Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to participate in launch of Jim Wallis' new book, Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus

On September 25, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will join Sojourner's president Jim Wallis in Washington, D.C. for the launch of Wallis' new book, Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus. Bishop Curry will join Wallis is discussing the ways in which Jesus speaks directly to our current political and moral crisis.  

Bishop Curry, in the foreword for the book, explains the importance of responding to our nation's current moral and "constitutional crisis" at this political moment: "With Christ in Crisis, Rev. Wallis creates an unprecedented spiritual field guide for Christians and those of different faiths-or no faith at all-who are trying to survive the polarizing bitterness and anger of our divided nation and move forward in the post-2016 political context."

The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle in Washington, D.C. Click here for more information and registration.  

Upcoming events at Historic St. Luke's

Historic St. Luke's in Smithfield is Virginia's oldest church building. St. Luke's hosts a variety of educational events throughout the year. From its monthly lecture series to the popular Twilight Cemetery tours, St. Luke's has events for all ages and interests. Click here for information on these upcoming events:

• Preserving America's Oldest Organ is a two-lecture program - The Origins of the Hunstanton Hall Organ, and The Historic Organ at St. Luke's and its Continuing Influence on Organ Conservation. September 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Adults Only Twilight Cemetery Tours - October 18, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Twilight Cemetery Tours - October 19, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• A Colonial Christmas Concert - December 6 at 7 p.m. and December 7 at 4 and 7 p.m.

ECW Grapevine newsletter available

The Fall 2019 edition of The Grapevine, the Diocesan ECW's newsletter, is now available here.

Data from 2018 Parochial Reports now available

The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, secretary and executive officer of the General Convention, has announced that the data from the 2018 Parochial Reports has been compiled and is available through a number of reports, available in English and Spanish.  

 

The Rev. Dr. Molly James, deputy executive officer, commented that "While the data gives us information from past years, it is also an excellent tool for strategic planning. Diocesan and parish leadership can use the information to help identify needs and opportunities. Data is an important part of how we tell our stories about who we are as Episcopalians. It tells us where we have been, and it can help us to live into a more vibrant future."

"Our data is only as good as the information we receive," explained Ms. Iris DiLeonardo, research and language specialist, "and so we have great appreciation for all the hard work of everyone who completed the reports. We are grateful that we had 97% completion this year."   

Click here for more information.  

 

2020 Roanridge Trust grants available for leadership development in small towns and rural communities

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Roanridge Trust Grant Awards. Congregations and Episcopal Church related organizations and institutions are invited to apply.

Offered annually, Roanridge Trust Grants are used for the "training of town and country ministry and rural Christian workers" of The Episcopal Church.  They support creative models of leadership development and training of the laity and clergy in small towns and rural communities across The Episcopal Church. Awards generally range from $5,000 to $20,000.  Click here for more information. 

New Safe Church training opportunities

Creating safe spaces in our worship communities is a ministry that we all share and Safe Church training is an important way to make our churches safe places for everyone. Specialized training is required for clergy, church staff and vestry members. Universal training is suitable for Sunday school teachers and VBS volunteers. Click here for more information, to find out which Safe Church training is right for you, and to register for any of these upcoming trainings.   

 

Upcoming Specialized Training (all are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.):

September 28 - Redeemer, Midlothian

October 5 - Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach

October 5 - Johns Memorial, Farmville 

October 12 - St. George's, Newport News

October 19 - St. Andrew's, Norfolk 

October 26 - Emmanuel, Franklin

November 9 - St. John's, Chester

December 14 - St. David's, North Chesterfield 

 

Upcoming Universal Training:

September 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m. - St. Paul's, Norfolk 

September 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Bruton Parish  

October 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m. - St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Martha Jenkins, Rector, left St. James', Cartersville, August 25, 2019.

 

The Rev. Ray Nelson, Priest-in-Charge, left St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, August 25, 2019.

 

The Rev. Roger Robillard began as Priest-in-Charge at St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, September 1, 2019.

 

The Rev. Warren Hicks began as Rector at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, September 1, 2019.   

 

The Rev. Martin Bagay will begin at Interim Rector at St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, September 22, 2019. 

 

The Rev. Robert Coniglio will begin as Rector at Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge, October 1, 2019.