The 156th Diocesan Convention March 7, 8 & 9, 2024
Imaginative Leadership & Congregational Vitality in Re-emergence and Resurrection: A Mission and Ministry Imperative for the 21st Century Church. The 156th Annual Diocesan Convention will be a hybrid format. We will convene via Zoom on the evening of Thursday, March 7th for opening business sessions, voting and presentations. We will gather together in-person, with those who can join us, for a Friday evening, March 8th Eucharist at Emmanuel Church, Chestertown followed by a reception. On Saturday, March 9th, our in-person portion of convention will convene at Washington College, Chestertown. View the latest Convention News Here.
Important Links:
February Convocation Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7:00pm.
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Spring Youth Event: Peace
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
The Diocese is partnering with Province III to offer a youth event for students in grades 6-12. The Provincial Youth Event (PYE24) is being held the weekend of April 5-7 at the Caroline Furnace Camp and Retreat Center in Fort Valley, Virginia. Mark your Calendars and Look for Registration Details Soon.
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Calling all High School Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors...
Interested High School Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to join the Leadership Team to help plan and lead PYE24. There is a Leadership Team planning retreat at Caroline Furnace from February 24-25 - (departing from the Bray House, Diocesan Office at 8:30am Saturday and returning at 5:30pm Sunday). Here is the application link. If you have any questions about the application or details please email Joanne Fisher.
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Honoring 35 Years of Women’s Ordination in the Diocese of Easton
A committee is being formed to engage conversation around this important milestone and craft a celebration honoring women in ministry in our Diocese. Interested lay and clergy, both men and women, are encouraged to join the committee by emailing Marianne Ell.
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Difference Course Offered in Lent (via Zoom) Navigating a divided and complex world can be hard. We encounter this in our relationships, in our communities and in our wider systems and structures. Many of us long to make a difference, but often we don’t know how or where to start. Join us on Zoom this Lent to experience the Difference Course, a program designed to equip people to cross divides, navigate disagreement and pursue a just and flourishing world. The course will run for five Thursdays in Lent from 12pm - 1:30pm (February 15 - March 14). Read More & Register
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Congratulations to our Summit 2023 Bright Ideas Raffle Winners! All Faith Chapel, Tunis Mills and St. Paul's, Berlin were each awarded $1000 by the Church Initiatives Grant Committee. Berlin is looking to "adopt" and support a local school while All Faith is planning to offer "bring a friend" event nights. We look forward to hearing back from them once they have launched their initiatives in the coming year.
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2023 Parochial Report Filing: 2023 Parochial Report filings began on January 4, 2024 and are due by March 1, 2024. Parishes should be receiving correspondence from The Episcopal Church concerning 2023 Parochial Reports. If you have questions, review the below links for help and guidance. Please reach out to the diocesan office if you need assistance.
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Ordinations & Appointments |
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Christ Church Kent Island welcomed new Interim Rector, The Rev. Frank B. Crumbaugh, III. Father Frank has accecepted a call for one year, while the search committee proceeds with the search process to find a new rector. Welcome Rev. Frank!
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St. Paul's, Trappe - The Rev. Charlotte Meyer was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on Saturday, October 21st. Congratulations Rev. Charlotte!
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Please continue to hold Bishop Curry, his family, and medical team in your prayers.
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Church Initiatives Grant Application Opened: Applications are now being accepted 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 Church Initiatives Grants Committee is accepting grant applications now through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced at the Diocesan Convention with grants awarded in mid-March 2024. Churches may download the instructions and application as either a printable version or a fill-able-form, or they may request an application from the Diocesan office. Read more about the Small Grants Initiative
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FORMA 2024 - Annual Formation Leaders Conference January 22nd - 25th There's still time for online tickets! Whether you lead an adult bible study or teach Sunday School, the FORMA Conference offers a place for reflection, refreshment, networking, and education. Province III and the Diocese of Easton are partnering with FORMA to provide significant discounts to those in our Diocese. Register here. Read more here.
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Safe Church Safe Communities
Start the New Year off right living the Safe Church way of life in your parish. Safe Church is more than background checks and training, it is a way of living that respects and cares for all people but especially so for children and individuals who are vulnerable.
Church communities must be safe and welcoming!
Learn how you can earn your Safe Church shield in 2024. Contact the Diocese Safe Church Admin., Rev. Elizabeth Phillips or 336-816-5055.
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DIAKONOS
Greek, noun: servant, minister, a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to them by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use.
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This month's Diaconal ministry spotlight provided by our Archdeacon, The Ven. Laura Harbaugh, is entitled "The Diaconate and the Wonder of Death". Click here for full article.
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LOOKING AHEAD
SAVE THE DATE! 2024 Mission Summit - October 5th - Project Resource
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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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 Leader. Join the network of those serving across the Diocese! Learn about these Ministries here.
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Camp Wright Update
Registration for the Summer 2024 Season is now open! Many of our sessions have a waitlist, but we do intend on moving lots of campers to enrolled. Please put your child on the waitlist if you are interested in attending camp this summer. Several sessions still have space for elementary school boys. Contact Alesia for details, or visit our website.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Summer Staff! Contact Blair for more information or visit our employment page.
If you would like to bring your parish for a day at camp, now is the time to get it on the calendar. We would love to see you! Reach out to Cara for available dates and information.
Wishing everyone a blessed and Happy New Year!
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Latino & Hispanic Ministry: Affirming our Faith
This year La Sagrada Familia de Jesús in Kennedyville and Saint Paul´s by the Sea in Ocean City held special worship services to celebrate Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. A procession, prayers and traditional music honored a beloved faith tradition and the people who are a vital part of the world-wide Church. And, of course, after worship there was a feast of traditional foods, gifts and fellowship. Read full article here. For photos of event, click here.
Please keep the Spanish-speaking members of the Diocese and their clergy leaders in your prayers: Mark Hansen (Diocesan Missioner), Thom Sinnott (La Sagrada Familia de Jesús Vicar) and Jill Williams (Rector of St. Paul´s).
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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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Trellis Ministries - Decoding the Liturgy, a two part presentation on Baptism, and Eucharist presented by Father Charlie Barton, Thurs. Jan. 11 & Thurs. Jan. 18, Miller Hall, Trinity Cathedral. Baptism is how we become Christians: the foundation of, and entryway to, a new life. Communion, or Eucharist, is how we move deeper into that new life by doing, again, the actions Christ told us to do “in remembrance of Him.” Scripture, history, sociology and physiology are all involved in how liturgies “work.” Learn more and register here.
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St. Clement's, Massey and the people of Sacred Heart cordially invite you to a celebration of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Hosted this year at St. Clement's Episcopal Church 32940 Maryland Line Road Massey, MD 21650 Friday, January 19th, 2024 at 5:30 pm. Read more here.
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Christmas Pageant in Massey - A cross-cultural, multi-generational and multi-species celebration since 2019 A set of highly-discounted Nativity pageant costumes acquired online at a post-Christmas sale is one of the best investments St. Clement’s, Massey has made in recent years. In keeping with the bilingual character of the parish’s ministry, the classic account from St. Luke’s Gospel is rendered in English and Spanish by native-speaking young adults as part of a special Christmas Eve service. Beyond that, no exotic skills are required of the diverse group of people who come together to put on an event where the youngsters have the indelible experience of being characters – human and non-human, earthly and celestial – in the drama of the Incarnation. View photos here.
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The Ocean Cluster of churches, comprising St. Paul’s Berlin, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea in Ocean City and Church of the Holy Spirit, also in Ocean City, filled Christmas bags for the residents of Hope4Recovery House, a treatment facility and halfway house for men in recovery from addiction. Originally we filled boxes with gifts such as T-shirts, socks, hats, gloves, toiletries, games and of course candy, but the superabundance of items compelled us to switch to bags, which hold more. We filled 12 bags this year (with lots of items left over for the next time) as well as a really big box with games, cards, coloring books, crossword puzzle and word search books.
Photo left to right Paul Rogers, Camilla Rogers, Marie Bahno, Deb Conran, Ann Wheeler, Sarah Hooper. Jackie Carey took the picture.
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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 24th
March Enews - Deadline February 26th
April Enews - Deadline March 25th
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 continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery for Presiding Bishop Michael Curry - and for Curry’s medical team.
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Lynn Anstatt. Penny Beers. Jim Brack. Walt Burgess. Barbara Cross. Carolyn Lee Crouse. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Nancy Dick. Janice Flood. John Friel. Doug Girardeau. Jamie Goodman. Babs Glancey. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi & Weasie Kamihachi. The Rev. Ron Knapp. The Rev. Pat Kuhns. The Rev. Jack Mason. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. Michael Moyer. Myron Richardson. The Rev. Peggy Samuels. The Rev. Robert Smith & Susan Smith. Goldey Vansant.
A Prayer from Archbishop Hosam for Israel O God of all justice and peace we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths - Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children for, to all of us, you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A Prayer from Archbishop Justin Welby & Archbishop Stephen Cottrell for Ukraine God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at-risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Today we pray for you
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
January 14th
We pray for Pastor Mark Hansen, his spouse, Heather; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Clement’s, Massey. We give thanks for their Hispanic/Latino ministry. We remember this week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 21st
We pray for the Very Rev. David Michaud, his spouse, Kelli; the Rev. Greg Harbaugh, their Deacon, the Ven. Laura Harbaugh, the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Peter’s, Salisbury.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
January 28th
We pray for the Lay Leadership, Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Paul’s, Trappe. In Thanksgiving for the Work of the Members of the Board of Managers, as they celebrate 14 years of investment leadership and stewardship of diocesan funds.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 4th
We pray for the Rev. Canon Dr. Daniel Dunlap, his spouse, Donna; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. John’s Cornersville.
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
February 11th
We pray for the Very Rev. Frank St. Amour, and his spouse, Susan; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Paul’s – Kent, Chestertown.
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The 81st General Convention will take place June 23 - 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Check the 81st General Convention website for new information as it becomes available.
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WEBINAR INVITATION: WINTER TALK 2024 Jan. 13-15
The Episcopal Church Office of Indigenous Ministries invites all interested to participate virtually in Winter Talk, an annual conference that honors and highlights Indigenous and Native American traditions and contributions within the church.
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Interested in exploring ways to share the Good News?
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The Chesapeake Bay Trust is seeking applicants for several new opportunities through the Urban Trees Program. Learn about two grant programs allowing organizations to plant trees and create greener, healthier communities. We encourage you to consider applying and to share this opportunity with your network. Click here f or more information on the Urban Trees Grant Programs and to start an application.
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Application deadline is Jan. 19 for dioceses of The Episcopal Church.
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SAVE THE DATE: African Descent Ministries 2024 International Black Clergy Conference April 8-11, Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more here.
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Episcopal Service Corps If you're a young adult, we invite you to consider an ESC Year, a time apart to discover new communities, make new friends, and consider how you can use your unique gifts and experiences to create real, meaningful transformation in yourself and the community around you. Learn more here.
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Have you checked out The Way of Love podcasts with Bishop Michael Curry? This podcast offers ways to engage with the Way of Love, The Episcopal Church’s intentional commitment to practicing faith by following Jesus. Check them out!
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Episcopal News Service - Subscribe to receive the ENS newsletter.
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