- Thursday Holy Eucharist and Healing Prayer at 10:00am
- Sundays@5 informal Holy Eucharist music led by "Random Acts"
- Paws, Prayers & Praise pet-friendly Holy Eucharist every 2nd Sunday at 5:00pm
- Children's Chapel bible lessons during 10:30am services
- Active work on racial justice and reconciliation
- "Beach Bags" - feeding hungry students at our neighbors, Pembroke Meadows Elementary
What's HOT at ODEC NOW
Welcome to Old Donation
We've been here for 387 years, so we know what it means to be a living, faithful Christian community. Established in 1637 as the first church in what is now VA Beach, Old Donation has survived and thrived through wars, fires, floods and just about any calamity you can imagine.
Yet here we are in the 21st Century, more vibrant and full of life than ever. God's Spirit continues to be our guide and our strength. God's hope keeps us looking forward. God's wisdom enables us to hold on to what is ancient, while always being relevant in today's world.
With about 800 active members, Old Donation Episcopal Church is large enough to have the strength to have a wide range of activities. Four very different Sunday worship offerings enable most everyone to encounter God in a way that fits their style. Small groups do bible study, fellowship, and service. More than 20 different service and mission opportunities where you can be part of God's work in the world.
Even with a larger congregation, our worship style enables you to feel like part of an intentional community of friends... a family who you can know and they can know you. We are many ages, races, and come from all over.
Our commitment to doing God's work includes being part of healing the places where the world is in pain. Our history as a church that participated in the sin of slavery makes the work of racial justice and reconciliation a particular priority. (See tab above for Becoming Beloved Community.)
Old Donation believes it has a responsibility to share our blessings. More than 30 outside community groups and ministries find a home in our spaces.
Worship: the core of faithful life.
Masks are welcomed but optional for everyone.
Our Sunday Schedule:
- 8:00am Holy Eucharist
- 9:30am Christian Formation (Sunday School)
- 10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II - Church
- 10:30am Contemporary Holy Eucharist - Great Hall
- 5:00pm Sundays@5 Informal Eucharist with Random Acts Band in Church
- 5:00pm Paws, Prayers & Praise - a pet-friendly Holy Eucharist (every 2nd Sunday)
Click HERE for Sunday worship leader schedule.
Weekdays:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Noon on Facebook Live: A short service of prayers, Holy Scripture, and reflection.
Thursdays at 10:00am Healing prayers and Holy Communion in the Church.
To find these online offerings:
Our Facebook page
Our YouTube Channel
What we are all about
Our mission is nothing less than making the world be more like Heaven. God's dream, as we see in Holy Scripture, is for a world where people work together peacefully, seeking justice and wholeness. We want to be more like Jesus. In fact, our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, describes what we are seeking: the "Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement."
Old Donation is large enough to have something for everyone, yet feels like a comfortable family where you are included, needed, and your gifts can make a difference. We are a community of about 800 friends trying to be God's people.
Our mission statement puts it this way:
Old Donation is a Family:
Welcoming all
Growing in God’s love
Joyfully worshipping Jesus Christ
Serving in the power of the Spirit
New to Old Donation,
or new to
The Episcopal Church?
Walking into any new Church can sometimes be a little daunting. Let us assure you that you will be among friends here. People tell us that it feels more like "coming home" when they make their first visit. Because our parish continues to grow with new members, you will be sitting with some folks who've been here for 70 years, and others who just showed up last month. Every church has its own traditions, but we try to make it easy for you to join in and worship, learn and serve.
Plug into Old Donation