August 27, 2015

In this issue:  

 


BishopMarkNotesNotes from Bishop Mark
 
Trinity, Moneta, quickly offered support
Prayers for Moneta:
Following yesterday morning's shootings in our diocese, we are thankful that the crisis is now ended. Our congregation, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, in Moneta, and their head pastor, the Rev. Philip Bouknight, provided a location for and hospitality to the emergency personnel, police, and EMS workers. I am grateful for Philip's immediate and compassionate response.

We now turn our hearts, minds and prayers to all who were impacted by this unholy violence. We pray that God's peace and healing may abound. I would encourage our congregations to add Trinity Ecumenical Parish, the families of those directly affected, and the Moneta community in Sunday's Prayers of the People.

Fall Clergy Conference Overnight:
The Theology of David Brown: Sacrament and Culture is the title The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain, Professor of Theology at Sewanee, has given to our October Clergy Conference. Please find linked here two articles (one pdf file) of advance reading for our time together.

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 and lunch count, and mention any dietary restrictions. (As attendance is not required for retired clergy, they do not need to send me a letter if they choose not to attend.)  
 
Sunday Visitations and Weekday Parish Meetings/Events: This Saturday I will visit Trinity, Richlands. On Sunday, Canon Kathy Dunagan, Deacon Preston Mitchell, and I will be with the Tazewell Cluster parishes for an outdoor Eucharist in Pioneer Park in Tazewell. On Sunday afternoon I will worship and confirm at St. Paul's, Saltville. And, finally, on Sunday evening, I will meet with with vestry of St. Thomas', Abingdon, to confer with them on their interim and search processes.

Pastoral Concerns: 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
 

  ● 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 events and offers.

● 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.  
 
 
. . .  within the Diocese 
 
● Author Stephanie Spellers and a group from Virginia Theological Seminary visited Grace House on the Mountain during the recent Reconciliation Pilgrimage. Read more.

  ● At St. Thomas', Abingdon, a collection of icons depicting the life of Christ extends the parish mission. Read more.

St. John's, Bedford, invites all to join them in gleaning apples on September 12. Read more. 

. . .  within the Wider Community     

● A new (completely revised and updated) edition of the Vestry Resource Guide is now available in both English and Spanish and the $12 introductory price ends September 30. With a deliberate focus on the importance of lay and clergy leadership teams, you'll find comprehensive information and advice about the ministry of the vestry, leading faith communities, stewardship, and navigating clergy transitions. Order through Forward Movement.

● The Leadership Program for Musicians (LPM), a national program offering classes for church musicians and those interested in church music, is accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 year. For more information, visit http://www.lpm-va.org or contact Jane Barthurst by email or by calling 804-883-7112. 

● Applications are currently being accepted for the 2015 awards for Indigenous Theological Training. The awards are available to diocesan and church-wide organizations for lay and ordained members of The Episcopal Church. Read more.

● Jackson-Feild Homes has named a new Director of Clinical Services. Read more. 

● Seminary for a Day takes place on September 26 at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. For only $25, enjoy two great keynotes, morning and afternoon workshops, and a delicious lunch. Register now for workshops and your choice of several lunch options.  

● Bishop Stacy Sauls has announced that young adults 18 to 30 years old are invited to apply for a Young Adult Pilgrimage to Ferguson, MO, on October 8--12, sponsored by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. Read more. 
 
ResourcesandLinksResources and Links

as of August 26, 2015
Something to talk about!
as of August 21, 2015
as of August 13, 2015
Bishop Marmion Resource Center
as of June 5, 2015
Bishop's Dollar and More