From the Office of the Bishop
Scroll down to see the Bishop's Pastoral Guidance to churches for Easter services and a Maundy Thursday spiritual reflection.
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Bishop’s Easter Message
He is Risen! He is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed!
Alleluia! Amen!!
(Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24 & John 20)
The Easter Story always strikes us as a strange and mysterious event in the life of Jesus even for those of us whose faith is rooted and grounded in the resurrection of Jesus. This grand event is celebrated throughout the history of the Church in a spirit of overwhelming joy and happiness. In contrast to the first Easter Sunday that revealed a demonstration of colossal hysteria, confusion, and apathy on the part of frightened and disoriented people. The early church was, quite understandably so, trying to make sense of this new phenomenon in their simple uncomplicated lives and fragile faith. The Good News, “He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6) was extremely difficult to comprehend much less respond to in some overwhelmingly excited way.
As disorientating and shocking as the first Easter day was for the first Christians, the early believers gradually began to acclimate themselves to the essence of its message. The Easter narrative reveals that they did so by remembering (zakar/anamnesis) Jesus’s words to them while he walked and ministered with them (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24 & John 20). The simple message of the resurrection moved them then, and us now, beyond our doubts, our fears, and our hesitation at believing the reality and purposefulness of God’s work in our lives and in our world. The dawn of this new day reveals the unspeakable testament of God’s love and desire to share life with us. A love that refuses to be constrained by a tomb.
God’s greatest act was to become human, to live and die, so that sin and suffering were and are defeated and Jesus reigns sovereign as Lord and Savior. This is what God chose to reveal in the mightiest sign of all - a sign of God’s commitment, God’s willingness to be present to us in all circumstances. It is the energy and inspiration behind God’s power to transform without force, rather, personal sacrifices.
What does this image present for the Church in our season and time? On this day, it is through God’s grace that we can exit the tunnels of pain, COVID 19 Virus, poor financial conditions, joblessness, food scarcity and hopelessness. On this day, it is through God’s grace that we can look out and see if the storm is over, and release some of the anger inside. On this day, through God’s grace, we can renew again the belief in the goodness of God and God’s creation. On this day, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we must resolve to walk by faith confidently out of the darkness and into the light. On this day, we know that beyond chaos there is new hope and the breath of fresher air and new opportunities with greater prospects for the future. On this day we all are given the permission to rise again and believe in self and others as Christ our Savior believes in us. The darkness of a tomb has been transformed into the most gloriously magnificent light - “the new beginnings of God’s amazing grace which claims us”.
Easter is also a visible reminder that when we allow the Spirit the opportunity to breathe through the cracks of our broken lives, how much more we are able to enjoy healing, restoration, reconciliation and new reasons to live again and prosper as individuals and as a community of faith. I encourage the light of Easter be felt in every corner where any semblance of darkness is found.
In the Diocese of Easton, we are living into this resurrection experience; of moving from the tunnel of despair into the evergreen new and living hope Jesus’ spirit is scripting for his church on the eastern shore of Maryland. We are grateful to be part of a faith community committed to viewing the resurrection and transformation as central, with this faith affirmation as a guiding ‘mantra’ or ‘refrain’.
Christ is our Lord risen today and for all times and seasons! May we all take this as a sign of personal victory and go forward renewed and re-energized. Boldly and proudly lifting high the banner of the risen Christ whose love has conquered all pain and sorrow with the gift of spiritual freedom in the new life he offers for all humanity. He is Risen! He is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen!!
Beloved, a happy and joyful Easter to all!
+San & Lynn
Easter Sunday 2021
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The Essence of the Maundy Thursday Solemn Feast
This is the food and drink for the elect, living bread and spiritual nourishment, remedy for daily weaknesses! It is the table which Christ has prepared for his friends and guests, like the one the father prepared for his son on the day of his return, to replace the symbolic lamb. This is the Passover in which the victim immolated is Christ; O Christ our Passover, you want us too to pass over from vice to virtue; as once you delivered the Jews, so now you set us free in spirit. You are the food that satisfies all but the most hardened; food that is eaten by faith, tasted by fervor, assimilated by charity. O viaticum of our pilgrimage, you lead travelers to the height of virtue. Confirm my heart is good, assure it in the paths of life, give joy to my soul, purify my thoughts.
The Eucharist is bread, real bread; we eat it without consuming or dividing it; it converts but itself is not changed; it gives strength without ever losing it; it gives perfection and suffices for salvation; it gives life, it confers grace it remits sins. It is the food of souls, a food which enlightens the intelligence of the faithful, inflames their hearts, purifies them from their shortcomings, elevates their desires.
O chalice that holy souls love to drink of, chalice of fervor, chalice changed into the Blood of Christ, to seal the new Alliance, withdraw from us the old leaven, fill our souls with yourself, that we may become a new paste and that we may go to the feast with the unleavened bread. We should not approach without being cleansed by confession, without having a solid foundation of faith, without being in charity.
Come to the Lord’s supper, if you wish to come to the nuptials of the Lamb; there, we shall be inebriated with the riches of the house of God, we shall see the King of glory and the God of hosts in all his beauty, we shall eat this bread in the kingdom of the Father.
Thoughts from Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Friar (1274)
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Faithful Fridays with Bishop San
Special Good Friday Edition!
Bishop San will be creating and posting a devotional video every Friday moving forward. Be sure to tune in tomorrow, Good Friday, for a special Faithful Friday Eucharist with both Bishop San and Lynn Marray. The videos will be available via the Bishop’s Blog on the Diocesan website as well as on our Facebook page. Be sure to bookmark these links and tune in every Friday for inspiration and spiritual reflection.
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Bishop’s Pastoral Guidance
to Churches about Easter Services
At the recent Renewal of Ordination Vows Service and the Clericus meeting on Tuesday, March 30th, concerns and apprehensions were raised about appropriate protocols for in-person gatherings in our sanctuary spaces for the Season of Easter. During a very cordial and respectful conversation, it was noted that the overall knowledge of the COVID-19 Virus has increased greatly since the onset of the pandemic. We are very grateful for the continuing research as well as the work of the medical professionals who have labored mightily on our behalf this past year. It was also noted that many of our congregants have now received their vaccinations and are considered fully immunized. However, it was noted that there are mutations arising which are changing our situation. And, it was also noted that the virus remains highly contagious and that recent infection numbers are again rising. We need to remain vigilant and alert even as we are optimistically looking forward to the end of this pandemic.
I have been in conversation with our two scientists on the COVID 19 Task Force (Dr. Thomas De Marco and Dr. George Curlin) seeking their guidance and counsel on the most appropriate ways to address new and recent developments on this health and safety conundrum before the nation and global community. Continue reading here.
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This coming Monday, April 5th, Bishop San will be celebrating his 16th anniversary as a Bishop. Congratulations!
Bishop San recently visited St. Mary the Virgin, Pokomoke City where he celebrated two Receptions, one Reaffirmation and one Confirmation.
Bishop San celebrated Palm Sunday at St. Peters, Earleville. He and Lynn will spend Good Friday prayerfully at home. Look for his Good Friday edition of Faithful Fridays on Facebook at 12:00pm. He will join St. Peter's, Salisbury for their Easter Vigil on Saturday and will celebrate Easter with Augustine Parish, Chesapeake City.
Bishop San will continue his Book Study on Living Reconciliation for one more Thursday to accommodate the final chapter of the book. He also plans to continue to post his Faithful Friday devotionals every week moving forward.
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More From the Office of the Bishop |
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The Brayhouse offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. We wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter!!
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Bishop San Celebrates 16th Anniversary as Bishop
On Monday, April 5, 2021, Bishop San will celebrate his 16th Anniversary of Ordination and Consecration as bishop in Christ one holy catholic and apostolic church. Bishop was consecrated Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles, Province of the Indian Ocean, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Victoria, Seychelles.
Prior to his election and call as our bishop over four years ago, he had served eleven (11) years as bishop in three other dioceses, Bishop Diocesan of Seychelles, Bishop Assistant, Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, North Carolina and Bishop Assistant, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. In addition, he served the wider Anglican Communion as one of the drafters of the Anglican Communion Covenant, a document that was designed to assist the wider communion deal with the communion impairment arising between member churches’ understanding of the contentious issue of human sexuality. He also served as Commissary of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the capacity of the archbishop’s Pastoral Visitors’ Mediation Team to the Anglican Communion.
Bishop and Lynn plan to observe the day by having their 2nd dose of the COVID 19 vaccine in Somerset County.
E-news and the Diocese of Easton wish the bishop God’s blessing and good health and we thank God for his faithful ministry among us and the wider church.
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Diocesan Convention Survey
We would like to thank you all for attending our 153rd Annual Diocesan Convention!
We are evaluating all aspects of the March 6th Diocese of Easton Convention, and we need your input. This year we went virtual! Next year we plan on being in person once again. We strive to ensure that while Diocesan Convention accomplishes the required business, it also enhances the life, ministry, and mission of our diocese. While we remain good stewards of our resources, we also want to ensure that this annual event is as enriching and beneficial as possible for our entire diocese.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Your voice and your opinions are invaluable to shaping the future of Diocesan Convention.
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Excerpts from Bishop’s 153rd Annual Convention Address
Part II
Readers’ Note: The E-News will carry excerpts from the bishop’s address to Diocesan Convention over the next several issues. You may read the entire address on our website.
SEEDS OF GROWTH & CHANNELS OF HOPE
Deacon and Clergy Formation and Ordination
This past fall, I had the privilege of ordaining a diverse group of very talented individuals to the diaconate. These eight (8) new clergy leaders in our diocese were trained locally by dedicated clergypersons, in a two-year long program. These individuals, along with our two outstanding current seminarians, are proof that our diocese discerned well to continue as a free-standing Diocese in the Episcopal Church at the 147th Diocesan Convention, by allowing God a ‘second chance’ opportunity to transform the Diocese of Easton into a vibrant, and vital partner in God’s plan of salvation here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
On behalf of a grateful diocese, I wish to extend deep appreciation to all of our deacons for offering their lives in service to the church. I also wish to extend immense gratitude to the Reverend Canon Dr. Daniel Dunlap, Dean and Canon Theologian, to the Rev. Loretta Collins, Program Coordinator, and to the entire faculty of the School for Diaconal Formation for a stellar job. Your ministry will have a positive impact on the life and ministry of our diocese for decades.
It is anticipated that through our growing partnership with the IONA Collaborative, Seminary of the Southwest, in Austin, Texas, our diocese will continue to call, form and empower more locally trained lay and ordained servants of this church in the forefront of pastoral ministry and missional frontier ministries. This encouraging development has necessitated the calling for the pastoral ministry of an archdeacon to be responsible for the day-to-day care of the sixteen (16) active and retired deacons of our diocese. To this end, I have invited the Reverend Deacon Loretta Collins to accept my appointment as non-stipendiary Archdeacon of the Diocese of Easton with primary responsibility for the pastoral and spiritual care of our Deacon Community. I wish to reiterate that this isn’t an administrative position, rather one of pastoral care and networking.
Congregational Self-Care
I wish to inform convention of an initiative to offer Congregational Self-Care to each congregation of the diocese. Back in the spring of 2020, I invited The Reverend Dr. Ileana Lindstrom (retired ELCA pastor), licensed psychologist with a doctorate in that discipline, to speak with our diocesan clergy leaders about the negative impacts of prolonged stress during the pandemic. Her words of wisdom were well received, and several members of the clergy informed me of how much they appreciated her presentation. In the Fall, I began working with Ileana to plan for a deeper program to offer to the wider diocese. I am pleased to announce that Ileana has agreed to offer a 2-hour session to every Vestry on resilience in a time of pandemic. The cost for this initial session is sponsored by the Diocese. Information about this program was presented to the clergy of the diocese at a recent clericus gathering. While this program is primarily being offered for Vestries, the upper limit for participants is 20 persons, so I will leave the decision about potentially inviting other members of the congregation to each church. The cost of any further consultation sessions will be borne by the parish. I urge parish leadership to avail this self-care initiative to members in the parish.
Full-time Latino Missioner
The calling of our first Latino Church, La Sagrada Familia de Jesus – The Holy Family of Jesus - in collaboration with Shrewsbury Parish, Kennedyville, is worth celebrating. To this end, I am asking Diocesan Convention to direct the Diocesan Finance Committee to develop a financial vison to ascertain ways the diocese may resource this missional frontier across the diocese, beginning with a two-year compensation package to call our first full-time Latinx Missioner in 2022.
The Diocesan Financial Sustainability Task Force (Parousia IV) is working on a strategy to create the mechanisms whereby the diocese could afford to establish long-term support for diocesan ministries focused on underserved and growing populations. This focus will include the evangelization of our African American sisters and brothers in our parochial jurisdictions.
My beloved, this isn’t a pipe dream. At present, in La Sagrada Familia de Jesus, we possess an active and vibrant mission that requires support and resourcing. The harvest before us is plentiful and we need to be convicted enough to see and respond to the opportunities this presents. This missional imperative isn’t an option, rather it is our mandate from God. This is a critical component in the diocese’s pursuit toward missional sustainability, in order to support and grow this demographic of our sisters and brothers within the diocesan family. I ask this Diocesan Convention to sincerely thank our brother The Reverend Canon Bill Chilton for his vision and pioneering efforts years ago. In addition, I ask that the Diocesan Convention thank The Reverend Thomas Sinnott, our Latino Missioner, for expanding this mission, and Shrewsbury Parish, for its committed and ongoing support on behalf of God and this church. And, I humbly request that this Diocesan Convention show its appreciation to Mark Hansen, the lay pastor of St. Clements’, Massey for his integration of our Latinx sisters and brothers into the very life and fabric of that congregation.
I am pleased to report to Diocesan Convention that the work on the comprehensive review of the Diocesan Constitution and Canons which began over eighteen months ago has reached a significant milestone. The task force has completed their suggested revisions and turned over the document to the Constitution and Canons Committee for their evaluation and review. This marks the beginning steps in the process of debate and approval leading up to the 2022 and 2023 Diocesan Conventions. To this end, I ask Diocesan Convention to direct the Diocesan Constitution and Canons Committee, in conjunction with the task force, to develop a viable strategy to engage diocesan wide consultation and discussion in 2021. This strategy will need to provide opportunities for reading, reflecting, commenting, and discussing the preliminary document around the diocese, which will ultimately contribute to the shaping of the final document. The process developed by the two bodies will be presented to the Diocesan Standing Committee for review before being sent to the Diocesan Council for its review and approval. As reflected in the canons, Diocesan Council is canonically authorized to act on behalf of Diocesan Convention outside of session.
The Constitution and Canons of a diocese is a sacred document that governs the legal organization of every global Anglican/Episcopal Church. And I take seriously this instrument in our common life. Its primary function is to order the governance and organizational aspects of the institution. It serves as a servant to the church rather than its master. Likewise, in its drafting it should always see its integrity amplified in its service to a given diocese, as an instrument inspired to, as far as humanly possible, offer grace and mercy. New converts to the faith are not drawn to the church because of its Constitution and Canons, rather they do so because of their attraction to Jesus as Lord and Savior and the gift of ‘second chance’ that is found in Christ.
Personally, I cannot say enough about the leadership of the chairperson of the task force, Dr. Lynn McLain, who is a faithful member of Emmanuel Church, Chestertown. She currently serves as Professor of Law, Emerita and Dean Joseph Curtis Faculty Fellow with the University of Baltimore School of Law and is a renowned author, scholar and expert on Evidence Law. Lynn’s ability to inspire her team led to faithful and challenging discussions that should improve the life of our diocese immensely. She went the ‘extra mile’ on our behalf, and we owe her a huge debt of gratitude.
In Lynn and her team, the diocese is unearthing ‘gems hidden in a field’ in a crucial area of diocesan life – Constitution and Canons. From all reports Lynn’s discipline, professionalism, intellectual humility, attention to details and astute leadership helped to make what could have been an onerous task into a joyful service opportunity. Our diocese has also been blessed with the consulting assistance of one of the Episcopal Church’s foremost minds in Canon Law, Mr. David Booth Beers, Esq. David has decades years of experience in the area of Canon Law, including more than thirty (30) years as Chancellor to succeeding Presiding Bishops of the Episcopal Church. Also serving on the task force were two former Chancellors of the Diocese, Mr. David Bryan, Esq. and Mr. Ernest Cornbrooks, Esq. These gentlemen brought decades worth of expertise in the subject of Canon Law with them. Our current Chancellor, Mr. Regan Smith, Esq. brought his expertise and wisdom as well. In addition, dedicated lay members of our diocese brought their considerable talents to this project: Ms. Nancy Dick, Mrs. April Reese and Mr. Thomas Shuster. Rounding out this team were some of our diocesan clergy: The Rev. Cn. Patrick Collins, The Rev. Patricia Drost-Kuhns, Esq. and The Rev. David Michaud. I ask that this Diocesan Convention thank the entire Constitution and Canons Review Task Force for all their dedication and hard work.
Organizational Life Going Forward
The hope is that with our new model of a One-Day convention format, the diocese would do much of its laborious and research-driven hard work through councils, committees, commissions, boards and task forces, at the front end of each succeeding convention. Of note, this model is vigorously utilized by the Episcopal Church’s General Convention and we are patterning our work to reflect that organizational model. Diocesan Convention’s task would be to, as much as possible, affirm any designated initiatives having already undergone any required intensive diocesan wide input. This proactive approach should serve to reduce extensive debates on the floor of Convention while allowing input and contribution of a wider cross section of our entire diocesan family. One of the revelations of living in a global pandemic are new, untapped, innovative and cost-effective ways to leverage technology in pursuing the mission and ministry of God’s church.
(Follow the next issue of E-News or read the full address on the diocesan website.)
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Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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Agape Annual Campaign
I am writing on behalf of the Agape Ministry of the Diocese of Easton – a vital ministry of our Diocese for the children of incarcerated parents. We hope that you will again be partnering with us by donating to our Camp Week and Christmas Party. Let me share with you what has been going on in the Agape Ministry during this time of pandemic.
One of the by-products of the Covid Pandemic has been the ability to adapt. In the Spring of 2020, as it became clear that it would not be possible to have the children come to Camp Wright for our usual time together, we developed a “Camp in the Box” program with a week of daily Zoom meetings. We were able to spend time together, play games, make crafts, and on the first day we even had a golf cart tour of the Camp! With this success under our belts, we adapted our Christmas party to also be a Zoom event.
It is with great excitement that we approach the summer of 2021, with the news that Camp Wright will be “open for business.” After discussion of the protocols that need to be in place, and continuing concerns about the virus, we decided that the best course of action was to offer our Agape Campers the opportunity to attend traditional camp sessions and to provide scholarships. Agape Ministry will also provide all the linens, camp supplies, and other support. We will follow this up at the end of the summer with another Zoom event to give the opportunity to reflect on Camp together and prepare for the return to school in the autumn. Continue reading here.
In Christ,
The Very Rev’d Michael D. Moyer OGS
Camp Agape Committee Member and Chaplain
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Covid - 19 Maryland Vaccination Deployment Update
Based on the state’s accelerating vaccination rate and an anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, Maryland is now in Phase 2B of its vaccination plan. Eligibility will continue to expand rapidly: the vaccine will soon be available to all Marylanders over the age of 16.
Marylanders eligible in Phase 1 and Phase 2A and 2B may now pre-register for vaccination at one of our mass vaccination sites. Pre-registration ensures you will be notified when you and your loved ones are able to make an appointment if you are eligible to receive a vaccine.
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Most days you are able to make an appointment for same or next day vaccine appointments at Maryland's mass vaccine locations. Click the Maryland Mass Vaccination button below to see what appointment times are available in your area. Check back often as they update frequently. |
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In order to get a listing of other approved vaccination locations, click the Find Local Vaccines button below. This site has links to the state’s mass vaccination sites, pharmacies, county health departments etc.
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If you have a smart-phone, Text “MDReady” to 898-211 to get alerts from the State, including notices of when there are available appointments at mass vaccination sites.
There are reputable pharmacies in the area who are distributing the vaccine right now in addition to the health department and the hospital. Unfortunately, there are also scammers who are sending emails and making phone calls trying to get people to give them money in exchange for a COVID vaccination. If you ever get an email or a phone call from someone telling you to send them money or a gift card – it is a scam. Do not send anyone any money for a vaccination.
To read more about Maryland’s Phased COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and frequently asked questions and resources click here.
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Presiding Bishop’s PSA for the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations has developed a toolkit for individuals, congregations, and ministries to facilitate and promote COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the United States. This toolkit promotes the ongoing work that parishes and dioceses have already been doing, shares best practices, and offers ideas for ways that communities can help U.S.- based Episcopalians to facilitate vaccination, overcome vaccine hesitancy, and find information from state and local officials. Churches and church leaders (lay and ordained) can serve as an important trusted bridge between public health officials and communities.
In his public service announcement encouraging vaccination, the presiding bishop says, “This vaccine can prevent the COVID-19 virus. It can help you. It can help those who you love. It can help us all. The Bible says you should love your neighbor as yourself. And getting this vaccine, as well as wearing your face mask, and keeping social distanced, and out of crowds, these are some simple and real ways that we can love our neighbor as ourselves. To love our neighbor, and while you’re at it to love yourself.”
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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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Congregational Self-Care Sessions Offered
The Diocese has offered to sponsor, for any interested church, a two-hour session with The Rev. Dr. Ileana Lindstrom (ELCA) on the subject of mental health. This session can be offered, for a group of up to 20 people, at any point in the coming year either on Zoom or in-person following COVID re-gathering protocols.
"While certain factors might make some individuals more resilient than others, resilience is not necessarily a personality trait that only some people possess. Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that anyone can learn and develop. Resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. Like building a muscle, increasing resilience takes time and intentionality."
Church leadership should contact Illeana directly in order to learn more details, and to take advantage of this offer.
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PPP Loan – SECOND CHANCE
Deadline has been extended until May 31st
The Federal Government has provided another round of assistance through the SBA with PPP loans.
If you did not file for the first round last year, YOU CAN STILL FILE. The same rules will apply as they did initially.
If you received a loan last year, YOU CAN APPLY AGAIN for a second draw amount. Not all recipients of previous loans will qualify. You will have to be able to show a reduction of income for a 2020 quarter compared to the same corresponding quarter in 2019 by 25%. There may be other factors that apply.
The deadline has been extended until May 31st. We advise you to talk to your banker as soon as possible.
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Summer Camp 2021
All paperwork and payment is due by June 1st
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Registration for our 2021 season is now open. We have reduced our session capacity in all programs, so please register early to secure your spot.
We are implementing a 100% refund policy for this summer. A camp family may cancel registration at anytime and receive a full refund.
We cannot wait to welcome campers back to Camp Wright this summer. We are committed to offering a safe, healthy, and fun experience for all our participants and look forward to partnering with you to make it happen!
As always, feel free to reach out to our camp director, Julia Connelly, if you have any questions or need any additional information.
More information is available on our website.
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Happenings Around The Diocese |
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Christ Church, Easton: On-Campus and Online Stations of the Cross
If you visit Christ Church Easton (online or on foot) you will find an offering that reflects the reach and richness of online ministry.
Members of Christ Church Easton's Design and Production Team live in three different cities. The writers of the Stations of the Cross reflections live in different states (including Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and Delaware) and they represent at least four different denominations.
Together, they designed and built 14 Stations with original artwork. They are placed on the Christ Church Easton campus and anyone is welcome to use them. Each station has a QR code. The password is “Stations”. Use the camera of your smart phone to scan it and you’ll be taken to a web page that gives the text from which the image was made, some history of the stations, and a spoken reflection. Lots to ponder. Take your time. Wait on the Spirit at each station.
If you can't go visit, they have designed an online "walk". The password is Stations. Again, anyone is welcome to use it! Or watch the new release of "Chapel of the Air: Walking the Stations", a video with commentary from Father Charlie Barton, as he walks the Stations.
Many hands and hearts from all over the country have worked on this project. These Stations of the Cross are our gift, not only to church members but to anyone who can access the internet. Come and wait with us. Watch and see what God can do.
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Trinity Cathedral, Easton - Excitement & Apprehension - A Letter from The Very Rev. Gregory L. Powell
I’ve given a lot of thought to what it means to reopen Trinity Cathedral for Sunday worship after 54 weeks of Covid-19 closure. Truth is, I’m both excited and apprehensive about it. What feelings arise in you regarding our progression toward reclaiming our shared space?
My excitement is easy to name. I’m most excited to again be part of the “us” that is our gathered community. Just as a kite comes to life when lifted by the wind, I’m eager to join with you in the rituals and symbols of our tradition that come to life when lifted up with our hearts and voices.
I’m excited by the idea of human touch—hugging you and being hugged by you—without anxiety or worry on our part. I’m excited to hear the choir and to see Amy come alive when doing what she loves best. I’m excited to see how you embrace the person, gifts, and life of Sandy, our Assistant Dean, and Nathaniel, our Resident Theologian. I am excited to once again share with you the thin place that is Trinity Cathedral.
I also sense apprehension about our return to a more common life. This feeling, while more difficult to express, is undeniable.
As we yearn for a return to normalcy, I’m concerned we will unconsciously try to resume a way of church that in some ways wasn’t working for those of us on the inside nor for those on the outside. Jesus said, “My way is easy.” So why were some aspects of church so hard? I confess that while grieving the loss of in-person connection with you, I also discovered inner goodness and strength in this time away from church. Is that true for you? Can we all say that some respite from church as we knew it was good for us? Can we claim the gift and blessing without guilt? Read more here.
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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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Spring Quiet Day
Thursday, April 8, in-person
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
In-person session
St. Paul’s Church, Hillsboro
Thursday, April 22, on Zoom
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
with Julia Morris-Myers
Virtual session on Zoom
This Seasonal Quiet Day will focus on new beginnings! Join us as we observe the parallels among spring, resurrection, and the gradual ending of the pandemic.
Where do you see a rebirth in your own life and
how is that specifically tied to this year of extraordinary challenges?
What do you wish to leave behind…or carry with you?
We will be guided by scripture, poetry, silence, and conversation, and most of all by Mother Nature.
This socially distanced gathering will take place in St. Paul’s Church and on the beautiful grounds of the Retreat House. Bring your lunch to enjoy indoors or outdoors in the spaces we have prepared. (Masks will still be required indoors.)
Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link.
Conscious Aging Wisdom Circle
Fridays, April 16-May 21
1:00-2:30pm
with Beth Knight, via Zoom
In this wisdom circle, we will learn to create a “new vision of aging." During these sessions, you will be guided to:
- Develop skills of self-compassion
- Discover what gives heart & meaning to your life
- Minimize feelings of isolation
- Cultivate a personal roadmap for your own aging journey
We hope you will join us as we focus on listening to our own inner wisdom and guidance, cultivating best practices, sharing in an intimate conversation circle, and listening to the collective wisdom of the group.
The Wisdom Café
Monday's from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Zoom. It's an hour of friendly companionship--no commitment, no charge. Come and go as you please!
If you would like to receive an email reminder on Monday mornings (which will include the zoom link) please sign up here.
Day's End Evening Meditation Listen, breathe, be still. A peaceful way to move into your evening. Feel free to log in to hear a beautiful prayer or poem followed by just the right amount of quiet meditation time.
Meeting ID: 212 677 840
Password: 944568
Call in/audio only: 301 715 8592
Pause
This Friday afternoon message is intended to give you a moment of reflection in the form of a poem, quote, and image. These messages will also be shared via email, in our social media and archived on the website. If you missed last week's edition, please click here to read it.
PLEASE NOTE: All AA meetings will be online only until the weather warms. Click here to attend AA meetings through Zoom.
Fridays: 7:30 pm, AA Big Book
Saturdays: 7:00 pm, AA Women's Candlelight
Sundays: 5:30 pm, AA Step
Click here for more AA meetings online and in person
All are welcome at The Retreat House to take quiet walks among the beautiful old trees, to visit historic St. Paul's Cemetery, or enjoy a labyrinth meditation.
At this time, we are not hosting indoor gatherings. Thank you for observing safety protocols while you are here, by wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Please stay safe and be well!
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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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for the repose of the soul of the following people and for comfort for their families:
Shirley Vance
Philip Young
John David
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Bishop Parsley as he is recovering from shoulder surgery, for Bishop San's sisters - Padmini (Paddy) Marray and Sandra Marray, both battling breast cancer. Bryan Glancey, Vicar, St. Andrew's, Hurlock. Rev. Kevin Cross, Rector, Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford. The Rev. Dr. Lisa Webb. The Rev. Pete Stanton. Larry Samuels, spouse of Deacon Candidate, Peggy Samuels. Art Leiby. Becky Richardson. Weasie Kamihachi. Jody Farley. Father Ron Knapp. Jefferson Moak.
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
Easter Sunday
(April 4th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people and ministry at Bayleigh Chase, and for their Chaplain, the Rev. Marianne Ell, and her spouse, John. For Deacon Sherry Snyder, and her spouse, John, and all caretakers that minister to its residents.
Second Sunday of Easter
(April 11th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Trinity Cathedral, and
their Dean, the Very Rev. Greg Powell, and his spouse, Noelle.
Third Sunday of Easter
(April 18th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Emmanuel, Chestertown, and their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams, and her spouse, Joseph.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
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Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
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Presiding Bishop Curry: Easter 2021 Message
“Our work goes on. Our labor for love continues,” Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry said in his Easter 2021 Message, “We will not cease, and we will not give up until this world reflects less our nightmare and more God’s dream where there’s plenty good room for all God’s children. Hallelujah anyhow.” Watch here.
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Archbishop of Canterbury will lead Easter Sunday
online worship from Canterbury Cathedral
As churches and cathedrals around the country prepare to celebrate Easter, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will for the first time give his Easter sermon across BBC television, local and national radio and the Church of England digital platforms.
Welby’s Easter sermon proclaims the resurrection as the turning point of history. In raising Jesus to new life, he will say, God makes a “lie” of death.
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Register now: Evangelism Matters audioconference, an innovative approach to sharing, learning, and growing evangelism ministry
Conference launches on April 12, 2021
This spring’s Evangelism Matters conference invites participants to turn off the Zoom screen and “tune in” for an audioconference featuring podcast-style talks on the opportunity and challenge of evangelism today.
Launching on April 12 and available here. The free audioconference intentionally flips the conference format inside-out with an innovative approach to sharing, learning, and growing the ministry of evangelism among Episcopalians.
“We know people are suffering from ‘Zoom fatigue,’” said Lydia Bucklin, canon to the ordinary for Discipleship & Vitality, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan and member of the Evangelism Matters design team, “It’s great to give people the option to physically move while listening: walking the dog, doing the laundry, driving their car. They can learn, interact, and reflect when and where it’s best.” The theme for this year’s gathering is “The Discipline of Hope.” Learn more here.
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Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching the Beloved Community is now live in your favorite podcasting app!
In this episode of Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community, we speak with Episcopalians committed to the Beloved Community about the texts for Easter Day.
The texts covered in this episode are John 20:1-18 and Mark 16:1-8. Our guests this week are: Jennifer Irving, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Director of Grants at the Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota; the Rev. Shug Goodlow, from the Diocese of Missouri, a transitional deacon at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Missouri; and the Rev. Dr. Gavin Shumate, a bivocational priest, serving St. John’s Episcopal Church in Toledo, Oregon, and physician at Integrity Women’s Health & Wellness, LLC, in Newport, Oregon.
Prophetic Voices is a podcast series hosted by the Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, Episcopal Church staff officer for Racial Reconciliation. Join Brokenleg and invited guests for this six-episode series as they share prophetic voices and explore the readings for Ash Wednesday and each day of Holy Week and Easter through the lens of social justice. Learn more about this podcast and listen to past episodes here. For more information on Becoming Beloved Community Read more here
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Spring is arriving and with it a new year of Good News Gardens ministry
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Curry describes Good News Gardens as “A way of planting seeds for a new heaven and a new earth,” in this video invitation to join with others in this transformational agrarian ministry that feeds body, mind, and spirit. Good News Gardens is a church-wide movement of individuals, congregations, schools, colleges, seminaries, monasteries, camps and conference centers involved in a variety of food and creation care ministries – gardening, farming, beekeeping, composting, gleaning, feeding, and food justice advocacy. Collectively good news gardeners share their abundance, their prayers, and the Way of Love in their communities and beyond. Listen & learn more here.
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Presiding Bishop calls for Good Friday Offering to support ministry in Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East In his Good Friday letter, Presiding Bishop Curry asks each Bishop and congregation to consider providing assistance for the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.
First gathered in 1922, the initial Good Friday Offering was an intentional response of The Episcopal Church to support Anglican ministries in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East that were impacted by the devastation of World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and social and political unrest affecting Armenian Christians, among others throughout that region.
A lifeline of hope in times of genuine need in years past, the Good Friday Offering continues to support churches, medical programs and schools today.
In his 2021 letter, Bishop Curry writes, “This prior era a century ago reminds us that ours is not the only time in which forces beyond our control affect the lives of God’s people. We are all aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected virtually every person on the planet in one way or another. . . “ Read more here.
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Thy Kingdom Come - Resources for All Ages!
Cheeky Pandas
A fun-filled 11 part series for kids created in collaboration with the brilliant Cheeky Pandas!
This year, our flagship family resource is the Cheeky Pandas.
Our hope and prayer is that this resource would be a real blessing to churches, schools and families, inspiring children on their faith journey.
Here is the first FULL episode and accompanying resources including the accompanying church service outline, activity pack and prayer booklets.
We are encouraging churches to consider sharing this episode with their congregation from April 11th onwards.
We will also be sharing an exclusive episode of the Cheeky Pandas every Sunday, at 4pm, from the 11th April onwards on our YouTube and Facebook pages, until Thy Kingdom Come begin.
Cheeky Pandas Bake Off! Competition
To launch the first exclusive viewing of the Cheeky Pandas (which has a baking theme & featuring Bear Grylls) on Thy Kingdom Come’s platforms on 11th April ( Facebook & YouTube ), we are hosting the ‘Cheeky Pandas Bake Off competition!’
We are calling all young bakers and decorators (And all those young at heart!) to show us their skills – either by baking & decorating a cake or designing a cake (using any creative art form!).
All submissions will be judged and entered into a prize draw to win one of five special prizes. We have a super special guest judge who will decide the winners, which will be announced on 18th April on our Facebook page.
Visit here for more details.
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Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps: Application deadline for 2021-2022 extended - New deadline: April 9, 2021
Applications for 2021-2022 placements with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC), the international missionary program of The Episcopal Church, will now be accepted through Friday, April 9, 2021. YASC offers Episcopalians ages 21-30 the opportunity to follow the Way of Love into deeper relationship with God and the global Anglican Church while spending a year living and working with communities around the world. Read more here.
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Episcopal Church scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are now being accepted for educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2021-2022 academic year. Deadline for applications is April 11th. The scholarships are derived from annual income of designated trust funds established by generous donors through bequests to The Episcopal Church. The listing of trust funds and scholarships found here includes information related to the intended use of scholarship funds. A number of these scholarships are designated for students enrolled in theological education and training. Others provide modest scholarships for children of missionaries, bishops or clergy, as well as other groups covering a wide range of eligibility. When funds are available, the maximum award is $10,000 per student.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read each trust and identify in the application those trust funds that best fit their own profile. Read more here.
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There is still time to apply for Becoming Beloved Community grants for local and regional efforts - Applications due April 12, 2021
The Presiding Officers’ Advisory Group on Beloved Community Implementation is pleased to announce the availability of grants to catalyze the church’s work of racial healing, reconciliation and justice. Allocated by the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, the intent for this funding is to build capacity and increase Episcopal engagement in four primary fields: telling the truth about our churches and race, proclaiming the dream of Beloved Community, practicing Jesus’ way of healing and reconciliation, and repairing the breach in institutions and society.
“During and since General Convention, leaders from dioceses throughout The Episcopal Church have shared their desire to develop and put forth programming, action, and education around racial reconciliation that comes from and makes sense in their various contexts,” said advisory group chair, the Rev. Edwin Johnson, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. “We are excited to empower and partner with churches, dioceses and communities to do just that, as they know their people and contexts better than anyone else. In the end, we are hopeful that the work we support throughout the church will enable the work of racial reconciliation on the local level while growing our collective wisdom and will to engage it more broadly together.” Read more here.
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Deadline extended for Care of Creation Grants
Application deadline April 16, 2021
The deadline to apply for 2021 grants from the Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism has been extended to April 16.
Created by the 2018 General Convention of The Episcopal Church, the Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism is charged with supporting and expanding The Episcopal Church’s loving, liberating, life-giving relationship with God, with each other and with Creation. That year, the General Convention allocated funds to this task force to support local and regional eco-ministry efforts. This is the second and final granting process for this Task Force during this triennium.
“Through this grant program, we seek to support long-term ministries which focus on the inequitable and systemic impacts of environmental racism, regional and local ecojustice concerns and the pressing issues arising from the climate emergency,” noted the Rev. Stephanie M. Johnson, chair of the Task Force. Read more here.
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Registration open for upcoming session of Virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency course August 9-13, 2021
Registration is now open for the next session of the Virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course (VELMC), an innovative five-day intensive course designed for diocesan staff, clergy, lay leaders, and seminarians to gain practical knowledge and cultural competency for Latino/Hispanic ministry. Registration deadline is July 30, 2021. Read more here.
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Applications accepted for the Julia Chester Emery 2021-2022 internship
In 2015, the United Thank Offering (UTO) Board launched the Julia Chester Emery internship program for young adults in honor of the countless women who served as UTO missionaries. The 2021-2022 internship will be a collaborative effort between The Episcopal Church’s Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care team (RJCC) and the Johnson Service Corp House (JSC), a part of Episcopal Service Corps, located in Chapel Hill or Durham, North Carolina.
“The UTO Board is so excited to continue to deepen our relationship with the RJCC team by working together to provide this unique internship which we hope will encourage a young person to think critically about creation care, justice, race, gratitude and help us grow in new ways from their ideas and questions,” shared the Rev. Canon Heather Melton, staff officer, UTO. Read more here.
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Episcopal Migration Ministries offers daily Lenten devotional series
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), in partnership with members of the Episcopal Asylum Ministry Network, is offering a daily Lenten devotional series. Written reflections will be released daily beginning Ash Wednesday, February 17, through Easter Sunday, April 4. Reflections will also be available on the EMM website blog.
“EMM’s Lenten devotional series offers daily reflections on Isaiah 58 by EMM supporters, friends, and ministry partners through the lens of migration,” said Allison Duvall, EMM manager for church relations and engagement.
Sign up here to receive EMM Lenten Devotions via email.
Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of The Episcopal Church and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. Episcopal Migration Ministries currently has 12 affiliate partners in 11 states. In addition to its long-standing work in refugee resettlement ministry, Episcopal Migration Ministries is The Episcopal Church’s convening place for collaboration, education, and information-sharing on migration. To directly support EMM and its life-changing work, visit www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text ‘EMM’ to 41444 (standard messaging and data may rates apply).
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Life Transformed - The Way of Love in Lent revised for 2021
New and updated resources available for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
New and updated Lent and Easter resources for congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith are available from The Episcopal Church, with additional offerings coming soon. Available and upcoming resources include: Updated Life Transformed – The Way of Love in Lent curriculum; Sermons That Work for Holy Week and Easter; a new podcast series, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community. Find resources here. Read more 2021 Lent Resources
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Episcopal Relief & Development Focuses on Lament in 2021 Lenten Meditations In response to the unprecedented events of the past year, Episcopal Relief & Development’s 2021 Lenten Meditations share deeply personal reflections on the theme of lament from a diverse group of writers. Many of the authors share experiences related to a variety of issues including disease, violence, racial injustice and poverty.
“2020 was a deeply challenging year for many, filled with losses,” said Sean McConnell, Senior Director, Engagement, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We hope our supporters will use the 2021 Lenten Meditations to guide them through the four steps of lament and to help them heal and grow.” Read more here.
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Save the Date SUMMA Theological Debate Summer Camp, July 20–28, 2021
The SUMMA Theological Debate Summer Camp brings together high school students from across the country to one of the largest and most beautiful college campuses anywhere – the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. By exploring life’s biggest questions through theological debate, we broaden students’ understanding of Christianity and its enduring power to speak the truth in love.
SUMMA Camp will be held July 20–28, 2021 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
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Welcome to For People, a conversation with Bishop Rob Wright, spiritual leader to the more than 50,000 people in the 117 worshipping communities of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. In this podcast, Bishop Wright meets listeners at the crossroads of faith and life to explore the challenges of an ever-changing world. Listen in to find out how he expands on his For Faith devotional, drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus to answer 21st-century questions. Listen Now
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