Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2014 Issue | страница 2

A Note from the Editor

Who We Are

Stretch

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
For Christ. For this time. For all time.

It’s an exciting time to be in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.
As you’ll see in these pages, our congregations are finding
new and creative ways to engage in community, to further
mission and to promote outreach.

Amidst this excitement and energy, we face challenges.
Some churches are battling with declining numbers, while
others face budget and building woes or employment
challenges. But here, in this special issue of the Virginia
Episcopalian, we invite you to look at these commonly shared
obstacles not as stumbling blocks, but as opportunities. In
short, we invite you to stretch with us. Let’s stretch out of
our comfort zones as we explore new ways to “do” church
in our Diocese. Let’s look, with fresh eyes, at the road before
us. Let’s consider what unique gifts and talents we can bring
to bear in Virginia and beyond.

We’ve called this Winter 2014 issue of the magazine
“Stretch.” It’s a new year, full of new energy and new
opportunities. We hope these pages equip you with the
ideas and inspiration you need to keep stretching, keep
reaching, keep growing in faith here in the Episcopal
Diocese of Virginia.
Emily Cherry
Editor

Letter to the Editor
‘Gun Free’ Zones Not the Answer
With reference the Fall 2013 article, [“Looking Back, Looking
Ahead: General Convention”] of the Virginia Episcopalian,
I must take issue with the whole concept of declaring
“gun-free” zones as an answer, or even a mitigation, to gun
violence. Regardless of one’s feelings, pro or con, about gun
ownership and firearms laws, gun-free zones are no solution.

Virtually all of the mass shootings in this country have
occurred in so-called “gun free” zones – theaters, schools,
universities, shopping malls, churches, etc. Would-be
shooters deliberately target gun-free zones because such
zones permit them a much longer interval to kill and maim
before someone – yes, with a gun – shows up to stop them.

Far from being safer in a gun-free zone, I feel at higher
risk. If the rule makers simply want to feel good about
themselves, let them proclaim gun-free zones, but it is a
delusion that puts us all at risk.
Ted Williams
Ware Parish, Gloucester

The Mayo Memorial Church House:
110 West Franklin St.

800-DIOCESE

Richmond, VA 23220-5095

804-643-8451

Fax [phone]

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and
the Episcopal Church. We are a community of more than 80,000 baptized members and
425 clergy in 38 counties of central, northern and northwestern Virginia, serving the
world through 182 congregations, six diocesan schools, two diocesan centers and six
diocesan homes, and home to the largest Anglican seminary in the world. Our episcopal
seat is the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, Orkney Springs. Organized 1785.
How to Reach the Diocesan Staff:
Paris Ball, Director of Christian Formation: [e-mail]
ext. 1042
Buck Blanchard, Director of Mission and Outreach: [e-mail]
1016
Mary Anne Bryant, Assistant, Mission and Outreach: [e-mail]
1017
Joy Buzzard, Financial Administrator: [e-mail]
1022
Emily Cherry, Communications Director: [e-mail]
1021
Laura Cramer, Benefits Administrator: [e-mail]
1040
Stephanie Higgins, Assistant, Development & Stewardship: [e-mail] 1029
Edward W. Jones, Secretary of the Diocese, Chief of Staff: [e-mail] 1030
Wilbert “Skeet” Jones, Sexton
1028
Ed Keithly, Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary: [e-mail]
1015
Michael J. Kerr, Treasurer: [e-mail]
1020
Mildred Lofton, Bookkeeper: [e-mail]
1023
Bill Martin, Assistant to the Secretary: [e-mail]
1025
Kendall Martin, General Adminstrative Assistant: [e-mail]
1029
Lindsay Ryland, Transition Ministry Officer: [e-mail]
1013
Mitchell Sams, Bishop’s Clerk: [e-mail]
1038
Meg Schwarz, Assistant, Christian Formation: [e-mail]
1043
Julie Simonton, Staff Officer for Congregational Development & Stewardship:
1035
[e-mail]
Karen Smith, Receptionist/Assistant: [e-mail]
1010
Megan-Drew Tiller, Mission & Outreach Intern: [e-mail]
1019
Michael Wade, Asst. to the Director of Christian Formation: [e-mail] 1027
Kate Wettstein, Assistant to Bishop Gulick: [e-mail]
703-241-0441
Amy Williams, Assistant to Bishop Johnston: [e-mail]
1012
The Rev. Canon Pat Wingo, Canon to the Ordinary: [e-mail]
1024

Virginia Episcopalian
winter 2014
Volume 123 Issue 1
Published by the Diocese of Virginia – Circulation 19,800
Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston
Bishop Suffragan: The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff
Assistant Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick Jr.
Editor: Emily Cherry
Design/Layout: John Dixon
Advertising Assistant: Kendall Martin
Virginia Episcopalian (ISSN 15353621, USPS 019711) is published quarterly
by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, periodicals postage paid in Richmond,
23232-9998. Copyright 2013. Contact the editor for reprint permission. Views
expressed in t