Each year, the Diocese of Virginia accepts nominations for the Meet Me in Galilee Award, The Harriet “Happy” Pullman Award, The Bishop’s Outreach Award and The Bigger-Power Award and presents the winners at Annual Council. Due to the rescheduled one day 221st Annual Council we are unable to make the presentations in person. However, we are thrilled to announce and celebrate this year’s recipients through this communication.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Meet Me in Galilee Award: St. Philip’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Committee on Race and Reconciliation presents the Meet Me in Galilee Award to St. Philip’s, Richmond and St. Paul’s, Richmond for their parish response to the challenge of making meaning out of the death of Trayvon Martin by engaging in community dialogue. They started out with dinners for the congregations to discuss issues of race, first independently and then together. Following these gatherings, groups of parishioners elected to go further, jointly participating in various activities.
For St. Philip’s the work with St. Paul’s has given them a great deal of hope that real change can occur if all are prepared to work with their brothers and sisters in Christ from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The impact for St. Paul’s shifted the way the parish understands and represents history to make their sanctuary more welcoming for worship for all people.
The Harriet “Happy” Pullman Award: Mrs. Lynn Richardson Martin from Emmanuel, Harrisonburg
Mrs. Lynn Richardson has been chosen to receive The Harriet “Happy” Pullman Award. Mrs. Richardson was a founding member of Open Doors, the local thermal shelter run in various churches. She has been the driving force behind Emmanuel, Harrisonburg’s involvement. In addition to her work with Open Doors, Mrs. Richardson revitalized the Food Pantry at Emmanuel, making it a part of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and participant in the USDA food program. In addition to her volunteer work with the church, Mrs. Richardson serves her community by growing produce in the community garden and works with Skyline Literacy as a mentor, teaching English as a second language.
The Bishop’s Outreach Award: Region IV – Lazarus Ministry
The Very Rev. John Hortum and Ms. Beth Wiggers, Region IV President, are presented with The Bishop’s Outreach Award for Region IV’s West End Lazarus Ministry Program. The eight churches of Region IV and the Outreach Committee of Goodwin House have worked together to reach beyond their church walls to assist those in need in Alexandria. This ministry provides the Alexandria community with financial assistance towards their rent, utilities and medical expenses managed by a team of trained lay counselors. This ministry is a prime example of innovative and effective service to the poor by a diverse and dedicated group of people.
The Bigger-Power Award: Region I and Emmanuel, Greenwood
There are two nominees receiving The Bigger-Power Award. The first is Region I for their ministry to nursing home and retirement communities located in the region. This ministry is lay lead providing worship to those who have few opportunities to worship. Ms. Sharon Boivin is receiving the award on behalf of Region I.
Emmanuel, Greenwood Parish has a mission partnership with Mountainside Senior Living. This partnership started with a bi-weekly Tea Party and has developed whereby church youth help bridge the gap between generations. The Rev. Christopher Garcia will receive the award on behalf of the church.