Diocesan eNews - February 28, 2018
The Rev. Sue Reid to serve as Bishop's Liaison for the Diaconate  

At Annual Council, Bishop Hollerith announced the appointment of the Rev. M. Sue Reid as the new Liaison for the Diaconate. Sue comes to us with years of experience as a priest of the Church.  A graduate of both Union Theological Seminary in New York City (Master of Sacred Music) and Virginia Theological Seminary (MDiv), Sue has served in many capacities, including as Rector of two parishes and as Canon to the Ordinary for Education and Spiritual Development in the Diocese of Indianapolis. While Sue's title will be different than that of Archdeacon - due to the fact that she remains canonically resident in the Diocese of Olympia - she will nonetheless function as an Archdeacon in our diocese. Sue is presently a resident of Williamsburg and currently serves as the Chaplain for the Deacons School that we share with the other two Virginia dioceses.

Bishop Hollerith also recognized and gave thanks for the work of the Rev. Becki Dean who retired last year as the Archdeacon of the diocese. Becki served faithfully in that capacity since 2014. While family demands necessitated her retirement from leadership, she continues to serve as a deacon at St. Michael's, Bon Air.

Vestry Training Days: Faith... Authority... Power  
Registration is now open

Vestry Training Days will be held March 17 at St. Paul's, Norfolk and again on March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian. Designed for new as well as experienced vestry members, the workshops will focus on creating best practices for your vestry. Registration is now open here.

Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens will be held March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian (concurrently with Vestry Training Day). Bishop's Day for Senior Wardens is designed for Senior Wardens from all parishes and is an excellent training opportunity for new Senior Wardens. Led by the Bishop, this workshop includes: discussion of issues and concerns particular to the office; best practices; and how to develop a relationship with the rector. Registration is now open here.

Celebrate the life and work of the Venerable James Solomon Russell 

The life and work of the Venerable James Solomon Russell will be celebrated at New Hope Baptist Church, 255 Union Mill Road, South Hill, on Sunday, March 25 at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service in the church's fellowship hall.
 
The James Solomon Russell Feast Day Celebration will benefit the preservation of Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, Virginia. In 1879, James Solomon Russell, at age 22 and still in seminary at Bishop Payne Divinity School in Petersburg, founded Ascension Episcopal Church. Located in Mecklenburg County, it was the first church James Solomon Russell built and it still proudly stands today, 139 years later, in testimony to the ministry God gave him.
 
At the celebration service, the Rev. Charles M. Raney, Jr., pastor of the Lake Gaston Christian Life Centre will be the preacher, and the Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr., rector emeritus of Grace Episcopal Church in Norfolk, will be the celebrant. Music will be provided by the Lighthouse Singers under the direction of Mrs. Sheryl Baird and Mr. David Blount. Special musical selections will also be offered by the acclaimed soloist Ms. Megan Henry. Churches may bring their banners and flags. Clergy: Festive vestments. James Solomon Russell Scholars: Full academic dress.
 
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to attend forum on race at St. Paul's, Richmond
 
The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry is one of the keynote speakers at Bending Toward Truth: A Forum on Race and Religion in Richmond to be held Saturday, March 10, 3 to 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul ' s. The parish ' s History and Reconciliation Initiative will host Curry and other theologians and scholars to share history, engage in dialogue, and envision the future in prayer. A dinner follows at 5:45 p.m. Speakers will address the history of St. Paul ' s and the legacy of racism in Richmond. This is a free event, but please do register to reserve your seat and dinner. The following day, Sunday, March 11, Bishop Curry will preach and Bishop Johnston will preside at St. Paul ' s 10:00 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist. All are welcome. St. Paul's is located at 815 E. Grace Street in Richmond.  

Lutheran-Episcopal Day of Prayer, March 15

The Lutheran-Episcopal Joint Committee of Virginia is sponsoring a Day of Prayer on Thursday, March 15 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Richmond. The day will be led by the Rt. Rev Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Bishop Goff will lead us in considering how and why to pray, whom to pray with, resources for prayer, prayer and the liturgical year, and will share other personal prayer practices. Click here for details and registration.

Upcoming Safe Church training 

Below are the upcoming Safe Church classroom training opportunities.
Click here for the complete 2018 schedule and training requirements. Online training is also available. Current diocesan policy requires re-certification every three years for online training and every five years for classroom training.    
  • March 10, 2018 - Merchants Hope, Hopewell (registration closes March 6) Register here.
  • April 14, 2018 - St. Paul's, Suffolk (registration closes April 10) Register here.
  • April 21, 2018 - Holy Trinity, Onancock (registration closes April 17) Register here.
  • April 28, 2018 - St. Paul's & St. Andrew's, Kenbridge (registration closes April 24) Register here.
  • May 12, 2018 - Galilee, Virginia Beach (registration closes May 8) Register here.
  • June 2, 2018 - Trinity, South Boston (registration closes May 29) Register here.
Parochial Reports due March 1 

2017 parochial reports should be filed by March 1, 2018. Parochial Report information is mailed to each church directly from The Episcopal Church. Information about the report and online submission is available here.

Additionally, for diocesan use, the following two forms need to be completed by each church and returned to the diocese by March 1, 2018. Open and SAVE the forms on your computer. Then you can complete and email them to Susan Allen at sallen@diosova.org. Alternatively, you may print, fill out by hand, and mail the forms to the Diocesan Office at 11827 Canon Blvd., Suite 101, Newport News, VA 23606-3071. The salary survey may be submitted on an Excel spreadsheet instead of using the form above. This spreadsheet can be saved and updated each year, making the process a little easier for you. If you have questions, please contact Susan Allen at 757-213-3391 or sallen@diosova.org.

News from Chanco on the James

Women's Lenten Retreat is back by popular demand

Chanco on the James is proud to offer another Women's Retreat Day in Lent.  This year's theme will be Spiritual Disciplines as a Path to Joy. Explore some of the rich offerings of the monastic tradition and how these tools of prayer and spiritual development may open new avenues for personal growth and celebration. Open to all women ages 18 and older who would seek to enhance their experience of Lent this year, the event will take place on Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The cost for the day is only $35, which includes luncheon and an afternoon tea. You may also choose to arrive on Friday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. to take part in additional programs at our optional Overnight Retreat for only $95, which includes accommodation in our retreat lodges, breakfast on Saturday morning, as well as the Saturday program. This program is sponsored by the Program Committee of the Chanco Board of Directors. Registration is live at www.chanco.org. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 888-7CHANCO (888-724-2626).
 
News from the Episcopal Church 
 
Episcopal Church teams with ecumenical partners for 2018 Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival 
 
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Poor People's Campaign organized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, the Episcopal Church is teaming with ecumenical partners including the National Council of Churches into action, ministry, and official relationship with the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

For Episcopalians and the Episcopal Church, the goals of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival are:
  • To live into our partnerships with the National Council of Churches and with the Poor People's Campaign;
  • To rally Episcopalians on the issues of poverty and justice;
  • To ask for consideration in joining marches occurring nationally on April 4, the anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Sunday, May 13, Mother's Day;
  • To encourage all interested Episcopalians to sign up here to participate.
Click here for information on Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.  
 
Presiding Bishop calls for Good Friday Offering to support ministry in Jerusalem and Middle East
"The Good Friday Offering is one way we in the Episcopal Church help to support the ongoing ministry of love and compassion carried out by our Anglican sisters and brothers throughout the Province of Jerusalem and Middle East," Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry wrote to the bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Church. "Whether funding an eye clinic in Aden or women's programs, schools and medical services in the West Bank, the Good Friday Offering is making a difference in the lives of so many."

Presiding Bishop Curry wrote in the annual Good Friday letter to all bishops and congregations asking them to consider providing assistance for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. "I believe our partnership with those who keep the faith of Jesus alive in the region where our Lord walked and began his movement is a significant aspect of our work as part of the church catholic," he wrote.

Click here for information, including bulletin covers and bulletin inserts on the Good Friday Offering.    
 
Bishops' Visitation Schedules  

Bishop Hollerith
March 5-9 - House of Bishops, Camp Allen, TX
March 25 - St. Mark's, Suffolk
March 31 - Easter Vigil at Bruton Parish, Williamsburg 
April 8 - St. John's, Hampton
April 15 - All Saints & Trinity, South Hill
April 22 - Galilee, Virginia Beach
April 29 - St. Francis, Virginia Beach
May 6 - Chanco 50th Anniversary Celebration
May 20 - Manakin, Midlothian
June 3 - St. Bride's, Chesapeake 
June 10 - St. Barnabas, Richmond

Bishop Magness
March 4 - St. Martin's, Williamsburg
March 25 - Emmanuel, Jenkins Bridge
March 31 - Easter Vigil at Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk 
April 8 - Johns Memorial, Farmville
April 22 - St. Michael's, Bon Air
April 29 - St. David's, North Chesterfield
May 6 - St. Paul's, Suffolk
May 13 - St. Matthias, Midlothian

Upcoming Events
 
For more, visit our   website.
 
Vestry Training Days - March 17 at St. Paul's, Norfolk and March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian. These workshops are designed for all vestry members, and include: presentations on the role and duties of the vestry; best practices; opportunities to interact with members of other vestries; discussion of common challenges that vestries face and the impact of contextual change on congregational life. More information and registration here.  

Bishop's Day with Senior Wardens - March 24 at St. Matthias, Midlothian (concurrently with Vestry Training Day). Bishop's Day for Senior Wardens is designed for Senior Wardens from all parishes and is an excellent training opportunity for new Senior Wardens. Led by the Bishop, assisted by senior diocesan staff, this workshop includes: discussion of issues and concerns particular to the office; best practices; how to develop a relationship with the rector; opportunities to have conversations with other senior wardens; opportunities for one-on-one time with the Bishop. More information and registration here.   
 
Cursillo #164 Co-ed Weekend - April 18-22, 2018, Chanco on the James. Plan now to take part in the co-ed Cursillo #164 weekend to be held at Chanco on the James April 18-22. The rector of this weekend will be Tina Sinclair. For more information and application forms, go to www.cursillodiosova.org. 

Nags Head Acolyte Festival - April 20-22, St. Andrew's By-the-Sea, Nags Head, NC. St. Andrew's By-the-Sea in Nags Head, North Carolina invites you and your acolytes to participate in the 2018 Diocese of East Carolina Acolyte Festival, April 20-22 at St. Andrew's By-the-Sea. All acolytes, acolyte directors, youth ministers and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Participants will go home with new skills and a renewed enthusiasm for liturgy. This year's festival will include Acolyte Olympics, the Bishop's "Beach" Ball, and workshops on banner making, thurifer training, vesting and other topics.  Click here for more information and registration. Registration is $45 person which includes all meals and a T-shirt. Registration deadline is March 16.  
 
Spring Clergy Day - May 1, Chanco on the James. More info and registration coming soon.
 
Chanco 50th Anniversary Celebration - May 4-6, Chanco on the James. Join us at Chanco on the James May 4-6 and celebrate with us Chanco's half century birthday! This golden anniversary of Chanco's ministry will celebrate 50 years of camp programs and many years of Cursillo, EYC, Happening, and retreats. We have been working for almost a year to plan the BEST anniversary celebration possible! Reunite with old friends, experience archery, ropes, water activities, hayrides, campfires, live music, a pool-side luau and more. This event is expected to sell out quickly for Chanco's retreat lodges, so don't wait - click here for more info and registration. Questions? Contact us at hospitality@chanco.org or 889-724-2626. We can't wait to see you back in Chanco's magical forest where "friends are friends forever."
 
May Weekend - May 18-20, 2018, Chanco on the James. For grades 6-12. More info coming soon! 

79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church - July 5-13, 2018, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX. Follow Southern Virginia's deputation and learn more about GC here.  
   
Pilgrimage Opportunities
 
Holy Land for Advent 2018
St. John's, Portsmouth, is pleased to announce our next international pilgrimage opportunity, Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus, from November 29 to December 9, 2018. This pilgrimage is open to anyone who desires to take this journey but is limited to a total group size of 17-30. Is God calling you to join this group? Cost from the Norfolk airport for this 11-day spiritual adventure (including all expenses and two meals daily) is $3,379 double occupancy (excluding airline taxes and fuel surcharges) and decreases depending on the number of Pilgrims over the minimum number of 17 taking the journey. Your spot can be reserved by making a $300 deposit using   this form . Pilgrimage is truly praying with your eyes open. Come walk in the footsteps of Jesus next Advent!  Click here for a detailed brochure. Contact the Rev. Derek Harbin, derek@stjohnsportsmouth.org .
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