Episcopal Relief & Development seeking parish representatives

By The Very Rev. Keith Emerson, St. Paul's, Suffolk; ERD Diocesan Coordinator

As Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development, I am seeking to build a network of parish representatives appointed by their rectors to promote this ministry at the congregational level. Parish Representatives will work directly with me, receiving:

• Frequent diocesan updates
• Important news items sent by the Episcopal Relief & Development staff
• Reminders of important events or dates
• Examples of best practices from other Parish Representatives.

Parish Representatives are encouraged to visit the Episcopal Relief & Development web site weekly and to stay current with Episcopal Relief & Development's ongoing work through its social media platforms--Facebook, Twitter and its blog.  Armed with information, a Parish Representative meets with his/her parish's clergy to map out a plan to promote Episcopal Relief & Development on a regular basis.

I am asking diocesan clergy to identify a Parish Representative in the congregation(s) where you serve and to share that person's contact information with me. Please feel free to e-mail me at keith@saintpauls-suffolk.org or to call me at 757-539-2478.

Oklahoma tornado relief: Over $15,000 raised to date

Southern Virginia, you have been very generous to our call for funds to help Oklahoma recover from the violent tornadoes. To date, you have contributed $15,320. All contributions have been sent to the Diocese of Oklahoma to directly assist those in need. Contributions are still being accepted and can be sent to the Diocese of Southern Virginia with "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the memo line. 

Church musicians: Register for central Virginia LPM classes

The Central Virginia chapter of the Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM) is currently accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 session beginning September 13-14 at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Richmond. LPM is a continuing education program in church music, worship, and liturgy, and is open to people of all denominations. The organization is sponsored by The Episcopal Church and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Students will meet on one Friday night and all day Saturday monthly for five months (September, October, November, January, and February). Courses offered this year are Conducting, Liturgy and Worship, Philosophy of Church Music, and Teaching New Music. In addition, registered students attend a one-day March workshop at no cost. At the completion of the two year program, students are awarded a Certificate of Church Music from the National Leadership Program for Musicians organization.

Complete details of the program can be found at www.lpm-va.org or by contacting our Coordinator, Nellwyn Beamon, at 757-423-6715 (day) or emailing nbeamon@ascension-norfolk.org AND nadezhda@quixnet.net. A non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold your space in this year's class.   Classes are $200 each or $600 for all four. Add $50 for late registrations received after September 1.

Tidewater Regional LARCUM Conference on June 24

The Tidewater Regional LARCUM (Lutheran/Anglican/Roman Catholic/United Methodist) Conference will offer "Our Call to Unity" on Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at Holy Apostles', Virginia Beach. The guest speaker will be James Henderson, Ph.D., instructor of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry at Regent University College of Arts and Sciences. Registration is not required, but appreciated as it will assist with planning. There is no charge for this annual conference, but there will be a basket for any offerings to help with the event expenses. Childcare will be available. For more information call 757-427-0963 or email admin@holyapostlesvb.org. Click here for the event brochure.

Jackson-Feild graduates seven students

The Edna Hayden Gwaltney School at Jackson-Feild Homes graduated seven students on June 7. It was a day that will be forever etched in the minds of the graduates. The ceremony was held at the Golden Leaf Commons at Southside Virginia Community College Emporia campus. Dr. Bill Bowling, Director of Education presided over the ceremony. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Verlander, parents of Goochland County native and major league baseball star Justin Verlander, were the commencement speakers.

Seven residents received either their high school diploma or GED. Two other students received their Certified Nurse's Aide Certification. The Gwaltney School's faculty did an excellent job preparing these graduates for this milestone and providing them skills for future success. This is the Gwaltney School's sixteenth graduation ceremony. To date, 138 residents have received either their high school diploma or GED. 

Sign up now for the Annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders

The annual Open Planning & Strategy Workshop for Youth Leaders will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel, Hampton. There is no fee to attend. Lunch is provided. Open to all adults who work with youth in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, this annual event provides an opportunity to network with other youth leaders, problem-solve common issues in youth ministry, and get up-to-date information on resources and programs. There is no deadline to register. So that we can plan for lunch, please contact Ashley Scruggs, Youth Missioner, at 757-213-3393 or ascruggs@diosova.org.

Junior/Senior High Conference is the remedy for summer boredom

How many teenagers will be saying this in the middle of the summer? Sure, summer vacation is great but around mid-July it can get a little old - for parents and kids. The solution: come to Chanco! Not only will youth not be bored, they will have an opportunity to learn and grow spiritually, emotionally and physically. Junior/Senior High Conference is a great week that combines elements of camp with a theme-based program. Our theme this year is "Carry On." We will explore how we Carry On in a world that is often difficult and challenging. There will also be workshops such as Sailing, Ropes Course, Arts and Crafts and other favorite camp activities. Junior/Senior High Conference is open to teens ages 13 through 18 and runs from July 7 to 12. The cost is $300. Please go to www.chanco.org to register. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Rev. Eileen P. Walsh, director for Junior/Senior High Conference, 757-484-5155. We hope to see your teens in July!