Conversation with author and pastor Traci Smith

Join CE-Net (Christian Education Network) for a Zoom meeting/conversation on Thursday, October 1, 6 to 7 p.m. with author and Pastor Traci Smith.   

 

In this workshop, Traci will share her perspective on faith formation at home, informed by her research and work with churches and families around the country. She will also give practical ideas for empowering families to create a sacred Advent at home, as well as ways to empower families during this time of COVID.

 

Pastor Smith's latest book, Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas is a wonderful and amazing resource for formation leaders. Her new book provides 100 easy ideas to make the season sacred. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy for families to forget the true meaning of the season. In this new book of faith practices for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and anyone who cares about kids will find easy, fun, and meaningful ideas for bringing the sacred back into the season.  

 

Join us for a conversation with Traci and learn how you may help families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the busy season of Advent and Christmas. 

Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author. Traci's passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be fun, easy to fit into daily life, and accessible to all. Visit her at traci-smith.com. 

 

For our online gathering, whether you use a computer, phone or tablet, make sure your device has video capability and microphone enabled. Click here to register and receive the log-in information. 

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.