Last updated May 7, 2008

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What's New

PEVA PDA Tornado Task Force – Update #1 

Actions:

Following the organizational meeting of the Task Force on Wednesday and a meeting between Bruce Sharp, Fran Alwood and the three representatives from the national PDA team on Thursday, the following actions have been taken:

• Established Fran Alwood as the primary contact with the Southeast Virginia Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disasters (VOAD) for all PCUSA disaster assistance through the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.
• Established Fran Alwood as the primary contact with the United Way, which is coordinating all assistance through the Disaster Relief Center at the Kings Fork Middle School.
• Presbytery has requested $10,000 from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance fund.  This request has been approved and the funds should be on hand in a few days.  In addition, Presbytery requested all churches to receive a special offering on Sunday May 4^th to support this fund.
• Distributed a request from United Way through Presbytery to all churches for assistance in answering phones and staffing the reception desk at the Disaster Assistance Center.  Many people have responded and have helped enroll volunteers and more importantly, signed up distressed families for aid.  Special thanks to Maryanne Persons, Jack & Susie Stoughton, Lynda Richmond, Drema Baker, Lisa & Harry Cross, Jessica Fitzgerald, Gloria Womble, Helen Elder, and Gloria Windell and her group for assisting in this task.  The center will remain open through next Friday and volunteers are still needed.  (See below)
• Distributed a request from United Way through Presbytery to all churches for volunteers to assist in debris clean up being coordinated by Operation Blessing.

• PEVA Suffolk PDA Committee Chair Bruce Sharp informs us that the need for counselors is not as urgent as anticipated at this time.  Currently, the Western Tidewater Community Services Board is providing information on stress reactions, helping children cope, etc.  They are making people aware that counseling is available and there may be more demand for counseling at a later time.  We will advise if the situation changes.

• Identified a volunteer to collect the stories of the storm and the impact of the assistance provided by PCUSA throughout the process of disaster relief to help with feedback to congregations and the PDA on the effect of their assistance.
• Provided a volunteer to pick up 200 box lunches donated by Jason’s Deli (Chesapeake and Virginia Beach) and delivered them to the Suffolk Salvation Army.

Immediate Needs:

• Continuing need for volunteers to assist at the Disaster Relief Center. We have been asked to continue this task through Friday, and to add some helpers to answer phones and help with the data base at the United Way office. Contact Fran Alwood (539-5780 or bfalwood@charter.net)

·      Continuing need for volunteer trained counselors (Contact Bruce Sharp 539-4030 bsharp6@mac.com)

·      Volunteers will be needed to write thank you/acknowledgement letters to those contributing to the Presbytery’s Tornado Relief Fund.  Given current Presbytery staffing, this assistance would be very helpful.  Volunteers would be provided letterhead stationary, envelopes and stamps along with a list of contributors and amounts.  They will be requested to write (handwritten preferable) letters to thank the contributors.  Contact Bruce Sharp (539-4030 or bsharp6@mac.com) if you have one or two members of your church who might be willing to assist.

Upcoming Events

·      There will be a major, cleanup day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.  This clean up day has been entitled “Live United Community Care Day”.  Any church groups wanting to help on that day must sign up directly with the United Way at www.unitedwayshr.org/tornado.  Those wishing to work during the week can use the same website but indicate when they want to work.  Work groups are being coordinated by Operation Blessing out of the Open Door Church on King's Fork Road.

·      A second city information meeting will be held at Kings Fork High School on Thursday, March 8, 2008 at 7 p.m.  Fran Alwood and probably Lynda Richmond will represent our Task Force at this meeting.  Anyone else is welcome to attend.

Outlook

Based on reports from the Disaster Relief Center, it appears that the most pressing long term needs for recovery from this tornado may be financial.  While the homes destroyed were insured for the most part, people are discovering that deductibles were raised substantially following Hurricane Katrina.  Some are discovering that their policies do not cover rental payments for temporary housing during the time they cannot occupy their houses.  It appears that this is an area in which PCUSA can be of real assistance. We will be part of the long-range planning group (Suffolk Fund Distribution Committee) which will meet as soon as the United Way has a handle on what the unmet needs are.

Special Thanks to national PDA Team

Special thanks to Dave and Carolyn Thalman who stayed in Suffolk until last Sunday and did Minutes for Missions at SPC and St. Andrew.  They and Rev. Beth Goss were a tremendous help in “getting us off on the right foot”.

A Disaster Center has begun operation at Kings Fork Recreation Center (next to Kings Fork Middle School) on May 1st and will be operated by volunteers from the above response groups.  The direct number for the Disaster Center is 757-514-7244.  It will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

We offer the following suggestions for you to follow in offering assistance:  (See below for three immediate needs)

#1  Cash contributions are the most efficient response.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance funds, and those sent by our churches will be used to “leverage gifts to unmet needs” after federal, state and insurance funds have been exhausted.  There are often many financial gaps that remain after the usual sources have been spent, such as multiple deductibles, tree removal, counseling, etc.  These needs will be identified through the Disaster Center intake process and forwarded to our PDA Task Force for approval.  Many of our churches are collecting a special offering for this purpose this Sunday.  These funds should be sent to the PEVA office and will be put into a unique fund to be used for tornado recovery.

#2  The United Way is coordinating volunteers.  You may go to www.unitedwayshr.org/tornado and scroll to the bottom of the page to fill out a volunteer form for this particular disaster.   The link for the form itself is:

http://www.baseportal.com/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=/uwshr/tornadoVol/vol_add

#3  Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads will make minor, non-structural, emergency repairs for tornado victims.  Their number is:  757-640-0590.  Those with construction skills may want to offer their services through this group.

#4  Please continue to pray for the victims of this disaster and for the responders as well.

Click here to open the PDA document, "Self-Care Things to Try" which outlines ways that people can ease the stress, depression and anxiety that occur after such traumatic events.

Thank you for your generosity!

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5th Annual DWELLING PLACE GOLF CLASSIC will be held Tues., MAY 20th at the RIVERFRONT GOLF CLUB at Harborview in Suffolk.  Registration at 11 a.m. and Shotgun Tee-off at 1 p.m.   Tournament Play:  Four Player Captain's Choice.  Entry Fee:  $125 per individual and $400 per foursome.  Many sponsorship packages available, also.  For more information, call Sarah Quisenberry at 757-496-2026.  Help Shelter Homeless Families.

FREE SANCTUARY FURNISHINGS to any church who would like to claim and arrange for pickup and delivery.  FIRST PC, NORFOLK (820 Colonial Ave., Norfolk 23507) is renovating, and offers the following:  2 chancel chairs, 1 communion table, 1 pulpit, 16 8-ft. pews, 2 6-ft. pews, and 1 16-ft. pew (approximate sizes - all in excellent condition).  For questions, or to make arrangements, please contact Andrew Callan, Minister of Administration at andrew@fpcnorfolk.org or call him at 757-625-1697.

PENINSULA PASTORS will have LUNCH at County Grill & Smokehouse (Kiln Creek Center Shopping Plaza, 1215-a George Washington Memorial Hwy. (Rt. 17), Yorktown, VA 23693 on Tuesday, MAY 13th at 12:30 p.m.  Please RSVP to Doug Nagel at den@fpcglova.hrcoxmail.com

SOUTHSIDE PASTORS have LUNCH at NOON on the SECOND TUESDAY of every month!  Here are the sites for the next few months: May 13th - Site TBA.  Check the Master Calendar on this website for updates!

HIDENWOOD PC announces its 2007-2008 MUSIC IN THE WOODS SERIES: "Barely Broadway" with Steve Kelley and Lisa Costen on June 8th.  All concerts are held on Sundays, starting at 4 p.m. and are followed by a light reception in the narthex.  Free will offerings are received at each concert and given to the performers of the day.  414 Hiden Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606  Phone:  757-596-1151  www.hidenwood.com

Great Bridge PC announces its 2007-2008 CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES.  This quality series of evenings will include:   Meet the Composer, Dr. John  Leavitt in concert with the Chancel choirs of Great Bridge and Providence Presbyterian Churches on June 1, 2008 at 4 p.m.  Great Bridge PC is located at 333 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322-5513.  Call 757-5447-4706 for more.

PRESBYTERIAN PILGRIMAGE WEEKEND (3-day event of worship, discussion, singing and prayer for clergy and laity) is designed for adult members of Presbyterian churches (singles and couples) to inspire, challenge, and equip individuals for Christian action in their home churches, places of work and communities.  A person goes to a Pilgrimage Weekend only once; the effect lasts a lifetime!  After the weekend, pilgrims can join reunion groups to reinforce teachings, affirm friendships and provide a place to share the Christian journey.  Larger groups, called Ultreyas, meet several times per year for sharing and encouragement.  If needed, one must submit an application (click here) and $50 to their sponsor (one who has already experienced a Pilgrimage Weekend).  For more information, dates of the next weekends, and to be matched with a sponsor, call Rick Goldmeyer at 757-408-5508 or email rgoldmeyer@cox.net

Employment Announcements 

PEVA seeks an INTERIM RESOURCE CENTER DIRECTOR to maintain and manage resources while a permanent Director is sought.  This will be a 15 hour/week position that will last for no more than six months.  Please send resume to PEVA:  Attn. Linda Smith, 801 Loudoun Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23707-3216.  Application DEADLINE is 5/20/08.  Click here to open the full position description.

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The SYNOD of the MID-ATLANTIC is searching for candidates to consider for the position of EXECUTIVE/STATED CLERK.  A CIF is available by request from Linda Smith at the PEVA office linda@pcusa-peva.org  If interested,  please email your PIF or direct questions to the Rev. Dr. Nancy Dawson gpres@peakspresbytery.org by June 16th.

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KIDS OF GRACE, the preschool/kindergarten program at GRACE COVENANT PC of Princess Anne in Virginia Beach, is now hiring ONE TEACHER for 2-year-olds and several ASSISTANTS for their 2008-2009 school year.  Interested persons should call Susan or Margaret at 427-6478.  Grace Covenant is located on Princess Anne Rd. near Red Mill and Nimmo Pkwy.

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The Mustard Seed Child Care Center at ROYSTER MEMORIAL PC (Norfolk) is in need of 4 SUMMER CAMP TEACHERS who must be 18 years or older.  The campers are ages 5-13 and the pay is $8-12/hr.  The campers will do arts & crafts and go on field trips, etc.  This is a perfect job for a high school graduate or college student who is home for the summer.  If you are interested, please call Jean Rockwell, MSCC Director, at 423-5854

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Do you know of anyone (maybe yourself) who might be the perfect part-time CHOIR DIRECTOR/ORGANIST for SQUIRES MEMORIAL PC in Norfolk?  Nestled in the Inglewood neighborhood, Squires is searching for the ideal person to lead the choir and play for Wednesday evening rehearsals and 11 AM Sunday worship services.  All "leads" will be welcomed!  Email squiresmemorial@verizon.com for more information, or to send a resume.

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MONTREAT Conference Center has initiated a search for a new PRESIDENT.  The search committee welcomes your input.  Details can be viewed by clicking here for more.

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LYNNHAVEN PC, the "little church with a big heart" in Virginia Beach, is seeking a dependable MUSIC DIRECTOR to lead worship choir and other music programs.  A full list of duties can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.  To apply:  mail resume with cover letter and two references to Lynnhaven Presbyterian Church, Attn:  Atwood Brooks, 136 S. Lynnhaven Rd., Va. Beach, VA 23452-7407 or email the same materials to Mr. Brooks at planenut55@yahoo.com

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SIMONSDALE PC seeks a part-time YOUTH DIRECTOR who is a stable, mature Christian and is passionate about youth ministry and committed to reaching out to youth in our church and neighborhood.  Knowledge of and experience in Presbyterian youth ministry programs are appreciated but not required.  He or she should be kind, patient, a strong leader and a good role model.  For more complete description, click here.  5016 Vick St., Portsmouth, VA 23701.  Phone:  757-488-1493

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GRACE COVENANT PC seeks a part-time YOUTH DIRECTOR.  This is a 10-hr./week position that involves responsibility for leading and facilitating the church's youth ministry programs.  The Director shall focus on the development of close Christian friendships based on trust and acceptance.  For a complete position description and application directions, click here.  Application deadline:  March 9, 2008.

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WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY on Chesapeake bay, a continuing-care retirement community sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia and the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia, is seeking a FULL-TIME CHAPLAIN to provide oversight and coordination of pastoral care and related religious life at Westminster-Canterbury.  Responsibilities will include care, counseling and visitation of residents and staff with a focus on spiritual care in the broadest sense of holistic concern for the "well-being" of those affiliated with the community.  This is a full-time position with excellent benefits and competitive salary.  Candidate must be ordained in the Episcopal or Presbyterian churches with post-graduate qualifications in theology; documented experience in pastoral counseling and a minimum of four quarters of supervised clinical pastoral education.  Experience in working with the elderly and offering ministry as a member of a multi-disciplinary team also required.  Apply to 3100 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23451.  Resumé may be emailed to jobs@wcbay.com or faxed to 757-496-1698.

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FIRST PC, VIRGINIA BEACH has 3 FULL-TIME JOB OPENINGS!  Apply now for DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES.  Please go to their website for job descriptions and contact information:  www.firstpresvb.org

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WYCLIFFE PC, 1445 Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, is seeking TENOR and BASS SECTION LEADERS.  Nine-month positions, September through May.  One rehearsal and one service each week and occasional special services.  $60 per week ($30 per service or rehearsal).  Must be able to provide strong vocal and musical leadership for each section.  For detailed information and application procedures, contact Dr. Charles Weedman, Director of Music, at 549-0895.

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THALIA TRINITY PC (Virginia Beach) seeks a PART-TIME YOUTH DIRECTOR to work with middle and high school youth.  Seeking an individual or married couple, age 21 or over, possessing a mature faith and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  This person(s) must enjoy associating and working with youth ages 11-18, and must be able to work with parents and other adults.  Responsibilities would include planning and leading youth group meetings a minimum of twice per month, organizing and taking youth on outings, organizing fund raisers, taking youth on occasional retreats, planning and leading an annual summer mission trip, and being available for counseling and advice as needed.  Contemporary musical skills are highly desirable.  For further information, please contact Gwen Bushnell, Christian Education Elder, at Thalia Trinity PC, 340-6165, or at ttpc@picusnet.com

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CHANCEL CHOIR BASS & ALTO SECTION LEADER NEEDED at FIRST PC, NORFOLK.  Must be a professing Christian who assists the Chancel Choir Director in providing vocal leadership.  Expected to participate in rehearsals and Sunday services throughout the year, as well as special services, not limited to, but including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and some special events.  Also serves as host to new choir members, soloist/cantor in worship as requested, lead sectional rehearsals as requested, assist other sections in vocal development, assist with spiritual leadership of choir as well as attend periodic planning meetings.  Required:  vocal skill & experience, high level of musicianship, ability to work well with Chancel Choir Director & other singers.  Contact Sue Sechrist, Chancel Choir Director at 757-625-1697.

MUSIC DIRECTOR-KEYBOARD, ORGAN or PIANO for CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.  An established church in Virginia Beach, with a small congregation in the process of church transformation, is seeking a dependable, creative music director with a strong Christian commitment, as well as knowledge and experience with liturgical worship and music that can inspire people of all ages. Prepare and lead weekly choir rehearsal and rehearse prior to the Sunday worship service.  Play and direct choir during service, as well as select music and support special events and/or seasonal services during church year.  Attend Worship & Music Committee meetings, consult with pastor and others to plan and develop music ministry as integral part of church and its growth.  May need to assist with weddings or funerals (additional income). Part time:  Ave. 4-6 hrs/wk.  Salary negotiable, with two weeks paid vacation after one year.  Fax or email resume with cover letter and two references to 757-497-3313 or christ_presbyterian@yahoo.com

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COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PORTSMOUTH, is seeking a PART-TIME CHOIR DIRECTOR/ORGANIST for its Praise Choir.  This person must be an energetic and self-motivated individual who has good keyboarding skills and is familiar with working in a church environment.  A feel for music ministry is a must for this position.  Duties include:  The planning, preparation of music appropriate for each service of worship on the third Sunday of each month as well as the playing of organ or keyboard;  coordination of service music with minister; conduct one rehearsal with Praise Choir each week; as well as attend and participate in Worship Committee meetings quarterly.  Resumes with two references should be addressed to:  Personnel Committee, Attn:  Melvin Twitty, Community Presbyterian Church, 801 Tazewell St., Portsmouth, VA 23701.

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Part-time ORGANIST/PIANIST position available at OCEAN VIEW PC:  Small but accomplished choir in need of an accompanist.  Good keyboarding skills and a feel for music ministry a must.  Organ experience a plus.  Duties include:  One rehearsal with choir and service music each week; coordination of service music with minister and volunteer music director.  Compensation on a weekly basis as an independent contractor, additional compensation for approximately 3 special evening services required each year, and other special services (i.e.. funerals and weddings).  Position available to start immediately.  Contact:  Margaret Chewning, Ocean View PC, 9200 Tidewater Dr., Norfolk 23503 or phone 757-581-0428 or email:  presbspec@yahoo.com

http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/briefs.htm 

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