General Convention 2009

The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia is pleased to have young people from the diocese attending General Convention. Some of our youth are from Mission of the Holy Spirit, some are from convocations II, VIII, VII, VI. Here is a little information about our youngest deputy and some of our youth and youth leaders. Their thoughts and experiences will be shared with the diocese through our blog and others communications.............................................................

1. About our youngest deputy: Athena Hahn graduated Longwood University in 2008 with a BA in Sociology. She was elected to be first Lay Deputy to the National Episcopal General Convention, Athena is a member of Church of the Ascension in Norfolk. She is an active member on Ascension's vestry in the role of Evangelism Chair.

2. The Rev. Chris Cunningham (leader) is Rector of Johns Memorial Church, Farmville. He is a church redeveloper and passionate about world mission, having been to the Diocese of Christ the King in South Africa, the Diocese of Jerusalem, and the Diocese of Liberia in West Africa.

3. The Rev. Jeunée Cunningham (leader) is Priest in Charge of St. Anne’s Church, Appomattox. She is an experienced church planter and nationally recognized speaker/consultant on congregational development.

4. Darby McClellan is a rising senior at Fuqua School in Farmville. Along with her mother, she attends Johns Memorial, where she works in the Nursery; she was received into the Episcopal Church in May.

5. Adam Lees is a rising senior at Hampden-Sydney College, majoring in French. He is a native of Florida and quite active in the Campus Ministry program at Johns Memorial Church in Farmville.

6. Christopher Cunningham is a rising junior at Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington DC, majoring in photojournalism. He has been on mission trips to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, Diocese of Christ the King in South Africa, and the Diocese of Liberia in West Africa. He is a member of Johns Memorial Church in Farmville. Christopher is the eldest son of the Rev. Jeunée and Rev. Chris Cunningham.

7. Sara Winston is a rising junior at Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington DC, majoring in fine art photography. A native of New York, she is a friend of Christopher Cunningham. Baptized as an infant in the Lutheran Church, she is currently exploring her faith.

8. Zach McIntire is attending Central Virginia Community College in Appomattox, and serves as an acolyte at St. Anne’s Church, Appomattox.

9. April Overton is a rising senior at Appomattox High School, and was baptized this past May at St. Anne’s Church, Appomattox.

10. Kelly Harnett just graduated from Appomattox High School and is a Eucharistic Minister and Lay Reader at St. Anne’s Church, Appomattox.

11. Ella Seaman is a rising freshman at Midlothian High School where she is enrolled in the leadership program. Baptized as an infant in the Catholic Church, she is currently exploring her faith.

12. Mattie Thomas is a rising freshman at Cosby High School in Midlothian, Virginia. She was baptized at Christ Church, Amelia where she still attends with her parents and grandparents.