Life As It Should Be
A Personal Account of Restorative Justice
by Shawn Weneta
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"Who knows where madness lies? …maddest of all [is] to see life as it is and not as it should be."
- Man of La Mancha
For over 16 years, I witnessed life as it is in my own La Mancha, as inmate #1028210 in five of Virginia's more than 30 prisons.
As a child growing up in the Diocese, I never looked at "life as it is." Baptized at The Falls Church, and a member of Holy Comforter, Vienna, since the age of four, I had the tremendous privilege to see much of life as it should be. Summers were highlighted by 12 days at Shrine Mont as a St. George's Camper. At St. G's, we celebrated Christmas in July, read stories about the selfless Barrington Bunny, and shouted our prayers as one full voice from the cliffs of North Mountain. Read on
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Share Your Stories
Bishop Goff invites congregations to submit stories in writing and video about the life of their church during the pandemic. What did you learn? What was lost? What new things did you do that you hope to continue after pandemic?
We’ll share these stories in a variety of ways, through the e-Communique, diocesan social media and other venues. Stories can be submitted to the diocesan Minister for Communications Nancy Chafin. Suggested length: 2-minute video and/or 500-word article. Photos are also encouraged.
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New Music – Inspired and Unexpected
Too often this past year, we’ve heard, “It’s not a good time to try this.”
And yet, the people of St. James the Less in Ashland found the timing was just right to bring joyful new music into their church.
The church's original pipe organ, installed in the 1960s, needed significant work. The bid for installing a new organ came in the week the churches cancelled public worship services due to the pandemic. At first, the vestry thought the capital campaign planned for the organ and other projects must be put on hold.
But after finding the new normal of streaming services online, something unexpected happened. Read on
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Racial Justice Book Study: The Four Vision Quests of Jesus
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Begins June 17, Thursdays, Noon - 1:30 via zoom
The Diocese of Virginia's Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing invites you to a book study on Steven Charleston's "The Four Vision Quests of Jesus." The nine-week study will be led by the Episcopal Church's Missioner for Indigenous Ministries, the Rev. Dr. Brad Hauff. Book description
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Nerissa Crockett to Join Diocesan Staff |
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Bishop Susan Goff is pleased to announce that Nerissa Crockett will join the diocesan staff as Project Manager. In this position, Nerissa will assist with projects ranging from special events to developing and implementing processes and procedures. Nerissa worked for the Church Pension Group for nearly 15 years, most recently as Coordinator of Trustee Services. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Mercy College in New York.
“I’m honored to welcome Nerissa to the diocesan staff. Her years of success at Church Pension Group have given her a strong understanding of Episcopal Church administration which she now brings to the ministries of the Diocese of Virginia,” said Bishop Goff.
Nerissa begins her ministry in the Diocese on May 17.
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Shrine Mont Camps Are for Every Age |
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Get away from it all with your loved ones! Sign up for a spot at a summer Family Weekend, where families of all shapes and sizes come together to enjoy camp! There will be daily self-directed activities, staff-led programs for all ages, and worship with our camp chaplain. Groups are housed together in private housing such as the Shrine Mont cottages. Leave your cooking and cleaning at home to enjoy being in a place apart this summer — enjoy a break with whomever is "family" to you! To find out more, visit shrinemontcamps.net, where you'll also find info about keeping camp COVID safe. Questions about Family Weekends? C ontact Paris Ball with questions.
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Bring Your Time and Talent to the Trustees of the Funds
The Trustees of The Funds, who manage investments for Virginia Episcopal churches and Diocese-related organizations, is seeking to add members who bring diverse skills and perspectives to our growing board. If you are a confirmed communicant in the Diocese and have legal, communication and/or general management skills, we would like to talk with you! As always, investment expertise is welcome, too. The next terms begin in 2022, so if you are considering serving in this important ministry, please reach out to Janet Osborn, TOTF President, at jmosborn930@gmail.com. |
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Masks and Worship Update for May 15-16
In case you missed today's earlier e-mail, Bishop Goff has offered this guidance regarding masks for worship services this weekend.
Bishops' Visitation Schedule Now Available
Upcoming Events at Shrine Mont
June 4-6 | Women's Retreat Join retreat speaker Mimi Weaver for an exploration of your Enneagram and find out what motivates you to do what you do, feel what you feel, and think the way you think.
June 11-13 | Painting Creation Explore the beautiful mountains surrounding historic Shrine Mont through painting with award-winning artist and teacher Theodora Tilton.
Upcoming at Virginia Theological Seminary
Thursday webinar, 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Eastern) via Zoom, $0-$20. Create engaging visuals for your digital spaces, including online church. Join visual artist Mary Button and Rev. Jo Nygard Owens for tips and ideas.
Save the Date: June 7, 8, 9 | Preaching as Healing Spirit: Deep Calls to Deep Lecture Series
Three zoom webinars for free. Registration coming soon.
Three-day workshop via Zoom, $0-$99. Robust conversation about what it means to be dwelling places for God – online, in pews, and in our communities. Speakers include Dr. Heidi Campbell, the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, the Hon. Rev. Kim Jackson; John Roberto, Kyle Oliver, Sarah Stonesifer Boylan, and Dr. Lisa Kimball.
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