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Weather Update: 221st Annual Council
Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese,

As we're sure you know, the weather forecasts are not at all encouraging for our holding Council this week in Reston. Our top concern is the safety and well-being of our Council members. However, it is important that you know, given our contract with the Hyatt, that the timing of when we make a final decision could have a major impact on our financial obligations. Specifically, it would be in our best interests to wait until after the governor decides whether to declare a state of emergency - a decision that may not be made until Thursday.

So, though we are not yet able to issue a final decision, please know that we are aware of the unfavorable weather conditions and will be back in touch as soon as we can. We have contacted the Hyatt this morning to see if the 9 a.m. Thursday cancellation deadline for Thursday night rooms can be pushed back. We will be in touch with additional details as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience. 
Bishop's Appeal for Mission & Outreach
Each year since 2002, the Diocese of Virginia has awarded grants to assist with a broad range of ministries, both here at home and throughout the world. These vital programs depend on your gifts, which come from God's bounty, to empower ministries, transform lives and strengthen the work of our congregations.

If you haven't had a chance to see our blog series on previous grant recipients, please take a look at the amazing work these ministries accomplished and which your gifts make possible. We can do so much more together than we can do alone!
Calling all who love summer camp!
2016 Shrine Mont Camps Registration is now LIVE! Head on over to our camps website to sign your camper up for THIS summer of camp. If you aren't quite sure which session you think would be the best fit for your camper, check out our camp descriptions or ask Meg Schwarz for some help. Some of our sessions will fill up quickly, so we encourage you to register for CAMP sooner rather than later. We can't wait to see you on the mountain this summer!
 
Want to work at CAMP this summer?! Counselor applications for 2016 Shrine Mont Camps go LIVE on Thursday, January 14th at 4:00 pm. At this time, you can apply to work as a counselor (or a volunteer buddy for St. Elizabeth's) for THIS summer at Shrine Mont Camps. WAHOO! Interested? Know someone who would be an EXCELLENT fit to work at one of our camps? Pass the word along! For now, you can check out the hiring details and  camp job descriptions on our website. Have some questions? Let Meg Schwarz know, she'll be happy to help you find the answers.

Save the Date: Lenten Retreat for Women Clergy
Wednesday, February 24, Roslyn Retreat Center
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Lunch will be provided

Please save the date for a Lenten Retreat with Bishop Goff and female clergy of the Diocese of Virginia. Additional information and registration will be available soon.

Workshop: Equipping leaders in faith-based communities 
Feb. 29 - Mar. 4, 2016, Roslyn Center, Richmond
An intensive five-day session designed to enable participants to learn about, build and practice emotional intelligence skills in a small group setting.

Skilled facilitators will provide tools and feedback to enable participants to learn about themselves and to immediately practice emerging skills.


Complimentary Clergy Retreats at Roslyn
Apr. 4-7, 2016

Roslyn retreat center in Richmond is pleased to offer complimentary overnight retreats to clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. 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 melissakj@roslyncenter.org to make a reservation.
"Seeing the Face of God in Each Other" - Anti-Racism Workshop
Mar. 4-5, 2016. St. Mark's, Richmond

The Anti-Racism Workshop will be facilitated by the Diocesan Committee on Race and Reconciliation. The goals of the workshop are to:
  • Acquire anti-racism tools
  • Explore avenues to reconciliation
  • Renew your spirit with us
The workshop will begin Mar. 4 at 5 p.m - 9 p.m. with a light supper. The session on Mar. 5 will be from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and continental breakfast and lunch will be served. The cost is $25.

To register, please email Ellyn Crawford, crawfordellyn@yahoo.com. You may bring a check with you or mail one to the Diocese c/o Mary Anne Bryant.

Pathways: Spiritual Direction
Roslyn Conference & Retreat Center

Pathways: Spiritual Direction, a ministry of spiritual direction is currently being offered at Roslyn.  Each hour long session is $65, overnight lodging at Roslyn is an additional cost. For more information, visit our website. 
 
Future residencies:  
  • Feb. 2-4 : Ms. Linda Nelson
  • March 1-3: The Rev. Howard Kempsell
To check availability during these residencies, please contact Amy Williams,  awilliams@thediocese.net.
Need to Know

Speaker's Forum in Honor of the Rev. Wm. Hill Brown III, featuring Dr. Ruby Payne. Grace & Holy Trinity, Richmond, invites you to attend a forum featuring Dr. Ruby K. Payne, renowned author, speaker, and career educator to be held Feb. 5 and 6. The Friday evening event will be held in the church from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and will feature a presentation by Dr. Payne followed by a question and answer session and will include a reception. Saturday morning will be a "Community Conversation" about building effective programs and relationships of mutual respect, along with community collaboration models.
 
Dr. Payne will be joined by her colleague Gary Eagleton, an army combat veteran who has dedicated his life to "creating a climate for change" within communities. The Saturday event will have limited seating so be sure to respond immediately. For more information, visit Grace & Holy Trinity's website.
 
EPIC Moms (Episcopal Parishes in Community to Support Moms) is a gathering for moms of children infancy to elementary school. Get to know other women across Richmond, share the joys and challenges of parenting, and hear and discuss great speakers on topics both practical and spiritual! We have regular meetings two Tuesdays a month from 9:30-11:30 that include fellowship, speakers, and occasional crafts-- and safe, clean, on-site childcare is always provided. EPIC is supported by the Episcopal church, but all moms are welcome.
 
2nd Tuesday meetings will take place at St. Paul's downtown (815 E Grace St Richmond, VA 23219) and 4th Tuesday meetings will take place at Christ Church, Glen Allen (5000 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059). Anyone can try out one meeting for free! Registration is $65/semester, and scholarships are available. For more information, to RSVP for a meeting or to register, please email Michele Burt at micheleburt@gmail.com.  
 
  
UTO - 2016 Grant Application and instructions are available at www.episcopalchurch.org/uto  and www.uto.org.  Please email your grant application to Mary Anne Bryant, Office of Mission and Outreach, Diocese of Virginia by Feb. 19, 2016.  Webinars concerning this grant application process will be on Jan. 6 and 7, 2016, 8:00 p.m. as well as Feb. 17 and 18, at 8:00 p.m.  Grants announced on June 13, 2016.
  
Diocese of Virginia (DOV) Grant Programs for 2016 The DOV Office of Mission and Outreach will be receiving Letters of Inquiry for Mustard Seed and The Bishop Peter J. Lee Endowment for Small Church Revitalization starting January 1, 2016.  To obtain information concerning these grants please go here. If you should have any questions please email Mary Anne Bryant at mabryant@thediocese.net or call (804) 643-8451 ext. 1017. Grants to be announced May 2016. 
  
Other DOV Grants Available - Short-term Mission Grants for Teams or Individuals go here.  Youth Mission Voucher information go here.
 
  
Other News & Events
The Leadership Program for Musicians gives classes that train organists, pianists, cantors, clergy, and directors of church music to become better leaders and participants in worship. The Virginia chapter of LPM is one of the last chapters in the U.S. still actively offering classes. Help us keep it that way by attending our fundraising concert played by the fantastic Daniel Stipe.
 
On Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m., organist Daniel Stipe performs music of Bach, Bloch, Franck, and Durufle on the beautiful, recently installed organ of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Richmond, VA. Daniel Stipe is equally at home as a solo recitalist, collaborator and arranger on both the piano and the organ. His broad array of abilities lends a rare depth of understanding and excitement to his music-making. He is a prizewinner in multiple organ-playing competitions, and maintains an active concert schedule, with recent performances in Richmond, Nashville, Chattanooga, Princeton, and New York City. Daniel serves as Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Richmond, Virginia.

St. Catherine's School in Richmond  is hosting a Diversity Career Fair on Jan. 30. This event is in partnership with the Virginia Diversity Network and independent schools throughout the state.
Learn more.

Westminster Canterbury, Richmond, invite clergy and lay congregational ministers to a seminar, "When Words Fail: Practical Ministry to People with Dementia" on March 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Learn more.
Church Events
1/20: Mindfulness Meditation for the Season of Light, St. James's, Richmond
1/21: Series on the Rule of St. Benedict as a model for modern Christian congregations, St. Peter's, Arlington
1/23: Celtic Communion, St. Paul's on-the-Hill, Winchester
1/23: A Night In Venice, St. Barnabas', Annandale
1/24: Contemplative Service with Holy Eucharist, Emmanuel, Richmond
1/27: Mindfulness Meditation for the Season of Light, St. James's, Richmond
1/30: The Tempest Trio, St. Patrick's, Falls Church
1/31: Mission in Honduras: Our Little Roses Orphanage, St. James's, Richmond
1/31: Launch of Center for Spiritual Deepening, St. Aidan's, Alexandria
1/31: Friends of Music Benefit Concert, St. John's, McLean
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