2009 Fall Clergy Conference

Register on- line
Tuesday – Wednesday, November 3 – 4, 2009
Optional, Self-Directed Quiet Day, November 2)
The Keynoter: The Rev. Karen M. Ward, Abbess and Vicar of Church of the Apostles, Seattle
Music and Liturgy: Members of the Church of the Holy Apostles, Seattle

A message from Bishop Hollerith on H1N1

After considerable reflection on the matter of the H1N1 virus and other possible pandemic viruses, and following consultation with infectious disease specialist, Dr. Scott Miller (St. Aidan’s, Virginia Beach), I have concluded that at this time the best policy for me to establish is one of simply making some clear cut recommendations to you regarding preventative measures. It very well may be that in the future, if the virus becomes a major health problem, a more direct policy from my office will be necessary. We will pray not.

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Medical Insurance.

The Church Medical Trust has announced the rates for the different plans offered by the Diocese of Southern Virginia. -more-

118th Annual Council-Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

The 118th Annual Council of the Diocese of Southern Virginia will convene on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Williamsburg Lodge.

Nominating Committee--The 118th Council will elect: One lay and one cleric for Standing Committee (Article XV), one lay and two clerics for Ecclesiastical Court (Canon XXII), and one lay and one cleric as Deputy to Provincial Synod (Canon X). A Nominating Committee comprised of one lay person and one clergy from each convocation is required by the canon.

We have only a portion of the Nominating Committee in place so far, we need your help. We have, so far, the lay persons for Convocations II, III and IV and the clergy for IX. The Nominating Committee has not needed to meet in person the past couple of years. The Bishop's office coordinates and distributes information to facilitate this committee doing its business by email and conference calls. A link to the announcement letter, nomination forms, and position descriptions is here >>> http://tinyurl.com/mye9hs

Town meetings take the place of Special Council in 2009

Special Council is replaced this year with a series of Town Meetings held around the diocese. This is an opportunity for clergy and parishioners to learn more about the diocesan finances and budget and to provide input as to the programs and services you want to support. Bishop Hollerith will lead these four meetings to be held in Clarksville, Midlothian, Virginia Beach and Newport News (see box to the right for dates, times and locations.)

Discovering ourselves anew: Fall Camp at Shrinemont

Do you love Shrinemont? Would you like to spend time at Shrinemont in the midst of the fall colors, enjoying a time to worship, reflect and great fellowship? Do you like rest, relaxation, fun & food (that you don't have to cook)? Would you like time to enjoy the spirituality of Shrinemont and to explore what the area has to offer (leaves, wineries, antiques, golf)? How about an opportunity to participate in a tremendous outreach project (STOP HUNGER NOW)?

If any of this strikes your fancy, then Fall Camp at Shrinemont, October 26-29, is for you. Cost is $215 per person, double occupancy; $245 per person, single occupancy. Fall Camp is sponsored by the Tri-Diocesan Council on Aging which means people from all three dioceses in Virginia attend this annual event.

This year's keynote speaker is Margaret Guenther, an Episcopal priest, retired professor of Ascetical Theology and Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality at the General Theological Seminary in New York. Currently, she is the Associate Rector at St. Columbia's Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C. The Rt. Rev. David Jones, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Virginia, is the chaplain. Folk Theologian Ed Kilbourne is the singer, storyteller, musician of the week. Look for registration forms at your parish in the near future or click each link below for more information.
Registration and more information

Worship Leader Workshop

Are you called to be a lector, Eucharistic minister or visitor, intercessor, or worship leader? Have others suggested that you might be called to lead worship?
If so, Taking Our Place is for you. This one-day workshop, sponsored by the Commission on Ministry for Diocesan Formation, is a training course for those who are new to leading worship, and a refresher course for those who are experienced in leading worship.
Download the brochure [here]

Saturday, October 10, 2009
Johns Memorial Church, Farmville,
9 am – 3:30 pm
OR
Saturday, January 9, 2010
St. Paul’s Church, Norfolk,
9 am – 3:30 pm