E-Communiqué: Follow Along with Triangle of Hope Young Pilgrims; Announcing Search Committee for Canon; Bishop Smith is Back!; Big Season for Ordinations

Welcome, New Deacons!

We joyfully celebrate the five newest deacons in the Diocese of Virginia, who were ordained by Bishop Gayle Harris, Saturday, July 2 at St. Philip's, Richmond.

God willing, these deacons will be ordained as priests in January. The Rev. Anthony Gaboton is sponsored by St. Peter’s, Richmond and will be serving as clergy-in-charge with intent to become priest-in-charge at St. Paul’s, Bailey’s Crossroads; The Rev. Robbie Laughton is sponsored by Christ Church, Alexandria, where he will continue to serve as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries; The Rev. Dale Smith is sponsored by St. Mark’s, Richmond and is serving as Deacon at St. Thomas’, Richmond; The Rev. Peyton Williams is sponsored by St. Paul’s Memorial, Charlottesville and is serving as clergy-in-charge with intent to become priest-in-charge at St. Andrew’s, Richmond; and The Rev. Emma Wright Brice is sponsored by St. Mary’s, Arlington and will be serving as Clergyperson with intent to become Assistant Rector at Grace, Alexandria.

Follow Our Young Pilgrims!

Thirteen young people from the Diocese are currently on a Triangle of Hope pilgrimage in Liverpool, England. Follow their inspiring journey on Facebook and Instagram. #TriangleOfHopeDioVa

The Triangle of Hope is a covenantal community between the dioceses of Liverpool (England), Kumasi (Ghana), and Virginia, dedicated to transforming the long history, ongoing effects, and continuing presence of slavery in our world through repentance, reconciliation, and mission.

Pilgrimages take place over the course of three summer, rotating between the three dioceses. The journey is a profoundly transformative experience for young people.

Update: Search for Canon for Discipleship

Bishop Stevenson has announced the formation of a Search Committee (featured below) for the diocesan Canon for Discipleship. The Committee has met twice under the leadership of Bishop Gayle Harris. Church consultant Heidi Kim continues to shepherd the process and offer guidance to the Committee. The Committee will begin interviewing applicants in the coming weeks and Bishop Stevenson expects to name the new Canon in early fall. More information about the Search Committee.

A Gathering of Visual Artists of the Diocese of Virginia

Saturday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Roslyn Retreat Center, Richmond

Visual Artists of every media and level of experience are invited to a Gathering of Artists hosted by Bishop Susan Goff, retired Bishop Suffragan and visual artist. This gathering is a time for connecting with God and with other artists to explore the intersection between our faith and the art we make. Participants will also explore ideas for creating a community of artists in the Diocese of Virginia to foster their growth as artists of faith.

Details and registration.

Ordination of Deacons

Saturday, August 12, 10:30 a.m.

Grace Church, Alexandria

God willing, the Rt. Rev. E. Mark Stevenson, Bishop of Virginia, will ordain Maria Elvira Beracochea, John Curtis Dickinson, Hope Austin Laingen, Deborah Falls Lockhart, and Nancy Derby Searby to the Sacred Order of Deacons (Vocational) on Saturday, August 12.

Livestream will be available via Grace Church's YouTube channel. Clergy who wish to vest should wear red stole; preferred dress is cassock and surplice. Links and information are available on the diocesan calendar.

Bishop Smith is Back!

Bishop Stevenson has announced that the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, retired Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, will return as a Visiting Bishop in the Diocese of Virginia this fall. Bishop Smith served in this role from April through June of 2023, working alongside Bishops Stevenson and Harris in making Episcopal visitations to congregations, providing pastoral support to clergy, and performing other bishop’s duties. In his second appointment in the Diocese, he will serve from September 24 through November 19. As before, he and his wife Mary will reside in Northern Virginia.

Registration for the 229th Annual Convention Opens Tuesday, August 1

The 229th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Virginia will be held November 2-4 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. All clergy and lay delegates must register online by October 20. Delegates should regularly check the Convention page on the diocesan website for the latest updates, including information on hotels, agenda, nominations, resolutions, and all key deadlines.

Ministry Fair and Exhibitors Hall

Good news! There will be a Ministry Fair at this year's Convention. The Diocese is pleased to offer for the first time free exhibitor tables for all Diocesan Related Organizations, Committees, Commissions and Task Forces. To reserve a table, please complete this form. Questions? Contact Courtenay Altaffer.

Child Care Not Provided

The Diocesan office was exploring the possibility of offering child care at Convention. Unfortunately, we did not receive enough interest to reach the minimum number required by the sitter service.

Now Seeking Applicants for the Board of the Trustees of the Funds

The Trustees of the Funds (ToTF) encourages knowledgeable persons with experience in investments, marketing, and general business to join the ToTF Board for a 3-year term beginning April, 2024. In addition to related skills, ToTF seeks to increase the gender, racial, and geographic diversity of its Board. Applications are due by October 1, 2023. Interested persons should contact ToTF President Bob Clarke (703-424-6791) or Executive Director Lynn Ivey (804-622-3186). Learn more about ToTF.

On the Calendar

How Houses of Worship Can Faithfully Respond to the Housing Crisis in Virginia

Saturday, September 23, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Aquia Church in Stafford

Please save the date for this forum sponsored by Virginia Diocesan Homes. This is an opportunity to hear from experts about using church assets and property to respond to the housing crisis in our communities. Registration information and a detailed agenda coming soon.

View the full calendar of events across the Diocese on our website. You can also submit events from your church to be included on the web calendar.

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Diocese of Virginia