Camp Spirit Song serves children affected by opioid addiction

Camp Spirit Song is a summer camp program that provides youth in grades 4-8 whose lives have been touched by addiction with the opportunity to feel safe, feel supported, and develop life skills that promote resiliency while in the camp environment. The camp is a program of the Spiritworks Foundation, a recovery community organization based in Williamsburg. Spiritworks is the ministry of the Rev. Jan Brown, co-chair of the diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission and deacon at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg. Jan is the founding/executive director of Spiritworks Foundation and she participated in Camp Spirit Song this past summer. The camp was featured in BBC News and Radio reports, and included interviews with Jan. Click here to watch video. Click here to listen to the radio report. The full documentary, Addicted: America's Opioid Crisis, can be viewed here. If you would like to learn more about Camp Spirit Song and how you can get involved, please contact the Rev. Jan Brown, jan@spiritworksfoundation.org.

Convocation VIII ECW gathers

Convocation VIII Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Fall meeting was held on Saturday, October 26, at St. Paul's  Memorial Chapel, Lawrenceville. The speaker was Ms. Carol Edwards of St Mark's, Bracey, whose topic was "Have you ever been Disappointed." There were four churches represented: St. Marks, Bracey; St.  Thomas, Freeman; St. James, Warfield; and St. Paul's, Lawrenceville.

Convocation VIII Chair is Dr. Angela M. Parker. 

Messy Church webinar on Nov. 6

Join the Rev. Roberta Egli, team leader for Messy Church USA, for a webinar on Wednesday, November 6 at 6 p.m. to discover the basics of Messy Church. You will learn about how the Messy Church global movement began and why it works in many different 'flavors' of the Christian church. In addition you will discover how the five foundational values of Messy Church (Christ-centered, Hospitality, Creativity, Celebration, All ages together) weave in and out of the Messy Church worship experience. You will also be given resources as you consider beginning your own Messy Church.  Click here to register. There is no fee to attend.  

 

The Rev. Roberta Egli led a team to start a Messy Church in Eugene, Oregon in the fall of 2013 and now works as the team leader for Messy Church USA. She is an ordained elder in the Oregon-Idaho conference of the United Methodist Church and serves in extension ministry to Messy Church USA.

Canterbury Fall Retreat Nov. 15-17

College students are invited to attend the Canterbury Fall Retreat at Chanco on the James, November 15-17. Our retreat will consist of corporate reflection and prayer time, conversation, lots of free time, eating, campfire, and the famous Chanco ropes course. The cost of the retreat is $20 to help defray the expenses related to lodging, meals, and activities. After you finish filling out the sign-up form, click submit and then submit your payment by clicking the link on the last page. Register here. 

Creating Safe Havens: Recovery Ally Training for Churches

Nov. 23 - Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk
Dec. 7 - St. David's, North Chesterfield

 

The Addictions & Recovery Commission (ARC), in partnership with the SpiritWorks Institute for Recovery & Resilience (SIRR), is excited to offer Recovery Ally Training for Faith Communities.  The aim of Recovery Ally Training for Faith Communities is to foster church's ability to provide a safe haven for individuals, children, youth and other family members in or seeking recovery.  Safe Havens allow people affected by addiction to feel accepted, to be empowered to live genuinely, to feel comfortable asking for help and to be celebrated by the faith community.  By becoming a Recovery Ally, you and your parish are declaring to the addiction & recovery that you embody these ideals. Click here for more information and registration.

John Randolph Foundation awards grant to Jackson-Feild

Thanks to a recent grant provided by The John Randolph Foundation, students at Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services (JFBHS) will now be able to conduct science experiments. A portable science lab table - a first for Gwaltney School - will offer active, hands-on learning designed to promote and develop scientific thinking in students.

 

While in treatment for their mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders, students are able to continue their education according to the education plan mapped out for them upon arrival. This science lab table is a tremendous addition to the science curriculum at Gwaltney School, and the students and faculty thank the board and staff of the John Randolph Foundation for this grant in support of education.

 

Gwaltney School, located on the JFBHS campus, is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Educational Facilities.

 

The John Randolph Foundation partners with donors and organization in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia to support healthy communities and bright futures. Since 1995, the Foundation has invested over $18 million in the community through grants and over $1.6 million in scholarships.

Chanco Volunteer Work Weekend

On Saturday, Nov 2nd we invite you to help us keep Chanco beautiful. Projects will include painting, landscaping, and some light carpentry. All skill levels welcome - we will find the job for you! This is a free event and lodging is provided for those who wish to stay.  Our work day will begin at 9 am on Saturday and will conclude around 4 pm. Dinner will be a cookout - please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Click here for more information and to register.  Questions? Email Director of Programs Nathan Hoyt at programs@chanco.org. We look forward to seeing you there!