Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2013 Issue | Page 14

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It’s a new year for Dayspring, the
diocesan-wide initiative that has brought
together continuing congregations,
clergy and
lay leaders in
a community of mutual support to discern a vision
surrounding the properties that have returned to the
Diocese following the legal dispute.

In our work together, we have encountered joys, faced
some challenges and overcome some obstacles.
we celebrated the return of four congregations to their
church buildings, and the restart of St. Paul's, Haymarket.
we welcomed two new clergy at Dayspring congregations:
the Falls Church called the Rev. John Ohmer to serve as
rector in June, and the Rev. Cathy Tibbetts continues to
serve as vicar. The Rev. Sean Rousseau was appointed priestin-charge at St. Paul’s, Haymarket in July.
the members of St. Margaret’s, Woodbridge said goodbye to
their priest-in-charge, the Rev. Kate Chipps, who retired over
the summer. They also relocated to a new church building.

he

ad
the dayspring teams worked
together to create working budgets
and covenants of agreement with
each congregation.

churches in the Diocese have
reached out to Dayspring congregations in the form of
prayer, support and even in-person visits, growing the
community of Dayspring fellowship.
the dayspring team has met with several groups to discuss
plans for potential partnerships with multicultural Episcopal
congregations.
Today, Dayspring remains a very real and active part of life in
the Diocese. The members of the Falls Church Episcopal await
a decision of the Supreme Court of Virginia, which is hearing
and considering an appeal of the Falls Church Anglican. Several
plots of land and properties are on the market for sale. And
the Dayspring team continues to meet to discuss the best
ways to continue to support these continuing congregations
while sharing our lessons learned with the entire diocesan
community. Please continue to join in prayer for Dayspring,
and look to future articles of the Virginia Episcopalian and
thediocese.net for continuing coverage and stories. t

Book Review

Culture, Community and Spirit
Lindsay Ryland
Flourising Life: Now and in the Time to Come,
by Sandra M. Levy-Achtemeier, Cascade Books, 2012
As I read this book, I felt that I was
watching a weaver who was blending
many colors, textures and levels of
experience into a unique view of how
one can experience life now and in
the future. Blending science, poetry,
theology, storytelling and her own
life story, author Sandra M. LevyAchtemeier rejoices in the many ways
that challenges, disappointments and
unexpected turns of events can be
the basis for the strengths shown in
gratitude, joy and hope in our lives. Her
background in scientific psychological
research, academia and as a priest in
the Episcopal Church – she is priest
associate and theologian-in-residence
at St. John’s, Richmond – has given her
a perspective that combines the human
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experience, the intersection of the
cultural and community experience,
and the spiritual experience.

Citing the stories of three people
who have experienced life changing
medical diagnoses or life changing events,
we are inspired by their acceptance
of the challenges they have faced and
their choice to positively approach the
adjustments in their own and their
families’ lives. As we face the changes
that aging, illness, job loss, divorce, death
of loved ones or other situations may
bring, this book is an inspiration. LevyAchtemeier shows how our upbringing,
role models, attitudes, experiences and
our places in communities of faith blend
to make us who we are and show us
how we can flourish. The value of life in

Virginia Episcopalian / Winter 2013

community is critical to how we integrate
change into our lives. How we seek
community, how it shapes us and where
we find it may surprise us.

The theology of resurrection is
the capstone chapter of the book and
will no doubt be a good basis for many
conversations on the topic. LevyAchtemeier continues to weave the
biblical, scientific, cultural, artistic and
theological approaches to resurrection
into this chapter and ends it with a
series of images drawn from her own
life and stories from others. To continue
the opportunities for reflection, a list
of resources for integrating various
practices – prayer, meditation, and
worship – furthers the experiences and
deepens them. t