A Message from Bishop San
Bishop’s Pastoral Directive on
Resumption of Physical In-Person Gathering 
Octave within the Sunday of Pentecost

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

My beloved in Christ,

You would recall in my earlier directives, I authorized suspension of physical In-Person Gatherings for worship from Sunday, March 22nd to Sunday, May 31st in response to the coronavirus - COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has emerged rapidly with serious consequences for public health safety. The exponential growth around the world, our nation and the state of Maryland continues to be of grave concern to everyone. This grave concern continues to permeate unabated through communities without any effective early prediction of its eradication. With this in mind, and until a cure or vaccine is developed, we as a resilient community of faith must endeavor to mitigate its effects on personal and public life. We must strive to do so through effective planning complemented by public health safety precautions. Our robust actions must be undergirded by a robust hope and confidence in God’s power and authority to guide, protect and sustain us. The church is called to model what it means to be both a safe and sacred space for the regathering of the ecclesia (community of faith).

Our people have been patient in their wait for gathered community worship where historically we have felt the Holy Spirit move and be present among us. However, we also acknowledge and have borne witness to the Spirit’s abundant presence in various creative live-streamed worship and digital platforms and in on-the-ground ministry. This witness has led me to conclude that when our communities resume physical in-person worship, provisions should be made for the continuation of livestreamed worship. We recommend offering both formats – in-person and digital.

Even as COVID-19 continues its course, we are much more educated, informed and better resourced now than when we began this journey in March. This puts the church in a better position to engage our mission and ministry in safe and measured environments. However, regardless of how many safety measures we put into place, there isn’t a substitute for your individual personal attentiveness and vigilance . While our churches will do their utmost to ensure the public health and safety of our worship space, each of our members, including our clergy, is expected to be their own personal advocate. If anyone feels uncomfortable returning to in-person worship, it is your right to abstain until your comfort level allows for that next step.    

The much anticipated work of the Diocesan COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness and Response Task Force is now complete (see document linked here ). Clergy had an opportunity to review and discuss the guidelines/protocols contained in the task force’s document on Tuesday, June 2nd. The Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, including the Diocesan Chancellor, Mr. Ernie Cornbrooks, reviewed and voted on Wednesday, June 3, to approve its diocesan wide implementation. This action was underscored by the assurance that parishes must observe the provisions addressing health and safety of anyone using diocesan facilities and sanctuaries. This document presents a “new normal” for what it looks like to live faithfully into our baptismal vows of loving and caring for each other. 

To this end, on the advice and counsel of the Diocesan Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and Diocesan Chancellor, I am authorizing the resumption of in-person gathering for worship and use of parish facilities by community groups commencing Sunday, June 14, 2020, inclusive of the Second Sunday of Pentecost , providing that church leadership has submitted their check-list for reopening and has received approval from the Bishop, in consultation with the Chancellor. Please note that vestries are required to vote unanimously to enact this decision. The checklist is found in the Guidelines/Protocols. The permission of the bishop, on the advice of the chancellor, is mandatory for the resumption of in-person worship. Parishes are to determine what form or shape that resumption may look like - in sanctuary, outdoor or drive-in worship, or the continuation of digital-only gatherings.

Although this directive is issued for the resumption of in-person worship as early as Sunday, June 14th, churches are not required to do so until they feel they are ready , have submitted their check-list, and have received approval from the Bishop. We will also continue to monitor the health care situation as it unfolds, factoring any updated guidance or directives from the CDC, the State of Maryland and local health care authorities in the respective counties where our churches are located. Should you require further clarification on the contents contained in the Guidelines/Protocols, simply email taskforce@dioceseofeaston.org .

On behalf of the diocese, I wish to sincerely thank members of the task force for their labor of love and sacrifice of time and talent in developing our diocese’s guidelines/protocols. I wish to reiterate that the primary critical mission of our diocese living in pandemic mode is the health and safety of our communities, our beloved family, and those with whom we partner in living out God’s mission and ministry. 

May God’s Spirit continue to blow unabated across this beloved diocese and church holding the faithful in the everlasting and secure embrace of our ‘Heavenly Father in heaven’.

Let us pray, 

“Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (Jude vs 24)

Together in Christ’s service,
Bishop Santosh Marray
XI Bishop, Diocese of Easton
June 4, 2020
Bishop's Spotlight
Bishop San met this past week with other Bishops in Province 3 to pray together and consider further steps for addressing the systemic racism in our country - brought to light once again by the death of George Floyd. Together, they crafted a letter that can be read HERE.

Also this past week, The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, Founding Director of TryTank, a joint project of the General Theological Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminary joined Bishop San for a zoom meeting with Clergy. For more information about TryTank please visit their website  HERE .

The Bishop also attended an Anglican Clergy Forum through Zoom with Carribean Clergy living in the Carribean, USA & Canada.

The Bishop enjoyed hearing sermons delivered by a few of our Deacon Candidates this past week. He tuned in to All Hallows to hear Andrew Cropper and he tuned into St. Peter’s to hear Stephanie Clayville. Great work!
Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
More from the Office of the Bishop

Invite Welcome Connect Digital Gathering

Bishop San strongly encourages Clergy and lay leaders to register for the Invite Welcome Connect digital gathering being held on June 10th at 3pm. Everyone in the Diocese is invited to register for this free online event!

Led by Mary Parmer, the gathering will present ideas for "navigating these challenging and uncertain times" by reflecting on how faith communities can continue to invite, welcome, and connect in the virtual world in which we find ourselves for the foreseeable future. Mary Parmer was one of our guest speakers at this years Diocesan Convention and was scheduled to return to our Diocese this Fall. The Fall event has been cancelled in lieu of restrictions on large gatherings, so instead we are inviting everyone to tune in to the June 10th gathering. See you there!
Continue the Conversation...
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Fisher will be sponsoring a free follow-up Zoom seminar to continue the conversation on Wednesday, June 17th from 3:00 - 4:30. Please email BarbaraAnne and she will send you the link for the June 17th seminar.


Are You Feeling Called to the Priesthood or Diaconate?

The Diocese of Easton is beginning a partnership with the IONA Collaborative. "Iona Collaborative provides high-quality theological education for the formation of priests and deacons in their local diocesan settings, educating a new generation of ordained leaders who for various reasons cannot attend a residential seminary." If you are feeling called to ordained ministry please contact your Priest or Senior Warden so that they can forward this interest to Bishop San. You may also email Bishop San directly. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree.

Communication from the Office of the Presiding Bishop

In this time of national upheaval, outrage, and fear, The Episcopal Church is writing to share resources with you on the Church’s responses. As the nation and the Church mourned the egregious death of George Floyd, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry shared these messages with the Church:
 
Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church: When the Cameras are Gone, We Will Still Be Here “Our long-term commitment to racial justice and reconciliation is embedded in our identity as baptized followers of Jesus. We will still be doing it when the news cameras are long gone.”

You can read Presiding Bishop Curry’s opinion piece in The Washington Post on Sunday, May 31:  As a black man, I understand the anger in our streets. But we must still choose love.
 
The Episcopal Church’s Department of Reconciliation, Justice and Creation Care and the Office of Government Relations assembled resources to assist individuals, congregations and communities seeking to LEARN, PRAY and ACT. We hope you find these useful, and we encourage you to make your voice heard in all the ways you are able to.
 
CAMP WRIGHT CORNER
Dear Friends,

Camp Wright is currently accepting donations to help us make it through the financial impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic. We have already lost income due to a cancelled rental season and we will lose further income as the camp season approaches. If we are unable to have camp this summer, there is a distinct possibility that CW will be fiscally insolvent by the end of the summer. Please give what you can so we can make it through this mess shining the light of Camp Wright on through the next generation.

Know that we are currently doing all that we can to ensure that Camp Wright is not another casualty of Coronavirus. Please don't worry about what will happen next, our staff and the Camp Wright Committee are working hard to plan and care for Camp during this strange season. Give what you can, as you are able. If you cannot give, please share our campaign with your friends and former bunkmates.

Remember to pray and hold close the hearts of our campers and staff during this time. There is so much uncertainty in the world right now, and our kids (yes, I call our counselors kids, too) need to be lifted up and cared for in new and intense ways. Join me in praying for a swift resolution to this pandemic, and for all of the individuals and families that have been deeply affected by this crisis.

Thank you for your unending support. Thank you for your financial gifts. I probably say this too much, but it's more true now than ever, I can't wait to see you on Kent Island soon!

Peace,
Julia Connelly
Executive Director
www.campwright.com
Agape Ministry

We are very excited about sending our Agape kids their Camp Boxes soon. The Theme for Camp is SEEN (you are seen by God), SEEING (you can see God), SEE (help others see God). Our committee is putting in long hours of preparation in the hopes that this box will offer an echo of the joy and blessing of their time at Camp Wright. Read on for how you can add to our Camp Box!
 
Please help our Agape Ministry in one of these 2 ways:
  • Prayers: for our kids, the work of our committee, Camp Wright, the boxes going home, our “virtual time” with the kids in July, the ongoing ministry and mission of Agape.
  • Send in “Caritas” (read on below)
 
We are hoping to offer a bag of  “CARITAS”  as part of our boxes. “Caritas” are expressions of love and hope in the form of letters, scripture, prayers, short prose/poetry, quotes, or small trinkets (no bigger than a popsicle stick). We would love to add your caritas to the boxes! This helps to show the breadth and depth of the community of Christ that is supporting and praying for them.
 
Please send or drop off your caritas (50 copies - one per child)  before  Tuesday, June 16th. 
 
By Mail:  50 copies to Attn: Agape Ministry / 400 Camp Wright Lane / Stevensville, MD 21666
 
 
Thank you for your continued support of our ministry and mission!
Around the Diocese
St. Paul’s by-the-Sea June 1st marked the 45th Anniversary of the first day our dear Shirley Toms Hailey became our organist/choir director. I felt such dedication and commitment deserves our eternal gratefulness, and should not go unnoticed.
We are so fortunate to have Shirley, a graduate of The Peabody Institute of Music of The Johns Hopkins University. Shirley has become an Ocean City icon with her appearances at the Dunes Manor. Through that venue Shirley is known by so many yearly tourists to the city from throughout the United States and visitors worldwide.
God Bless you sweet Shirley for all you do for lifting our souls. Many of us have favorite hymns and you never forget. You are a true Blessing to our lives. - Karen A. Cramer, Church Historian

Music at Christ Church is Finding a Bigger Stage, A Broader Audience In the past 11 weeks, Christ Church has recorded, edited, produced and released 12 stand-alone music videos on Facebook. Those videos have been viewed, in total more than 350,000 times. It has been a combination of opportunity, talent, a conscious decision to engage with a virtual audience, and more than a little help from the Holy Spirit. Comments and messages have been pouring in, quite literally, from around the world. People repeatedly say that they look forward to new videos every week; that the videos give them hope; that the music has been a light to them during this period of confusion. Visit Christ Church Easton Facebook Page to view videos.

St. Peter’s, Salisbury - Card Ministry Outreach Committee has been busy trying to help with homelessness and hunger in Salisbury and surrounding communities during this COVID crisis. As part of the Outreach Committee’s work, we have decided to generously support some homeless initiatives in the area including Halo, Christian Shelter and The Joseph House. We are quickly realizing that this is just the beginning of the needs of members of our community.

To address some of the hopelessness of the homeless in our area, Deacon Intern Steph Clayville reached out to our parishioners and started a card ministry. The youth and adults of the congregation have already started to send their beautiful artwork and cards. These cards and pictures will be given to a local shelter to begin a Wall of Hope. Additionally, they will place the cards on the pillows and in their welcome bags if they are new to the shelter. We are also looking at opportunities to spread this card ministry to other shelters and places like our local hospital and food pantries.

If you are interested in writing a card, sending a note of hope, a scripture passage or a drawing, please send to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 St Peters St, Salisbury, MD 21801 Attn: Card Ministry. Our hope is that we can work together to fill the hearts of the those in need of hope during this exceedingly difficult time.
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.
RETREAT HOUSE HAPPENINGS
"At The Retreat House, our mission has always been to hold prayerful space for those who seek a deeper relationship with God. This intention has brought forth retreat days, spiritual direction, evening prayers, AA meetings, vestry retreats and workshops, weekend retreats, labyrinth walks, hermitage overnights and more. 

With the pandemic, we have been invited to pivot as we get our bearings. Rising to the challenge, we are offering online prayer groups, conversations over a cup of tea, wisdom circles and quiet days with surprisingly wonderful results. Day after day we get to see a delightful "quilt" of smiling faces while learning a few things about technology, too" - Francie Thayer, Director, The Retreat House at Hillsboro Read Francie's full letter here .

Here's what's coming up at the Retreat House. Click the button's below for dates and times.

Wisdom Circles
Our ancestors gathered in circles around the fire to tell stories, solve problems, seek the common good and celebrate the joys of life. The Wisdom Circle sessions will be held using Zoom video. Wisdom Circles are offered free of charge, though   donations    are gratefully accepted.

QUIET DAY ~ Discovering God at Home During this Retreat House Quiet Day, we will look at our everyday activities in a whole new way. Guided by Gunilla Norris' book,   Being Home   ,  we will take time to notice the Spirit in the simple things we do all the time. In 4-5 mini-sessions, we will use the activities themselves to examine their relationship to the Divine.

Day's End Evening Meditation
Listen, breathe, be still. A peaceful way to move into your evening.

Weekly Prayers - Please join us on Zoom for a time of focused prayer and contemplation. All are welcome!

Weekly AA Meetings are now on Zoom.

A Peaceful Walk: The Retreat House gates are always open ~ please come anytime. During the COVID-19 crisis, please honor the 6-ft. social distance guidelines.

For more information, call (410) 364-7069, click the button below or contact Francie Thayer .
Pastoral Concerns

We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families:

The Rev. Kevin Cross, Rector, Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford. Sandra Marray, Sister of Bishop Santosh Marray. The Rev. Pete Stanton. Dee Rinehart, Director of the Bishops Institute. Art Leiby. Becky Richardson

Submit prayer requests to joanne@dioceseofeaston.org . Names are listed for four weeks unless otherwise specified. 
Diocesan Prayer Calendar

First Sunday after Pentecost (June 7th) We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Mary Anne’s, North East, and for their Rector, the Rev. John Schaeffer and his spouse, Karen.

Second Sunday after Pentecost (June 14th) We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Holy Trinity, Oxford, and for their Rector, the Rev. Kevin Cross, and his spouse, Barbara.

For additional weeks, please visit our website .
Beyond the Diocese
Episcopal Church Bishop On National Memorial Service For COVID-19 Victims NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, about "A Time to Mourn," the national virtual memorial service to mourn the lives lost to COVID-19. Listen Here.

Third season of ‘The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry’ podcast continues. T he Episcopal Church’s latest podcast   The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry, S3:E4 REST AND RESTORATION WITH JEFF CHU, is now available. These weekly conversations, featuring Bishop Curry, podcast host Sandy Milien, and a variety of guests, center on ways to live a life committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial and redemptive love.
Season 3 changes include longer conversations between Bishop Curry and his guests: faith leaders, authors, and thinkers who are committed to following the Way of Jesus in the world today. Framed by the  Way of Love  – those seven practices of turning, learning, praying, worshipping, blessing, going, and resting – listeners will hear stories and lessons about how they can grow closer to God in daily life. Read more here.

Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) has shifted all Lifelong Learning offerings to online platforms to better equip clergy and lay leaders in this season of pandemic. The Continuing Education office at VTS strives to offer relevant classes, workshops, and programs. Visit VTS Event page for an up-to-date listing of online courses, retreats, and programs for both clergy and lay leaders. Questions? Please contact: LifelongLearning@vts.edu.

Will you proclaim the Good News of God in Christ? Embracing Evangelism video series and resources now available In the Baptismal Covenant, Episcopalians promise to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.  Embracing Evangelism , a new six-part evangelism video course, is a resource to help Episcopalians grow in their own relationship with Christ and to help others do so as well. With its focus on evangelism "done differently," this course draws on scripture as it guides participants through an exploration of evangelism as a spiritual practice through which one seeks, names, and celebrates Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people and then invites everyone to more. Each episode features teachings on Episcopal evangelism, class discussions and prompts, and exercises to help Episcopalians understand the ministry and call to proclaim the Good News of Jesus through both word and action.
The Embracing Evangelism resources are available for streaming and download  here . The sessions were designed for use by small groups, vestry meetings, adult spiritual formation classes, college discipleship groups, diocesan or parish retreats, and as a summer adult vacation Bible school option. The full Embracing Evangelism series consists of six videos, each of which includes participant and facilitator guides. Each session is under 45 minutes. This offering is made possible through a partnership between  The Episcopal Church   and   Virginia Theological Seminary . Learn more here.

Love God, Love Neighbor: Episcopal Month of Action In the month of June, join The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries for Love God, Love Neighbor: Episcopal Month of Action, a series of webinars to learn and advocate with and on behalf of immigrants, DACA recipients, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Newcomers contribute greatly to U.S. communities, enriching our common life, strengthening the U.S. economy, and bringing joy as they join and reunite with families and friends. And yet, immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees face a wide array of challenges, including federal policies and legislation that are outdated and do not address the realities of immigrants in America today. As the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement, we are called to advocate with and for our siblings seeking safety and a better life in the United States. 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

Forma Conference Update The Forma 2021 Planning Team has been meeting monthly since February, and are excited for the plans taking shape for  Forma21: Embodying Spiritual Practices . The virtual gathering will take place January 26th - 28th , and will include worship, fellowship, and workshops.

Please take five minutes to respond to this   survey   to share your thoughts about the conference in January. They will use your input to further craft the online conference experience based on the needs and priorities of our Forma network. A call has also been made for the   submission of workshop proposals , due no later than June 15, 2020. They look forward to sharing information regarding keynoters, workshop presenters, and registration this summer.