Evangelism Matters audioconference, an innovative approach to sharing, learning, and growing evangelism ministry

This spring’s Evangelism Matters conference invites participants to turn off the Zoom screen and “tune in” for an audioconference featuring podcast-style talks on the opportunity and challenge of evangelism today. Read more here (In English and Spanish). Conference launches on April 12, 2021.

Live conversation with authors Anne Lamott and Nadia Bolz-Weber

The Episcopal Booksellers Association in partnership with Parish Book Store of Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach, and its other member stores invites you to a Live conversation with New York Times bestselling authors Anne Lamott and Nadia Bolz-Weber to discuss Anne's new book Dusk Night Dawn: On Revival and Courage. Thursday, April 8, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Ann Lamott's new book will be available at the Parish Book Store and on their virtual shelves at bookshop.org/shop/parishbookstore. Anyone wanting to take part in the event April 8 must register with the Parish Book Store (books@easternshorechapel.org) to get the ZOOM l
ink.

Free workshop via Zoom: Praying the Regina Coeli in Eastertide

The Community of the Gospel, a non-residential monastic community of the Episcopal Church, offers educational opportunities free of charge for members, Friends of the Community and the public. As you plan your spiritual and study practices for the Easter season, they invite you to join them for a special CG Learns workshop: Praying the Regina Coeli in Eastertide on Saturday, April 17, from 12 to 1 p.m. via Zoom. The guest monastic facilitator for this event will be Br. Francis Jonathan Bullock, BSG, Indianapolis, IN. Br. Francis Jonathan will discuss the history and theology of this ancient prayer, highlighting its place in the monastic toolbox. The presentation will conclude with Noonday Prayer and the Regina Coeli. The workshop is open to all and is free of charge. In order to receive a Zoom invite, please sign up at this Doodle poll. If you have questions, contact Brother Guardian Daniel-Chad by email danhoffma@gmail.com.

Theological education scholarships

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for the following scholarships. The 2021-2022 theological scholarship application is due April 1, 2021. Students may visit hamptonroadscf.org to view the list of available scholarships and complete an online application. Applicants should be native or long-time residents of the Diocese.

Barron F. Black Theological Scholarship – For students at Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA) who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia. 

 

Hy Smith Endowment Fund – For students at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria who are candidates for the ministry. Students must be residents of the geographic region served by the Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Spring edition of The Grapevine ECW newsletter

The Grapevine, the diocesan ECW newsletter, for Spring 2021 is here! Click here for your copy The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter available for individuals and churches to receive via email. Back issues can be found here. If you have news you would like included in The Grapevine, contact Vicky Koch, vkoch@stpaulsnorfolk.org.

Two new book studies from Repairers of the Breach

The Repairers of the Breach is launching two new book study opportunities. We recognize that there are many excellent resources to explore as we learn, study and work towards becoming the Beloved Community. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that individuals are at different points on their journey of learning about and exploring racial justice issues. You are invited to join the book study group that best matches your needs:

Living into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America edited by Catherine Meeks.

This accessible collection of essays presents a variety of voices combining personal stories and theoretical and theological reflection. It includes examples of the work of dismantling racism and methods for creating the much-needed “safe space” for dialogue on race to occur. Its aim is to demonstrate the ways in which a new conversation on race can be forged. This book is will resonate for all, and is especially relevant for those beginning to explore racial justice work. The book study group will meet on Tuesday evenings, beginning March 16 (no meeting March 23) at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Click here to register for this group. Space is limited to 12 participants. Please note – if you want to learn about Dr. Meeks work, the Diocese of Southern Virginia is co-sponsoring Catherine Meeks upcoming virtual speaking engagement at the Lemon Project Symposium at William & Mary on March 26 and 27.

 

White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity by Robert P. Jones. 

This book study group will meet on Mondays, 7 to 8:00 pm, March 15 through May 10 on Zoom (no meeting April 5). In this powerful combination of history, social science, and heartfelt memoir, Robert P. Jones explores the unholy relationship between American Christianity and white supremacy. At this pivotal cultural moment, we need to confront this painful reality, accept responsibility for the past and work toward a more just future, reckoning with this legacy for the sake of our own souls, our faith, and our country. As this is a challenging book, prior participation in Sacred Ground or other antiracism training or reading is desirable. Click here to register for this group. 

Diocesan Good Friday Service

The Diocesan Liturgists are producing a virtual Good Friday service, which will walk the Stations of the Cross. Like the Christmas video, it will feature different parishes from across our diverse diocese. The Bishop encourages churches to include this as part of their Holy Week services. The video will be available on the diocesan YouTube channel by 8 a.m. on Good Friday, April 2.