From the Office of the Bishop |
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Bishop’s Epiphany and Lenten Appeal 2021
Feast of the Confession of Peter (January 19)
“…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,* you did it to me…” (Matthew 23: 40)
‘Hunger isn’t a deferred option’
(Bishop San)
My beloved Diocesan Family,
Every baptized Christian, as a faithful follower of Jesus, is called to that undeniable role as a missionary of righteous living. Each of us is a prototype and/or derivative of the one living resurrected Christ who was the quintessential ‘burden bearer'. As Jesus demonstrated selfless love by embodying care and concern for the world, likewise as modern-day disciples, our call is to continue his missional message of love: pursuing justice for all, bringing healing to this broken world, and giving generously to the needs of the poor, disenfranchised and helpless. The aforementioned gospel text of Jesus is a clear indication of his identification with the ‘invisible and underrepresented’ of the world and society. Our Lord’s church is constantly reminded of its ministry to identify with the beloved living and surviving in what the Latin American theologians termed ‘people in the underside of society’.
In the interest of contributing to the alleviation of human suffering in the face of unexpected and unforeseeable events, events that have already and inevitably will again diminish the integrity of our sisters and brothers, I write to appeal to members of our diocesan family to make a generous donation to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. It is customary for this fund to be serviced from the special offering taken at the Bishop’s Annual Visitation to parishes. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 Pandemic has significantly restricted visitation to parishes. Yet at the same time the care, concerns and needs of God’s beloved has continued unabated, and even more so in a time of pandemic. As a result, the fund is severely depleted. The bishop doesn’t anticipate resuming regular parish visitation until either most of our sisters and brothers are vaccinated, or by, God’s grace, the overwhelming threat posed by the virus to health and safety has significantly diminished.
Over the years I have seen the generosity of our Diocesan family as we have tended to one another, our communities, and our global brothers and sisters. It is with a grateful heart that I mail this letter, confident that our Episcopal family on the Eastern shore of Maryland will open their hearts and give generously to this year’s Epiphany and Lenten Appeal.
May this generous effort remain a powerful demonstration of support and solidarity. A sign of our commitment and empathy with the efforts envisioned in helping to return the lives of God’s beloved to some semblance of normalcy.
In the Seasons of Light, Hope, Self-emptying and Penitence, the gospel is clear and poignant in its admonition to “love our neighbors as ourselves” and reach out with a ‘helping hand’ to those who need our assistance, and that when we do so for ‘the least of these’ we are doing so for Christ, our Savior himself. As faithful baptized Christians, we are sanctified to live out this call “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.”
My beloved in Christ, I implore your generosity and encourage you to give lavishly to this remarkably noble and hopeful cause. You may do so through your parish or send checks to Diocese of Easton, 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601, with a notation indicating “Bishop’s Epiphany and Lenten Appeal”. You may also choose to give online by clicking here.
I encourage all rectors, priests-in-charge, supply clergy, wardens, worship leaders and vestries to make this appeal one of the priorities in their Epiphany and Lenten parochial activity.
As your brother in Christ and bishop, I am genuinely confident in the generosity of this caring and loving diocese, supporters and well-wishers who find our churches a place of hope and grace.
Every blessing and love!
Together in Christ’s service,
+San
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Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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Camp Wright Will Open for Summer 2021!
Read more by scrolling to the "Camp Wright Corner" section found below.
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Lenten Book Study with Bishop San
"Living Reconciliation"
Join Bishop San for a Book Study on Zoom every Thursday, 7pm-8pm, during Lent. We will be discussing the book "Living Reconciliation" and all are welcome. The study starts on Thursday, February 17th and continues through March 31st.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the meeting.
Purchase the book online here.
"Living Reconciliation" also serves as a foundational book for the Difference Course that will be offered by our church communities in the coming year. Anyone interested in leading a Difference Course is also encouraged to register for this book study.
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Mental Health Sessions Offered
The Diocese has offered to sponsor, for any interested church, a two-hour session with The Rev. Dr. Ileana Lindstrom (ELCA) on the subject of mental health. This session can be offered, for a group of up to 20 people, at any point in the coming year either on Zoom or in-person following COVID re-gathering protocols.
"While certain factors might make some individuals more resilient than others, resilience is not necessarily a personality trait that only some people possess. Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that anyone can learn and develop. Resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. Like building a muscle, increasing resilience takes time and intentionality."
Church leadership should contact Illeana directly in order to learn more details, and to take advantage of this offer.
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Vaccination Deployment
We encourage parishes to help get the word out about dates and distribution centers of the Covid-19 vaccine as a service to your parishioners. Currently, the State of Maryland is in Phase 1b of the State Vaccination plan which includes Assisted living, independent living, behavioral health and developmentally disabled group homes, and other congregate facilities, adults age 75 and older, Education and continuity of government among others. To read more about Maryland’s Phased COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and frequently asked questions and resources click here.
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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 and first responders.
Please continue to include over the next several Sundays prayers for healing, reconciliation and unity among all God's beloved people in our nation and particularly for those involved in government work.
Let us pray:
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered together under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one God and Creator of us all; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever.
– For Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
Oh God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your son. Look now with compassion on the entire human family; and particularly this part of the family, in the United States, and those in our nation’s capital; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– For the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
We ask God to heal us, to show us the way to healing, to show us the way to be one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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On January 7th, Bishop San and Lynn welcomed their newest grandson, Russell Joseph Lewis. Much love and blessings to their expanded family!
Bishop San visited St. Peter's, Salisbury this past Sunday where he Celebrated Holy Confirmation with four wonderful young people and their families.
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LAST CALL for Discount Tickets for
January Formation Conference
For Sunday School Teachers, Youth Leaders, Adult Formation Leaders & Others who Teach & Lead
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Province 3, in partnership with the Diocese of Easton, is excited to offer discounted tickets to the Forma21 Digital Gathering this January 26-28. The tickets, normally $130, are available for $50 on a first-come, first-served basis. The Province still has discounted tickets left, so act now!!
To register yourself or others for these tickets please use this form.
“In a time such as this, how do we as leaders and individuals embody and rejuvenate our own Spiritual Practices, and then how do we lead this rejuvenation in our ministry context? This the core question we will be leaning into during Forma21 as we listen to wisdom-leaders and each other.”
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A Call for Nominations to Service to the Diocese of Easton
One of the great joys and rewards of being an Episcopalian on the Eastern Shore is the opportunity to serve as leaders in the Diocese of Easton. Each year at our annual convention we have the privilege to elect our representatives to the Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and the Board of Managers of the Trust Funds. In doing so, we help shape the future of our Diocese by electing clergy and lay leaders to these important offices. This process is central to maintaining the vitality of our Diocese. Read more here.
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153rd Diocesan Convention To Be Virtual
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Convocation Meetings will also be Virtual
Our next Convocation meeting will meet on Tuesday, February 9th at 7pm leading up to Convention. Zoom link was emailed to each congregation.
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Parochial Report Zoom
We had over 30 in attendance at our Parochial Report Zoom on Wednesday and fielded many pertinent questions about filling out the revised form. If you were not able to attend or would like the recording for reference please email patrick@dioceseofeaston.org. The Parochial Report information from the Episcopal Church can all be found by clicking here.
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2021 Church Initiatives Grant Applications
Deadline February 4, 2021
Time is running out to submit applications 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 Grant Program is funded by investment returns from the Diocese’s St. Stephens Endowment Fund, a fund created with proceeds from the sale of St. Stephen's Church, East New Market several years ago.
This is the ninth year of the program’s existence. Last year three grants were awarded:
- St. Peter’s, Salisbury to provide start up funding for the St. Peter’s Choir School
- Shrewsbury Parish and La Sagrada Familia de Jesus for the development of the Shrewsbury Community Garden Site.
- St. Paul’s, Trappe to jumpstart their new outreach work to support needy families in their area.
Many grants have been awarded in all of our convocations over the years to support a wide variety of worthy initiatives. Some examples are:
- Trinity Elkton for computers to support Youth Sunday School, Adult Christian Education, and Food Pantry clients who are job searching, parishioners who do not have access to a computer, and for parish presentations;
- St. Paul’s Centreville to provide weekend meals to needy elementary school students;
- Christ Church Kent Island to fund a summer backpacks for kids program;
- Emmanuel Parish in Chestertown to help start an on-site afterschool program;
- Shrewsbury Parish to create a Kent County Coalition; and
- St. Andrew’s Mission in Hurlock to incorporate the Moveable Feast as part of its food bank program.
As much as $10,000 could be available to support community initiatives in 2021. The Church Initiatives Grants Committee is accepting grant applications now through February 4, 2021. Grant recipients will be announced at the Diocesan Convention with grants awarded in March 2021.
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Dear Camp Families,
We are excited to announce that Camp Wright will be open for the Summer 2021 season. We are staying current with all information provided by local health officials, the State of Maryland, the American Camp Association and others. Our goal, as always, is to maintain the health and safety of our campers and staff. Summer at Camp Wright in 2021 is going to look a little different, and that is ok. We are confident that this summer will be full of all of the joy, friendship, connection and peace that you've come to know and expect at Camp Wright.
Registration is not open at this time, but expect to see that announcement from us in the coming weeks. You'll notice some changes to our registration policies and our pricing structure, please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for your patience and for your support over the last year. We are so excited to welcome campers back to Camp Wright this summer. See you soon!
Peace,
Julia Connelly
Executive Director
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Happenings Around The Diocese |
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St. Peter's, Salisbury This past Sunday Bishop Santosh Marray made his annual visitation to St. Peter’s on the feast of our Patronal Saint: the Confession of St. Peter. After the sermon he not only confirmed Charlie, Will, Jordan and Scott, but he also included for Scott parts of the Baptismal Rite. Why did this happen?
What the parishioners witnessed is a result of pandemic restrictions on baptisms and is something rarely witnessed in church. The Bishop last spring suspended all baptisms in churches because of COVID-19. Initially that was because churches were closed to in-person worship, and according to the Prayer Book baptisms are to be conducted when the parish is gathered together for its weekly service. Once the churches were reopened with social distancing protocols there were still restrictions on physical contact and attendance so the baptism suspension remained.
The bishop however did allow for Emergency Baptisms if people did not want to wait until baptisms could resume in the church. An Emergency Baptism, as detailed in the Prayer Book on pages 313-314, may be conducted in an emergency when a person can’t get to church and can be done by a lay baptized person to a candidate in the name of the Trinity with water. Then, if and when the person can get to church with the people assembled, the remaining parts of the Baptismal Rite are conducted, including the presentation and examination, the profession of the Baptismal Covenant, the prayers, the anointing with chrism oil and the reception of the person by the congregation.
Scott's baptism was originally planned for the Easter Vigil 2020 but the church was closed and his baptism delayed. Scott had also studied in 2020 to be confirmed, but needed to be baptized before he could be confirmed. With the Bishop scheduled to visit for confirmations on January 17, in order for Scott to be confirmed he needed to act. So he had an Emergency Baptism on the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord on January 10 outside on the banks of Johnson's Lake at Parsons Cemetery near his house (Scott is also a member of the Parsons Cemetery Advisory Committee) and when he came to church last Sunday the bishop led him through the other parts of the Baptism Rite. After that he received the sacrament of confirmation with Charlie, Will, and Jordan.
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St. Paul's, Trappe, Local Church Partners with Deer Hunters to Feed Hungry Families with The “Warm Hearts/Warm Tummies” Campaign, a mission of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Trappe, provided lean protein to local families in need. Thanks to a grant from the Diocese of Easton’s Fund for Church Initiatives, they drew an outpouring of support from the community and created new partnerships with local deer hunters, including several youth hunters, who donated their deer to feed hungry families.
St. Paul’s Vestry Member, Charlotte Meyer, talked about what made this effort a success; “We matched local resources with local need. We partnered with White Marsh Elementary, Scott’s United Methodist Church, and Frases Meat Shop to provide families with lean protein. We sent flyers home with students, took orders from a line of 150 cars at Scott’s Food Pantry, used social media, and “word of mouth” to reach the local hunting community. Together, we served 68 families with a 1,000 pounds of donated venison provided by more than a dozen local hunters. St. Paul’s hopes to make this an annual ministry with the generous support of our local community. For more information about St. Paul’s Trappe, contact us at whitemarshparish@gmail.com.”
Facts:
· A hundred-pound deer provides 50 pounds of lean protein.
· Venison is high quality protein, is lower in saturated fat than other red meat, is a great source of iron, contains lots of essential vitamins and zinc.
· It is delicious! You can easily use venison in place of beef in recipes.
Partners:
· White Marsh Elementary School, Trappe (Kim Seidel, Principal)
· Butch Frase, Frase’s Meat Shop, Preston (processed venison at a discount for us so we could feed more families)
· Scott’s United Methodist Church, Trappe (monthly food pantry)
· Local deer hunters
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Trinity Cathedral, Easton, is offering a new 6-week bible study authored by renowned professor of New Testament & Jewish Studies Professor Amy-Jill Levine (pictured below). We will be led by Professor Levine on DVD and in her book The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Participants will need to purchase the book ($12.99) Sermon on the Mount by Amy-Jill Levine and to read the Introduction (pages iv – xxiii) and Chapter 1 (pages 1 – 22) before the first meeting.
Also recommended, but not essential to the study, is the book Toward the Kingdom of Heaven: 40 Daily Readings on the Sermon on the Mount by Amy-Jill Levine ($10.99). This book contains additional stories, insights and lessons from the author, further illuminating the wisdom of Jesus’s most famous sermon.
Adam Hamilton, author of Christian books, writes “Amy-Jill Levine’s book is an essential guide to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Professor Levine invites us to hear the Jewishness of Jesus’s words, to understand them in the light of the world to which he spoke them, that we might better understand how these words speak to us today. This is a terrific book!”
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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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Creative Spirit Wisdom Circle
Thursdays, January 21-February 18
6:30-8:00pm, via Zoom
Join us for this unique opportunity to dialogue with the Divine in new ways.
Our souls speak many languages: words, sights & sounds, textures or movement, just to name a few. While writers, composers, artists and performers may speak these languages more eloquently, we all possess a Creative Spirit.
Each week, we’ll explore a different medium: storytelling, visual arts, lyrics & poetry, voice & rhythm, and prayer in motion.
Learn to access your Creative Spirit and discover the message God is sharing with you.
Here's what's coming up at the Retreat House. Click the button's below for dates and times.
Penning Your Prayers Wisdom Circle
Wednesdays, February 3-24
6:00-7:30pm, via Zoom
In this Wisdom Circle, we will explore how putting pen to paper can be a form of prayer. When we share our hopes, ideas, or uncertainties with God in writing, we may relate to God in a different way.
Using writing prompts and thought-provoking questions, we will let our minds wander back and forth in time. The companionship of the group will help us discover new insights as we practice the art of spiritual journaling.
The only requirements are paper, a pen, and an open mind.
Mondays, March 1-22
Seeing the Word: Women of the Bible, with Heather Hall
Day's End Evening Meditation Listen, breathe, be still. A peaceful way to move into your evening.
Pause
This Friday afternoon message is intended to give you a moment of reflection in the form of a poem, quote, and image. These messages will also be shared via email, in our social media and archived on the website. If you missed last week's edition, please click here to read it.
In-person AA meetings have resumed and will be meeting in St. Paul's Church, next door to the Retreat House at 22005 Church Street, Hillsboro MD 21641. Masks and social distancing will be required. Feel free to bring your own book and beverage. All meetings continue to be offered on Zoom per the Midshore Intergroup meeting schedule.
The Retreat House gates are always open.
Please come for a visit soon!
Quiet Time Away - Did you know that the Retreat House has overnight accommodations for Hermitages or personal retreats? Two separate "suites" with private entrances are available for one or more nights to enjoy silence, stillness, and time with God. Contact us by email for more information.
All are welcome at The Retreat House to take quiet walks among the beautiful old trees, to visit historic St. Paul's Cemetery, or enjoy a labyrinth meditation. At this time, we are not hosting indoor gatherings. Thank you for observing safety protocols while you are here, by wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Please stay safe and be well!
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 the following people and for comfort for their families:
The Rev. Bruce Byrolly
Margaret Hudson - mother of Ellen Bunting.
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Bishop San's sisters - Padmini (Paddy) Marray and Sandra Marray, both battling breast cancer. Bryan Glancey, Vicar, St. Andrew's, Hurlock. Rev. Kevin Cross, Rector, Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford. The Rev. Dr. Lisa Webb. The Rev. Pete Stanton. Larry Samuels, spouse of Deacon Candidate, Peggy Samuels. Art Leiby. Becky Richardson. Weasie Kamihachi.
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.
We pray for our new President Joseph Biden and the Vice President, Kamila Harris as they begin their term in office. We pray for all those newly elected to office.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
(January 24th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Clement’s, Massey, and for their Lay Pastor, Mark Hansen, and his spouse, Heather.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
(January 31st)
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.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
(February 7th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Philip’s, Quantico, and their Vicar, the Rev. Ken Thom and his spouse, Arlene.
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 calls country to ‘face painful truths,’ meet ‘abyss of anarchy’ with healing love
Drawing on the words of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., Presiding Bishop Michael Curry implored Americans to choose community over chaos in a message to The Episcopal Church as the United States reels from the Jan. 6 mob attack on the Capitol, incited by President Donald Trump and led by his supporters.
“This past Wednesday, … a monument to democracy, the Capitol of the United States of America was desecrated and violated with violence by vandals. Lives were lost. A nation was wounded. Democracy itself was threatened,” Curry said in message to the church on Jan. 8. Watch video here.
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Epiphany 2021: A Call to Prayer for our Nation from Presiding Bishop Curry Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians and people of faith to turn and pray on behalf of our nation. Read Presiding Bishop’s statement here.
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Archbishop of Canterbury’s new year message
In his New Year Message, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby reflects on his experiences volunteering as a hospital chaplain at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ hospital during the pandemic, and where he finds hope for the year ahead.
The archbishop recorded the message in the chapel at Guys and St. Thomas’ Hospital. It was first broadcast on BBC One and can be viewed here.
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Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church:
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Fourth season of ‘The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry’ podcast continues - The Blessing of Mercy with Bryan Stevenson Season 4, Episode 4
In this episode, Bishop Curry talks with Bryan Stevenson – author, lawyer, and founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama – about what it means to remember, reorient, and renew an active faith in Jesus and his Way of Love.
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Episcopalians join in prayers for new administration as Biden is inaugurated as US president Episcopalians across the church on Jan. 20 joined in prayers for the new administration as Joseph R. Biden Jr. was sworn in at noon as the 46th president of the United States.
In his inaugural address, Biden drew from Scripture and his own faith in calling for a unified national response to the “cascading crises” facing America, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol to climate change to rampant disinformation. Projecting perseverance and hope, Biden urged Americans to be civil in their disagreements and join forces to defeat the coronavirus, extremism, hatred and lies.
“We must end this un-civil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.” Read more here.
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Archbishop of Canterbury launches Lambeth Conference prayer journey - sharing prayers of Hope for the World. At a time where the world still faces the challenge of COVID-19 alongside ongoing issues like climate crisis, poverty, economic injustice, conflict and inequality, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has launched a Lambeth Conference prayer journey to share “prayers of hope for the world.”
The prayer journey invites Christians around the world to join in praying for world issues. It features a wide range of prayers that have been shared by Anglican bishops, clergy and laity. Often recorded via virtual technology during times of lockdown – these prayers have been sent from dioceses and nations from across the global Anglican Communion.
Prayers will focus on daily themes of hope, proclaiming good news, pandemic response, people, planet, peace, politics, justice and poverty. The Anglican Cycle of Prayer is also featured.
We invite you to join with our global Anglican Community in prayer.
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The Episcopal Church in Colorado - What We Know about the Second Round of PPP The Office of the Bishop is exploring creative options to assist churches in applying for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). As you may know, PPP reopened for first-time borrowers and now provides a second draw. Read more here.
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EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT FOCUSES ON LAMENT IN 2021 LENTEN MEDITATIONS
In response to the unprecedented events of the past year, Episcopal Relief & Development’s 2021 Lenten Meditations share deeply personal reflections on the theme of lament from a diverse group of writers. Many of the authors share experiences related to a variety of issues including disease, violence, racial injustice and poverty.
“2020 was a deeply challenging year for many, filled with losses,” said Sean McConnell, Senior Director, Engagement, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We hope our supporters will use the 2021 Lenten Meditations to guide them through the four steps of lament and to help them heal and grow.” Read more here.
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Church Pension Group Launches New Podcast Series ‘Choose Well: Helpful Conversations About Well-Being’
The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church, announced that it recently launched Choose Well, a new podcast series featuring interviews with health and finance experts who provide insights and suggestions on topics that are particularly relevant today: financial wellness, cultivating healthy behaviors, and leading a balanced life. Individuals can access Choose Well through their favorite podcast app or CPG’s website (cpg.org/podcast). Read more here.
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From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference
Starting January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), The Episcopal Church launches “From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference,” a campaign urging Episcopalians and our neighbors to engage in the spiritual practice of listening and honest conversation across the many differences that separate us. Read more here.
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Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps applications open for 2021-2022 placements
Applications are now being accepted for 2021-2022 placements with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC), the international missionary program of The Episcopal Church. YASC offers Episcopalians ages 21-30 the opportunity to follow the Way of Love into deeper relationship with God and the global Anglican Church while spending a year living and working with communities around the world.
All new YASC placements were suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is still uncertainty about where placements may be possible in 2021, the program will accept applications and have its first ever virtual discernment retreat. Using a mixture of pre-recorded video and live Zoom sessions, applicants will be able to learn more about the program, possible placements, and partners around the Anglican Communion. Read more here.
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The Episcopal Church launches 2021 Absalom Jones Fund Campaign to assist Episcopal historically black colleges and universities
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians to deepen their participation in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation by dedicating offerings at observances of the Feast of Absalom Jones (February 13) and making individual donations to support St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, and Voorhees College in Denmark, SC, two historically black Episcopal institutions of higher education.
St. Augustine’s and Voorhees provide a liberal arts education to thousands of students, the vast majority of whom come from low-income households, and over 40% of whom are the first in their families to attend a four-year college. These schools also provide robust campus ministries which both evangelize and form young adults as followers of Jesus and his way of love. Read more here.
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CEEP Network Announces 2021 Digital Conference; Archbishop of Canterbury, Presiding Bishop among keynote speakers, March 3-5, 2021 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry will be among the keynote speakers at the 36th annual conference of The CEEP Network, meeting digitally for the first time in 2021, according to Joe Swimmer, executive director.
Other keynote speakers at the conference will include Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director, Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing (Atlanta); Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation (New York); and the Rev. Sam Wells, vicar, St. Martin-in-the Fields (London).
“The CEEP Network is honored to present the most influential thought leaders in the church today to share their wisdom and insights on the future of the church in the context of the dramatic social and economic changes taking place in our country and around the world today,” said Swimmer. Read more here.
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Looking Ahead: 80th General Convention Set for July 7-14, 2022 in Baltimore
A letter to Episcopalians from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.
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Save the Date SUMMA Theological Debate Summer Camp, July 20–28, 2021
The SUMMA Theological Debate Summer Camp brings together high school students from across the country to one of the largest and most beautiful college campuses anywhere – the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. By exploring life’s biggest questions through theological debate, we broaden students’ understanding of Christianity and its enduring power to speak the truth in love.
SUMMA Camp will be held July 20–28, 2021 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
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‘Tell Me Something Good,’ a new web series from The Episcopal Church
Tell Me Something Good, a new web series from The Episcopal Church, highlights positive stories from around the church through conversations with a variety of guests. New episodes of Tell Me Something Good will be released every two weeks. Each episode is available for viewing on The Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV, @theepiscopalchurch.
Hosted by Jerusalem Greer, Episcopal Church staff officer for evangelism and the Rev. Marcus Halley, dean of formation of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Tell Me Something Good seeks, names and celebrates Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of people from all over the church, and invites everyone to MORE! Read more here.
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Welcome to For People, a conversation with Bishop Rob Wright, spiritual leader to the more than 50,000 people in the 117 worshipping communities of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. In this podcast, Bishop Wright meets listeners at the crossroads of faith and life to explore the challenges of an ever-changing world. Listen in to find out how he expands on his For Faith devotional, drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus to answer 21st-century questions. Listen Now
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