Clergy Continuing Education Grant applications due Oct. 1

The purpose of Clergy Continuing Education Grants is to support programs that are essentially theological in emphasis. Programs designed for training in special ministries, or those which would in other ways enhance the effectiveness of an individual in his or her ministry are also welcomed. Applications are due by October 1. More info and application form are here. 

 

ECW: Fall issue of The Grapevine newsletter is here

The Grapevine is a quarterly print-ready newsletter of the Diocesan ECW. Click here for the Fall 2017 issue. If you have news to share, or know of someone who would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Nancy Smith, nsmithwtr@aol.com. The next deadline is October 31, 2017.  Many thanks for your help sharing the news! 

School is back in session at Boys Home

 

August 16 was a red-letter day at Boys Home. The first day of school is always met with excitement, but this year began differently since all of the residents are now being educated on campus. Each school day, the entire student body meets in the gymnasium of the Greer Education Center to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, take attendance, and pray. Students who wish to participate in sports are able to join teams with the local county school system if a particular sport is not offered through Boys Home. The move to educate all students on campus enables class sizes to be smaller and creates an environment where students can receive the academic assistance they need to succeed.  

 

Associate Director Chad Whitmer says that the progress so far is "as expected." He reports that the school is "right on target for where we thought we'd be at this point."  

 

When it comes to how Boys Home Liaisons and their churches can pray, Chad asks that "we be given the insight and understanding as to why boys do what they do and that the staff be given the means to help the students realize the value in developing a Christian worldview."

 

Visit  www.boyshomeofva.org to learn more about Boys Home and how you can support this ministry.

Jackson-Feild goes fishing

An annual rite of fall for the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is a trip at Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier in Hampton for a day of saltwater fishing. Old Point Trust and Financial Services sponsors this event in conjunction with the City of Hampton Roads Parks and Recreation.

 

Seventeen young anglers - most of whom had ever been saltwater fishing - arrived bright and early and ready to fish using rods, reels, tackle and bait provided by Old Point. Don Lancaster and Matt Smith with two other fine volunteers helped the children.   Don provided brief "Fishing 101" instructions where he showed the boys and girls how to bait hooks, protect their hands from the fins, and release the hooked fish. The kids had so much fun that many did not want to leave. One young man who never had been fishing was so excited and happy he was beside himself.                                                      

 

When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded "These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives. It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying the simple pleasure of fishing."

ODU Canterbury welcomes students

 

Old Dominion University Canterbury welcomed new students at a Fall Fair last week. Kuma, Chaplain Wendy Wilkinson's therapy dog, was there to encourage students to stop and talk at the Canterbury table. There was also a cookout with the "Archgriller of Canterbury" and the first Candlelight Eucharist of the semester. If you know anyone who is a student, faculty or on staff at ODU, please encourage them to stop by the Canterbury Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bible study is offered at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and Noonday Prayer and lunch are offered on Thursdays beginning at 12:30 p.m.  

Register now for Fall youth events

10% of the proceeds from all of our Fall Youth Events will be donated to help the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma through Episcopal Relief and Development.

 

October Lock-in at Chanco - Oct. 13-14, 2017. For grades 6-12. A lock-in for all teens in grades 6-12 at Camp Chanco.  This event will include a campfire, icebreakers and games, camp activities, chapel, and a party. Register here.

 

Pre-Happening Staff Weekend - Oct. 28-29, 2017. Staff application here. 

 

Happening #67 - Nov. 10-12, 2017. For grades 10-12. Happening is an experiential weekend retreat for teens that may just change your life.  Come and see what it's like to be transformed by God's love!. Register here.

 

November Weekend - Nov. 17-19, 2017. For grades 6-12. November Weekend will feature large group games, small group discussions, camp activities, creative worship and music, and a dance. Register here.

 

December Lock-in at Chanco - Dec. 8-9, 2017. For grades 6-12. This event will include a campfire, icebreakers and games, camp activities, chapel, and a party. Register here.

 

Youth Delegation to Annual Council - Feb. 16-17, 2018. For grades 9-12. Application here. 

ECW Annual Fall Meeting features Becca Stevens of Thistle Farms

The Diocesan ECW invites you to join them on Saturday, November 4 for their Annual Fall Meeting and Love Heals Conference at St. Francis, Virginia Beach. The keynote speaker will be Becca Stevens, founder and president of Thistle Farms, the largest social enterprise in the US run by survivors. She has been featured in The New York Times, ABC World News, NPR, PBS, and CNN. In 2011, the White House named Becca "Champion of Change" for her work against domestic violence.  

 

The ECW meeting will be 9 to 11 a.m. Becca Stevens will speak from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Lunch served at 1 p.m. Everyone - men and women - are invited to attend. Ticket for lunch is required; cost is $15. Deadline to purchase lunch ticket is Oct. 20. Contact Helen Sharpe-Williams, 757-487-8183 or helen.sharpe-williams@earthlink.net. Click here for a flyer you can share or post in your church.