August 20, 2015

In this issue:  

 


BishopMarkNotesNotes from Bishop Mark
 
Fall Clergy Conference Overnight ~ Attendance and Hotel Reservations: Next week I will be sending some advance reading material from our Clergy Conference leader, The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain, Professor of Theology at Sewanee. The Conference, October 8 and 9, will be held at Evans House in our brand new Lower Level space. Alan has arranged for a block of rooms at the nearby Cambria Suites at a rate of $102. Tell them you are with the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. The block of rooms is confirmed and available through September 8. Please also confirm your attendance with Lynn so we can begin to get a dinner count, and mention any dietary restrictions.
 
Marriage Rites for Trial Use: I will soon be sending an email to our clergy containing new policy guidelines for the use of the marriage rites approved for trial use by this summer's General Convention. The email will contain PDF files of the rites. My policy for the use of these rites along with the PDFs will also be made available on our diocesan website. The rites, by act of General Convention, will be available for use at the beginning of Advent.
 
Sunday Visitations and Weekday Parish Meetings/Events: This past Sunday, I worshipped with the people of Good Shepherd, Blue Grass. On Tuesday evening I attended the Lynchburg Convocation's Hillcats baseball night.

 

 
 
  






Pastoral Concerns: 
● The Rev. Canon Kathy Dunagan had a car accident a few weeks ago. Despite the traumatic nature of the wreck, which resulted in the totaling of her car, she only sustained a rather minor injury to her left hand and arm. We give thanks that she is well and pray for her recovery.  
● The Rev. James Hubbard had surgery a couple of weeks ago without complication. Keep James in your prayers.  
● The Rev. Deacon Butch Eanes continues at Springtree Rehab where he is receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Please keep Butch and Carol in your prayers.
 

ConnectingConnecting

. . .  with Evans House

● The Mission Education Working Group of the Executive Board has prepared a "Back to Church" bulletin insert for parish use. Find it here.

● The Executive Board has extended the application process for St. Nicholas Day grant recipients through the end of August. Read more.  
    
 
 
● If there's an event or piece of news you'd like to see highlighted here or on our website, please email news@dioswva.org. Check out the Bulletin Board section of the diocesan website to learn about upcoming seminars, trainings, and more! 
 
. . .  within the Wider Community

 ● The Diocese of Virginia is hosting a conference this October on the connection between food, faith and the environment entitled Taste and See that the Lord is Good: A Conversation between a Farmer,a Chef, and a Theologian.The conference takes place on October 3, from 9 AM to 3 PM, at  Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (8 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220). The $15 fee includes a locally-sourced lunch. Children's and Family Program available. Learn more and register here.  

ResourcesandLinksResources and Links

as of August 18, 2015
Something to talk about!
as of August 6, 2015
as of August 13, 2015
Bishop Marmion Resource Center
as of June 5, 2015
Bishop's Dollar and More