5 Ways to Bring Lent Home
As we await the time when we can regather in person, the start of Lent 2021 will be an opportunity to create new traditions and to be more intentional as we take on observances at home. How do we mark the beginning of the Lenten season in tangible ways that bring deeper meaning to it? From the imposition of ashes to creative activities to engage kids, here are five ways to bring Lent home. Read on


Creation Care Grants

The Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism is now accepting applications for its 2021 grant cycle. Grant awards will range from $15,000 to $40,000. The application deadline is March 26. An informational webinar for prospective applicants is scheduled for February 18, 3 pm EST.
The Good News

The Virginia Theological Seminary is lending its Immanuel Chapel to house a vaccination clinic for the underserved in the community.

“Where normally the focus of a Chapel is on our spiritual health,” said Dean Ian Markham, “from time to time we need our Chapel to function as a place for physical health. This is one of those seasons.” The chapel is currently not being used for worship services due to the pandemic. Read on

Got a good news story to share? Send it to Nancy Chafin.
Three Ordinations to the Transitional Diaconate
God willing, Bishops Goff and Brooke-Davidson will ordain Michael Sweeney, Celal Kamran and Peter Fraser-Morris to the Sacred Order of Deacons in March.

Monday, March 1 (Bishop Goff): Michael Sweeney at 10:30 a.m.; Celal Kamran at 1:00 p.m. Livestream via St. George’s, Fredericksburg’s YouTube Channel. 

Thursday, March 4 (Bishop Brooke-Davidson): Peter Fraser-Morris at 10:30 a.m. Livestream via the Diocese of Virginia’s Facebook Page. St. Paul’s Memorial, Charlottesville will host the ordination.

All are welcome and invited to attend the services via livestream. For each ordination, there will be a maximum of 10 in-person attendees, following the diocesan guidelines for safe worship during the pandemic. 
Help Furnish a New Home for Campus Ministry
The current and future members of Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry in Harrisonburg, Virginia, have been given an amazing opportunity to design and construct a new home for their ministry. They hope to raise $25,000 to secure furniture to fill their home. The new Canterbury House will have a designated worship space (finally!), a larger kitchen, a dining room, gathering space and study “cave.” With your help, the Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry can fill these spaces with comfortable, durable furniture and make the Canterbury House a “home away from home” for our students. Donate today.
Called to Justice: Seeking Change within the Classroom, Congregation and Community
February 24-25

This two-day virtual event is co-sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation (CSJR) and the Leadership Institute. The full event will feature two keynote addresses to open and close the event, along with four workshop choices, to equip and inspire church and ministry leaders to enact social justice within their own ministry context and sphere of influence. Details.
Upcoming from Virginia Theological Seminary