Bishop Goff to Preach Live Sunday
Bishop Susan Goff will preach live on Sunday morning for St. Paul’s, Richmond. The service, which will be live-streamed at 10 a.m., will include prayers for our nation and prayers for peace in the face of threatened violence at all 50 state capitols. You can tune in via St. Paul's livestream page or Facebook Live. We will also share it on the diocesan Facebook page. A video of the sermon and a print version will be available later in the day.  
Six Days of Prayer as We Approach the Presidential Inauguration
January 15-20

In the days leading up to the transition between Presidential administrations, please join us as we pray for our nation, for each other and for ourselves. The Diocese will post daily prayers based on the wisdom we find in I Corinthians 13. We will post the prayers via email and Facebook, where we invite you to click to “share” on your social media. They are also available on our website. 
The Bishop's Learning Series
Mystics and Poetry: Doorways to the Spiritual Path
Mondays, 4 p.m.; Tuesdays, 1 p.m.; or Thursdays, 1 p.m. (choose best time for you)
8 weekly sessions beginning on January 25/26/28

We live in a time of disorientation. However, in times of turmoil, we must remember who we are, why we are here, and what we are called to do by looking at the core writings of several spiritual teachers as well as a broad exposure to mystical poetry. In times of confusion, we need reorientation. We need a different metaphor or way of mapping our world. The mystics we will encounter include St. Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, Simone Weil, John of the Cross, Howard Thurman and Thomas Merton. The mystics will enable us to go deeper in our connection to God by describing their spiritual path. In essence, they will offer different maps to approach the holy. 

Learn more about this class. To register, contact Anita Lisk with your name, the name of your parish, and your first and second preference of day/time no later than January 22.
Experience Sacred Ground Anti-Racism Curriculum
The Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing of the Diocese of Virginia invites you to learn about the history of race and racism in America and the impact it has on our world today, while engaging in meaningful conversation through the Episcopal Church’s Sacred Ground curriculum.

For each session, participants will watch documentaries and read articles to help inform and enlighten them. They will then gather on Zoom for conversation to help them peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.

Sacred Ground for Facilitators
Mondays or Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. (choose best time for you)
6 sessions every other week beginning February 22 or 23
The Sacred Ground Facilitators cohorts will take place every other week for a total of 6 sessions. This course is appropriate for those exploring the possibility of becoming a facilitator, even if a participant does not decide to become a facilitator in the end. Learn more.

Sacred Ground General Course
Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m.; or Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. (choose best time for you)
8 sessions every week beginning February 21 or 23
The Sacred Ground General Course cohorts will take place every week for a total of 8 sessions. This course is open to any person who would like to participate. Learn more.
Mustard Seed and Peter James Lee Small Church Revitalization Guidelines 
2021 Grant Cycle
Letter of Inquiry due February 12
 
Mustard Seed and PJL Small Church Revitalization guidelines are now available. The Letter of Inquiry for both grants is due by February 12. Mustard Seed grants may be awarded up to $2,000 and PJL Small Church Revitalization grants up to $5,000. Priorities for this year will be given to proposals that focus on relieving immediate needs brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic. Questions? Contact Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins.
Upcoming from Virginia Theological Seminary
Listening for God: A Workshop on Discerning Vocation in Everyday Living
Saturday, January 16 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
As we move into the New Year, take time to sit with questions and listen for God's direction through quiet prayer, guided meditation and conversation with others who are on the same journey. Learn more.

Seeing and Believing: Visual Arts in Christian Life and Ministry
Tuesday, February 2, 9, 16 and 23 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Peggy (Margaret Adams) Parker, a long-time VTS adjunct instructor and a professional artist, will teach us how to “speak” the ancient language of visual arts, exploring the ways that images can serve as companion and guide in our lives and ministries. Learn more.