Shrine Mont Camps Early Bird Rate Ends February 29
Registration is going strong for Shrine Mont Camps: More than 330 campers are already registered, with 22% of those registrants being new to Shrine Mont Camps. Early bird rate ends Saturday, Feb. 29. Register now to make sure your camper’s spot is reserved. The earlier we know camper totals, the more time we’ll have for planning camp essentials and fun! 
Registration Now Open for 4 th and 5 th Grade Weekend at Shrine Mont
April 17-19
Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs

This new Parish Youth Ministries event for 4th and 5th graders is sure to be full of laughter, worship, games and play!

For more information, visit dovformation.net or email Sierra Gore .
Planting and Growing Your Food Ministry
Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m.
via Zoom
 
If you have an idea for a food or land ministry, or want to learn more about ministries in this realm, join this conversation with agrarian ministry practitioner, Brian Sellers-Petersen. In this Diocese of Virginia webinar, he’ll share stories of churches across the country that are creatively using their land and property to grow food, feed the hungry and care for the environment.
 
About your Webinar Host: Brian Sellers-Petersen is the Agrarian Missioner for the Diocese of Olympia and author of  Harvesting Abundance: Local Initiatives of Food and Faith . He was a keynote speaker and preacher at our recent diocesan Annual Convention.
 
Click here for the Zoom webinar link.
Final Listening Session
Saturday, February 29, 10 a.m.
St. Peter's, Arlington

Thanks to all who attended one or more of the Visioning Sessions with the Bishops during the season of Epiphany. There is one more opportunity to join the conversation. Registration | Small Group Discussion Topics and Guide

All of the input from every session and from comments submitted online is being compiled. The Bishops will report on the main themes that emerged and share with the entire diocese a vision for our common mission and ministry in the four ministry areas and beyond. Look for reports via the diocesan e-newsletter, social media and the website. 
In Case You Missed It: Bishop Goff's Lenten Message
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. -Isaiah 35:1-2a

Life abundant is springing up all around us. The crocuses and daffodils are in full bloom. The Lenten rose, humble in its rank of first blossom, is far from alone this year. Winter is making way, quickly, fully and earlier than usual, for spring. In the season of Lent, we intentionally enter the winter wilderness of our own hearts to look for the blossoms there. Read more.
Are You Interested in the Ministry of Reconciliation?
“The wound of racism has infected our souls in America since before we were born. That wound hurts us all here in the Diocese of Virginia, whatever our race, ethnicity, language, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or political affiliation. As followers of Jesus, we must take part in healing that wound as we live Jesus’ love across divides of every kind.” –Bishop Susan Goff

If you are interested in being part of the diocesan Committee on Reconciliation, submit your application by March 11. The committee’s strategic planning process will begin with a retreat in May. Questions? Contact Aisha Huertas . English application | Spanish application | Learn more
Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse
Bishop Curry says, “Love your Democratic neighbor, love your Republican neighbor, love your Independent neighbor.” Civil discourse helps us to understand how we can engage with people who have different views from our own and lays out the value for doing so. This guide to civil discourse curriculum aims to enhance our ability to learn from and understand one another, and to apply that practice to public policy conversations. Learn more . 
Good Friday Offering for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
Through the years, many Episcopalians have found the Good Friday Offering to be an effective way to express their support for the ministries of the dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Pastoral care, education and health care continue to be primary ministries through which the reconciling spirit of the Christian faith serves all in need. The generous donations of Episcopalians help the Christian presence in the Land of the Holy One to be a vital and effective force for peace and understanding among all of God’s children. Learn more and donate . 
Becoming Beloved Community Grants
The second round of Becoming Beloved Community Grants will open on May 7 at the end of the Becoming Beloved Community Conference and will remain open through August 15. More information will be available as the date approaches. There will be a special workshop at the summit for all who seek to apply for funding. This grant requires a diocesan endorsement. Contact Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins as you prepare your proposal in order to receive endorsement.
Upcoming at Virginia Theological Seminary
VTS offers a variety of courses, workshops and programs for clergy, lay leaders and seekers. See a full listing of classes and events or sign up for monthly webinars . Upcoming events:

Join Us in Prayer
We pray for Christ Church, Brandy Station, (pictured); St. Stephen’s, Catlett; and James Madison University Campus Ministry, Harrisonburg, as they prepare for their Bishops' Visitations. We pray for Bishop Goff and Bishop Brooke-Davidson as they travel to these congregations.

We pray for the Standing Committee and Regional Deans as they prepare to meet in March. 
Calendar and Church Events
 March 5 and April 2: Lenten Spirituality and Liturgy This Lenten mini-series, with VTS professor Dr. Hannah Matis, is hosted by Grace and St. Mary’s in Berryville, and Christ Church in Millwood.
March 7: Ordination of Transitional Deacons Epiphany Herndon.
March 10, 17, 24 and 31: Listening to God with Children: Sacred time, sacred space A Lenten series offering a peaceful, intentional time for parents with young children to explore ways to nurture the spiritual lives of their children. All Saints Sharon Chapel, Alexandria.
April 17-19: Spring Yoga Weekend Devote a weekend to your well-being and reawaken with yoga. Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs. 
Advertisement