225th Annual Convention is One Week Away!
November 14-16
Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington

Not a delegate to Convention? Not a problem! Follow all the Convention action on Facebook and Twitter . And check out the events below that are open to the public.

Three Convention Workshops Open to All
For the first time ever, the Diocese is opening select Convention workshops to the public. For more information, visit our workshops page . Seating is limited and pre-registration is required . To sign up, e-mail Karen Smith .

Friday Afternoon Workshops
  • Planned Giving: Setting Up a Program for Your Church (2:40 - 3:40 PM)
  • Planned Giving: Creating a Legacy Society (3:50 - 4:50 PM)
  • Communications: Cutting through the Chaos (2:40 PM, repeats at 3:50 PM)

Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Training
Thursday, November 14, 2:30-4:00
The Diocesan Addiction and Recovery Team hosts a REVIVE! training for lay rescuers to learn how to safely and effectively administer Naloxone (Narcan) to an individual experiencing an opioid overdose. This 90-minute training is limited to 25 participants. Register for REVIVE! training by Tuesday, November 12.

Altar Guild Swap
Declutter your sacristy and swap unused or unwanted items (linens, candles, metal ware, vestments, stoles, etc.) with churches around the Diocese. Drop off items on November 14 at the altar guild booth at Convention and come back for the swap on November 15. There will also be a collection of purificators and corporals for Shrine Mont. If you plan to participate or have questions, contact   Sharon Nachman .
Climate in the Pulpits, on the Bimah & in the Minbar
 November 15-17

Virginia Interfaith Power and Light presents Climate in the Pulpits, on the Bimah & in the Minbar. D uring the weekend of November 15-17, pastors, rabbis, imams and other faith leaders will raise up climate change as a part of their weekly sermon. No matter how you choose to participate, whether through a film screening, community discussion, Bible study or inclusion in the weekly sermon, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light welcomes your support. Help spread the word to faith communities across Virginia by using the  flyer linked here .
Don't Get Phished!
In recent months, many churches have reported instances of “phishing,” where parishioners received emails that claim to be from their priest asking for money in the form of gift cards, donations or wire transfers. Such emails are NOT the way that clergy request support from parishioners. Sometimes, the email address these messages come from is a clue, but sometimes it is hard to tell. When in doubt, call your church office to get the facts before sending money in any form. And if there is a request to click on a link, do not do so! 
Upcoming at VTS
On-Campus Opportunities


Online Opportunities

Deep Calls to Deep: Applications for 2020-21 Cohort Due January 15
Funded by the Lilly Foundation, this year-long program nourishes a passion for preaching. Learn more .
Join Us in Prayer
We pray for Trinity, Charlottesville, (pictured) as they prepare for their Bishop's Visitation this week. We pray for Bishop Ihloff in his travels to this congregation. 

We pray for all clergy, lay delegates and attendees of diocesan Annual Convention as they prepare for and travel to Arlington next week.
Calendar and Church Events
November 9: David Hurd Workshop Dr. Hurd, r enowned organist, composer and musician will be in the Winchester region sharing his insight on sacred music. 
November 10: Music from the Time of Leonardo da Vinci A concert by Capella de la Torre for the 500th anniversary of da Vinci's death. St. Barnabas, Annandale.