Calling a Lenten Fast

A joint observation of the Diocese of Davao, Philippines and the Stewardship of Creation Committee of the Diocese of Virginia, United States.
 
We call this fast to open ourselves up to God, to be in solidarity with all who hunger, to become more aware of our interdependence with all living things, and to be more committed to our mutual flourishing.
 
While fasting is a spiritual discipline at all times, during Lent it takes on added significance because of Jesus' own fast of 40 days in the wilderness. By denying ourselves we learn insights into our dependence on the fruits of the earth - gracious gifts of sustenance that God provides. As we fast, we recommit ourselves to the care and protection of soil, seeds, air, and water so that all living things might thrive. As we fast, we turn away from harmful conveniences that jeopardize the delicate web of life and turn towards a right relationship with God, one another, the earth, and all creatures.
 
The fast from food will be observed from sun-up to sun-down on the five Tuesdays during Lent (2/16 through 3/15). Each Tuesday morning, we will send out a note of support that will include a brief thought and a prayer. Click here for a Lenten schedule from the Diocese of Davao. 

Christ the King, South African Video Series
We're excited to announce the second installment of the Christ the King, South Africa series is up on YouTube. Follow this link to watch. The series surrounds the topic of racial reconciliation efforts in the context of South Africa. Visit the website to see Bishop Johnston's full introduction. And come back next week for the next video!

Grant Opportunities
Does the vital and transformative work your church is doing need some financial assistance? Is your church looking for resources to grow or expand an existing ministry, or to start something new and innovative? If so, the Office of Mission and Outreach would like to help! There are three major grants- the United Thank Offering Grant, the Mustard Seed Grant, and the Peter James Lee Small Church Revitalization Grant- available to support ministries in your parish, in your community, and around the world. 

Application deadlines will be here soon, so click here to learn more about which grant is right for your ministry and start applying today! If you have any questions or would like to submit an application, email Hannah Roberts, intern for the Office of Mission and Outreach, at [email protected]
 or call (804) 643-8451 ext. 1019.
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 are now available. 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.
Tag Us on Social Media
We love to hear what is happening in your congregation so we can encourage and support you in your ministry. When you post online, tag us so we can ensure that we're all Connected in the Kingdom!

Twitter: @TheDiocese or #diova
Facebook: Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
Instagram: thedioceseva
Annual Council Rescheduled for March 5
As you may know, the 221st Annual Council had to be rescheduled due to snow.  The new date has been set for March 5 at Epiphany, Herndon.  Click here for detailed information about schedule, fees and other important items.
Workshop: Equipping leaders in faith-based communities
 
Feb. 29 - Mar. 4, 2016, Roslyn Conference and Retreat 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.


Seeing the Face of God in Each Other" - Anti-Racism Workshop - Rescheduled!
April 1 and 2, 2016 -  Friday and Saturday at Richmond Hill, Richmond, Virginia

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
Session 1 will begin with a light supper on Friday, April 1 at 5 p.m and end at 9 p.m. Session 2 on April 2 will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. and will include continental breakfast and lunch.
 
Registration Fees:  Workshop only - $35; Workshop and overnight accommodations at Richmond Hill - $65 

To register, please email Ellyn Crawford,  [email protected]. You may bring a check with you or mail one to the Diocese c/o Mary Anne Bryant.

Lenten Quiet Day - Offered by the ECW
March 3: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Roslyn Conference and Retreat Center

Death is conquered we are free... So what?
The implication of Easter faith for discipleshipled by The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. "Ted" Gulick Jr. with music led by Martha Burford, Director of Music, Church of the Holy Comforter, Richmond. 

Register by Feb. 22. Download registration form here
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:  
 
The Rev. Howard Kempsell
  • April 4-7
  • June 21-23
  • August 23-25
  • November 8-10

Linda Nelson

  • April 26-28
  • August 9-11
  • November 1-3
To check availability during these residencies, please contact Amy Williams,  [email protected].

Need to Know
House of Bishops Theology Committee Announces New Online Daily Meditations for Lent 
This Lent, the Theology Committee of The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops invites you to examine unsustainable patterns of consumption and self-interest that have contributed to economic crisis.  Repairing the Breach: Discipleship and Mission in a Global Economy, produced in partnership with Forward Movement, provides free daily meditations and videos, and covers topics ranging from employment and consumerism to food and the environment.  Daily meditations move through a pattern of reading, watching, reflecting, and praying, and each week of Lent is devoted to a particular aspect of economic life. The Theology Committee of the House of Bishops invite you to recover and renew your economic imagination this Lent, and to learn about specific practices where the Spirit of God is moving in local congregations and communities to bring new life.
 
Visit repairingthebreach.forwardmovement.org to learn more. A print-friendly downloadable PDF of the reflections is also available for download at www.forwardmovement.org. 
   
Roslyn retreat center in Richmond is pleased to offer complimentary overnight retreats to clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia April 4-7. 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 [email protected] to make a reservation.
  
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
.  
Other News & Events
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) has released the winter lineup of free webinars that includes vestry orientation, endowment investment strategies for 2016, senior warden ministry, vestry retreat planning, and basics of a capital campaign. Register today. 

In addition, ECF offers a Vestry Resource Guide that includes information on ministry of the vestry, leading a community of faith, stewardship, and navigating transitions in clergy leadership. It is available in both Spanish and English.

SUMMA Student Theological Debate Society is accepting applications for the 2016 session of SUMMA Debate Camp.

SUMMA Student Theological Debate Society is inviting high school students across the United States entering grades 9-12 to apply for the 2016 session of SUMMA Debate Camp, July 18-26, 2016. Held at the University of the South  in Sewanee, Tenn., SUMMA is a unique opportunity for students to explore their faith through intellectual channels; meet lifelong friends; and have fun on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country!

The Impact of Death and Dying: Perspectives from Evolution, Resilience, and Family Systems, a conference out of The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family on April 15-16 at George Mason University in Arlington, VA. Learn more and register

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
2/19: "FREE" Uncover our Religious Identity with Five Fridays of Islam and Christian dialogue, Epiphany, Herndon
2/20: One is a Whole Number Pot Luck and Meeting, The Falls Church, Falls Church
2/20: Concert by Charles Lindsay, Organist, Immanuel, Old Church
2/20: Prepare the Way! Spring Cleaning for the Soul with The Rev. Torrence Harman, St. Barnabas', Annandale
2/21: Contemplative Service with Holy Eucharist, Emmanuel, Richmond
2/21: RVA Talks @ St. Mark's - A series on race, reconciliation, and healing, St. Mark's, Richmond
2/24: Lenten Supper, Study & Devotion, Christ Church, Millwood
2/24: Workshop on Prayer of the Imagination, St. Aidan's, Alexandria
2/25: An Evening with Roland Merullo, St. Stephen's, Richmond