Bishop's Fall Conference: A Wealth of Workshops
October 21 – 23
Shrine Mont

"Wonder in All: The Art of Powerful Questions" with Melissa Rau is also the place for lay professionals, clergy, and spouses to come for powerful workshops:
  • "Building Healthy and Sustainable Ministries" with Mary Beth Abplanalp from Ministry Architects
  • "The Way of Love" with Bill Campbell from Forma
  • "Storytelling through Photography" with Coy Ferrell from St. James, Warrenton
  • "Church Administration: The Master Class" with your diocesan staff

Return to your church with ideas you can implement immediately. The full descriptions of these workshops are here . Register today!
Annual Convention Deadlines Approaching
November 14-16
Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington
 
Register for Annual Convention before Friday, October 4 to receive early bird pricing ($215). After October 4, the registration fee is $265. Convention registration closes on Friday, November 1. The reservation deadline to receive the discounted hotel room rate is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23. The registration form, hotel information, and procedures for submitting resolutions, nominations and amendments are available on the Annual Convention webpage .
2020 United Thank Offering Grants
The United Thank Offering awards annual grants for projects in the Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion. The 2020 grant application and materials are now available.

The UTO board will offer two informational webinars on October 15 and two on January 14. Join at noon or 8 p.m. on these dates to learn more. Unable to attend? Contact Heather Melton with questions. If you are interested in applying for a grant, contact Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins, Minister for Diocesan Development and Giving.
North Fairfax Region Hosts Wellness Fair
October 26
Holy Comforter, Vienna

Come experience a day for your body, mind and soul hosted by the churches of the North Fairfax Region. This day will kick off with an introduction to the Living Compass Model for Wellness – integrating heart, soul, strength and mind. Activities will include a conversation on starting wellness ministries with teens and parents in your church, the spirituality of Alzheimer's, an art and soul painting class for all ages, and practicing techniques to promote wellness in all areas of your life. A healthy lunch is provided.  Learn more and register.
Upcoming at Shrine Mont
Fall Digital Photography
October 25-27
Do you own a digital camera but don’t know exactly how to use it? Come learn the basics of photography, major settings of your camera and practice what you learn by exploring the historic village of Orkney Springs and the colorful autumnal flora, natural beauty, inspiring architecture and interesting antiques at Shrine Mont. Learn more and register.

Fall Camp
October 28-30
The Tri-Diocesan Council on Aging hosts this wonderful four day conference at Shrine Mont each year. This year’s keynote speaker will be Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor, writer and speaker from Danville, Indiana. Gulley has written 22 books, including the  Harmony  series recounting life in the eccentric Quaker community of Harmony, Indiana, and the best-selling  Porch Talk  essay series. Learn more and register.
In Case You Missed It
Formation Leaders' Retreat
October 26, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |Trinity, Fredericksburg
Get to know your fellow formation leaders in the Diocese! Share resources. Get inspired and equipped for the year ahead at the Office of Christian Formation's first Formation Leaders' Retreat. Speakers will discuss the Way of Love resources, toolkits for youth and children's ministry, volunteer/peer-to-peer ministry, faith at home and more. Learn more.

Retired Clergy and Spouses Luncheon
October 28, 11:30 a.m. | Westminster-Canterbury, Richmond
October 15, 11:30 a.m. | Goodwin House, Alexandria
The Bishops will host luncheons for all retired clergy, their spouses, and surviving spouses. RSVP by October 1. View the invitation. Questions? Contact Kate Wettstein.

ECW Fall Meeting and UTO Ingathering
October 19, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Pohick, Lorton
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Virginia will hold its 129th Meeting and 130th UTO Ingathering this fall. Attendees will learn about the Triangle of Hope youth pilgrimage and the Church's response to the opioid crisis. Register .
Upcoming at VTS
Prayer for All Seasons: The Stations of the Cross
October 24, 31, November 7 and 14, 7-9 p.m. $100. Join VTS faculty in reviewing the pastoral, theological, and biblical foundations of the Stations and discussing how to introduce or renew the practice in personal prayer and in congregations. Learn more and register.

Re-imagining Adult Formation Online
October 30, November 6, 13, and 20, 2019, 2-3:30 p.m. $100. What does the “Great Commission” mean in 2019? VTS Professor Dr. Lisa Kimball will explore this question with adult formation colleagues in an online cohort. Gather weekly via zoom to learn, build community, and plan fresh contextually-responsive adult formation opportunities.  Learn more and register.
Join Us in Prayer
We pray for St. Thomas, Orange; Holy Cross Korean, Fairfax; La Iglesia De San Jose, Arlington; La Iglesia De Cristo Rey, Arlington; and St. James', Warrenton, (pictured) as they prepare for their Bishop's Visitations this month. We pray for Bishop Goff, Bishop Ihloff and Bishop Gulick in their travels to these congregations. 

We pray for the Standing Committee and Executive Board as they meet this month. 
Calendar and Church Events
October 4-6: Teilhard for Our Times with Frank Frost Explore the world we live in today through the eyes of Teilhard de Chardin: Jesuit priest, paleontologist and visionary. St. Aidan's, Alexandria.
October 5: St. Michael's, Arlington, Block Party Fun for all ages, barbecue and a blood drive sponsored by INOVA Blood Services.
October 5: Updates from General Seminary Join the 13th Dean & President of General Seminary for lunch and updates on new programs, partnerships and restorations. All Souls, Washington D.C.
November 1-3: PYM Senior High Weekend Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs.
February 9: Guided Tour of the Holy Land Ten-day tour led by the Rev. Dr. Peter Hogg.