Bishop Vaché Scholarship applications accepted

The Bishop Vaché Scholarships provide funds to assist low-income and minority college students in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. First year students as well as returning college students are welcome to apply. Scholarship awards range from $1000 to $5000 per academic year. Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2018. Notifications will go out by June 15, 2018 and awards will be made by July 1, 2018. Click here for the application form.

James Solomon Russell celebrated

by The Rev. Dr. Terrence A. Walker

The annual Feast of the Venerable Doctor James Solomon Russell was observed on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at New Hope Baptist Church, the Rev. Dan Jarrell, pastor. Keynote speaker for the event was the Rev. Charles "Monty" Raney, Jr., pastor of Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre in Ebony. Raney, who grew up in Brunswick County, offered a frank assessment of the legal and societal barriers that Russell faced in his attempt to establish a comprehensive educational and training facility for African Americans in the Lawrenceville area and extolled the benefits to the local and world communities. What began as a basic education facility would grow from a junior college to a fully accredited four-year college (Saint Paul's College, 1888-2013) with students from across the United States and around the world.

 

Musical selections for the celebration were provided by the voices of the Lighthouse Singers of Lake Gaston Christian Life Center, under the direction of Mrs. Sheryl Baird and Mr. David Blount, and by guest soloist Ms. Megan Henry of First Baptist Church, South Boston, Virginia.

 

Each year the James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee adopts a project that highlights the far-reaching nature of James Solomon Russell's service in Southern Virginia. This year the Committee chose to encourage the renovation of 139-year-old Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, Virginia, the first of twenty churches founded by Russell. Per the instructions in the original deed to the Ascension property, when the land was no longer used for religious or educational purposes, ownership reverted to the James Solomon Russell family. Several members of the Russell family were present to receive the document from the Rev. Dr. Terrence Walker who served as the celebrant for the service. 

Presiding Bishop Curry: Easter 2018 message from the Holy Land

"Hatred does not have the last word," the Presiding Bishop said. "Violence does not have the last word. Bigotry does not have the last word. Sin, evil do not have the last word. The last word is God, and God is love."

Filmed on Palm Sunday during his visit to the Holy Land, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry delivered his Easter 2018 Message while standing outside of St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem. You can watch video of Bishop Curry's message here and read the full text here.   

 

New resources: Evangelism; Youth Advocacy, MLK

Evangelism resources: Conference video; Toolkit

Evangelism Matters conference video
Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal evangelism conference, was held March 15-17 for anyone excited to learn about sharing and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with God. Video of speakers at Evangelism Matters are available online at evangelismmatters.org. Evangelism Matters is ideal for congregational discussion, adult forums, youth groups, and other gatherings. 

Episcopal Evangelism Toolkit
A new, comprehensive Episcopal Evangelism Toolkit is available online for congregations, dioceses, groups, and individuals to explore Evangelism and grow capacity to share the good news of God in Christ far and wide. The toolkit is available here in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. The Episcopal Evangelism Toolkit is ideal for educational purposes, leadership development, faith formation, adult forums, youth groups, and other Episcopal gatherings. 

 

Sustain the Energy webinar on April 10 focuses on advocacy opportunities for young people 

The Sustain the Energy webinar on April 10, 7-8 p.m., will focus on advocacy opportunities for young people following the March 24 March for Our Lives events held throughout the country.

Hosted by the Episcopal Church Offices of Government Relations, Youth Ministries, and Young Adult and Campus Ministries, the free one-hour webinar is designed to be an informative online conversation with resources, best practices, and next steps. Pre-registration is required and is available here.

Free adult curriculum honoring Martin Luther King 

April 4, 2018 marks 50 years since the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In observance of the deep and lasting impact of Dr. King's ministry, Trinity is offering the video curriculum below for use by individuals or in group education settings. The speaker series, "Three Epistles on Race in America," explores contemporary black/white relationships using writings that, while perhaps lesser known than King's famous "I have a dream" oratory, resonate powerfully today. Click here to learn more and to access the curriculum.

May Weekend registration is open!

Join us for May Weekend, May 18-20, at Chanco on the James. This is a weekend retreat for teens (grades 6-12) focused on fun, friendship and faith in honor of Pentecost and the 50th Anniversary of Camp Chanco.

May Weekend features awesome music, group games, campfires, interesting workshops, meaningful worship, camp activities, group discussions, arts and crafts, a dance party, and fantastic food! Click here for more details and registration. 

Province III ECW Annual Meeting May 6-7

The 99th Annual Meeting of Province III Episcopal Church Women will be held May 6-7 at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, WV. The gathering will convene on May 6 with Holy Eucharist, a welcome dinner and presidents' meeting. The business meeting and joint session with Province III Synod will be held May 7. Click here for more info and registration form. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact Province III ECW President Beblon Parks, bebparks@gmail.com or 804-323-0542. Click here for a flyer to post in your parish. 

Video of Evangelism Matters conference available

Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal evangelism conference, was held March 15-17 for anyone excited to learn about sharing and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with God. Video of speakers at Evangelism Matters are available online at evangelismmatters.org. Evangelism Matters is ideal for congregational discussion, adult forums, youth groups, and other gatherings.