News Room
News Releases
Emmanuel’s Table Receives $2,500 Grant from Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
Emmanuel’s Table, the food ministry of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Woodstock, is pleased to announce it has received a $2,500 grant from the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC). This generous funding will support the pantry’s ongoing efforts to provide nutritious food to individuals and families in need throughout the community.
Shrine Mont Camps Update and a Call for Reconciliation
One of the most powerful ministries in our common life together is the Shrine Mont summer camps program. Shrine Mont Camps have been, and will long continue to be, a holy place where lives are changed, disciples are formed, and leaders are raised up for life in the Church and beyond.
From the Archives: Historical African American Congregations and First Black Person Ordained in our Diocese
The Rev. Joseph Sandiford Atwell (1831-1881) was the first documented Black clergyman ministering to St. Philip’s Church, Richmond, as well as the first Black man ordained a priest in the Diocese of Virginia. Born in Barbados, he was educated at Codrington College, an Anglican school in Barbados.
Congregational Vitality in a Time of Change: Gather, Eat, and Lean-in
Many church members are adapting to big changes because they work for the federal government, are affected by immigration enforcement measures, or are concerned that services they rely on may change. Clergy and lay leaders are working together to provide support in wonderful ways.
Shrine Mont Camps Sunday and Additional Updates
The camping ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia has been gathering young people for camp at Shrine Mont for over sixty years. Shrine Mont Camps is the overarching name for a collection of individual camp programs, each one distinguished by unique names, focus activities, and different age groups.
The Rt. Rev. Mark A. Bourlakas Called as New Assistant Bishop
This full-time position, approved at the 228th Annual Convention of our diocese, marks a significant milestone as Bishop Bourlakas becomes the twelfth Assistant Bishop in our history.
Diocese of Virginia Announces Search for Canon for Discipleship
This vital role will continue to fortify our collective commitment of supporting congregations, diocesan organizations, and parishioners in their journeys to be disciples.
Announcement Regarding Pathways to Prayer and Practice Grant Director
The Right Reverend E. Mark Stevenson has called Mr. Tyler Henderson to serve as the Pathways to Prayer and Practice Grant Director, managing the five-year ministry project to create and evaluate innovative approaches to incorporating children into worship in meaningful and authentic ways. Tyler will begin his ministry on February 24, 2025.
Creation Care Updates
Love God, Love God’s World is a nine-session, film-based curriculum designed for Episcopalians at any stage of engagement with creation care and environmental ministry – from those taking their first steps to experienced leaders seeking a transformative small-group experience.
Deepening the Commitment: A New Chapter for the Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing
The Ministry for Racial Justice and Healing convened a dynamic gathering of new and returning members on February 3, 2025, at Grace Church, Casanova, marking a significant stride in its ongoing pursuit of racial justice and healing.
In the News
Old-Growth Forest Network Welcomes Virginia Parish
Stacey Remick knew there was something special about the five-acre forest surrounding St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church in Fairfax Station, Virginia. She never dreamed that the church property would one day be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network, the...
Parishes Say ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’
America’s churches have what it takes to put a dent in the nation’s housing crisis. They have land and underutilized space, often located in high-density areas where affordable homes are desperately needed. Now congregations are receiving a groundswell of support to...
Boar’s Head Festival Celebrates 62 Years at St. John’s in Youngstown
Sixty-two years ago, James Hummer of Boardman was in the first local performance of the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival and on Sunday, he and others were able to see the latest presentation of the popular holiday event. For the 62nd year, the Boar’s Head Festival...
Remembering Herndon’s History: The Closet Thrift Shop Turns 50
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area. The Closet has occupied many spaces in Herndon over the course of decades. For these many years they have served our community in a devoted manner. Read the Full Story
Prayer Vigil Offers Sanctuary from Election Day Noise
With Election Day traffic bustling along Royal Avenue, Calvary Episcopal Church offered a sanctuary from the stress of the day with a prayer vigil. Read the Full Story
Lilly Grants Will Support Children’s Formation
Seven entities of the Episcopal Church have recently received a multimillion-dollar infusion of funding to help them better engage their youngest members in worship. Read the Full Story
Gleaners Make Sure Excess Food from Harrisonburg Farmers Market Doesn’t Go to Waste
Every week, Vicki Gaines and Tara Eckenroad go through the farmers market on Saturdays just as it shuts down at 4 p.m. They collect bags of produce that didn't sell and then donate it on behalf of the Society of St. Andrew, a Methodist organization. The food goes to...
Deacon Theresa Lewallen Speaks at Poor People’s Campaign
Thousands of clergy, union members and activists rallied on behalf of the poor near the U.S. Capitol on Saturday (June 29), with faith leaders calling for lawmakers to embrace a slate of policies and for low-wealth Americans to make their voices heard in November as...
The Juneteenth History Lesson These Richmond Churches Taught
Several Richmond churches came together to host a community-wide Juneteenth celebration, celebrating the day Union soldiers made it to Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and declaring all enslaved people in the Confederate States were legally free....
Latino Episcopalians in the Spotlight with Gutiérrez Presiding Bishop Nomination
Episcopal Bishop Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez, of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, is one of five nominees to succeed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. The election, which is scheduled for June 26 during the General Convention, will see the House of Bishops choose a new presiding...