Upcoming session trains advocates, allies, ambassadors for refugee resettlement ministry

Registration is now open for "Love God, Love Neighbor," a three-day training course for clergy and laity that is designed to equip Episcopalians to be advocates, allies, and ambassadors for refugees and the ministry of refugee resettlement.  

 

Sponsored by Episcopal Migration Ministries, "Love God, Love Neighbor" will be held Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11-13, at Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville, KY. Information and registration are here. Registration fee of $150 does not include housing or transportation to conference.  

 

The training provides an in-depth exploration of the global displacement crisis, the United States refugee policy, how refugee resettlement works, faith-based advocacy for refugees, and organizing to welcome and support refugees in your home community. The gathering brings together people not only from across The Episcopal Church, but also from ecumenical and lay partners to learn from one another as we explore different local contexts as they relate to refugee resettlement. The result is an invaluable opportunity to build community and relationships that continue on after the training ends.

High school aged campers - don't miss Session Five!

Calling all those who completed grades 9 through 12! Maybe you have already attended Camp Chanco this summer and can't bear the thought of not returning to Chanco for an entire year. Maybe you are an older camper who has aged out of Camp Chanco and are happy to have a session for your age to return. Maybe you have never attended Chanco but attend EYC events throughout the year and would like to return for a five-night camp session. We have the session for all of you! Session Five is being held August 12-17 and is especially designed for our high school aged campers. This session is just $525 and involves many of the traditional activities of summer camp along with activities geared for the older camper. And the bonus?! These campers get an upgrade to our retreat lodging with air conditioning and private bath! Don't miss this fantastic session - register today at www.chanco.org. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626). We can't wait to see you there!

Parish audits due September 1

Parish audits are due to the diocesan office by September 1. Diocesan Canons, and the Canons of the Episcopal Church, require every parish and mission to provide the diocesan treasurer with a copy of their audit report by September 1 following the calendar year audited. More information is available here. 

Bishop search update

The Standing Committee has been working hard at choosing the search and transition committees as we discern our next bishop. By the end of the application process on June 15, we had received 62 applications for a total of 20 spots available. The Standing Committee met on July 12 and now has a preliminary selection for the two committees. We will gather some additional information over the next month, and will make our final decision at our August 2 meeting. Thank you to all who applied, and please keep the Standing Committee, and the Diocese in your prayers.

 

 - The Standing Committee of Southern Virginia

Annual Meeting of Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church Sept. 26-29

The program begins Wednesday evening with Compline and a 12-step meeting. This gathering will include noted speakers, recovery workshops, bluegrass music, a tour of the Biltmore Estate. Registration for the Gathering is $250; scholarships are available. Click here for more information and registration. 

CE-Net Gathering: Where Faith and Life Meet

How do you respond when unexpected events occur in the lives of our parish families? Where does our faith intersect with our everyday life? If you are responsible for some aspect of Christian formation you have likely considered these questions.

 

The Christian Education Network (CE-Net) invites you to join them for the "Where Faith and Life Meet" formation gathering on Saturday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hickory Neck Church, Toano.  

 

CE-Net has invited Vicki M. Lanier, LPC, to offer some guidance for formation professionals to help us navigate our parish response to life's unexpected events. In addition to Vicki's guidance, we will have an opportunity to spend time in small groups discussing how we might respond, on a programming level, to unexpected events, such as suicide, shootings, death (beloved parishioner, family member, pet), or a national crisis.

 

During lunch we will have an opportunity to check in and hear about each other's ministries. Lunch will be provided for $6 per person. Register here. Registration closes on Tuesday, August 14.

 

If you have questions or require additional information please contact Vicky Koch at vkoch@stpaulsnorfolk.org or Megan Dern at Megan.Dern@goodshepherdnorfolk.org.

Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group to meet in Petersburg

The Administrators & Treasurers Lunch Group will meet on Thursday, August 23, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's, Petersburg. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet with other parish administrators and treasurers to talk about common issues. There's no agenda for this gathering - just an opportunity to get together, share, encourage, support, and ask questions. Bring your own lunch; beverages will be provided. RSVP to Diocesan Comptroller Judy Dobson, jdobson@diosova.org or 757-213-3386. St. Stephen's is located at 228 Halifax Street in Petersburg.