Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

07/30/2026

A piece of Virginia's Episcopal history is now just a click away!

The historic vestry books of Lynnhaven Parish and Elizabeth City Parish — dating from 1723–1831 and owned by The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia — have been digitized and are now available online for everyone to explore.

This important preservation project was made possible through our partnership with The Episcopal Project and the generous support of Virginia Humanities. We're grateful to both organizations for helping preserve these remarkable records and make them accessible to researchers, genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in our shared history.

Explore the collection: https://www.episcopalproject.org/exhibit

06/03/2026

Tonight at 6 p.m. The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Episcopal Church's historic 1976 affirmation of LGBTQIA+ persons through a diocesan Pride Eucharist presided over by Bishop Susan Haynes.

Hosted by Christ & St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, the service celebrates the Diocese's ongoing commitment to sharing God's love and welcome with all people.

05/08/2026

Today, we give thanks for the incredible generosity of our diocesan family!

Because of your prayers, gifts, and unwavering support during Chanco on the James Camp and Retreat Center Big Day of Giving, we not only reached our goal — we surpassed it! Your commitment to the ministry and mission of camp and retreat life ensures that Chanco will continue to be a place where faith is formed, friendships are nurtured, and lives are transformed for generations to come.

We are deeply grateful to every parish, family, camper, alumnus, volunteer, and friend across The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia who helped make this day such a success. Together, we are strengthening a sacred place where young people and adults encounter God’s love in community and creation.

Thank you for showing what is possible when we come together in faith, hope, and generosity. To God be the glory!

05/07/2026

🎉 Big Day Extended — Today, May 7! 🎉

Because of your incredible generosity, an anonymous donor has offered an additional challenge to help us push beyond our original goal to reach $50,000 and 100 donors!

Every gift made today will support Scholarships for Summer Camp 2026, helping more young people experience faith, friendship, and transformation through camp ministry.

✨ One Gift. Twice the Impact. ✨

Join us in making summer camp possible for even more children and youth across the Diocese. Every donation brings us one step closer to our goal — and every donor makes a difference.

05/06/2026

We're celebrating wonderful news from our friends at Chanco on the James!

Chanco has been named a Best of Virginia 2026 winner by Virginia Living Magazine — a reflection of the life-changing ministry that happens there every single day. From forming faith in young people and adults, to building community and lifelong friendships, Chanco is a place where people discover who they are and who God is calling them to be.

And today is their Big Day of Giving!

Join us in giving thanks for this ministry — and consider making a gift to help ensure these sacred moments continue for generations to come. Every contribution makes a difference.

Give, share, and be part of what comes next:
🔗 chanco.org/bdog

Because of Chanco… Because of YOU.

Chanco was named 𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞—and it’s because of what happens here every day. 💙

Chanco is a place »
Where 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 grow in faith.
Where community is built.
Where lifelong friendships begin.
Where people discover who they are, and who they’re called to be.

That’s what makes Chanco “the best.”

And 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘, you can help ensure those moments continue.

Make your gift. Share your story. Be part of what comes next.
Because of Chanco… Because of YOU.

🔗 chanco.org/bdog

Virginia Living Magazine

05/06/2026

The story of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia is woven through places like Chanco on the James Camp and Retreat Center where faith is nurtured, vocations are sparked, and lives are forever changed.

We give thanks for leaders like the Rev. Canon Carla McCook, whose journey with God was shaped at camp as a child. Her story is a powerful reminder of why Chanco’s ministry matters so deeply.

💙 You can help make more stories like hers possible.
Chanco is close to reaching its goal! Every gift and every share makes a difference.

Join us in supporting this life-changing ministry: chanco.org/bdog

05/06/2026

Today is the Big Day of Giving!

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia invites you to support Chanco on the James as they celebrate their 3rd Annual Big Day of Giving. Chanco is a sacred place where young people, families, and retreat groups encounter God in community, creation, and fellowship along the beautiful James River.

Your gift today helps ensure that this vital ministry continues to thrive, providing transformative camp experiences, spiritual growth, and a place of belonging for all who come through its gates.

Join us in strengthening the future of Chanco. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Give today. Pray for this ministry. Share the impact.