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December 3, 2015
In this issue:
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 Notes from Bishop Mark
The Rev. Canon Connor B. Gwin, Diocesan Missioner for Youth and Young Adults To Be Ordained to the Priesthood: This Saturday at 3PM, I will ordain Connor to the Sacred Priesthood, at Christ Church in Roanoke. Clergy vestments: cassock, surplice, and red stole.
Clergy Participation and Attendance:
In the next two months, we will ordain three people to the priesthood and hold our Annual Diocesan Council. Sharing in the larger life of the body of Christ is both part of the commitment of our ministry and a sign of respect for and fellowship with our brothers and sisters, lay and ordained, who make up our diocese. Council attendance is expected of all canonically resident clergy except where permission to be excused is granted.
The three upcoming ordinations (see below) will occur in two different parts of our diocese giving more than one opportunity to participate. I trust all clergy will remember the spiritual significance of their own day of ordination.
Upcoming Ordinations for Your Calendar: Click here
● The deacons of this diocese would like to recognize that on December 3, 2015, the Rev. Deacon Ellie Scofield will celebrate 27 years of diaconal ministry. Deacon Scofield began her ministry in the northeast and become the first deacon in this diocese after her relocation to this area. They note that, "We, her colleagues, are thankful for her presence among us and for her commitment."
● New Marriage Rites: With the beginning of this Advent, the new Trial Marriage Rites approved by General Convention can now be used throughout our Church. The published rites are available through Church Publishing and in PDF form on our diocesan website in the section "For Clergy Use." Clergy, please familiarize yourself with the Rites and my policies for their use in this diocese. Let me know whenever you plan to use the Rites. Sunday Visitations and Weekday Meetings: On this Second Sunday of Advent, I will worship with Christ Episcopal Church, Blacksburg.
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Remember to check out the diocesan
Bulletin Board--you'll find information about available grants, seminars, and upcoming training opportunities, as well as parish events!
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. . . with Evans House
● Registration for Annual Council is now open here.
● Practicing Patience With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind is a featured resource for Advent 2015. In this 48-page guide,author Scott Stoner is joined by guest writers Steven Charleston, Nurya Love Parish, Tom Purdy, and Porter Taylor. Download leader's guide here.
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. . . with the Diocese
● The Dark Advent Service: Join the people of St. Paul's, Salem, on Thursday, December 17, at 5:15 PM, as we join with all of our brothers and sisters in worshiping our Lord by anticipating his coming to us in the paradox of Christmas. While the Christmas season is frequently a time of joy and wonder for many of us, it sometimes recalls those happy and fun times that have been lost to others through the death of loved ones or the passing of good health and emotional well-being. This time of year can usher in dread and sadness instead of the excited anticipation of gladness. We honor and affirm each other as we acknowledge the need of one another's support and understanding.
● The public is cordially invited to attend an Advent Organ Recital by Joy Smith-Briggs at All Saints Episcopal Church in Norton on Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 P.M. All Saints is located at 1025 Virginia Avenue across from the Norton City Park. Read more.
● St. Paul's, Lynchburg, invites you to A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols, on Sunday, Dec. 6, 10:30 AM, with a reception to follow. Come see the beautiful historic Renaissance Angel Tree and Crèche on display during Advent.
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. . . with the Wider Community
● The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society is offering a myriad of opportunities to observe the season in spiritual, faithful avenues. The resources are ideal for personal, congregational and community planning and scheduling of Advent observances. Read more.
● The Board of the United Thank Offering has presented a challenge to The Episcopal Church to benefit a special grant of $30,000 for Episcopal Migration Ministries to support refugee welcome in the United States. Read more.
● Episcopal Migration Ministries will sponsor weekly seminars, Advent Advocacy Update: #RefugeesWelcome, to examine the current crisis surrounding refugee resettlement in the United States. Each webinar will explore the latest developments and how Episcopalians can be involved in supporting this important work. The webinars will be held: Tuesday, December 8: 2--3 PM Eastern; Tuesday, December 15: 2--3 PM Eastern. Pre-registration requested; register here.
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Resources and Links
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as of November 14, 2015
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Bishop Marmion Resource Center
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as of October 30, 2015
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St. Nicholas Day Appeal & more!
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www.dioswva.org
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Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
1002 1st Street SW ~ Roanoke, VA 24016
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