In February 2001, our Diocese decided to go forward with an effort known as the 5th Century Fund. This effort seeks to provide financial resources for five ministries of the Diocese: Strengthening Existing Churches, Building New Churches, Enhancing Our Conference Centers, Reaching Out to Our Neighbors in Need, and Expanding Our Youth Ministries.

Since 2001, over 1,100 members of our Diocese have contributed to this effort.  We are pleased that as of December 31, 2005, pledges and gift exceeded $13.8 million.  These gifts have made possible grants to existing parishes, youth mission vouchers, grants to help develop youth and college ministries and grants to help parishes in their outreach and mission ministries.

A steering committee of individuals from around the Diocese is leading the effort. The steering committee is co-chaired by John Ariail of
Christ Church , Alexandria and Buford Scott of St. Paul ’s, Richmond.

Each spring volunteers in Richmond and Northern Virginia participate in a peer-to-peer effort to tell more members of the Diocese what the 5^th Century is doing and to encourage their support.  If you live in Richmond or Northern Virginia and would like to participate in this effort, please contact Sven vanBaars, the Director of Stewardship and Development.

Looking ahead to the start of our fifth century, in 2007, we seek to determine how we can build on what we have received so as to deliver to future generations a Church still more alive, more filled with the Spirit, than the one we inherited.

For more information or to make a gift to this effort, contact Sven vanBaars, Director of Stewardship and Development.

Mustard Seed Grants

Preliminary Grant Application. The 2006 Mustard Seed Grant process is now open. Applications are due April 1, 2006.  (Click here for a preliminary grant application in .pdf).

Youth Mission Voucher redemption

Click here for a .pdf copy of the application to redeem a Youth Mission voucher.