Safety for faith-based organizations

Often people view places of worship as safe zones and get lulled into a false sense of security. However, our faith communities can be extremely vulnerable, and violence can occur.

 

The Diocese of Southern Virginia in conjunction with the Virginia Fusion Center is providing a conversation starter presentation to offer guidance to help our faith communities balance the need to be both welcoming and safe at the same time. First Sergeant Austin White, Deputy Director of the Virginia Fusion Center will facilitate the training and will discuss the following topics:

• Threats and vulnerabilities to houses of worship
• Addressing potential threats
• Policy and planning
• Safety in outreach settings
• Civilian response to active shooter
• Mitigation strategies
• Developing a mindset of preparedness to respond to threats

Please join us on Saturday, March 23 from 10 to noon for this important discussion in Miles Hall at St. Martin's, 1333 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg. This event is free. Click here to register.

Pilgrimage opportunities

St. Michael's Israel Pilgrimage - October 14-28, 2019 

Join the Rev. Jeunee Godsey and St. Michael's, Bon Air, parishioners for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in October! This active 15-day trip will visit early Christian sites around Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth and enjoy guest lectures on contemporary issues. The tour Guide will be Iyad Qumri, a Palestine Christian and Canon in the Diocese of Los Angeles.  Accommodations will be at St. George's Guest House and the Sisters of Nazareth. Cost will be approximately $4300 all inclusive, including: tour; airfare; ground transportation; room and meals. Space is limited. Please contact Ann Cronan, trip coordinator, to sign up or if you have questions - cell: 804-539-5041, home : 804-639-1005.

Oberammergau Passion Play & Italy - August 17-28, 2020 

Every 10 years since 1634, the most famous Passion Play in the world has taken place at Oberammergau in Germany. You are invited to experience this ancient, historic Passion Play and the village of Oberammergau with the Rev. Travis Greenman and her husband, Hal, August 17-28, 2020. Following the play, enrich your minds and hearts traveling through the Alps to visit Assisi, Florence, and Rome. You are invited to join this exciting spiritual pilgrimage.  Click here for the trip brochure. 

Boys Home quilt raffle fundraiser

Boys Home of Virginia is sponsoring their annual quilt raffle! This year's quilt is a modified Around the World pattern. It measures 90.5" x 99" and fits a queen-sized bed. Executive Director Donnie Wheatley's sister, Phyllis Gibson, made and donated the quilt. Tickets are $5 each, or 10 for $45. Tickets can be purchased at boyshomequiltraffle.eventbrite.com, by calling 540-965-7703. The winner will be drawn on May 7, 2019.

Nags Head Acolyte Festival March 29-30

St. Andrew's By-the-Sea and the Diocese of East Carolina invite you to join them for their 10th Annual Acolyte Festival in Nags Head March 29-30. All acolytes, directors, youth ministers and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Participants will return home with both new skills and a renewed enthusiasm for liturgy. Click here for more information and registration.

St. George's celebrates the Rev. Ted Bailey's 60th anniversary of ordination

The Rev. Ted Bailey and the Rev. Dr. Kathie Price at the   celebration of the 60th anniversary of Ted's ordination.

 

The Rev. Ted Bailey was recently honored with a luncheon hosted by the congregation of St. George's, Newport News, and interim rector, the Rev. Dr. Kathie Price on the 60th Anniversary of his ordination in the Episcopal Church. Guests included Ted's daughters from the northeast as well as parishioners from area churches who have been blessed with his interim and supply ministries. Ted was ordained in 1958 and has served many churches in Southern Virginia over his 60 years of ministry: Christ Church, Smithfield; St. John's, Portsmouth; St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield; St. Thomas, Chesapeake; St. John's, Hopewell; Good Shepherd, Norfolk; St. Mark's, Hampton; and St. Anne's, Appomattox. Retired from active ministry, Ted is a regular attendee at St. George's where he shares his gifts, insights and excellent homilies. At age 96, he is a great inspiration to all who know and love him!

Bishop Search Update

Save the dates: Bishop Election and Consecration

 

The Bishop Diocesan Pro Tempore and Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southern Virginia invite you to save the following dates:

• September 21, 2019 Election of the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Location TBA.
• February 1, 2020 Consecration of the 11th Bishop Of the Diocese of Southern Virginia. The Most Reverend Michael Curry presiding. Location TBA, likely near Williamsburg.

Bishop Magness visits William & Mary Canterbury

 

Bishop Magness visited William & Mary Canterbury on Sunday. "I was very impressed by the stimulating conversation we had during supper," the Bishop noted on Twitter. You can follow Bishop Magness on Twitter @DioSoVaBishop.