Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Clergy transitions

The Rev. James Young began as priest-in-charge at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, on November 1, 2018. 
 
The Rev. Marjorie Holm left as Interim Rector at Emmanuel, Franklin, on November 30, 2018.
 
The Rev. Deacon Bob Gay began at Hickory Neck, Toano, on December 2, 2018.
 
The Rev. Deacon Margery Howell retired from Good Samaritan, Virginia Beach, on December 2, 2018.

Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher

Holly Sunderland will present Choral Skills for the Organist - A Refresher on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 2208 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach. Many organists find themselves leading choirs as part of their duties. Some are singing organists who are quite content modeling and refining both solo and choral singers. Some, however, lack experience and confidence in these endeavors. This is a seminar in which participants will be introduced to the concept of "gradual release" - I do, We do together, You do together, You do. This pattern works well for teaching untrained singers. This seminar will be a good refresher for the trained, or introduction to the novice. It is free and no advance registration required. 

Greensville Memorial Foundation helps Jackson-Feild purchase new van

Recognizing the importance of doing all they can to improve the quality of life and health of the community, the Greensville Memorial Foundation recently awarded grant funding to Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health (JFBHS) Services to purchase a new eight-passenger van.
 
On average, residents at JFBHS are driven 20,000 miles per year for medical and dental appointments. Replacing a 2010 minivan with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer, this new vehicle is expected to provide reliable transportation of the children for a number of years.
 
The board and staff of JFBHS are most grateful to Executive Director Jill Slate and the board of the Greensville Memorial Foundation for this wonderful gift.

Recharge young adult retreat


Join us January 4-6, 2019 for an event geared toward young adults featuring an Agape meal, music, a guest speaker, ropes course activities, a nature walk, games, campfires, s'mores and of course, faith, fun and friendship with other young adults seeking to "recharge". Maybe you grew up in the Church but you are wondering what a life of faith looks like as an adult. Maybe you are working hard but you're finding that your faith is on the back-burner. Maybe you are just looking for a time to encounter God, to be renewed, and to find some rest and encouragement. Then, Recharge is for you! Participate in meaningful worship, fun activities, and amazing fellowship. Open to anyone 18 years and older. Click here to register today. Questions? Contact us at 888-724-2626 or hospitality@chanco.org.

Monday, December 3, 2018

State Department renews contract with Episcopal Migration Ministries

On November 30, 2018, the Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration announced that Episcopal Migration Ministries, along with the other eight national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States, has been awarded a contract to participate in the Reception and Placement Program for fiscal year 2019.

"We are thankful we will continue to resettle refugees in the coming year," noted the Rev. Canon Charles K. Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church. "We still face the challenge of transitioning to a much smaller resettlement program. This, at a time when there are more than 25.4 million refugees, over half of whom are children. With everyone's support, we will continue to welcome refugees to a place of safety and welcome. Please join us in supporting this ministry of the entire Church by making a gift at episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text 'EMM' to 41444. Thank you, in advance, for gifts that do so much."

Since the 1980s, Episcopal Migration Ministries has resettled over 90,000 refugees through a network of local partners, volunteers and supporters. Episcopal Migration Ministries operates through a network of 14 partner offices to aid with housing, employment training, language services, medical services, and more.
 

Presiding Bishop's delegation to attend 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference

An eight-member delegation representing the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will attend the 24th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, Dec. 2-14. This is the fourth Episcopal delegation to attend the climate change meeting.
 
Called by Presiding Bishop Curry and led by Bishop Marc Andrus of the Diocese of California, the delegation will advocate for the environmental priorities named at the Episcopal Church's 79th General Convention and promote the Church's ministries and activities to address ecojustice in both United Nations and public events. Click here to learn more.

Boys Home invites you to their Christmas Spectacular



The students and staff of Boys Home of Virginia would like to invite you to our Christmas Spectacular! The students are putting on a play called "A Christmas to Believe In," along with games, crafts, singing, and dancing. This is a free event, and it will be held in the Boys Home gymnasium at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 14.