The 213th Annual Council - Diocese of Virginia

Proceedings
Your thanksgivings to the United Thank Offering Fund help make it possible for the Dill
House and the Peter Paul Development Center to receive grants from the National Fund.
Because of remembering loved ones and honoring others through the Book of
Remembrance and Gift and Life Fund, we were able to give eight scholarships to young
people in college or seminary.
As we continue to provide education, the theme of our Spring Open Board was
“Touching Lives: Making a Difference. Are You ONE”
The Rev. Lauren Stanley spoke to us about her journey to becoming a missionary and her
work in the Sudan. Beblon Parks, our vice president of program, shared how we already
integrate the Millennium Development Goals in our ministries.
The Viva Voce offering, which means “by word of mouth” and is one of the oldest
ministries in ECW, is received at annual meeting. This offering enables us to recognize
additional ministries that are related to women and children at risk. This year we were
able to give funds to:
• Clare’s Kids Camp at Roslyn
• Mary’s House of Hope in Purcellville
• Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond
• The Congregational-Community Action Project, Front Royal
Our prayer and worship retreat will be April 23-24 at Shrine Mont. The title is “Gritty and
Graced…Experiences in Celtic Christianity,” and is being led by the Rev. Abbott Bailey,
rector of St. Andrew’s, Richmond. The music will be led by Ellen Johnston.
There is much more I could say, and I ask you to invite any member of our board to speak
and they will continue the story. Please take time to read our report and stop by our
exhibit table.
In closing, only one word adequately describes what comes back to you when you receive
this gift and give it away again. That word is joy. Jesus said, “Give and it will be given to
you. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
Hospitality and His abundant love is God’s gift to us. Share it.
Thank you.
Report of the Committee on Related Organizations
The President called on the Rev. Anne Ritchie, Church of the Resurrection, Alexandria,
and chair for the report from the Committee on Related Organizations.
Ms. Ritchie addressed Council:
Bishops, distinguished guests and fellow delegates,
This year I first wanted to commend and thank the members of our hard working
Committee on Related Organizations – we worked briefly but intensively.
This year the Peter Paul Development Center seeks Council’s acceptance as a related
organization of the Diocese. The Peter Paul Development Center offers a community
ministry in the East End of Richmond, and has long been associated with the Diocese.
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The Diocese of Virginia t Journal of the the 213 th Annual Council