Bishop's Days

Emmanuel, VB [visit] will host Bishop's Day in the East on March 21, 2009.
Bishop's Day in West will be March 28, 2009 at Amelia High School [visit].

2009 Workshops

A. Caring For And Feeding The Clergy (specifically for wardens and vestry members)
The Right Rev. Holly Hollerith, Bishop of Southern Virginia.
For clergy to be good pastors and effective leaders in their congregations, a culture of mutual caring is essential. What can wardens and vestry members do to ensure this culture exists in their parish on an ongoing basis?

B. Vestry 101: An Exploration Of What It Means To Serve On Vestry
Gary Barker, Rector, Shirley Warfield and the Rev. Edith Raby, Deacon, Christ Church, Smithfield
Elected to the vestry for the first time and not at all sure what you’ve gotten into? Elected again and still not sure? Either way, Vestry 101 is a workshop that will help you explore how you can make your ministry on vestry rich and full. The workshop focuses on a realistic look at how the practical workings and responsibilities of the "job" are defined by our practical relationship with God and the ways we center on the important work of prayer, worship, and discernment.

C. Stewardship In Challenging Times
Members of the Stewardship Team of Hickory Neck Church
Last year, Hickory Neck Church used a different approach than it had in the past to kick off Stewardship for 2009. Instead of sermons on stewardship and witness talks in October, Sundays were used to focus purely on the worship of God. Small group sessions were conducted to enjoy one another’s company in fellowship; hear a short presentation on our Time, Talent and Treasure needs for 2009; and, spend time in Bible study discussing the Gospel of Matthew and the theme "Be not Afraid". Come participate in this workshop to hear what worked, and what didn’t as we all try to improve our Stewardship in challenging times.

D. Good News from Congregation’s Life Cycle: why stability doesn’t last and decline is not failure
The Rev. Canon Win Lewis, Canon to the Ordinary and Judith Carlson, St Michael’s Bon Air.

Every church’s life is distinctive, yet, even in its uniqueness, each will follow a natural pattern of development. This cycle can provide leaders with a practical tool for analyzing their situations. Understanding your congregation’s place within the life cycle can yield leaders valuable clues for discerning God’s call as well as appropriate strategies for a faithful, invigorated mission.

E. "Knowing How Way Leads On To Way"(Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken) - The "Ante-Vision."
Facilitated by Executive Board, Standing Committee and staff.
Exploring Bishop Hollerith's first Council Address and the mission initiatives offered by Diocesan Staff to Pre-Council Convocation meetings begins to give shape and focus to the way chosen for Southern Virginia. Join this interactive session and be part of the vision for this diocese.

F. Hospitality as Formation: Reviving the Welcoming Church
Caroline Black, Canon for Formation.
Contemporary culture is a society of nomads - fewer and fewer of us stay in the same place our entire adult lives. With these new patterns of living, the Christian practice of hospitality has reemerged as foundational to the spiritual life of the church. Today we are challenged to expand our notion of fellowship (the gathering of friends that we have known all our lives) to that of hospitality, (the radical welcoming of the stranger in our midst) and this expansion requires new strategies for traditional newcomer ministries and new visions for the parish as a welcoming community.

G. Communication
Sarah Scott Thomas, Diocesan Communications Officer
New technologies and capabilities have opened up a new world of communication. E-mail, electronic newsletters, web sites, facebook and other forms of electronic and print media allow new avenues to communicate to congregations. Learn why this is important for enhanced communications and how to determine what works for your particular needs.

H. Planning, Doing, Reviewing: the Mutual Ministry Cycle as a Tool for Empowering the Parish Leadership Team.
East: Michael Spear-Jones, Rector, St. Thomas, Chesapeake
West: Cynthia Barnes, Servant leader program
This workshop explores how a yearly mutual ministry review for priest, vestry, and congregation can build a healthy parish culture grounded in honesty, transparency, and vision. Different models will be presented in the context of a regular cycle of planning, implementing, and reviewing. There will be opportunities for sharing your own experiences and learnings.

I. General Convention 2009.
East: John Baldwin, Rector Emmanuel VB and lay delegates
West: David Teschner, Rector Christ and Grace, Chair of the Delegation and lay delegates What is the General convention of the Episcopal Church? How is it organized and run every 3 years? What are some of the issues likely to be in 2009? How are deputies chosen in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, and what are their tasks and responsibilities?

J. Reaching out to young adults in our community.
(Mar 21) The Rev Samantha Vincent-Alexander, Church of the Ascension and the Rev Conor Alexander, Christ and St Luke’s
Young Adult ministry is about more than getting young adults in the pews. This workshop will explore ways to minister to the spiritual needs of young adults while incorporating them into the life of the church.

K. Connecting with Youth
Erin Brady , Youth Commission
How do you work with youth? How do you build an effective youth program? What does the Diocese have to offer my youth? Come learn a little about connecting with the youth in your parish and how to engage them in what the church has to offer.

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Bishop's Days 2009

Announcing the Workshops for Bishop's Days 2009

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