News From the Churches of Southern Virginia
Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia   July 31, 2018
St. Stephen's partners with university and city of Petersburg for science camp

St. Stephen's, Petersburg, hosted the Sci-Tastic (Science is Fantastic!) Camp, a fun-filled and educational adventure for rising 4th and 5th graders July 2-19. This is the fourth year for the summer science camp which is a partnership with Virginia State University (VSU) and Petersburg Parks and Leisure Services (PPLS).  
 
During the three-week camp, the church parish hall was transformed into vibrant classroom laboratories for these junior scientists! Each day, campers saw "science come alive" through exciting hands-on investigations in physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology. The campers investigated the role of worms in the health of the planet and designed challenging sailing ships and roller coasters models. Additionally, campers took a fun filled and educational field trip to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  
 
Each day, the walls of St. Stephen's parish hall vibrated from the shouts of the enthusiastic junior scientists. This project demonstrates the wonderful results that can be achieved from a collaborative effort between a church, municipal government and institution of higher education working together to benefit children. St. Stephen's was delighted to host these junior scientists and is already looking forward to Sci-Tastic Camp 2019!

Labyrinth walks Aug. 1 and 29

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The labyrinth represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world, and they have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.
 
Ascension, Norfolk, invites you to walk their labyrinth with them on August 1 and August 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Attendants will be there to help orient you, and to provide music, words or objects for meditation. Ascension's labyrinth is outdoors, located behind their basketball court. 
 
Musikgarten class at Emmanuel, Hampton

Emmanuel, Hampton, is offering a free Musikgarten class called God's Children Sing for children ages 0-5 with accompanying adult, Tuesdays 9:45 to 10:15 a.m., now through August 28. For more information, call or text Linda Madler at 757-329-9651 or email gracenotesnn@verizon.net


EfM informational meeting Aug. 7

EfM (Education for Ministry) at Grace, Yorktown, is forming groups for 2018-2019 to begin in September. Our preliminary informational meeting is planned for Aug 7at 6 p.m. Contacts are group mentors: Melinda Reed (757-890-2229) and Angier Brock (804-357-3239) for daytime groups; John Hoppe (757-229-5113) for the evening group. You may also obtain additional program information and learn how you may join us from the church office (757-898-3261).
 
In brief, EfM continues to offer a progressive four-year program of study and discussion in a small, mentored group setting. Group members study scripture (Old and New Testaments), Christian church history, and present day theological thinking. A core element of the program is the Theological Reflection, which encourages participants to connect biblical and theological knowledge with everyday issues of contemporary life, thereby ultimately enhancing our life in the Christian context.  
 
This program is open to all, authorized and supported by the School of Theology at University of the South in Sewanee, TN.  

Faithful Celebration series available at Parish Book Store - excellent resource for educators and parents

Sharon Ely Pearson's Faithful Celebrations series ( Making Time for God in Autumn, Making Time for God from Advent Through Epiphany, Making Time for God in Winter, Making Time for God from Mardi Gras Through Pentecost) provides Christian educators, youth ministers, and parents with experiential activities for celebrating secular and sacred seasons of the year.  Each contains activities, background information, and prayer resources to use in small, intimate or large, multi-generational groups. Get your copy from the Parish Book Store, located inside Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach (2020 Laskin Road). Mail orders also available. Click here for more information. 
 
Clavinova for sale
 
St. Paul & St. Andrew, Kenbridge, has a Yamaha Clavinova CVP-202 they would like to sell. This is a wonderful way to have music each service even if you don't have a pianist or organist. It has hundreds of prerecorded hymns and anthems ready for immediate use as well as discs to record your own music. The Clavinova is easy to use and training will be provided. $1250 or best offer. For more information contact Eileen Duffy at 434-480-1690. 
 

Upcoming Events  
 
American Red Cross Blood Drive - July 31, 1 to 6 p.m., Emmanuel, Virginia Beach. Emmanuel invites you to give the gift of life by donating blood. Registration and questions can be addresses to the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org, sponsor code emmepis, or by calling Emmanuel at 757-499-1271. Walk-ins the day of the drive are also welcome. Emmanuel is located at 5181 Singleton Way in Virginia Beach.  

Terrific Teen Talent - Aug. 5, 2018, 4 p.m., Christ Church, Smithfield. Six outstanding teen musicians selected from the Hampton Roads area will perform in the 11th teen musician showcase. Christ Church is located at 111 S. Church Street in Smithfield's Historic District. For more info: 757-675-5777.
   
 
Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: Challenging the Epidemic of Gun Violence - Aug. 7, 7 p.m., St. Andrew's, Newport News. In response to the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in our city and in schools across the nation, a group of St. Andrew's, Newport News, parishioners has begun to meet for shared prayer, dialogue, and discernment about ways that we as Christians can respond individually and/or collectively to the violence in our midst. Our next gathering will be Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. in St. Andrew's parish hall, where we will participate in a free webinar, "Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: Challenging the Epidemic of Gun Violence." The hour-long webinar will be followed by an opportunity for prayer and conversation. All are welcome. Come, and bring a friend.  
 
Church Fair & Yard Sale - Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., All Saints, Virginia Beach. All Saints' will host its annual church fair, yard sale and silent auction on Saturday, August 11, 2018, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine - 1969 Woodside Lane, Virginia Beach, 757-481-0577. The yard sale features household items, antiques, collectibles, furniture, toys, sporting goods, plants and garden items, farmers market, individual vendors, and other treasures. Breakfast, lunch, and bakery items will be for sale. Tickets will be sold for a 50/50 raffle. Silent auction selections include wonderful gift certificates from local businesses, gift baskets, jewelry, new gift items, housewares and collectibles. Proceeds from this event benefit the church and its various outreach programs.
   
Open Mic Night - Aug. 17, 7 p.m., Christ Church, Smithfield. Come to Christ Church every third Friday for Open Mic Night! Christ Church is located at 111 S. Church Street in Smithfield. Open Mic Night provides a safe & supportive venue for members of the Smithfield community to explore and share their music, poetry, humor, stories, etc. Coffee and snacks available for sale - all proceeds benefit Christ Church outreach. For more information contact Lee Harper, 410-340-3464, or go to www.christchurchsmithfield.org
 
Life Line Screening - Aug. 17, 9 to 4 p.m., St. George's, Newport News. Go beyond your regular checkup with painless ultrasound screenings that can reveal dangerous plaque buildup or blockage. There are three ways to register and receive special pricing: Call 1-877-380-1743; text CIRCLE to 797979; or go to lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle. $25 discount when you schedule a screening.     
 
Recital: Ricky Goodwyn Jr. - Aug. 19, 4 p.m., Christ Church, Smithfield.
Ricky Goodwyn, Jr. won the 2018 Lisa Relaford Coston Competition, sponsored by the Norfolk Chamber Consort. Christ Church has been privileged to know Ricky and to enjoy this outstanding young singer. Ricky enters James Madison University in August as a Centennial Scholar to study voice with Kevin McMillan. Don't miss Ricky's final "thank you to his supporters" recital on August 19 at 4 p.m. at Christ Church, 111 S. Church Street, Smithfield. The concert is free. For information call 757-675-5777.   
 
Summer Sings at Christ & St. Luke's - Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m., Christ & St. Luke's. Mendelssohn's Elijah, Op.70  (selected choruses); Chuck Woodward, conductor; Stephen Cook, organist. Join your friends this summer to sing through some of your favorite works with some of your favorite conductors and organists as Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk, and the Center for Sacred Music at Virginia Wesleyan University present 4th-Thursday Summer Sings! Modeled after the area's popular Sing-a-long each December, summer singers will have an opportunity to learn a new work, sing an old favorite, practice sight-reading, or work with a new conductor.  There's no "preparation," just come and enjoy!  Dress is casual and listeners are welcome. Summer Sing will be held at Christ & St. Luke's, 560 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk. Schedule: 6:30 to 7 p.m. check-in; 7 to 7:45 p.m. rehearsal; 8 p.m. sing. Participation fee is $10 per person per sing, pay on site. To register email Sandi Billy, sbilly@vwu.edu, with your name, voice-part, dates to sing and if you'll bring your own score or need to borrow one.   
 
KAIROS 15 at Sussex II State Prison - Oct. 24-28. For information about how to get involved or support this prison ministry, contact Lee Davis at cleedavis3@gmail.com. Kairos Prison Ministry shares the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to incarcerated men, women, youth and their families. Kairos sprang from the Cursillo movement and is supported by volunteers from the 4th-Day movements such as Cursillo, National Episcopal Cursillo, Presbyterian Cursillo, Lutheran Via de Cristo, The Upper Room's Walk To Emmaus, and independently ecumenical Tres Dias, as well as by volunteers from independent and nondenominational churches. As a ministry, Kairos embraces a diverse group of volunteers working together to fulfill Christ's call to action in Matthew 25:36.
 
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