Historic Ordinations in the Diocese of Easton |
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Bishop San uses his ring to officially seal the Licenses for the
upcoming Deacon Ordinations.
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The Diocese of Easton will be ordaining eight Deacons over the next several months - the culmination of three years or coursework and dedication. We are truly excited and honored to welcome this diverse class of individuals who represent several firsts for the Diocese, including the first two African Americans and the first Iranian American to be ordained in the Diocese.
Last week the Bishop released a special email announcing the Deacon's Parochial Deployment plan as well as the Livestream links to view the ordinations online. If you missed that email you can view all the latest information by clicking here.
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Ordinations This Weekend
October 10, 2020 @ 2:00 p.m. & Emmanuel Church, Chestertown
October 11, 2020 @ 9:30 a.m. @ St. Alban’s Parish, Salisbury
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Following Jesus in the Face of Conflict
Difference Pilot Course
Explore what it means to follow Jesus in the face of conflict and see transformation through everyday encounters.
Wednesdays, 12:00pm - 1:30pm via Zoom
5 Weekly Sessions, Beginning October 21st
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the meeting.
The Episcopal Church and the Anglican communion have a vision for the church to be a reconciling presence in the midst of conflict. Leading thinkers and peacemaking practitioners have created and continue to hone this course to help us do just that. Difference explores how we can cross divides, disagree well, practice forgiveness and be the community God calls us to be. It is not mediation or conflict-resolution training; nor should it give people or churches a longer ‘to-do’ list. Instead, the focus is on formation – on the habits and practices that enable us to realize our identity as reconcilers in our own unique contexts.
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Diocese of Easton Welcomes New Church Attorney |
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Bishop San & Canon Collins (behind the lens) enjoyed shared time and
fellowship over a meal, following a meeting with our newly appointed Chancellor,
Mr. Regan Smith, Esq. & newly appointed Church Attorney, Mr. Stewart Barroll, Esq..
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The Diocesan Council voted unanimously on September 28, 2020 to approve the Bishop's nominee, Mr. R. Stewart Barroll, Esq., as Church Attorney to the Diocese of Easton. We are grateful to Mr. Barroll for his willingness to serve in this ministry, sharing his gifts, expertise, knowledge and time. Mr. Barroll's predecessor, Mr. Regan Smith, was recently appointed to Diocesan Chancellor after the retirement of Mr. Ernie Cornbrooks our long-serving Chancellor.
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Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministries of our Diocese. |
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More from the Office of the Bishop |
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Letter & FAQ on the Protocols and Guidelines for
Resumption of In-Person Gatherings
As the world slowly reopens around us and regulations from the Governor change, there have been some frequently asked questions regarding the Diocese of Easton’s protocols and guidelines for regathering. Those questions are answered in this letter and FAQ page. We have also added a section of “addendums” at the bottom of the protocols (page 21) to house any significant changes that arise.
The protocols still stand as a model for regathering that we expect our churches to follow, keeping in mind that our document is fluid as regards to updates from the CDC and government bodies. Please pay particular attention to your community’s local rate of infection as colder weather approaches.
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Regathering Youth Groups in the Diocese of Easton
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"Deep Dive" Formation Summit
October 19th from 11:00am - 1:00pm
(Please join us as you are able - it is okay to arrive late or leave early)
(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the meeting.)
We are excited to announce the following Deep Dives for our monthly Formation Summit - October 19th, 11:00am - 1:00pm. Questions? Contact Joanne Fisher.
Advent & Christmas Deep Dive with Connie Saeger-Proctor
Iron out your Advent and Christmas plan through a conversation with others in formation ministry. You'll have access to a "copy & paste" plan if you don't have time to cultivate your own. Or you can get feedback and resources to enhance your plan. Connie Saeger-Proctor is the Minister for Congregational Life at St. Anne's in Annapolis.
Tech Deep Dive with Randall Curtis
Hear about some of the latest equipment and apps - and how to use them - from self-proclaimed "geek" Randall Curtis (Diocese of Arkansas). Whether you're just getting started or looking for ways to further your digital presence this is the place to be.
Young Adult Mini Deep Dive with Laura Sinche
Pastor Laura, who has worked on campus at Towson & UMBC since 2009, will share some insights on reaching out to those ages 18-30 during Covid times (and all times). Often this age group gets lost in the shuffle of Formation Ministry - let's talk about how to support them!
Self-Care Mini Deep Dive with the Hillsboro Retreat Center
Members of the Hillsboro Retreat Center will be on hand to guide us through a short self-care exercise and to offer ideas for not only taking time for ourselves but feeling like we have permission to do so.
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Advent Formation Box Ideas for Families
Looking for some ideas to engage families this Advent? Here is a short selection of resources to help get you started:
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Apportionment Reminder
Apportionment letters were mailed out to parishes in early September and are due later this month. If you would like to receive an electronic copy, please email the office.
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153rd Diocesan Convention To Be Virtual
A Letter from Bishop San
I am writing to provide early notification to the entire diocese that, due to COVID-19, our 153rd Diocesan Convention, scheduled for March 6, 2021, will be held using a digital format. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Standing Committee for their wise counsel as well as to other leaders and dioceses across the Episcopal Church for the insights that they have gained and shared by holding their conventions digitally. The official venue from where the organization of business will be streamed is Bray House/Miller Hall (Article III). Read the full letter.
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Disaster Relief Financial Support
We continue to pray for the victims, first responders, and relief workers in the wake of the hurricanes and wildfires that have affected our nation. Anyone wishing to support the relief efforts of the Church are encouraged to send checks to the Diocese of Easton at 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601 (payable to "Diocese of Easton" and please note: "Disaster Relief") or via our online giving portal (click here). All donations will be directly deposited to Episcopal Relief and Development (please note that ERD staff is currently working remotely so routing donations through our Diocese ensures a secure delivery.)
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First Confirmation at our Latino Congregation |
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Sunday, September 27th, was a historic day in the over 150 years of the Diocese of Easton, Bishop San celebrated the confirmation of twelve (12) young people from La Sagrada Familia de Jesús (Holy Name of Jesus) and Shrewsbury Parish. The group represented the first Confirmation Class since La Sagrada Familia became on official mission church in the Diocese of Easton. "This should be a bright spot for all of us," said Bishop San, "seeing such an amazing group of young people committing their lives to Jesus and to sharing God's message of love and hope. As a global missioner for Christ, I live for moments such as this, God is good, Jesus continues his ministry of calling people to the message of the good news and the kingdom of God even in a pandemic.” Read the full article.
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Youth Summit @ Camp Wright - Save the Date
We are hopeful that April will bring us sunshine and a chance to gather together again at Camp Wright! Please save the dates in your calendar, April 9th-11th, for an amazing weekend with musical group Aren Bruce and guest speaker Heather Flies. This event is geared toward middle & high school students.
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Called to Ordained Ministry?
Collaboration with the Iona Collaborative
This program was designed to afford these gifted people the opportunity to fulfill their lifelong dream to serve Jesus as an ordained clergy person. It is designed for individuals who would serve the church on a part-time basis while holding their substantive secular work. Read more here.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact your parish clergy or the bishop’s office to begin a conversation and to fill out the attached application form.
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Our Limited Edition Summer 2020 T-Shirt is now available. The shirt will be available for purchase through October 31st. Wash your hands, say your prayers; Jesus and germs are everywhere!
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Centreville All Hallows Eve service
Friday, October 30 at 7pm, There will be some "spooky" organ music and you will hear about Ezekiel and the Dry Bones, the Witch of Endor and the War in Heaven.
All Saints’ Day, Sunday, November 1, they will have a glorious celebration of All Saint's Day with trumpet fanfare and remembrances of those who have gone before us in the faith. Parishioners are encouraged to bring photographs of beloved family and friends who have died and to place them on the windowsills of the church.
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Christ Church, Easton - Songs of Hope Class Beginning October 13, traditional music minister Wes Lockfaw will be leading a class, "Songs of Hope: A Study Based on Six Well-known Hymns." The class will be on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, running through November 17.
The hymnal has been referred to as the “photo album of the church”. It is a treasure trove for those looking for a glimpse into the many stories, moods, lessons, and responses pertaining to the life of the church both past and present.
Wes's study uses six well-known hymns to bring messages of hope for Christians living in present times. Each week, a different hymn will be used, and participants will gain insight into the historical references of both the text and the author. Then, participants will discover the scriptural references and context for each before embarking on a roundtable discussion based on the contents of the text and how that text offers hope to each of us.
As an added bonus, the music ministry will feature a very special arrangement featuring the week’s hymn as part of their livestreamed services each weekend.
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St. Peter's Salisbury, Boscov's “Gives Back” to St. Peter's Music Ministry
St. Peter’s Music Ministry is registered for the Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” event. Shop at Boscov’s on October 14 and 15 and simply mention St. Peter’s Music Ministry in-store at the register or online at checkout and they will receive 5% of your total purchase. PLUS you get an additional 20% off the lowest sales price.
CLICK HERE to learn more and to download a poster!
St. Peter's 2020 Fall and Christmas Bazaar will be on-line and live-streamed! They will be broadcasting live from the Parish Hall and the Church through their website, Facebook Live and You Tube the weekend before Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 20 from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday, November 21 from 9am to 12noon. Stay tuned for more info!
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Christ Church, Cambridge Will be filling 100 boxes for children around the world thru Operation Christmas Child. If you can help out, start shopping now for items to fill their boxes. Bring filled boxes now to the church office. * Remember do not include: candy, toothpaste, gum, war related items, seeds, food, liquids or lotions, glass or aerosol cans.
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POST YOUR EVENT!
Send an email with a short description plus links or attachments to Joanne. Churches are also encouraged to add joanne@dioceseofeaston.org to their local enews.
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All Souls' & Saints' Day
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Saturday, October 31, 6:00 pm
Come by the Retreat House to walk through St. Paul's Cemetery to say a prayer, pay respects, and see the beautiful candles on each grave. All are welcome as we share in a time of quiet reflection and remembrance.
Here's what's coming up at the Retreat House. Click the button's below for dates and times.
Autumn Quiet Days - Embracing Possibility
October Wisdom Circle - Prayer Practices for Challenging Times
Day's End Evening Meditation Listen, breathe, be still. A peaceful way to move into your evening.
Advent Quiet Day -Wednesday, December 2nd 9:30am - 2:00 pm. Join in an opportunity to slow down and listen for God's calling in, poetry, silence and conversation. More details and registration information will be coming soon.
Gathering of the Greens and Wreath Making, Sunday, December 13th, 1:00-3:00pm
In-person AA meetings have resumed and will be meeting in St. Paul's Church, next door to the Retreat House at 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro MD 21641. Masks and social distancing will be required. Feel free to bring your own book and beverage. All meetings continue to be offered on Zoom per the Midshore Intergroup meeting schedule.
Annual Appeal Letter
Dear Friends, This summer marked the 6-year anniversary of the Retreat House at Hillsboro and we are grateful for many extraordinary experiences as well as the strong foundation that has been created over time. As we carry out our mission to share God’s abundant Love in the world by holding a sacred, compassionate and inclusive space, the Holy Spirit is ever present. Read full letter here.
A Peaceful Walk: The Retreat House gates are always open. Please come for a visit soon! Throughout the COVID crisis, the Retreat House property has remained open to individual visitors. Now, small groups of up to 10 people are welcome to enjoy the beauty of the grounds for outdoor meetings, walks, meditations, or even to have a picnic.
Check out our "tree rooms!" Gather under the Lindens, Magnolia, Pin Oak or Crape Myrtle. We'll supply the seating! (Stadium chairs are in the gazebo.)
As always, please wear masks when you are near others, and help yourself to hand sanitizer, wipes and bug spray provided in the gazebo.
See our calendar for programs and special events. For more information, call (410) 364-7069, click the button below or contact Francie Thayer.
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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families:
Prayers for Lisa Webb. Robin Spurdle. Bishop San's sister's - Padmini (Paddy) Marray and Sandra Marray, both battling breast cancer.
Continued prayers for Father Bryan Glancey, Vicar, St. Andrew's, Hurlock. Rev. Kevin Cross, Rector, Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford. The Rev. Pete Stanton. Larry Samuels, spouse of Deacon Candidate, Peggy Samuels. Art Leiby. Becky Richardson. Weasie Kamihachi.
We pray for the repose of the soul of the following people and for comfort, courage and strength to their families: Donald Vinson, former Rector of St. Mark's Parish.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (October 11th) We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul's, Marion Station, and for their Rector, the Rev. Mike Lokey, and his wife, Bunny.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (October 18th) We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Christ Church, Denton.
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost (October 25th) We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at All Hallows, Snow Hill and their Rector, the Rev. Chuck Hatfield and his wife, Adele.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
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Sacred Spaces as Safe Places
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has issued the following statement:
The events in Louisville remind us of the need for safe spaces in times of conflict. Churches, synagogues, and mosques are houses of prayer, worship, and faith. Sacred spaces are safe places where the way of love and nonviolence, the way of peace, the way of justice, and the way of reconciliation can be affirmed and practiced. In deeply conflicted situations, these spaces can play a vital role in preventing escalation into upward spirals of violence. Respecting these spaces as safe places demonstrates a commitment to finding nonviolent solutions. This can help to broker peace and change that can move a community forward, in the direction of genuine justice and eventual reconciliation.
We must ever remember Breonna Taylor, and continue to pray for her family, loved ones, and all the people of the Louisville community. We must likewise pray for America, that our divisions may cease and that we will work together to be a nation where there is liberty and justice for all. Lastly, may we all commit ourselves anew to the living the words of the prophet Micah who said, “what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
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Q&A: Presiding Bishop shares stories from his life and ministry in new book on Christian love Curry spoke with Episcopal News Service by phone from his home in North Carolina, where he now spends much of his time, since his normally dizzying travel schedule has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Read interview here.
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New Way of Love resources support building an intentional small group ministry The Episcopal Church continues to offer new resources for congregations interested in following the Way of Love as a way of life by starting small group ministries. New resources include the Building an Intentional Small Group Ministry information packet, an infographic, video compilations, and social media graphics.
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The Episcopal Church and the 2020 U.S. elections: An overview of resources
The Office of Government Relations has created a comprehensive suite of resources for advocacy, the U.S. Election, and 2020 Census engagement. Central to election engagement are the “Vote Faithfully” resources built up over the course of several election cycles and in coalition with ecumenical partners. These resources are designed for use year-round, emphasizing messaging that is non-partisan and informed
The season of prayer begins Tuesday, October 27, and continues through November 4, the day after the elections in the United States.
In a short video message to encourage participation, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called on Episcopalians to join the initiative to pray for our nation, its people and leaders, and all the nations and people of the earth. Available with Spanish subtitles here.
Please encourage your congregation and your friends to get involved. Read more here.
Other resources include a Plan Your Vote guide, toolkit for supporting others in your community to vote, a tool for recognizing and combatting disinformation and misinformation, and much more. Read more here
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Episcopal Church Executive Council will meet virtually Oct. 9-12
The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church will convene as a virtual meeting October 9-12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the health and safety of all involved. Those wishing to view the plenary sessions on YouTube can access the livestream here. Read more here.
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Becoming Beloved Community NOW webinars available on demand
Thousands of racial justice and healing leaders and practitioners across The Episcopal Church gathered to build community, craft strategy and equip each other for action during a series of “Becoming Beloved Community NOW” online gatherings at the end of July 2020. These webinars are now available for viewing here. Read more here.
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General Convention Task Force seeks participants representing the diversity of the church for Safe Church Listening Groups
Responses requested by Oct. 18, 2020
General Convention Task Force invites Episcopalians to participate in survey ‘Social Justice and the Episcopal Church: A Call for Stories’
Responses requested by Nov. 5, 2020
That the 79th General Convention direct the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church to appoint a Task Force on the Theology of Social Justice Advocacy as Christian Ministry, consisting of three (3) bishops, three (3) presbyters or deacons, to include both orders, and six (6) lay persons, who represent the diversity of the Church, to be tasked in this triennium to consider scripture, approved liturgical resources, other theological texts and previous actions of General Convention to summarize the ways in which The Episcopal Church understands the work for social justice as essential mission and ministry of the Christian Church; and be it further
Resolved, That the Task Force study how The Episcopal Church currently fosters theological understanding and leadership for social justice, and recommend ways to foster theological and practical conversation across the Church on this topic. Read more here.
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Explore the Bible Lands in 2021
Travel to Greece, Italy, Turkey, Egypt and other lands of the Bible with Education Opportunities. Read more here.
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Maryland Episcopal Church commits $1 million to reparations seed fund
The Maryland diocese of the Episcopal Church has become the latest religious institution to commit to making reparations for slavery and systemic racism, voting last weekend to create a $1 million seed fund for programs that would benefit the African American community in Baltimore and beyond.
More than 82 percent of delegates to the diocese’s annual general convention voted Sept. 12 to establish the fund. Officials said it’s a key step in a long-term campaign to confront — and repent for — the role the church played in fostering and benefiting from systemic racism in Maryland.
Existing funds in the diocese’s endowment will provide the capital for the initiative, and individual congregations are being asked to consider donating more.
The $1 million represents more than 20 percent of the diocese’s operating budget, Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton said. Read more here.
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Episcopal Relief & Development Celebrates One Year of the ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE Campaign by Debuting New Digital Resources
Episcopal Relief & Development celebrates one year of ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE by debuting new digital Advent and worship resources, as well as other toolkits for churches and supporters to use together or individually. ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE is a three year, $3 million grassroots Church-wide fundraising campaign dedicated to expanding the organization’s global programs improving the lives of children up to age six.
“The COVID-19 pandemic had many churches and events move to worship and engage with each other online,” said Chad Brinkman, Campaign Director, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Knowing this, we have adapted ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE to be more virtual, creating resources and tools that people can use from home to continue, either individually or with their congregation online, to support Episcopal Relief & Development’s work with children.”
As the Church-wide campaign moves into its second year, the organization is debuting new digital resources. Read more here.
Episcopal Evangelism grants available for local and regional efforts
Application deadline is Nov. 15, 2020
Episcopal institutions can now apply for the next round of the Episcopal Evangelism Grants Program, designed to fund local and regional evangelism efforts in the Episcopal Church. The application deadline is November 15. The new grant cycle will focus on projects that explore new methods of evangelism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even as the pandemic has made it harder to be together in person, people are longing to be part of a community and to know that God is with us,” said the Rev. Devon Anderson, chair of Executive Council’s Episcopal Evangelism Grants Committee. “In this round of grants, we want to fund the best ideas about how Episcopalians can reach out to our communities and invite people to join us in worshipping God and following Jesus with all our hearts and souls.”
The grant program, which began in 2017 as a result of the 2015 General Convention’s increased investment in evangelism galvanized by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, awards up to $2,000 for an individual congregation and up to $8,000 for multi-church, diocesan and regional collaborations. Read more here.
United Thank Offering 2021 Annual Grants, Two grant cycles offered
Application deadlines: February 26, 2021
The United Thank Offering (UTO) Board is pleased to announce the availability of their 2021 United Thank Offering Annual Grants. These grants are awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, each year with a different focus. For 2021, the focus is Recovering with Love and Gratitude: An Episcopal Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Local Contexts.
The United Thank Offering will accept applications in two categories, Sustaining Ministries and Innovative Ministries, at two different funding levels through two granting cycles. The criteria for each category are different. Applicants must demonstrate concisely how the project directly supports the recovery effort. Read more here.
Introducing For People, a conversation about finding and holding on to faith in the midst of the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Join Bishop Rob Wright – spiritual leader to the more than 50,000 people in the 117 worshipping communities of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta – each week at the crossroads of faith and life as he draws inspiration from the life of Jesus to answer 21st-century questions. For People is Faith for Real Life. New episodes released each Friday. Listen Now
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