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View as Webpage ......................................................................January 2025
From the Office of the Bishop
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2024 Diocesan Convention
The 157th Diocesan Convention March 6, 7 & 8, 2025
“By their fruit you shall know them”: Camp Wright – Preserving our Heritage. Our Legacy
(St. Matthew 7:20)
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The 157th Annual Diocesan Convention will once again be a hybrid format. We will convene via Zoom on the evening of Thursday, March 6th. We will gather together in-person, with those who can join us, for a Friday evening, March 7th Eucharist at Christ Church, Kent Island followed by a reception. On Saturday, March 8th, our in-person portion of convention will re-convene at Christ Church, Kent Island. View the latest Convention News Here.
February Convocation Meeting
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00pm.
Link to Zoom
Meeting ID: 826 7261 9201
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The Diocese of Easton is in Transition - Bishop Marray has announced that he will resign* in the fall of 2026, and with that news, the Diocese of Easton has entered a Season of Leadership Transition. Stay up to date here.
*In churchspeak, Bishops don’t retire, they resign their office, even though they are in fact retiring from their full-time position. So that’s why you see the word “resign” rather than retired.
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A Message from our Finance Department: | |
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2024 Parochial Report Filing: 2024 Parochial Report filing is now OPEN! Reports are due by March 1, 2025. Parishes should have received correspondence from The Episcopal Church, a copy of that message is linked below. These links would be a great place to start if you need a refresher. Please reach out to the diocesan office if you need assistance.
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There have been some questions during the transition to Quantum Health. To help ensure a smoother process, click here to learn about key points to keep in mind. | |
Church Pension Fund: Each December, The Church Pension Fund (CPF) determines whether a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) should be granted under the defined benefit retirement plans. The CPF Board has decided to grant a 2.5% COLA for retirees and beneficiaries of the Clergy Pension Plan and certain related clergy plans, which is consistent with that granted by Social Security. The COLA will be effective January 1, 2025. | | |
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The Province Youth Event (PYE25)
SAVE THE DATE!
Weekend of April 25-27, 2025
At the The Claggett Center,Adamstown, MD
Open to Grades 6-12
$150/person All-Inclusive
Look for Registration Details Soon
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---- PYE25 PLANNING TEAM INFO ----
High School Juniors and Seniors are invited to join the PYE25 Planning Team to help plan and lead the Spring Province Youth Event (April 25-27). These high schoolers, representing Dioceses from across our region, will have a chance to exercise and develop their leadership skills in small group facilitation, event planning, and mentorship… all while making new friends and having fun together. The Planning Team Retreat will be at The Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD from February 21-23, 2025 (cost is covered by Province III). Three additional planning zooms will be scheduled once the team is assembled. Here is the application link for interested students.
(Adult leaders who are interested in joining their students on the Planning Team should please contact Joanne Fisher).
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Formation Ministry Deep Dive March 24, 2025, Monday, March 24, 2025, 12:00 pm The Joy and How-tos of Budgeting
Join Jason Kamrath, Province III Treasurer & Former CFO of the Diocese of Maryland
from noon to 1 pm as we take a Deep Dive into BUDGETING! Learn how to enjoy creating an accurate budget for your ministry needs.
Join Zoom Meeting: Zoom Link Meeting ID: 873 2587 9611 Passcode: 935103
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A Historical Offering from our Archivist
The New Bishop’s Acclimation Journey 1869 - by Jefferson Moak
Coming to a new Diocese can be challenging for any new Bishop. New situations, new people – all have to be challenges. It was no different for Bishop Henry Champlin Lay, elected as the first Bishop for the new Diocese of Easton in 1868. Read full offering here.
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Final Call for Applications - Small Grants Available for New Parish and Mission Initiatives! Diocesan Fund for Church Initiatives made possible by the St. Stephen's Endowment Fund - The Diocese Wants to Fund Your Great Ideas!
Applications are now being accepted for the Diocese of Easton’s Church Initiatives Grant Program. Grants are available exclusively for parishes and mission churches in the Diocese of Easton who undertake innovative programs and projects. The grant program is funded by investment returns from the St. Stephen’s Endowment Fund which was created with proceeds from the sale of St. Stephen's Church, East New Market. That “thinking outside the box” decision in 2008 has become a valuable resource for funding 16 years of new ministries and continues to benefit parishes across the diocese. The Church Initiatives Grants Committee is accepting grant applications now through noon on Friday, January 31, 2025.
2025 Call for Applications...................... 2025 Grant Application
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - January 18 - 25, 2025
At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services.
Traditionally, the week of prayer is celebrated between Jan. 18-25, between the feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul. In the southern hemisphere, where January is a vacation time, churches often find other days to celebrate it, for example around Pentecost, which is also a symbolic date for unity.
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In honor of Martin Luther King, the Diocesan Offices (Bray House) will be closed on Monday, January 20th. | | | |
Bishop's Institute Spring Trainings: We are excited to announce upcoming Spring Offerings in March & April: Training Classes for Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor and Worship Leaders. Join the network of those serving across the Diocese! Learn about these Ministries here. | |
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Camp Wright SUMMER 2025 DATES are HERE!! Registration for Camp Wright's Summer 2025 Season is now open! We can't wait to see you this summer! Have a question? The camp session you would like is full or has a waitlist? Contact Alesia, Camp Wright Registrar or Julia, Executive Director for help.
Summer 2025 CIT (Counselor in Training) Program now taking applications! Apply today through the Camper Application on our website and select CIT Sessions!
Save the date! We will be celebrating our 95th Anniversary this summer! We hope to see you there! Join our mailing list to stay up to date with developing plans for a weekend of fun, nostalgia, and Camp Wright spirit!
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Latino & Hispanic Ministry: Is your parish hosting Latino & Hispanic Ministry events? If so, please remember to send information to Mark Hansen our Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries for the Diocese of Easton.
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Retreat House Happenings:
To receive the Retreat House newsletter and other email offerings, sign up here. View their calendar for programs and special events. For more information, call (410) 364-7069 or contact Francie Thayer.
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HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE | |
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ENEWS Events & Article Submission Deadlines
If you have something to submit for our upcoming Enews please send them to Beth Devenny before these dates:
February Enews - Deadline January 27th
March Enews - Deadline February 24th
April Enews - Deadline March 24th
ALL articles and photos received after the deadline will not be published, but will be reserved for upcoming issues.
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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Peggy Beers. Charlie Bohn. Jim Brack. Ernie Cornbrooks. Carolyn Lee Crouse. Rev. Frank Crumbaugh. Former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Nancy Dick. Lindsey Donovan. Janice Flood. Doug Girardeau. Babs Glancey. Pastor Mark Hanson. Ann Savage Hastings. Randy Hastings. Grady Hebert. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi. The Rev. Jack Mason. The Rev. Dennis Morgan. The Rev. Joe Rushton. The Rev. Peggy Samuels. The Rev. Robert Smith & Susan Smith. Don Sutherland. Chuck Trautmann. Goldey Vansant.
Prayers for those facing wildfires.
O God, our refuge and strength,
our help in times of trouble.
Have mercy on the lands
damaged by fires.
Have mercy on the lands
where the weather has destroyed livelihoods.
Protect those who evacuate houses,
and strengthen those who rebuild hope so that entire communities
may face the future without fear.
Amen
Prayers for those recovering from recent hurricanes.
Lord of all creation, we know that this world is a place of danger as well as beauty, a place of threat as well as promise.
Defend, we pray, all those who experience or fear the effects of natural disaster such as flooding and hurricane, in this country.
Where damage has been done, help them to rebuild, where hopes have been destroyed, help a new future to come into focus, where injuries of mind or body have been caused, help them to heal, that through trust in your faithfulness and through the gift of mutual encouragement,
communities that suffer may find new purpose, energy and direction, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Heavenly Father,
The whole world is yours, and the power of wind, water and flame is as nothing compared to the power of your word.
Be with all those this day who grieve the loss of loved ones and homes, restore the confidence of all who are fearful for their futures and help us all in the work together to rebuild lives and restore hope, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We continue to pray for those affected by the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Click here for printable prayers.
Submit prayer requests to: beth@dioceseofeaston.org.
Names are listed for four weeks unless otherwise requested.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Today we pray for you
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
January 19th
We pray for The Very Rev. David Michaud, his spouse, Kelli; The Rev. Greg Harbaugh, their Deacon, The Rev. Lynn Wiljanen, the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Peter’s, Salisbury.
We pray for the leadership of our President-Elect as he takes office. Let us pray for peace and for all who govern our great nation.
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 26th
We pray for Pastor Mark Hansen, his spouse, Heather; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Clement’s, Massey. We give thanks for their flourishing Hispanic/Latino ministry.
We remember this is the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The Presentation of our Lord
February 2nd
We pray for The Rev. Canon Dr. Daniel Dunlap, his spouse, Donna; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. John’s Cornersville.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 9th
We pray for the lay leadership, Vestry and Wardens and People of St. Philip’s, Quantico.
Today we remember Absalom Jones, his life, and mission to stand against
injustice and oppression, and his ministry as our first black American priest.
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 16th
We pray for The Rev. Stephanie Clayville, her spouse, Brooks, the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Mary the Virgin, Pocomoke City.
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
February 23rd
We pray for the Rev. Carl Mosley, his
spouse, Virginia, their Deacon, Alisha King, and the leadership of Andy Diaz for his work with the Latino ministry.
For additional weeks, please visit our website or contact Lynn Anstatt.
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‘40 Days of Welcome and Gratitude’: Lenten resources - United Thank Offering and Episcopal Migration Ministries are offering a multifaceted program this Lent to help people of all ages consider ways they both experience and provide welcome. Learn more here. | |
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WINTER TALK 2025 ‘Coming to Center: Wholeness, Healing, and Right Relationship’
The Episcopal Church Office of Indigenous Ministries invites everyone interested to participate virtually in Winter Talk, an annual conference that honors and highlights Indigenous and Native American traditions and contributions within the church. Learn more here.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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