Bishop’s Epiphany Reflection - January 2022
The Good of Particularity
“You are my son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Luke: 3:22)
Sunday marked the commencement of the solemn Season of Epiphany, the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentile world, a world represented by the three Magi from the three known continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. These three symbols are indicative of Christ the Messiah’s lordship over the nations of the world.
The baptism narrative reveals a Savior who, although sinless, joined the line of sinners to await his turn to enter the ‘fount of baptism’ created by John the Baptizer in the River Jordan. The River Jordan was the body of water the Hebrew children crossed over centuries ago as recorded in the Book of Joshua Chapter 3. A crossing that marked a new and hopeful chapter in their exilic wandering lives; from slavery to freedom. Here, this body of water stands ready to receive the Son of God in baptism, and subsequently to release him to the tempter for the period of self-examination that was to follow.
Although there were many other candidates for baptism, Jesus’ baptism was the most renowned and transformative, highly publicized and scrutinized, both spiritually and politically. And so the question must be asked, “why didn’t this choice of identification go to the person in front of him, or behind him or before him?” I presume an appropriate way to answer this question is to consider it from the position of the Principle of the Good of Particularity.
God in every way sends the news about the world’s Savior because God determines the choice and directs the course of the God action on God’s terms. God was preparing Jesus of Nazareth for this moment in time ever since the inception of creation, through the days of the prophets, the announcement and the nativity, the 30 years of nurturing and now comes the day of maturation. Note the progression of God’s eternal conceptualization of this holy event consummated in the waters of baptism.
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The Genesis of a Church: An Undervalued Life-Changing Phenomenon On the Eastern Shore of Maryland
The Episcopal Church in the United States of America has its origin in worldwide Anglican Communion in the Church of England under the Archbishop of Canterbury. This historic and complex community of faith has emerged as a strong and vibrant missionary presence in the State of Maryland and its eastern shore from 1431, when the first Christian settlers founded the first church, Christ Church, Kent Island. Over 700 years the Anglican/Episcopal community has shepherd, nurtured and proclaimed the gospel message of the reconciling love God in Jesus to numerous ‘cloud of witnesses’.
In an effort to both edify and educate the Episcopal/Anglican community and beyond, several resources have been researched, documented and highlighted to inform the community as to the potency, viability, sustainability, survivability, enduring durability and enormous contribution of this church. This church’s contribution under its many bishops, clergy and lay to the overall life of the nation and more especially the Eastern shore of Maryland has been grossly underestimated, undervalued, underappreciated, disrespected and vastly overlooked even disputed by individuals from both within and without the church.
It is hoped that the series on The Genesis of a Church available online will go a long way in the process of changing hearts, minds and impressions in redeeming the way this church is viewed. The work to change the conversation begins with the people who are the direct beneficiaries of this church’s faith pilgrimage over these centuries.
Let me be the first to encourage you to journey into this exciting project of transforming the landscape.
May God bless and prosper the church Christ died and rose again to found over 2000 years ago! And, we be of grateful hearts receive this undeserved blessing from Almighty God. Amen!
Bishop San
Epiphany 2022
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Upcoming Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons
Susan Elaine Leight
Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 5:00pm
Christ Church, St. Peter's Parish, Easton
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Update on Board of Managers Appointment
Mr. Tom Mendenhall resigned as a member of the Board of Managers as a result of recent health challenges. Pursuant to Article XI. Sec 2 (b), the bishop has on the recommendation and approval of remaining members of the board appointed Diane Robinson to fill Tom’s unexpired term until Diocesan Convention 2022.
Diane is currently a member of the Investment Advisory Committee, a non-voting advisory committee of BOM, established by BOM and approved by Diocesan Council. Read more about Diane.
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Bishop San’s Tornado Appeal
Relief Donations Update
The diocese wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and donations received for the Tornado Relief Fund. Due to your empathy and compassion, many donations have come in during the Bishop’s Advent, Christmas & Epiphany Appeal. To date $6,000 was sent directly to Bishop White, Diocese of Kentucky, to be used in the alleviation of suffering in the affected areas and $6,000 has been sent directly to Episcopal Relief and Development. The diocese continues to encourage Tornado Relief donations until the end of Epiphany by clicking on the Appeal linked above. Donations continue to come in and will be forwarded to the appropriate relief agency in the Episcopal Church.
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Church Initiatives Grant Application Opened
Applications are now being accepted for the Diocese of Easton’s Church Initiatives Grant Program. Money is available exclusively to parishes and mission churches in the Diocese of Easton to undertake innovative programs and projects. The Church Initiatives Grants Committee is accepting grant applications now through Monday, January 24, 2021. Grant recipients will be announced at the Diocesan Convention with grants awarded in March 2021. Churches may download the instructions and application as either a printable version or a fill-able-form, or they may request an application from the Diocesan office. Read more about the Small Grants Initiative
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Church of the Holy Spirit, Oxford |
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On Sunday, December 5th, Bishop San attended his annual visitation with the Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford where he confirmed six young people and celebrated the dedication of the new Claire Chapel.
In keeping with covid protocol, the service was held under a heated tent. The Bishop also spent some casual time chatting with the new Confirmands (pictured above, right). This amazing group of students are an indicator of the healthy life of the parish and the future viability and sustainability of the diocese.
At the conclusion of the service, the Rector, Reverend Kevin Cross and Deacon, Reverend Dr. Lisa Webb along with the bishop and congregation, headed over to dedicate and consecrate the new Claire Chapel (pictured above, left) which is located on the church campus.
Claire Chapel was donated by our brother Al Smith, a long-time faithful member of the parish and the Diocese of Easton in honor of his late spouse Claire. The doors of the building were purchased and shipped from England as part of a redundant chapel. This goodwill gesture, of giving new life, is reminiscent of a Parousia project or Second Chance initiative. A beautiful representation of what God can do for a diocese living in Parousia.
The chapel is open to the public for meditation, worship and prayer. The parish feels that this spiritual center, which is open to the public, will allow people to come for private meditation, reflection, and bible study. The bishop sees this as a very holy event; an inspiration to everyone gathered to witness the church connecting to the people of the community in such a spiritually tangible way.
The Bishop commends the leadership of the Rector, Reverend Kevin Cross and Deacon, Reverend Dr. Lisa Webb, along with that of the vestry and lay leadership of the congregation - for their vision to ensure a place of private devotion that is open for the entire community.
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Bishop Marray visited St Paul’s, Trappe, Middle Convocation, on December 26. It was the first in-person visit there in two years as a result of Covid-19. The Bishop called St. Paul’s ‘the little engine that could’ because of the numerous mission projects they are engaged in with the local community. They delivered over 2000 lbs. of venison through their food ministry. They have a new partnership with the Talbot County Hunger Coalition, and serve White Marsh Elementary School with school supplies at the beginning of each year. The lay leaders of St. Paul’s remain diligent and energized in their leadership and formation as disciples of Christ in Community. There is so much fruitful ministry to celebrate and share with the wider diocese that the bishop is extremely confident in this parish’s present and future ministry with the diocese.
January 9th, Bishop Marray visited St. Philip’s, Quantico, in our Southern Convocation. This visit was a joyful reminder of how it is to be a part of a small church family. This is one of our small churches which continue to exhibit strong signs of lay leadership and accountability in how people can come together for the common good. Their support for each other is a model for other small churches. They have reported continuous membership growth and healthy financial stability. The Bishop wishes to thank the Rev. Ken Thom and their Deacon in-residence, Laura McCarthy, for their strong pastoral leadership offered to the church in the time of a global health crisis. Once again, the diocese celebrates the fruitful ministry of one of our small healthy congregations.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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Thank You from Agape Ministry
Many thanks to all of the parishes and individuals who helped Agape Ministry with our first Christmas party for our families in 2 years! We had a lovely fried chicken luncheon, followed by gift shopping for caregivers and children. Our gift shop was generously stocked and our volunteer wrappers were talented artists. It meant a lot to be with the families again and YOU made it happen. Thank You!
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Youth Events - Mark Your Calendar for the Summit!
Youth from our Diocese enjoyed a weekend in Ocean City (pictured above) learning virtually from speakers and worship leaders who were broadcast through The Wave Youth Rally. Speaker Heather Flies spoke on the "missing piece" that we often try to fill with performance, relationships or appearance - but she reminded us that it is Jesus on whom we can build a strong and lasting foundation. Heather will return In-Person to our Diocese for the Camp Wright Youth Summit April 29th-May 1st so be sure to mark you calendars!
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4th Mondays at Noon on Zoom
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). Our next offering is:
- January 24th"Healing Trauma: Body Mind Spirit - Part Two" - Strategies for Helping Our Parishioners (and Ourselves)
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Attend FORMA
for Only $25
Province 3 is excited to offer discounted tickets to the Forma22 Digital Gathering this January 18-20. The tickets, normally $130, are available for $25 while supplies last. To register yourself or others for these tickets please use this form.
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
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BISHOP'S INSTITUTE
VTS to Offer Homiletics Course through Bishop’s Institute
“Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?” The respondent says, “I will, with God’s help.” (BCP. pp.293 and 305) This is one of our Baptismal Vows.
Now the Virginia Theological Seminary and the Diocese of Easton will offer training for the proclamation part of this vow, specifically preaching. As an outreach program of VTS, the Reverend Doctor Mark Jefferson will offer a hybrid course in homiletics through the Bishop’s Institute for those who wish to develop their skills in preaching. Laity who successfully complete the class will be licensed to write and deliver sermons in this diocese.
Dr. Jefferson says, “The foundation and future of God’s church are not bedazzled with gilded televangelists and charismatic personalities. Jesus’s work was with the people, for the people, and thus calls us to be radically human so that we can become the people of God that scripture calls us to be. Therefore, teaching laypeople and deacons how to preach is a passion that directly impacts the future of the church.” (Virginia Theological Seminary Magazine, Fall 2021, p. 40)
Anyone interested in participating in this course should contact Dee Rinehart (deerinehart43@gmail.com) no later than January 15, 2022. Once we have a cohort formed, more details will follow.
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!
with questions, or to schedule a tour.
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Returning from our Christmas Holiday
When we returned to our Retreat House circle meeting after the holiday break, it had become increasingly clear from both county reports and community stories that our local Covid-19 case rates were rising in a noticeable way. Believing that this would be temporary, we paused to discern how to journey in the coming weeks. How can we be community at this time and also care for one another?
At this time, however temporary, we will take a pause during January, a pause from gathering in-person at The Retreat House. We will continue to care for and pray for one another; to be gentle; and to be still. And we will continue to gather online in the many ways that have sustained us in this year of change. We will miss seeing each of you in-person this month, and look forward to gathering soon at The Retreat House.
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Winter With Us
Wednesdays
January 12 - February 16
2 pm - 5 pm EST
complimentary and online
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What is winter inviting you to this year?
Winter With Us at the Retreat House as we take time to receive the gifts of the heart following the abundance of the holiday season. Each Wednesday for six weeks, we will listen to writings and poetry and prayers shared by our friends and teachers, and then we will enjoy a free and gentle silence.There will be simple questions to ponder and an opportunity to reflect in community, but this time will be yours to enjoy as you wish.
Come for one or all of these days offered as we connect online. You will also have the option to find another time to reflect upon the readings using a link to the offering.
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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.
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Happenings Around The Diocese |
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Christ Church Parish, Kent Island - Centering Prayer Retreat January 15th Plan to join Fr. Mark for a Quiet Morning Retreat introducing Centering Prayer as a personal and shared practice.
9:30 am Gather in Church Narthex for coffee and greeting
10:00 am Basics of Centering Prayer with 15 minutes of silence
11:00 am Encountering Christ in Holy Reading (Lectio Divina)
11:45 am Shared reflections and next steps’
Participants will be asked to register in advance. A $20 fee will cover materials and refreshments. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend. Please RSVP to office@ccpki.org to let us know you are planning to attend.
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Christ Church Parish, Kent Island - Winter Zoom Book Group
Join us beginning January 26th at 7:00pm, for a Zoom Book Group focusing on Peter Gomes’ groundbreaking best seller The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind & Heart. Dr. Gomes was the Minister of Memorial Church at Harvard for 40 years. We will meet 3 times - Jan 26th-Opening the Bible, Feb 9th-The Use and Abuse of the Bible, Feb 23rd-the True and Lively Word
An online review says: “Why are so many intelligent and compassionate people embarrassed to say they find wisdom and comfort in the Bible? Why do so many seekers turn to New Age religions instead of the Bible? And how as a society did we come to cede biblical interpretation to those who would use the Bible as a tool for division and exclusion? In this groundbreaking book, Peter Gomes shows how to read the Bible and what it says about the topics that concern us all, including joy suffering, evil, and goodness. He also explains what the Bible really says about women, gays and lesbians, and people of color. With compassion, humor, and insight, he gives readers the tools and understanding they need to make the ancient wisdom of the Bible a dynamic part of their modern lives.” The Book is available on Kindle and new and used in Softback and hardback editions. Email Fr. Mark for details frmark@ccpki.org . A zoom link will be coming in January.
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St. Peter's, Salisbury Adult Education Series "Introduction to Race, Justice and Haling" begins January 18th. St. Peter’s Adult Christian Education Committee is sponsoring a 5 part series Tuesday evenings at 7pm beginning on January 18th utilizing the presentations of Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing. Dr. Meeks approaches the topic of Racism and Reconciliation from a theological perspective that is engaging and empowering.
Her presentations were given at the Diocese of Easton’s Mission Summit back in September. The Committee has edited her zoom presentation into five manageable segments. At each session, participants will view about 30 minutes of video of what she has to say and then spend the remainder of the hour in discussion, reflection on her presentations. The sessions will take place in the Parish Hall and we are arranging to have the ability to have people participate remotely by zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89582800584. Led by Father David and Pastor Greg.
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Christ Church, Easton - The "100-Day St. Edna" on-line retreat. The retreat will begin Monday January 31, 2022 and conclude May 10, 2022. (Click here for invitation) The retreat covers, in easy to understand language, the classic mystical writings of John Cassian (4th Century monastic). The at home retreat/program is practical, profound, easy to access, and FREE! I completed the retreat with several parishioners from Trinity last year and it is to be commended. Please. do take a minute to read it over and consider registering. Should you decide to register, forward me (sandy@trinitycathedraleaston.com) your email address and I will send you the zoom link to join a locals "zoom conversation corner" to discuss the weekly (Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs.) 8-10 minute audios. I know Sr. Funk personally. She is a highly respected scholar, sought after speaker, and published author. Sr. Funk (OSB) is presently living at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Indiana. DO...Take a look....you will not be disappointed. (Any questions just email me) With all sincerity, Sandy+
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St. Alban's, Salisbury - Joseph House check presentation Sona Morrison, second from right, and Gregory Glass, right, parishioners at St. Alban’s Salisbury, present a check to Sister Jennifer Fletcher, left, and Sister Connie Ladd, members of the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, for use at Joseph House, a non-profit organization that helps the poor and homeless of the Lower Shore counties of Maryland and Virginia and southern Delaware with a soup kitchen, financial assistance, a food pantry and a hospitality room. The check represents proceeds from a COVID-19-friendly December fundraiser at St. Alban’s, at which parishioners prepared and sold soup, bread and cookies. The parish traditionally has hosted post-service soup lunches during Advent to raise money for Joseph House. Shelly Madsen, a parishioner who organized the fundraiser, said the parish raised $800.29 for the organization. |
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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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Bishop’s Latest Pastoral Directive on the Omicron Variant
Excerpted: "Let us continue to show love and express kindness to loved ones and neighbors. Please, I urge us all to consider our sisters and brothers with underlying health issues and compromised immune systems."... Let us recommit ourselves to wear masks at all times in worship and when among people who aren’t members of your households. Practice regular sanitization and stay home when showing symptoms associated with Covid. Observe CDC, state, and local guidelines on Covid 19."... Read the Full Directive
Get a Boost: Governor Hogan, State Health Officials Urge Marylanders with Comorbidities, Underlying Health Conditions to Get a COVID-19 Booster Shot
Nearly 1.4 Million Marylanders Now Eligible for a Booster, Can ‘Mix and Match’ Doses
New Portal To Help Determine Eligibility, Additional Outreach Efforts Underway
515,000 Maryland Children To Become Eligible To Get Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine In Coming Weeks
Following final CDC approval, Governor Larry Hogan announced the updated status of COVID-19 booster shot eligibility in the State of Maryland and the opportunity to mix and match vaccines. State health officials are strongly recommending that anyone with an underlying health condition or comorbidity get a booster shot as soon as possible.
“From day one of this crisis, our focus has always been on preventing hospitalizations and deaths, and these vaccines have all proven to be extremely effective at this,” said Governor Hogan. “However, the data we now have clearly does show that the level of protection does begin to wane over time, beginning after five or six months, especially for those who are immunocompromised, have comorbidities, and are most vulnerable. State health officials have issued an advisory strongly urging people with comorbidities to get a booster dose as soon as possible.” Learn more here.
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.
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Keep on slowing the spread of COVID-19 by
watching your distance, washing your hands and wearing your mask.
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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, first responders and front line workers.
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Pastoral Concerns
The Passing of Reverend Christopher Porteus
The Reverend Nicholas Sichangi, Rector of Trinity Parish, Elkton and St. Stephen’s Parish, Earlville has informed the bishop of the passing of the Reverend Christopher Porteus. The Rev. Chris was in hospice care for the past few years.
Fr. Chris was a priest for over 38 years and served in the Dioceses of Vermont, Pennsylvania, New York and Easton. In the Diocese of Easton, Fr. Chris’ ministry as Diocesan Missioner and Parish Priest extended across several parishes and convocations. We give thanks to God for the life, witness and ministry of Fr. Chris and extend our sincere condolences to his wife, the Reverend Beverly Porteus, family members, friends, and former parishioners. Read more here.
The Passing of the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu
In this Christmas season, the world and global Anglican Communion were informed of the sad news of the passing of one of our noble spiritual sons, the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, Noble Peace Laureate, retired Archbishop of Southern Africa and Cape Town, South Africa, as well as a global peace and reconciliation icon. Archbishop Desmond was a beloved friend of many and moral compass of the world. He was spiritual mentor, advisor, and voice for many most especially the voiceless masses living in the periphery and struggling under the oppression of injustice. Read more here.
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. 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. The Rev. Bill Ortt. Rev. Beverly Porteus, Becky Richardson. Larry Samuels. Tom Shuster. 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.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 16th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Peter’s, Salisbury,
and for their Rector, the Very Rev. David Michaud, and his spouse, Kelli,
and for their Asst. Rector, Greg Harbaugh, and for their Deacon, the Rev.
Laura McCarthy.
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 23rd
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Clement’s, Massey,
and for their worship leader, Dr. Mark Hansen, and his spouse, Heather.
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 30th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. John’s Chapel,
Cornersville and for their Vicar, the Rev. Canon Dan Dunlap, and his
spouse, Donna.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 6th
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.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
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Presiding Bishop Curry invites gifts to Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites people of all backgrounds and faiths to support the hope-filled, life-impacting work of two historically Black institutions of higher education through donations and dedicated offerings on the Feast of Absalom Jones—the first Black priest ordained by the church—observed Feb. 13.
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The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The General Convention also includes Interim Bodies which meet between the triennial sessions to accomplish ongoing work and tasks set in the triennial sessions. The next session, the 80th General Convention, which was originally scheduled for 2021, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will meet July 7 - 14, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.
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New Bible Study for Dementia Caregivers and Their Churches
Morgan James Publishing/Elizabeth Shulman
Posted Jan 10, 2022
“In Finding Sanctuary, Dr. Shulman seeks to match church members’ gifts and caregiving families’ needs. Each party has the responsibility to come forward. Shulman’s guide makes it possible.” – The Caregiver’s Voice. Learn more here.
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Student Loan Forgiveness Webinar Wednesday, January 26 @1:00 to 2:00 pm ET
Learn about who qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the application process, key dates, and where to get practical guidance on next steps.
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Religion News Service
In a paper published last month, Elizabeth Schrader, a Ph.D. student at Duke University, and Joan Taylor, a professor at King’s College, London, argue that the assumption Magdala refers to Mary’s place of origin is entirely speculative.
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