From the Office of the Bishop |
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Genesis - Part I
Unite…Inspire…Govern…Serve…Support…Grow
The Parishes and People, the Ministries, and the Communities of the Church
This article is the first installment of a three-part series on the genesis of the church. It was written by Bishop Parsley in 2015 and lays the groundwork for the next two articles coming this Fall. The series comes in response to the many questions still being asked about the role and function of the Bishop (Ecclesiastical Authority/ Ordinary), the nature and function of the church, and the development of the Episcopal Church and its relationship to the wider anglican communion. Click here to read the article.
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Update on Parousia III
Children, Youth & Family Ministry
We are excited to share with you the progress being made in the area of Formation ministry (Parousia III). This includes a new Christian Formation initiative that is underway! The Coordinator of Children & Family Ministries, Elizabeth Phillips, along with the Youth Missioner, Joanne Fisher, have begun their tour of parishes by visiting with parish leaders and learning about the various Christian education programs being offered. Many creative ideas have emerged from the hearts of the faithful who make up our diocesan family. We look forward to creating opportunities for networking and resource sharing in the months ahead as well as walking alongside our churches in their vision for ministry. For a complete review of Parousia III, along with a listing of annual goals, please click here.
Thank you to all of the people who have shared their story so far! If you have not had a chance yet to visit with Elizabeth and Joanne, know they will be contacting you over the next few months as the exploration continues.
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The Bishop is spending much of July conducting visits that he was unable to do during the Pandemic. This included a visit to All Hallows, Snow Hill and an upcoming visit to St Alban’s, Salisbury, to encourage them to continue to be steadfast in faith and to reassure them of the Diocese’ support during their respective search processes (both are in transition). |
He also recently visited St. Paul’s Centreville (pictured), where, in addition to celebrating confirmations and receptions, Bishop San also blessed their new rain garden dedicated in loving memory to Judy Geggis; and Bishop San enjoyed a visit to St. Paul’s Marion Station where three young men were confirmed. |
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The Bishop will be headed out on his annual vacation for the month of August. We pray for both he and Lynn, for a restful and joy-filled time with family. Any emergencies requiring the Bishop’s attention during this time should be directed to the office of the Bishop. |
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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Ordination of
James D. Kamihachi
The Diocese of Easton ordained James D. Kamihachi on June 12th at St. Mark’s Church, Perryville. This marks the final ordination of the recent cohort group of Deacons. This is the culmination of three years of coursework and dedication and we are truly excited and honored to welcome Jim!
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Diocese Of Easton Fall Mission Summit (Virtual)
“Racial Healing and Justice”
Saturday, September 25, 2021
The Diocese of Easton will begin the first of its Annual Fall Mission Summits with a focus on racial healing and justice. The Summit is scheduled for September 25, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on zoom. Please register today or for more information visit our website. This event is open to everyone so please help us spread the word!
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Safeguarding Training & Train the Trainer Event
Wednesday, September 22nd
St. Paul's Episcopal Center in Hebron
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Safeguarding God's Children Training
Do you have leaders in your parish who need to be Safeguarding Certified? The Diocese will be returning to our in-person model beginning this Fall and are providing training for anyone who needs to renew or who is not yet trained.
2:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Train the Trainer Event
Would you prefer to offer training in your local parish? Interested persons are invited to learn how to administer Safeguarding God's Children Training by becoming a certified trainer. Begins with Safeguarding Training and includes dinner.
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Current Trainer Reunion
Are you already a certified trainer in our Diocese? If so, we are asking you to join us to help orient our new trainers and to catch up on the upcoming revisions to our training process. Come early for dinner.
A Look Ahead
There are some big changes coming to our Safe Church curriculum. Until these changes go into effect, we ask that churches still follow the Safeguarding requirements as outlined in our current policies. To read more about the coming changes from the national church click here.
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Work Continues on the Proposed Revised Constitution and Canons
The Constitution and Canons Committee is continuing their work processing all the feedback they have received so far on the proposed revisions. They are still welcoming any additional or new feedback. Please also mark your calendars for the next set of Zoom meetings in September. (If you are unable to join on the night assigned to your convocation, please feel free to join another session). No registration required.
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Tuesday, Sept 7th, 7pm, Northern Convocation: Zoom Link
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Wednesday, Sept 8th, 7pm, Middle Convocation: Zoom Link
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Thursday, Sept 9th, 7pm, Southern Convocation: Zoom Link
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Shareholder Commentary on General Market Conditions
WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?
We are pleased to report some pretty good investment returns over the last several years.
Thanks,
Chris Maxwell
Vice Chair, Board of Managers
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Welcome Aspirants!
The Commission on Ministry along with Bishop Marray hosted an informational meeting for those who are entering into discernment for the diaconate or the priesthood, including IONA applicants. Sponsors and mentors were also invited. The meeting was held on June 9th at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Center in Hebron.
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DIOCESAN TRAIL 2 TRUTH PILGRIMAGE
Saturday, October 9th - Sunday, October 10th, 2021
SAVE THE DATE!
The diocese is partnering with Province 3 on their second Trail2Truth Pilgrimage exploring the topic of God's call on us to love and listen across racial divides. The weekend, designed for high school students, will include a Zoom worship with other dioceses across the mid-atlantic, a visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum and a camp out at the Hillsboro Retreat Center. Keep an eye out for more to come! Or you may also email Joanne Fisher to make sure your name is added to the interest list (or to join the planning team).
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Brayhouse summer office hours
Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30 pm.
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The Enews is released monthly during the Summer.
Look for our next installment in August.
We will resume our bi-weekly publication in September.
We hope you are having a safe and happy summer!!
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Summer Camp is in full swing and the kids are having an amazing time!! Last week was Episcopal Camp Week! Join the ECCC - Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers, and the staff of Camp Wright in celebrating the important work of Episcopal Camps across the nation as we get back to the important, joyful, transformative work of summer camp in person!
Check out this article about the reopening of Episcopal Summer camps:
As always, feel free to reach out to our camp director, Julia Connelly, if you have any questions or need any additional information.
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Happenings Around The Diocese |
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Shrewsbury Parish Episcopal Church in Kennedyville is seeking a PT (20-25 hours) Secretary to administer our office. The ideal candidate must work well with clergy, lay leadership and parishioners in a rural church setting. Strong administrative, clerical, computer and social media skills are essential. Working knowledge in Word, Excel and QuickBooks a plus. Experience in a church community helpful. PT salary with retirement benefits, vacation days and Diocesan/Federal holidays included with position. Send resumes to: The Very Rev. Henry Sabetti, Rector; PO Box 187, Kennedyville, Maryland 21645 OR via email (MS Word) to: henry.sabetti@verizon.net
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St. Andrew's, Hurlock is pleased to bring back the First Tuesday Bluegrass Jam from 7:00 - 10:00 pm the first Tuesday of every month. All are welcome, musicians and listeners. Come and work out your quarantine/shutdown blues!
St. Andrew's is located at 303 S. Main Street, Hurlock.
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Governor Hogan Visited St. Peter's, Salisbury - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan stopped by St. Peter’s earlier this month as part of his tour of downtown Salisbury and the many projects underway. Father David and members of St. Peter’s Green Team greeted the Governor and his entourage as they observed the Parking Lot and Garden Project construction underway. The City of Salisbury and the Chesapeake Bay Trust are helping to fund the project.
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Father David then invited the Governor to tour the church. Going inside, Father David gave him a short history lesson about the parish and the building and then everyone posed for pictures. The governor remarked on the beauty of the church and thanked the parish for its hospitality in allowing him this experience.
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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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Fall Book Retreat
reading as community
with Debra Donnelley-Barton
Three Sunday Afternoons
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
September 26, October 17,
and November 7
in-person and via Zoom
Let's spend the summer reading in advance and meet up in the fall for conversation!
This series is offered as a fundraiser. Help us build our Sacristy Bookshop collection on the grounds of The Retreat House where we invite a place of welcome for in-person exploration and conversation. The suggested donation is $150 and you can register here. Check out the reading list here with links to our on-line book shop.
Re-imagining Prayer
Women’s Weekend Retreat 2021
Friday, October 8 - Sunday, October 10, 2021
The Retreat House at Hillsboro is pleased to host this
weekend retreat led by Linda Mastro
To reserve your space, please send a $100 deposit by August 15 and complete your registration by September 10. Register here. Or, mail your check to The Retreat House, P.O. Box 3, Hillsboro, MD 21641.
For more information, please contact us:
Retreat Program - Linda Mastro at (410) 829-4309.
Lodging, logistics, and scholarship availability - Heather Strang at (443) 995-3820
You can un-subscribe at any time.
The suggested donation is $75/night, but please don’t let finances get in the way!
We invite you to take some time for yourself!
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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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for the repose of the soul of Martha "Marti" Maxwell, wife of Christopher Maxwell (Chairman of our Board of Managers), who died on July 19, 2021. We pray for comfort for her family.
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. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi & Weasie Kamihachi. Art & Bonnie Kendall. The Rev. Ron Knapp. Art Leiby. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. George Merrill. Becky Richardson. Larry Samuels. The Rev. Pete Stanton. The Rev. Melody Sutherland. Rev. Dr. Lisa Webb.
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
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
(July 25th)
We give thanks to the witness to Christ’s love for children through the ministry of Camp Agape. For the many volunteers and donors that help make camp and year-long offerings a reality.
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
(August 1st)
We give thanks for all who serve on diocesan committees and ministries supporting Christ’s mission in the world.
We give thanks for the lay persons of our 40 parishes and missions in the Diocese of Easton, and pray for God’s continued guidance of their wardens, vestry members, and all congregational leaders.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
(August 8th)
We give thanks for the life of Harriet Ross Tubman whose vision and courage saved many from oppression and injustice in the times of slavery. May her work continue to inspire us to address equality for all.
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
(August 15th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people who serve as elected representatives to the Standing Committee, and to Diocesan Council, and for the leadership they offer.
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(August 22nd)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Old Green Hill Church for its annual St. Bartholomew’s day.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(August 29th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s Episcopal Center, and for its Vicar, the Rev. Laura Dorsey, and for its Director, Mrs. Dee Rinehart.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(September 5th)
We remember Bishop Paul Jones, and the vital ministry of the Episcopal Relief and Development – may their work reach those in need worldwide.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Online prayer service marks one year to 80th General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland The Episcopal Church’s presiding officers welcomed other clergy and lay leaders and Episcopalians from across the church for an online prayer service on July 17 in what was to have been the month of the 80th General Convention until the pandemic forced a one-year postponement. Read more here.
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Church Pension Group Releases 2021 Annual Report
The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church, announced the release of its 2021 Annual Report. Through a series of videos, articles, photographs, and graphics, the Annual Report highlights CPG’s commitment to serve as a stable presence for The Episcopal Church even in the most turbulent of times.
“We are pleased to share our 2021 Annual Report, which highlights how, despite a challenging year, we found new ways to fulfill our purpose of serving The Episcopal Church,” said Mary Kate Wold, Chief Executive Officer and President of CPG. “We leaned heavily on technology to host virtual conferences, webinars, and discussions to broaden our embrace throughout the Church, and we granted pandemic pension waivers to more than 500 institutions in need of financial relief. Our investment portfolio performed well and continued to position us for long-term success.” Watch here.
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United Thank Offering invites 2022 Annual Grants - Fall webinars will provide info, answer questions about process
The United Thank Offering (UTO) Board is pleased to announce the availability of their 2022 UTO Annual Grants, with an application deadline of Feb. 4, 2022. These grants are awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, each year with a different focus.
For 2022, the focus is Care of Creation: Turning love into action by caring for God’s creation to protect the most vulnerable — who will bear the largest burden of pollution and climate change — through justice, advocacy, environmental reparations, and the development of formational materials.
The United Thank Offering was founded to support innovative mission and ministry in The Episcopal Church and to promote thankfulness and mission in the whole church. One hundred percent of UTO thank offerings are granted the following year. These awards have supported everything from staff positions to conferences, creation of educational resources, and building projects.
Application information and forms are available here. Please note: The application deadline is earlier this year due to General Convention and Executive Council schedules. Learn more here.
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