The website for the 219th Annual Council, Jan. 23-25, 2014 in Richmond, is now live. Visit the site for info on the following important details:  

• Register online (by credit card) or by mail (by check) by Dec. 20 to receive an early bird discount!
• Hotel lodging arrangements should be made separately.  
• We're currently accepting nominations for Standing Committee members and General Convention deputies, in addition to several diocesan boards.  
• Resolutions and canonical amendments will be accepted through Jan. 8. After that date, they must be submitted from the Council floor.  
• Our exhibit space typically fills quickly, so reserve a spot today!  

We're looking for your contributions and stories for a special issue of the Virginia Episcopalian focusing on the theme of renewal and fresh approaches to our ministries. Learn more here, and contact Emily Cherry, editor (echerry@thediocese.net), to share your feedback on these and other questions:  

• Folks between the ages of 18-32: What are you looking for in a church experience? What parts of a church community do you find most compelling?
• What is the most creative way you've used your church property for mission, ministry or income stream?  

Please keep those embarking on November mission trips in your prayers: St. James's, Richmond, to Jacmel, Haiti (11/4/13-11/11/13); St. George's, Fredericksburg, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti (11/7/13-11/11/13); St. Timothy's, Herndon, to Chapatea, Haiti (11/9/13-11/14/13); and Grace Church, Alexandria, to Mirabaleis, Haiti (11/9/13-11/15/13). If your church is not on this list, or corrections are necessary, please contact Megan-Drew Tiller at intern@thediocese.net. 

How is your church involved in immigration reform and refugee resettlement ministries? The diocesan Office on Mission & Outreach is collecting information on churches involved in these ministries, and we'd love to hear your stories! Please contact Megan-Drew Tiller at intern@thediocese.net.