State Department renews contract with Episcopal Migration Ministries

On November 30, 2018, the Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration announced that Episcopal Migration Ministries, along with the other eight national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States, has been awarded a contract to participate in the Reception and Placement Program for fiscal year 2019.

"We are thankful we will continue to resettle refugees in the coming year," noted the Rev. Canon Charles K. Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church. "We still face the challenge of transitioning to a much smaller resettlement program. This, at a time when there are more than 25.4 million refugees, over half of whom are children. With everyone's support, we will continue to welcome refugees to a place of safety and welcome. Please join us in supporting this ministry of the entire Church by making a gift at episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text 'EMM' to 41444. Thank you, in advance, for gifts that do so much."

Since the 1980s, Episcopal Migration Ministries has resettled over 90,000 refugees through a network of local partners, volunteers and supporters. Episcopal Migration Ministries operates through a network of 14 partner offices to aid with housing, employment training, language services, medical services, and more. 

Presiding Bishop's delegation to attend 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference

An eight-member delegation representing the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will attend the 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, Dec. 2-14. This is the fourth Episcopal delegation to attend the climate change meeting.

 

Called by Presiding Bishop Curry and led by Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California, the delegation will advocate for the environmental priorities named at the Episcopal Church's 79th General Convention and promote the Church's ministries and activities to address ecojustice in both United Nations and public events. Click here to learn more.

Boys Home invites you to their Christmas Spectacular

The students and staff of Boys Home of Virginia would like to invite you to our Christmas Spectacular! The students are putting on a play called "A Christmas to Believe In," along with games, crafts, singing, and dancing. This is a free event, and it will be held in the Boys Home gymnasium at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14.

 

Registration for Annual Council 2019 is open

"Fresh Expressions of Gospel Relationships"

The Diocese of Southern Virginia will hold its 127th Annual Council February 8-9, 2019 at the Williamsburg Lodge Convention Center. Go to www.bit.ly/diosova127 for complete registration and hotel information, and all the most current information about Council.  

 

Keynote Speakers

Our keynote speakers will be Gannon Sims and the Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh of Fresh Expressions, an international movement of missionary disciples cultivating new kinds of church alongside existing congregations to more effectively engage our growing post-Christian society.

Nominations for Elections at Annual Council

The following elections will take place at Annual Council: Standing Committee (one lay, one clergy); Disciplinary Board (one lay, two clergy); Provincial Synod (1 lay, one clergy). Get more info and the nomination form on the Council web page.  

 

Youth Delegation Application

Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to be a part of the Youth Delegation at Annual Council. Use the application form available  here. Applications are due by January 9, 2019. 

 

Communicator Credentials

Church communicators are an integral part of connecting their Convocations and congregations with Council. Communicators (volunteer and staff) can apply to attend Council at no cost. Use the application form available here. Applications are due by January 28, 2019.

Give back to the place you love – Chanco Work Weekend

Come help keep Chanco beautiful and reconnect with old friends at our work day Saturday, December 1st! Breakfast is at 8 AM on Saturday with work to begin at 9 AM. Lunch is provided and Watson Lodge is available to those who wish to stay Friday and/or Saturday night. Feel free to hang out after our work concludes at 4PM on Saturday and join us for a cookout. Projects will range from detailed carpentry to basic property cleanup. All ages and skill levels welcome. Contact Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt at programs@chanco.org with any questions or to register. Food, fellowship and service – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Prayer for the Bishop Search

Please include the Nomination/Search and Transition Committees, and the search for a new bishop in your prayers: 

   

Almighty and most gracious God, source of all wisdom and guidance, send your Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek and discern a shepherd for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Inspire us with hope, hearts to love you and a desire to serve one another. Grant us grace to entrust you with the future of your Church and all things. We ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.  

 

News and updates on the search process can be found at www.bit.ly/diosovabishop.

Tidewater Ultreya meets Dec. 7

The Tidewater Ultreya will meet at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach, on December 7 beginning with a potluck at 6:00 p.m., please bring a dish to share. The Ultreya meets from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (no later than 9:00 p.m.) Please mark your calendars and join us for an evening of music, grouping, witness talk and worship. Musicians bring your guitars and share your gift, leading us in song and melody. Emmanuel Church is located at 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach.