Diocesan Visioning Sessions
During the Pastoral Address at our Diocesan Convention last month, Bishop Goff articulated her vision for our Diocese for the next few years. At the end she said, “If the vision belongs to the bishops alone, it will never be ours. So let’s continue this address as a conversation. I invite the people of the Diocese to come together in a series of vision gathering during the season of Epiphany.”

This is your invitation to take part in our Diocesan Visioning Tour with Bishop Goff and Bishop Brooke-Davidson. The questions we’ll discuss will be publicized before the sessions so that participants will have a chance to give them some thought, and so that people who can’t attend might have a chance to submit their thoughts.

Dates and Locations
Wednesday, January 15, 6:30 p.m. at Christ Church, Glen Allen
Thursday, January 16, 3:30 p.m. at Christchurch School
Thursday, January 23, 7:00 p.m. at Aquia Church, Stafford
Thursday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s, Ivy
Saturday, February 8, 1:00 p.m. at Calvary, Front Royal
Saturday, February 15, 1:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd, Burke

Who You Gonna Call?
 With the recent arrival of Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson and the imminent departure of Bishop Bob Ihloff, clarification about oversight of particular ministry areas will be helpful. 

Ministries that both Bishop Goff and Bishop Brooke-Davidson will engage include:
  • Visitations to diocesan churches, schools and retirement communities
  • Work with those who are preparing for ordination as deacons or priests
  • Pastoral care of clergy and their families
  • Ministry with the wider Church in and through the House of Bishops
              
Ministries that will be overseen by Bishop Brooke-Davidson include:
  • Mission congregations
  • Regional ministry in the work of Deans and Regional Presidents
              
Ministries that will be overseen by Bishop Goff include:
  • Vocational Deacons
  • Clergy discipline and Title IV

This list is far from comprehensive, but we hope it gives a helpful starting place. When in doubt, be in touch with either of the bishops or with their assistant, Anita Lisk .
Please Give to the Bishop's Appeal
You are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world through your wonderful ministries and vibrant congregations that bring hope and energy to your community with opportunities for formation, worship, and service.
 
As a celebration of our blessings, we ask you to please consider a gift today to ensure that the life-giving ministries that connect us to one another and bring the love of Jesus Christ to our neighbors will continue.
 
  • Give online: www.thediocese.net
  • By text: Send "DIOVA APPEAL" to 73256
  • By sending a check to: The Diocese of Virginia, PO BOX 27426, Richmond, VA 23261
Lunch & Learn – Formation Webinar Series
January-May 2020, Third Thursdays
12:30-1:30 p.m., via Zoom

This is an opportunity for lay and ordained church staff and volunteers to come together and discuss a monthly topic of interest. Topics will include Lenten resources, communications tips and self-care for formation leaders. Learn more and register.
Shrine Mont Camps Registration Opens January
Camp registration goes live on Tuesday, January 7! Want to be notified about prices and other resources for registration and camp preparation? Sign up for the camp newsletter.
Make sure to follow Shrine Mont Camps on Facebook and Instagram for a dose of camp joy throughout the year.
United Thank Offering Grants
The 2020 United Thank Offering Annual Grants are now available. This year’s focus is "Bless: Share faith, practice generosity and compassion, and proclaim the Good News of God in Christ with hope and humility."
 
If you have questions about whether or not your project will fall within this year’s focus on evangelism, join an informational webinar on December 8 at noon or 8 p.m. You'll be able to ask specific questions about your project. If you can’t make the webinar, visit the Episcopal Church’s Evangelism website  for more information. Learn more about grant criteria and materials.
 
Applications are due January 5, 2020 for review by the ECW Grants Committee. Send proposals by email to Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins or by hard copy to: The Diocese of Virginia, 110 W Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220. Questions? Contact Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins .
Upcoming at VTS
On-Campus Opportunities
Email LifelongLearning@vts.edu for a 20% discount on overnight accommodations.
Join Us in Prayer
We pray for Church of the Creator, Mechanicsville (pictured); St. Barnabas', Annandale; Christ Church, Gordonsville; and St. James the Less, Ashland, as they prepare for their Bishop's Visitations. We pray for Bishop Goff, Bishop Brooke-Davidson and Bishop Gulick as they travel to these congregations. 
Calendar and Church Events
December 4-January 25: In Verdant: Psalms An art show offering oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings which reflect upon the Psalms as translated through the language of flowers. St. Stephen's, Richmond.
December 19: Advent Taizé Service A simple service with meditative songs, scripture, prayer and silence. Holy Cross, Dunn Loring.
December 21: Bethlehem Christmas Simulcast Service J oin with congregations at Washington National Cathedral and Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem for this service celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace.