211th Annual Council |
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| Annual Reports from Regions and others If you want a .pdf copy of all the Reports filed so far click here. Regions:
Other reports:
Regional Reports
Region I is comprised of 20 churches in the geographic center of the Diocese. A wide range of churches is represented including small country churches, rural churches, suburban churches, city churches, historic churches, new churches, traditional churches, and conventional churches. The Region extends across many counties including Caroline, King George, Louisa, Madison, Culpeper, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and into the northwestern corners of both Westmoreland and Essex Counties. The largest population center in the Region is the City of Fredericksburg and the immediate surrounding area. This geographic diversity challenges the Region efforts to coordinate, cooperate, collaborate, and communicate with the individual churches, and also the churches with one another. The Region began last year an experimental program of letting small clusters of churches in a closer geographic area to meet together hopefully to plan activities and hopefully effect a closer working arrangement on church related activities. This year we again met in three Sub-regions in February instead of holding a large meeting as we’ve done in the past. These meetings were productive and some joint activities were planned. For example, the five churches in one Sub-region will hold a combined Ascension Day service next May 25, 2006. These Sub-region meetings will be continued into 2006, with meetings scheduled for February 12 th. The Region I Missions Committee met and distributed $4000 divided among the following agencies: Mary Washington College Campus Ministry in Fredericksburg and the Volunteer Emergency Family Services in Louisa. Additionally, the Missions Committee agreed to help support an Evangelical trip to China for the purpose of baptism of newly converted Christians. The Region also sponsored several mission trips in 2005. A group from Aquia Church in Stafford went to New York to visit Ground Zero and participate in the Night Watch program at St. John’s the Divine. Piedmont Church in Madison sponsored two groups. An older group went to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona for two weeks both as a pilgrimage and mission trip as part of their participation in the Journey to Adulthood program. The younger group from Piedmont participated in a mission trip along with members of the Lutheran Church to Marion, Virginia, to work on rehabbing a house there. A group from the Church of the Messiah in Chancellor went to Montgomery, West Virginia, to help the disadvantaged in their daily activities. A mission trip was sponsored by Christ Church, Spotsylvania to the Crow Indian reservation in Montana to work with individuals on projects designed to improve living conditions and the quality of life. These trips were largely for Region I youth and the total funding provided by the Region was $ 3,050. Recognizing the need to address youth education, the Region brokered “The Journey to Adulthood” program to the churches in the Region. This began by supporting a two day training event open to all who wanted to attend from the region churches. Additionally, we invited any interested individuals for other churches outside in other regions to attend if they were interested in learning more about the program. Four churches decided on implementing the program, three right away and one at a later time. The three which were starting right away, Christ Church-Spotsylvania, St. George’s-Fredericksburg, and St. John’s-King George, were given $600 each for the teaching materials needed to get started. From all indications, the program is working well in these three churches. It is customary in Region I to have an annual event during the summer months as one of its scheduled meetings. In alternate years, the Region holds a dinner with a program afterwards. The other years, the region looks to hold something outdoors, like a picnic, seafood festival, etc. This year the Region had a picnic at Pitts Pond, a privately owned facility just south of Bowling Green. Approximately eighty people attended and took part in the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Lee, Bishop Jones, and Region I Dean Ron Okrasinski. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed an old fashioned church picnic and played games, swam, and enjoyed the fellowship of friends. It was a success by all accounts. Next year the Region will have a more formal dinner at one of the more centrally located churches in Fredericksburg. Region I is very proud of having three individuals from the Region serving in leadership positions at the diocesan level. Pat Piland from St. Asaph’s Church in Bowling Green, is just ending a term as President of the Episcopal Church Women. Her successor in the same position will be Anna Lou Flynn from St. James Church in Louisa. Don Metheny, from Trinity Church in Fredericksburg began a three-year term as member of the Executive Board. Respectfully Submitted, Bill Wick, President [TOP] We had a very successful and productive year in Region IX. The Region IX Staff consists of Dr. Stephen von Hitritz of St. Peter’s New Kent, President, Ms. Carol Johnson of St. Peter’s New Kent, Secretary and Alternate, and Ms. Laura Harris of Westover Church, Charles City, Treasurer. Very Rev. Bruce Gray of St. John’s Richmond remained as Dean of the Region and Ms. Miffy Hall was elected as the Region IX representative to Executive Board in February 2005 The Region met four times during 2005. In February, we met at Trinity Church, Highland Springs. In May, we met at Westover Church, Charles City. In September, we met at Richmond Hill Retreat Center, Richmond, and finally in November, we met at St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent. Currently there are 4 clergy vacancies in the Region:
At Historic St. John’s Church, Rev. Bruce Gray continued his ministry. A new handicap accessible elevator and a new visitor’s center were completed in 2005 and dedicated by Bishop Lee on November 6. During the construction, human remains were discovered. A burial service was held and the remains blessed and reburied. Fall festival raised $8,000. The Sunday School had a lemonade stand with proceeds going to Hurricane Katrina relief; they made almost $400. Rev. Gray attended a training of Evangelism for Episcopalians. The Kennedy family visited St. John’s in 2005. Senator Kennedy wrote a personal “thank you” note with a monetary gift. The church’s web address is http://www.historicstjohnschurch.org/ At St. Paul’s Richmond, Rev. Bob Hetherington continued his ministry assisted by Rev. Holly Antolini, associate rector. Rev. Hetherington announced his retirement effective June 30, 2006. The Lenten services with nationally recognized guest speakers are always well attended in Richmond. A change to Outreach procedures took place in 2005. “Eyes on Richmond” occurred weekly with interesting speakers and topics. Among the guest speakers was Richmond mayor Douglas Wilder. Rev. Robillard of Trinity and Rev. Hetherington met at Richmond Hill with Rev. Ben Campbell to discuss the program of prayer for the city, where prayer energy will be focused on a particular area. The Diocesan annual ECW meeting was held at St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s offers a wide spectrum of programs and services to both the community and to the congregation. Their web address is http://www.stpauls-episcopal.org/ At St. Peter’s Richmond, Rev. Simeon Newbold announced in June that he would be accepting the Chaplaincy of St. Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, VA in July. We will all miss Simeon. He worked tirelessly for St. Peter’s and for Peter Paul Development Center. Prior to his departure, he received his Doctorate of Ministry from Virginia State University. Rev. Osei was named interim minister. A Valentine’s Day dinner dance was held in February. At St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent, Rev. Geoffrey Price continued his ministry as Priest-in-Charge. The church sponsored Oyster Roast was the largest yet with over 600 attending in October. St. Peter's supports an outreach program called Matthew's Haven, which contains clothing, etc. for the needy of New Kent. In addition, St. Peter’s is the focal point for the countywide Meals on Wheels program. The 4th Annual Golf tournament to benefit the youth mission trip raised $1,600. Their web address is http://www.geocities.com/stpeterstc/ At Trinity, Highland Springs, Rev. Roger Robillard continued his ministry. They recently had 3 confirmed, 3 baptized, and 3 burials. A new youth group was formed. Church assisted Sandston Baptist Church in preparing food for Caritas. The youth will get contributions on Super Bowl Sunday to help feed the needy in the area. Our Lenten studies, “You Only Die Once” had great participation. Selected activities were the annual Easter egg hunt, blessing of the animals and UTO breakfast. Necessary electrical and plumbing work has been completed. The bell from the Sandston Church was installed. The ECW had a successful yard and bake sale in June. A blue grass band entertained when Bishop Lee visited. Vacation bible school was a success. Ongoing events included food and fun nights held monthly and Trinity seniors meeting once a month. Displaying quilts made by our quilting group is now an annual event. We welcomed our new organist Sandra Mauney who started on October 2. Recent events were the UTO Fall Ingathering with breakfast and vestry elections. Upcoming events include Pledge Sunday, the ECW Fall Food Festival, our seniors meeting focusing on the new drug cards and a salute to all veterans with input from veterans within our congregation. Trinity will be hosting the Community Thanksgiving service. The annual turkey dinner with a concert by the Corinth UMC Choir was held on December 4. Their web address is http://www.trinityhighlandsprings.com/ At Varina Church, Rev. Michael Hadaway announced in October that his last service would be November 13, 2005 at Varina. He was named as the rector of St. John’s, Kingsville, Maryland. We will all miss Mike. He stepped in when needed and served the Diocese and the Region as Executive Board Representative from 2003 to 2005. The church also sponsored its annual golf tournament to raise money for their general fund. Varina has a Prayer Guild. World Day of Prayer service was March 4. There was a Spring Garden Show May 15. On May 17 Jim Donati, Varina District Supervisor, spoke to the congregation about growth in the county. A blood drive was conducted. Outreach collected food for the food bank and shoe boxes with gift items for a boy or girl. A Joint Thanksgiving Eve Service was held at St James Baptist Church. An ECW Advent luncheon was on Dec 7. Their web address is http://www.varinachurch.com/. At Westover Church, Rev. Virginia Heistand-Jones continues her ministry and celebrated her 5th year there. Rev. Heistand-Jones is a member of the Charles City Clergy Council. September was their Autumn Pilgrimage to visit plantations and homes and it was very successful, raising more than $25,000, all of which is used in their outreach program. Westover is the staging area for Meals on Wheels in Charles City County, so some of the money will go to that program. The parish assisted in a county Habitat for Humanity effort program. There are currently three EFM classes. Their web address is http://www.westoverparish.org/ The Region provided financial support to the Richmond Hill Ecumenical Retreat Center, the Peter-Paul Development Center at St. Peter’s Richmond, an unrestricted Diocesan Pledge, Region IX Clericus, and the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund for Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief. The Region also made its initial deposit into the Diocesan Trust Fund. This saving account will be used in the future to assist our potential church plant. The Region IX church plant effort in Providence Forge is on hold pending a permanent rector assignment at St. Peter’s New Kent. The Region IX Web site was completed in 2005. That address is http://region9.thediocese.net/ Very respectfully submitted,
Region XII encompasses eleven churches that reach from the western edge of Richmond through Fluvanna County. It includes two church plants, St. Francis’ and St. Clare’s. We are pleased that St. Francis is now recognized as a mission church. During 2005, the Region held 5 meetings of clergy and lay delegates. The programs included the following:
The Region held its third annual Ascension Day service at Christ Church, with Bishop Lee as preacher and celebrant. The Region hosted its first wardens’ dinner. In addition to having an opportunity for fellowship among the church leaders in the region, Ken McFayden, Director and Profession of Ministry Development at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, led the wardens and clergy in an insightful discussion of church leadership. The Region’s budget supported the two church plants, Hope for Humanity (a ministry to the Sudan), and the Peter Paul Development Center. In His service, Lissa Power-deFur [TOP]
Region 13, comprising 23 congregations from Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties, began the year by exploring how our various congregations can support one another in disaster response, and is now engaged in credentialing conversations between and among all three counties that will involve interoperable Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). We hope eventually to offer this model of preparedness and response to the larger Church. Region 13 was very happy to provide unanimous and exuberant support for the Church of Our Redeemer’s (Aldie) petition for parish status. St. David’s, Ashburn, and St. James and St. Gabriel’s, Leesburg, were instrumental in providing essential services to Katrina evacuees. The regional council set aside one-half of its Mission Grant Fund ($11,000) to aid in local relief efforts. Leeds Church, Markham, completed a Habitat for Humanity house, and the Mission Grant Fund contributed to a special-needs children’s program at St. Gabriel’s, Leesburg. The regional council experienced profound sadness over the actions of the leadership of South Riding Church, a congregation Region 13 had supported financially, spiritually, and morally, with deep affection, since its inception in 2000, when the region hosted a pig roast at Trinity, Upperville for South Riding. The entire region suffers this loss and anticipates with joy the unfolding of God’s plans for this beloved community. Respectfully submitted by Kenneth M. Lee, President [TOP]
Region 14 has had a busy and productive year. We had four meeting and great attendance at each meeting. We had several special programs to include the Boy’s Home, Diocesan info about Mental Health from Henry Stribling, Lakota Mission Trip report, LARC report, DFHN report, and several opportunities to hear what the youth of the Region were doing. We were pleased to continue to support the new church plant, Christ the King, with Rev. Goeffrey Gwynne as they started having services. Rev. Chris Cunningham, spoke to us about getting some money to fix Good Shepherd, Bluemont. We were able to provide some funds. We gave financial support to the Boy’s Home, Lakota Mission, LARC, DFHN, JMU’s college program, Christ the King, and Good Shepherd. As I conclude my second year as president I want to thank the Region for giving me the opportunity to serve. Roger Inger will begin his presidency after Council. Respectfully submitted by Helen Zebarth, President [TOP]
The Region gathered for prayer, worship, fellowship and general business three times this year. One meeting was cancelled due to weather. We welcomed speakers from the Diocesan Committee on Mental Health, Ministry with the Aging, and the local Alzheimer’s Association. We noted the comings and goings of beloved sisters and brothers in Christ. We rejoiced in the recovery of our Bishop and joined with all who were shocked, saddened and moved to action by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Region remains committed to the support of ministries directed to the youngest, oldest and poorest among us. To this end, we are active in the support of The James Hicks Child Care Center at Trinity Episcopal Church; Ministry with the Aging (a Region XV initiative) and the Alliance for Interfaith Ministries (a Charlottesville/Albemarle faith based ecumenical ministry offering emergency assistance). Contributions from our 19 churches and individuals allow us to financially support these organizations. We are hopeful that 2006 will find us actively building a second Region XV sponsored Habitat for Humanity house. This summer, the Schoolhouse Thrift Shop at Rio celebrated 13 years of operations and $500,000 in sales. The Thrift Shop is an outreach ministry of the Region XV churches. Each year the Thrift Shop’s Board contributes a portion of its receipts to the outreach work of the Region. In addition, priests are encouraged to refer individuals or families in need to the shop. We are thankful for the ministry of the Thrift Shop and are indebted to Ruth Gibson, manager; the Board, and the host of volunteers who make it possible for us to be good stewards of our gently worn and used children and women’s clothes; toys and related accessories. When in Charlottesville please stop by Tuesday through Saturday for a visit and partake in the fellowship. We are blessed to report that the Region continues to be in community. We take great joy in greeting all our Episcopal brothers and sisters and continue to lift His community in prayer as we actively engage in the mutual ministry of being God’s living Church in Central Virginia. We are enthusiastic and support in prayer and with our treasures, the Church of the Cross. It has been exciting to watch this reinvigorated church plant grow in its ministry to the Route 29 North/Forest Lakes community. Submitted to the honor and service of our Lord by Julian M. Bivins, Jr., President [TOP]
Other reports
|
Abingdon, White Marsh |
Christ Ascension, Richmond |
Christ Church, Spotsylvania |
Ch. of Our Redeemer, Aldie |
Emmanuel, Delaplane |
Emmanuel , Woodstock |
Good Shepherd , Burke |
Grace, Alexandria |
Grace, The Plains |
Holy Comforter, Richmond |
Iglesia de Santa Maria, Falls Church |
Resurrection, Alexandria |
St. Andrew’s, Richmond |
St. Andrew's, Mt. Jackson |
St. Barnabas' , Annandale |
St. Clare's, Goochland |
St. Clement, Alexandria |
St. Dunstan's, McLean |
St. James's, Richmond |
St. John's , West Point |
St. Mary's, Goochland |
St. Paul 's, Owen |
St. Peter's, Richmond |
St. Stephen's, Richmond |
Trinity, Upperville |
4. Regional Contacts
In 2004 the committee began a program of establishing a personal contact with each of the churches in the diocese. Each regional liaison has contacted parishes, and we have found this proactive contact is producing good results. Committee members plan to attend Regional Council meetings in the spring of 2006 to further publicize the work of this committee and to support the stewardship plan for the diocese.
5. Stewardship Satellite Workshops
The committee plans to initiate a series of satellite conferences in the late summer or early fall to advise parishes about the execution of fall annual giving programs. We plan to have these satellite conferences in six locations around the diocese.
6. TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship)
This year the Diocese of Virginia co-sponsored the TENS International Stewardship Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina in June. Our membership in this international network for the ministry of stewardship has provided us with excellent resources for stewardship ministry on the diocesan level. The TENS newsletter provides insights about our ministry, ideas for conference workshops, and a connection to other stewardship advisors.
7. Members
The committee has identified two new members from the Richmond area for membership and is looking for members from Regions 2, 14 and 15. The Committee is thankful for the new members who have brought enthusiasm, new skills, and new perspective to our work and for the long-time members who continue to serve in the ministry of stewardship.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve God through our stewardship ministry and pray that our efforts will continue to draw the parishioners of our diocese closer to Christ.
Respectfully submitted by
Elizabeth Keesee Henry, Chair
[TOP]
The months of quiet solitude have arrived at Shrine Mont. The cottages and hotel stand in silent vigil--sometimes shrouded in mist and snow. Occasionally, we seem to hear echoes of the past year’s summer sounds drifting in the cold mountain air.
The 2005 season kicked off in mid March with the volunteer Work-Weekend. This annual event grows every year with enthusiastic volunteers (over 30 in 2005!) who perform feats of great service to Shrine Mont. This includes grounds maintenance, painting, minor repairs and many other jobs suited to all abilities! Many thanks to Tom VonHemert, of St. Paul’s, Charlottesville, for coordinating this event.
Our office staff has settled into Portlock House for the winter and continues to stay busy sending out Reservation Confirmations and planning events for 2006. The 2005 season was the first full year using the new EventPro reservation system. It proved to be of great benefit for the more efficient handling of the more than 550 parish retreats, conferences and individual reservations.
Major projects in 2005 included the installation of new carpeting in the Virginia House. It certainly warms up the appearance of the lobby and has received many compliments. The on-going painting maintenance for 2005 included the 7 Hotel Cottages, Old Rec. Hall and Chilton Hall, St. Andrew’s Cottage, and Meade Cottage. Ed and Ellen Hardy of St. Stephen’s, Richmond, continued to work landscape magic with their many dedicated hours at Shrine Mont.
In 2005 we welcomed a familiar face to Shrine Mont and Diocesan Programs with the arrival of Carolyn Chilton. Her programming duties at Shrine Mont will include continuing our many long-standing traditional camps and conferences as well as pursuing new opportunities for people to enjoy Shrine Mont. She is a direct contact for organizing and planning successful parish retreats at SM.
The 16th Annual 4 th of July Bishop’s Bluegrass Concert was an unprecedented success with an all-time attendance record. The 7th annual “Tee with the Bishops” Golf Tournament also had a good turn out. Shrine Mont would like to thank Bishop Jones for supporting our annual golf outing, which once again raised over $2,500 toward the Shrine Mont Foundation.
Out of 37,000 total camper days in 2005, (calculated at 1 night/3 meals) over 7,400 were Diocesan youth programs and over 2,700 were Diocesan sponsored adult programs. Shrine Mont held Clergy/Lay professional conferences from 3 Episcopal Dioceses’ ( Virginia, Washington, and Southern Virginia).
Shrine Mont ’s mission is to be a “place apart—for rest devotion and fellowship”. With the support of our kitchen, housekeeping and maintenance staffs, camp staff and Diocesan staff members, we endeavor to achieve our mission of serving those who seek “a place apart”.
Respectfully submitted by
Kevin Moomaw, Director of Operations
[TOP]
The mission of The Parish Youth Ministries (PYM) is to enable young people to be full and active participants in the life of the church. This mission has three main objectives within the Diocese of Virginia:
In the last two years PYM has gone from two weekend events a year to three weekend events. The addition of 8 th grade in the weekend in the fall has met with great success. Up from 60 to 110 participants the second year filling St. George’s camp to capacity the last weekend in September with 8 th graders and their adult sponsors. PYM has changed the later Junior High weekend to a strictly a 6-7 th grade weekend. The Senior High weekend is still in the spring. The Rev. Philip Craig was a very popular Keynoter.
PYM meets on the second Monday of each month from September through May, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 in Fredericksburg. Two overnights for event planning are held as well, one in the fall and one in the spring. Participates are occasionally ask to attend other Diocesan events, such as Annual Council. The PYM Committee has a total of 30 members
The Diocese of Virginia was represented by The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones and 12 young people and adults The Episcopal Youth Event in Berea Kentucky for a week in July. Ms. Tucker Harris and Mr. Thomas Eaves the committee co-Chairs represented the Diocese of Virginia at the Province 3 meeting in Martinsburg West Virginia.
The Theme for the 2005-2006 school year was “Mi Casa Es su casa” or Matthew 10:40.
Respectfully submitted by
The Rev. Percy Grant, Coordinator
[TOP]
Hopefully, each parish has seen the fruits of our labors. The committee met three times this year and constructed a tri-fold brochure to be sent to the clergy in each parish. These were sent out just after Christmas. The brochure explains parish nursing and what it could mean to a parish to have a trained parish nurse with them. It invites a clergy person to e-mail or call one of the committee members if he or she is interested in learning more about the program.
The committee divided up the Diocese by region and the committee member closest to the region sent out the brochure. It is hoped that when the response comes back the parish nurse can actually visit the parish and assist them in starting a program.
The committee also prepared a packet of helpful information including a how-to-get- started sheet to be sent out or taken to the interested clergy person.
If you have a trained parish nurse now working in your church please contact one of us so we can support this person. We hope to have a Diocesan Parish Nurse Day this next year with programs of interest.
The committee members with contact information are:
Helen Zebarth, Region 14, nurse@christchurchwinchester.org, 1-540-662-5843, ext.207
Alice Glover, Region 1, ARN808@cox.net, 1-540-373-2996
Carol Heddleston, Region 6, cheddleston@comcast.net, 1-703-339-6572
Anne Parker, Region 1, fourbends@msn.com, 1-540-582-5033
Betty Robbins, Region 6, bettyrobbins@comcast.net, 1-703-330-8442, ext.23
Please contact us as we are eager to get your program started.
Respectfully submitted by
Helen Zebarth, Chair
[TOP]
Diocesan Committee on Mental Health
During 2005 representatives from the Mental Health Committee had the opportunity to give presentations to many of the regional councils throughout the Diocese and we will continue this effort in the coming year. While one in four families is affected by mental illness, many continue to struggle in silence because of the stigma associated with these conditions. People just don’t know how to broach this difficult topic. Consequently, we have enjoyed a positive response to our presentations and found that once a dialogue about mental illness is initiated, lay people and clergy have a lot to say about how their lives and congregations have been impacted by this issue.
Our committee has strived to develop the roles of regional representatives so they can provide information about resources that address specific questions and needs as they arise throughout the Diocese. We have connected individuals with service providers in their community and offered educational opportunities. In the coming year we plan to continue to expand the contributions our representatives are making throughout the Diocese by facilitating workshops and seminars that promote understanding of mental illness.
We introduced our website (http://mentalhealth.thediocese.net) during last year’s Council, and are pleased to see that parishes are taking advantage of the opportunity to communicate events and programs related to mental health support and advocacy. As more people learn about our website and become regular visitors we anticipate an increase in the events posted. Our hope is that other parishes will be inspired to emulate similar events in their own communities, and that the churches can share their experiences to assist in the implementation of these programs.
In anticipation of the 2006 Council our committee has planned to host a “Retreat Suite” at the Marriott Hotel in Richmond where we will offer several workshops. While planning continues at this writing our goal is to provide delegates and other participants with a respite from the hectic pace of Council by sponsoring events and programs to facilitate stress reduction and spiritual nourishment.
Our strategic goal for 2006 is to formulate a proposal for a seminar type class at VTS to educate future clergy about mental health topics and prepare them to effectively address these issues as they arise in their ministries. We have identified a core group that includes both clergy and mental health professionals to commence work on this proposal in the spring.
Claire Williams (St. Barnabas’, Annandale) and Barbara Ambrose (St. Bartholomew’s, Richmond) served as Co-Chairman of the Committee in 2005. Claire will be stepping out of this role in 2006, though she will continue to work with the committee for another year until her term expires. We are in the process of electing a new co-chair. Sharon Boivan (St. Gabriel’s Ashburn) serves as treasurer, Martha Toomey (Emmanuel, Deleplane) serves as secretary, and Henry Stribling (St. James’, Leesburg) serves as webmaster. While one member rotates off in 2006 we have identified a member of the clergy who will apply for that vacancy so we will continue to have nine members.
Respectfully submitted by
Barbara Ambrose and Claire Williams, Co-Chairs
[TOP]
Education for Ministry (EFM) is a thriving program of lay theological education in the Diocese of Virginia. In 2005 there were 54 EFM groups enrolling 390 active students with 77 active mentors. To date 893 persons have completed all four years of EFM.
EFM mentor training was held at the Roslyn Conference Center in Richmond, Virginia in August, 2005. Six mentor training groups were offered and over sixty persons from several dioceses participated in basic and formation training. In addition, a mentor training was held on the campus of Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria in October, 2005. Our 2006 mentor trainings will be in Leesburg, Virginia in January, 2006 and at Roslyn July 13-15, 2006. Additional trainings will be scheduled as needed.
As volunteer diocesan coordinator, I can put prospective students in touch with mentors and groups, assist churches in forming EFM groups, and help group mentors locate participants. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way (804/334-7821).
Respectfully submitted by
The Rev. Dr. Jo-Ann R. Murphy
[TOP]
Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ:
The Episcopal Church Women organization continues to prayerfully educate, inspire and uplift the women in our diocese.
During my three-year term we have continued to focus on “Women and Children in Crisis”. Our annual meeting in October at St. Paul’s Richmond was no exception. We were honored to have Bishop Lee with us and are very thankful for his support for the women and the work we do in the diocese.
We encourage the women to support our ministries for we know, “Together, we are making a difference”. I am very proud of the work they have done and the financial support they have provided.
To date our total amount received to support our mission and ministry objectives is $52,427.40.
Our annual meeting at St. Paul’s brought in $2,380.00 for our Viva Voce recipients and Communion Alms totaled $3,353.50.
Our current “Call to Action” project is the transitional home for women coming out of prison which is located and being renovated as we speak on Dill Avenue here in Richmond. This ecumenical project has captured the hearts of many women throughout the diocese and we now have $8,270.35 collected toward our $5,000 per year commitment for three years.
Our newly formed Dominican Republic partnership now has $2,652.50 in the account.
Seven children will receive scholarships for education due to the designation of $250 per year for a child to attend an Episcopal School in the DR.
We are proud of the women in the diocese for holding up our scholarship fund for college students and seminarians. We were able to contribute $4,500.00 this year to help with the costs of their education.
Our United Thank Offering approximate total for this year is $148,000.00
Well, there you have the numbers. I remind you that these figures do not include the amounts given to their community and church. Women are in the kitchen, at the bake sales, bazaars, knitting to raise money to support these ministries; however, we continue to encourage them to come together for bible study and spiritual nurturing. We ask them to focus on why they do these things knowing that keeping their work centered on God’s call to them will strengthen their sisterhood and bring more women together.
It has been a privilege to serve the women in this diocese. I will be forever grateful to Bishop Lee for giving me this opportunity.
Mrs. Anna Lou Flynn will be your new president. I have worked with her for many years and her love for the Lord and women’s ministries shows in everything she does.
She will serve you well.
Faithfully in Christ,
Pat Piland, President
[TOP]
Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission
In our mission statement we affirm that when we are baptized into our Lord Jesus Christ, we belong to him and we are united to all who belong to him. So we affirm: unity exists as our gift; division exists by our making. Believing this mandates our ecumenical mission to restore all people to unity with God and each other as described in our catechism. Because we belong to Christ, who asks us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and who has brought us peace, we seek to nurture interfaith relationships to empower peace and justice in our world.
During 2005 we have sought to fulfill this mission in some of the following ways:
We are grateful to our Diocese for supporting our effort to honor our Lord’s prayer in John 17 “that we all may be one so that the world may believe.”
Respectfully submitted by
The Rev. Charles R. Sydnor, Jr., Ecumenical Officer
[TOP]
Commission on Congregational Missions
The purpose of the Commission on Congregational Missions (CCM) is to assist the Bishop Suffragan in his oversight of Diocesan Missions. There are currently 17 lay and clerical members, appointed by Bishop Jones. Each member serves as liaison to one or more mission churches.
In order for all liaisons to become more familiar with the successes and issues of mission churches, each meeting of the Commission takes place at a different church. We hear a report from the church’s leadership as well as reports from the members on their assigned parishes. Each liaison participates in preparing the budget and request for funds, if any, for the church(es) assigned to her or him.
By special request of the Commission, Clint Rose, a member of St James the Less, Ashland, visited 22 of the mission churches and prepared a detailed report of the condition of each. This report helps the Commission understand the present condition of the physical plants and to prioritize the allocation of funds. The Commission is deeply indebted to Mr. Rose for his work on behalf of the Diocese.
In the spring of 2006, CCM will host a Small Church Conference to which vicars and lay leaders are invited. This conference provides the opportunity to share successes and challenges as well as to hear from Bishop Jones and others on ways they can grow their mission.
Respectfully submitted by
Richard Shirey, Chair
[TOP]
Commission for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
The Commission on the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct sees its charge as two-fold: to educate the people of the Diocese in ways to make our churches safer places for all God’s children, and to respond, in consultation with the bishop, to allegations of misconduct. We are grateful that our work is primarily educational.
Beginning at Annual Council, the Commission worked this year to distribute the new manual on Policies and Procedures. Each church should have two copies. This manual is designed to be easier to use. Separate sections deal with such areas as hiring new employees, safe practices for a variety of ministry positions, and how to report a case of suspected child abuse. Commission members are available to attend regional and clericus meetings to introduce the use of this manual to church leaders.
Having revised the training for the Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct, we trained eight clergy and lay leaders to lead the trainings. We began offering trainings at a variety of locations in the diocese. Now that the training is available once again, congregations are reminded that this training, as well as the training for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, is required of all paid employees.
We have continued to offer the trainings for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, making use of the new materials “Safeguarding God’s Children.” We have increased the number of trainers to 17 and offered over 15 trainings for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse this year. In addition to the trainings offered in various parts of the diocese, commission members lead the training for both the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and the Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct for students at Virginia Theological Seminary.
This year I attended the annual conference of the Nathan Network, an international group whose vision is to serve the Church by providing support to those engaged in preventing and/or responding to misconduct
Our goals for 2006 include making the trainings and manuals available in Spanish and making the new Policy and Procedures Manual available online through the diocesan website. Two members new to the Commission are fluent in Spanish and will help us achieve this goal.
Respectfully submitted by
The Rev. Jackie Thomson, Chair
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The Committee on Aging was very active in 2005. We began the year by presenting the Biggar-Power Award to The Savvy Senior Ministry of Christ Church, Alexandria. This award recognizes an older adult ministry in the diocese for its excellence. It is named for two of our former committee chairs, The Rev. Dr. Jeanne Biggar and Mrs. Betsy Power.
With Region 15, and Church of our Saviour, Charlottesville, we sponsored a Morning on Aging from 9am-12 noon at Church of our Saviour on May 7. This was an opportunity to hear various speakers regarding aging issues--medical, legal, Alzheimer’s disease and community resources. During the year, the committee published articles in the diocesan paper on issues pertaining to aging.
On May 25, during Older American’s Month, the committee held its annual Celebration of Longevity at Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury. The Rev. Charles Johnson was the preacher. This service honors those over the age of 90.
Bishop Lee joined the committee and couples married fifty years or more on June 22 at Shenandoah Westminster Canterbury in a celebration that included the renewal of marriage vows and a reception. In addition, Bishop Lee graciously took Eucharist and visited couples at Westminster Canterbury who were not well enough to attend the service. In addition to a certificate, the couples were given roses.
The committee joined with the Tri-Diocesan Council on two occasions. The first was to prepare materials for use by the congregations of the three dioceses in Virginia during Older American’s Month. The second time was for the annual Fall Camp at Shrine Mont October 17-20. Phyllis Tickle, a leading authority on religion in America was the keynote speaker. The Rev. Tony Lewis from Virginia Seminary served as Chaplain, and Ed Kilbourne returned as our Folk Theologian-Musician.
The year 2006 looks to be an active year as well. Planning for Fall Camp is underway. It will be held October 23-26 at Shrine Mont. H.R. Moody, Director of the Office of Academic Affairs for AARP, is the keynote speaker. He is also the author of The Five Stages of the Soul, and Editor of The Human Values in Aging Newsletter. The Chaplain will be The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, Assistant Bishop of Newark. She is the first Native American woman to be consecrated as bishop. Ed Kilbourne returns. The committee will again sponsor the Longevity and 50th Anniversary Celebrations. Another educational event is in the planning stage, and we will continue to have articles in the diocesan paper.
The Committee on Aging is available to assist regions and congregations in establishing older adult ministry or supporting on-going ministry. After all, from the moment of our birth, we are aging.
Respectfully submitted by
The Committee on Aging
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