Monday, September 9, 2019

ECW Grapevine newsletter available

The Fall 2019 edition of The Grapevine, the Diocesan ECW's newsletter, is now available here.

Data from 2018 Parochial Reports now available

The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, secretary and executive officer of the General Convention, has announced that the data from the 2018 Parochial Reports has been compiled and is available through a number of reports, available in English and Spanish.  
 
The Rev. Dr. Molly James, deputy executive officer, commented that "While the data gives us information from past years, it is also an excellent tool for strategic planning. Diocesan and parish leadership can use the information to help identify needs and opportunities. Data is an important part of how we tell our stories about who we are as Episcopalians. It tells us where we have been, and it can help us to live into a more vibrant future."

"Our data is only as good as the information we receive," explained Ms. Iris DiLeonardo, research and language specialist, "and so we have great appreciation for all the hard work of everyone who completed the reports. We are grateful that we had 97% completion this year."   
Click here for more information.  
 

2020 Roanridge Trust grants available for leadership development in small towns and rural communities

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Roanridge Trust Grant Awards. Congregations and Episcopal Church related organizations and institutions are invited to apply.

Offered annually, Roanridge Trust Grants are used for the "training of town and country ministry and rural Christian workers" of The Episcopal Church.  They support creative models of leadership development and training of the laity and clergy in small towns and rural communities across The Episcopal Church. Awards generally range from $5,000 to $20,000. 
Click here for more information. 

New Safe Church training opportunities

Creating safe spaces in our worship communities is a ministry that we all share and Safe Church training is an important way to make our churches safe places for everyone. Specialized training is required for clergy, church staff and vestry members. Universal training is suitable for Sunday school teachers and VBS volunteers. Click here for more information, to find out which Safe Church training is right for you, and to register for any of these upcoming trainings.   
 
Upcoming Specialized Training (all are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.):
September 28 - Redeemer, Midlothian
October 5 - Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach
October 5 - Johns Memorial, Farmville 
October 12 - St. George's, Newport News
October 19 - St. Andrew's, Norfolk 
October 26 - Emmanuel, Franklin
November 9 - St. John's, Chester
December 14 - St. David's, North Chesterfield 
 
Upcoming Universal Training:
September 14, 9 to 10:30 a.m. - St. Paul's, Norfolk 
September 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Bruton Parish  
October 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m. - St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Martha Jenkins, Rector, left St. James', Cartersville, August 25, 2019.
 
The Rev. Ray Nelson, Priest-in-Charge, left St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, August 25, 2019.
 
The Rev. Roger Robillard began as Priest-in-Charge at St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, September 1, 2019.
 
The Rev. Warren Hicks began as Rector at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, September 1, 2019.   
 
The Rev. Martin Bagay will begin at Interim Rector at St. Aidan's, Virginia Beach, September 22, 2019. 
 
The Rev. Robert Coniglio will begin as Rector at Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge, October 1, 2019.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Warren Hicks, Priest-in-Charge, will be leaving St. Mark's, Hampton, August 17, 2019.
 
The Rev. Martin Bagay, Interim Rector, will be leaving St. James', Accomac and St. George's, Pungoteague, August 31, 2019.
 
The Rev. James Young, Interim Rector, will be leaving St. Thomas', Chesapeake, August 25, 2019. 
 
The Rev. Roger Robillard will begin as Priest-in-Charge at St. Barnabas, North Chesterfield, September 1, 2019.
 
The Rev. Warren Hicks will begin as Rector at St. Thomas', Chesapeake, September 1, 2019. 

Bishop Search Bulletin inserts available


The Transition Committee has created a series of four bulletin inserts to help congregations prepare for the bishop election process, including the Walkabouts: Information about Bishop Candidate Walkabouts and Walkabout map; What is a Bishop?; What is the Role of Bishops Today?; What Kind of Person Should We Be Looking For in Our New Bishop? The Transition Committee has also created a handout listing the six bishop candidates and their experience. These materials can be found on the diocesan website here.