154th ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION - VIRTUAL
God’s Church in Renaissance / Revival
This Saturday, March 5th, 2022
Tune in via LiveStream Beginning at 9am:
The Episcopal Church of the Eastern Shore of Maryland gathers once a year to govern the parishes that make up the Diocese of Easton. We worship, we celebrate, we listen, we speak, we debate, and we vote. It is an important event with much work that needs to be done. It is also where the Bishop makes his annual address. Diocesan Convention is a balance between being the church and dreaming the church, and there is a time and place for both.
Each church in the Diocese selects 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 participate in the 2022 Convention via zoom meeting. Others are welcome to watch the livestream on the Episcopal Diocese of Easton Facebook page.
For more information visit:
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154th Annual Diocesan Pre-Convention
Bishop's Pastoral Letter
The Bishop's latest Pastoral Letter, as read in churches around the Diocese, is also available on our website for those who would like a copy.
"The essence of Church is the one, holy, catholic and apostolic belief lived out in Jesus, the incarnate word of God for the world, and in Christ all things human and divine have their source and being."
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Lenten Book Study with Bishop San
“God's Church for God’s World” Letter of I Peter
Thursdays, March 3rd to April 14th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Bishop San is hosting a Book Study on “The First Letter of Peter: A Global Commentary” edited by Jennifer Strawbridge. All the information about this book study can be found on our website.
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Bishop's Blog is Virtual During Lent!!
Faithful Fridays
Bishop San will be creating and posting a devotional video every Friday during Lent. 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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Prayer for the People of Ukraine and Peace in Europe
Our faith teaches us that we must stand with the vulnerable and the oppressed. And at the same time, our faith teaches us that we are meant to be followers of the prince of peace, of the one who taught us that violence is always a compromise with evil. It is hard for us to reconcile those two teachings today, when innocent people are dying at the hands of a military onslaught. Our prayers feel insufficient to defend those cowering in fear and exposed to bullets and bombs.
But we know that the place where war lives is in the human heart. As the prophet Jeremiah teaches us, the heart is devious above all else; and it is in the devices and desires of hearts resisting God’s call to live in love that the first seeds of war take root. We often begin our prayers with the words “Almighty God.” But the deeper truth of our Christian faith is that we believe humanity has been redeemed, and the world forever changed, by an all-vulnerable God—a god whose love is finally victorious through the vulnerability of a naked man nailed to a cross. It is from that seeming defeat that the victory over death and sin is won forever—even the sin that lies at the heart of war.
We pray for the innocent citizens of Ukraine under attack in their own sovereign country. We pray for refugees including women and children displaced by this atrocious act of hostility. We pray for leadership as it seeks to address this war. We thank God for neighboring countries that have opened their borders to assist in this humanitarian crisis. May the Lord change the heart and intention of the leader of Russia, and may a new spirit of love and transformation prevail – “nothing is impossible with God”!
And so as we begin our season of Lent, we are called to give up our easy complacency about the durability of peace. We are called to consider again the reminders in our midst of war’s relentless cost to human life and God’s hope. And we are called to pray, and speak, and to labor for the truth that Christ has called us to transform this broken world through the hard work of love.
God of timelessness,
From chaos and disorder
you brought forth the beauty of creation;
From the chaos of war and violence
Bring forth the beauty of peace.
God of compassion
You saw the humanity of the outcast and the stranger;
Help us to see the evils of our hatreds and suspicions
and to turn them into the embrace of your Beloved Community.
God of peace, Through your love on the cross
You overcame the power of violence and death;
Turn us away from the love of power
That we may transform a warring world through the power of your love.
Amen
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Bishops of The Episcopal Church will gather for the House of Bishops spring retreat March 15-21 at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas. This will be the first in-person assembly of the House of Bishops since September 2019; it will focus on themes of hunger, honesty, humility, hopefulness, and hospitality in these days of the evolving pandemic. Meetings have been held virtually since March 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
Given the retreat format, the bishops will spend time in fellowship, study, prayer, and sabbath. They will welcome guest speakers Cynthia Bourgeault and Pádraig Ó Tuama. Additionally, the bishops will prepare for The Episcopal Church’s 80th General Convention and Lambeth Conference—both taking place this summer—and have a business meeting scheduled for the morning of Saturday, March 19.
The House of Bishops comprises all active and retired bishops within The Episcopal Church—nearly 300 members—with the presiding bishop serving as president.
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Full Set of Godly Play Materials Available
Christ Church Parish, Kent Island is Spring cleaning and they have a large set of the GODLY PLAY materials that many Episcopal Churches use for their Sunday school. If you know of anyone/church that might want the set - they are looking to pass it on. Contact Cara Fehrenbacher.
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Easton Episcopal Funds Update February 2022
The magnitude of geopolitical developments has rattled global financial markets. Fear of the unknown has exacerbated volatility and has pushed up investor anxiety... The Board of Managers met in the morning of February 24, 2022 and concluded that the equity reduction implemented in mid-January was helpful for what has transpired and that further sale of equities at this time is not appropriate. The Board also concluded that high vigilance must be maintained and the Board should resume weekly meetings and be prepared to take action should circumstance warrant further portfolio action. We will keep you appraised of developments as they occur... Read Full Letter Here
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Welcome Baby Shand!!
Bishop Shand and Lynne welcomed their first grandchild, Connor Jace Shand, on Thursday, February 10th. Baby Connor weighed in at 8.6 lbs. Dad Jonathan, and Mom Erin, are overjoyed with their new addition to the family.
Congratulations to the Shand family!
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Congratulations Laura & Greg!!!
Bishop Marray had the honor of presiding over the marriage of the Rev. Deacon Laura McCarthy and the Rev. Greg Harbaugh, at St. Peter’s Church in Salisbury, on Sunday, February 27, 2022. The new couple both work
at St. Peter’s. Greg serves as the Assistant Rector, and Laura serves as a Deacon in the parish.
Congratulations to Laura and Greg!
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Welcome Back Carl & Virginia!!
We are pleased to welcome (back) The Rev. Carl E. Mosley from the Diocese of Delaware as Canonically Resident in the Diocese of Easton. Carl and his wife, Virginia, live in Ocean City, Maryland and will be serving at St. Paul's-by-the-sea.
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Congratulations
Reverend Susan Leight!!
We are truly excited and honored to welcome The Reverend Susan Leight as the newest Deacon in the Diocese of Easton. Susie was ordained at Christ Church, St. Peter's Parish, Easton on February 5th.
Please congratulate Susie and keep her
ministry in your prayers.
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Make Support of Episcopal Relief & Development
Part of Lent 2022
Congregations are encouraged to observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on the first Sunday in Lent or another convenient Sunday. Liturgical resources are available at episcopalrelief.org/sunday
For a complete listing of resources including the contact information of your local representative please visit us online.
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Volunteer for General Convention
July 7th to July 14th
Baltimore, MD
General Convention is the gathering of the entire Episcopal Church and happens only once every three years. With this year's event happening in Baltimore from July 7th to July 14th, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many members of the Diocese of Easton. From ushers to altar guild, tellers to childcare - there are multiple roles to fill. Click here to read more.
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Deadline to Register for both of these events is March 15th
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The Office of the Bishop will be closed on
Monday and Tuesday, March 7th & 8th.
The phone will be monitored in the event of emergency.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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Bishop’s Institute Spring Training 2022
Licensure training for Spring of 2022 is listed below. Please contact Dee Rinehart, deerinehart43@gmail.com, with questions or for registration forms.
March 12 - SPEC
Morning: Eucharistic Minister Training 9:30 -12:00
Afternoon: Eucharistic Visitor Training 1:00 – 3:30
March 26 - Christ Church, Cambridge
Morning: Eucharistic Minister Training 9:30 -12:00
March 14, 21, and 28 - Online Worship Leader Training
Evenings 7:00- 8:30
Resources used in training:
Eucharistic Minister: The Cup of Salvation: A Manual for Eucharistic Ministers, by Beth Wickenburg Ely - $16.95 – Amazon
Eucharistic Visitor: A Manual for Eucahristic Visitors, by Beth Wickenburg Ely - $14.95 – Amazon
Worship Leader: Opening the Prayer Book, by Jeffrey Lee - $14.95 - Amazon
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DIVERSITY AWARENESS COMMISSION
Celebrating the diversity of God’s image in humanity and all Creation and advocating for the right of each person to be fully human. We serve as the Diocesan resource and focal point for diversity awareness learning and experiential opportunities.
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DAC Open House: Learn More About Our Resources!
Join Us For An Open House at Any of Our Next Three Meetings
4th Wednesdays of the Month from 5:30pm-6:30pm on Zoom
Next Meeting is March 23rd.
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The DAC would like to highlight:
The Retreat House's Offering of
Sacred Ground: A Film-based Dialogue on Race and Faith
Read more about this offering in the Retreat House Happenings Section.
Rooted Wisdom: Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, MD Presents
Nature’s Role in the Underground Railroad
The Arboretum plans to launch the film (view the film’s trailer here) and a companion website on March 11, 2022, at 7:00 pm with a premiere via livestream hosted by the Avalon Foundation and viewable on the project’s website. The event is free, though registration is encouraged. Register here. Read more here.
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in-person retreat
Seeking and Finding Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty
with Fr. Phil Cover
Friday, March 4
9:00am - 3:00pm
The pandemic has turned our lives and everything we knew and trusted upside down and inside out. Yet, in the season of Lent, we are invited to engage hope and promise by pondering the undercurrents that have so disrupted the flow of life — and therein encounter new life as we discover the spiritual power hidden in the turmoil. Join us as we together bring to light what God seeks to teach us about who God is in all of our experiences.
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zoom series
Lenten Storytelling
with Bishop Porter Taylor
Five Sunday Evenings
March 6 - April 3
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lent is less a season to observe and more a walk to walk. As the days get longer and the light more accessible, so are we invited to cast aside all that gets between us and resurrection. One theologian commented, “Everything that happens to Christ happens to us.” In that sense, the Bible is a road map for us to follow, indicating the terrain of our journey with Christ and in Christ and to Christ. These five sessions are intended to help us discover how we can consciously walk the way of Lent. Find more and register here.
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Sacred Ground - A Film-based Dialogue
on Race and Faith
6 Thursdays - March 10 and 24 - April 7 and 21 - May 5 and 19
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - via ZOOM
The Retreat House invites you to participate in Sacred Ground, a curriculum that is part of the Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. The core of this series is the vision of beloved community – where all people are honored and protected and nurtured as beloved children of God. Why Sacred Ground? Learn more and register here.
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You can un-subscribe at any time.
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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Happenings Around The Diocese |
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Trinity Cathedral, Easton - An invitation from The Very Rev. Greg Powell, Dean of the Cathedral - Bishop Henry Parsley and I invite you to join with members of the cathedral for a five-week Lenten study of Frederick Buechner’s book Telling Secrets. We will gather at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom on March 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5, with each session scheduled to last about 60 minutes.
In this short book Buechner writes movingly about some of his own family secrets, and his stories become a means for reflecting on the ways that God works in our lives. It speaks to God’s restorative work, which is beautifully expressed in the opening sentence of our Christmas collect, ”O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature...”
Henry and I believe this book expresses the timeless message of God’s enduring love for the world, which doesn’t diminish human suffering but transforms it. Please sign-up by calling the Cathedral office, 410-822-1931, or by emailing the Parish Secretary, Maggie Trice, at mailto:maggie@trinitycathedraleaston.com. You can buy the book on Amazon at a cost of $9.16. All are welcome.
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He said YES!! - St. Mary the Virgin, Pocomoke City. |
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Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! For many years, Michael has been a faithful parishioner at St. Mary the Virgin in Pocomoke City. Over the past year, Rev. Deacon Stephanie Clayville has ministered to him, along with members of the St. Mary's congregation, as he has been ill. A few months ago, Rev. Steph asked him if he would like to be received into the Episcopal Church and he said Yes, Yes, Yes!
Michael lives down the street from the parish in a home with 7 other people who need medical care. During our recent visit with the Bishop, Michael was not in attendance to be received as it was too cold for him to walk to church. So after our service, the Bishop and the congregation went to Michael's home so he could be received. The Holy Spirit made itself known through our Agape Love for Michael and he is now a member of the St. Mary's congregation! Since our visit, others have asked us to return to minister to them in Michael's home. Not only has God gifted us with a new member of our parish, but now we have a new ministry with those that live with him.
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Christ Church, Easton Alpha Course begins on March 5th. The Alpha Course at Christ Church, has created some of my favorite memories in my 5+ years here. It's transformational, filled with laughter, free from judgment, invites questions, is full of friendships (especially by the end) and stories, and includes dinner and a short movie every Saturday, plus a weekend away in the spring.
It's a free, 11-week program that will be meeting on Saturday evenings, beginning on March 5, both in the Parish Hall at Christ Church and on Zoom, for those who can't be here in person. If you ask someone who has done Alpha here about it, prepare to get an enthusiastic earful. It's a great introduction to Christianity for anyone who has been wondering or skeptical about it; and a Holy Spirit-filled refresher for those already on their walk. If you've felt stuck in a rut, it can help with that too.
Nicky Gumbel and the folks at Alpha have a cool trailer for the kinds of questions and feelings the class invites: https://vimeo.com/204052948
As always, you don't have to be a member of Christ Church, or any church; you don't have to know what you think about God; you just have to come with curiosity, a willingness to ask questions and listen to what others are wondering; and want to sit down for a meal (in-person, we can't physically feed you on Zoom) and conversation.
- Michael Valliant
Assistant for Adult Education & Small Groups
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Christ Church, Easton First Communion Class is open for all children in the 2nd grade and older. First Communion classes help children better appreciate & understand the gift of communion. Classes are open to all children in the 2nd grade and up (including those already receiving communion).
The class will meet on Tuesdays throughout Lent, starting Tuesday, March 8th at 4:30 pm and ending at 5:30 pm. The class will include a snack during gathering time and a lesson that will explore a piece of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, each week.
The class also includes a day retreat to the National Cathedral on April 9th, which families are encouraged to participate in.
The students will celebrate their First Solemn Communion on Thursday, April 14th at 7:00 pm, during the Maundy Thursday Service.
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Trinity Cathedral, Easton The once-a-week World Peace Prayer hour that launched at Trinity Cathedral in Easton has expanded to six days a week.
Under the expanded prayer program, Trinity will open its sanctuary to the public from 3 to 4 pm every day except Sunday. Trinity Cathedral invites people of all denominations and faiths to stop by, light a candle and sit in silent prayer on behalf of world peace for however long you can, even if only 10 minutes.
"The instrument of peace lies in the awareness of the divine love that dwells in the heart of every human being on the planet," said the Rev. Sandra Casey-Martus, Trinity's assistant dean. "There is no stronger force in the universe."
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Trinity Cathedral, Easton opens its doors to the community during Lent, for prayers of rest and refuge, done in the style of the ecumenical Taizé community in France. The Taizé style of worship offers a simple service of chanting, scripture, prayer and silence that is easily accessible to all. The chants, composed from biblical sources, help center and focus our attention on the one who knows our every need, even before we do. The time of silence invites us to become still if only for a moment, to allow God to touch our souls. The founder of Taizé was inspired to build a community to usher reconciliation into a world in need of peace. It is the fervent prayer of the Trinity Cathedral community that during Lent we can be a place for spiritual seekers to find refuge and rest. And we pray that the spirit of Taizé may help us to find reconciliation for ourselves, with our God and in a deeply hurting world, with one another. Please join us at Trinity Cathedral, 315 Goldsborough Street, Easton, MD, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. beginning March 8th through April 5th. Services will last about 40 minutes.
“Let all who are thirsty come. Let all who wish receive, the water of life, freely. Amen, come Lord Jesus. Amen, come Lord Jesus.” - Taizé chant
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Christ Church, Cambridge Concert Series 2022 All Concerts are on Sunday's at 4:00pm Winner of Chesapeake Chamber Music Competition April 3, 2022, Solomon Eichner, Piano May 1, 2022.
Admission: $10 Students Free Following state and CDC mandates Christ Episcopal Church - 215 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 Phone: 410-228-3161
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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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VaxCash 2.0 Booster Lottery
Maryland has launched a VaxCash 2.0 Promotion, which will award $2 million in cash prizes to a total of 12 Maryland residents who have received their booster shot every week through May 3. Maryland residents 18 and older who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccinations and their booster shot in Maryland at any time are eligible to win. No registration or entry is needed. Learn more here.
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Book your booster / vaccination
appointment today!!
Make an appointment to get vaccinated by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829) seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find other vax site locations near you at covidvax.maryland.gov. Federal Government vaccine finder - visit Vaccines.gov or text your zip code to 438829 to find a location near you.
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Keep on slowing the spread of COVID-19 by
watching your distance, washing your hands and wearing your mask.
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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for the repose of the soul of The Reverend Barclay "Pete" Stanton.
We pray for Chancellor David Booth Beers (Constitution & Canons Review Taskforce Consultant).
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for The Rev. Paula E. Clark bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. The Rev. Kevin Cross. Ellen Girardeau. Rev. Bryan Glancey & Barbs Glancey. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi & Weasie Kamihachi. Art Kendall & Bonnie Kendall. The Rev. Ron Knapp. Art Leiby. John McMaster. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. George Merrill. The Rev. Bill Ortt. Rev. Beverly Porteus, Becky Richardson. Larry Samuels. Tom Shuster.
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
First Sunday in Lent
March 6th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Mark’s, Perryville,
and for their Rector, the Rev. Susan Oldfather.
Second Sunday in Lent
March 13th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s, Vienna, and
for their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Dennis Morgan and his spouse, Jane.
Third Sunday in Lent
March 20th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Andrew’s, Princess
Anne, and their Deacon-in-Residence, the Rev. Chris Sabas.
Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 27th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Stephen’s, Earleville
and their Rector, the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Sichangi, and his spouse, Jane.
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Pray for Ukraine
The Episcopal Church with the Friends Committee on National Legislation hosted a vigil to pray for the people of Ukraine and lament the violence caused by war and conflict. We invite you to watch and pray with us and leaders from various faith traditions including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Watch the vigil here.
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From Province III
March 9, 2022, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM via Zoom
Attendees will receive a Zoom webinar link closer to the event.
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WORSHIP IN ASIAN DIASPORA WORKSHOP:
A Pan-Asian Preaching Workshop to Embolden
ANDREWS Proclaimers Across the World
Register early for virtual ‘Worship in Asian Diaspora’ workshop
Explore the relationship, culture, and the need for Asiamerican expressions of worship in this workshop led by the Rev. Russell Yee, author of “Worship on the Way: Exploring Asian North American Christian Experience.” Yee has taught at numerous seminaries and pastored a church for 10 years. His doctoral research focused on sociolinguistic aspects of liturgical and free worship.
March 9-11: 8-10 p.m. Eastern / 5-7 p.m. Pacific
March 10-12: 9-11 a.m. in Asia
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EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 4 ←
Seeking young Episcopalians with a heart for God and service
In its 20th year, the Young Adult Service Corps (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.
A discernment retreat for applicants will be held virtually
in late March/early April.
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The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church. Every three years it meets as a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, composed of deputies and bishops from each diocese. The General Convention also includes Interim Bodies which meet between the triennial sessions to accomplish ongoing work and tasks set in the triennial sessions. The next session, the 80th General Convention, which was originally scheduled for 2021, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will meet July 7 - 14, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.
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