Happy Easter from the Bishops

Bishop Sam Rodman and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson share an Easter message and blessing in which they reminisce about a trip to the Holy Land, discuss the hope and signs of life to be found in gardens, and remind us of the message the Holy Cross holds for us all.

CLERGY/LAY LEADERSHIP SUPPORT CALLS: NEW SCHEDULE!

Leadership calls now take place on the 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. AND the 4th Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. The same content will be covered on each call - leadership may attend whichever is more convenient. To join the call, use this link (the same link you've always used) or call in by phone at 1-646-558-8656 (Meeting ID: 515 271 142). To receive a weekly update including notes from the call, please email the communications department, or find an archive of notes on the diocesan website.

CLERGY QUIET DAY REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Registration is now open for the Clergy Quiet Day taking place April 30 at Holy Trinity, Greensboro. Clergy Quiet Day is mandatory for all full- and three-quarter-time clergy, and all other diocesan clergy are welcome to attend. If you are required to attend but cannot, please contact Bishop Sam Rodman. Deadline to register is April 22.

RETIRED CLERGY & SPOUSES LUNCHEON: May 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Francis', Greensboro. The guest speaker will be Jane Motsinger, "Letting Joy Be Your Guide." Registration is open; please register by April 24.

FOR YOUR CALENDARS

• March 28-29, April 1 - Diocesan offices closed for Easter
• April 17 - Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Bob Henderson, 7 p.m., Trinity, Fuquay-Varina. Clergy are invited to wear red stoles.
• April 21 - Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Valerie Mayo, 4 p.m., St. Titus', Durham. Clergy are invited to wear red stoles.
• April 30 - Clergy Quiet Day, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Holy Trinity, Greensboro. Register.
• May 1 - Retired Clergy, Spouses and Surviving Spouses Luncheon, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., St. Francis', Greensboro. Register by April 24.

FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

• Registration is open: GC81 Episcopal Revival and Learning Party
• Toward GC81: Registration open for Young Adult Festival
• Register soon for Genesis Gathering for church planters
• Title IV update on bishop of Wyoming 

April 27, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Christ Church, Raleigh

History Day 2024 is set to explore the legacy of Bishop John Stark Ravenscroft, the first elected bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, serving from 1823-1830. As this year marks the bicentennial of his episcopate we will explore understanding of church and society, setting those views in a larger historical context.

Setting Ravenscroft’s views in a larger historical framework will be the Rev. Dr. Benjamin King, Professor of Church History at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. King has written extensively about the Oxford Movement and most recently has concentrated his research and writing upon the connections between the Oxford Movement and the church’s response to transatlantic slavery. His address is entitled: “From Proslavery to Black Liberation: The Revolution in High Church Theology.”

Following these addresses, the Rev. Canon Lindsey Ardrey, canon missioner for diocesan restitution and reparations ministry, will offer a response to the presentations from the perspective of our diocesan commitment to restitution and reparations.

The day will begin at Christ Church, Raleigh, where Ravenscroft served from 1823-1828, and end at St. John's, Williamsboro, the oldest frame church in North Carolina and a historic property of the diocese, where Ravenscroft served from 1828-1830.

The cost of History Day 2024 is $20; please register by April 21 for lunch planning considerations.

The planning for HUGS Camp, taking place July 8-13 at Haw River State Park, is underway, and applications for both staff and buddy campers are now open.

HUGS is a unique camp for unique people, bringing together young people of diverse abilities. They overcome barriers of real and imagined differences and build bridges of understanding. HUGS is about acknowledging the good creation in each of us and more fully knowing and loving our God through it. The great differences among campers and staff help all of us learn to appreciate and celebrate our diversity as we recognize our common ground.

Camper applications will be available at a later date.

Pilgrimage dates: May 10-12

Announced earlier this year, registration is now open for the diocesan pilgrimage to Wilmington, North Carolina.

Based on the book Wilmington's Lie by David Zucchino, the subject of the diocesan book study currently underway, the pilgrimage is taking place on the new dates of May 10-12. Participation in the book study is not required to take part in the pilgrimage, but it is recommended that the book be read before departure.

Throughout the three days, pilgrims will integrate learning and experiences from the book with worship and reflection. The pilgrimage includes bus transportation to and from St. Luke’s, Durham, lodging, meals and a host of activities.

Spaces are expected to fill quickly, so reserve yours today!

If you are seeking resources to assist with your ministry – or to help you start a new one – remember to explore the myriad grants available through the Diocese of North Carolina and The Episcopal Church.

Grants available with spring deadlines:

April 1 – Global Missions Grants: Supports international missions that will contribute to the sustainability of the community served, with the prospect for self-sufficiency being particularly encouraged.

April 30 – NC Episcopal Church Foundation Grants: Funds may be used for the erection of needed church buildings or acquisition of church property, and capital repairs and renovations.

May 1 – Mission Resource Support Team (MRST) Grants: Supports clergy salaries and benefits through the annual diocesan budget.

May 1 – Mission Endowment Grants: One and two-year grants supporting efforts to establish the Episcopal presence of Christ in communities in ways that brings the community to see Christ's presence among them.

May 1 – NC Episcopal Church Foundation Green Grants: Designed to help congregations make improvements to their physical plant that will conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and shrink their carbon footprint.

May 31 – Seminarian Support Grants: Provided on a yearly basis for seminarians through the Seminarian Assistance Fund and the Trustees of the Francis J. Murdoch Memorial Society.

The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee (RJRC) invites and encourages each parish to have one or more members—clergy or lay—attend an in-depth racial equity training workshop as a way to “seed” an understanding of racism from a systemic and institutional perspective, and to have a common understanding and vocabulary for approaching racial justice work throughout the diocese.

To help defray the cost of the training, the Diocese of North Carolina, through the RJRC, is offering funding to members to attend.

The Racial Equity Institute (REI)'s foundational workshop provides an analysis of race and racism from a systems perspective. That is, it addresses racism not only from the standpoint of individual bias, but also by examining the historical roots of racism as it affects institutions—the church, education, health care, criminal justice, etc., and what effect that has on the opportunities that white people and people of color have. Although this is a secular training, people of faith from multiple denominations are well-represented.

Those who have completed the workshop before and would like to return as alumni are also encouraged to attend.

Current two-day workshop opportunities include (9am-5pm each day): 

• Apr. 8-9, 2024 (Mon/Tues) - Virtual via Zoom
• Apr. 11-12, 2024 (Thur/Fri) - In person in Durham 
• May 6-7, 2024 (Mon/Tues) - In person in Durham 

To request funding, please contact Cathy Rimer-Surles and Lew Myers, RJRC co-chairs at: rjrc@episdionc.org before registering.

ADDITIONAL ANTI-RACISM TRAINING

The Diocese of North Carolina also offers an anti-racism training option, "Introduction to Dismantling Racism: Reclaiming Our Baptismal Promise." Dismantling Racism is an interactive workshop offered via Zoom. It is designed to deepen spiritual commitment to dismantling racism as participants in the Jesus Movement. Through presentations, prayer, story sharing, videos and small group discussion, participants explore how the sin of racism impacts all lives. Learn more at episdionc.org/racial-reckoning-justice-healing-resources/

Remaining 2024 training dates:

• June 21, 5-8 p.m., and June 22, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Register.
• July 26, 5-8 p.m., and July 27, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Register.
• September 27, 5-8 p.m., and September 28, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Register.

April 19-20 | St. John's, Charlotte

Registration deadline: April 10 for "Early Bird Discount"

You are invited to take part in an Enneagram workshop, hosted by St. John's, Charlotte, and faciliated by Rob Field (Director, Center for Spiritual Wisdom) and Paula Benton (spiritual director). The event will begin Friday night with an orientation/social and continue Saturday morning with continental snacks/beverages. Lunch is included. All are welcome!

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