From the Office of the Bishop |
|
Bishop's Blog is going Virtual for Lent
Every Friday starting tomorrow!!
Faithful Fridays
Bishop San will be creating and posting a devotional video every Friday during Lent (beginning February 19th). 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.
|
|
Bishop's Spotlight
The Bishop has three Lenten offerings for the Diocese including his Faithful Fridays, daily noon day prayers, and the Thursday book study group. He is also busy preparing for the upcoming Diocesan Convention on March 6th (virtual).
|
|
Lenten Book Study with Bishop San
"Living Reconciliation"
The Bishop in his roles as chief pastor, spiritual leader, and teacher of the Diocese is hosting a Book Study on Zoom every Thursday at 12 noon, during Lent. We will be discussing the book "Living Reconciliation" and all are welcome. The study started on Thursday, February 17th, but new arrivals are encouraged to join us at any time. Simply click the Register link below to get a link for the upcoming Thursday.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email
containing information about joining the meeting.
Purchase the book online here.
"Living Reconciliation" also serves as a foundational book for the Difference Course that will be offered by our church communities in the coming year. Anyone interested in leading a Difference Course is also encouraged to register for this book study.
|
|
Noonday Prayers During Lent |
|
Pray With Us
The Diocese of Easton will be offering noonday prayer every weekday, Monday thru Friday, during Lent (February 18th - April 2nd) on Facebook. Please join us by visiting our Facebook page daily at 12:00pm. Please take a moment in order to join with others from around the diocese as we lift our thoughts and concerns to God in prayer.
|
|
Sign Up to Lead
Anyone interested is welcome to sign-up to lead noonday prayers (pre-recorded or live streamed) during lent. Send us an email if you are interested in being on the list.
|
|
153rd Diocesan Convention To Be Virtual
Saturday, March 6th, 2021
For more information visit:
Each church in the Diocese has selected delegates and alternates to represent them, along with clergy, on behalf of their parish. Delegates and canonically resident clergy are authorized to vote. All these individuals will participate in the 2021 Convention via zoom meeting. Others are welcome to watch the livestream on the Episcopal Diocese of Easton Facebook page as non-voting guests.
|
|
Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has designated Sunday, February 21st (First Sunday of Lent) as Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday. This is ERD’s annual effort in encouraging dioceses, parishes and the wider church community (both national and global) to focus, highlight and financially support the work of this critical servant ministry.
Episcopal Relief and Development is recognized across the church for its humanitarian work, especially in its timely response to situations of natural disaster. In the wider communion it is known for its work in the depressed and challenging areas of the world struggling with health care issues, clean potable water, economic sustainability and other areas of basic human needs.
Episcopal Relief and Development is oftentimes the first to arrive and later, the only relief agency still around when the spotlight is removed from a place that had undergone tragic and catastrophic life-changing events.
The Diocese of Easton has been a beneficiary of this ministry on several occasions and so have many other dioceses across the Episcopal Church and global Anglican Communion.
Parish leadership is encouraged to vigorously promote the Sunday designated ERD Sunday through prayers and financial commitment. Donations may be sent to the Diocese of Easton, 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601 earmarked for ERD or send them to your parish indicating the same notation.
Bishop San
|
|
More From the Office of the Bishop |
|
Bishop’s Epiphany and Lenten Appeal 2021
“…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,* you did it to me…” (Matthew 23: 40)
‘Hunger isn’t a deferred option’
(Bishop San)
My beloved Diocesan Family,
Every baptized Christian, as a faithful follower of Jesus, is called to that undeniable role as a missionary of righteous living. Each of us is a prototype and/or derivative of the one living resurrected Christ who was the quintessential ‘burden bearer'. As Jesus demonstrated selfless love by embodying care and concern for the world, likewise as modern-day disciples, our call is to continue his missional message of love: pursuing justice for all, bringing healing to this broken world, and giving generously to the needs of the poor, disenfranchised and helpless. The aforementioned gospel text of Jesus is a clear indication of his identification with the ‘invisible and underrepresented’ of the world and society. Our Lord’s church is constantly reminded of its ministry to identify with the beloved living and surviving in what the Latin American theologians termed ‘people in the underside of society’.
In the interest of contributing to the alleviation of human suffering in the face of unexpected and unforeseeable events, events that have already and inevitably will again diminish the integrity of our sisters and brothers, I write to appeal to members of our diocesan family to make a generous donation to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. It is customary for this fund to be serviced from the special offering taken at the Bishop’s Annual Visitation to parishes. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 Pandemic has significantly restricted visitation to parishes. Yet at the same time the care, concerns and needs of God’s beloved has continued unabated, and even more so in a time of pandemic. As a result, the fund is severely depleted. The bishop doesn’t anticipate resuming regular parish visitation until either most of our sisters and brothers are vaccinated, or by, God’s grace, the overwhelming threat posed by the virus to health and safety has significantly diminished.
Over the years I have seen the generosity of our Diocesan family as we have tended to one another, our communities, and our global brothers and sisters. It is with a grateful heart that I mail this letter, confident that our Episcopal family on the Eastern shore of Maryland will open their hearts and give generously to this year’s Epiphany and Lenten Appeal.
May this generous effort remain a powerful demonstration of support and solidarity. A sign of our commitment and empathy with the efforts envisioned in helping to return the lives of God’s beloved to some semblance of normalcy.
In the Seasons of Light, Hope, Self-emptying and Penitence, the gospel is clear and poignant in its admonition to “love our neighbors as ourselves” and reach out with a ‘helping hand’ to those who need our assistance, and that when we do so for ‘the least of these’ we are doing so for Christ, our Savior himself. As faithful baptized Christians, we are sanctified to live out this call “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself.”
My beloved in Christ, I implore your generosity and encourage you to give lavishly to this remarkably noble and hopeful cause. You may do so through your parish or send checks to Diocese of Easton, 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601, with a notation indicating “Bishop’s Epiphany and Lenten Appeal”. You may also choose to give online by clicking here.
I encourage all rectors, priests-in-charge, supply clergy, wardens, worship leaders and vestries to make this appeal one of the priorities in their Epiphany and Lenten parochial activity.
As your brother in Christ and bishop, I am genuinely confident in the generosity of this caring and loving diocese, supporters and well-wishers who find our churches a place of hope and grace.
Every blessing and love!
Together in Christ’s service,
+San
|
|
Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
|
|
PPP Loan – SECOND CHANCE
The Federal Government is providing 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.
But HURRY! The last day to apply for and receive a PPP loan is March 31, 2021. We advise you to talk to your banker as soon as possible.
Attached is a document form the SBA concerning this program.
|
|
IONA Collaborative - Deadline Approaching
The Diocese of Easton is beginning a partnership with the IONA Collaborative. "Iona Collaborative provides high-quality theological education for the formation of priests and deacons in their local diocesan settings, educating a new generation of ordained leaders who for various reasons cannot attend a residential seminary." If you are feeling called to ordained ministry please contact your parish clergy person (or Senior Warden if you do not have a clergy person) so that they can forward your interest to Bishop San. You may also email Bishop San directly. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree. Please be sure to indicate your intention to apply no later than April 5th. Classes will begin in the Fall of 2021.
|
|
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.
|
|
Suicide Intervention Training
Since the last General Convention the Department of Faith Formation staff have been convening a working group to address the Suicide Prevention initiative named and funded in resolution GC#2018-C014.
They have contracted with LivingWorks for 1000 enrollments in their LivingWorks Start training. They are offering this training free of charge to folks who work with individuals in our highest risk communities, including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, veterans, youth, and young adults. If you would like to take this free training, click here to register before March 1st. If you have any issues registering please contact Joanne Fisher in the Diocesan Office.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration and your action. Together we can make a difference in the lives of many.
|
|
Vaccination Deployment
At this time, the federal government is giving Maryland approximately 12,000 doses per day for over 2 million people who are eligible. SUPPLY IS VERY LIMITED, especially as the vaccine is becoming available to more people. PLEASE BE PATIENT as the available supply of the vaccine in Maryland works to catch up to the demand. The vaccine will eventually be available to all Marylanders.
We encourage parishes to help get the word out about dates and distribution centers of the Covid-19 vaccine as a service to your parishioners. Currently, the State of Maryland continues to be in Phase 1C - Adults age 65 and older, essential workers in lab services, agriculture, manufacturing, postal service, clergy and other essential support for houses of worship.
To read more about Maryland’s Phased COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and frequently asked questions and resources click here.
|
|
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.
|
|
Welcome back to Camp Wright! |
|
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. Registration information and our summer camp brochures can be found here. We have a few updated policies and procedures for 2021 that we would like to share:
-
We have added a Ready, Set, Camp session for campers ages 6-10. This is a 3 night resident camp session perfect for first timers or families who prefer a shorter week. New dates and rates can be found here.
- Tiered pricing is now in effect for all of our camps. More information about tiered pricing can be found on our registration page.
-
All paperwork and payment is due by June 1. This will help us best prepare for the needs of all our campers.
- We are implementing a 100% refund policy for this summer. A camp family may cancel registration at anytime and receive a full refund.
-
Information about our COVID protocols and infection prevention can be found here. Please check back often as we will update this page as information and guidance become available.
- Resident campers who would have been 14 last summer and would like to join us for a final traditional session this summer are invited to register for Session 1, 2, and/or Senior Camp.
- Be on the lookout for more information from us regarding preparing for camp, virtual information sessions with our admin team, and Camp Wright’s COVID safety plan as session dates get closer.
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.
|
|
|
Happenings Around The Diocese |
|
You are invited to celebrate Black History Month with St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Salisbury.
Dr. John Wesley Wright, the Wright Studio Quartet, and Veronica Tomanek present: Songs of Freedom and Justice, a community interactive learning experience.
Dr. John Wesley Wright is an African American song traditions educator and has developed programs that enlighten participants to the evolution of these song traditions. The songs include spirituals, work songs, freedom songs of the Civil Rights movement, and more. The messages of these pieces are more relevant today than ever. They are songs for everyone!
Dr. Wright, with students from his vocal studio at Salisbury University and St. Alban’s music director, Veronica Tomanek, will present two different sessions on Sunday, February 21 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, February 28 at 3 p.m. Both sessions are available to the public and will be presented in a virtual format via Zoom link. After each presentation, there will be time for questions. If you are interested in both events, you must register for both. There is no charge. Due to limitations with Zoom, we will only have 100 links available. To register or for more info, call 410-742-6595 or email [email protected].
|
|
POST YOUR EVENT!
Send an email with a short description plus links or attachments to Joanne. Churches are also encouraged to add [email protected] to their local enews.
|
|
Being Sanctuary
3 Monday evenings
February 22 - March 8
7:30-9:00pm, via Zoom
Friends, each one of us has a sanctuary within if we can only pause long enough. Join us in this time of being sanctuary together as we find ways to bring its peace into our daily lives.
In this Wisdom Circle, we will share in holy listening, inviting space to hear the sacred rumblings that we each bring, and then create together a blessing of going forth, which is a Celtic practice when moving from one place to another.
We will be inspired by the voices of Brother Lawrence, a 17c. cook and Carmelite lay brother, Macrina Wiederkehr, beloved poet and monastic, as well as Howard Thurman, philosopher and theologian.
Seeing the Word: Women of the Bible
Mondays, March 1-22
6:30-7:30 pm, via Zoom
This Wisdom Circle is a contemplative prayer practice using illuminations from the St John’s Bible. These beautiful images bring to life passages from Scripture, helping us to engage with the Word, encounter the Divine, and enact the Message in our daily lives.
Journey with us through the Lenten season and explore the often-overlooked women of the Bible. We will get to see their faith, hope, courage, and love highlighted in the St John’s Bible. Click here to register online. Click here to see the flyer.
Penning Your Prayers Wisdom Circle
Wednesdays thru February 24
6:00-7:30pm, via Zoom
In this Wisdom Circle, we will explore how putting pen to paper can be a form of prayer. When we share our hopes, ideas, or uncertainties with God in writing, we may relate to God in a different way.
Using writing prompts and thought-provoking questions, we will let our minds wander back and forth in time. The companionship of the group will help us discover new insights as we practice the art of spiritual journaling. The only requirements are paper, a pen, and an open mind.
Seasonal Quiet Day
Thursday, March 25
9:30am - 1:00pm
with Julia Morris Myers, via Zoom
Personal Retreat
The Retreat House offers sanctuary to anyone who wishes to get away and to rest, whether for a few hours or a few days. We invite you to be here for a time, perhaps as part of your Lenten journey.
For a Personal Retreat Day, you set aside all or part of a day to be at the Retreat House by yourself or with a companion.
For a Hermitage Overnight, you reserve a guest room for one or more nights.
This is a wonderful opportunity to be still, to renew your spirit, to open your heart to God.
Enjoy soothing meditative walks, beautiful St. Paul’s church, sip a cup of tea, peruse the Retreat House library, or put your feet up and close your eyes.
The suggested donation for a Personal Retreat Day is $50, and $75/night for a Hermitage Overnight. But please don’t let finances get in the way!
Learn more about spending time with a Retreat House spiritual director in person or online.
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 for the foreseeable future. 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
The Retreat House gates are always open.
Please come for a visit soon!
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.
|
|
Pastoral Concerns
We pray for the repose of the soul of the following people and for comfort for their families:
Katherine (Kit) Bainbridge
The Rev. Bruce Byrolly
Margaret Hudson - mother of Ellen Bunting.
We pray for healing and comfort for
Jody Farley.
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: 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.
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.
Submit prayer requests to: [email protected]. Names are listed for four weeks unless otherwise specified.
|
|
Diocesan Prayer Calendar
First Sunday in Lent
(February 21st)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Augustine Parish, Chesapeake City, and for their lay leadership.
Second Sunday in Lent
(February 28th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s, Vienna,
and St. Mary’s, Tyaskin, and for their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Dennis
Morgan and his spouse, Jane.
Third Sunday in Lent
(March 7th)
Gracious God, we are grateful for your faithful people across the Diocese of Easton who virtually gathered for our 153rd Annual Convention yesterday. Lead us all to be your light and vessels of compassion and mercy, hospitality and reconciling presence. Inspire your church with a grateful heart and thankful spirit.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
|
|
|
Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
|
|
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.
|
|
Fourth season of ‘The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry’ podcast continues - The Blessing of Mercy with Bryan Stevenson Season 4, Episode 4
In this episode, Bishop Curry talks with Bryan Stevenson – author, lawyer, and founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama – about what it means to remember, reorient, and renew an active faith in Jesus and his Way of Love.
|
|
As the capstone of the Province III Anti-Racism and Racial Justice discussion of his book, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi will be joining us for a question and answer session. And everyone in Province III is invited to join us! The event will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, March 24 from 8-9 pm. Register HERE
|
|
Bexley Seabury Seminary Launches Pathways for Baptismal Living Bexley Seabury made a huge splash by launching its new division, Pathways for Baptismal Living, during the 2021 Forma conference. Pathways was birthed out of the desire to make seminary-created theological education and pastoral training more accessible for ALL the baptized, especially laity. Its goal is to give faithful leaders the tools they need to enrich their faith in community – all without having to enroll in a degree program. Read more here.
|
|
Task Force announces next round of missional investments The Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Church Planting and Congregational Redevelopment announced that its sixth set of grants are now available for Episcopal dioceses and mission developers who are envisioning, planning, or growing new worshipping communities and missional enterprises throughout the church. The grants are part of a $2,500,000 initiative funded by the General Convention in 2018 that seeks to celebrate and strategically support emerging communities in The Episcopal Church and that builds partnerships within and beyond the church, expands our language of ministry, and creates new ways for the church to engage the people of God. Read more here.
|
|
The Episcopal Church offers a new Global Mission Digital Toolkit The Global Mission Digital Toolkit is now available. Launched on World Mission Sunday, which was observed on the last Sunday after Epiphany, February 14, this resource is a collaboration between The Episcopal Church Office of Global Partnerships (OGP), the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN), and the Standing Commission on World Mission (SCWM). This toolkit explores The Episcopal Church teaching that the mission of the church is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (Book of Common Prayer, p 855) in a global context and offers resources to help Episcopalians live into this teaching. The project collaboration is supported by a generous grant from the Constable Fund.
The Global Mission Digital Toolkit is intended for individuals, small groups, congregations, dioceses, and our partners across the Anglican Communion. The lens of the toolkit focuses on The Way of Love, Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life and the Standing Commission’s Guiding Principles for World Mission. These principles have guided the work of the Standing Commission on World Mission in this triennium and will be proposed for adoption at the next General Convention. Read more here.
|
|
Becoming Beloved Community grants available for local and regional efforts
Applications are open and due on 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.
|
|
Ministry Architects
How to Celebrate Easter In a Pandemic
You can have a creative, well thought out, and engaging Easter season. In this blog, Brandi Kirkland shares how you can create an Easter plan that engages both visitors and members, and does not let the current climate hinder the celebration. Read more.
The Sustainable Ministry Show - Listen to These Podcasts
It's not too early to start looking ahead - especially given the times in which we're doing ministry. On this podcast episode, the team talks about preparing for Easter, and how the changes that will come this year can still make Easter fruitful. Listen here.
How are you using this unique Lenten season to prepare your congregation for this year's Easter? On this podcast episode, the team talks about the advantages of planning for Easter now, as well as discussing the types of needs your congregants might be feeling during this Lenten season. Listen here.
|
|
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).
|
|
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
|
|
Episcopal Relief & Development Receives Spotlight Initiative Grant
Episcopal Relief & Development has received a $188,436 three-year grant from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund), in partnership and with funding through the European Union and United Nations Spotlight Initiative. The grant will focus on strengthening the organization’s existing program partnership with the Episcopal Church of Liberia Relief & Development (ECLRD) to address violence against women and girls in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
|
|
Archbishop of Canterbury Continues Lambeth Conference prayer journey - sharing prayers of Hope for the World. At a time where the world still faces the challenge of COVID-19 alongside ongoing issues like climate crisis, poverty, economic injustice, conflict and inequality, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has launched a Lambeth Conference prayer journey to share “prayers of hope for the world.” We invite you to join with our global Anglican Community in prayer.
|
|
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.
|
|
Church Pension Group Launches New Podcast Series ‘Choose Well: Helpful Conversations About Well-Being’
The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church, announced that it recently launched Choose Well, a new podcast series featuring interviews with health and finance experts who provide insights and suggestions on topics that are particularly relevant today: financial wellness, cultivating healthy behaviors, and leading a balanced life. Individuals can access Choose Well through their favorite podcast app or CPG’s website (cpg.org/podcast). Read more here.
|
|
From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference
Starting January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), The Episcopal Church launches “From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference,” a campaign urging Episcopalians and our neighbors to engage in the spiritual practice of listening and honest conversation across the many differences that separate us. Read more here.
|
|
CEEP Network Announces 2021 Digital Conference; Archbishop of Canterbury, Presiding Bishop among keynote speakers, March 3-5, 2021 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry will be among the keynote speakers at the 36th annual conference of The CEEP Network, meeting digitally for the first time in 2021, according to Joe Swimmer, executive director.
Other keynote speakers at the conference will include Dr. Catherine Meeks, executive director, Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing (Atlanta); Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation (New York); and the Rev. Sam Wells, vicar, St. Martin-in-the Fields (London).
“The CEEP Network is honored to present the most influential thought leaders in the church today to share their wisdom and insights on the future of the church in the context of the dramatic social and economic changes taking place in our country and around the world today,” said Swimmer. Read more here.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
