From the Office of the Bishop |
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October is Diocesan Heritage Month!
In 2015 it was determined that the month of October would be designated as ‘Diocesan Heritage Month’. As part of this year’s observance, we are asking that Sunday, October 24th be celebrated as “Essential Workers Sunday”. Essential workers include health care professionals, first responders, and front-line workers (including teachers and clergy). “Essential Workers Sunday” will honor those who have answered the call to serve during the Pandemic. These workers give unselfishly of life, labor, and sacrificial love to ensure that the basic needs of our communities are met, providing care, food, shelter, and security. From our store clerks to our surgeons, from our firemen to our teachers and pastors, we want to dedicate this important day to honoring their sacrificial service. Some ideas to consider for October 24th include:
The historical and liturgical foundation of the body of Christ is rooted in anamnesis, our memory, our remembrance – Christ’s story of redemption. Christians are called into discipleship and missional living incarnating the memory of what Jesus did for the human family. As the baptized community, our faith and vocation mandate is to be the Redemptive Church proclaiming and exercising the gift of reconciliation, love, hope, new life and new beginning as we live into the Ezekiel Principle (Ezekiel 18: 21-32). Jesus is forever transforming his Church into something new and relevant and vibrant (Revelations 21: 5). This Service of Healing and Thanksgiving recalls and invites the faithful of the diocese to a time of reflection and prayer for essential workers and their families, whose labor of love, faithfulness, sacrifice, commitment, and dedication have brought us (and continues to bring us) through this unprecedented time in our history. And for that, we say thanks be to God!
In addition, I am encouraging every parish to designate any Sunday in October to be Diocesan Heritage Sunday. Click here for our Diocesan Collect. This recommendation is advanced to encourage every parish to celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings received over the years. Also, to use Diocesan Heritage month to shine the spotlight, highlight and discuss what it means to be part of a diocesan family and the parish’s role in promoting collaborative and meaningful diocesan collegial and community formation initiatives. I sincerely welcome any thoughts, insights, ideas and intimate stories, including the hope, vision and dream for how parishioners view the diocese going forward. Let us reflect on ways we may, as a diocesan family, draw closer and live even more deliberately and intentionally into the mission and vision of God for the Church on the Eastern shore of Maryland. Read More.
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Heritage Month Offering: Town Hall Zoom!
with Camp Wright, the Retreat House,
the Bishop's Institute & St. Paul's Episcopal Center (SPEC)
Wednesday, October 13th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
An important part of our Diocesan life together includes our many collaborative ministry partners. Join us on Wednesday, October 13th as four of these partners share more about how God is at work in their respective organizations and answer any questions. Please share this invitation with your parish and community.
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154th Diocesan Convention To Be Virtual
Save the Date – March 5th, 2022
Due to continuing concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic and its variants, our 154th Diocesan Convention scheduled for March 5th, 2022, will be held once again using a digital format. The Bishop extends his deepest appreciation to the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council for their wise counsel and to St. Peter’s Salisbury for their continued flexibility (they have agreed to defer hosting until 2023). The convention committee that helped run the 2021 convention will again gather in planning for 2022.
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New Church Attorney Announced
The Diocesan Council, on the advice of the Standing Committee and Bishop San, voted unanimously on September 27th, 2021 to approve the Bishop's nominee, Mr. B. Randall (Randy) Coates, as Church Attorney to the Diocese of Easton. We are grateful to Mr. Coates for his willingness to serve in this ministry, sharing his gifts, expertise, knowledge and time.
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Diocesan Apportionment and Budget for 2022
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another” (John 13:35)
The Bishop's annual letter regarding apportionment and budget for 2022 has been mailed to each parish. you can find the letter here.
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Attend FORMA for Only $25
Anyone wishing to attend the virtual Forma Conference in January can do so at the discounted cost of $25 by registering through the Diocese. This discount of over $100 is made possible by our partnership with Province 3. Look for registration information in the next eNews or email Joanne Fisher for more information.
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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Retiree Medical Plans Changing
Retiree medical plans through The Episcopal Church Medical Trust (Medical Trust) will be changing as of January 1, 2022, offering a UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan for healthcare and prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents. These programs offer improved value, lower cost and easier benefits management than our current Medicare Supplement health plan.
Retirees should review the annual enrollment information that will be sent late September and the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage plan information arriving in early October. Annual enrollment begins October 15, 2021 and ends November 12, 2021 . Review the plan guide and
go online to enroll at annualenrollment.cpg.org. (if you have not made a plan election, you will be enrolled in the GMA Premium plan and your current dental coverage election.)
For more information:
Contact UnitedHealthcare
Learn about plan benefits, find a provider, look up prescription drugs
Visit www.UHCRetiree.com/ECMT or call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service toll-free at (866) 519-5401, TTY 711, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.
Contact Medical Trust
Ask about eligibility, make coverage changes, ask enrollment questions
8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. ET., Monday–Friday.
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Be on the Lookout for Scammers
We continue to see a significant uptick in the number of scam attempts using Bishop San’s and other clergy members names. With the holidays approaching we wanted to remind our members to keep an eye out for potential scammers who may be looking for gift cards, money, or other items. They may try and solicit these items via phone call, text or email. Be sure to check the source of where a message has originated and always call the office (410-822-1919) if you are ever in doubt. Please reference this article for more information.
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Fall Mission Summit Follow-Up
“A Conversation on Racial Healing and Justice”
Last Saturday's Fall Summit with Dr. Catherine Meeks was a great success! We are grateful for her time and passion and for all those engaging this work in our Diocese. Here are few quotes from our attendees...
"Dr. Meeks was exceptionally knowledgeable and spiritual."
"Wow! That session was quite something!"
"[Dr. Meeks] provided practical and extremely valuable insight and philosophy on the nuances of the human condition and racism."
"Our group had a great time!"
And here is an excerpt from a note from Dr. Meeks, "I am so grateful for the work that you and the Diocese are engaging in and I am honored to participate with you in it as much as possible. I sensed a deep sense of commitment and willingness to work for change in the folks that were present on Saturday. It is hard work, but it is the work of the kingdom..."
More on our Fall Summit and opportunities to continue the conversation are coming soon on the Diocesan website and eNews.
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Happy Birthday Bishop San! (September 29th)
Bishop San enjoyed his recent visit with Shrewsbury Parish in Kennedyville. He was impressed by their strong engagement in both parochial and community-based ministries and outreach. He shared his commendation of The Very Rev. Henry Sabetti's leadership and engagement with the community, particularly as the head coach of the local high school's cross country team. "Father Henry is a light shining in that community".
Following his visit, Bishop San worshipped with La Sagrada Familia de Jesus (who shares the building with Shrewsbury Parish). He noted their resilience and commitment to one another in spite of their very real concern over the pandemic. It is a very vibrant group! We continue to thank the Rev. Dr. Tom Sinnott for his faithful ministry. Bishop San shared with La Sagrada his hopes for a Hispanic Missioner for the Diocese of Easton.
Last Sunday, Bishop San celebrated the Feast of St. Luke's (transferred) at St. Luke's Parish and St. Andrew's Parish in Sudlersville. The Bishop reminisced with the parish about the parochial events that transpired over the last five years and celebrated the new life and growth they are experiencing (including the reception & confirmation of two new members). He cited the hard-work of the Vestry, Lay Leaders, and the Ven. Loretta Collins (Vicar), for leading a revival in the parish. The Bishop is confident that the church is here to stay for a long time!
In the midst of these visits the Bishop also attended the week long House of Bishops event. He will be celebrating his 40th Anniversary to the priesthood on November 8th and is preparing a Eucharist to mark the occasion.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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From the Office of the Governor
Maryland has now administered over 72,000 booster shots. If you received your second Pfizer dose at least six months ago, you should strongly consider getting a booster shot.
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Through our vaccination site map, you can find a clinic or pharmacy near you offering these additional shots. covidvax.maryland.gov.
From the Maryland Department of Health: Who is currently eligible to get a Pfizer Covid-19 booster shot? When can healthcare workers get the Covid-19 booster shot?
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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.
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 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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Join us 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.
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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SUMMER FUN AROUND OUR DIOCESE!
Fall has arrived and with that the cooler temperatures and a feeling of new beginnings. We wanted to share with you some of the fun our parishes were having over this past summer. Click here for a collection of photos provided by some of our parishes. Thank you to all who shared! It looks like an enjoyable summer was had by all. Enjoy!! |
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Church of the Holy Spirit, Ocean City Chicken & Crab Feast, Sunday October 3rd 2-5pm. Cost is $45 (children age 6-10 $20; under 6 free. BYOM (bring your own mallet!!) Chance auction and 50/50 raffle. Carryout for those not vaccinated. For tickets and more information contact the church office at 410-723-1973 |
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Christ Church, Cambridge is having their Lobster Fundraiser. Lobsters are approximately 1 1/4 lbs for $20 or 2 lbs. for $25. Order cooked or live. Pick up date is Saturday, October 9th at Whatley Hall between 4:00pm - 5:00 pm. Call 410-228-3161 for more info. Order deadline is October 1st.
Nut Fundraiser. Delicious nuts from Atwell Nut Company in Georgia. Orders taken until October 5th. Call 410-228-3161 for more info.
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St. Alban's, Salisbury Eve the Mother Bible Study. October 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st @ 5pm. Using the Girls in Trouble curriculum, they will interpret the scripture, then dive into some poetry, music, and art as they reconcile Eve's power as the Mother of all Living with her powerlessness as the mother of two feuding sons. All sessions will use Zoom. Call 410-742-6595 for more info. |
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St. Andrew's, Princess Anne Annual Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday November 13, 2021. Christmas items, baked goods, and white elephant sale items will be offered. There are always a variety of unique and fascinating items to buy including antiques, fine china, and useful household items. If you love bargains, then this is the place to be! Shop early for Christmas to find that one in a million gift. Mark you calendars and check back on this website to learn more as the time approaches.
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Christ Church Parish, Kent Island Special concerts and events, including a Broadway Cabaret (Saturday, 10/16/21 at 7 p.m.), the return of the Westminster Ringers (Saturday 12/11/21 at 7 p.m.) and a concert by Tyler Canonico, a phenomenal young organist (Friday 3/25/22 at 7 p.m.). You can get more information about these concerts by visiting the concerts page (under “ministries” then “music”) on our website!
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Organist Wanted: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Princess Anne, Maryland seeks a part time organist for Sunday services from approximately 9:30-11:30am. St. Andrew’s is a historic church in downtown Princess Anne and is rich in the traditions of the Episcopal Church. We have a beautiful Allen pipe organ with 3 manuals, pedals, and MIDI capabilities. Applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of common Hymns, must be able to read music, and ideally, have experience with liturgy. Ear musicians need not apply. The organist is expected to accompany church holidays, weddings, funerals, evening services as needed, and occasionally other significant services as scheduled. Please submit a detailed resume, complete with past experience in the areas outlined above to the church at somersetparish@gmail.com.. |
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Christ Church, Easton is looking for someone to lead contemporary music on Sunday mornings and someone to co-lead for Alive @ 5
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St. Peter's, Salisbury Fall Bazaar -- Save the Dates: Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20. St. Peter’s Annual Market Place and Bazaar.
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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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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for the repose of the soul of The Venerable Reese Rickards who passed away last week in his hometown of Chicago. He was 90 years old.
Reese served the Diocese of Easton for 27 years. In 1994, he was assigned Deacon of St. Alban's, Salisbury and in 2000 became the Archdeacon to the Diocese of Easton.
We ask that your prayers be with his entire family as they grieve their loss.
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. 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.
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
Ninteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(October 3rd)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s, Marion
Station, and for their Rector, the Rev. Mike Lokey, and his wife, Bunny.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
(October 10th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Alban’s, Salisbury.
We give thanks for the work of their Wardens and Search Committee.
21st Sunday after Pentecost
(October 17)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Luke’s, Queenstown
and Old Wye Church, as they celebrate their 300th anniversary. For the
leadership of their Rector, the Very Rev. Charlie Osberger and his wife,
Frieda.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
(October 24)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s, Vienna, and
St. Mary’s, Tyaskin, and for their Rector, the Rev. Dennis Morgan, and his
spouse, Jane.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
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The text of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s homily to the House of Bishops, which met virtually Sept. 21-23, 2021.
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Blow your Preaching Mind
at the Bi-Annual Dunkle-Mackey
Preaching Seminar
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your preaching power!
Featuring The Rev. Dr. Tom Long
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Looking for an easy resource to build community
in your parish small groups?
“My Way of Love for Small Groups” includes outlines for nine gathering sessions, prayers, discussion questions, resource links, and materials to help promote the program. Each participant starts by taking a spiritual life inventory.
Recommended especially for small congregations.
Ideal for vestries, youth groups, confirmation classes, Bible studies, prayer groups, committees, ministry teams, and more.
COMING IN OCTOBER.
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Episcopal Church 2021 Blue Book now available
“I encourage all Episcopalians to read through the research, findings, actions, and summaries contained in the 2021 Blue Book reports,” said the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, executive officer of the General Convention. “They provide great insight into the myriad work taking place in all facets of The Episcopal Church as we navigate the pressing issues around us and envision our future.” Read more here.
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Register now to exhibit at The Episcopal Church’s 80th General Convention Registration for exhibit space at the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church is now open to all organizations and vendors. This triennial event is scheduled for July 7–14, 2022, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Space is limited, and over half of the floorplan has been reserved. Read more here.
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Episcopal Church launches Election Activator program
One-year volunteers sought to help with 2022 voter engagement
U.S.-based Episcopalians interested in helping with voter engagement for the 2022 midterm elections are invited to participate in a new program launching Sept. 28, on National Voter Registration Day.
Volunteers in the new Episcopal Election Activators program will work with the Office of Government Relations of The Episcopal Church over the next year to promote and facilitate local, non-partisan voter engagement efforts. Activators will meet regularly to develop and implement strategies, share stories, and build a network across the country to help increase voter turnout and encourage others to take on a greater role in the elections.
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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. Read more here.
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Episcopal Migration Ministries – Supporting Afghan Allies The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis that has left upwards of 550,000 Afghans internally displaced in the country since the beginning of the year, in addition to 2.9 million Afghans already internally displaced at the end of 2020. Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement and migration ministry of The Episcopal Church, is currently working in partnership with the U.S. government to assist Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders with resettlement and direct services through a network of 12 affiliates across the U.S. For more information, and if you want to donate, please go to: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/afghan-allies/
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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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