JULY 6 , 2006

Spotlight: Mental Health Committee
by Diocesan Committee on Mental Health

Parishes throughout the Diocese have established creative and compassionate programs directed to individuals, families and friends impacted by mental illness. Other congregations struggle to overcome the mystery and stigma surrounding mental illnesses so they can appropriately respond to the very real needs of their members and communities. Given the number of people who are affected by mental illness and the broad range of conditions that fall under this category, establishing effective ministries can seem daunting. Yet the very magnitude of mental illness demands that we encourage those who have too long remained in the shadows to participate in the healing light of Jesus Christ.

The Mental Health Committee is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of mental illness through education, networking opportunities and support services. We help churches plan and present workshops and other programs and offer educational activities at Council. We celebrate and publicize mental health-related activities throughout the Diocese with the hope of increasing participation and inspiring others to develop similar ministries. Each region is assigned a representative to serve as a consultant to assist churches in identifying solutions to their mental health related questions and challenges.

Please visit our website at http://mentalhealth.thediocese.net/ to learn more about our committee and mental health ministries throughout the Diocese.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News & Events

Diocese to Host UBE Annual Meeting
The Diocese of Virginia hosts the 38th Annual Union of Black Episcopalians meeting & conference from July 31-Aug. 4 at the Omni Hotel in Richmond. For more info, call the Rev. Lynne Washington at 800-DIOCESE x25.

A New Face on Staff
Emily Cherry has joined the Bishop’s Staff as Assistant for Print Communication and Managing Editor of the Virginia Episcopalian. Emily is a 2004 graduate of the University of Virginia where she majored in English and French. She comes to us from The Core Knowledge Foundation in Charlottesville where she has served for two years as Conference Coordinator & Registrar managing all aspects of the Foundation’s annual conference including communications. Prior to her work at Core Knowledge, Emily worked as a reporter and writer for Style Weekly in Richmond and as a marketing intern with the University of Virginia Press. You can reach her with story ideas and news and information about the work of your congregation or group at echerry@thediocese.net or by calling 800-DIOCESE x39.

Bishop Coadjutor Search Web Site Launched
The Bishop Coadjutor Search Nominating Committee has launched a new Web site that hosts up-to-date information regarding the search, nomination, and transition process.  Please go to www.virginiabishop.info to find the Coadjutor Search prayer, news releases, a timeline of the process, information regarding both the Profile of the Diocese and forms for the nomination process, frequently asked questions, survey results and link to the online survey, and committee membership lists.

Policy Manual on Sexual Abuse and Misconduct: Prevention and Response
At long last the manual is available on-line as a PDF for download. It can found under the Bishop's Office (under Administration on the main menu) together with a series of other documents.

Bring the Whole Family
Why drive thousands of miles for your family vacation when you can come to Shrine Mont's Family Conference, July 9-14th. There is fun and fellowship for people of all ages, with special programs for children and teenagers. For more information go to www.shrinemont.com or email cchilton@thediocese.net

Education for Ministry (EFM)
New EFM groups are forming in Alexandria, Goochland, North Richmond, King George, and Richmond for the fall 2006.  For more info, contact diocesan EFM coordinator, the Rev. Jo-Ann Murphy,  804-334-7821 or joannrmurphy@aol.com.

Other Links

Calendar: a full listing of Diocesan events.
General Convention : Official website of the 75th General Convention.
Employment: the latest information on ministry opportunities in our various churches.

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