Zika virus fact sheet from Episcopal Relief & Development

Across the US, Episcopalians are gearing up for summer activities like VBS, mission trips and summer camp. But this summer, with concerns about the Zika virus moving north into the continental US, new questions are popping up. Responding to these concerns, Episcopal Relief & Development assembled a taskforce of experts in public health and safety, disaster response, church programs and communications to sort through the information floating around about the Zika virus, and to create a resource that would help Episcopal churches in the United States to respond appropriately.

 

Click here for a copy of Episcopal Relief & Development's Zika Fact Sheet.

The overall message is that while Zika is a concern for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant, most people who are infected with Zika do not become sick, and there is a low chance that there would be an epidemic in the continental United States. As long as normal mosquito bite prevention is practiced (protecting skin with clothing or repellent, using window screens or mosquito nets), there is no reason to cancel summer camp or mission trip plans - unless you are part of a couple that is currently pregnant or planning to be. 

James Solomon Russell chapter of UBE meeting

The James Solomon Russell chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) will meet on Thursday, June 9, 10:30 a.m. at Grace, Norfolk (1400 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk).

This chapter of the UBE meets the second Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at Grace, Norfolk. All Episcopalians in the Diocese of Southern Virginia are invited and encouraged to join the UBE and become members of this diverse and concerned group. For more information contact David Flores, drf71137@gmail.com.

The mission of the UBE is to unite the diverse cultures, concerns and gifts of black Episcopalians. By providing preparation and encouragement for living the Baptismal covenant and fully participating in the mission and governance of the Episcopal Church. 

Election Toolkit helps Episcopalians engage in nonpartisan activities

The 2016 election in the United States remains the top of the news in media outlets, and it is inevitably a topic in personal conversations. To provide education about the election as well as assisting in being prepared, The Episcopal Church has developed an online toolkit with a webpage that outlines how individual Episcopalians and congregations can participate in the electoral process through a number of nonpartisan activities.

Through the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN), information is also available on an important initiative, the Episcopal Pledge to Vote.  The EPPN is calling on all Episcopalians to pledge that they will cast a vote in the general election. You can make your pledge to vote and find the toolkit which is designed to assist Episcopalians in being informed and engaged voters on the EPPN election webpage.

Among the possible non-partisan activities offered are: engaging young adults who are eligible to vote for the first time; hosting a candidate forum; advocating for voting rights legislation; and hosting Get Out The Vote campaigns.

In search of an affordable family vacation? Family Camp, Aug. 18-21

Is summer looming and the hotel, dining and travel costs of a family vacation have you down? We have the answer for you! Family camp is perfect for all generations as there is something for everyone and you can be as active or relaxed as you wish. Campers ages 0-100 can come and laugh, sing, play and pray together. Enjoy our NEW paddle boards, swimming, boating, archery and the adventures of our zip lines and rock wall or simply relaxing by the pool or river. Family Camp is also a fantastic way to introduce a younger child to camp before attending on their own. With all meals and activities included, Family Camp is a bargain at $125 per person to stay in chalets or $225 per person for motel lodges. Questions? Contact us at 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626) or director@chanco.org. Visit www.chanco.org for more information and easy on line registration.  

Golfers swing their way to help Jackson-Feilds' children

	Members of the Modern Woodmen   winning team

May 9 could not have been a better day for a golf tournament. The weather was perfect and the course at The Country Club at the Highlands in Chesterfield County was in excellent shape. The 83 golfers who participated enjoyed their time on the links and the volunteers who worked the event had a great time, but it was the children at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services were the ultimate winners of the 21st annual Go Golfing for the Kids tournament.

 

Proceeds from the 2016 tournament will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous foundation and be used to build an outdoor recreation center with a sports court and swimming pool. Over the years, proceeds from the tournament have been used to finance a variety of special needs such as start-up initiatives and children's programs in addition to providing scholarship funding for children with no money for their care.

 

JFBHS would thank the following: Boddie-Noell Enterprises for being the tournament sponsor for the 21st year in a row; Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial for being the presenting sponsor; Jones LTC Pharmacy for being the dinner sponsor; and Hardee's for providing delicious box lunches to all the participants and volunteers.

 

Applications now accepted for 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants

Applications are now accepted for the 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants to further the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church. The 2016 Jubilee Grants will be awarded in two categories, totaling $65,000: Jubilee Development Grant and Jubilee Impact Grants. The Jubilee Development Grant, up to $25,000, will be awarded to a new or existing ministry that can demonstrate a new or re-visioned strategy and methodology to address systemic issues affecting domestic poverty. This grant is intended to seed a sustainable program that makes a difference locally and can inspire others for similar work beyond itself. The Jubilee Impact Grants, in amounts of $750 to $1,500 for a total of $40,000, will be awarded for initiatives of Jubilee Centers that make a positive and measurable impact in the lives of those in need. Application forms are available here. Deadline for applications is June 17 at 5 p.m. All currently-designated Jubilee Ministries are eligible. Proposals must be approved by bishop of the diocese.

Episcopal Church Evangelism Conference in November

Save the dates for Evangelism Matters, an Episcopal Church Evangelism Conference on November 18-19 in Dallas, TX, for anyone who would like to learn more about evangelism and available resources to share our faith. This innovative churchwide event is co-sponsored by Forward Movement and the Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop's Office, and is hosted by the Diocese of Dallas and Church of the Transfiguration, Dallas, where the activities will be held. Among the planned activities are an address by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, plus plenary sessions and workshops by evangelism leaders. A portion of the Saturday events will be live webcast to allow for individual and group viewing during conventions, discussion groups, and local evangelism gatherings. Schedule, registration and other details will be announced in June.