October 7, 2015

In this issue:   

 


BishopMark Notes from Bishop Mark 

Fall Convocations Underway: This weekend we continue our round of fall meetings with the Augusta Convocation meeting at Trinity in Staunton. Along with the fellowship and the electing of new leaders, this time provides us with an opportunity to renew our commitments to becoming the missional church. The schedule of convocation meetings can be found here.

Fall Clergy Conference Overnight Begins Tomorrow Afternoon ~ The Theology of David Brown: Sacrament and Culture; The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain, Professor of Theology at Sewanee: Please find linked here two articles of advance reading for our time together.

One in Mission Article Edited To Correct Misunderstanding: The Rev. Canon Kathy Dunagan's article, "Dining Out with Others" has been edited for accuracy for our website version. In her article the term social club was used to describe missional dinners that occur in many churches. As this ministry is widely engaged nationally, our assumption was that this designation was widely understood. Some of our parishes, including some mentioned in the article, call their missional meals by other names. I am sorry for this assumption and any misunderstanding caused by it.

Canon Melissa Hays-Smith, who, as a family therapist, has been involved with this missional work for many years explains:

Social clubs were begun nationwide in the 1970's and 80's in response to deinstitutionalization of adults with mental illness. They were partnerships between churches and the public mental health system to welcome these adults back to the community, give them opportunities to interact in a meaningful way and offer hospitality and friendship.

This explanation has been added to the new edited and abbreviated article that will appear on our diocesan website.    
 
Guidelines for the new Marriage Liturgies for Trial Use: My new Guidelines regarding the use of the Marriage Rites for Trial Use adopted this past summer by the 78th General Convention of our Church are now posted on our diocesan website and can found here
Bishop Mark's visitation to Grace, Radford. Click on the photo to see the Facebook album, including the consecration of a new outdoor altar. 

Sunday Visitations and Weekday Parish Meetings/Events: This Sunday, I will visit with Good Shepherd in Folly Mills. Last Sunday I worshipped with Grace Episcopal Church in Radford.

Pastoral Concerns:  
--Pray for strength and healing for The Rev. Tom Crittenden as he undergoes a radiation series. 
--Pray for healing for The Rev. James Hubbard, following surgery and treatment for a cancer diagnosis.
--The Rev. Deacon Butch Eanes is home from Springtree Rehab and is receiving therapies at home. Please keep Butch and Carol in your prayers.
--Pray for the repose of the soul of Dennis K. Edmondson, the Rev. Emily Fisher Edmondson's stepson, who died on Sunday, September 27, and pray for comfort for Emily and Keith in their grief.
--Pray for the Rev. Richard Fife and his father, whose advanced age is requiring more and more involvement on Richard's part.
 
 
ConnectingConnecting

With Evans House

●  Parishes are requested to share any plans to watch the Installation of Bishop Curry as Presiding Bishop. A live webcast takes place Sunday, November 1, at noon; on-demand viewing will be available that same day. We would be happy to help spread the word about these gatherings to others in the community. Send information to news@dioswva.org

Within the Diocese 
Our One Word logo
DOUBT
 
● Our One Word continues this week on Thursday at 5:30 PM. The gathering will take place at St. John's, Roanoke, in the Conference Room near the main office. Plan to park in one of the three lots on Mountain Avenue, and enter through the doors found on the circle drive. Our word for the week is DOUBT, but you can feel sure of your welcome!

From Julia Littlefield, United Thank Offering Coordinator: Always and everywhere -- Give thanks! Your Blue Box is an icon of connection with God's mission.
 
Voices of Faith shares this flyer about Spiritual Practice and Science on  October 22, 2015, 7 PM in the Green Drawing Room, Hollins University. This  session will focus on Neurotheology, the scientific study of the relationship of the brain and religious experience. Contact John or Katie Zawacki for more information: voicesoffaith316@gmail.com or 540-525-1245.

Safeguarding God's Children training will be offered at Emmanuel, Staunton, on Sunday, November 1, and will start by noon.  Please contact Susan Peyton for more information: speyton1218@comcast.net or 540-290-0450

● St. Paul's, Lynchburg will host a women's retreat, Our One Word, with guest speaker Martha Bourlakas. The retreat begins on Friday, October 23, from 6--8 PM. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served. It continues on Saturday, October 24, from 9 AM through 12:30 PM. A continental breakfast and lunch are included. The event takes place in the church lower level. RSVP here or call 434-845-7301 by Oct. 19.  

Boys Home was featured in the Episcopal News Service email letter last week for the Teach a Man to Fish event. Find the full article here. (Note: This link has been updated.)  

Within the Wider Community 

Immanuel Chapel Dedicatory Year presents Thomas Dix Bowers Preaching Fellowship Lectures: The Good Funeral and the Good Funeral Sermon and Preaching in More than One Voice: Enchantment, Wisdom, and Disruption. Read more.

The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society will present a 90-minute webinar on October 15 focusing on the global refugee crisis, U.S. resettlement, and how Episcopalians can be involved in this ministry of welcome. Read more and register.

ResourcesandLinksResources and Links

as of October 6, 2015
Something to talk about!
as of September 28, 2015
as of August 13, 2015
Bishop Marmion Resource Center
as of September 3, 2015
Bishop's Dollar and More