Rising Strong Workshop
June 4-5, Roslyn Retreat Center

Based on the research of Bren� Brown and grounded in the Christian tradition, this workshop is about showing up as our deepest selves. In it we will delve into our individual stories, especially those of struggle, and learn to let go of who we think we ought to be so that we might be who we are. The cost is $25.00 (includes overnight lodging and meals; scholarship assistance available), and the registration deadline is May 20 at noon. Learn more and register

The workshop is led by the Rev. Abbott Bailey and the Rev. Beth Magill, 
Missioner at the Episcopal Student Center at the University of Texas - Austin, both Certified Daring Way™ Facilitators. 

A Little Bit Louder Now!
June 4, Shrine Mont

A celebration and rededication of the Shrine Mont Camps.

Come for the day or spend the weekend at Shrine Mont. Events will be held Friday through Sunday, including a Friday night bonfire, Saturday morning run and hike. Click here for the schedule of events.

Contact Shrine Mont ([email protected] or call 540-856-2141) to make a reservation. 

Virginia Episcopalian Focus Groups
The Communications Team is reimagining the Virginia Episcopalian magazine and we need your help! The key to this revisioning process is to gather feedback from our readers so that we can better understand what content you would like to see.
 
You are invited to attend a Virginia Episcopalian focus group where we will review the current magazine, gather feedback and brainstorm new ideas.

Dates and locations are:
Register here.
2016 Stewardship Workshops
3 dates available - choose yours today!
The 2016 stewardship workshop series, "Walk in Love," offers a broad opportunity to gather all of the annual giving resources you will need for the fall stewardship season, as well as to walk more deeply in conversations that lead to enriched, vibrant congregational life across all ministries.

Join us for individual workshops on annual giving, proportional giving, social media strategies, how to tell your story, planned giving, stewardship with families, and much, much more!
 
All of the above sessions will be offered on each stewardship workshop day. Bring several folks from your church and hear them all! Learn more and register. 

Dates and locations are:
Need to Know
e-Formation 2016: A conference on ministry in a digital world
Is your congregation getting serious about its online presence, or hoping to take it to the next level? Would you like to learn with other ministry practitioners using technology in faith formation, communication, and other ministries?
e-Formation 2016 will take place June 6-8 at Virginia Theological Seminary for $289 or by webinar for $89. Limited Spanish interpretation and inexpensive evening programing in Spanish and in English are also available. Learn more and register. 
 
Jubilee Impact and Development Grants are now available
Applications are now accepted for the 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants to further the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church. Application forms are available here. Deadline for applications is June 17 at 5 pm Eastern. All currently-designated Jubilee Ministries are eligible. Proposals must be approved by bishop of the diocese and, if applicable, the Diocesan Jubilee Officer. Ashley Cameron is the Jubilee Officer for the Diocese of Virginia, please contact her for further information or if you have any questions at [email protected].
 
Short-Term Mission Grants Available
The Office of Mission and Outreach would like to remind folks going on mission trips this year that you can apply for a short-term mission grant from the Diocese. Contact Mary Anne Bryant at [email protected] for more information.
Other News & Events
If you are concerned about the ongoing global crisis and want to learn about the latest developments and how to get involved, please come to St. George's refugee forum series on the first three Thursdays in June (6/2, 6/9, and 6/16).  The forums will facilitate a dialogue with the community on the challenges and opportunities in the global refugees crisis. The forums speakers include refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Afghanistan, Virginia's State Senator Barbara Favola, and refugee experts from UNHCR, the Department of State, the interfaith communities, and other prominent refugee services organizations.  The events will highlight opportunities for action for anyone who is interested to get involved.  RSVP for the events is highly encouraged.

Ways and resources to observe World Refugee Day on June 20. This year, The Episcopal Church, in partnership with congregations, volunteers and our network of 30 local affiliate offices in 26 states will welcome more than 5,000 refugees to the United States from 32 countries, from places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma, Afghanistan, and Syria. Click here for suggestions, ideas and resources to observe World Refugee Day.  
 
Encouraging instructors and a nurturing community will awaken your artistic talents at Kanuga's annual Liturgical Arts Conference: Faith, Art, and Creative Expression, August 21-26.  Six morning classes and an array of afternoon activities will explore needlework, photography, prayer gardens, flower arranging, painting, and music.  To learn more and to register, please visit www.kanuga.org/liturgicalarts.  
Church Events
5/20: Movie Theology: Inside Out, St. James's, Richmond
5/22: Jazz Eucharist with The John Winn Group, St. James's, Richmond
5/28-29, 57th Hunt Country Stable Tour, Middleburg Training Track
5/29: Contemplative Service with Holy Eucharist, Emmanuel, Richmond
6/1: Welcome Summer Concert, St. James's, Richmond
6/2: St. George's Refugee Crisis Forums: Session I, St. George's, Arlington
6/4: Sounds of Pohick Music Concert, Pohick, Lorton
6/4: Strawberry Festival, Christ Church, Lucketts
6/4: Historic Pohick Church First Saturday Tours, Pohick, Lorton