December 2002

 

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA

 

REGION IX

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

2002

 

We had a very successful and productive year in Region IX. Early in the year our Dean, the Very Rev. Robert Hetherington of St. Paul’s, Richmond was succeeded by the Rev. Bruce Gray of St. John’s, Richmond. Also, the Rev. Virginia Heistand Jones was elected to serve as the Region IX representative to the Executive Board.  Ms. Carol Johnson of Trinity, Highland Springs remained as Secretary and Alternate. Ms. Laura Harris of Westover Church, Charles City remained Treasurer.  Jayne Feminella of Varina Church remained our Episcopal Church Women (ECW) representative.

 

The Region met four times during 2002. In February, we met at St. Peter’s, New Kent; May at St. Paul’s, Richmond; September at Westover Church; and finally on All Saints Day, we met at Trinity, Highland Springs.

 

We only had one clergy vacancy in 2002. The Rev. Hillary Smith, Associate Rector of St. Paul’s, Richmond was selected as Rector of St. James-the-Less in Ashland.  As of the end of 2002, her replacement had not been selected, though a search was progressing.

 

At Historic St. John’s Church, the Very Rev. Bruce Gray continued his ministry and reported that St. John’s hopes to reduce its dependence on the endowment fund; the parish has responded with increased pledges. Numbers of visitors to the church were up during the vacation season. The church ran well during Bruce’s medical absence; the staff and vestry did a great job. A9/11 memorial service was held at the Fire Station. The Church participated in a kick-off inviting various ministries to reach out to neighborhoods, having services and events at churches during the day. A luncheon was held honoring their sexton of 46 years who had a wonderful ministry. A Fall Festival was held the first Sunday in October, the goal being to reach out to the neighborhood; the festival included a blessing of the animals, hotdogs and hamburgers; this may become an annual event. Web site is http://www.historicstjohnschurch.org

 

At. St. Paul’s, Richmond, the Very Rev. Bob Hetherington continued his ministry.  Ms. Miffy Hall, St. Paul’s, reminded us that profits from the Lenten lunches is used for outreach; the Micah Initiative (partnering with schools) is going well; Miffy spent a week with Bob at a Creative Leadership training program. Lenten lunches were a success; possible Alpha courses in the future; parish administrator is leaving; information about St. Paul’s can be found at www.stpaulsepiscopal.org; bible school was held in June; a youth ministry and spiritual conference was held with the mission to teach youth how to pray. The church is in the process of looking for a new Associate Rector. Woodville School can use anyone interested in participating as mentors and tutors. This is a rewarding relationship. The Micah Initiative received a grant to be used to fund a coordinator. Eyes on Richmond on Fridays, political analyst Jeff Shapiro was featured; book and author dinners on Wednesdays; members of the congregation are the authors.

 

At. St. Peter’s, Richmond, the Rev. Simeon Newbold continued his ministry.  Renovation is being done to their parish hall; each member of the vestry bought a light so lights have been changed in the church; a team has been appointed to paint the parish hall; a Peter Paul Sunday Open House is being planned—this would be a gathering to have those who have gone through the Peter Paul Development Center’s program recognized. Pamela Hill was introduced as the new Region IX representative; they have a new vestry member who is youth ministry oriented; Peter Paul Development Center is in the process of acquiring houses by the church with the goal of growing; the parish hall is in the final stages of remodeling and is lovely.

 

At St. Peter’s Parish, New Kent, the Rev. Brian McGurk continued his ministry.  Brian reported the Capital Campaign is going well; they are hoping to improve parking and their playground, and upgrade the building; September 2002-July 2003 there is a celebration each month as part of their tercentennial celebration.  Meals on Wheels has a waiting list of 60 that need assistance. Meals on Wheels will begin to cook their own meals in their own kitchen located in Shockoe Bottom in the near future. Matthew’s Haven supplied clothes to children before school started. Brian also reported from the Peter Paul Development Center Executive Board that there is after-school tutoring for kids on Church Hill. There has been a Senior High group added, and they are hoping to buy land adjacent to the church to expand; they hope to build accommodations to hold up to 120 youths (currently around 40) and add administrative offices. A golf tournament was held to raise money to help fund a youth mission trip to Tennessee. They raised $5,000. A Mothers’ Day brunch was held with the food prepared by the men. They have a goal of $300,000 for the capital campaign. An adult choir retreat was held; Mustard Seed Grant has been applied for and approved from the diocese; Meals on Wheels headed by Mrs. McGurk is going well. Bishop Jones was the celebrant in September to kick-off the tercentennial celebration. Monthly activities are planned as part of the celebration; in July 2003 we are hoping to have a visit from the first lady. Construction and new grounds are well under way. Hopefully a preschool will be started at St Peter’s. A $20,000 grant was received from the 5th Century Fund for the Capital Campaign. A cherub choir was organized for age kindergarten – 4th grade. There was a harpsichord recital presented by James Darling on November 10; the annual Oyster Roast was very successful, with about

600 in attendance; February 21 there will be an Evensong at 7:00 featuring the combined choirs of Region IX, preceded by dinner at 6:00, and Region IX meeting at 5:00.

 

At Trinity, Highland Springs, the Rev. Roger Robillard continued his ministry.  Roger told about several neighborhood situations in his first few weeks at Trinity.  They are in search of a new organist. Roger was called to “grow” the parish, and he asked for our prayers in doing so; each member of the church received $10 as a challenge to make it grow to benefit outreach. UTO gathering was successful; there are four persons that pray with Roger each week, which is an encouraging support group; Lenten series was held and successful; four youths participated in baptisms on Easter Eve; Godly Play will start with adult and youth Sunday school classes; shut-in and elderly members of Trinity received Easter baskets from the Pastoral Care chair; Trinity was the distribution point for Henrico County to distribute 78 baskets to some of the needy in the county; a Wednesday evening service is held with 5-7 people in attendance. Food collected for Hunger Can’t Wait was turned in June 4. Roger’s installation and ministry celebration were held on June 13. The vestry assisted Sandston Presbyterian Church with feeding the homeless. In July, the vestry provided food and lodging for a group of 39 from Habitat for Humanity. While at the church the group assisted in moving the nursery to a downstairs location. A successful Bible School was held with St John’s Catholic Church, at St John’s, with 56 youths in attendance. The community churches held a 9/11 memorial service. A Fall bazaar was held on November 9, with tables rented for $10. Region IX All Saints’ Day Service was held at Trinity with choir participation from Region IX churches; the ECW served a meal at 6:00 following the Region IX meeting at 5:00 with the church service at 7:00. Trinity’s annual congregational meeting was recently held, and new vestry members were selected; UTO gathering was last Sunday, with the men preparing the breakfast.  Please pray for us in our search for a new secretary. ECW will hold its Fall bazaar  on November 9. There was a bake sale and tables rented to crafters.

 

At Varina Church, the Rev. Michael Hadaway continued his ministry. Michael said things were going well in his new parish and he enjoys being there; he promised to make no short-term changes; the Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts are planning a memorial garden at the church. Lenten programs were well attended; Alpha program began in the fall; memorial garden has been put in; attendance is up; new vestry will soon be elected; bell choir was at Roger’s celebration of ministry. There were about 50 participants in the Sunday School program. The vestry retreat was held at St. Peters, New Kent. Varina Church is in its 80th year. An Alpha Program began 9/23 and continued for 10 weeks. November 17 there was a Blue Grass Evensong and Pig Pickin’. 11th annual Varina Golf Tournament was held October 5; proceeds went to parish development. A parish retreat was held at Shrine Mont.  The Varina Clerical Organization held a Thanksgiving service at Varina. Mr. Hadaway met with parishioners to discuss the future; Leigh Hadaway has been appointed to the diocesan Committee on Education; another Alpha program will begin on Wednesdays in March 2003. 

 

At Westover Church, the Rev. Virginia Heistand Jones continues her ministry.  Autumn Pilgrimage was September 28 and all profits went to outreach. Painting and renovations have been completed in the church.

 

During the year, the Region provided funding for:

1. Peter Paul Development Center at St. Peter’s, Richmond

2. Various ECW functions

3. Christian Ministry Unity for 9/11 Commemoration.

 

The Region looks forward to 2003 with increased emphasis on communication and sponsoring at least one Region-wide event per year.

 

Very respectfully submitted by

Dr. Stephen R. von Hitritz, President