Sing a New Song to the Lord: A Word from the Bishop about Singing

(and also about Books of Common Prayer and Children’s Formation)

Beginning with Palm Sunday, congregational singing is now permitted for OUTDOOR services. Members of the congregation must continue to socially distance and should wear their masks even while singing. Congregational singing should be limited, when possible, to fewer verses in hymns, antiphons only for the Psalm (while a quartet/octet may sing the verses), and/or a brief version of the Sanctus or Agnus Dei. Singing is still not permitted for indoor services.

It is now also acceptable to move BOOKS OF COMMON PRAYER back into the pews for use. Use should be limited to one service only and if a book is used during one service and another service is taking place that same day, that book should be removed from the pew and replaced with a different prayer book for the next service. However, in churches that have only one service per Sunday, the Books of Common Prayer may remain in the pews from week to week.

Regarding CHILDREN’S FORMATION, the Health Advisory Panel is encouraged by a recent study from the CDC that has reduced the physical distancing requirement for children from six feet to three feet. They still note, however, that physical distancing with adults should remain at six feet. While Children’s Formation is currently on hiatus, the panel will begin exploring safe ways to resume Children’s Formation hopefully to allow for Vacation Bible School this summer. Please stay tuned.

Dr. Catherine Meeks to speak at William & Mary virtual symposium this week

Our diocese is cosponsoring the appearance of Dr. Catherine Meeks, founder and director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, at a virtual symposium this week presented by The Lemon Project, William & Mary's long-term commitment to grappling with its slave-holding past. Dr. Meeks is doing a Friday evening keynote and Saturday afternoon workshop, both connected to the symposium theme, "Four Centuries of Black Women in America: Freedom, Activism and Justice for All." The week includes other keynotes and panel presentations and concludes with a Saturday evening event of dance, music and poetry, "For Colored Girls Who Inspired the World." The schedule and a link to registration (required and free) can be found here, and the full symposium program is available here.

ECW scholarship applications now being accepted

Applications for the ECW Elise Holiday and Beverley D. Tucker Scholarships are now being accepted. Applications must be received by May 8, 2021, to be considered for the fall semester. Questions? Contact Deborah Austin, 757-538-1797. Click here for information and an application form.

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.