Tuesday, May 8, 2018

House of Bishops' Pastoral Response to #MeToo invites reflections, offers listening and steps to healing

In an open letter to the Episcopal Church, an invitation is extended to share reflections on sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation. A selection of the reflections will be read at a special listening session during General Convention 2018. The House of Bishop's Pastoral Response will be a sacred space for listening and further reconciliation on Wednesday, July 4, 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. Those at General Convention 2018 in Austin, TX, are welcome to attend; those not in Austin will be able to participate remotely via a live webcast.

"Over past months, the #MeToo movement has brought the prevalence and depth of pain caused by sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation out of the darkness, creating a platform of courage and support for women to share their personal stories," states the letter, signed by Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves of El Camino Real, Vice-President of the House of Bishops.
The deadline for submitting reflections is Friday, May 25. Click here for the full letter.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Campus ministry supports parishes

by The Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti,St. David's, Richmond

The Bimmer Family with Bishop Magness and the Rev. Elizabeth Felicetti, rector of St. David's.
Baptism, confirmation and reception were definitely a family affair at St. David's, Richmond, when Bishop Magness visited on April 29. Many of the eleven baptized, confirmed or received had connections to each other: a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A married couple. A father and son. And an entire family of three, the Bimmers! Richard Bimmer is a sophomore at James Madison University, and became involved in the Canterbury Club there. His enthusiasm was contagious, so his parents started attending St. David's a year ago. Richard and his dad Jeff were confirmed, and his mom Tricia was received. Many thanks to  Laura Lockey for her amazing Canterbury ministry! Supporting campus ministry supports parishes.

Upcoming Safe Church training

Below are the upcoming Safe Church classroom training opportunities. Online training is also available. Click here for more information on Safe Church Training and who should take it. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.    
  • May 12, 2018 - Galilee, Virginia Beach (registration closes May 8) Register here.
  • June 2, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston (registration closes May 29) Register here.
  • September 8, 2018 - Ascension, Norfolk
  • September 22, 2018 - St. Andrew's, Newport News
  • October 13, 2018 - St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach
  • October 27, 2018 - St. Matthias', Midlothian

James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives to host open house


The James Solomon Russell - Saint Paul's College Museum & Archives will host its first open house on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum will display many rare artifacts and pictures of James Solomon Russell from the late 1800s to 2013 when Saint Paul's College closed. The museum is located at 219 North Main Street in Lawrenceville. There is no charge for admission and is open to the general public.  Call 434-848-2173 for more information.

Volunteer opportunities at General Convention


A range of volunteer opportunities are still available at the Episcopal Church 79th General Convention, Thursday, July 5 to Friday, July 13 at The Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. General Convention along with the Episcopal Church Women who meet concurrently, require the gifts and hospitality of volunteers to operate efficiently.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for many skills and talents. Daily schedules range from half-day to multiple shifts over many days. To register to volunteer and select shifts that suit your interest and availability, click here. For more information, contact Anthony Chapple at generalconvention2018@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Register for Camp Chanco today!



The time is now! Register for Camp Chanco today before it's too late and your session is full! Chanco offers one and two-week traditional sessions; specialty sessions; a new Session Five high school week; and Family Camp. There is something for all ages at Chanco. Visit us at an open house May 20, 1 to 5 p.m., free and open to the public. Bring a friend and remember for every new camper you refer who registers, you receive $50 off your own camp tuition! Join us for fun, faith and adventure where "friends are friends forever." Click here for a video of all the Chanco fun. Click here for a flyer with more information and our dates and rates. Visit www.chanco.org for more information and easy on line registration. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-724-2626.    

Church safety and security seminar May 16

News headlines all too often cite increased incidents of gun violence and churches are not immune from this type of violence. CE-Net originally planned to arrange a training session for the diocese. However, the contacts at various police agencies have encouraged participation in larger community-based programs since they have been inundated with training requests. On May 16, Regent University in Virginia Beach is hosting a free Faith Based Security & Safety Seminar. The seminar is open to staff, clergy, lay leaders and any members interested in providing for and protecting our churches and congregations. If you are interested in attending, click here for more information and registration.