Episcopal Relief & Development's 2020 Lenten Meditations Support ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE

Episcopal Relief & Development celebrates the spiritual lives of children and how they inspire the spiritual lives of adults in the organization's 2020 Lenten Meditations, now available in both English and Spanish at www.episcopalrelief.org/lent . In September 2019, the organization embarked on a three-year fundraising campaign, ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE, in order to expand its global work with children. 

 

The 2020 Lenten Meditations focus on the gifts of children in the poignant and joyous recollections and reflections of educators, caregivers, parents and grandparents from around The Episcopal Church.  

New location announced for the consecration of the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia announces a change of location for the February 1, 2020 consecration of the Rev. Susan Bunton Haynes as the 11th bishop of the Diocese. The service will take place at 11:00 am at Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg. The Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church will serve as chief consecrator.

 

The decision to change the location from St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg arose out of concern and respect for the ministries and leadership of both the Catholic parish and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. Learning that its intended use of the building was causing dismay and distress, the Episcopal Diocese withdrew from its contract with St. Bede. As Bishop-Elect Haynes observed, "in the 8th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul cautioned Christians to be careful about pursuing behavior that might cause problems for others within their community."

 

In her letter to Bishop Knestout, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, and Monsignor Lehman, pastor of St. Bede, Bishop-Elect Haynes wrote, "I am writing to withdraw from our contract to use the lovely, holy space of St. Bede for my upcoming consecration as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. We have so appreciated and admired your grace and courage in extending this hospitality and abiding by your invitation even under fire from those within your own flocks."

 

The consecration service will be live streamed on the diocesan website [diosova.org] and video will be available afterward for on-demand viewing. All are welcome to attend the service and reception to follow. Tickets are not required. Ample parking is available at the consecration site, 3899 John Tyler Highway in Williamsburg.

 

 

This statement is available in PDF format here.

You can read the statement from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond here.

 

Register now for Happening #72

Registration is now open for Happening #72 to be held March 27-29 at Chanco on the James. Happening is a weekend retreat for young that may just change your life. Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love! Open to all young adults grade 10 and up. Registration closes after March 9 - so don't delay, register today! Click here for details and registration.  

 

Rector and staff applications for Happening #72 are also being accepted and are due by Feb. 20. Pre-Happening Weekend for staff will be March 7-8.  Click here for the Rector application. Click here for the staff application.

Diocesan Latino Missioner to preach at Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service

The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be January 18-25. Tidewater Christian Ecumenical Network invites you to join with other Christian communities for ecumenical prayer services all week long. Southern Virginia's Missioner for Latino/Latina Ministries, the Rev. Mario Meléndez, will preach at the main service on Sunday, January 19 at 3 p.m. at First Lynnhaven Baptist Church, 2744 Robert Jackson Drive, Virginia Beach. Click here for a full schedule of the week's events.  

Absalom Jones Service set for Feb. 15

The annual diocesan Absalom Jones Service will be held on Saturday, February 15 at 12 noon at St. Thomas, Freeman. Bishop-Elect Haynes will serve as Celebrant. St. Thomas is located at 6271 Belfield Road in Freeman.

In 1794 Absalom Jones founded the first black Episcopal congregation, and in 1802 he was the first African American to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church. He is listed on the Episcopal calendar of saints and is remembered liturgically on the date of his death, February 13.

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Sean Cox began as Priest-in-Charge of St. Luke, Powatan, on December 9, 2019.

 

The Rev. Tim Fulop became Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church, Danville, on January 1, 2020.

 

The Rev. Phil Bjornberg began as Rector of St. George, Pungoteague, and St. James, Accomac, on January 1, 2020.

 

The Rev. Ross Wright retired from Church of the Good Shepherd, Richmond, on January 5, 2020.

 

The Rev. Charles Bauer is leaving as Curate of Hickory Neck, Toano, on January 31, 2020.

 

The Rev. Joshua Stephens is leaving as Associate Rector of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, on January 31, 2020. 

Update to Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs now available

An updated version of the Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs has just been released and is available online. This is the first full-scale revision of the manual since 2012. You can download a copy from the diocesan website here. You may purchase a simple printed copy from The Episcopal Church Finance Office for a fee of $20. To do so, please contact nduverseau@episcopalchurch.org.