• October 13, 2018 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
• October 27, 2018 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

Westminster-Canterbury to host pilgrimage to Israel

Westminster-Canterbury, Virginia Beach, is hosting a pilgrimage to Israel April 6-15, 2018. It will be led by David Hyman, a well-known tour guide in Israel and who has led trips for Galilee, Virginia Beach. The Rev. Doug Gray, Westminster-Canterbury chaplain, will be offering Bible teachings as well. Cost is $4690 per person, double occupancy, or $5710 per person, single occupancy. Air travel, lodging, transportation in Israel and meals (except lunches) are included. Click here for a pilgrimage brochure. For more information contact the Rev. Doug Gray, 757-496-1651 or doug.gray@wcbay.com.   

Episcopal Migration Ministries offers Epiphany curriculum

Episcopal Migration Ministries is offering an Epiphany Curriculum, which includes free resources to oversee a faithful and meaningful Epiphany 2018. Designed for Adult Christian Formation, the six-week Epiphany Curriculum is ideal for congregations, individuals, adult forums, discussion groups, and other church-based gatherings. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of Episcopal Migration Ministries, refugee resettlement, the stories of our new American neighbors, and how God is calling each of us into this work. Click here for more information and to download the curriculum. 

 

2018 Annual Council: Fear and Love in a Divided World

Registration is now open for the 126th Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, February 16-17, 2018 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Bookmark this page, www.bit.ly/diosova126, for the most current information about Annual Council.

 

	Scott Bader-Saye, Ph.D.

Keynote Speaker: Scott Bader-Saye, Ph.D.

Scott Bader-Saye is the Academic Dean and Helen and Everett H. Jones Professor of Christian Ethics and Moral Theology at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. His publications include two books, Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear and Church and Israel After Christendom. His topic will be "Fear and Love in a Divided World."

Registration & Hotel
You may register individually or you may register your entire delegation. Early registration through January 12, 2018 is $125 per attendee. Clergy spouses/partners, youth aged 18 and younger, and college students may register at the $50 rate. Payment is due no later than Jan. 12, 2017 to avoid a $25 late registration fee. Registration for exhibitors is also open. Attendees will need to make their own hotel reservations. Discounted rates will be available at the Williamsburg Lodge and The Woodlands. Click here for more information.

 

Nominations for Elections at Annual Council

The following elections will take place at Annual Council: Standing Committee (one lay, one clergy); Disciplinary Board (two lay, one clergy); General Convention (one young adult lay alternate). Get more info and the nomination form here. 

 

Youth Delegation Application

Every year a special delegation of 12 youth in grades 9-12 are invited to attend Diocesan Council. Click here for more info and an application form. Applications are due by January 19, 2018.  

 

Communicator Credentials

Church communicators play an important role in connecting their Convocations and congregations with Council while it is in session and afterward. To help facilitate this work, the Council registration fee is waived for church communicators who submit this application form no later than February 2, 2018.