E-Communiqué: Listening Sessions for Bishop's Search; Convention Moves to Virtual Format; Lee Hill Named New Missioner for Racial Justice and Healing

Bishop Search Committee Announces Listening Sessions and Open Survey

The search process for the 14th Bishop of Virginia is lifting off in earnest this Fall, and we want to hear from you! Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an important online survey. We want as many people as possible in the Diocese to participate in this survey.

In early October the committee will also conduct virtual listening sessions to give parishioners an opportunity to share your hopes for our new bishop. The schedule for the listening sessions will be as follows:

· Tuesday, October 12 at 7:30 p.m.

· Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.

· Saturday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m.

· Monday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

· Wednesday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m.

· Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.

For now please mark your calendar. A sign-up for each virtual listening session will be coming soon! Please feel free to share this information in your parish bulletins and e-blasts. And please continue to pray for us!

Diocesan Convention Moves to Virtual Format

Given the uncertainty surrounding the Delta variant of the COVID virus, and after careful consideration, Bishop Susan Goff has decided that the 227th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia will be held online, and not in-person at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel as was previously announced.

“Simply put, a gathering of more than 400 people in an indoor location with limited space in which to distance creates too great a risk," stated Bishop Goff.

In announcing the move to the online format, she added, “We do this to protect the safety of all delegates, clergy, and their families, many of which include children under age 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccination.” Read on

Please Welcome

the Rev. Dr. Lee Hill

The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan and Ecclesiastical Authority, is honored to announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. J. Lee Hill, Jr. as the Diocese's first Missioner for Racial Justice and Healing.

In this role, Dr. Hill will collaborate with lay and ordained leaders to engage all congregations and diocesan organizations in the work of healing across racial and other divides. He will support existing ministries of racial justice and healing, work with groups across the Diocese in the development of new ministries, and facilitate courageous dialogue about race that is rooted in Christ and that honors different experiences. He begins his ministry in early November.

“I can scarcely contain my excitement about the Rev. Dr. Hill and I can’t wait until the people of this Diocese meet him,” said Bishop Goff. “He brings passion, energy, abiding faith and deep joy to the important and challenging work that lies ahead of us. We are going to learn so much together as we work intentionally toward justice and healing of divides. God bless the beginning of this chapter of our diocesan life.” Read on

Got a Good News story? Contact Nancy Chafin

Brief but Important

Sacred Ground Groups Starting Soon

10 weeks, beginning Sunday, October 3 ,1:30-3 p.m. OR Tuesday, October 5, 2-3:30 p.m. Register

The Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing of the Diocese of Virginia invites you to learn about the history of race and racism in America and the impact it has on our world today, while engaging in meaningful conversation through the Episcopal Church’s Sacred Ground curriculum.

Diocesan Pledge Cards due October 12

Pledge cards were recently mailed to churches. You may return the pledge card you received or complete the online pledge form. Questions? Contact Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins.

Lutherans and Episcopalians Together at the Table

September 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.via Zoom Register

As the Virginia Lutheran/Episcopal Joint Committee commemorates the 20th anniversary of its communion agreement, we ask, "Is God still calling our churches into full communion even through a pandemic and beyond?" Dr. Mitzi Budde will share stories of Episcopalians and Lutherans creatively implementing full communion today. Come share your hopes, dreams, and questions about joint mission and ministry. The event is free and open to all. Deadline to register is September 28.

Conflict Transformation Skills Workshop

Saturday, October 2, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

St. Stephen's, Richmond in person and via Zoom Register

In a time of ongoing political tension in our country, conflict is unavoidable. This workshop will give participants knowledge and skills to manage conflict in a healthier manner. The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center will offer participants a shared vocabulary of reckoning practices. Join us and learn to regard conflict not as a negative force, but as a positive opportunity for reconciliation, spiritual growth, and a renewed awareness of God’s will for us and our common life. Space is limited for in-person participation. Registration is required for both in-person or live-streamed attendance; proof of vaccination is required for in-person attendance. Suggested donation is $15. Questions? Contact the Rev. Cate Anthony.