Vote Faithfully Toolkit available

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations has developed the Vote Faithfully Toolkit which you can access here. As Christians, we can play a unique role in this election by empowering every voice in our congregations. The toolkit includes actions steps for your congregation and liturgical resources.

 

"We are blessed as a nation to vote. As citizens of this country this is a right, an obligation, and a duty. Go vote. Vote your conscience. Your conscience informed by what it means to love your neighbor, to participate in the process of seeking the common good, to participate in the process of making this a better world. However you vote, go and vote. And do that as followers of Jesus." -- Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Young Adult Service Corps applications being accepted for 2019-2020 placements

	Former YASC member Andy Russell, from Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, served in Tanzania.

The Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) offers exciting opportunities to serve, learn, and share while spending a year living and working with communities around the world.

Open to Episcopalians ages 21-30, applications are now available for 2019-2020 placements with the Young Adult Service Corps, the international missionary program of the Episcopal Church. Potential placements for 2019-2020 include (but are not limited to) Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Honduras, Hong Kong, Panama, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, and Tanzania. The application deadline is Friday, January 11, 2019.  Click here for more information and application.

Gulf Coast and Carolinas appeal for support of hurricane relief and recovery efforts

Episcopal churches on the Gulf Coast, including parts of Georgia and North and South Carolina, continue to assess Hurricane Michael's damage, with some in the hardest hit coast areas still in the rescue phase.

In an Oct. 15 interview with Episcopal News Service, Dwight Babcock, diocesan administrator for the Episcopal Church of the Central Gulf Coast said of the recovery efforts, "This is a marathon, not a sprint. We just don't know what we're looking at." Ten of the 11 damaged churches held services "in one form or another," on Oct. 14; some inside the churches, some outdoors in pavilions, he said.

The Episcopal Church of the Central Gulf Coast has created a Hurricane Relief Hub, listing ways to donate to hurricane relief efforts.

Communities in Georgia and the Carolinas affected by Hurricane Michael are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Florence. The Diocese of East Carolina has also issued an appeal for support.

"The local dioceses are continuing to assess the damage caused by the storm," said Katie Mears, senior director of Episcopal Relief & Development's U.S. Disaster Program, which is supporting these dioceses as they begin relief and recovery efforts.

Cursillo 4th Day Celebration at Chanco

The Cursillo Secretariat joyfully invites all of the Cursillo Community for the 4th Day Celebration on Saturday, October 20, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Chanco on the James. Support our new Cursillistas as we continue to orient and educate those who have just completed a Cursillo Weekend and those who are continuing to live out their Fourth Day.  

 

We will begin with fellowship and singing, and Stew Wolfe will give the Witness Talk. The Rev. Susan Grimm will be our Spiritual Director for the day and will celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Godly Play training in Williamsburg Jan. 11-13

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, will be hosting a Godly Play training January 11-13. Trainer Laura McGuire will be leading the Core Training weekend and all are welcome to sign-up to learn more about this great program for children's ministry. Register here. Space is limited.

Terron Watkins joins Jackson-Feild

Terron Watkins joined the development staff at Jackson-Feild. Terron is a native of Richmond graduating from Richmond Public Schools. He is a graduate of Longwood University where he studied communications focusing on public relations.

 

After graduation he worked in development for a Grace Place which provided adult day care services until the program closed its doors.

 

His primary responsibilities will be online giving, special events, Christmas program, Young Professionals Society and assisting the VP of Development with fund raising and communication projects.

 

Terron brings passion, commitment to Jackson-Feild's mission and a willingness to learn and grow as a development professional. He is looking forward to helping Jackson-Feild fulfill its mission and help our children.

New Advent curriculum and resources for Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Living

Recognizing that Episcopalians have been hunting for resources to support our journeys on The Way of Love, the Office of the Presiding Bishop offered an update on what's available and what's coming soon at  www.episcopalchurch.org/wayoflove and around the church.

Formation resources are coming soon:

• Following the Way of Love: 9-session Small Group Guide for groups that seek to reshape their lives around Jesus and his Way of Love. The guide details best practices for organizing small groups and discipleship groups, and then moves participants through reflection, discernment, action and deep commitment around the seven practices. Excellent for small groups, vestries, ministry leadership groups. Available for download on October 12.   
• Journeying the Way of Love: 4-week Advent Curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Ideal for Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love. Available for download on November 2.

Click here for more information on Way of Love resources already available.