September 25, 2013

Prayers for Pakistan

About 130 people were killed and 200 injured in a bombing at All Saints' Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, over the weekend. Members of the Diocese of Virginia visited this same church on a visit to Pakistan in January 2013. Learn more about the bombing through Episcopal News Service or through Titus on Mission, the Rev. Dr. Titus Presler's blog from his perspective as principal of Edwardes College in Peshawar.

In response to this tragedy, Bishop Johnston has written the following prayer for use in our churches.

Most merciful God, you created all of humankind to know you, to love you and to love one another; hear our cry as we pray to you for our brothers and sisters in the Church in Pakistan, remembering especially the Diocese of Peshawar. Embrace all who are suffering in grief, pain or fear, and bring to them the healing balm of your grace, that they may be comforted and strengthened in this time of great trial. Bless Bishop Humphrey in his leadership and pastoral care, and grant that by the presence of your Holy Spirit, the clergy may minister with power and all people may bear the burdens of this time with steadfast faith and hope. Receive the dead into your eternal company of heaven, and sustain the injured through their wounds until, through your gracious will, they know the fullness of healing in body, mind and spirit. May we, your Church in the Diocese of Virginia, have the grace to walk, work and pray with your faithful people who carry the cross in witness to Jesus Christ our Lord; through Him, who died and rose again so that we all may be one, your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Diocesan Events

Have you registered your youth for the Diocesan Youth Day of Service, Oct. 5 at St. Thomas, McLean? Young folks from across the Diocese will gather to participate in a hands-on service project and to learn about outreach and mission. Reserve a spot today.

We have a packed fall schedule here in the Diocese, so check out the full listing of events and information online.

Need to Know

Bishop Johnston has asked the Rev. Deacon Don Cady of Emmanuel, Greenwood, to launch a new ministry for veterans in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Does your congregation currently host any programs our outreach for veterans? Please contact Don at dhcady@comcast.net to share your stories, or if you would like to become involved in this important work.

Church Calendar

9/25: Covenant Class, Christ Church, Alexandria
9/25: Prayer Vigil for the People of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, St. Peter's, Oak Grove
9/27: Eyes on Richmond - "Building a Business in Richmond," St. Paul's, Richmond
9/28: Radical Welcome - A New Year, A New Day, St. Paul's, Richmond
9/28: Ushers & Greeters Workshop, Trinity, Charlottesville
9/28: Celebration of Congregation Status and New Ministry, St. Paul's, Haymarket
9/28: Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training, All Saints - Sharon Chapel, Alexandria
9/28: Autumn Pilgrimage House Tour, Westover Church, Charles City
9/29: Movies at Grace - The General, Grace, The Plains
9/29: Make a Noise Against Gun Violence, Trinity, Charlottesville
9/29: Fifth Sundays, St. Timothy's, Herndon
10/1: The Ministry of Hospitality - Faith & Immigration Adult Education Course, Emmanuel, Harrisonburg

More Church Events

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The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

804-643-8451, 800-DIOCESE

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Other Events

Dr. Charles Kimball will lead an ecumenical retreat for the Virginia Council of Churches Oct. 8-9 at Roslyn under the theme, "'Fear Not' Living in a Culture of Fear." Learn more.

Roslyn will host a Prayer Bead Workshop and Labyrinth Walk, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $35 and includes lunch, one prayer bead kit and materials. To sign up please contact Roslyn at 804-288-6045.

The Center for EQ-HR Skills will host a One-Day Emotional Intelligence Introductory Workshop on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Church Center, Harrisonburg, Pa. Register online at www.eqhrcenter.org.

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will co-host a training to educate clergy on the spiritual and emotional challenges facing returning veterans and their families. The training will take place at the Hylton Memorial Chapel Christian Event Center in Woodbridge on Oct. 8. Please Contact Yolanda Curtis at Yolanda.Curtis@va.gov or 202-461-6829.

Did you miss this past weekend's conference on food sustainability from the Committee on the Stewardship of Creation? Then make plans to attend the Living Waters Summit from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Members of Holy Cross, Richmond, and St. John's, Centreville, will take part in this one-day summit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond on Nov. 19.