Ridley Scholarship applications due June 20

Ridley Foundation Scholarships are available to college students who are: Southampton County residents; Franklin, VA residents; children of Episcopal clergy; children of diocesan employees; and lay Episcopal residents of the Diocese. Students must be accepted at an accredited college or university and be pursuing a full-time degree program. Click here for more information and application.

The Very Rev. Susan Grimm, rector of Trinity, South Boston, and St. Timothy's, Clarksville, shared how Ridley and ECW Scholarships had made such a difference for two students in her congregation. "I was talking with the single parent of two young women at Trinity Church in South Boston just this weekend," she said. "One will graduate with a degree in engineering from Duke this month, and the other continues to pursue nursing at JMU. Their mother wanted me to know how much the scholarships her daughters have received through the Diocese and the Diocesan ECW have meant to her family. I enourage all clergy to make sure families know about these opportunities and encourage them to pursue them.  It's another way we can encourage our young folks!"

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Mark Wilkinson, rector, left St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, on April 21, 2019.

Jackson-Feild's Bible School benefits others

Several times a year, Jackson-Feild holds a voluntary Bible School for interested boys and girls. Led by Jackson-Feild's chaplain The Rev. Dr. Robin Moore, an average of 39 residents and staff participated in the most recent daily Bible School activities.

 

With the theme "Sharing God," a key component was for residents to witness and experience how everyone can be in service to others. Each Bible School session includes a service project in which children do something for others in the community. In this session, they made 48 pairs of "Silly Socks" for residents of Emporia Manor, a local assisted living facility. Starting with a pair of plain white socks, and an array of paint, the participants decorated the socks with their own unique designs.

 

Give a kid puffy paints, a pair of socks, and a little time, and something magical happens. While some children worked individually, others worked in teams. The children's creativity came alive through their designs, and the men and women of Emporia Manor will surely enjoy keeping their feet warm with a pair of happy "Silly Socks."

Grand opening of James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives is Aug. 10

The grand opening of the James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives will take place Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m. at Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville. The day will begin with worship at Saint Paul's Memorial Chapel at 10:30 a.m. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at the former Saint Paul's College Student Union Building, 100 Athletic Field Drive, Lawrenceville. For more information, contact James Grimstead, director, gsmus@aol.com. Click here for event flyer and souvenir booklet ad form.  

 

Holy Land Pilgrimage with Bishop Magness in 2020

	2017 Holy Land pilgrims in Cana

The next Holy Land Pilgrimage led by Bishop Magness will be February 3-14, 2020. Bishop Magness invites you to join him in the spring of 2020 for our second Diocesan pilgrimage to the "Land of the Holy One." For a number of years he has been making trips to Israel and Palestine for the purpose of both pilgrimage and building relationships. In coordination with Lightline Pilgrimages Bishop Magness has developed a splendid pilgrimage. If you choose to be one of our 2020 pilgrims you will have an incredible opportunity to both renew your faith and expand your knowledge of the land where Jesus lived out his ministry. Quite literally, you will be walking in the places where Jesus walked, and you will be experiencing the world that our Lord experienced. Space is limited to 35 people. Registration deadline is June 7, 2019. Click here for the trip brochure and registration form.

From the Stewardship Commission: Attention seniors of a certain age

The April 15 tax deadline has passed. Some of us who usually itemize deductions were surprised by the new standard deduction being the choice to lessen our tax liability. Be not dismayed - you have an opportunity to make qualified charitable contributions to your church for 2019 and beyond without having to itemize deductions. You can manage your retirement assets to benefit you and your family, reduce your tax burden, all while supporting the ministries of the church. When you reach the age of 70 1/2 you must begin making required minimum distributions (RMDs). A portion of your RMD may be sent as a tax-free gift from your IRA custodian (financial institution) directly to the Church by means of a QCD (qualified charitable distribution).  

 

For a QCD to count toward your current year's required minimum distribution, the funds must come from your IRA after the date that you turn 70 1/2 and by your RMD deadline, which is generally December 31 each year. To report a QCD,follow the 1040 instructions for lines 4a and 4b. These gifts are easy to make; ask your tax adviser and your financial institution how you can take advantage of this tax break.

 

Register for Camp Chanco - the time of your life!

Check out our new video here of all the wonderful things Camp Chanco offers your child and then visit www.chanco.org while space is still available in your session of choice! Do not miss the summer memories of a lifetime! Questions? Contact us at 888-724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org. We can't wait to see you back in the magical forests where 'friends are friends forever!"