THE HARBINGER Region One Newsletter September, 2007

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

Mark Your Calendar: 2007-2008 Region 1 Meeting Schedule

Wednesday 26 September 2007 at 7:00 PM Trinity Church , Fredericksburg

Sunday 11 November 2007 at 3:00 PM St. George’s Church , Fredericksburg

Sunday 24 February 2008 at 3:00 PM Aquia Church , Stafford

Wednesday 30 April 2008 at 7:00 PM Christ Church , Spotsylvania

Greetings to all of our Region I family.

The summer season is officially over with the passing of Labor Day. I hope all of you are recharged and ready to get back into the swing of things in Region I. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 26, 7:00 pm , at Trinity Church . At this meeting, our Dean will present a program on the privileges, duties, and obligations of delegates to the Regional Council. I hope that all of you will make an extra effort to attend this important program.

For now, as the familiar hymn says,

God be with you till we meet again,

Jack Gaines, President

ECW/DR PARTNERSHIP

MINISTRY

August 14, 2007

 “Nourishing the Mind and the Spirit”

Since the first ECW team visited the Dominican Republic with Bishop Gray in the Spring of 2005, over $20,000 has been raised by this committee to support the work of the Rev. Bob & Ellen Snow, our Episcopal missionaries in the DR. This money has funded school scholarships and summer camp for needy children. This year alone, 54 underprivileged children were able to attend Jesus Nazareno School in the city of San Francisco in the Dominican Republic .

As I reviewed my DR notes since I took office as the chair of the partnership in January of 2007, I found pages of notes referring to phone calls, speaking engagements, committee meetings, contacts with potential sponsors, letters written and conversations with Bob and Ellen Snow. In July letters were mailed to all 2006 sponsors asking their continued support at Jesus Nazareno School during the coming school year.

Last week my niece, Ann Upshaw (a senior at JMU) and I were able to join a Youth Group going to Jesus Nazareno to work on renovating the church there. The group was led by Constance McDearmon who had been my roommate on two previous trips. There were 17 of us in the group ranging in age from 15 to 75. We took supplies and materials for the renovation as well as donated school supplies for the fall. I was able to give the Snow’s checks totaling $2915.30 towards new scholarships. $3600 (with each of us donating $200) had already been sent to purchase paint and other materials needed. All arrangement were made through the Snows.

Ann was able to get a gift of $800 from Region 1 to help with her expenses. She and her mother personally visited teacher stores and purchased a suitcase of Spanish teaching materials to deliver to the school. Ann was well accepted by the youth and adults of the group and fell in love with the Fathers three children who gravitated to her each day. It was a wonderful ecumenical effort with two cultures and people from Methodist, Anglican and Episcopal churches working together to the glory of God.

I was able to meet with Bob and Ellen as well as Father Hipolito & his family to see first hand the difference our support has made in the last year. The third floor of the school had been completed and was ready for use in September. In fact, a Social was held there one evening bringing our youth from Virginia into the culture of the DR with 50 students of the school and their families. It was wonderful with a guest drummer and his sister who played the accordion. All ages danced and praised the Lord.

I pray for your continued support because I see that we can make a positive difference in people’s lives there. I met one young man who wrote me a personal thank you note blessing me and saying,

“Thanks for your generosity and your sincere smile and your love to my person. I will remember you forever and I will have you present in my prayers. Keep going on the way of the Lord forever. God is everything for me and my fortress is the prayer. Remember, God loves you and now me too. The blessings of the Lord be on you like a waterfall. The father, the son and the Holy Spirit be with you forever and ever. Sincerely: Luis”

We know that education is an essential ingredient in improving the quality of life in a third world country like the Dominican Republic . The scholarship program begun by the Snows has made a great difference. The Episcopal Church is growing rapidly in the DR, building churches, schools and clinics. It is a place where people find hope for a new future in Christ.

Carolyn Davis, Chairman

Note from the editor: I realize the next two articles were in the last Harbinger, but I thought they were both worthy of a “repeat performance.” I am repeating the Minutes simply because it was a long time since our last Region meeting. Deborah Poage

Continuing Congregations Growing

As an Executive Board Member, I have been attending several meetings with the continuing Episcopal congregations of the Falls Church , St. Margaret’s Woodbridge , Church of the Epiphany Herndon, and St. Stephen’s Heathsville. The Senior Wardens and other representatives of the churches meet with the Bishop Coadjutor, members of the Diocesan Staff, representatives of the Executive Board and Standing Committee, Deans and Regional Presidents. These meetings have been monthly for breakfast and fellowship. The meetings have been a way for the continuing congregations to share their stories with a caring group of Episcopalians. It is also a place where they can discuss ideas for moving forward after putting the hurt and anger behind. Most are moving on with mission and local ministry. Epiphany is still working on a regular worship space, but for now is meeting at another Episcopal Church once a month and in the homes of parishioners. The congregations are planning a joint retreat at Shrine Mont to bring together many in their parishes to share stories and ideas.

What I have witnessed at these meetings is a model of cooperation of individual churches with a common interest. It is all about building relationships and being The Church. Each of them has a compelling story to tell of faith and rebirth. They continue to grow and attract new members.

The continuing congregations at the meetings said that they were overwhelmed with the support provided by the Diocese and others. Bishop Johnston praised the churches for their work. He said that they were doing the right things for the right reasons at the right time. He also said that all three bishops stand firmly with them. He stated that 80,000 Episcopalians in this Diocese understand the church better because of them.

Don Metheny
Executive Board Member

2007 is not just the 400 th anniversary of Jamestown ; it is also the 400 th anniversary of the first service from the Book of Common Prayer on this continent. This event was marked with great celebration a few weeks ago on Jamestown Island .

The current issue of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography (published by the Virginia Historical Society) is entirely devoted to the history of the Episcopal Church in Virginia . It is a collection of articles that begin with 1607 and comes up to the present day issues of race and gender. We have been told that these articles will later be published as a hard-cover book.

There is also a special exhibit at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard , Richmond , which explores four centuries of the Church’s accomplishments, failures, and conflicts. The exhibit has been produced in collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia .. The exhibit will be on display through January 13, 2008 .

The Episcopal Church in Virginia , 1607 - 2007, includes 100 objects and graphics, including photographs, portraits, manuscripts, postcards, rare books, colonial silver, religious jewelry and furniture. The oldest piece in the collection is a first edition of the “Authorized Version” or “King James Bible,” published in 1611.

The Historical Society’s phone number is 804-358-4901; admission to the galleries is free on Sundays.

MaryJo Browning, Vice-President

Region I Council Minutes,

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 , 7:00 p.m.

Christ Church , Spotsylvania

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; Christ Church, Brandy Station:; Christ Church, Spotsylvania: Jeff Packard, Sue Ann Thomas; Emmanuel, Rapidan:; Hanover with Brunswick Parish, (St. John’s/Emmanuel, King George): Diane Carroll; Incarnation, Mineral: Marian Windel; Little Fork, Rixeyville:; Messiah, Chancellor:; Piedmont Church, Madison: Brad Jackson, Norris E. John, Deborah Poage; St. Asaph’s, Bowling Green: ; St. Augustine’s in the Field:; St. Georges, Fredericksburg:; St. James, Louisa: ; St. St. Mary’s, Colonial Beach: Jack Gaines; St. Paul’s, Owens:; St. Peter’s, Port Royal: Cookie Davis, Fred Pannell, Bill Wick; St. Stephen’s, Culpeper: Mary Jo Browning; Trinity Church, Fredericksburg: Anna Brownfield, Walt Davis, Don Metheny, Sarah Midzalkowski, Kent Rahm; Vauter’s, Loretto: ; Guest Bob Azzarito.

The meeting was called to order by the President of Region I, Mr. Gaines at 7:05 pm . The Rev. Jeff Packard provided the invocation.

Mr. Gaines asked that all present introduce themselves and provide the name of their church.

Program : Update on ministries at the University of Mary Washington (UMW).

Ms. Browning welcomed and introduced the members the Christian Campus Ministry (CCC) and Canterbury Center who would be presenting the program.

The Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski provided information regarding Canterbury Center and the resources offered at UMW by Canterbury . Ms. Midzalkowski noted that the Canterbury Center welcomes all members of the UMW community while offering Episcopal liturgy on Sunday evenings. The Diocese of Virginia provides support for the mission of Canterbury , treating it as a mission of the Diocese. The Diocese has been a partner in this important ministry. Recognizing the status of mission, the Diocese has purchased a building that will become Canterbury ’s new Center. This new house will be used as a place that is apart from dorms and classes. There will be a library/study and kitchen space available to the students. This will be a place that the students can call their own, apart from Trinity, a space that will allow students to develop relationships on their own schedules as they develop their community.

Ms. Brownfield is a student at UMW as well as a member of Canterbury Center . She spoke of the opportunity afforded by Canterbury Center for a mission trip to Mississippi . The group worked through the Mission-on-the-Bay which coordinates recovery, rebuilding efforts in the light of Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Brownfield noted that the students who participated in this mission trip were expected to do the hard work they were given to do; however, many were surprised at the fulfillment and fun they experienced by providing help to others. It was a good learning experience about what Church is supposed to be for the students.

The Rev. Dr. Azzarito provided information about the Campus Christian Community (CCC). There are four denominations involved in the CCC: Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and United Methodists. Mr. Azzarito believes that Campus Ministry is the most important work we do as Church. The students are the future of the Church. All denominations work together to provide programs as well as each having its own unique program. Service projects, such as the mission trip to Mississippi , help students to understand the needs of the greater world. CCC has sponsored service trips to Romania and Haiti . CCC plans to take students to many venues. Volunteerism is up, and there is never a problem filling the spots for the service trips. Campus ministry is not a hard sell to most people recognize the need for campus ministry. Mr. Azzarito provided pamphlets for those present. It was noted that more students participate in CCC than any other club on campus which speaks volumes regarding the necessity of CCC.

Ms. Midzalkowski, Ms. Brownfield, and Mr. Azzarito were thanked for a most informative and interesting program about Campus Ministry. It helps this group’s understanding of how students are helped and how we are able to help students.

Business Meeting

DEAN’S REMARKS: Mr. Rahm noted that there will be tickets distributed to the different churches. We should each be receiving 6 tickets per delegate besides those which have been reserved for clergy and lay delegates who have responded to previous correspondence from the Diocese. Mr. Rahm also reminded all present that the Clergy-Lay Leadership Conference will take place May 7-9 at Shrine Mont.

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS: Mr. Gaines spoke about the picnic at Pitts Pond on Thursday, June 14. It will cost $11 or $12 per adult and $5 per child under 12 for the food. Directions and facility rules will be distributed via e-mail. Reservation sheets were distributed to those present. This is quality time for families and members of region I. Reservations will need to be submitted by June 1.

MINUTES: The minutes were approved as distributed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report was approved as distributed.

ECW REPORT: Ms. Davis provided the ECW Report. There will be a tea on May 5 from 3-5 at Camden . All members of ECW are invited. ECW adopted a church in the Dominican Republic .

DIOCESAN EXECUTIVE BOARD REPORT: Mr. Methany explained the Diocesan Executive Board has decided that there is a need to sell some property. Insofar as the legal situation within the Diocese is concerned, all 11 suits have been combined to one location in Northern Virginia . This suit is going to take time and financial support. Shrine Mont is in need of summer staff. Applicants must be 18 or older. The Stewardship and Development Commission is in need of new members. Mr. Gaines reported that the House of Bishops are putting out a study guide which is intended to develop input from congregations. This input will then be used to help the House of Bishops form the mind of the church. The study guides will very likely be distributed through clericus.

HARBINGER REPORT: Ms. Poage asked if anyone needs a copy of the Harbinger. Also if you are not getting the Harbinger, please contact Ms. Poage. Bill Wick will up-date the Regional Directory as quickly as possible. Please get your up-dated information to Mr. Wick at wawncw@aol.com so that he can have a new directory as quickly as possible.

MISSION COMMITTEE REPORT: Mr. Wick presented a Grant application from Aquia. The Mission Committee believes that this application falls into the guidelines of the Mission Committee and recommends that it move forward with funding from two sources: 25% from the Mission Committee and 75% from the Youth. Mr. Rahm stated he believed the application should move forward, this was seconded by Mr. Packard. Vote taken and passed. The funding will be granted as recommended. Mr. Wick will contact Ms. Flynn regarding these funds. Mr. Wick passed out Mission Grant Applications to be used by the various churches.

Ms. Browning noted there are mission trips available wherein small churches can partner with larger churches. She distributed a copy of the April 11 Communique which has some examples listed.

The calendar was established for next year. Region I will be meeting:

Wednesday, September 26 7:00 pm Trinity, Fredericksburg

Sunday, November 11 3:00 pm St. Georges, Fredericksburg

Sunday, February 24 3:00 pm Aquia, Stafford

Wednesday, April 30 7:00 pm Christ Church , Spotsylvania

Ms. Windel announced that the Committee on Aging will sponsor a conference at Our Savior on May 23 called Nurturing Our Spirit. The focus is about Alzeheimer’s Disease. The conference begins at 8:30 am , lunch is included. In June the Committee will sponsor the Annual 50 th Wedding Anniversary celebration at Westminister-Canterbury, Irvington .

Mr. Wick noted that Region I East will be celebrating Ascension Thursday, May 17 at St. Mary’s Colonial Beach . This was very successful last year. Everyone from Region I is invited to attend. Dinner is at 6 pm and the service is at 7:30 pm . All are invited, please call St. Mary’s and let them know if you plan to attend so that they can plan to food.

Mr. Packard provided the Benediction and the meeting ended at 8:30 pm .

NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 at TRINITY, FREDERICKSBURG at 7:00 PM .

Respectfully submitted,

The Rev. Diane P. Carroll

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