On the final Sunday of his tenure as Bishop Pro Tempore, Bishop Jay Magness installed The Rev. Cameron Randle as 45th rector of Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach. Randle had served a two-year term as priest-in-charge of the colonial era parish, founded on the eastern shore of the Lynnhaven River in 1689. A standing room only lunch reception followed in the parish hall, with smoked chicken salad, brisket, pulled pork and a variety of salads and desserts. Many more photos are available on ESC's Facebook page.

Milestones & Mandates

In the liturgy for this past Sunday’s Celebration of New Ministry, at which we gathered to renew our collective commitment to “that wonderful and sacred mystery” known as the Church, Eastern Shore Chapel’s role in the broader scheme of things became perhaps a bit clearer. On all our behalves, Bishop Magness prayed the Opening Collect. Included in the introductory intercession is this request: “…let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which have grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection…” Our capacity to comprehend this divine process of redemption, renewal and reconciliation is limited by our mortal and finite nature. But nothing prevents us from relinquishing our fears and doubts and choosing to believe in the transcendent truth, power and glory of the Creator.

 

As a faith community on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach, we are to discern how best to translate our belief and trust into tangible action on behalf of those in the world around us. We are called to become advanced disciples of the Christ, growing together spiritually, supporting one another on our life journeys, and translating God’s love into reality, especially for those unaccustomed to experiencing hospitality, generosity, compassion and advocacy from the Church.

 

The Letter of Institution from Bishop Magness, affirming and commending my call as 45 ^th rector of this great parish, contains the following charge: “Care alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. By your words, and in your life, proclaim the Gospel.” This is more than simply sage advice for a parish priest. It is a mandate for us all to incorporate into our personal piety and individual ethics. It is a mantra for our collective consciousness. We have a common mission, which is to know Jesus as the Christ and to make Him known to others around us.

 

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in me as your rector. Thank you for a beautiful worship service and a standard-setting reception. At the same time, please know how excited I am to continue this journey together, as we each discover God’s ultimate purpose for our lives. Along the way, let’s resolve to retain our devotion to Episcopal identity, Anglican spirituality, stellar music and unsurpassed dining opportunities, shall we?

 

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

 

Looking forward, always,

Cameron

WESC Soup & Bread Sale on Sunday

WESC Soup and Bread Sale is THIS Sunday between services and after the 10:15 service. Come to the church kitchen to pick your favorites.

Care of Creation Committee to meet Feb. 5

The next meeting of the Care of Creation Committee will be on Feb. 5 in the parish hall after the dinner for that night has been consumed. All interested are welcome to attend.

ESC CO-OP Committee Meeting Feb. 9

 

Calling all Committee Chairs, Vestry Liaisons, and anyone interested to the next meeting of the Co-op Committee on Sunday, February 9th at noon in the Parish Hall. We look forward to discussing the following three key questions:

We are excited about the possibilities this new committee may offer to our church community in improved communication, and ultimately, unity of the Spirit! Please direct any questions to Joan Berlin, Committee Chair, at [email protected] . We hope to see you at the meeting! 

Give blood on Feb. 20!

The next Red Cross blood drive at ESC will be T hursday, February 20 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. You can schedule an appointment to donate by going to redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code ESC. Need more info? Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Thank you to poinsettia deliverers

A warm thank you to the following for delivering poinsettias the day after Christmas to deserving friends: Andrea Bell, Mel Runzo, Shelly McGinnis, Eileen Frey, Sally Cox, Craig and Linda Caulkins, Catherine Walker, and Hollis Davis. A special thanks to Courtney Many who very graciously organizes this ministry. Approximately 80 to 90 poinsettias are delivered after Christmas to parishioners, a ministry that is appreciated by so many - those in nursing homes, homebound, in hospitals and the like. Many thanks!

Adult Pilgrimage to Ireland & Scotland this summer

Join the Rev. Julia Messer for a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland this summer, June 25 to July 7. This pilgrimage will explore Celtic Christianity and social justice and is open to all adults ages 18 and up. A trip brochure that includes a full itinerary and registration form can be found here - simply enter group number 20038. If you are interested or have any questions please contact the Rev. Julia at [email protected] or 428-6763. Deposits are due by January 30, 2020.

Parish Book Store book group meets March 1

The Parish Book Store Book Group will meet Sunday, March 1, after the 10:15 service to discuss Rachel Held Evans’ last book, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again, in which she shares her quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. The group is open to all, so please read the book and join in the discussion!

Wednesday Dinner menus

Made with love and from scratch, join us for Wednesday Dinner 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday in the parish hall. You’ll enjoy an entrée, sides, soup, salad, bread, and fruit, all for only $6, or $3 for children. No reservations needed.

Christian Formation Schedule

Sunday School

Upcoming at ESC

For the full calendar of events, visit our website .

WESC Soup & Bread Sale - Feb. 2. Purchase homemade soups and breads made by the Women of Eastern Shore Chapel at our annual fundraiser on Sunday, February 2. Come to the church kitchen between services or after the 10:15 service to pick your favorites.

WESC Meeting - Feb. 2 at 11:30 a.m. The Women of Eastern Shore Chapel will meet Sunday, February 2 at 11:30 in the Parish Hall for a pot-luck lunch and program by a representative from U.S.O to learn about all that they do to support our troops. You may bring your salad, sandwiches or dessert plated and ready to serve to the kitchen before the 10:15 service. Coffee, tea and water are provided. Bring a friend. The group is open to women of all ages. Call Susan Buchanan (757-481-2595) if you have any questions.

Creation Care Committee meeting - Feb. 5. The next meeting of the Care of Creation Committee will be on Feb. 5 in the parish hall after the dinner for that night has been consumed. All interested are welcome to attend.

Co-op Committee Meeting - Feb. 9. Calling all Committee Chairs, Vestry Liaisons, and anyone interested to the next meeting of the Co-op Committee on Sunday, February 9 at noon in the Parish Hall. We look forward to discussing the following three key questions: Are there any current issues we face in our committees that might overlap with another committee? What solutions might be available to us? How can we work together for the good of the community? We are excited about the possibilities this new committee may offer to our church community in improved communication, and ultimately, unity of the Spirit! Please direct any questions to Joan Berlin, Committee Chair, at [email protected] . We hope to see you at the meeting!

Blood Drive - Feb. 20. Our next Blood Drive will be on Thursday, February 20 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. 

Parish Book Store Book Group - Mar. 1. The Parish Book Store Book Group will meet Sunday, March 1, after the 10:15 service to discuss Rachel Held Evans’ last book, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again, in which she shares her quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. The group is open to all, so please read the book and join in the discussion!

Adult Pilgrimage to Ireland & Scotland - June 25 to July 7. Join the Rev. Julia Messer for a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland this summer. This pilgrimage will explore Celtic Christianity and social justice and is open to all adults ages 18 and up. A trip brochure that includes a full itinerary and registration form can be found here - simply enter group number 20038. If you are interested or have any questions please contact the Rev. Julia at [email protected] or 428-6763. Deposits are due by January 30, 2020.

Ongoing opportunities

Peanut Group - Meets every Monday at 8 a.m. in the Parish Hall



Thursday Morning Daily Office - Thursdays, 7:30 am. Join us each Thursday morning at 7:30 in the narthex to relax in Daily Morning Prayer, Rite Two (page 75 BCP). It’s quiet and friendly; a great way to start the day for everyone. All are welcome. Casual and lay-led, all that’s required is that you be present. Spiritual exercise in the morning strengthens you for the whole day.

Centering Prayer - Thursdays, 5 to 6 p.m. An ongoing weekly meeting to practice and learn about centering prayer. The Rev. Gwynn Mudd serves as clergy advisor to the group. All are welco me. Please contact Christina Wyman at [email protected] if you need further information.

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