Alumni Work Weekend & Social May 3-5

Chanco is hosting a volunteer work weekend/alumni reunion May 3-5. With more than 35 registered so far, some from as far as Georgia and North Carolina, you won't want to miss this fantastic reunion of Chanco friends while giving back to the place we all love. Since we are volunteering as we prep Chanco for its busiest season, the event is FREE! Don't miss it! You must register at www.chanco.org and we expect this event to fill to capacity, so don't wait! Register today. Bring clothes you don't mind getting paint on, beverages and snacks to share, any tools or paintbrushes you might have, work gloves and your smiley self. Skill level required = none (though we will accept master painters and carpenters). Questions? Contact Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt at programs@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).

James Solomon Russell celebrated

The James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee held a celebration of the life and work of the Rev. James Solomon Russell on Sunday, March 31 in South Hill. Bishop Jay Magness was celebrant and Bishop Ronald Thornhill, senior pastor of Tabernacle of Zion, preached. Descendants of James Solomon Russell, pictured here with Bishop Magness, were on hand for the celebration.

May Weekend registration is open!

God's love is so many things. How would you define it? Join other teens from around the diocese for a weekend retreat that will fill you with God's love and help us finish the sentence "God's love is..."

 

For grades 6-12, May 17-19. Fellowship, fun, games, music, and moving worship... AND it's at Chanco, so register now! Click here for details and registration.  

 

Camp SpiritSong to serve children affected by opioid use of a parent

Camp Spirit Song is offered in partnership with the SpiritWorks Foundation to give the gift of a camp experience to children in Province III affected by the opioid substance use disorder of a parent or other close loved one. The camp will be held August 11-16 at the Claggett Center in Buckeystown, MD. This is the inaugural year of Camp Spirit Song, and the first camp program of its kind on the east coast, and we ask your prayers and support for our ministry this summer.

 

Camp provides children grades 4-8 with an opportunity to meet God through:

● the support of a Christian community

● fellowship with peers who share a common experience

● time to rest and play away from the distractions of everyday life

 

It is our mission to offer Camp Spirit Song at no cost to campers' families.You can help make camp a reality for 40 campers this year by sponsoring a camper. $1,000 covers the cost of one camper, including room and board, program materials, and staff fees. Individuals, parishes, and dioceses may donate directly toward camper sponsorship. We have one camper scholarship covered by a parish in the Diocese of Maryland, and look forward to many other donors getting in touch with Claggett to support this camp.

 

To make or pledge a contribution toward Camp Spirit Song, contact Lisa Marie Ryder, co-Executive Director of the Claggett Center, 301-874-5147 or lmryder@claggettcenter.org.

 

Click here to learn more about Camp Spirit Song, and camper applications. Questions or to volunteer, contact Rita Yoe, Program Coordinator at the Claggett Center, 301-874-5147 or ryoe@claggettcenter.org.

Daughters of the King upcoming events

Annual Diocesan Spring Assembly  

The Daughters of the King will have their Annual Diocesan Spring Assembly at St. David's, North Chesterfield, on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 9 a.m. Following breakfast and a brief business meeting, we will fill gently-used purses and backpacks with basic hygiene products for residents in Menchville House, Natasha House and a few other women's shelters. This 'Purses and Packs' project is a mission focus for the diocesan Daughters chapters this year. The Rev. Kathie Price, diocesan chaplain, will talk about the labyrinth and we will have the opportunity to walk the new labyrinth at St. David's. The meeting will conclude with Holy Eucharist. Contact: Kathy Zinskie, 757-879-9094.

 

Province III Retreat 

The Daughters of the King Province III Retreat will be held at the Claggett Retreat Center in Adamstown, MD May 31 through June 2. This year's theme is "Creating Your Own Paths to Prayer". The Rev. Dr. Patricia D. Brown, Executive Director and Spiritual Director of the Spiritworks Center for Formation and Leadership in Pittsburgh will lead the retreat. She is an author, pastor, hospital chaplain, professor, and hospice manager. Our retreat will focus on simple gifts of music, prayer and silence and enjoy fellowship, peace and nature. "To be together and to laugh together is a great spiritual practice." For more information, contact Kathy Zinskie at 757-879-9094.

Fairy Godmothers work their magic at Jackson-Feild

For the past thirteen years Collegiate School students have collected and provided prom outfits to residents through The Fairy Godmother Project. Their mission is to provide a high school prom experience for children whose circumstances would prevent them attending a high school prom. Throughout the year, Collegiate School students collect donated prom attire and conducted fund raisers to purchase supplemental items such as shoes and accessories.

 

Saturday, March 30, was the "shopping day" for the girls of Jackson-Feild. Collegiate students were able to transform the Jackson-Feild gymnasium into a boutique filled with six racks of prom dresses. Three tables were lined with shoes, an accessory station and even a table for the girls to pick out their make-up.

 

The gym was filled with laughter and excitement as residents had smiles from ear to ear on their faces after their successful shopping experience. The Collegiate students helped the find the right ensemble that will make them feel and look good at the upcoming prom. The student's generosity and kindness was much appreciated by both children and staff.

Share the Way of Love at Easter

The Episcopal Church offers free, downloadable resources for congregations and communities of faith this Easter. Resources include: a poster with space on the bottom portion for congregations to add their own logo, service information, and web address; a postcard to send to recent visitors or local neighbors; a social media ready graphic; a Facebook Cover image; and the Presiding Bishop's Easter Message video (available April 15). All resources are available here.