Formation re-gathering recommendations

Many of us are desiring opportunities to connect with members of our congregations and worshipping communities and are wondering how we can engage in Christian Formation events safely. Below is information drafted by the Christian Formation Sub-Committee of the Diocesan Re-Gathering Panel on this topic. I would like to express my gratitude to Canon Lynn Farlin, Diocesan Canon for Formation, Vicky Koch of St. Paul's in Norfolk, and Jacqueline Beardsley of Christ & St. Luke's in Norfolk for their work in drafting these guidelines. Should you have any questions please contact Canon Farlin at the Diocesan Office.

 

With every blessing,

Bishop Susan

Formation Re-Gathering Recommendations

Grief Recovery Handbook study groups forming

Beginning in October, a six-week Grief Recovery Handbook Study will be offered via Zoom.

 

Grief Recovery defines grief as the normal and natural human response to change. For better or worse, change involves loss. We're pretty good at celebrating adding things to our lives, and not so good at routinely cleansing, healing, or processing things when we experience change, particularly when it involves loss. The experience of life during COVID, the death of a beloved human or pet, change in job, home, school, partner, health or economic status can all cause grief. Grief Recovery provides simple action steps to become a cleansing/healing machine and live a lighter, happier life. This study will also give you new skills in responding to losses in others' lives and can be the foundation or expansion of a healing ministry in your parish.

 

There are three opportunities to participate in this study which will be facilitated by the Rev. Sarah Shirley, interim rector of St. Luke's in Powhatan and a Grief Recovery Outreach Specialist. Click here for more information and registration.  

Register with confidence! Food for the Soul and other fall retreats

Did you know that Chanco has a new registration policy during this challenging time? Register for a fall retreat with confidence knowing that any time you need to change your registration, you can do so with no penalty. We already have registrations rolling in for our upcoming Food for the Soul retreat and others are planning small group or personal retreats this fall! Fall is gorgeous at Chanco with cooler temperatures, colorful changing leaves, and it is the perfect time for an outside bonfire. Don't miss a getaway at Chanco this fall! For more information on Food for the Soul retreat (September 26-27) or on planning your own retreat, visit www.chanco.org. We hope to see you back on the banks of the James very soon! Questions? Contact us at  hospitality@chanco.org or 888-724-2626.

99th birthday drive-by celebration

 

Bishop Haynes joined in the drive-by birthday celebration for Marion Edmonds, a long-time member of Grace Church, Norfolk, as she celebrated her 99th birthday this past weekend.

The Rev. Joseph Green to be honored at Sewanee

The University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, invites you to join them virtually to honor The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr. at the unveiling of his portrait in Hamilton Hall at the School of Theology, September 15 at 1 p.m. School of Theology classes 2017 and 2019 commissioned the portrait because of his role in making Sewanee more diverse and welcoming and in recognition for all he has done during his ministry. Rev. Green made history in 1965 when he became the first African American to graduate from the University of the South. Click here to join the webinar on September 15 at 1 p.m.

Deacon Jan Brown gives invocation at White House

Deacon Jan Brown of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, and co-chair of the Diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission, was invited to give the invocation at "Recovery at Work: Celebrating Connections", a roundtable discussion held at the White House that focused on recovery-friendly workplaces and employees in recovery. This was part of the White House's celebration of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. You can watch video here.  

Clergy transitions

Clergy Retirements:

• The Rev. Terry Edwards retired as Priest-in-Charge of St. Augustine, Newport News, on June 1, 2020.
• The Very Rev. Susan Grimm retired as Rector of St. Timothy, Clarksville, and Trinity, South Boston, on June 30, 2020.
• The Rev. John Eidam retired as Rector of St. Peter, Norfolk, on July 9, 2020.

Clergy Departures:

• The Rev. Bruce Cheney resigned as Priest-in-Charge of St. George, Newport News, on July 1, 2020, and accepted a call to serve as Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Oriental, North Carolina.
• The Rev. Connie Gillman resigned as Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church, Smithfield, on July 5, 2020.
• The Rev. Jacqueline Soltys resigned as Assistant to the Rector of Grace Church, Yorktown, on July 19, 2020.
• The Rev. Tom Crittenden concluded his tenure as Interim Rector of Grace Church, Yorktown, on July 26, 2020.
• The Rev. Dan McClain resigned as Associate Rector of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, and Chaplain at William and Mary on August 9, 2020, and accepted a call to serve as Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio.

Clergy Ordinations: 

• The Rev. Donna Hines was ordained to the transitional diaconate on July 12, 2020, and will serve during the month of September at Christ & St. Luke, Norfolk.
• The Rev. Grace Rigby was ordained to the transitional diaconate on July 25, 2020, and began serving as Assistant to the Rector of Church of the Redeemer, Midlothian, on August 1, 2020.

Clergy Reception:

• The Rev. Vincent Connery was received as a priest in the Episcopal Church on July 19, 2020, and serves at Christ and St. Luke, Norfolk.

Clergy Transitions:

• The Rev. Sarah Shirley began as Interim Rector of St. Luke, Powhatan, on August 1, 2020.
• The Rev. Morgan Gardner began as Priest-in-Charge of St. George, Newport News, on August 1, 2020.
• The Rev. Seldon Walker began as Rector of Grace Church, Yorktown, on August 10, 2020.