● With the horrific violence of the shooting in Orlando, we must, as people who follow the Prince of Peace, actively work and pray for a cessation of the senseless gun violence that is so pervasive in our country. Please see our Presiding Bishop's comments below and hold the families and friends of the victims in your daily prayers.
● This week, members of our Project Resource Team are meeting at Evans House to plan for the training of four new members and to design plans for expanding stewardship and planned giving resources throughout our diocese in the fall.
●Parish visitations: On 3 Pentecost, I visited R.E. Lee Memorial, Lexington, where there were three confirmations and one reception. On 4 Pentecost, I worshipped with the people of Emmanuel, Covington. Young men from Boys Home attended worship that morning and stayed for a big parish lunch afterwards.
Residents of Boys Home join the bishop in worshipping at Emmanuel, Covington
Members of RE Lee, Lexington, with Bishop Mark
Connecting
. . . with Evans House
● The parish parochial report (due March 31) and audit (due August 31) are both required in order for a delegation to be seated at Annual Convention. Let Alan Boyce know if help is needed with an audit, and contact Lynn Robertson for assistance with the parochial report. Check your parish progress on received reports below.
. . . with the Diocese
● Youth looking for an adventure this summer? Consider Outdoor Expedition Camp, from June 26 to July 1. Youth aged 13 and older will spend two days hiking and caving . . . two days backpacking, rock climbing and rappelling . . . and a total of three nights camping out, all while exploring parts of southwestern Virginia under the ground and up on mountains. Come learn what lives in the caves of Virginia and on the cliffs of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read more about all the summer sessions.
Remember to check out the diocesan
Bulletin Board. You'll find information and news of all kinds!
. . . with the Wider Community
● "Pray for the repose of the souls who have died," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry said in his video message, Prayers for Orlando, concerning the June 12 shooting in Orlando, FL, in which 50 people died and 53 were injured. Watch the video.
● Presiding Bishop Curry also offers a 2016 World Refugee Day message, saying, "We must find a way to end the suffering of human beings." Read more.
●The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy has offered a statement on the tragedy in Orlando. Find it here.
● The United Thank Offering of The Episcopal Church awarded 32 grants for a total of $1,161,314.62 for the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Learn more.
● Pauline "Polly" Getz of the Diocese of San Diego has been elected by the Episcopal Church Executive Council to serve as a lay member, filling an unexpired term. Read more.
