THE HARBINGER

Region One Newsletter

April, 2007

Dean:  The Very Rev. Kent Rahm           President:  Jack Gaines

Region One website:  www.r1va.org

Harbinger email:  harbinger_r1@yahoo.com

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President’s column for the April Harbinger: 

I hope you all had a meaningful Lent and a joyous Easter.  Now we move through the great season of Easter toward Ascension Day, when we will have our second joint celebration in the Eastern District of Region I.  I hope that many of you will be able to attend. 

At our upcoming meeting on April 25, we will have an exciting program on the campus ministries in Region I.  The Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski, leader of the UMW Canterbury Club, and The Rev. Robert Azzarito, minister of the Campus Christian Community at UMW, will enlighten us on their respective ministries.  Since we support both of these ministries through our budget, this will be a pertinent program to increase our awareness of an important outreach to the young people in our region. 

The April meeting will be our last business session until September, so I encourage all of you to attend for a time of fellowship, work, and enlightenment.  See you there! 

The Peace of the Lord be with you,

Jack Gaines, President 

                                       Region I Episcopal Churches

                             Agenda – April 25, 2007, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

                             Christ Church, Spotsylvania Court House

 Region I:
In touch with the past
In step with the present
In anticipation of the future

Invocation – the Rev. Jeffrey Packard

Welcome and introductions - Jack Gaines

Program – Updates on ministries at the University of Mary Washington 

    Bob Azzarito – Campus Ministry

   The Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski – Canterbury Chaplain

Business Meeting

   Dean’s remarks – the Very Rev. Kent Rahm

   President’s remarks – Jack Gaines

   Minutes of the 2/18/07 meeting – the Rev. Brad Jackson and the Rev. Diane Carroll

   Treasurer’s report – Anna Lou Flynn

   ECW report – Maria Yates

   Diocesan Executive Board report – Don Metheny

   Harbinger report – Deborah Poage

   Mission Committee report – Bill Wick

   Future meetings – fall 2007, spring 2008, and annual dinner/picnic at Pitts Pond

      (June 14?)

 

Benediction – the Rev. Jeffrey Packard 

 

Region I Council Minutes,

Sunday, February 18, 2007, 3:00 p.m.

Church of the Messiah, Chancellor 

The mission of Region I Council of Episcopal Churches is to enable the local parish and the Diocese in carrying out their mission to the world as witnesses to God’s love and

to be a visible and stable presence of the Body of Christ: 

In touch with the past, in step with the present, in anticipation of the future 

Attendance at the Meeting: Aquia, Stafford: Jay Morris; Christ Church, Brandy Station:; Christ Church, Spotsylvania: Chris Westcott; Emmanuel, Rapidan:; Hanover with Brunswick Parish, (St. John’s/Emmanuel, King George): Diane Carroll, Jim Lynch; Incarnation, Mineral: Marian Windell, Pat Gibbons; Little Fork, Rixeyville:; Messiah, Chancellor: Jim Reed, Pat Milnes; Piedmont Church, Madison: Deborah Poage; St. Asaph’s, Bowling Green: ; St. Augustine’s in the Field:; St. Georges, Fredericksburg:; St. James, Louisa: Anna Lou Flynn; St. Mary’s, Colonial Beach: Jack Gaines; St. Paul’s, Owens: Jim May; St. Peter’s, Port Royal:; St. Stephen’s, Culpeper: Mary Jo Browning; Trinity Church, Fredericksburg: Kent Rahm, Don Metheny, Walt Davis; Vauter’s, Loretto: Chris Agnew 

The meeting was called to order by the President of Region I, Mr. Jack Gaines, at 3:05 pm.  The Rev. Jim Reed provided the opening prayer. 

Mr. Gaines asked that all present introduce themselves and provide their church affiliation. 

BUSINESS MEETING:

DEAN’S REMARKS – THE VERY REV. KENT RAHM:  The Council elected a Bishop Coadjutor, everything else was very straightforward at Council this year. 

THE PRESIDENTS REMARKS- JACK GAINES:  Bill Wick, the former President of Region I and current Chair of the Mission Committee, is not present because he is currently undergoing several surgeries.  Please keep him in your prayers.  The Rev. Jay Morris will provide the Mission Committee Report. 

St. Mary’s Colonial Beach is planning to host the second Ascension Day service for the churches of the eastern part of Region I; however, everyone is invited to participate in the service.  Please contact Father Ron Okrasinski if you are interested in participating, if you are interested in attending, please let the office at St. Mary’s, Colonial Beach know in order that they might be able to prepare enough food for the celebration following the service.

Mr. Gaines is looking forward to a good two years. 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 19, 2006, MEETING – The minutes, as provided in the February edition of the Harbinger, were approved as presented.


TREASURER’S REPORT - ANNA LOU   FLYNN – Ms. Flynn began her presentation with congratulations to Jay Morris who is now married. 

Ms. Flynn explained there is a balance of $13,207.56 in all the accounts of Region I.  It was noted that there is interest in putting a church plant in England Run; however, there is some apprehension regarding parking.  The land currently earmarked for church plant does not have good on-street parking and the plot is small for an area to be designated for parking.  It was noted there is some discussion in the diocese of using the England Run land for a Spanish speaking congregation or a chapel.  However, no decisions have been finalized.  If the land is not used soon, it might need to be returned the land to the donor.

The treasurer’s report was approved. 

ECW REPORT – MARIA YATES – Maria Yates has resigned as President of ECW.  Jackie Drumheller, a member of St. James in Louisa, has taken over the reigns as President.  Currently, there are plans in the works to have a tea in May at Camden.

On the Diocesan Level, the ECW is planning a meeting on May 22 with the Rev. Lauren Stanley as the guest speaker.  She will speak about her missionary work in the Sudan.  It was noted that Rev. Stanley is willing to speak at parishes in the diocese as well as providing leadership for retreats. 

DIOCESAN EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT - DON METHENY – as of this report the following congregations have reconstituted, are meeting at alternate locations from their church buildings, and have visits from one of our Bishops planned or executed:

Church Name  Current Numbers Meeting Place  Bishop Visitation

St. Stephen’s   45  United Methodist  February 17

St. Margaret’s   40 (50)  Omisol Road Prop. February 25

Falls Church  80 (Palm Sunday Presbyterian Church April 1

                    Attendance)

These numbers are increasing.  Epiphany, Herndon currently has 35 members and is organizing by forming its vestry, etc.

The Diocese has received communiqués of support from people, congregations, and dioceses throughout the country.

Bishop Jones announced the resignation of Rev. Toby Larson, St. Augustine, Stafford.  Funds were being withheld by the congregation.  The congregation is to be dissolved.  The equipment and supplies will be distributed to other congregations. The plant allowed to lie fallow.  Rev. Larson is still ministering within the church; however, Mr. Methany was not sure where Rev. Larson is currently serving.  No plans, at this point, have been made for the future of the property.

Five of 15 regions are already beginning to plan for Council.  Some of the churches in Northern Virginia are absorbing people from the break-away churches into their congregations.

The new budget was reviewed and plans were begun to implement the different resolutions that were passed at Council. 

HARBINGER REPORT –DEBORAH POAGE – No report, a request to let Ms Poage know if you are not getting the Harbinger.  It was noted that the calendar has the possibility of being accessed by the members of Region I so that we can share information about happenings at the various churches in the area.  Also, there is a link on the Diocesan web site to the Region I web site. 

MISSION COMMITTEE REPORT – BILL WICK – The Rev. Jay Morris provided the Mission Committee Report.  The Mission Committee received a request from St. James, Louisa for $1000.  The request is to help support the first mission trip to be taken by the members of St. James.  The Mission Committee recommended approval of this request with $500 coming from the Youth Trip line and $500 coming from the Mission Trip Line because there are 7 youth and 7 adults planning to participate in this mission trip.  After some discussion, this request was approved by those present.

It was suggested that the Mission Committee develop a policy about how funds are distributed.  Rev. Morris explained this particular request was coming before the Region meeting because of the timing of the request.  The request came to the Mission Committee following this year’s Council, is to take place during Spring Break this year which does not allow it to be presented at next year’s Council.  It was also noted that small churches should try to coordinate mission trips amongst themselves. 

POSSIBLE NEW REGIONAL MISSION INITIATIVE – MARY JO BROWNING – Ms. Browning recognized that not all people or parishes are able to go on mission trips.  An alternative would be to support the mission work of the Diocese.   The February 15, 2007 E-Communique noted a program which will take place February 24 at Grace and Holy Trinity in Richmond.  This program is provided by the Diocese and will help us find ways to live out missionary possibilities in the world.  Another alternative is the Carpenter’s Kids program which is also sponsored by the Diocese.  Ms. Browning provided pamphlets explaining this worthy mission. 

PLANS FOR THE 2007 ANNUAL DINNER/PICNIC AT PITTS POND – Two years ago Region I had a picnic at Pitts Pond.  Joyce Goforth’s son is willing to cater this event.  The comments regarding this event were favorable and the picnic is scheduled for June 21st which is a Thursday.

PROGRAM:  A GROUP DISCUSSION – Explanations were provided regarding the funds given to the Canterbury Center and Campus Christian Community, both affiliated with UMW.  Since the Campus Christian Community is not represented at the Region I meetings, this group was unaware of process for applying for grants.  Because Region I supports the ministry of both groups, funds were allocated.  It was suggested that a program be provided by Canterbury and Campus Christian Community at the next Region I meeting.  The Rev. Kent Rahm will contact both groups and request these presentations.  It was noted that the Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission (DEIC) was unaware of the Campus Christian Community.  The Rev. Chris Agnew, Co-Chair of the Commission, will apprise the DEIC of this information so that some contact might be made.  The question was asked regarding making the funding of the Canterbury Center and the Campus Christian Community permanent budget line items.  The answer:  every year we must consider the budget.

 

There was some discussion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and how they might best be supported.  The suggestion was that donations made to the ERD, with the notation MDG, is the best way to accomplish this goal.   

Discussion of the Diocesan Council ensued.  The following comments were noted:

 

On Tuesday, January 30 the National Workshop on Christian Unity celebrated a Joint Eucharist with the Bishops from The Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church and The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America presiding.  This took place in Arlington and was a true celebration. 

Interim sharing with the United Methodist Church is now a reality.  Approval from the Bishop’s Office is necessary. 

On June 24, 2007 the four original Virginia Dioceses (Virginia, Southern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, and West Virginia) will come together on Jamestown Island.  Bonnie Anderson will be there.  It is hoped that the Presiding Bishop will also participate in the service.  You will be admitted by ticket to the June 24th Eucharist, contact Patrick Getlein for information.   In conjunction with this, there will be a Tri-History Conference which will take place in Williamsburg at Bruton concluding on Wednesday at Ware/Christ Church in Lancaster County with John Booty celebrating out of the 1559 Prayer Book 

The Rev. Jay Morris provided brochures for the Stewardship Conference which will take place on March 24. 

The movie Amazing Grace is coming out.  This may be a worthwhile film for us to see. 

The meeting adjourned at 4:25 pm with a benediction by the Rev. Jim Reed. 

A celebration of new church status of the Church of the Messiah followed the meeting . 

NEXT MEETING:  WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 at CHRIST CHURCH, SPOTSYLVANIA at 7:00 PM 

Respectfully submitted, 

The Rev. Diane P. Carroll 


 

   EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

        DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA 

         You are invited to Attend 

“SPRING OPEN BOARD MEETING”

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 

Theme:

“Touching Lives”

Making a Difference…Are you ONE?  

Program Highlights:

 

Place: Epiphany Church, Richmond

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Business Meeting and Program 

8:30 Registration

Eucharist after Lunch

(Directions printed on back) 
 

REGISTRATION FORM

(All attending must register. Please print names clearly for name tag purposes) 

Attendees Names & Designation: _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Church: _______________________________________________________________ Region: ___________

Contact Person: ___________________________________________________ Phone: _________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________

Registration Fee $15.00 per person (includes program, speaker and lunch)

Number of Attendee(s) _________ X $15.00 = Total Amount Enclosed $_____________

Will you need a nursery? ___________ # of children ___________ (Please bring a snack & bag lunch for each child)  

Please send registration form and check (made payable to ECW Diocese of Virginia) to:

Pat Hardy, Vice-President Administration, 16447 St. Peter’s Church Rd., Montpelier, VA 23192

Call 804-883-7766 or e-mail questions to pwhardy@earthlink.net

Registration Deadline: May 11, 2007 
 

Directions to Epiphany Church

 

From the North:

Take I-95 South to Richmond

Take  I-64 West towards Powhite/Charlottesville-go approx.1.5 mi

Take exit # 185/US-33 onto Staples Mill Road-go 2.3 mi

Turn Right on Hermitage Road- go 0.9 mi

Arrive at Epiphany Church, 8000 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 
 

From the South: 

Take I-95 North to Richmond

Take  I-64 West towards Powhite/Charlottesville-go 1.6 mi

Take exit # 185/US-33 onto Staples Mill Road-go 2.3 mi

Turn Right on Hermitage Road- go 0.9 mi

Arrive at Epiphany Church, 8000 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 

From West- Charlottesville

Take  I-64 East to Richmond

Take exit # 181/ Parham Road

Turn Left on Parham Road – go 2.8 mi

Turn Right on Staples Mill Road- go 0.5 mi

Turn Left on Hermitage Road- go 0.9 mi

Arrive at Epiphany Church, 8000 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 
 

Note: Yahoo Directions from your home are available on Epiphany’s website:

http://home.epiphanyepiscopal.com/

(Click on Directions) 
 
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