Clergy transitions

The Rev. Grant Stokes will leave Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk, on July 15, 2018. He will begin as rector of Trinity, Portsmouth, on August 1, 2018.

The Rev. Connie Jones will retire from Grace Church, Yorktown, on August 1, 2018.

The Rev. Jon R. Anderson will begin as rector at Epiphany, Danville, in August 2018.

Fall Camp at Shrine Mont keynote speaker will be author Lauren Winner

The Tri-Diocesan Council on Aging will hold its annual Fall Camp at Shrine Mont Oct. 22-25. Fall Camp is an opportunity to spend time in the mountains of Virginia with other seniors (but we don't have an age limit) from across the Commonwealth and from other states. The Camp is an attempt to take seriously the spiritual needs and journeys of primarily retired people, challenging participants through keynote speakers, workshops, worship and interaction with one another.

 

The keynote speaker for this year's conference will be Lauren Winner. Dr. Winner is an Episcopal priest and vicar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Louisburg, NC. She writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Her books include Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath, Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, and, most recently, a book on overlooked biblical tropes for God, Wearing God.  

 

Click here for more information.

Seeds of Hope Grant applications now being accepted

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Grants must support the development of new programs or support the expansion of such ministries that are already in action within congregations of the diocese.

Applications must be postmarked no later than August 31, 2018. Awards will be announced no later than Nov. 30, 2018. Click here for more information and an application.

GraceInside Impact Update 2018

GraceInside, Virginia's prison chaplain service, has released its mid-year impact update. Click here for testimonies from two men - one on the outside and one on the inside - impacted by GraceInside, by God, and by your support.

Jackson-Feild's Dr. Bowling retires

On June 30, Dr. William D. Bowling will retire as Director of Education at Jackson-Feild's on-campus Gwaltney School. For 24 years, he was progressive in creating and developing innovative educational services to meet the needs of children with severe mental health disorders.

 

Before Jackson-Feild, Bowling was a high school teacher; a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels; a Secondary School Supervisor; a Director of Instruction; and a Superintendent of School for several public school divisions.

 

As invaluable as Bowling's background and experience has been to Jackson-Feild, it been especially so to its students. For students wanting to take college-level coursework, Bowling established online education programs with the University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, and Brigham Young University. He also partnered with Southside Virginia Community College to provide career and technical education.

 

Under Bowling's leadership, classrooms at Gwaltney School were equipped with the technology necessary for distance learning. He developed the "student on a string" effort in which students who have left Jackson-Feild are able to remain enrolled in Gwaltney School so that they are able to complete their education and earn their GED. He outfitted the classrooms with the technology for distance learning.

 

Bowling will be deeply missed at Jackson-Feild. His vision, foresight, and leadership have left an everlasting and indelible impact on everyone, especially the students who have attended Gwaltney School.

Cursillo Co-ed Weekend Sept. 27-30

The next Cursillo Weekend will be Sept. 27-30 at Chanco on the James in Surry. Linda Tandy is the rector for this weekend. Go to www.curisllodiosova.org for information and an application.

Cursillo is Spanish for "Short Course." For us, it's a short course in Christianity. The moevement was started many years ago in an effort to help young Christian men grow closer to Christ. Today, there are Cursillo movements all over the world. On the three day weekend, candidates learn how to grow as leaders in their communities and in their own personal journey with Jesus.

First Fridays Recovery Service on July 6

The next First Fridays Recovery Service will be held on July 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg (331 W Duke of Gloucester St.). First Fridays is a service designed for people in any kind of recovery and their loved ones. Join us for a candlelit hour in the the church where tears are welcome, joy is celebrated, and all are embraced exactly as they are in their brokenness. During the service participants may light candles and write prayer requests. All are welcome, whether or not you're in recovery. Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester street in front of the church during the service. For more information contact SpiritWorks by phone, 757-903-0000, or email, lauren@spiritworksfoundation.org.