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In this Issue:
An Archdeacon's Legacy + Ordination of Deacons
Congregational Status and Stewardship Resourcing + Parish Youth Ministries
Curbing Gun Violence + Diocesan Book Study Groups
Staff Departure + Road to Reparations
Global Mission Advocate + Listening for God's Call
+ More
Link for HTML version
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Parish Youth Ministries 2.0? Diocesan Listening Session
Saturday, April 20, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Zoom
PYM went on hiatus during the pandemic. Now, parents and past participants are expressing interest in gathering youth in grades 6-12, for formation, fun, and fellowship. Join us for a listening session to discuss what's next for the youth of the Diocese! Gather with your youth group or parents to help us discern the next steps -- and be prepared to volunteer for leadership roles! All youth, grades 6-12, are invited to attend with their youth directors and parents! Contact The Rev. Canon Chanta Bhan at CBhan@episcopalvirginia.org for the registration link.
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A Call to Community Action: Curbing Gun Violence | |
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Sunday, March 3, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., St. Thomas, Richmond
Join people of faith from around Richmond for a facilitated conversation about curbing gun violence. In this third offering of the Beyond Thoughts and Prayers series, local advocates and activists will speak to how individuals and faith communities can join them in their efforts to lessen gun violence in our city. Register. Questions? Contact the Rev. R. Dale Smith.
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BraveSpace Book Group: Black History and Women’s History
March 21, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Zoom
We will read and discuss A Quilted Life: Reflections of a Sharecropper’s Daughter by Dr. Catherine Meeks. Link to purchase the book. Co-facilitated by the Rt. Rev. Gayle Harris. Register.
Spiritual Practices III: St. Bonaventure, Itinerarium Mentis in Deum
March 21, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Zoom
Reflect on the spiritual practices you have incorporated in the last month and discuss the teachings of St. Bonaventure. We will also discuss these practices as reflected in Jesus’ life. Register.
Spiritual Practices IV: St. Ignatius Loyola, The Spiritual Exercises
April 18, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Zoom
With the skillful facilitation of Padre Santi Rodriguez, we will discuss the spiritual practices we have incorporated into our lives and review Ignatian spirituality as we consider how these are reflected in Jesus’ life. Link to purchase the book. Register.
BraveSpace Book Group: Arab-American Culture
April 18, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Zoom
We will read and discuss 25 Million Sparks: The Untold Story of Refugee Entrepreneurs by Andrew Leon Hanna. Link to purchase the book. Register.
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Nancy Chafin to Depart Diocesan Staff
Nancy Chafin, Minister of Communications for the Diocese of Virginia, has tendered her resignation effective March 7.
“I have enjoyed my seven years working with so many bishops, staff members, clergy, and parishioners, and I will miss coming to work at Mayo House each day,” stated Chafin. “Now, I have reached a season in life when I must devote more time to caring for family members – a role I also treasure each day.”
In the coming weeks, Chafin will work with Easton Davis, Canon for Communications and Digital Evangelism at The Diocese of Atlanta to put a transition plan in place. Canon Davis will oversee the transition and coordinate the search for our next Minister for Communications.
In response to Chafin’s departure, Chief of Staff Mark Eastham offered, “Nancy’s contributions to our diocese have been many, most recently in overseeing the rebranding of diocesan communications and implementation of our new diocesan website to be launched soon. We will miss her as a part of our team, but we are happy that she will have more time available for herself and her family.”
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The Road to Reparations
A Reparations Fund and The Truth and Reparations Task Force were established through a Resolution of the 2021 Diocesan Convention. This is part 2 in a series following their work on the implementation of reparations in the Diocese.
What Do We Mean by "Reparations"?
The Diocese of Virginia is undertaking a significant step towards healing and racial justice by establishing a $10 million initial fund dedicated to supporting global majority communities. This initiative, guided by the principles of restorative justice and community empowerment, aims to address the historical harms moralized by the Church.
Retired Bishop Eugene Sutton, who led the Diocese of Maryland in its journey in reparations, said reparations are not about "white people writing checks to Black people. No, it’s about what this generation will do to correct an injustice that previous generations failed to do...We didn’t cause it, but we have to fix it."
Funding for this initiative will primarily come from the sale of unused diocesan property, demonstrating a commitment to utilizing resources responsibly and strategically, but will also include individual and collective gifts throughout the Diocese. The initiative will prioritize grants, loans, and support programs designed to directly benefit global majority individuals, organizations, and businesses.
The Truth and Reparations Task Force is continuing to engage in prayerful study and reflection to develop a comprehensive framework for education and listening throughout the Diocese. Their work will be informed by a deep understanding of the region's specific needs and the most impactful ways to support healing and progress before beginning the transformative work of mending and repair.
We invite your continued prayers and support for this important initiative, and will be sharing in an upcoming e-Communique two prayers written by members of the Truth and Reparations Task Force. The Task Force welcomes your comments and suggestions, which can be shared by emailing the Rev. Dr. J. Lee Hill, Jr., Diocesan Canon for Racial Justice and Healing.
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Congregational Status and Stewardship Resourcing Seminars | |
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May 18, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., St. James the Less, Ashland
September 4, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., St. Andrew's, Arlington
As we move forward from the pandemic, many congregations find themselves facing financial and vocational difficulties. Your congregation and vestry may have questions regarding parish versus mission status, vocational purpose, and sustainability. Join the diocesan Treasurer Ted Smith and Canon to the Ordinary d’Rue Hazel as we explore resources for congregational discernment, stewardship, and canonical status. Please register by clicking the date you would like to attend: May 18; or September 4. Questions? Contact Gloria Parham.
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Appointment of Diocesan Global Mission Advocate | |
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Bishop Stevenson is pleased to announce the appointment of Diane Wright as the diocesan Global Mission Advocate. Each diocese in The Episcopal Church has been invited to appoint an advocate to be part of a church-wide network tasked with promoting global mission. The Global Mission Advocates Network will share resources and knowledge on best practices for global mission; be a point of contact between groups engaging in global mission within each diocese; and serve as a liaison between their diocese and The Episcopal Church's Office of Global Partnerships.
Diane currently serves on the Standing Commission for World Mission, an Interim Body of General Convention, and has been actively involved in global missions in our Diocese for over 20 years. If you or your parish are involved in (or would like to become involved in) global mission, please email Diane at GlobalMissionDioVA@gmail.com.
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Listening for God's Call
Openings Available for the March Discernment Retreat
March 8-10, Roslyn Retreat Center, Richmond
The Diocese offers several opportunities each year for those who are discerning a call to serve God and the Church, whether in lay or ordained ministry. Adult communicants can be referred by their clergy. Clergy may email Gloria Parham and Sarah Kye Price with the name and contact info for the person(s) they wish to refer. Additional retreats are offered in July and October.
Young Priest Initiative Applications and Opening Retreat
Applications Due March 31, Opening Retreat May 3-4
The Diocese a specialized discernment program for college students and young adults, under age 30. The Young Priest Initiative (YPI) is designed to provide a cohort experience of discernment with other young people who are exploring God’s call. The YPI program is open by application and clergy recommendation from January to March. YPI participants engage in a mentored internship during the summer months. We encourage all in our Diocese to consider and recommend young adults who may benefit from this discernment program. For more information, contact YPI Program Director the Rev. Lee Gandiya or visit the YPI webpage.
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Brief but Important
Year-Round Stewardship
While the diocesan stewardship office is working on this year’s annual giving program, it’s not too early for your church to recruit your stewardship team. This is a good time to review our webinars, especially how to build your narrative budget!
Credentials Due!
Churches must submit Certificates of Election for Lay Delegates to the 230th Annual Convention of the Diocese by April 15. Your church office can submit them to the Office of the Secretary by completing the form. Questions? Contact Bill Martin.
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On the Calendar
Racial Justice and Healing Support Group
Thursdays, March 7 - April 18, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. online
The diocesan Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing, in partnership with the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care, offers this online group as a safe space for participants to intentionally process their relationship with racial justice and healing. Interested? Contact group facilitator Jabriel Hasan.
Global Episcopal Mission Network Conference
March 20-22, online
“Joining God's Mission in Tension Times” will be the theme of this year’s Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) Conference. GEMN is an independent mission network dedicated to promoting mission work throughout the Episcopal Church. Learn more and register.
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