Church Shooting in Charleston: Last night's deadly violence at The Emanuel AME Church in Charleston wounds all us who are part of the body of Christ Jesus. Any house of prayer should be a haven of peace. I would encourage you to find a way to include prayers for all those impacted by this horrendous incident during this Sunday's worship.

The Rev. Alexander MacPhail

New Rector for Christ, Roanoke: The Very Rev. Alexander MacPhail has been called to serve as the new rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Roanoke. The MacPhail family, which includes the Rev. Karin MacPhail and two children, Peter and Maggie, will move to Roanoke in late summer. Read more here.      

Sharon Bryant Ordination on Hold: At this writing Sharon is, sadly, largely unresponsive and medicated under round-the-clock hospice care. We are now keeping vigil and prayers with Sharon, her family and friends, and the Monacan people. Her ordination, previously planned for today, would only be possible if her level of responsiveness were to improve.   

General Convention Begins Next Week: Your GC deputation and I will be providing daily updates from Salt Lake City's Convention business through a variety of media. Watch for more information here and on our website, and join a new Facebook page with a General Convention focus--DIOSWVA@GC. I ask that you pray for the deputation that we have called and empowered to represent our Diocese in the councils of the Episcopal Church.

Building the Youth Mission Fund

Youth Mission Fund Coffee Mugs On Sale: Travel tumblers ($20) and ceramic coffee mugs ($10) are now on sale in order to raise money for the Bradford Youth Exchange trip this summer. Our young people are in the process of spreading them around to churches in the diocese. You can purchase a mug there or send a check to the diocese marked for the Youth Mission Fund. I encourage rectors with discretionary accounts to make a contribution.

Sunday Visitations and Weekday Parish Meetings: This Fourth Sunday of Pentecost I will worship with the people of St. Mark's, Fincastle. On Wednesday evening, The Rev. Jonathan Harris and I met with the vestry of St. Thomas, Abingdon, as they prepare for their interim period and search.

Pastoral Concerns: Please pray for the Rev. Rod Sinclair, who, in addition to suffering from Parkinson's Disease, has fallen and broken his hip. For some time now, he and his wife Louise have been living at Westminster Canterbury near Charlottesville. Many will remember Rod when he served as chaplain, at various times, at Hollins College, Radford University, and Virginia Tech.