Addictions & Recovery Commission hosts virtual screening of SNO BABIES

Recovery Month is held every September as a national observance to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery. This year's Recovery Month theme is "Celebrating Connections."  

Resolution 2018-C037 Call to Respond to Opioid Epidemic calls on all dioceses and parishes in The Episcopal Church to respond to the opioid epidemic with training, pastoral care, advocacy, and liturgy. Central to this response are partnerships with local responders and others in the medical community, other faith communities and local recovery programs to offer pastoral care to those affected by this epidemic, and with other faith leaders to advocate with local and state government regarding policies and laws to promote healing and wholeness for those affected by this epidemic.  

 

The diocesan Addictions & Recovery Commission is hosting a nationwide online screening of SNO BABIES on Thursday, September 24. Click here to register. The film akin to testimony about how addiction can tear families apart. The film screening is an opportunity to bring together the celebration of Recovery Month and the Call to Respond to the Opioid Epidemic by the Episcopal Church. SNO BABIES writer, Mike Walsh and director Bridget Smith will take part in the screening. 

 

The film is difficult to watch, but crucial to see, as we are in a time fraught with peril and knowledge is our best defense.  Since opioid addiction can start with a prescription from your doctor for very real pain or from trying 'just one pill' from your parents' medicine cabinet, it CAN happen to you. The proximity we all have to this danger is the moral of SNO BABIES' story.  In addition to the cautionary tale, watching SNO BABIES secures funds for The Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation, that provides assistance to those in recovery to exponentially increase their chance at success.

 

For more information contact the Rev. Jan Brown, co-chair of the Addictions & Recovery Commission, jbrown@brutonparish.org. 

Virtual congregational meeting protocols

In response to several inquiries from churches about congregational meetings during the period when COVID-19 pandemic church assembly and social distancing restrictions are in effect from the Bishop, protocols have been developed and approved by the Executive Board. Click here for the virtual congregational meeting protocols.

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.