The eNews is Going Monthly!
Look for the eNews on the first week of every month beginning in January, 2022.
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Bishop’s Advent Reflection 2021
“Be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation
and drunkenness and worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly.”
(Luke 21:34)
...In the Holy Season of Advent, ‘preparation’ is the overwhelming theme. For Christians it is translated into, ‘be on your guard, be vigilant, be prayerful, increase faith, trust and mercy, be each other's neighbor, be contrite, seek the face of God and make every effort to fall in love with Jesus all over again. It’s worth the ‘price of admission.’
The 5th Century Christian Church Father and teacher of the faith St. Augustine of Hippo, North Africa, once said of Adam, “Adam had been made in the image of God; he wished to be God. He reached out for what he was not and lost what he had.” Ever since that faithful day, God has been working toward getting back to that place of oneness with us, the children. The coming of Jesus is the final effort in that pursuit to achieve that ultimate goal. Jesus has come to walk us back to his father and our father in heaven through the act of unconditional love. (John 3:16)
Yet despite Jesus' best efforts the world continues to reject his promise and invitation. There is a notion that the Christian world must learn to ‘unfind God’ so as to go deeper in our quest for God. This Advent, the first of the two penitential seasons, I am challenging us to find the 'one' the Christian world wishes to find. Let us do so by looking beyond the beauty and splendor that so often captivates us; and let us look into the inner recess of our soul. It is what is referred to as ‘God stretching us’. This “stretch” motif challenges us to grow deeper in our curiosity for a lasting relationship with our God (See I Thessalonians 3).
Advent comes to help train our minds into this movement. Advent is a four-week spiritual discipline that helps us to see the coming of God in human form as a remarkable event of faith and of God’s love for us and hopefully, stimulates an inner awakening that gives that light of Christ to our souls... Read More.
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Bishop’s Response to Convention Theme
“A Church in Renaissance/Revival”
For the past five years, guided by the Holy Spirit, succeeding Diocesan Conventions (from the 149th Diocesan Convention in 2017 to the present) have pursued a resolute and proactive approach to redress the mission and ministry trajectory of the diocese by approving a strategic plan. This approach was initiated by a desire to move toward a healthier and more sustainable diocese...
...Now, the Statistical Report for 2020 has been published. Using the first three months as its benchmark, plus a calculation matrix utilized in the year of COVID-19, the Diocese of Easton showed an 17.2% growth in attendance. Our diocese is one of four dioceses of the 110 dioceses in the Episcopal Church that has recorded a growth in attendance...
...Every member of this community of faith must be commended for keeping the faith, believing in the ministry of your church, holding onto hope and being witnesses to the resurrection of the Diocese of Easton. The future lies in each of our hands. Jesus has shown the way; we shouldn’t have any other alternative but to follow our Lord to where his Spirit is leading his church on the Eastern Shore.
My beloved, in the meantime, we gather as a community of faith in this time and season to give God thanks for the nuggets of Grace the Diocese of Easton is experiencing in this ‘Renaissance Moment.’ Read More.
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2021 Rockefeller Square Christmas Tree from the Eastern Shore |
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A 79 foot tall Norway spruce from our own Cecil County (Elkton) was taken to the Rockefeller Center in New York City to become the iconic Rockefeller Square Christmas Tree. |
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New Appointments Announced
Nominations Committee, Resolutions Committee,
United Thank Offering (UTO) & Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD)
Click here to view Bishop San's appointments to these committees. We look forward to working with them in their respective areas of ministry.
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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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Be on the Lookout for Holiday Scammers
We are once again entering into a sacred time for Christians, celebrating the birth of Christ. However, there are those for whom this time isn’t sacred, it is a time for scamming and taking advantage of others. Please know, your bishop will never send you an email requesting that you purchase a gift card. No matter whose name is on the email and no matter how official the email may look, if you receive such an email – do not respond to it, simply move it to the trash and throw it away. If you are ever in doubt, always call the office (410-822-1919) Please reference this article for more information. May you and your loved ones feel God presence during this Season of Christmas.
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"FIND YOUR PIECE"
Ocean City Youth Rally 2022
January 7th-9th - For 6th-12th Graders
Youth from around the Diocese are joining together in Ocean City for the annual Youth Rally. The weekend will include virtual offerings from the Wave youth event along with lots of fun, food & fellowship.
There are still a few spots available. For questions or to register email Joanne Fisher. Sponsored in part by The Diocese of Easton.
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The bishop visited St. Andrew’s, Hurlock, on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving to express the diocese’s gratitude and thanksgiving to volunteers serving the food ministry and their clientele. He commended the Rev. Deacon Barbara Coleman for her selfless leadership offered to the ministry since assuming responsibility. The ministry hosted Thanksgiving-day dinner for over 20 people living in the Hurlock community.
On Sunday, November 21st the bishop was pleased to visit Christ Church, Denton, one of our beloved parishes that continues to maintain vigilance during Covid. The bishop was pleased to see a high level of protocol observed at worship. The Senior Warden announced to the congregation that the Rev. Matthew D’Amario has accepted a call to be Priest-in-Charge of the parish. The parish is excited to hear this good news and welcomes it as an opportunity to move forward in mission and ministry.
Later in the afternoon, Bishop Marray worshipped with the Latino Mission (La Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia de Jesus- The Church of the Holy Family of Jesus) in Shrewsbury. Bishop Marray and the Rev. Thom Sinnott officiated at the baptism of one adult. Bishop reported that although Covid has been severe on our Latino family, he was pleased and hopeful to witness a gradual return of members to in-person worship.
On Advent Sunday, Bishop Marray visited with Christ Church, Cambridge where he confirmed one adult. He expressed the diocese' appreciation to the Rev. Bernie Schroeder for the ministry he has been leading in that community of faith. There is an obvious revival taking place in this parish - it is a healthy and growing congregation and is looking forward to the future with zeal and enthusiasm. It was exciting to be walking by faith into a future etched out by the Holy Spirit. Our bishop is inspired by the energy and witness of this congregation.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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AGAPE MINISTRY NEWS
Agape Ministry is planning its annual Christmas party for our children and their families. The event is scheduled for this Saturday, December 4th from noon till 3 o'clock at Christ Church, Cambridge. For more information or to find out how you can help, contact Pat Layton by phone or text (410-202-6049).
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St. Peter's, Salisbury Youth Group helping Agape Ministries On Sunday. November 21, St. Peter's Youth Group got together and did their annual stocking stuffing for the Diocese of Easton's AGAPE Ministry which serves children on the Eastern Shore whose parents are incarcerated. The Youth donated and stuffed 35 stockings for the children served by AGAPE. The stockings will be delivered to the children at the AGAPE Christmas Party on December 5th. Thank you, Youth Group!
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4th Mondays at Noon on Zoom
he 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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Support our Scholarship Fund
When you give $25 or more, to provide camper scholarships, you will receive a handmade Camp Wright ornament for your Christmas Tree. These ornaments feature a Camp Wright ribbon. Devoted Team members can choose Blue or White at checkout.
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Support Camp Wright into the new year!
Giving Tuesday 2021
This past Tuesday was Giving Tuesday. The Camp Wright Staff and Camp Wright Committee are reaching out to ask for your support. Gifts to our GiveButter Campaign will go to support the future of Camp Wright, its programs, and staff.
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Come join our CIT program for summer 2022! Learn life skills, get your volunteer hours and have a blast while being at camp! |
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BLUE CHRISTMAS
a service of prayer and praise
St. Paul's Church, Hillsboro
Tuesday, December 14, 6:30 pm
While December is filled with delight for many, it can be a difficult time for some of us, especially this year as Covid-tide stretches on and on. Please come and join us for a time of prayer and comfort as we gather to remember. With the lighting of candles, we will remember those whom we love who have died. With listening and prayer, we will hold space for naming both struggles and gratitudes. With the strength and comfort of community, we will share in opening our hearts to receive the Great Love of the Holy One, practicing together receiving from God.
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Gathering of the Greens
Sunday, December 5
1 pm - 4 pm
Join us for a festive day enjoying the outdoors while creating a lovely hand-made wreath or swag from Retreat House greenery, including American Redwood, Magnolia, Holly, Boxwood, and White Pine. We'll stay warm with a cup of hot cider and a wood fire. During your time, enjoy browsing our Sacristy Bookshop in St. Paul's Church. We hope to see you there!
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Illumination
Saturday, December 18
4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Dress warmly for Hillsboro Luminaries Night! Stroll the neighborhood to see the hundreds of beautiful luminaries lining the streets. Then join us at the Retreat House for a guided candlelight labyrinth walk, a crackling fire and the warm spirit of Christmas.
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Retreat House at Hillsboro has many Advent 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.
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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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La Sagrada de Familia de Jesus, Shrewsbury Parish, Kennedyville Member Debuts at the Garfield Freddie Granillo's star shone brightly as he opened with a 5-song set for the acclaimed "High and Wides" on Friday, October 22nd. The group hadn't performed live in two years, so the concert was truly special in so many ways, especially for Freddie. Though known around Kent County for his amazing pottery and murals, Freddie admittedly has, to date, only performed solo at several restaurants in town and with the choir at the Hispanic services at Shrewsbury. In his own words, "I really had to push myself and practice for this one," He did not disappoint as was evidenced by the spontaneous clapping with and for him throughout the set. The audience was really surprised when he closed his set joined by the entire group singing with him in Spanish, Congratulations!
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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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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
AROUND THE DIOCESE
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We are so excited to see our parish's celebrating the holidays 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 next Enews. |
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Holy Trinity Oxford Christmas Bazaar is Back! Re-Imagined!!
Saturday, December 4, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm
Our yearly Christmas Bazaar is returning under a large tent on the front lawn of the church. Our committees are busily planning for a wonderful event. We will have beautiful wreaths, delicious frozen foods and baked goods, creative Mini-Trees, festive large centerpieces, three generous baskets of goods and donations for local charities, a children’s table with a craft and an opportunity to write letters to Santa, a tree from the Festival of Trees for a silent auction and vendors from the church. Come and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage and goody while you are choosing your wreath and other Holiday items. In keeping with COVID protocols, masks will be required. Please call or e-mail Sara Wangsness 410-226-5017 or swangsness100@yahoo.com or Sally Fronk 410-226-1044 or sfronk@atlanticbb.net with any questions or to volunteer.
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St. Peter's, Salisbury WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA , Saturday, December 18th. Once again Wreaths Across America is coming to Parsons Cemetery. You can participate in the wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, December 18. Mark your calendar! Gathering for the parade begins at 9am; Ceremony begins at 10:00am followed by the placement of the wreaths. For more information go to Parsons Cemetery’s website: http://www.parsonscemetery.com/
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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 19th at 6:30pm. More information to come. Mark your calendars!
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Marylanders 18+ who received their second Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 dose at least six months ago and Marylanders 18+ who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot. Learn more about booster eligibility.
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
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. 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 of Advent
(December 5th)
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.
Third Sunday of Advent
(December 12th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Andrew’s Mission,
Hurlock, and for the ministry of their Deacon, the Rev. Barbara Coleman,
and her spouse John. We pray for their Food Ministry and those who
receive its offerings.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
(December 19th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at All Faith Chapel, Tunis
Mills, and for their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Canon Patrick Collins, and
his wife, Loretta.
Christmas Day
(December 25th)
We pray for our retired Deacons: Reese Rickards, Penny Morrow, George
Murray, Melody Sutherland, Carol Callaghan, Dick Bunting and Don
Whalen.
First Sunday after Christmas
(December 26th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s, Trappe, and
for the lay leadership in the absence of clergy.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
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The U.S. will host the Global Fund’s seventh Replenishment Conference in the second half of 2022, convening government and civic leaders, as well as leaders from the private sector and communities affected by the three most devastating infectious diseases. The international Global Fund partnership, founded in 2002, raises and invests more than $4 billion a year to support locally run programs in more than 100 countries. More than 90 percent of Global Fund resources come from government donations. Read more here.
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The Work of the Church:
A Conversation with the Presiding Bishop and his Canons
Join us for a virtual event Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. ET
The last two years have upended many of the assumptions about what The Episcopal Church is and where it is going. Join Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and his canons for a conversation about how the past two years will inform the ministries and mission of The Episcopal Church in 2022 and beyond. There will be time for questions, and the event will be recorded for later viewing. Registration is free, but required.
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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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Applications open for General Convention Official Youth Presence 2022
Up to two youth from each of the church’s nine provinces will be selected to participate in the Official Youth Presence from July 4-14 in Baltimore, Maryland. Youth who are selected must also attend orientation and training in Baltimore from March 31 to April 2.
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Episcopal Relief & Development Launches Year-End Match Campaign to Support Transformative Work in Priority Areas of Women, Children and Climate Episcopal Relief & Development is kicking off its annual Year-End Match, offering supporters the opportunity to transform lives with twice the impact this holiday season. Thanks to a very generous group of donors, contributions that Episcopal Relief & Development receives between now and the end of the year will be doubled, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $650,000. Read more here.
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Monks to provide virtual sermons this Advent season
What: The monks of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist in Cambridge, Massachusetts are providing a series of six recorded sermons for Episcopal congregations this Advent season. The free sermon resource can be used in a service where a preacher may not be available, or they can be used as an adult forum resource. Read more here.
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Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice.
You’ll hear ancient texts interpreted in new ways, find fodder for preaching and teaching, and make present day connections to the prophetic voices of the Bible. This podcast will help us rethink how we hear, see, and interact with the lectionary readings, refocusing from the rush of the Christmas season to the voice crying out in the wilderness.
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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!
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United Thank Offering
The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO, individuals are invited to embrace and deepen a personal daily spiritual discipline of gratitude. UTO encourages people to notice the good things that happen each day, give thanks to God for those blessings and make an offering for each blessing using a UTO Blue Box. UTO is entrusted to receive the offerings, and to distribute 100% of what is collected to support innovative mission and ministry throughout The Episcopal Church and Provinces of the Anglican Communion. To learn more about 2022 UTO Grants, November Gratitude Resources, 2021 UTO Ingathering, Christmas Cards and more, please click here.
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Deadline to apply for Conant Grants for the 2022-2023 academic year is Friday, Dec. 3rd 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.
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Time is running out to apply for Constable Fund and Roanridge Trust grants!
Deadline: Dec. 12 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.
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