The Action Bible and Jackson-Feild

Thanks in part to the generosity of the members of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Williamsburg, the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild have brand new Action Bibles! The best-selling Action Bible - created by a member of Marvel Comics - is designed to be action-grabbing through illustrations full of rich color and bold designs that brings to life the emotions and significance of the stories and figures of the Bible.  

 

Jackson-Feild's chaplain The Rev. Dr. Robin Jones will use the Action Bible's four-step lesson path to engage teens at every step. The path starts by setting the stage to help teens feel comfortable with the Bible, and then brings the Bible stories and passages to life through animation. It helps readers make a connection and prompts them to ask questions. The Action Bible helps the boys and girls understand who God is and what they mean to Him, and it helps them develop their own value system.

 

Everyone involved in the Spiritual Program at Jackson-Feild is grateful to St. Martin's for helping to fund the purchase of these Bibles that will help to connect timeless truths to life today.

Young Adult Service Corps applications

Young adults (21-30 years old) have an opportunity to transform their own lives while engaging mission and ministry in the Anglican Communion by joining the Young Adult Service Corps. Now, applications are available for 2018-2019 placements in the Young Adult Service Corps, commonly known as YASC. Currently YASCers are serving throughout the Anglican Communion, working alongside partners in administration, agriculture, communication, development, and education. They are serving in Brazil, Costa Rica, England, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and Tanzania.

 

Among possible placements for 2018-2019 include (but not limited to) Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, England, Honduras, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Jerusalem, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, and Tanzania. The application for a 2018-2019 placement with additional information and instructions is available here. The application deadline is Friday, January 12, 2018.

Pilgrimage Opportunities

Scotland & England in May 2018

A Pilgrimage to Scotland and England is being organized for May 2018. After a time for quiet and reflection on Iona, the group will travel to Melrose. At Melrose, they will walk the Way of St. Cuthbert, approximately 70 miles, to Lindisfarne.  After completing the Way of St. Cuthbert, they will visit The Shrine of St. Cuthbert at Durham Cathedral. Pilgrims will conclude their time with a visit to Edinburgh. For more information, contact Doris Custer (CusterDD@gmail.com) or Dale Custer (rdalecuster@gmail.com).

 

Ireland in May 2018

If you're interested in a 12-day tour of Ireland, the Friends of Bruton invite you to join them May 1-12, 2018. Go to bit.ly/brutonireland for trip brochure.

 

Holy Land in April 2018

Westminster-Canterbury, Virginia Beach, is hosting a pilgrimage to Israel April 6-15, 2018. 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. For more information contact the Rev. Doug Gray, 757-496-1651 or doug.gray@wcbay.com.

 

Holy Land for Advent 2018

St. John's, Portsmouth, is pleased to announce our next international pilgrimage opportunity, Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus, from November 29 to December 9, 2018. This pilgrimage is open to anyone who desires to take this journey but is limited to a total group size of 17-30. Is God calling you to join this group? Cost from the Norfolk airport for this 11-day spiritual adventure (including all expenses and two meals daily) is $3,379 double occupancy (excluding airline taxes and fuel surcharges) and decreases depending on the number of Pilgrims over the minimum number of 17 taking the journey. Your spot can be reserved by making a $300 deposit using this form. Pilgrimage is truly praying with your eyes open. Come walk in the footsteps of Jesus next Advent! Click here for a detailed brochure. Contact the Rev. Derek Harbin, derek@stjohnsportsmouth.org.

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