In 2007, Region I continued its work of service and fellowship among its member churches. We held four meetings spread throughout the year and had meaningful programs at each of these. The programs included a review of the 2007 Annual Council, a presentation on campus ministries at the University of Mary Washington, a lesson in the duties and responsibilities of being delegates to the Regional Council, and a presentation on the programs for the Aging in our Diocese.In May, the churches in the eastern section of the region participated in a joint Ascension Day service and dinner, hosted by St. Mary’s in Colonial Beach. This event was well attended and included a combined choir from the churches and participation in the service by lay and clergy from several of the churches. Mission has always been an important aspect of our work in Region I. Our Mission Committee receives grant requests, evaluates them, and presents their recommendations to the full Council for approval. This year, we made grants to the following organizations and individuals:
St. James, Louisa, $1,000 for a mission trip to the Gulf Coast.
Aquia Church, Stafford, $1,000 for a mission trip sponsored by the Group Workcamp Foundation to Port Jervis, New York.
Ann Upshaw, St. Peter’s, Port Royal, $600 for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
The Rev. Charles “Buck” Aiken, $500 toward pickup trucks for the Katrina rebuilding efforts.
In addition to these grants through our Mission Committee, we also made two grants to campus ministries at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg through line items in our budget:
Canterbury Club, $1,500, and
Campus Christian Community, $1,000.
This has been a very productive year for Region I, and we are looking forward to our work in 2008.
Submitted by
Jack A. Gaines, Jr., President, Region I Council
Bloomfield closed the year 2007 with grants in the amount of $115,000. The Board consistently tries to make a difference in the lives of physically disabled children, young adults and their families throughout the State of Virginia.
The challenges facing its recipients are daunting, and the Board is aware there is much additional work to be done to benefit them. Bloomfield invites inquiries, and the annual report of grants will be available at the Bloomfield exhibit at Council.
As Bloomfield has no salaried employees, all operational responsibilities are administered by its volunteer trustees. Only two percent of annual income is allocated for expenses such as postage, printing and audits.
Respectfully submitted by
Courtney G. Kohler, President
After the loss in 2006 of several planted churches and the chair of the commission and after the Missioner for Church Planting, The Rev. Victoria Heard moved to a similar position in the Diocese of Dallas, the Commission and its leader, the Rt. Rev. David C. Jones, revived the Commission’s work and addressed its future. Several changes were made. Lucy-Lee Reed was selected by the Commission to act as convener and chair and Tyler Fox was appointed as staff liaison. She generally meets weekly at the office with Tyler. Also added was the Rev. Paul G. “Chip” Gunsten, representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The schedule of 4-5 meetings per year (with one retreat held at Roslyn in early Advent) was maintained, but with added emphasis on annual face-to-face meetings with each Church Planter and his/her leadership team, where progress in all areas is reviewed.
The membership of the Commission is composed of:
Mrs. Lucy-Lee Reed, chair
The Rev. Jeunee Cunningham
The Rev. Paul G. "Chip" Gunsten
The Rev. Geoffrey Gwynne
The Rev. Paul Johnson
Mr. David Norton
Dr. Lissa Power-deFur
The Rev. John Thomas Sheehan
The Rev. Daniel "Peter" O. Worthington, Jr.
Mr. Tyler Fox, Staff Liaison
The present roster of Church Planters includes:
The Rev. Jeunée Cunningham, Vicar, St. Gabriel’s Church, Leesburg
The Rev. Rick Greenwood, Vicar, St. Clare's, Richmond
The Rev. Geoffrey Gwynne, Vicar, Christ the King Episcopal Church, Harrisonburg
The Rev. David Perkins, Vicar, All Souls Episcopal Church, Atlee
The Rev. Jesús Reyes, Vicar, La Iglesia de Santa Maria, Falls Church
The Rev. Richard Zalesak, Vicar, St. Francis, Goochland
The Church Plants in the Diocese of Virginia have had interesting and exciting events and progress in 2007. Two highlights were the visit of the Presiding Bishop, The Most. Rev. Katharine Jefferts-Schori, to La Iglesia de Santa Maria on Pentecost and the Ground-Breaking ceremony for St. Francis’ first building on November 4th.
Although these are lean times for church planting, we continue to strengthen and support the plants we have, and pray for that future major gift or gifts that will allow us to begin new plants once more.
Commission on Congregational Development and Revitalization
The Commission on Congregational Development and Revitalization was formed in 1994 with the mission to provide resources and tools to strengthen and revitalize existing congregations in The Diocese of Virginia.
The Commission has worked on transitions in leadership and ways to serve the parishes while also continuing certain programs during the 2007 year. We once again submitted recommendations to Bishop Lee and the Executive Board for eight Mustard Seed Grants in the amount of $143,714 to help those parishes in program and community development. The Bishop and Executive Board approved those recommendations.
The Commission also sponsored successful conferences such as Vestry Education Day and the “Healthy Congregations” workshops for clergy and lay leaders. Other events, such as the Magnetic Church Conference and “Beyond Sunday," had lower than anticipated registrations and the Commission is now exploring other avenues to help us better serve the Diocese through congregational development.
The Commission sponsors the “Church Tool Box” Web site and is currently studying ways to build up the Web site (www.churchtoolbox.org). We are also working to assist the deployment office and parishes with the Percept programs. The Commission is working with diocesan staff to set up a new network of congregational consultants to help clergy and vestries with strategic and long range planning and other areas of administration and organization. The Commission is also reviewing other ways to offer programs, training, consulting, and basic development information.
In September, The Rev. David Keill stepped down as chair. The Rev. Webster Gibson was appointed chair. Carolyn Chilton is the Diocesan contact to the Commission.
The Commission on Congregational Missions (CCM) assists the Bishop Suffragan in his oversight of Diocesan Missions. There are 17 lay and clerical members, appointed by Bishop Jones, each of whom serves as liaison to one or more mission churches.
In order for the liaisons to become more familiar with the issues and successes of the mission churches, each meeting takes place at a different mission church where the Commission hears from the leadership of the host church. The liaisons report on their assigned parishes. Each liaison participates in the preparation of the individual church’s budget and request for funds.
The Latino Task Force, a subcommittee of CCM and Church Planting, will present a five-year plan to the Executive Board during 2008 and to Council in 2009.
Again, CCM will host a Small Church Day to which vicars and lay leaders of all small churches in the Diocese are invited. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with and listen to Bishop Johnston and to visit and learn from each other.
During 2008, CCM will partner with the Diocesan Stewardship Commission to assist churches in developing and implementing long range stewardship programs.
In fulfillment of our mission to respond to the ecumenical imperative of our Lord Jesus Christ’s prayer that we all may be one and to nurture interfaith relationships of respect and understanding, the Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission (DEIC) was engaged in the following activities in 2007.
A major focus of our time has been spent in meeting with Lutheran representatives for the planning of a Joint Lutheran/Episcopal Clergy Conference for the Commonwealth which will take place at Shrine Mont April 7-9, 2008. In keeping with our commitment to Full Communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this conference will help clergy understand the doctrine and practices of our respective denominations and equip them to serve in each other’s churches where desired and needed. We are fortunate to have the National Ecumenical Executives of both denominations serving as our presenters: The Rev. Donald McCoid of the ELCA (Bishop Emeritus of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA), and The Rt. Rev. Christopher Epting of TEC. Bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Dioceses of Virginia, the Metro and Virginia Synods of the ELCA, and the Diocese of Washington D. C., are invited to share in this opportunity.
Our last General Convention approved Interim Eucharistic Sharing with the United Methodist Church when authorized by the Bishops of both denominations. Bishops Lee, Jones, along with Bishop Ted Schneider of the ELCA and Bishop Charlene Kammerer of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, shared in a joint celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the National Workshop on Christian Unity in Arlington in January 2007. A very user friendly five session study guide, “Make Us One with Christ”, designed to help Methodists and Episcopalians get to know each other, is now available online. We encourage Methodist and Episcopal Churches in proximity to use this means of understanding each other.
Members of DEIC shared in the LARCUM Conference featuring the Dr. Ted Campbell of the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University who focused on the theme, The Gospel: The Heart of Christian Unity, and also witnessed the signing of our statewide LARCUM Covenant by Bishop Shannon Johnston.
DEIC members grew in our understanding of interfaith relationships as we attended the Joint Annual Ecumenical Retreat of the Virginia Council of Churches with Dr. Shanta Premawardhana, then Associate General Secretary for Interfaith Relations of the National Council of Churches. He guided us in looking at how forgiveness, justice and reconciliation are understood and practiced in other faith traditions.
Members of our commission attended the Annual National Workshop on Christian Unity in Arlington, VA which equips us to understand ecumenical developments at both the national and international levels. This workshop meets by invitation in various locations with 2008 being in Chicago, and the 2009 workshop in Phoenix, Chaired by our Co-Chair, The Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Agnew. He also serves as Ecumenical Coordinator for Province III of TEC.
Members of DEIC welcome and seek the opportunity to speak to each Regional Council at least annually on our current ecumenical commitments and interfaith developments.
We give thanks for the ministry of John Seidel, the first Lutheran member for our commission with voice and vote, and wish him every blessing in his retirement.
Submitted by
The Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Agnew
The Rev. Charles R. Sydnor, Jr.
Co-Chairs of DEIC
Our Mission
The Committee on Education is creating opportunities for Christian educators in the Diocese to build community by inviting all to a common table to be fed, and to feed others.
Objectives that may help achieve the Committee’s mission are:
Hosting regional lunches/dinners
Simply Education Day
Articles (Virginia Episcopalian, e-Communique)
Committee members as available resources
2007 Committee Activities Regional Meetings for Christian Educators – The committee meets with Directors of Christian Education and others responsible for Christian Education (all ages) throughout the diocese to establish contacts, assess wants and needs, and provide resources. In 2007 we met with Christian Educators in the Richmond area on Wednesday, October 10.
The Committee held a retreat at Mayo House in September. We spent time discussing our summer reading, Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen and Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral by Charlotte Hays and Gaydon Metcalfe. We have the beginnings of a resource notebook for educators that we hope to finalize in 2008.
Simply Education Day – This one-day event took place at Immanuel on-the-Hill, Alexandria and its focus was practical help for Christian educators through resources and sharing of ideas. Educators came to this retreat for practical help in training and resources in the field of Christian Education – and all in an environment of prayer and fellowship. Workshop leaders include:
Adult Education: The Rev. Susan E. Goff
New DCE’s: Kellee Wattenbarger
Volunteers: The Rev. Anne West
VBS: Lori Daniels
Christian Education for Youth: Mary Beth Emerson
2008 Plans
We will continue to interact with educators around the Diocese by continuing regional meetings in Northern Virginia and the Northern Neck. Simply Education Day will be offered on Saturday, April 12 at St. Christopher’s, Springfield for educators in our Diocese. We will continue to refine a resource notebook for educators for distribution in 2008.
Submitted by:
Vicky W. Koch, chair, Committee on Education
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a thriving program of lay theological education in The Diocese of Virginia. In 2007 there were 49 groups enrolling 367 active students with 65 active mentors. To date 995 persons have completed all four years of EfM. Because Virginia is a sponsoring diocese, students here receive a reduced tuition rate.
EfM mentor training was held in Alexandria in March and at the Roslyn Conference Center in Richmond in July, 2007. In July six mentor training groups were offered (four Basic/In-Service and two Formation groups). Over 50 people from several dioceses participated. Additional trainings are scheduled as requested. The next scheduled training will be in July, 2008, again at Roslyn in Richmond. Possibly we will offer a Basic/In Service training in Northern Virginia in the spring.
As diocesan coordinator I can put prospective students in touch with mentors and groups, help churches in forming EfM groups, and aid mentors in locating participants. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Jo-Ann R. Murphy,
Diocesan Coordinator
Your diocesan Task Force on Emergency Preparedness has spent the past year gathering information from other dioceses; Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), the General Church’s disaster response arm; and from the many partnering organizations of the Virginia and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs). We follow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) “all-hazards” approach to emergency planning and preparedness, which involves the recognition that disasters can be natural (floods, dam failures, weather-related, pandemic influenza); technical (nuclear accidents and incidents, Hazardous Materials [HazMat] spills, widespread power grid failures, and the like; or intentional (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosives [CBRNE] attacks, cyber-terrorism, agro-terrorism, or other intentional acts intended to disrupt our way of life and threaten our security.) We have studied concept of operations (ConOps) plans and continuity of operations (COOP) plans from corporate, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). We have been involved with the planning, execution, and evaluation of preparedness exercises at the local, regional, Statewide, and National levels. We have gathered an enormous amount of information and are poised to accomplish the following goals in 2008:
Compile and disseminate the data we have gathered in such a way that each congregation in this diocese can develop its own all-hazards preparedness plan
Work within the regional structure to ensure that each congregation is partnered with its local emergency management agency (EMA) or office of emergency management (OEM) and that each region has a preparedness liaison who is the point of contact (POC) with each EMA or OEM in that region
Seek invitations to visit regional councils and individual parishes to promote affiliation with such local volunteer organizations as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), local law enforcement and emergency medical auxiliaries, and the parish nurse program
Provide facilitation to diocesan leadership in the formulation of COOP and continuity of government (COG) plans for Mayo House, Shrine Mont, Roslyn, and other diocesan entities
For more information about the work of this task force, or to arrange for a member of the task force to visit your congregation or regional council, please contact the Rev. Pete Gustin at 703-442-4152 or at Peter.Gustin@L-3Com.com
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Pete Gustin, chair,
Christ Church, Lucketts
The Episcopal Church Women of our Diocese have had a fulfilling year, and despite the challenges facing the greater church, have continued to focus on our mission.
Spring Open Board Meeting, May 22, 2007: Church of the Epiphany, Richmond, hosted the spring meeting. The theme of the day was “Touching Lives…Making a Difference.” The Rev. Lauren Stanley, Missionary of the National Episcopal Church to Sudan, spoke movingly about her work in Darfur and suggested ways we can support her ministry. Beblon Parks, Vice President, Program, spoke about Millennium Development Goals and how the Episcopal Church Women are already achieving many of these goals through our current ministries. Joining us for parts of the day were the Rt. Rev. Peter Lee, the Rt. Rev. David Jones, Patrick Getlein, Secretary of the Diocese and several other diocesan staff members.
The consecration of Bishop Coadjutor Shannon Sherwood Johnston took place at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 26, 2007. In keeping with past tradition the Episcopal Church Women, through contributions to the Altar Guild Fund, furnished Bishop Johnston’s vestments (Rochet and Chemire). As the president, it was my privilege to represent the ECW, present the vestments and help vest Bishop Johnston during the installation service.
The Virginia Historical Society held a pre-exhibit reception for the July 19, 2007-January 13, 2008 exhibit celebrating 400 years of Anglicanism in Virginia. The black onyx cross (1890) originally worn by our founder, Miss Sallie Stuart, was part of the exhibit.
The United Thank Offering National Committee held a “Face to Face” training session and meeting at Roslyn, August 9-11, 2007. Our ECW Board hosted this gathering, providing transportation needs and several receptions. Presentations were made to the committee by prior United Thank Offering Grant recipients from our Diocese – The Rev. Lynne Washington representing the Peter Paul Development Center, Richmond; and The Rev. Paul Parker and Ms. Denise Brown, representing The Dill House – Ecumenical Home for Women coming our of Prison (in partnership with ECW). The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston and his wife Ellen joined us for a reception and celebration of Holy Eucharist.
The 116th Annual Meeting and 118th United Thank Offering Ingathering was October 23, 2007. The women of All Saints, Richmond, were our gracious hostesses. The theme of the day was “God’s Gift of Hospitality”…Feeding our Spirit. The keynote speaker was the Very Reverend Martha J. Horne, Dean and President Emeritus of Virginia theological Seminary. The Rt. Rev. Peter Lee and the Rt. Rev. David Jones joined us for the meeting and Holy Eucharist. The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston was our celebrant for Holy Eucharist and gave a challenging sermon.
The Episcopal Church Women adopted a new Constitution and By-Laws. We heard an update from Jennifer Ernst, Hope for Humanity (Sudan Ministry). New board members were elected.
Communion Alms were given to the Diocesan Commission on World Mission and the ECW Fund for Scholarships.
Continuing our focus on women and children at risk, the Vive Voce contributions (“by word of mouth’) was given to the following:
Clare’s Kids Camp, Richmond – a two week, cross-cultural, tuition-free weekday camp. Mary’s House of Hope, Purcellville – provides shelter, counseling, education, love and
support to homeless women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. The Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond – dedicated to providing
compassionate care and practical assistance to teenagers and women who are unprepared for
pregnancy. The Congregational-Community Action Project, Front Royal – provides emergency
assistance such as food, clothing and limited emergency financial assistance to the needy.
Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese made it possible for $5,700 to be awarded to eight students for beginning or continuing their college education.
As we continue to encourage women to become active in the organization, we held an “ECW Meet and Greet” at Trinity Episcopal Church, Upperville. We also prepared ministry information packets for new clergy in the Diocese.
Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese both met and exceeded its pledge of $5,000 per year for three years to Dill House, a transitional home for women coming out of prison. This year’s gift made a total of $26,000. In partnership with the Daughters of Zelophehad, the ECW has helped to empower homeless women to move from poverty to economic self-sufficiency, from psychological dependency to strength, independence and responsibility.
Mission trips were taken to both South Africa and the Dominican Republic in 2007. We continue to support the Mother’s Union in South Africa and give scholarships for children in the Dominican Republic.
The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Virginia
with the grace of the Holy Spirit
share the love of God by making Christ known in the world,
through prayer, education, concern for others and joyful service.
In 2007, the Diocesan Commission on Human Need met to consider applications for grants from the Fund for Human Need and the Mustard Seed Fund. The purpose of both of these grant programs is to encourage local involvement in outreach projects, implement new initiatives for mission and ministry, and to challenge church leaders to dream ‘big.’
Eight grants were awarded from the Fund for Human Need, totaling $32,665 grant recipients included:
St. Barnabas, Annandale,
ESOL Project, $5,000
St. Paul’s, Bailey’s Crossroads (Falls Church),
RIDES – A Transportation Ministry, $3,165
St. David’s Community Development Center (CDC), Aylett,
Replacement of Freezers and Refrigerators, $5,000
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria,
Lazarus Ministry, Pilot Program for Dispensing Interest-Free
Emergency Assistance Loans, $5,000
St. Thomas, Richmond,
Health and Wellness Curriculum, $500
St. Andrew’s School, Richmond,
After School Homework Club, $4,000
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Richmond,
Isibindi Project Safe Park, $5,000
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria,
Housing Justice Action Network, $5,000
Grants from the Fund for Human Need are provided through a small endowment fund managed by the Trustees of the Funds and annual gifts given by churches and individuals. Because the administrative costs for the Commission on Human Need are borne by the budget of the Diocese, 100 percent of gifts given for the Fund for Human Need may be dispensed as grants.
In 2007 the Commission offered a small silent auction at Annual Council to benefit the Fund for Human Need. Because of this trial project’s success, a larger silent auction was planned for the 213th Annual Council. Gifts for the Fund for Human Need are welcomed from both individuals and churches.
Five outreach grants were awarded from the Mustard Seed Fund, totally $54,973. These included:
Calvary Episcopal Church, Front Royal,
Congregational-Community Assistance Program (C-CAP) Relocation Project, $8,000
Emmanuel Episcopal Church at Brook Hill, Richmond,
Bryan Education Center Improvement Project – Children’s Music Program, $10,000
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Richmond,
Growing St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, $29,973
St. Luke’s Church, Alexandria,
VIC Housing, Inc. Strategic Planning, $5,000
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Heathsville,
Outreach Program Development, $2,000 initially, and up to an additional $5,500
Mustard Seed Fund outreach grants are one facet of the larger Mustard Seed grant program, which assists local parishes of the Diocese of Virginia in four program areas: youth programming, outreach, strengthening of local congregations, and missions.
During the coming year, in addition to meeting to consider new Mustard Seed and Fund for Human Need grant applications, the Commission on Human Need will be offering several idea-sharing opportunities for churches and individuals involved in specific outreach ministries—ESOL programs, feeding programs, and general outreach.
The diocesan staff liaison for the Commission on Human Need is Patricia Bjorling, Director of Stewardship and Development.
The Diocesan Mental Health Committee is pleased to report that our ministry of advocacy and education has enjoyed a fruitful 2007. At Council we introduced our workshop template for “Depression and Bipolar Disorders” as the first offering in a series entitled Families Throughout the Lifespan. The workshop template includes a lesson plan, Power Point slideshow, devotional materials and additional resources and is available on CD and on our website at http://mentalhealth.thedioces.net. Our second offering on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is in development and should be available later this year.
Our membership recruitment initiative was successful and we have increased our membership to nine individuals consisting clergy and lay leaders from throughout the Diocese. These members bring a wide array of professional and personal experience in addressing issues related to the mentally ill, as well as tremendous energy and enthusiasm for promoting this ministry in the Diocese. We also welcomed Carolyn Chilton as our Diocesan Liaison.
In the wake of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, the committee provided a statement that was distributed throughout the Diocese in an e-Communique. Members have had the opportunity to visit parishes and lead conversations about topics related to mental health. We have also had the opportunity to assist parishes in planning events and educational programs. We hope that an increasing number of parishes will look to us as a resource for planning workshops, coffee hours and other gatherings where mental health issues can be discussed in an informative and compassionate manner.
Grace Robbins has become our new webmaster and we look forward to making our website an even more powerful resource for the Diocese. We invite parishes to send us information about events in their communities that provide advocacy, education, and assistance to the mentally ill. We also plan to include success stories where parishes have addressed some of the challenges associated mental illness in creative and empowering ways.
The members of the Mental Health Committee express their gratitude to the Diocese for making this ministry possible. While there will always be much work to be done, we feel very privileged for each opportunity to provide educational opportunities, or even just an understanding ear to our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Virginia.
Commission for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
Thankfully, the primary work of the Commission continues to be providing trainings for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and for the Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct. Over 30 trainings were offered throughout the Diocese, and Commission trainers also offered both child and adult trainings for the students at Virginia Theological Seminary. We continue to work on training new trainers, especially those in regions of the diocese not currently served by trainers. The training for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse is now available and has been offered in Spanish.
In October, I attended a pilot training of trainers in “Safeguarding God’s People,” a new program for the prevention of adult sexual misconduct developed by Church Insurance Group and Praesidium (the same folks who designed “Safeguarding God’s Children”) . The program will be available early in 2008 and is more inclusive of lay people.
Congregations are reminded that both trainings are required of all paid employees. The Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse training is also required of all volunteers who work with children and youth at any time other than Sunday morning.
A new policy, effective September 1, 2006, requires all adults who go on mission trips involving children or youth to take the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Training and for the designated leaders of mission trips to take the Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct Training as well.
The Policy and Procedures Manual is available online through the diocesan Web site. An up-to-date list of trainings is also available on the Web site.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Jacqueline C. Thomson, chair
The Commission for South African Partnership (CSAP) seeks to foster and deepen relationships between the people of the Diocese of Virginia and the Diocese of Christ the King (South Africa).
Background: The Partnership arose out of the friendship between two Peter Lees, and officially formed when Bishop and Mrs. Peter James Lee traveled to South Africa in 1990 to attend the consecration of Bishop Peter John Lee, the first Bishop of the new diocese of Christ the King. This diocese was created to serve a rapidly increasing population in an area just south of Johannesburg stretching from the southern suburbs of that city to the Vaal River. It is bordered by the Southwest Township (SOWETO) and the Cape Town Freeway. A high percentage of its residents live in poverty and many of its churches meet in schools or even open air sheds. Since the establishment of this Commission in 1991, a number of spiritual and cultural exchanges and visits have been conducted for both clergy and lay persons with the purpose of fostering relationships and understanding.
2006-2007: The highlight for CSAP in 2006 was the September Ubuntu conference at St. Philip’s, Richmond, attended by more than 40 people and featuring as keynote speaker the Rev. Martha McGill, previously from our diocese, now serving in Maryland, who spend three years serving in Christ the King, South Africa. The conference also included a showing of the film “Yesterday” depicting the many struggles in South Africa and a panel discussion with audience participation. The panel included John Daniels, a VTS seminarian who recently visited Christ the King.
The Commission partners with ECW-South African Partnership in many ways in order to highlight and support the many ministries of our sister diocese, Christ the King. Our joint annual diocesan display, complete with South African handicrafts, written materials, and digital slide shows, helps to bring awareness of this important mission to hundreds of Council attendees.
In 2007, the Council also added a new church, Emmanuel (Rapidan) to its list of churches in our diocese seeking to partner with parishes in Christ the King, and the educational work of the Commission has also led to significant outreach by individual churches to mission projects in Christ the King, including St. Mary’s Children’s Home providing respite care for children of families in crisis.
During this period, the Commission continued its financial contributions to a scholarship for a South African female seminarian, Maureen Sims, who was ordained deacon in 2007. In addition, CSAP has continued financial support for lay ministry training, as well as continuing its prayers for the workers and parishioners in this diocese, and its work in fostering new church partnerships.
The Commission is looking forward to a mission trip to Christ the King in 2009.
You are invited to visit Christ the King’s web site http://www.christthekinddiocese-anglican.org to learn more about their exciting activities and their indomitable spirit that ignites us in this partnership.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Jeunee Cunningham, Chair
Commission on South Africa
During 2007, the Standing Committee sought to serve our bishops, the clergy and people of our diocese and the wider church. Much of the work of the Standing Committee focused on our normal duties regarding the ordination process, applications for parish indebtedness, and serving as a council of advice to our bishop. I hope to give you an overall sense of our work this past year by highlighting certain aspects of our duties. A complete list of our official acts will be included in the Journal of this Council.
First, it is my privilege to introduce the members of the Standing Committee. You can read about the duties of Standing Committees in the Canons, but that which defines the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Virginia is the commitment of its members to serve tirelessly for the benefit of our shared ministry and to the glory of God. With much gratitude, I thank the members of the committee for all that they did in 2007. Please stand as I read your names: the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, Mr. Dick Shirey, Mr. Henry Burt, Ms. Sarah Bartenstein, Mr. John Keith, the Rev. Melana Nelson-Amaker, the Rev. David May, Mrs. Martha High, Mr. Alex Slaughter, the Rev. Daniel Robayo, and the Rev. Susan Goff. Thank you for your service.
Each year, Council elects six clergy and five lay persons to serve on the Ecclesiastical Trial Court who by tradition are presented by the Standing Committee as a single slate. At this time, I call upon Sarah Bartenstein, secretary of the Standing Committee, to present the nominees for the Ecclesiastical Trial Court.
Mr. Julian Bivins, Trinity, Charlottesville
The Rev. Penelope Bridges, St. Francis, Great Falls
The Rev. Sue Eaves, St. Thomas, Richmond
The Rev. Melissa Hollerith, Chaplain, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond
Ms. Barbara Levy, St. John’s McLean
The Rev. John Ohmer, St. James’, Leesburg
Ms. Janet Peyton, St. James’s, Richmond
COL Jean Reed, Grace, Alexandria
The Rev. Alwin Reiners, Emmanuel Brook Hill, Richmond
Mr. Joseph Royster, Meade Memorial, Alexandria
The Rev. Beverly Weatherly, St. Andrew’s, Arlington
In 2007, the work of the Standing Committee involved matters relating to the election of Shannon Johnston to be our Bishop Coadjutor. The Standing Committee had the duty to call for consents for his ordination and consecration from the other Standing Committees of the Episcopal Church. Following the direction given to us by the Presiding Bishop’s office, we took great care to insure that the consents would be sent to us in a timely manner. When we had the required consents in hand, it was a joy to share that news with Bishop Johnston.
We maintained close contact with the Transition Committee, whom we had appointed in March 2006, as they completed their duties, which included planning the service of ordination and consecration held at the Washington National Cathedral on May 26, 2007. Having completed many tasks too numerous to mention, to ensure a smooth transition for Bishop and Mrs. Johnston, and with Bishop Lee leading us for a significant amount of time to come, in November the Standing Committee discharged the Transition Committee with enormous gratitude for their excellent work. Will the members of the Transition Committee who are present please stand as I read your names:
Ms. Cindi Bartol
Mr. Alan Foster, Sr.
Mr. Edward Jones
The Rev. Alwin Reiners
The Rev. Catherine Swann
Dr. David Charlton
The Rev. Charles Johnson
The Rev. Lucia Lloyd
Mr. Henry Stribling
Thank you for your service.
The Standing Committee has the joy of interviewing persons who are in the ordination process. Each year we are impressed by the variety of gifts that they bring and by their faith that has led them to seek ordination. Following a change in the national Canons at General Convention 2006, Standing Committees once again have the responsibility of approving individuals for Candidacy. We interviewed and approved ten men and women for Candidacy. We approved twelve for ordination to the diaconate. We approved thirteen persons for ordination to the priesthood.
It is also the duty of the Standing Committee, at the request of the bishop, to determine when a priest or deacon has abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church. In 2007, we determined that twenty-four had done so—twenty-two in January 2007 and two later in the year. Six mouths after an inhibition has been issued by the bishop, if the cleric has not made a good faith retraction in writing to the Bishop, the Standing Committee will determine whether to consent to the cleric’s removal from the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church. With enormous regret, the Standing Committee recommended the removal of twenty-two priests in 2007. We are grateful that one priest made a good faith retraction and had his inhibition lifted. Additionally, we accepted the renunciation of orders from one priest living outside of the diocese.
By diocesan canon, the Standing Committee serves as the Title IV Diocesan Review Committee when needed. When a priest or deacon is accused of a triable Offense under Title IV, Canon 1, the Diocesan Review Committee is charged with determining whether to bring a presentment against the priest or deacon. In 2007, the Standing Committee served as the Diocesan Review Committee in response to an allegation. In this case, the Diocesan Review Committee charged the Church Attorney to investigate the allegation and prepare a report. The investigation did not result in a presentment. In particular, we wish to thank Scott Caulkins for his excellent, thorough service as an investigating Church Attorney this year. Following the conclusion of the matter, the Standing Committee recognized that there may be an opportunity to clarify the process going forward by having a Diocesan Review Committee independent of the Standing Committee, which is permitted by the national canons. This would require an amendment of diocesan canons; we expect that next year’s Standing Committee will address this issue and bring a recommendation to the 214th Annual Council.
While difficult matters cannot be ignored, we do well to take time and appreciate the many grace-filled moments in our common life. One such moment came for me when in June when I represented the Standing Committee at a meeting of the leadership of our continuing congregations. I was struck by the faith, hope and joy evident in those who know that God is with them and that they have a mission to fulfill. Other members of the Committee have also meet with the leadership of the continuing congregations of the Falls Church (Episcopal), St. Stephen’s, Heathsville, St. Margaret’s, Woodbridge, and the Church of the Epiphany, Herndon. The Standing Committee supports their ministry whole-heartedly and will continue to assist when called upon to do so.
The Standing Committee supports the churches of our diocese by assisting them when they seek consent for indebtedness for the advancement of their ministry. In 2007, we consented to the requests of three churches to encumber the property held in trust for the diocese by taking on debt. Churches go through a lengthy process in preparation for application to the Standing Committee. We have the joy of hearing their presentations, which are filled with accounts of God’s grace.
In the area of work pertaining to the wider church, we offered a response to the Draft Anglican Covenant. We granted our consent to ordination and consecration of twelve bishops, and we granted consent to the holding of Episcopal elections in three dioceses. Given the times in which we live, when asked to reconsider our vote to withhold consent to the ordination and consecration of the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence to be Bishop of South Carolina taken in 2006, we did so. By conference call, we spoke with Bishop-elect Lawrence and were assured of his intention to uphold the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church. Based on that conversation, and in an effort to be agents of reconciliation, a majority of the Standing Committee consented to Bishop-elect Lawrence’s consecration.
Finally, we are grateful to the talented and dedicated members of the diocesan staff who provide support for much of our work.
This concludes the Standing Committee report for 2007.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Dr. Hilary B. Smith,
president
Virginia Diocesan Homes, Incorporate, founded in 1955, represents the Diocese in matters of residential care for the elderly. Its mission includes encouraging the development of new residential care facilities for senior citizens in the Diocese and maintaining liaison with and advising existing residential homes for the aged linked to the Episcopal Church and located within the Diocese of Virginia.
Virginia Diocesan Homes is involved with the following retirement communities:
Goodwin Houses, Alexandria and Baileys Crossroads
Lockwood and Elmwood Houses, Arlington
Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, Irvington
Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, Winchester
Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, Charlottesville
Westminster-Canterbury, Richmond
The VDH Board elects or approves the election of members of these house Boards of Directors/Trustees. It monitors services provided by institutions and reviews their policies on: care and service levels and fellowship/foundation programs. However, VDH maintains an arms-length distance from the day-to-day management of existing homes in order to safeguard the exposure of Diocese of Virginia to potential liabilities that could arise from dictating house operations. It also tries to be alert to possible institutional financial troubles.
Its role in developing new homes includes preliminary advice and counsel to potential development groups, and provides seed money for projects in the form of loans or grants. It offers assistance in obtaining professional analytic and feasibility help and helps to establish minimum service standards as the project is defined. As its quid pro quo, it is expected that the new development, once in operation, will be a faith-based environment and enter into the relationship with VDH described in the previous paragraph.
The non-subsidized homes are Continuing Care Retirement Communities. CCRC residents are entitled to independent, assisted living, and nursing levels of care. In today’s social and economic climate, most people need to have substantial assets before they can enter. As a matter of policy, each CCRC maintains a foundation which assists persons without sufficient funds or who outlive their assets, but this serves only a part of the need. In addition, there are two facilities located in Northern Virginia that from the beginning were conceived to be subsidized by federal funds to serve the low income population. In other areas of the Diocese there are a number of federally subsidized homes that respond to some of the low income need, often through local housing authorities.
There is a considerable gap between the maximum levels of income and assets qualifying for low income facilities and the comfortable minimum of the CCRCs. For a number of years, the Virginia Diocesan Homes has been seeking to assist in establishing a facility that would serve this gap, that we call the “mid-income” level of the population. Although we have explored specific projects, for various reasons none have so far moved beyond the exploratory stage. Our Development Committee would be interested in meeting with any group that is interested in pursuing such a project and would be pleased to explain further the assistance that would be available from us and what would be necessary to qualify for such assistance.
Financially, as the result of a bequest a number of years ago, funds are available to assist a qualified organization that is pursuing our goals. As they were being developed all the facilities above were involved with and assisted by Virginia Diocesan Homes. VDH presently exercises stewardship over its financial resources by investing them with the Diocesan Trustees of the Funds that have performed very well relative to the market over the past few years.
Recently, the Board has adopted a number of initiatives intended to enhance its focus on the establishment of additional housing alternatives for the elderly and to enhance the Boards efforts to parishes and the broader community aware of its mission. We look forward to continuing to serve the Diocese in the future as more of the “baby boomers” reach the point at which they begin to consider residential care.
Founded in faith by the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, Westminster Canterbury Richmond always has recognized the need to enrich the lives of older adults on multiple levels. In 2007, our efforts have evolved into a variety of initiatives designed to strengthen the body, inspire the mind and nurture the spirit. These initiatives form the basis for a new strategic plan that positions Westminster Canterbury for the years ahead. The plan addresses needs in four areas key to future success: facilities; lifestyle; health services; quality staff.
Body
The strategy to develop “world class” health services was a year-long focal point. Plans began for the $22-million renovation and expansion of the Mary Morton Parsons Health Center and Pavilion assisted living to support the Project H.O.M.E. model of resident-centered care delivered by staff-directed work teams. The shift from a traditional clinical service model to a more homelike environment is based on the successes of The Gables memory support program. The program continues to evolve to promote greater independence, flexibility and choice in each resident’s daily life.
Another health services goal was achieved in February with the appointment of Westminster Canterbury’s first full-time medical director, Dr. Kevin Fergusson, which began paying immediate dividends in terms of improved service for residents. Only a few continuing care retirement communities in Virginia have a fulltime medical director.
WELL Connected, a comprehensive wellness program, was created in response to increased resident interest in fitness. The program educates residents about balanced holistic wellness, and celebrated its first year with membership of 67 residents.
Mind
Residents chose from a variety of quality programs year round. The new Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Room was opened on “Lettie Pate Day.” Westminster Canterbury published The View From Malvern Hall in celebration of Mrs. Evans’s charitable legacy.
The Sara Belle November Theater continued to offer excellence in performing arts programming highlighted by performances of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Richmond Ballet, Virginia Opera, Richmond Symphony and Barksdale Theatre. The H. Scott November Gallery exhibited outstanding water colors, oils, photography, sculpture and ceramics.
The Dominion Therapy Program provided innovative memory support initiatives in art, music and horticulture in The Gables and the Mary Morton Parsons Health Center. Spirit
The rich spiritual tapestry of Westminster Canterbury can be traced to residents’ membership in 17 different religious denominations and worship in more than 131 faith congregations. The Pastoral Care department nurtures that spiritual life with regular worship opportunities each week that serve residents across the continuum of care, as well as the popular Chaplain’s Lecture Series and Seminary Mondays.
In addition, the Fellowship Program, the fundamental program of financial assistance to residents in need, helped nurture more than 100 individuals who otherwise could not afford to live at Westminster Canterbury. Contributions to the Annual Fellowship Fund reached a record $1,196,000.
Westminster Canterbury Foundation’s Vision 2007 campaign touched lives throughout the continuum through support of initiatives in the performing and studio arts, memory support, child development and pastoral care. Launched in 2002, the campaign came to a dramatic conclusion by exceeding its goal with a grand total of $7,671,532.
The Year Ahead
At year end, Westminster Canterbury had grown to a population of more than 900 residents. Occupancy for the Courtyard Apartments and Homes on the Green had increased to 94%. This success has positioned Westminster Canterbury to take on additional debt to finance renovation of the Parsons Health Center and Pavilion.
Westminster Canterbury will continue to deliver programs and services that strengthen the body, inspire the mind and nurture the spirit and, thereby, remain faithful to our vision of ”Improving the lives of those we serve every day.”