Notes from the Office of the Bishop |
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The Office of the Bishop wishes to inform the diocesan family of the following developments and invite the prayers and support of the community of faith: |
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Lynn Anstatt
Lynn Anstatt, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. On Saturday, she began a regiment of chemo as prescribed by her team of medical professionals at John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. The team is optimistic that this regiment of treatment should shrink the tumor. Surgery is tentatively scheduled for early 2024. It is expected that Lynn will continue to function in her position and be monitored in terms of her work schedule.
Lynn, is a crucial person in the functioning of the diocese for close to two decades. Her well-being, spiritual and physical health are important. She is surprisingly upbeat and optimistic under the circumstances. However, as we are aware life is full of surprises that present themselves in different ways. The strength and fortitude to deal with them is a testament to the character and faith in God of the individual. Fortunately, she possesses the qualities to overcome this health crisis. The support of everyone is encouraged for Lynn and her family members.
The wider diocesan family will be updated on her progress in a timely manner. In the meantime, parishes are asked to include Lynn in your prayer list and personal prayers.
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The Reverend Patricia Kuhns
The office is encouraged to inform the diocese that Reverend Pat is gradually improving and her prognosis is good. The latest report from her medical team was extremely encouraging. We give thanks to God for Pat’s healing and for the support and care offered by her parishioners at All Faith Chapel, Tunis Mills. Please continue with your prayers.
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Update on the Presiding Bishop
The Most Reverend Michael B Curry, Presiding Bishop, is presently resting comfortably in preparation for his impending surgery to correct the reoccurrence of internal bleeding. Surgery scheduled for September 8th will be to the “right adrenal gland and an attached mass, which appears to be the source of the internal bleeding”. Please hold Bishop Curry in your prayers for a successful surgery, his spouse Sharon and medical team.
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Celebration of New Ministry for The Reverend Jill Williams
Reverend Jill will be installed as the new Priest-in-Charge, at St. Paul's by-the-Sea in Ocean City. It will be held Saturday, September 9th at 1:00pm. Installation will be by Bishop Santosh Marray, and The Very Reverend David Michaud will be preaching. Clergy - please wear White Stoles. There will be a reception immediately following. All are welcome.
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Bishop's Institute Trainings & Safe Church Overview: We are excited to announce upcoming Fall Offerings: Safe Church Overview Sessions; Training Classes for Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor and Worship Leader. Join the network of those serving across the Diocese! Learn about these Ministries here.
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Ordination and Consecration of
Bishop-Elect Carrie K. Schofield-Broadbent
The Ordination and Consecration of the Reverend Carrie K. Schofield-Broadbent as Bishop Coadjutor, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2023. The service will be held at Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016.
The Diocese of Maryland is the ‘mother diocese’ of the Diocese of Easton. Coadjutor Bishop Elect Schofield-Broadbent would be making history by being the first woman Diocesan Bishop for the Diocese of Maryland. She will assume that noble distinction next June when Bishop Eugene Sutton is scheduled to retire.
The diocesan family is encouraged to pray for the new bishop, the Diocese of Maryland and Bishop Sutton during this time of transition.
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Termination of Sabbatical
Considering recent developments in the Office of the Bishop and recognizing its crucial and strategic role in the preparation for Diocesan Convention 2024, the bishop has terminated his sabbatical effective August 31, 2023. He anticipates continuing it sometime in 2024. The bishop has informed Bishop Bob Ihloff, Visiting Bishop, of his decision and thanked Bishop Bob for his kindness and availability.
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Bishop's Appeal for Maui Fires
The humanitarian needs are many, and ER&D stands ready to dispense much needed funds quickly. Your gift will provide our ER&D partners on the ground with critical supplies, such as food and water, pastoral care, and other urgent needs. You will also be assisting with the long-term effort needed to rebuild and heal. Please be generous with your gifts.
If you are not comfortable making your donation online to ER&D, you may mail or deliver your contribution (made out to the Diocese of Easton), to Bray House at 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601, and please include in the memo line Bishop’s Disaster Relief.
We continue to pray for the victims, first responders, and relief workers in the wake of the wildfires that have affected the island of Maui.
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Pastoral Concerns
We ask for continued prayers for those in need:
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Lynn Anstatt. Geovanni Ayon, Carolyn Lee Crouse. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. John Friel. Doug Girardeau. Jamie Goodman. Babs Glancey. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi & Weasie Kamihachi. The Rev. Ron Knapp. The Rev. Pat Kuhns. The Rev. Jack Mason. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. Susan Oldfather. The Rev. Peggy Samuels. Goldey Vansant.
We continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry - and for Curry’s medical team.
We pray for the people of Maui, their families and all those lost in the wake of the wildfires. We pray for the first responders and relief workers for strength in their courageous work. We pray you bring them all hope and peace with whatever lies ahead.
Compassionate God, we lift up to You the victims of the Hawaiian wildfires. We pray for the dead and dying, and for those who are desperately trying to reconnect with their families. We pray for all the people of Maui, for Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, and for those whose names are known to You alone. Draw near, Lord God, in this time of sorrow and anguish; comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead every one of Your beloved children to fullness of life and eternity in Your loving embrace; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
Based on a prayer from ERD
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Please join us for our Fall Mission Summit &
Ministry Fair on October 7th!!
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