Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
strenghten exsisting churches reach out to neighbors in need expand youth ministries enhance conference centers build new churches
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The Diocese is committed to helping all its 195 congregations to empower their members to grow in faith and share the good news of God’s abundant love to those in their communities. This commitment is lived out in many ways – the Bishops and their staffs spend many evenings with vestries, youth groups, stewardship chairs and Christian education committees to provide resources and guidance for greater mission. This commitment is lived out when a parish receives a Mustard Seed grant to help expand a parish hall or make the church accessible to all its members.

A Story
In 2001, the vestry of Christ Church, Spotsylvania had a choice: watch the population boom pass their parish by, or get ready to welcome new residents with the love of Christ. With faith and determination, they chose the latter course. To meet the needs of a new commuter population, Christ Church would need to grow spiritually and physically. Simply put, they needed more space in which to welcome newcomers. With a consultant from the diocesan staff, the church began planning a capital campaign to build a new parish hall. Over the course of three years, lay leaders and clergy from all around the Diocese supported the stewardship effort and provided technical expertise. Later, the Diocese supported the capital campaign with a Mustard Seed grant of $20,000. Today, the roof is about to be completed on the new parish hall. The building will offer a choir room, seven new classrooms, a quilters room, and a 170-seat dining room for a welcome fellowship. The building will also be open to the community for meetings, scout troops and support groups.

The people of Christ Church had to take a leap of faith to build their new parish hall. But they were not alone. They had the support of the parishes of the Diocese, the diocesan staff, bishops and volunteers, every step of the way.

Structure and Staff
The work of ministry in this area falls under the oversight of the Bishop Suffragan and is carried forward by the volunteers who serve on the Commission on Congregational Development. However, the work of ministry in this area engages nearly every aspect of our common mission and ministry, and so every member of the diocesan staff works in support of some aspect of this important ministry area.



Related Links

Mountain Missions
The Diocese continues to support mountain missions founded in the early 1900s by Archdeacon Neve.

Small Church Institute
As a sponsoring diocese for the annual Carolina/Virginia Small Church Conference held in North Carolina, we provide program money and scholarships for diocesan leaders to attend.

Education for Ministry
An in-depth, distance theological education offering from the Lay School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee. Local classes forming regularly in the Diocese of Virginia. For information on class schedules, contact the Rev. Dr. Jo-Ann Murphy, 804-334-7821; joannrmurphy@aol.com.

Unexpected Expenses for Congregational Missions
These funds are available through the Commission on Congregational Missions to missions which encounter unexpected expenses during the year. Experience suggests that missions significantly reducing their requests or asking for no assistance should be encouraged, but that flexible provision be made for changing and unexpected circumstances.

Diocesan Cluster
Two African-American congregations in Region 2 (St. Paul's, West Point and Grace Church, Miller’s Tavern)

Committee on Race Relations
Supports the Diocese, its churches, commissions and related organizations in eliminating racism and encouraging cultural diversity, recognizing and incorporating the diverse and enriching gifts of all races and cultures. Ongoing, innovative exchange work with the Diocese of Liverpool highlights this committee's work.

Committee on Stewardship of Creation
Develops teaching materials and other resources for use at the diocesan, parish and personal levels to encourage people to identify ways in which they can become better stewards of the environment.

Committee on Education
Encourages, promotes, develops, coordinates and supports the efforts of all who are involved in Christian education.

Committee on Stewardship
Assists parishes in stewardship by teaching the Biblical principles of Christian stewardship and by planning a year-round stewardship program.

Commission on Congregational Development (www.churchtoolbox.org)
Formerly the Commission on Congregational Development and Revitalization, this commission has expanded the work of the Vista Task Force assigned to create a strategic plan and provide resources for congregations in the development of their mission. The budget provides resources for an annual contract with Percept, Inc., Parish Development Overnight conferences, consultants and matching funds for revisioning processes.