August 8 was Vocational Deacons’ Day for the Diocese. This year, Bishop John met with the Deacons of the Diocese over Zoom.

And it was done virtually. Laying on of hands, yes from afar. Voices praying, yes but from afar. Touching of hands, yes but not a physical touch but a spiritual touch. I felt a sense of peace like no other, a sense of His presence, and a stirring of my spirit.

How lovely that we can still be tuneful, that we can still pay attention to words and rhythms and joyful cadences… and although we may not sing robustly together for a while, what fun to learn to hum our praises.

More than Charlottesville, more than Richmond, perhaps more than any other place in Virginia, Emporia would appear on the surface to be a place ripe for violent protests.

Join us for the weekly Wednesday Healing Prayer Class - now in its 15th year. This is a unique opportunity to learn about praying for physical, emotional and spiritual healing with hands on training in small groups.

We praise God for the institutions of the Rev. Drew Thomas and Rev. Travis Hines.

…we'll bring popsicles out for everyone, sit 6ft apart with masks on, and ask some hard questions…

We thank God for the ordination of Patrick Cunningham.

Each week participants will have a scripture prompt that points to something wonder-worthy in creation—like the wind, or Zacchaeus' sycamore tree.

Church of the Holy Spirit will in conjunction with One Church Loudoun as we have an opportunity as believers in Jesus and the Christ-centered Church in Loudoun to come together to simply worship our Lord together and humbly call out to Him.

Have you felt a deep desire to cultivate a deeper intimacy with and love for God this season, as outbreaks and civil unrest rock our country? Do you want to come to a richer understanding of how the beautiful tradition of our faith can speak and bring healing to the brokenness we see all around us?

From July 6-10, we engaged 50-60 children on line each day for about an hour of Bible teaching, worship, skits, Bible memory and sharing.

At this time, a decision has not been made if Synod will be held in person at All Saints’ church or on line. Right now it’s too early to tell. However, the deadline for submission are still in place…

Reminder: The Delegation Certification forms are due August 21, 2020.

During day one of the ACNA’s 2020 virtual Provincial Council, Abp. Foley Beach’s address focused on casting his expansive vision for the ACNA’s response to racism, racial tensions, and racial reconciliation. 

The Provincial Council of the Anglican Church in North America this week elected Albert Thompson of Christ the King, Alexandria, to the ACNA Executive Committee.

The Diocese would like to share what you are doing this summer in terms of outreach, evangelism, community service, and fellowship. In addition to continuing to share with the Diocese invitations to events open to other churches and the community, please send us your stories and photos throughout summer 2020.

In the past two weeks, we saw this as many in the Diocese received email from their “Rectors” asking assistance in purchasing comfort items or gift cards for a hospitalized parishioner.

Ask any clergy person and they will tell you about the people in their lives who believed in them, opened doors for them, and walked alongside of them as they mastered the difficult skills of leadership. Experience really is the best teacher.

We thank God for the following ordinations: