30 November 2001

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA

REGION IX

ANNUAL REPORT

We had a very successful and productive year in Region IX. Early in the year, our President Ms. Miffy Hall of St. Paul’s Richmond was elected to the Executive Board. To replace her, the Region IX council elected Dr. Stephen von Hitritz of St. Peter’s New Kent as its President. Ms. Carol Johnson of Trinity, Highland Springs was appointed Secretary and Alternate. Ms. Laura Harris of Westover Church, Charles City remained Treasurer. Very Rev. Bob Hetherington of St. Paul’s Richmond remained as Dean of the Region.

The Region met four times during 2001. In February, we met at St. Peter’s Richmond. In May, we met at Varina Church. In September, we met at Trinity, Highland Springs, and finally on All Saints Day, we met at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.

When we began the year, the Region had three clergy vacancies, St. Peter’s Richmond, Varina Church, and Trinity, Highland Springs. We are extremely pleased to report that as we end the year, all vacancies have been filled. We all owe our heartfelt thanks to the three interim rectors, Rev. Barbara Nixon at Varina, Rev. John Stanton at Trinity, and Rev. Jellico Bright at St. Peter’s Richmond. We welcome Rev. Michael Hadaway at Varina, Rev. Roger Robillard at Trinity and Rev. Simeon Newbold at St. Peter’s Richmond.

At Historic St. John’s Church, Rev. Bruce Gray, led the church through a revitalization program. The Patrick Henry reenactments continued to be very successful during the summer months. St. John’s has also been proactive in diversity events on Church Hill. St. John’s hosted a Region wide All Saint’s Day service with Bishop Gray as the celebrant. Representatives from all 7 Region IX church choirs participated. It was a wonderful evening preceded by a marvelous dinner prepared by the St. John’s ECW.

At. St. Paul’s Richmond, Very Rev. Bob Hetherington continued his ministry. The Lenten services with nationally recognized guest speakers are always well attended in Richmond. Mr. Buford Scott, the St. Paul’s representative to Region IX and also on the 5^th Century committee briefed the council in May. A mentoring program at Woodville School has been very successful, as has Springhill, a home for women coming out of prison.

At. St. Peter’s Richmond, Rev. Simeon Newbold commenced his ministry in June. The Region sponsored 14 youths during the summer to attend Shrine Mont. The Region also voted to give a grant to the Peter Paul Development Center at St. Peter’s Richmond to continue their work supported the community.

At. St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent, Rev. Brian McGurk continued his ministry. The Clopton Memorial meditation garden was completed in November. The church’s 300 anniversary period commenced and will culminate in July 2003. In December 2002, the church is planning the next Region IX event with an evensong program. The church sponsored Oyster Roast was the largest yet with over 600 attending in October. St. Peter's has established Matthew's Haven, which contains clothing, etc. for the needy of New Kent. In addition, St. Peter’s is the focal point for the countywide Meals on Wheels program. The church will also be conducting a capital campaign to fund needed improvements to the grounds and Parish Hall in 2002.

At. Trinity, Highland Springs, Rev. Roger Robillard, commenced his ministry in November. Homecoming was September 16. Outreach donated school supplies to three local elementary schools. A donation was given for an ambry used to hold reserved sacrament. It is being constructed by a member of the church and was installed in a wall near the altar. The UTO Fall Ingathering was very successful.

At. Varina Church, Rev. Michael Hadaway commenced his ministry in December. The women of the church held their bargain sale on September 14. The church also sponsored a golf tournament to raise money for their general fund. There was a Region IX wide Altar Guild workshop on October 27. The church has supplied temporary emergency shelter assistance for domestic abuse situations. The Eagle Scouts are starting a memorial garden.

At Westover Church, Rev. Virginia Heistand-Jones continues her ministry. The wharf was refurbished to allow people to come by boat. They also have a new Sunday school and acolyte program. September 29 was their Autumn Pilgrimage to visit plantations and homes and it was very successful, raising more than $20,000, all of which is used in their outreach program. Westover is the staging area for Meals on Wheels in Charles City County, so some of the money will go to that program; the church is putting more emphasis on youth.

So, at the close of the year, the Region elected Rev. Heistand-Jones to replace Ms. Miffy Hall as Executive Board representative effective after Annual Council in February 2002.

The Region looks forward to 2002 with increased emphasis on communication and sponsoring at least one Region wide event per year.

Very respectfully submitted,

Dr. Stephen R. von Hitritz

Region IX President