October 23, 2013

Virginia Theological Seminary
Benefit for Pakistan

On Oct. 29, the Center for Anglican Communion Studies at VTS will host an event to benefit Christians in Peshawar, Pakistan. All are encouraged to attend, regardless of faith affiliation. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Titus Presler, president of Edwardes College, a church-related institution in Peshawar. This event has been prompted by the recent attack on Christians there. On Sept. 22, suicide bombers struck All Saints Church, Peshawar, as worshippers were leaving. More than 100 died, and nearly 200 were injured. Learn more.

Advent Resources

Each day throughout the season of Advent 2013, we will post a reflection, meditation or online resource as part of the diocesan-wide Advent Reflection Calendar - and we need your help. All of the reflections and submissions for this interactive calendar will come from you, the clergy and lay leaders of the Diocese. Please contact Kendall Martin at kmartin@thediocese.net if you're interested in submitting a prayer, poem, piece of original artwork or general reflection on a Scripture reading for the season of Advent.

Diocesan Events

Bishop's Fall Clergy Retreat, Oct. 28, Shrine Mont

A retreat to explore spirituality in leadership, led by all three bishops.

Senior High Weekend, Nov. 8-10, Shrine Mont

A gathering for high school students from across the Diocese.

Volunteer Day, Nov. 16, Aquia, Stafford

Training and discussion with the diocesan Disaster Preparedness & Response Ministry Team.

Young Adult Mission Trip to Haiti, Jan. 4-9

Building on the partnership with St. Basil le Grand in Gonaives; for young adults ages 18-25.

Need to Know

Is your church involved in prison ministry? Bishop Goff and members of the diocesan staff visit the Richmond City Jail once a month to serve Eucharist to the women inmates. Churches like The Falls Church, Falls Church, participate in Offenders' Aid and Restoration programs. The Diocese Office of Mission & Outreach is collecting information on other prison ministries taking place in the Diocese of Virginia. Please contact Megan-Drew Tiller (intern@thediocese.net) with your stories and comments.

The Episcopal Church Executive Committee on Science, Technology and Faith is preparing a working paper assessing policy issues relating to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and care for creation. The assessment is called for by a resolution in the 2012 General Convention and should ultimately result in policy proposals for submission to the next General Convention in 2015. Persons interested in climate change, population growth, globalization, biodiversity, agricultural sustainability and human nutrition are invited to join the Episcopal Network for Science, Technology & Faith. Contact Zack Baize at zack.baize@gmail.com or 502-263-8117.

Registration for the 219th Annual Council, scheduled for Jan. 23-25 in Richmond, will open the first week of November. Stay tuned for more details.

Church Calendar

10/23: An Evening with Rabbi Holzman , St. Timothy's, Herndon
10/23: Covenant Class, Christ Church, Alexandria
10/24: Art Class, St. Paul's, Hanover
10/24: Yoga Class, St. John's, Richmond
10/24-26: Annual Rummage Sale, Calvary, Front Royal
10/25: Eyes on Richmond, St. Paul's, Richmond
10/25-26: Holiday Crafts Bazaar, All Saints, Sharon Chapel
10/26: Breakfast and Opening of the Casanova Hunt, Grace Church, Casanova
10/26: Michael Sheridan Guitar Performance, St. Luke's, Alexandria
10/26: Health Reform Law & Medicare Seminar, St. James', Leesburg
10/26: VCU Jazz Combo Concert, Grace & Holy Trinity, Richmond
10/26: Golden Dove Gift Shop Opening, Pohick, Lorton
10/27: New Orchestra of Washington, Good Shepherd, Burke
10/27: Bluegrass Mass, St. James's, Richmond
10/27: Friends of Music Concert, St. Mark's, Richmond
10/27: Annual Pumpkin Sale, Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, Alexandria
10/29: Spirituality & Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs, St. Gabriel's, Leesburg
10/29: Yoga Class, St. Paul's, Hanover

More Church Events

Other Events

Richmond Hill will host this year's Metro Richmond Clergy Convocation tomorrow, Oct. 24, under the theme, "What is the State of Race in Metropolitan Richmond?" Discussions will focus on economic, demographic, social and employment situations in our area. Learn more and register.

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.