Mustard Seed and PJL Grants: Letter of Inquiry Due February 1
2021 Grant Cycle
Letter of Inquiry due February 12
 
Mustard Seed and Peter James Lee (PJL) Small Church Revitalization grant 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.
The Good News

Virtual learning amid the pandemic has put some students at a disadvantage, as not every family can afford the supplies to do school from home. When two dads from St. Peter’s, Arlington, saw a news story about Desks by Dads, they said, “Think we can make 100 desks?” “Let’s get started.” (read on)

Got a good news story to share? Send it to Nancy Chafin.
2021 Shrine Mont Camps Update Coming Soon
With the changing coronavirus case numbers, precautions and treatments, planning for Shrine Mont Camps in 2021 is underway. Please know that we are including many possibilities in our ideas and are hopeful that we may be able to have in-person camp this year. No matter what, next summer will look different than any we've seen before. Whether a camper attends a modified in-person session, a virtual camp experience, or a new hybrid camp, we are committed to encouraging the growth of relationships with self, others and God. More details about plans for this summer should be released in February. Read more at Shrine Mont Camps 2021 FAQs. All updates will go directly to those on our contact list. To receive information as it is released, click here to sign up for the Shrine Mont Camps newsletter.
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.
There are two different courses, each with two meeting time options (you choose the best time for your schedule). They are:
  • Sacred Ground General Course Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m.; or Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m. | 8 sessions every week beginning February 21 or 23. The Sacred Ground General Course is open to any person who would like to participate.
  • Sacred Ground for Facilitators Mondays or Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. | 6 sessions every other week beginning February 22 or 23. The Sacred Ground Facilitators 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.
Help Us Better Serve You: Email and Voicemail Tips
When contacting diocesan staff members, make sure to identify your church and church location in your emails and voicemails. This will help us serve you more quickly and efficiently. If you are a church employee, you can set up your email so that an automatic signature includes your full name, the parish you serve and the town.
Upcoming from Virginia Theological Seminary
Companion Café: Sustenance for the Journey 
Beginning mid- to late-February | 6 one-hour sessions
Companion Café provides an opportunity for connection with others in a similar ministry context through guided conversation in small groups facilitated by spiritual directors or retreat leaders. This is an opportunity to engage with like-hearted people for fellowship, encouragement and support in this time of pandemic separation. Offered in partnership with The Retreat House at Hillsboro. Learn more.

Additional Classes starting next month: