Episcopal Asset Map unveils redesigned site, invites full participation across church

The Episcopal Asset Map, an online platform showing the location and ministries of Episcopal churches, schools and other communities, has been revamped and refreshed with more-detailed information, easier access and ease of navigation.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in a video available here, called the Asset Map "truly a tool, a resource" and points out that it has been "revised, expanded, updated, user-friendly and now includes virtually the entire Episcopal Church from the largest cathedral to the smallest house church."

The Episcopal Asset Map is a join project of the Episcopal Church and Episcopal Relief & Development. This innovative partnership tracks local ministries and shows the location and the array of ministries and programs offered by Episcopal congregations, schools and institutions throughout the church. 

 

Because the map is grassroots-populated, local congregations are able to post the most relevant and up-to-date information such as summer worship schedules or special programs that respond to the needs in their communities.    

 

For more information about the Episcopal Asset Map, visit  here. A short video is also available in English and in Spanish. 

Time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates & Alternates for Annual Council

It is now time to submit a new Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates for Annual Council. Elected delegates and alternates will serve for an entire conciliar year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2019. This term includes eligibility to vote at Pre-Council Convocation meetings in January, Annual Council in February, and any Special Council - including possibly the election of our next bishop - or other called meetings that may occur during this period.

Click here for instructions and the form for sending in the name(s) of delegate(s) and alternate(s) elected by your vestry for Council year 2018-2019. Forms are due by June 30, 2018.

Linen ingathering for Jackson-Feild at ECW Annual Spring Meeting on May 19

Help Jackson-Feild refill its linen closet. Bring a package of single bed sheets, pillowcases, towels or washed clothes to the ECW Annual Spring Meeting at St. Francis, Virginia Beach, Saturday, May 19. The meeting topic is domestic violence. Leslie Ludwig, a former student at Jackson-Feild will speak. Registration and coffee at 9 a.m. Meeting at 9:30 a.m. The cost of $20 includes registration and lunch. Please RSVP by May 12 and include any dietary requirements to: Tia Moring, 2031 Indian River Point Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. 757-934-6108 (home phone) St. Francis is located at 509 S. Rosemont Rd., Virginia Beach.

Where to send your church's UTO in-gathering

United Thank Offering (UTO) donations collected during April and October 2018 in-gatherings throughout the Diocese should be sent to: Ronda Toll, UTO Coordinator, 42 Cherbourg Drive

Newport News, VA  23606. Contact Ronda at 757-869-8873 or rtoll@cox.net with any questions, requests for UTO materials, or ideas to share at Triennial. Donations are collected for UTO throughout the year. 2018 donations will be collected until December 10, 2018.

House of Bishops' Pastoral Response to #MeToo invites reflections, offers listening and steps to healing

In an open letter to the Episcopal Church, an invitation is extended to share reflections on sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. A selection of the reflections will be read at a special listening session during General Convention 2018. The House of Bishop's Pastoral Response will be a sacred space for listening and further reconciliation on Wednesday, July 4, 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Those at General Convention 2018 in Austin, TX, are welcome to attend; those not in Austin will be able to participate remotely via a live webcast.

"Over past months, the #MeToo movement has brought the prevalence and depth of pain caused by sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation out of the darkness, creating a platform of courage and support for women to share their personal stories," states the letter, signed by Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real, Vice-President of the House of Bishops.

The deadline for submitting reflections is Friday, May 25. Click here for the full letter.

Campus ministry supports parishes

by The Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti,St. David's, Richmond

	The Bimmer Family with Bishop Magness and the Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti, rector of St. David's.

Baptism, confirmation and reception were definitely a family affair at St. David's, Richmond, when Bishop Magness visited on April 29. Many of the eleven baptized, confirmed or received had connections to each other: a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A married couple. A father and son. And an entire family of three, the Bimmers! Richard Bimmer is a sophomore at James Madison University, and became involved in the Canterbury Club there. His enthusiasm was contagious, so his parents started attending St. David's a year ago. Richard and his dad Jeff were confirmed, and his mom Tricia was received. Many thanks to  Laura Lockey for her amazing Canterbury ministry! Supporting campus ministry supports parishes.

Upcoming Safe Church training

Below are the upcoming Safe Church classroom training opportunities. Online training is also available. Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.    

• May 12, 2018 - Galilee, Virginia Beach (registration closes May 8) Register here.
• June 2, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston (registration closes May 29) Register here.
• 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