The eNews is Going Monthly!
Look for the eNews on the first week of every month beginning in January, 2022.
|
|
Diocese of Easton's Legacy of Gratitude
God’s Call! God’s Hope!
God’s ‘Little Gem’ on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
by Bishop San
Last month we celebrated Diocesan Heritage month. I wanted to share with you some bullet points that I feel are key to understanding the importance and value of what I have come to know as “God’s Little Gem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore” – our Diocese of Easton. This was compiled with love and a desire for our membership to gain a deeper knowledge of the legacy to which they are an integral part. - Bishop San Read the Legacy of Gratitude.
|
|
Bishop's Reflection
During the past week the Church universal witnessed the observance of two major feast days that remind us about the virtue of sainthood, reality of mortality and inevitably of death. Additionally, they also point us to life in the earthly realm and life in eternal glory. Here are two reflections from St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the early Church Fathers, that offer insights into life of saints and inevitability of mortality with its ultimate glory. Read more.
|
|
The Children's Home Foundation
Since 1959, the Children’s Home Foundation has supported the future of Maryland’s Eastern Shore by awarding scholarships and camperships to local students and youth. We proudly assist high school graduates and adults who require financial support to attend vocational and technical schools, and youth who could not otherwise experience the benefits of summer camp...
|
|
"FIND YOUR PIECE"
Ocean City Youth Rally 2022
January 7th-9th - For 6th-12th Graders
Youth from around the Diocese are joining with our friends from the Methodist tradition to gather together at the Annual Ocean City Youth Rally (now called the Wave) for one epic weekend...
Registration Deadline is November 30th. Each church is asked to register adult leaders & students at the same time using this form. Or if you are a student looking to register individually use this form.
Sponsored in part by The Diocese of Easton.
|
|
Easton Episcopal Funds Update October 2021 |
|
The Easton Episcopal Balanced Fund was designed to sustain our investors through all kinds of markets while continuing to provide a return greater than our recommended Constant Rate of Return, (the recommended annual draw rate), currently 5.25% ...
...We are very pleased to report to our shareholders that we have delivered on our primary objective of earning more than our Constant Rate of Return and achieved our secondary objective of being in the top rankings of the relevant universe.
|
|
Bishop San was inspired by his visit to All Hallows, Snow Hill over this past Sunday where he confirmed three young people and received one adult. There were over 60 people in the pews, including many children and young families, and at least 20 more joined virtually. Several people cited the virtual ministry of All Hallows as their first "visit" with the parish and have since begun attending in-person. Bishop San continued, "People are coming back to church, and I am continually inspired by the way we have shared ministry during this pandemic time."
Bishop San was reminded how the small church of St. Mary’s, Tyaskin (where he visited on the 24th of October) serves a very remote community and remains a vibrant church for the people living in that area. The wisdom of the diocese to sustain this church as a viable center for ministry was clear to everyone.
The Diocese of Easton, including Bishop San, was proud to celebrate with the people of Old Wye Parish in Wye Mills on the occasion of their 300th Anniversary. The vibrant spirit that marked the event and the number of members that attended were reassuring signs of a healthy, faithful church in the Jesus Movement.
|
|
Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
|
|
Town Hall Zoom Videos Available
with Camp Wright, the Retreat House,
the Bishop's Institute & St. Paul's Episcopal Center (SPEC)
An important part of our Diocesan life together includes our many collaborative ministry partners. In case you missed our recent Town Hall Zoom with four of these ministry partners, we now have their presentations available online. Watch Here.
|
|
Auditor's Report 2020
The Auditor’s Report for 2020 was presented and approved by the Diocesan Council. The Audit Committee said, “the financial position of the Diocese of Easton is stronger at the end of 2020 than it was at the end of 2019.” This comes in spite of the challenges of Covid that resulted in the temporary closures of churches and camp. We aspire to continue this trend moving forward and are grateful to all who contribute and support God’s work in our myriad communities.
|
|
COLLECTING NEW & GENTLY USED ITEMS for the
ANNUAL AGAPE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Agape Ministry is planning its annual Christmas party for our children and their families. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 4th from noon till 3 o'clock at Christ Church, Cambridge. The Optimist Club of Ocean City and Ocean Pines has donated funds for a holiday lunch. Can you help stock the gift "shop"? We need new and gently used toys and games for the children's caregivers to choose from and for the children to pick for their siblings. The children also choose presents for caregiver moms, dads, and grandparents. Popular items have included costume jewelry, lotions, scarves, Christmas items and decorative household items. We often fall short of gifts for men: belts, hats, gloves, socks, tools, lotions, aftershave, wallets. Packaged food items are also appropriate.
MAIL TO / DROP OFF LOCATIONS:
-
Cambridge: Christ Church: 601 Church St / Cambridge (M-Th 10am-3pm)
- Easton: Office of the Bishop: 314 North Street / Easton (M-Th, 10am-3pm)
- Stevensville: Camp Wright: 400 Camp Wright Lane / Stevensville (M-F, 9am-3pm)
- Salisbury: Pat Layton: 301 Powell Ave. / Salisbury (Call Ahead: 410-202-6049)
Interested in being a drop off location? Let us know!
If you need someone to pick up your donations, contact Pat Layton by phone or text (410-202-6049) and we will arrange pickup.
VOLUNTEER ON PARTY DAY!:
We will be setting up for lunch and helping kids choose and wrap gifts. Anyone interested in coming should contact Pat Layton as above to sign up.
|
|
4th Mondays at Noon on Zoom
Every 4th Monday of the month the Diocese of Easton, in partnership with Province III, offers an hour-long lunch session for Christian formation educators (including children, youth & adult formation leaders).
- November 22nd: "Healing Trauma: Body Mind Spirit - Part One" - Understanding the Affects of Covid
- January 24th"Healing Trauma: Body Mind Spirit - Part Two" - Strategies for Helping Our Parishioners (and Ourselves)
|
|
Attend FORMA for Only $25
Anyone wishing to attend the virtual Forma Conference in January can do so at the discounted cost of $25 by registering through the Diocese. This discount of over $100 is made possible by our partnership with Province 3.
The annual Forma Conference is an opportunity to encourage and develop Christian educators, inside and outside the Episcopal tradition, to grow in how they educate and minister. This year, our theme is "The Church for Today and Tomorrow." Read More
|
|
In honor of Veterans Day and all who have served, the Brayhouse offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11th and Friday, November 12th. Diocese of Easton phones will be answered remotely. |
|
Bishop’s Institute Fall 2021 Training Sessions
for Licensed Lay Ministry
Eucharistic Minister Training, in person only
- Dates:
- Southern Convocation – November 13 - St. Paul’s Episcopal Center, Hebron
- Northern Convocation – November 20 – Site to be announced
- Time: 9:30am–Noon
-
Resource: The Cup of Salvation by Beth Wickenberg Ely (available from Amazon)
Eucharistic Visitor Training*, in person only (Participants must have completed E.M. training.)
- Dates:
- Southern Convocation – November 13 - St. Paul’s Episcopal Center, Hebron
- Northern Convocation – November 20 – Site to be announced
- Time: 1:00–3:30pm
-
Resource: A Manual for Lay Eucharistic Visitors by Beth Wickenberg Ely (available from Amazon)
* Those who plan to participate in both the EM and EV sessions should pack a lunch.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE!!!
WILL GO LIVE ON DECEMBER 1ST!!!
with questions, or to schedule a tour.
|
|
Two Evenings and a Weekend Retreat with
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
of Unfolding Light
A Poetry Reading with Steve Garnaas-Holmes
November 18 @ 7:00 pm
In-person and via Zoom held at Trinity Cathedral in Easton, Maryland.
Steve shares about his work, his prayer, and his poetry brought to us as Unfolding Light – “Unfolding Light is a daily reflection rooted in a contemplative, Creation-centered spirituality, often inspired by my daily walk in the woods. In poems, parables, psalms, thoughts and the odd weather report I hope to invite readers into a spirit of presence, compassion, justice and delight. Though these writings are rooted in the Christian story you’ll hear in them melodies of many traditions. Unfolding Light is for anyone who wants to be a part of God’s healing of the world.”
For more information, visit our website or please contact heather@retreathousehillsboro.org
December 19 - 21
Weekend Retreat - Writing as a Spiritual Discipline
with Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Foehliage Retreat Center, Galena, Maryland
in-person
The Foehliage is pleased to offer this in-person weekend retreat with Steve Garnaas-Holmes whose transformative prayer and poetry infuses his readers with gentle inspiration.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Retreat House at Hillsboro has many fall and winter offerings!!
Join us anytime for a spiritual retreat on the grounds of The Retreat House --
an opportunity to step away from your daily routine, to pause and to unwind.
You can un-subscribe at any time.
See our calendar for programs and special events. For more information, call (410) 364-7069, click the buttons below or contact Francie Thayer.
|
|
Happenings Around The Diocese |
|
St. Peter's, Salisbury Evensong, a choral program popular at cathedrals and university chapels in the United Kingdom, will be presented 7 p.m. Sunday, November 7, in historic St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 St. Peter’s Street, Salisbury.
According to scholar Heather Teysko, Evensong services have led the way in U.K. church attendance, also attracting secular audiences because of the music.
St. Peter’s one-hour program spotlights Salisbury University’s choral scholars: (Thomas Snyder, bass; Elijah Fallon, tenor; and Sophia Merbaum and Fiona Duncan, sopranos—all are either SU alumni, current or future students), as well as organist Taylor Harvey, church musician-in-residence; and the St. Peter’s choir under the direction of Daniel Cherrix. The choir includes Dr. Jeanne Whitney, SU history faculty; Teddy Stocking, SU business librarian; and Dr. Sharon Clark, retired SU education faculty. The Very Reverend David Michaud officiates.
The program emphasizes American and British composers including Walford Davies (1869-1941) - music director at Temple Church, London, and later at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor; Richard Shephard (formerly of Salisbury Cathedral, UK, who died in February of this year); and Thaddeus P. Cavuoti (former music director at Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville, MD, who also died this year).
“Evensong, normally sung around sunset, is one of the jewels of the Anglican tradition,” said Cherrix. “The service includes psalms, canticles and anthems as well as scripture readings and prayers.”
|
|
St, Paul's by-the-Sea mentioned in VTS Magazine
In the Fall 2021 edition of the VTS (Virginia Theological Seminary) Magazine there is an by the Rev. Dr. Mark Jefferson called Forming "The Preaching Church." At the end of the article is a photograph from his visit at St. Paul's by-the-Sea in which he is pictured with our lay worship leaders. To read the article, click the page links: page one & page two.
|
|
Dorm Furniture for Donation - Dorm desks, chairs, and shelving, as well as a few bed steads. These items are from a Washington College property in Chestertown that is being rehabbed and was filled with nearly new dorm furniture.
Some of the items have been given away to the local women's shelter, The Benedictine school, and individuals, but there is still more to be re-homed.
|
|
If anyone has a personal need or know of an organization that can benefit from this furniture, please spread the word. The attached photos of the dorm desks, chairs and bookshelves, which are designed to go overtop the desks. If there is an organization you know who would receive and distribute them or for more information, please email Nancy Robson.
|
|
Christ Church, Easton is looking for someone to lead contemporary music
|
|
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.
|
|
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
AROUND THE DIOCESE
|
|
We are quickly approaching the holiday season and we are so excited to see our parish's celebrating with fun activities!! If you have a holiday event you would like to share with the Diocese, please send a brief article to Beth Devenny for inclusion in our future Enews. |
|
St. Stephen's, Earleville Annual Christmas Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9:00am to 2:00 pm. Vendors, homemade baked goods, crafts, raffle, white elephant & of course, Santa Claus and lots of yummy foods to eat including chili & crab bisque! |
|
St. Andrew's, Princess Anne Annual Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday November 13, 2021. Christmas items, baked goods, and white elephant sale items will be offered. There are always a variety of unique and fascinating items to buy including antiques, fine china, and useful household items. If you love bargains, then this is the place to be! Shop early for Christmas to find that one in a million gift. Mark you calendars and check their website to learn more as the time approaches.
|
|
St. Peter’s, Salisbury will hold their Holiday Bazaar & Marketplace on Friday, Nov. 19 (5 - 8pm) Saturday hours, 8 a.m - 1pm. It is Third Friday in downtown Salisbury so there is a lot going on, including the outdoor tree lighting. That evening the bazaar will feature oyster fritters made by the famous King Brothers. The online basket items will be revealed on 11/5 at our online site using www.stpeterschurch.net/holiday-bazaar . They will also be on display Friday until 8 pm; online bidding ends at 10 pm so items can be picked up on Sat, 8 am-1 pm. There are astonishing gifts galore in the online auction with everything wrapped and ready for gifting. The air filtered Parish Hall will be turned into a Marketplace on Friday evening and Saturday morning with food items, baked goods, unique gifts and wreaths...no worries about supply chain here!
|
|
St. Peter's, Salisbury Save the Date: Messiah All-Sing at St. Peter's
It’s been many years since the community of Salisbury has enjoyed a Messiah All-Sing and this year St. Peter’s is hosting this popular event on Sunday, December 19 at 6:30pm. More information to come. Mark your calendars!
|
|
St. Paul's, Centreville, Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service On Sunday, November 21, St. Paul's will host the Queen Anne's County Eco Fest, sponsored by Interfaith Partner's for the Chesapeake, from 2-4pm. The event begins in the church sanctuary with a Thanksgiving address delivered by Chief White Otter (Dennis) Cocker of the Lenape Tribe of Delaware. Other highlights include Chesapeake stories and cultural information about the Lenape and native flora and fauna, free native plant seed giveaway, dream catcher weaving, tours of our rain garden, birding and native species information and presentations from local environmental groups. Our "Micah Ministry "Green Team" will be on hand to share the story of our commitment to creation care with Eastern Shore faith communities. Don't miss this wonderful event! The day concludes with an ecumenical Thanksgiving service at 4pm, with music from St. Paul's Choir.
|
|
Holy Trinity Oxford Christmas Bazaar is Back! Re-Imagined!!
Saturday, December 4, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm
Under a tent on the front lawn - Wreaths, Frozen Foods, Baked Goods, Silent Auction, Mini Trees, Baskets and more! Vendors Wanted - Space very limited.
Contact Sara Wangness 410-226-5017 or Sally Fronk 410-226-1044
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
|
|
Book your booster / vaccination appointment today. Make an appointment to get vaccinated by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 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.
Keep on slowing the spread of COVID-19 by
watching your distance, washing your hands and wearing your mask.
|
|
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, first responders and front line workers.
|
|
Pastoral Concerns
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for The Rev. Paula E. Clark bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and her husband, Andrew McLean. The Rev. Kevin Cross. The Rev. Bryan Glancey & Barbs Glancey. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi & Weasie Kamihachi. Art Kendall. The Rev. Ron Knapp. Art Leiby. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. George Merrill. Becky Richardson. Larry Samuels. The Rev. Canon Bernie Schroeder. The Rev. Pete Stanton.
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.
|
|
Diocesan Prayer Calendar
24th Sunday after Pentecost
(November 7th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Andrew’s, Princess
Anne, and for their Deacon-in-Residence, the Rev. Christine Sabas.
25th Sunday after Pentecost
(November 14th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Andrew’s, Princess
Anne, and for their Deacon-in-Residence, the Rev. Christine Sabas.
Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
(November 21st)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Christ Church, Denton.
On this Children’s Home Foundation Sunday; we give thanks for the
Ministry of the Children’s Home Foundation, and their leadership in
providing funds for those seeking higher education.
First Sunday of Advent
(November 28th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Christ Church,
Cambridge and their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Bernie Schroeder, and his
wife, Carol.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
|
|
|
Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
|
|
Advent and Christmas resources
NOW AVAILABLE
Click the button below for new and updated downloadable resources for individuals, small groups, and congregations.
• Advent curriculum, calendar & bulletin inserts •
• Sermons for Advent and Christmas •
• Advent and Christmas digital invitation kits •
• Podcast series •
and more!
|
|
Colin Powell’s funeral to be held at Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 5
Washington National Cathedral on Nov. 5 will host the funeral of Colin Powell, the former U.S. general and secretary of state, who was a lifelong Episcopalian. Powell, 84, died Oct. 18 of complications from COVID-19.
|
|
Thirty Days of Thankfulness
By Heather L. Melton, staff officer for the United Thank Offering
Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard so many people say, “I think people are tired and they don’t want to add another thing to their lives.” Each time I hear this it resonates with me. I’m tired; my guess is that the person who says it is also tired. If we are honest with ourselves, it’s safe to say that we are all pretty emotionally exhausted. Read more here.
|
|
Registration open for United Thank Offering’s 2022 Great EpisGOpal Virtual Race On the heels of a highly successful inaugural year, the United Thank Offering’s Great EpisGOpal Virtual Race returns Nov. 5-14, with multiple ways to participate and raise funds to support special ministries and missions. Read more here.
|
|
Episcopal Service Corps seeks applicants for 2022-23 service year
The Episcopal Church invites young leaders ages 21 to 32 interested in a transformative outreach and discernment experience to consider applying to the Episcopal Service Corps for its 2022-23 service year.
Applications open online Nov. 15. A virtual open house (click to register) to answer questions and explain more about the process will be at 3 p.m. ET Saturday, Nov. 13, with others to follow. It will include a chance to hear from current and former Corps members. Potential applicants can also take an online discernment quiz. Read more here.
|
|
Applications open for seminary faculty to apply for 2022-2023 Conant Grants
The Episcopal Church announces the opening of applications for Conant Grants for the 2022-2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 3; recipients will be announced in early 2022. Information, instructions, and the application are available online.
Conant Grant funds are designated for the improvement of seminary-based theological education. Specifically, the grants are directed for the support of research, writing, and course development by faculty members at the recognized Episcopal seminaries in the United States. Read more here.
|
|
London church offers virtual reality Advent worship
[Church of England] People from around the world will be able to ‘join’ in traditional worship at a church in London through Virtual Reality for the first time.
The Blessing of the Light, which draws on one of the ancient evening rituals of early Christianity, has been filmed in 3D in a trial new approach to online worship.
The seven-minute act of worship, filmed at the parish church of St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London, can be accessed on any computer or device, without special VR equipment.
People are able to experience ‘standing’ among the choir and can explore in 360-degree vision during the worship.
It is led by the Revd Tosin Oladipo, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, with music from St Martin’s Voices, the professional ensemble from St-Martin-in the-Fields in London.
|
|
New Bible Study for Dementia Caregivers and Their Churches
Morgan James’ new release, Finding Sanctuary in the Midst of Alzheimer’s: A Spiritual Guide for Families Facing Dementia, by Dr. Elizabeth Shulman, offers spiritual support for those caring for someone with dementia. Read more here.
|
|
New Online Leader Training Helps Churches Begin
Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation. Learn more here.
|
|
Are you applying for a 2022 United Thank Offering grant?
Learn helpful hints on the application and budget process.
What: Informational webinar
When: Noon or 7 p.m. ET Nov. 16
Additional webinars will be held in November and January.
|
|
Grant applications open for Episcopal Church Constable Fund, Roanridge Trust Applications are open for two grant opportunities offered annually by The Episcopal Church—Constable Fund grants, which focus on religious education, and Roanridge Trust grants, which support leadership development in small towns and rural communities. The application deadline for both is Dec. 12. Learn more here.
|
|
Episcopalians can now access analysis of the 2020 Parochial Report data including multi-year attendance and finance trends for individual churches and dioceses, as well as learn how COVID-19 impacted congregations from a special narrative report of qualitative data.
|
|
“My Way of Love for Small Groups”
is NOW AVAILABLE
Recommended especially for small congregations, this helpful resource includes outlines for nine sessions, prayers, discussion questions, resource links, and promotional materials. It is ideal for vestries, youth groups, confirmation classes, Bible studies, prayer groups, committees, ministry teams, and more.
|
|
“My Way of Love is intended for individuals seeking guidance in growth in love of God and neighbor, but we’ve also found that it’s a great resource for small gathered communities to use,” said Jerusalem Greer, staff officer for evangelism for The Episcopal Church. “A group, any group — inside or outside a congregation — can take the inventory on their own, begin their eight weeks of emails, and then share with each other how the journey is going.”
“My Way of Love for Small Groups” is an initiative of RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement, and The Episcopal Church.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
