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Diocese of Southern Virginia

133rd Annual Council (2025)

Annual Council is a pivotal forum where clergy and lay delegates convene to worship, learn, and vote on impactful matters shaping our diocese. This event, beyond its formalities, cultivates a friendly atmosphere for meaningful connections.

With a distinguished keynote speaker contributing insights, and various diocesan groups presenting reports and offering valuable updates on their activities, Annual Council blends meaningful discussions, camaraderie, and shared vision, making it a cherished event for our diocese.

133rd Annual Council

February 8, 2025

DoubleTree Hotel – Williamsburg, Virginia

Bishop Haynes’ Address to Annual Council

Thank you for joining us in Williamsburg! Please find the Bishop’s Address to Council available for download in 12 pt. font here as well as 18 pt. font here.

Do You Not Perceive It?

At the 133rd Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, Bishop Susan Haynes delivers a powerful and timely address, urging us to recognize the new thing God is doing among us. Drawing on wisdom from the Venerable Bede, St. Benedict, and modern voices, she challenges us to combat fear, loneliness, and spiritual exhaustion through a renewed commitment to Prayer, Service, and Community. With deep insight into today’s cultural landscape, she calls us to listen with the ear of the heart, step boldly into God’s vision, and go deeper in faith.

St Luke's: A Sacred Space

Once at risk of being forgotten, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Kenbridge, VA, has now been dedicated as the first African American shrine in the Diocese of Southern Virginia—a place of pilgrimage, history, and renewal.

 

This video honors the legacy of James Solomon Russell, Mary McFarland Jennings, and the faithful community that built this sacred space. Join us as we walk through the history, the dedication, and the hope for the future of this newly consecrated shrine.

Chanco on the James: Renew, Retreat, Reconnect

Chanco on the James has been a place of spiritual renewal, reflection, and deep connection for generations. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, an adventure and fellowship, or a place to rekindle your faith, Chanco offers sacred space to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with God.

 

In this video, we explore the retreat ministry at Chanco, featuring heartfelt reflections from Gareth Kalfas (Missioner for Camp & Retreat Ministries) and Jacob Asher (Director of Programs at Chanco on the James).

Supporting Your Ministry | Meet Your Diocesan Team

The Diocese of Southern Virginia isn’t just an office — it’s all of us, working together to strengthen and support ministry across our churches and communities.

 

From transitions to training, mission work to leadership support, our diocesan staff is here to walk alongside you.

 

Have questions? Need guidance? We’re here to help.

Keynote Speaker

The Rev. Jay Sidebotham

Making All Things New 

The Rev. Jay Sidebotham has served as a priest in the Episcopal Church for more than 30 years. He is the Founder and Senior Consultant of RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement. He comes to this work out of his experience as rector of Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, IL, where he led the congregation through a period of sustained focus on spiritual growth and renewal.

 

He is well known for his cartoons about church life and his animation work on the television series Schoolhouse Rock! 

In his presentation to our diocese, the Rev. Jay Sidebotham shared insights on spiritual growth, based on research obtained through RenewalWorks. He described catalysts that foster spiritual growth, bringing renewal in the lives of individuals and in congregations. He offered particular focus on how leaders in the church, lay and clergy, play a key role in nurturing this process of making all things new.

Elections at Council

  • Standing Committee: The Rev. Seldon Walker (Clergy); Dr. Faye Felton (Lay)
  • Disciplinary Board: no nominations were received
  • Provincial Synod: no nominations were received

Constitutional Resolution CON-1, second reading – approved

Canonical Resolution C-1 – approved

Proposed 2025 Diocesan Budget – approved

 

The offering from our Council Eucharist provided $2,921.62 to go to the Agricultural Workers Advocacy Coalition (AWAC) and ministries of mental health support for underserved communities in our diocese.

Reports to Council

Delegate Materials