February 15, 2007

Spotlight: epiScope, the New Blog of The Episcopal Church's Office of Communications

[Episcopal News Service]  Offering an online overview of news and views "left, right and center," the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication has launched a new web log, or blog. 

Called "epiScope: looking over the Episcopal Church," the blog seeks "to add perspective and context to some stories, and to correct the record in other instances," said the Episcopal Church's communication director, Canon Robert Williams.
 
"epiScope is an essential component of the Episcopal Church's overall communication strategy at the present time when reporters increasingly consult the 'blogosphere' for story leads and interpretation," Williams added.
 
He said the blog is part of the new "Episcopal Church Online" initiative that is working "to support Episcopalians' increasing participation in building community through the latest net-based strategies."
 
The Rev. Jan Nunley, the Episcopal Church's deputy for communication, is moderator of  the epiScope blog, and "has worked with great skill and insight in designing and launching this new service," Williams said.
 
"The name is a pun on the Greek word episkope—the root of the word 'episcopal,' referring to the office of bishop as an overseer of the church," Nunley explained. "It also refers to those old-fashioned opaque projectors we used to have in school—and that reflects my hope that epiScope will make some of the issues less opaque and more transparent, to reporters and to the online public."
 
Next steps in the "Episcopal Church Online" initiative, Williams said, include the launch of the communication office's "Infoline," "Newsline" and "Techline" services -- as well as a new website, "Episcopal Life Online," augmenting the news, features and opinion reported by the Episcopal Life monthly newspaper together with the Episcopal News Service. Launch of that site is expected in late March, Williams said.
 
Also set to debut this spring, the Infoline will incorporate the services of the current Info Desk, to which general information inquiries about the church may be directed by phone or e-mail for replies. Available by phoning toll-free 800.334.7626 or e-mailing
info@episcopalchurch.org, the Infoline is staffed by communication specialist Lisa Webb and overseen by deputy for communication Bernice Lucas.

The Newsline, staffed by communication specialist Neva Rae Fox, will provide general media reporters with increased resources and referrals to expert commentators and spokespersons churchwide. The toll-free phone number is also 800.334.7626, ext. 6080.

Staffed by communication strategy consultant Rick Lamb, the Techline will offer recommendations for web-based services including teleconferencing and online collaboration. Lamb is at extension 6198 at the toll-free number, 800.334.7626.

 


 

News & Events

Annual Stewardship Conference
March 24, Good Shepherd, Burke, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Learn how to “think outside the box” at the diocesan Stewardship Conference with speakers the Rev. Gary Nicolosi and the Rev. Canon J. Hugh Magers. Six workshops will be offered covering stewardship fundamentals, planned giving, teaching and preaching about stewardship, communications and donor relationships. Download a brochure online for more information and a registration form: http://www.thediocese.net/stewardship_comm07_web-1.pdf. Registration is $35 per person if paid by March 4, $45 per person if paid after March 4, and $10 for seminarians.

Mustard Seed Grants in 2007
Mustard Seed Grant guidelines and an application form are now available online. Click on the links below to download the guidelines and application.
            Mustard Seed Grant Guidelines
            Mustard Seed Grant Cover Sheet

World Mission Day
If you are interested in attending the World Mission Day, Everyone is Mission.  Mission for Everyone, on Saturday, February 24th at Grace & Holy Trinity Church, Richmond, please register online at www.ghtc.org/missioneveryone.html or register by contacting the Rev. Jason Roberts at jroberts@ghtc.org (804-359-5628 x15).  This event is sponsored by The Commission on World Mission of the Diocese of Virginia and The Missionary Society of Grace & Holy Trinity Church, Richmond.

Confirmation Services Registration
For resources about the 2007-2008 confirmation visitation schedule—including information about confirmation services, a day with the bishops and registration—please read the memo and registration form found here.

New Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Workshop Dates
Those needing to attend a Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Workshop please note the following dates that have been added.  Please contact Mary Anne Bryant at mabryant@thediocese.net or 804/643-8451 ext. 15 to register.

Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Workshops
Feb. 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. James’, Louisa
March 19, 6-10 p.m. at St. James-the-Less, Ashland
April 17, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Christ Church, Glen Allen
April 18, 6-10 p.m. at St. George’s, Fredericksburg
April 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. George’s, Fredericksburg
April 21, 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at St. George’s, Fredericksburg
April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Mary’s, Richmond
May 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Holy Comforter, Vienna
May 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Christ Church, Glen Allen

Prevention of Adult Sexual Misconduct Workshop
May 19, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Holy Comforter, Vienna

The Rev. Lauren Stanley Discusses Life in Sudan
The Rev. Lauren Stanley, journalist and theologian, is the Episcopal Church’s only full-time missionary living and working in Sudan. Ms. Stanley is currently available to visit your parish or group to discuss her mission experiences. Contact Ms. Stanley via e-mail at laurenrenk@gmail.com or phone at 703-678-3892.

Save the Date

Other Links

212th Annual Council
e-Bazaar: A listing of items that parishes would like to donate or receive.
Calendar: A listing of Diocesan and local church events. Don’t see your church event listed? Add it using the links at the bottom of the calendar.
Bishop Coadjutor Transition Committee: Official website for the search for Bishop Coadjutor.
Employment: The latest information on ministry opportunities for clergy and lay. General Convention: A summary of General Convention actions.
Global Mission Website: Read and submit mission stories and mission trip dates



Want to subscribe/unsubscribe to this email list? (Instructions)