From the Office of the Bishop |
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Prayer Centered Church + Mission-Shaped Diocese
Welcome All. Share Jesus’ Love. Serve the World.
Bishop’s Pastoral Advisory
Amendments to Diocesan COVID 19 Protocols/Guidelines
“Return to your stronghold O prisoners of Hope” (Zechariah 9: 12)
You will recall that all through this ongoing pandemic, the diocese has relied heavily on the guidance of federal and state authorities including the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to inform diocesan directives and/or advisories. We have remained faithful to the science while at the same time respecting and maintaining jurisdictional guidelines observed by the nine (9) counties within our diocesan boundaries. The diocese has done so cautiously while observing its Anglican/Episcopal principle of subsidiarity and interpretation of contextual theology and ecclesiology...
...The recent directives from CDC and state include the dispensation of mandates on social distancing; wearing masks at indoor and outdoor gatherings; sanitization of open surfaces; and so on. I have highlighted the former two areas because they have surfaced throughout the pandemic as extremely controversial and conflict-ridden, resulting in highly emotive reactions. The diocesan amendments to our protocols seek to conform with directives issued by CDC and State of Maryland. Please find a chart that outlines the new COVID-19 Protocols HERE...
...My beloved, may the wind of the Spirit blow afresh and anew in your lives: renewed hope, renewal of spirit, optimism and vitality and that of our diocesan family. I love you with the love Jesus shares with all of us and continue to pray for your health and safety and that of your loved ones. Read the Bishop's full letter here.
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Camp Wright : JH Bratton Dedication
Camp Wright's Staff, the Camp Wright Committee and the Camp Wright Circle of friends announced the renaming and rededication of one of their cabins, and the establishment of the JH Bratton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund for Camp Wright. Scroll to the Camp Wright Corner below to read the full story.
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This past Sunday, Bishop San confirmed four young people at St. Mary Anne's, North East and received/reaffirmed three adults into the Episcopal Church. The Bishop commended the parish for the excellent formation ministry it does in the parish and partnership ministry it does in the community. He thanked the Rector, the Rev. John Schaeffer for his pastoral leadership and lay leadership for their support and diligent effort to ensure the protection of the health and safety of members during this ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic. He observed and commented on the many hopeful signs of life and vitality seen in the parish.
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The Bishop also enjoyed a visit to Christ Church, Easton the previous weekend where he confirmed nine young people and reaffirmed one adult. He was moved by the message delivered by the nine confirmands as part of the afternoon service. The Bishop also commended the creativity and reach of the music ministry and other online ministries that have evolved throughout the pandemic under the leadership of the Rector, the Rev. Bill Ortt.
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The Bishop is looking forward to meeting with one of his mentor bishops in Florida, who has recently announced his retirement from active ministry. |
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Upcoming Ordination: James D. Kamihachi
June 12, 2021 @ 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Church, Perryville
Watch this Ordination Online:
Or join us in Perryville. All are welcome.
The Diocese of Easton will be ordaining James D. Kamihachi on June 12th. Jim is the final member of the cohort group of Deacons that were ordained last fall. This is the culmination of three years of coursework and dedication and we are truly excited and honored to welcome Jim!
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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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Brayhouse summer office hours will begin on June 1st.
Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30 pm.
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Phone & Email Scams Reported
Once again we are hearing reports of scammers impersonating clergy and other leaders via phone & email asking for assistance/donations/gift cards. Here is a link to more information about this form of scamming as well as steps you can take to protect yourself and your parish members (knowledge is power in this case).
You can’t stop the senders of “whaling” emails, but what you can do – which is entirely free – is educate yourself and other potential recipients. Here are simple guidelines to help potential recipients avoid being tricked.
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Faithful Fridays with Bishop San
This series will return again in the Fall.
Past videos will continue to be available via the Bishop’s Blog on the Diocesan website as well as on our Facebook page.
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DIOCESAN TRAIL 2 TRUTH PILGRIMAGE
Saturday, October 9th - Sunday, October 10th, 2021
SAVE THE DATE!
The diocese is partnering with Province 3 on their second Trail2Truth Pilgrimage exploring the topic of God's call on us to love and listen across racial divides. The weekend, designed for high school students, will include a Zoom worship with other dioceses across the mid-atlantic, a visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum and a camp out at the Hillsboro Retreat Center. Keep an eye out for more to come! Or you may also email Joanne Fisher to make sure your name is added to the interest list (or to join the planning team).
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Beginning May 25th, Marylanders aged 18 and older can win $2 Million in VaxCash prizes just for being vaccinated. If you are already vaccinated, you are automatically entered into the Maryland Lottery $2 million VaxCash promotion.
Don’t miss your shot at the big jackpot! As soon as you are vaccinated, you are eligible to win VaxCash until the promotion ends on July 4th. Good luck to all!!
Book your vaccination appointment today. Make an appointment to get vaccinated at a mass vaccination site by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829) seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find other vax site locations near you at covidvax.maryland.gov.
Federal Government vaccine finder - visit Vaccines.gov or text your zip code to 438829 to find a location near you.
All Marylanders 12 and older are eligible for vaccination.
Keep on slowing the spread of COVID-19 by
watching your distance, washing your hands and wearing your mask.
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UPDATED MAY 2021
Covid 19 Guidance for Maryland Schools
Here is the newest edition of COVID-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools, a joint effort by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Health. Summary of Changes – Revisions made May 17, 2021
- Updated definitions, replacing COVID-19-like illness with COVID-19 symptoms
- Updated guidance for temperature and symptom screening
- Clarified guidance on shortened quarantine and physical distancing
- Updated guidance on face coverings
Updated sections are helpfully color-coded for your reference.
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Prayers of the People
Please continue to keep in your prayers those infected with Coronavirus, those who have died as a result of the virus, and medical personnel and first responders.
Please continue to include over the next several Sundays prayers for healing, reconciliation and unity among all God's beloved people in our nation and particularly for those involved in government work.
Let us pray:
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered together under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God and Creator of us all; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever.
– For Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
Oh God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your son. Look now with compassion on the entire human family; and particularly this part of the family, in the United States, and those in our nation’s capital; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– For the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
We ask God to heal us, to show us the way to healing, to show us the way to be one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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Camp Wright's Staff, the Camp Wright Committee and the Camp Wright Circle of friends are excited to announce the renaming and rededication of one of our cabins, and the establishment of the JH Bratton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund for Camp Wright.
For as long as anyone can remember, the oldest cabin for boys at Camp Wright has carried the name JD Post. Campers come up through the ranks hoping to be one of the cool, experienced campers in "Post" as it is affectionately called. Generations of campers have looked up to the confident young men who serve as counselors in this space, imparting adolescent wisdom and guidance, alongside a little mischief and a whole lot of fun.
The long name for JD Post is Jeff Davis Post. While this cabin was named for a local American Legion Chapter honoring a local soldier who served in World War I, the fact that this cabin shared a name with the President of the Confederacy cannot be ignored. Jefferson Davis's name, by nature, excludes some in our community from participation and inclusion in the memories, traditions and relationships this cabin supports and stands for. While Camp Wright does not support exclusion, racism or bigotry of any kind, this cabin name stood in opposition of our values.
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In 2020, we took down the cabin sign, leaving the cabin nameless for the winter. The Camp Wright Committee called a Racial Justice Committee to help us address diversity, inclusion, and racial justice specifically as it relates to our community. One action item set before the committee was finding a new name for this old cabin. As the 2021 camping season approached, the cabin stood bare, with no name at all.
This spring, a member of the Camp Wright Community and our Racial Justice Committee stepped forward with a gift, and with a vision. John H Bratton was a support staff member and camp counselor at Camp Wright in the 1980s. John's camp experience was a defining change in his life, one that set him onto a path of positivity and success. He believes many more minorities will have similar inspiring and affirming experiences if only given the opportunity. On May 16th, we celebrated the renaming and blessing of JH Bratton Cabin and the official launch of the Bratton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund for Camp Wright.
During the ceremony, John's friends, family members, former campers, camp directors, and others shared stories of John's influence, his strength, his abounding joy and the ways he creates community as he makes his way through the world.. John says, "without this Camp, and my experiences being a counselor, I don't believe I would be the person I am today. This fund will support diverse kids coming to camp, to have more of those same experiences that I had." Camp Wright has been blessed to call John one of our own. His name and his legacy will continue to be a blessing to Camp Wright's campers and staff well into the future.
The JH Bratton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund has been established to celebrate the ongoing advancement and inclusion of people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring they always have open arms and open doors at Camp Wright. This fund will be used to support camp scholarships for minority campers who otherwise may not have access to the Camp Wright experience. The fund will be key in supporting Camp Wright's work to support programs, scholarships, and education that advance our mission to offer welcome and connection to all.
Huge thanks are in order for everyone who worked to make the ceremony a special day in Camp Wright history, for those who have prayed for us and with us on this journey, and for all those who have come together to raise over $15,000 for the Bratton DEI Fund!
You can donate to the JH Bratton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund by clicking here, or by sending your donation to Camp Wright with Bratton Fund in the memo line.
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We are currently hiring Day Camp Counselors and Camp Maintenance staff.
We are still seeking nurses for summer camp! Camp nurses can be RNs, Nurse Practitioners, MDs, EMTs. They handle daily medication administration, blisters, bruises and provide care to our staff and campers. Nurses work one session or multiple sessions and we have a couple of nurse opportunities still available for this summer. Camp Wright pays nurses a daily stipend or exchange camp tuition for services.
Summer staff applications are on our website:
As always, feel free to reach out to our camp director, Julia Connelly, if you have any questions or need any additional information.
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Happenings Around The Diocese |
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Old Trinity, Church Creek : Cross + Currents Evening Kayak: A Vespers Service on the Creek, with a focus on our stewardship of the environment. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 6:00 pm. Bring your kayak! We will launch from the shoreline along the sacred grounds of historic Old Trinity Church and paddle down beautiful Church Creek. A fun and socially-distanced way to enjoy the beauty of God's world. Invite your friends! Old Trinity Church is located at 1716 Taylors Island Road, Church Creek, MD. Please RSVP via email to Fr. Dan.
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St. Paul's Episcopal Center, Hebron - Some of the Clergy of the Southern Convocation gathered on Tuesday, May 18th for a Picnic Supper and fellowship together at St. Paul's Episcopal Center in Hebron. They were able to roast hot dogs at the fire pit and enjoy one another's company. Photo taken by Father Moyer.
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All Faith, Tunis Mills Book and Plant Sale - The ECW of All Faith Chapel in Tunis Mills is planning a Book and Perennial Sale on the chapel lawn for Saturday, June 26th beginning at 8:00 am. If you would like to make a donation or to assist in any way, please contact Charlotte Dabney or Tina Mills.
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The Ocean Cluster, comprising St. Paul’s Berlin, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea and Church of the Holy Spirit, filled Easter baskets with toiletries and, of course, candy for the residents of Hope4Recovery House, a halfway house for men in recovery from addiction. The photo is just a few of the baskets. The Easter Bunny declined to be photographed.
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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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Summer Quiet Day
Thursday, June 17, 2021
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
In-person
St. Paul’s Church, Hillsboro
This Seasonal Quiet Day will offer time for journaling, silence, time outdoors,
and gentle conversation.
Enjoy the open space to explore readings having to do with the long season of summer and its invitation to step back, grow or slow down - or all of these! We'll enjoy scripture readings and poetry, from David Whyte, Rumi, and Mary Oliver, as inspirations for our own lives and as discernment for what the Spirit might be calling us to do.
We will also take inspiration from nature and the beautiful grounds of the Retreat House. What have I planted this season? How is it growing? Perhaps I want to plan a late-season crop?
Our gathering will take place in St. Paul’s Church and on the beautiful grounds of the Retreat House.
Gratitude Prayer Flag
“Won’t you join us in creating our Gratitude Prayer Flag?”
As this past year of uncertainty and challenge has unfolded, rising from our Retreat House community gatherings has been a voice of gratitude for connection in community - gratitude for the first responders and caregivers who surround us with safety day after day, and for one another together as we join and listen in solidarity. We’ve heard whispers emerging through conversation: mentions of peace and thanks for the many surprising gifts, sometimes the tiniest graces that have brought belonging.
We are so grateful for you, for your unique voice and for your presence. Help us make our flag complete by sharing your voice. The ancient and loving Tibetan practice of making prayer flags comes from a people of compassion and peace and has endured across many cultures and faiths. The flag blowing in the wind reminds us that a prayer uttered from the heart does not end with the setting sun; it continues on, in a way that is both mysterious and timeless. Its visible presence becomes a reminder of our shared hope, peace, compassion, and wisdom. This year we’re making a Gratitude Prayer Flag that celebrates each one of us and all of us; and the ways that we, together, held this year like no other. Send us your gratitudes and help us create our prayer flag!
HOW TO HELP MAKE THE PRAYER FLAG - Looking back over this year, what are you grateful for? Please share a word or two, or a short phrase from a favorite reading or scripture. We'll add your words of gratitude to the flag. Or, come to our community wide yard sale in Hillsboro on June 5th and make a flag with us. (See below.) And remember, no grace is too small. Our community prayer flag will hang in celebration on the grounds of the Retreat House for our 7th Anniversary Celebration and Open House on Sunday, June 27th, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Email your gratitude to info@retreathousehillsboro.org. Or, add them to the comment window in social media.
Hillsboro Town Yard Sale, Saturday, June 5th 8:00 a.m.
Stop by the Retreat House and spend the morning with our neighbors in Hillsboro on Saturday, June 5th starting at 8:00 am. And, while you're there, enjoy the labyrinth or a stroll through the grounds of the Retreat House. Our gratitude prayer flag table will be there too! All are welcome to share a gratitude and help us build our flag.
The Retreat House at Hillsboro
7th Anniversary Celebration and Open House
Sunday, June 27th, 2:00 - 4:00pm
All are welcome at The Retreat House to take quiet walks among the beautiful old trees, to visit historic St. Paul's Cemetery, or enjoy a labyrinth meditation.
You can un-subscribe at any time.
The suggested donation is $75/night, but please don’t let finances get in the way!
We invite you to take some time for yourself!
See our calendar for programs and special events. For more information, call (410) 364-7069, click the buttons 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: for Susan Carrow. The Rev. Paula E. Clark bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. The Rev. Kevin Cross. Jody Farley. The Rev. Bryan Glancey. Logan Harbaugh. Weasie Kamihachi. Bonnie Kendall. The Rev. Ron Knapp. Art Leiby. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. George Merrill. Jefferson Moak. Bishop Parsley. Becky Richardson. Larry Samuels. The Rev. Pete Stanton. Kirk Wade. Rev. Dr. Lisa Webb.
We pray for the many lives that have been affected by the Coronavirus. For those who have died; for the family members that mourn their loss. For those who continue to heal and for the skilled
caregivers that continue to fight this disease – we pray for you.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
First Sunday after Pentecost
(May 30th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Mark’s, Perryville,
and for their Rector, the Rev. Susan Oldfather.
Second Sunday after Pentecost
(June 6th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Old Trinity, Church Creek and St. John’s Chapel, Cornersville, and for the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Dunlap, and his spouse, Donna.
Third Sunday after Pentecost
(June 13th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Church of the Holy Spirit, Ocean City, and for their Rector, the Rev. Joe Rushton, and his spouse, Francis.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
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Pentecost presents an opportunity to heal divisions, Presiding Bishop says during weekend revival. On Pentecost Sunday, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preached during Washington National Cathedral’s morning Eucharist, his first time preaching live at a Sunday service since the start of the pandemic. "Pentecost is about a revolution. It is not about mere moral reform. It is not about tinkering at the edges. It is about transforming an old order into a new order, but do not despair. I know the evidence is not in yet; it looks like the old order is still around, but do not despair,” Curry said. Watch sermon here.
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Presiding Bishop signs Churches for Middle East Peace letter calling for a ceasefire in Israel and the Palestinian territories
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry joined more than 50 other church leaders from North America and Europe calling on the United Nations Security Council to secure an immediate ceasefire to the current violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The letter also urges the Security Council “to act immediately to address the continuing underlying causes of injustice that will otherwise remain a constant threat to peace in the Holy Land: occupation, land dispossession, displacement, and the withholding of basic human rights we take for granted.” Read the full text and view a list of signatories.
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Episcopal Relief & Development has created a new resource to guide deep reflection on Scripture. Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that means “sacred reading,” will invite readers to join the organization's program partners from the US and around the world as they reflect on brief passages from the Bible.“Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lectio Divina is a form of centering prayer that invites us to listen to God and to listen to the experiences of fellow followers of Jesus from across the Anglican Communion,” said Josephine Hicks, Vice President, Episcopal Church Programs, Episcopal Relief & Development. Read more here.
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Episcopal Relief & Development and the Anglican Alliance expand disaster and resilience capacities through the Resilience Course. Episcopal Relief & Development and the Anglican Alliance have created the Resilience Course, a year-long cooperative learning exchange to increase the disaster resilience and response capacity of congregations and dioceses around the Anglican Communion. Since October 2020, over 140 people from 42 countries representing 23 Provinces have enrolled.“We believe that cultivating our capacity to address disaster resilience and response will equip our churches to do better in accompanying the most vulnerable communities in our midst in times of crisis,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Disaster Resilience, Episcopal Relief & Development. Read more here.
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8th Annual eFormation Online Conference: Dwelling Places for God July 13 - 15. After a year of forced migration to all-digital platforms and programming, do we see the work of digital ministry differently? Each day of eFormation21 will include a keynote speaker, workshops, and time in learning communities. We are looking forward to being with you! Read more here.
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Register for upcoming sessions of Virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency course August 9-13, 2021. The next session of the Virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course (VELMC), is an innovative five-day intensive course designed for diocesan staff, clergy, lay leaders, and seminarians to gain practical knowledge and cultural competency for Latino/Hispanic ministry. Read more here.
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