e-Communique Masthead
January 7, 2014
Diocesan Events & Info   
    

Pre-Council Open Hearing Webinar, Jan. 10 

Share your feedback on resolutions, amendments and budget items submitted to date from the comfort of your own home. Learn more and register.

 

Training for Mission in the Dominican Republic, Jan. 10, St. John's, McLean

Have you ever wondered what it takes to plan a short-term mission trip? Learn how you might establish or strengthen a mission partnership in the Dominican Republic. Come and see what is possible when we go global with God.  Learn more.  

Regions 14 and 15 Communicators' Meet-Up, Jan. 15, Emmanuel, Greenwood
A networking and fellowship group for church communicators in Regions 14 and 15 (the Valley, Charlottesville and surrounding areas, Green County and Orange County). Learn more. 

Episcopal Day at the Capitol, Jan. 22, St .Paul's, Richmond
The Diocese will join with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy to sponsor an Episcopal Day at the State Capitol in Richmond. Attendees will spend time in conversation with delegates and others knowledgeable about the General Assembly, and will also receive briefings on a number of issues at play in the legislature. Learn more and register.

220th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia, Jan. 22-24, Downtown Marriott, Richmond
Learn more.

A Liturgy of Endings with Hope for New Beginnings, Feb. 7, Trinity, Highland Springs
This service will celebrate the hundred-year history of Trinity Church as we mark its formal closing as a church in the Diocese of Virginia. Learn more. 
Need to Know  

The deadline to submit resolutions, amendments, nominations and reports for Annual Council is today, Jan. 7! Please contact Bill Martin with questions: bmartin@thediocese.net. 

 

The Diocese is happy to welcome Beth Rocheleau to staff as part-time benefits administrator starting this week. Learn more.

 

Calling all churches! We've compiled a list of important 2015 dates. Download a copy and mark your calendars! 

 

Nominations are currently being accepted for the awards to be presented at the 220th Annual Council. Download individual forms for instructions and nomination deadlines below. Nominations may be submitted electronically.

The updated cycle of prayer for Jan. - Mar. 2015 is now available online.

Reminder: Priests under license who wish to renew their licenses must submit a renewal application  by Jan. 30. Otherwise, they may be required to complete the initial application process in its entirety again. Canonically resident priests working outside of the Diocese or within but in non-parochial settings are to submit the Annual Clergy Report Form by Jan. 30.

 

Both Council hotels - the Downtown Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn in Richmond - are almost full for Friday, Jan. 23. If you have trouble making a reservation, please call Courtenay Tayloe Altaffer at 804-313-1254 for assistance. Visit the Council website for full details, and keep in mind that the deadline to submit nominations, annual reports, resolutions and amendments is Jan. 7. 

The 2015 Mustard Seed Grant Guidelines are now available online. Letters of inquiry are due by Feb. 9 and full proposals are due by March 2. For more information, contact Mary Ann Bryant in the office of mission and outreach, mabryant@thediocese.net. 
Church Calendar 

1/7: Pilgrim's Path Classes for Baptism, Confirmation and Acceptance, St. James's, Richmond
1/7: Adult Bible Study, Holy Comforter, Vienna
1/10: Training for Mission in the Dominican Republic, St. John's, McLean
1/11: Planned Giving Workshop, St. Paul's, Alexandria
1/11: Epiphany Lessons and Carols, St. Andrew's, Richmond
1/11: SOUPer Bowl of Caring Food Drive Kick Off, Christ Church, Alexandria
1/11: Ismar Gomes, cello & Wan-Chi Su, piano, St. Patrick's, Falls Church
1/11: Holy Eucharist & Holy Baptism, Christ Church, Alexandria
1/11: Celtic Evensong & Communion, St. George's, Fredericksburg
1/11: Second Sunday Sacred Supper, St. Thomas', Richmond
1/14: Adult Bible Study, Holy Comforter, Vienna

More Church Events  
Other Events

 

Vibrant Faith is sponsoring a two-day training experience, "Do What Matters!" on May 5-6 for church leaders at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond. Join our christian formation staff at this interactive training experience which "seeks to help leaders imagine and implement effective faith formation practices for today and for future generations." Learn more and register.   

 

Roslyn is pleased to offer complimentary overnight retreats (Jan. 12-15 and April 6-9) to clergy in the Diocese. Offered at no cost to all Episcopal clergy of the Diocese of Virginia and their spouses, this mid-week retreat is a great opportunity for reflection and rest. Meals are included. Please contact Roslyn at 804-288-6045 (toll-free at 800-477-6296) or  info@roslyncenter.org to make a reservation.   
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United Thank Offering Grant Applications

"The Gospel of Love" proclaimed by Jesus Christ is the focus of the United Thank Offering (UTO) grants. UTO is seeking to address the current culture of violence by supporting this mission of peace as expressed in the Gospel.  

 

The UTO recognizes the Marks of Mission of the whole Church, especially "to seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation."

 

The  Deadline for UTO Grant Applications is Jan. 15. UTO grant instructions,  criteria and application materials are available at the Episcopal Church website.      

 

Applications must be received electronically in the diocesan Office of Mission and Outreach at mabryant@thediocese.net by the Jan. 15 deadline. The UTO application must come to the diocesan office for review and approval by the Bishop before it can be submitted to DFMS and the UTO Board.     

 

If you have questions or need assistance in completing the application, please contact Mary Anne Bryant,

mabryant@thediocese.net or 800-DIOCESE x1017.  
 For Christ For This Time For All Time
804-643-8451, 800-DIOCESE
Fax 804-644-6928