Seeds of Hope Grant applications now being accepted

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Grants must support the development of new programs or support the expansion of such ministries that are already in action within congregations of the diocese.

Applications must be postmarked no later than August 31, 2018. Awards will be announced no later than Nov. 30, 2018. Click here for more information and an application.

GraceInside Impact Update 2018

GraceInside, Virginia's prison chaplain service, has released its mid-year impact update. Click here for testimonies from two men - one on the outside and one on the inside - impacted by GraceInside, by God, and by your support.

Jackson-Feild's Dr. Bowling retires

On June 30, Dr. William D. Bowling will retire as Director of Education at Jackson-Feild's on-campus Gwaltney School. For 24 years, he was progressive in creating and developing innovative educational services to meet the needs of children with severe mental health disorders.

 

Before Jackson-Feild, Bowling was a high school teacher; a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels; a Secondary School Supervisor; a Director of Instruction; and a Superintendent of School for several public school divisions.

 

As invaluable as Bowling's background and experience has been to Jackson-Feild, it been especially so to its students. For students wanting to take college-level coursework, Bowling established online education programs with the University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, and Brigham Young University. He also partnered with Southside Virginia Community College to provide career and technical education.

 

Under Bowling's leadership, classrooms at Gwaltney School were equipped with the technology necessary for distance learning. He developed the "student on a string" effort in which students who have left Jackson-Feild are able to remain enrolled in Gwaltney School so that they are able to complete their education and earn their GED. He outfitted the classrooms with the technology for distance learning.

 

Bowling will be deeply missed at Jackson-Feild. His vision, foresight, and leadership have left an everlasting and indelible impact on everyone, especially the students who have attended Gwaltney School.

Cursillo Co-ed Weekend Sept. 27-30

The next Cursillo Weekend will be Sept. 27-30 at Chanco on the James in Surry. Linda Tandy is the rector for this weekend. Go to www.curisllodiosova.org for information and an application.

Cursillo is Spanish for "Short Course." For us, it's a short course in Christianity. The moevement was started many years ago in an effort to help young Christian men grow closer to Christ. Today, there are Cursillo movements all over the world. On the three day weekend, candidates learn how to grow as leaders in their communities and in their own personal journey with Jesus.

First Fridays Recovery Service on July 6

The next First Fridays Recovery Service will be held on July 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg (331 W Duke of Gloucester St.). First Fridays is a service designed for people in any kind of recovery and their loved ones. Join us for a candlelit hour in the the church where tears are welcome, joy is celebrated, and all are embraced exactly as they are in their brokenness. During the service participants may light candles and write prayer requests. All are welcome, whether or not you're in recovery. Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester street in front of the church during the service. For more information contact SpiritWorks by phone, 757-903-0000, or email, lauren@spiritworksfoundation.org.

New Diocesan Connection newsletter available

The April-June issue of the Diocesan Connection newsletter is now available. The newsletter offers a digest of stories from our weekly Parish News and Diocesan eNews. Please print and share a copy with church members who do not have email, and post a copy on a bulletin board or in your narthex.  

 

You can also find the Diocesan Connection on the News & Publications page of our website. 

New issue of ECW newsletter is here

The Summer 2018 issue of the The Grapevine, the Diocesan ECW newsletter, is now available here. The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter for individuals and churches to receive via email. Some of the stories inside this issue are:

• ECW Love Gifts for Boy's Home and Jackson-Feild Graduates
• ECW Awards Over $19,000 in Scholarships
• Jackson-Feild Alumna, Leslie Ludwig, A Survivor, Speaks at ECW Annual Spring Meeting
• St. Mark's, Suffolk Friendship Tea
• ECW Will Zoom in September