Episcopal Church scholarship applications for 2018-2019 now accepted

Applications are now being accepted for educational scholarships from the Episcopal Church for the 2018-2019 academic year. The scholarships are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to the Episcopal Church.  The scholarships assist students who are mostly enrolled in theological education and training. Scholarships are available for educational training for ethnic communities, children of missionaries, bishops and clergy, and other groups covering a wide range of eligibility.

The lists of trust funds and scholarships as well as key information are here. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each trust and identify in the application those trust funds that best fit their own profile. Among the requirements for applying for the scholarships are that the applicant must be an Episcopalian and must have the endorsement of his/her bishop. Application deadline is April 6.

In the Footsteps of Paul: Pilgrimage to Greece

October 2-12, 2018
Land and sea travel is the best way to experience Greece and the Greek Isles, and October offers the best weather in the region. This all-inclusive trip, hosted by the Rev. Dr. Paul "Peter" Hogg, includes: 1) Round-trip flights from Dulles; 2) Tours of Athens, Corinth, Delphi, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki, including first class hotels, meals; 3) Tour the Aegean Sea Isles of Mykonos, Ephesus, Patmos, Crete, Santorini as well as Ephesus (Turkey) on modern Celestyal Cruise Line ship, including all meals. Reserve now if you are serious; this tour has a limited capacity. The tour brochure and a flyer you can post or share are available here. Questions? Call or email: The Rev. Dr. Paul "Peter" Hogg, 757-635-3557, phogg123@gmail.com, or Toni Hogg 757-635-7402, tonih68@gmail.com.

The Rev. Sue Reid to serve as Bishop's Liaison for the Diaconate

At Annual Council, Bishop Hollerith announced the appointment of the Rev. M. Sue Reid as the new Liaison for the Diaconate. Sue comes to us with years of experience as a priest of the Church.  A graduate of both Union Theological Seminary in New York City (Master of Sacred Music) and Virginia Theological Seminary (MDiv), Sue has served in many capacities, including as Rector of two parishes and as Canon to the Ordinary for Education and Spiritual Development in the Diocese of Indianapolis. While Sue's title will be different than that of Archdeacon - due to the fact that she remains canonically resident in the Diocese of Olympia - she will nonetheless function as an Archdeacon in our diocese. Sue is presently a resident of Williamsburg and currently serves as the Chaplain for the Deacons School that we share with the other two Virginia dioceses.

Bishop Hollerith also recognized and gave thanks for the work of the Rev. Becki Dean who retired last year as the Archdeacon of the diocese. Becki served faithfully in that capacity since 2014. While family demands necessitated her retirement from leadership, she continues to serve as a deacon at St. Michael's, Bon Air.

Celebrate the life and work of the Venerable James Solomon Russell

The life and work of the Venerable James Solomon Russell will be celebrated at New Hope Baptist Church, 255 Union Mill Road, South Hill, on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service in the church's fellowship hall.

 

The James Solomon Russell Feast Day Celebration will benefit the preservation of Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, Virginia. In 1879, James Solomon Russell, at age 22 and still in seminary at Bishop Payne Divinity School in Petersburg, founded Ascension Episcopal Church. Located in Mecklenburg County, it was the first church James Solomon Russell built and it still proudly stands today, 139 years later, in testimony to the ministry God gave him.

 

At the celebration service, the Rev. Charles M. Raney, Jr., pastor of the Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre will be the preacher, and the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr., rector emeritus of Grace Episcopal Church in Norfolk, will be the celebrant. Music will be provided by the Lighthouse Singers under the direction of Mrs. Sheryl Baird and Mr. David Blount. Special musical selections will also be offered by the acclaimed soloist Ms. Megan Henry. Churches may bring their banners and flags. Clergy: Festive vestments. James Solomon Russell Scholars: Full academic dress.

Nags Head Acolyte Festival April 20-22

St. Andrew's By-the-Sea in Nags Head, North Carolina invites you and your acolytes to participate in the 2018 Diocese of East Carolina Acolyte Festival, April 20-22 at St. Andrew's By-the-Sea. All acolytes, acolyte directors, youth ministers and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Participants will go home with new skills and a renewed enthusiasm for liturgy. This year's festival will include Acolyte Olympics, the Bishop's "Beach" Ball, and workshops on banner making, thurifer training, vesting and other topics. Click here for more information and registration. Registration is $45 person which includes all meals and a T-shirt. Registration deadline is March 16.   

Drug use among adolescents and young adults growing - Jackson-Feild's Addiction & Recovery Treatment can help

As frequently reported by the news media and backed by statistics published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), a common misconception of adolescents and young adults is that prescription drugs are safer and less harmful to the body than stimulants and opioids. The number children using prescription drugs without a prescription is out of control. 

The impact is very harmful to the child's developing brain and body. In adolescence, the brain continues to develop enabling them to set priorities, formulate strategies, focus attention, control impulses, process information and understanding rules, laws and tenets of social conduct.  Drugs impact perception, fracture neural pathways, and affect judgment and inhibition.       

Jackson-Feild's Addiction and Recovery Treatment Can Help

Male and female adolescents and young adults ages 11 to 21 referred to our Addiction and Recovery Treatment Program have not been able to function in the community despite external structure and extensive treatment services. Treatment is covered by Medicaid and many private insurance providers. Therapies utilized in this program include:

• Motivational Interviewing
• Addiction Relapse Prevention Individual and Group Therapy
• Practical Skills in Living Substance Free
• Self-Regulation and Coping Skill Building 
• Trauma Informed and Focused Treatment
• Neurotherapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Variations of traditional 12 Step Program
• Faith-based practice and spiritual growth 

Inquiries or referrals for services: admissions@jacksonfeild.org; office 434-634-3217 Ext. 3027; cell phone 434-637-0995

Happening #68 registration is open!

Registration for Happening #68, March 9-11 at Chanco on the James, is now open! 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! Happening is open to all teens in grades 10-12 and adult advisors who have never attended a Happening program. Click here for more info and registration.