Bishop’s Lenten Reflection
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1)
“Tend the Soul”
|
|
Sister Joan Chittister tells the story of two Buddhist monks walking down a muddy, rain-soaked road on the way back to their monastery after a morning of begging. They saw a beautiful young girl standing beside a large deep puddle unable to get across without ruining her clothes. The first monk, seeing the situation, offered to carry the girl to the other side, though monks had nothing whatsoever to do with women. The second monk was astonished by the act but said nothing about it for hours. Finally, at the end of the day, he said to his companion, “I want to talk to you about that girl”. And the first monk said, “Dear brother, are you still carrying that girl? I put her down hours ago”. Read full Reflection here.
|
|
Saturday, March 7 – 9, 2024
Washington College, Gibson Center for the Arts
|
|
PART I – VIA ZOOM: Thursday, March 7th: 5:30 pm
(Registration opens at 5:00pm)
EUCHARIST & RECEPTION (optional): Friday, March 8th: 6:00pm
Emmanuel Church, Chestertown
PART II – IN-PERSON: Saturday, March 9th: 9:00 am
(Registration opens at 8:00am)
Washington College, Gibson Center for the Arts, Decker Theatre
Registration Deadline: Registrations must be submitted to the Diocese NO LATER than February 28, 2024.
|
|
Live Streaming: Those who are observing and have no seat at Convention may participate through the livestream broadcast on our Facebook Page.
|
|
Important Links. The following links were referenced during our last Convocation meeting and are also available on our Convention Webpage.
Budget Summary Slides as presented by Fred Welsh can be found here.
Resolutions for Debate as presented by Gordon Fronk can be found here.
|
|
Another Practice Session on March 4th: There will be another practice voting session for anyone who feels they need a refresher or who missed our Convocation meeting. This practice will be open to ALTERNATES as well as delegates and clergy in case you are called upon to substitute.
Monday, March 4th, 5:00pm
Meeting ID: 811 0934 4006
|
|
Volunteer (Northern Convocation Members) Members of the Parishes of the Northern Convocation: Your help is needed to fill volunteer positions to support the work of the 156th Convention of the Diocese of Easton. Email Rev. Claire Nevin-Field for more information on volunteering or to sign-up.
|
|
Bishop’s Pastoral Communication - Upcoming Commemorations
Pertaining to General Convention Resolution C007: Designate March 10th as Date to Commemorate Harriet Ross Tubman
All parochial clergy and lay leaders are directed to include in the parish’s Liturgical Calendar observances the Commemoration of Harriet Ross Tubman Memorial Sunday on March 10, 2024. Read full communication here.
|
|
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
|
|
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. For more information or to register email Joanne Fisher.
|
|
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.
|
|
Friendly Reminder!! 2023 Parochial Report Filings are due by March 1, 2024. Parishes should have 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.
|
|
Brayhouse will be closed on February 19th in honor of President's Day.
Brayhouse will also be closed on Monday, March 11th following convention.
|
|
Ordinations & Appointments |
|
Christ Church Easton welcomes new Interim Rector, The Rev. Patrick Collins. Rev. Patrick has accepted the call for one to two years while the search committee proceeds with the process to find a new rector. Welcome back Patrick and Loretta!
|
|
Health, work update on Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry continues to recuperate at home following his Jan. 18 procedure to address reoccurring subdural hematomas. His medical team will continue monitoring him to thoroughly assess his progress.
|
|
Shred Day 2024: Monday, March 18th!!!!
Parishes and parishioners are welcome to drop off boxed documents at the Diocesan offices for shredding during business hours, Wednesday and Thursday, March 13th & 14th. No drop offs on March 18th. Please keep the weight of each box manageable to prevent injuries to yourself and others who may have to carry them. Please remove your documents from three-ring binders or plastic covers, however staples, binder and paper clips are allowed. We have arranged for "Shred Instead" to pick up all materials on March 18th. The Episcopal Church Archives has a Records Management for Congregations guide that you may find helpful; thank you to Jefferson Moak for sharing this resource. Contact Megan Timms with questions or if you need to schedule a time other than March 13th or 14th to drop off documents.
|
|
Safe Church Safe Communities
Live 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!
Thank you to all the churches and parishes who have completed their Safe Church training. Keep up the good work!!
Learn how you can earn your Safe Church shield in 2024. Contact the Diocese Safe Church Admin., Rev. Elizabeth Phillips or 336-816-5055.
|
|
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.
|
|
This month's Diaconal ministry spotlight provided by our Archdeacon, The Ven. Laura Harbaugh, is entitled "Deacon’s Ministry in the Diocese of Easton". Click here for full article.
|
|
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2023 Clergy Conference, with keynote Reverend Jennifer McKenzie, will be at the Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort from April 29th - May 1st. 2024.
SAVE THE DATE! 2024 Mission Summit - October 5th - Project Resource
|
|
Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
|
|
Bishop's Institute Spring Trainings: We are excited to announce upcoming Spring Offerings in March, April & May. Training Classes will be for Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor and Worship Leader. Join the network of those serving across the Diocese! Learn about these Ministries here.
|
|
Camp Wright Update
Invest in yourself this Summer! We are currently accepting applications for the 2024 Summer Staff! Contact Blair for more information or visit our employment page.
Register for the Summer 2024 Season! 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. Contact Alesia for details, or visit our website.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE |
|
St. Paul's, Trappe - Pancake Supper Tuesday, February 13th from 5-7pm.
|
|
Christ Church, St. Michaels Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Fundraiser Tuesday, February 13th 5:00 - 7:00pm. Suggested Donation: $10/adult or $30 family of 4. Carry out available.
|
|
Christ Church, Easton Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake-Palooza is BACK on February 13! Tickets for dinner are $12 per person and children 5 years and under are $5 per child. Dinner seating is from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the buffet will include a variety of pancakes (including gluten-free), breakfast meat, a tater-tot waffle bar, red bean & rice, all the fixings, beverages, and dessert! This annual event supports youth programming at the church. For more information, please contact Kelsey Spiker.
|
|
Christ Church, Easton - First Holy Communion Class will meet on six consecutive Thursdays, taking their first communion on Maundy Thursday, March 28. Classes are open to all children in the 2nd grade and up (including those already receiving communion). The class will meet on Thursdays throughout Lent, starting Thursday, March 15 at 4:30 pm and ending at 6:00pm. Learn more here and to register.
|
|
All Faith Chapel, Tunis Mills - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! ALL FAITH UPSCALE RESALE EVENT Saturday, June 1, 2024 - 9:00am-3:00pm Rain or Shine!
|
|
ENEWS Events & Article Submission Deadlines
If you have something to submit for our upcoming Enews please send them to Beth Devenny before these dates:
March Enews - Deadline February 26th
April Enews - Deadline March 25th
May Enews - Deadline April 22nd
ALL articles and photos received after the deadline will not be published, but will be reserved for upcoming issues.
|
|
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.
|
|
Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Today we pray for you
First Sunday in Lent
February 18th
We pray for the Rev. Elizabeth Phillips,
her spouse, Hank; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Philip’s, Quantico.
Second Sunday in Lent
February 25th
We pray in Thanksgiving for the work of
the members of the House of Bishop’s as they gather this week.
Third Sunday in Lent
March 3rd
Gracious God, guide and sustain your faithful people in your church in the
Diocese of Easton as we gather for our 156th Annual Convention next week. Lead us to be your light and vessels of compassion and mercy, hospitality and
reconciling presence. Inspire your church in this convention and beyond with a
grateful heart and thankful spirit.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 10th
We pray for the Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams,
and her spouse, Joseph; the Wardens, Vestry and People of Augustine Parish,
Chesapeake City & the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 17th
We pray for the Rev. Michael Lokey, his
spouse, Bunny; the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Paul’s, Marion Station.
We celebrate the life and mission of Harriet Ross Tubman. May her vision and
courage to stand against oppression and injustice continue to inspire all.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
For Clergy Spouses - The Partner's Path goes to General Convention!
Are you a Clergy Spouse going to GC2024? Stop by the booth! Until then, stay tuned for information on Clergy Spouse events & activities we are planning for June 23-28!
Are you a Bishop’s Spouse going to GC2024? Keep an ear out for a special invitation to breakfast, hosted by our Board Secretary, JoAnne Doyle. Learn more here.
|
|
Interested in exploring ways to share the Good News?
|
|
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. Deadline : March 7th.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE: African Descent Ministries 2024 International Black Clergy Conference April 8-11, Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more here.
|
|
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
Episcopal News Service - Subscribe to receive the ENS newsletter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
