From the Office of the Bishop
153rd DIOCESAN VIRTUAL CONVENTION
This Saturday, March 6th, 2021

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 2021 Convention via zoom meeting. Others are welcome to watch the livestream on the Episcopal Diocese of Easton Facebook page as non-voting guests.

For more information visit www.dioceseofeaston.org/convention2021
Bishop’s Lenten Reflection
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1)


The Season of Lent has a significantly crucial role in the advancement of deepening the faith within the individual Christian and corporate church. All through the history of the church, the act of contrition, repentance, spiritual transform, charity toward the other and almsgiving have defined the character of the church. As we are in this solemn penitential season, we as disciples of the risen Lord are called to robustly embody our Lord’s model by paying careful attention to and understanding the ramifications of the devil’s lure to distraction and attempts to redirect our focus from God unto things that are secular and mundane, earthed in our own ego or sense of self-importance. The TRUTH is that it is patently difficult to stay riveted to the virtues distinguishing Christ-like ideals that this season invites us to incorporate and practice. This reaffirmation of mind, body and soul toward the things of God calls forth a deliberate and determined sense of WILL to remain attentive to our Christian faith formation.

Jesus’ first act after baptism was to wrestle with his inner self; to figure out the direction of his life his Father in heaven was calling him to incarnate. To obtain a deeper sense of this call, he chose to enter self-isolation, what John of the Cross would later term in his own spiritual awakening, “Dark Night of the Soul.”

The Season of Lent is that period in our spiritual pilgrimage that invites a desire to enter self-isolation, self-introspection and self-critique. We enter this annual spiritual exercise in this forty day fast and prayer that leads to spiritual transformation so that for the succeeding 325 days of the year we are equipped to serve the world. I strongly believe that when we are ourselves healed and transformed by the Spirit, we are better equipped to be powerful forces for common good and practice grace filled works of faith. In truth, we cannot give what we ourselves do not possess. The aridity of the desert in the soul searching for answer could become fertile ground for immense spiritual awakening, contributing to the world becoming like the kingdom of God on earth. Continue Reading Here.
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.

Bishop's Spotlight

Bishop San recently visited St. Paul's, Kent for in-person worship and received two parishioners into the Episcopal Church. This past Sunday, he confirmed Emma Lowe in the sanctuary of Good Shepherd Augustine Parish, Chesapeake City - marking the first worship service in that building since March of last year. Seven people attended the service while many others celebrated virtually. Bishop San continues his Lenten Bible Study on Living Reconciliation each Thursday at noon and will continue to post his Faithful Friday devotionals every week during Lent. He and the Convention Committee along with the Brayhouse staff continue to focus on the upcoming virtual convention.

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 are 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.
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.


If you have questions about this please contact Art Kendall at art@dioceseofeaston.org.
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.
 
They have compiled an extensive but not exhaustive curated resource list on their website. The updated version is here: https://episcopalchurch.org/faith-formation/mental-health.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and your action. Together we can make a difference in the lives of many.
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.”
Vaccination Deployment

At this time, the federal government is giving Maryland approximately 14,000 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.
CAMP WRIGHT CORNER
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.

Camp Wright is working to be a Covid-safe place for fun, growth, and learning this summer. Up-to-date information about our Covid protocols and infection control plan can be found here. Please save this link as this page will be updated frequently.
Happenings Around The Diocese
St. Paul's, Centreville Rain Barrel Workshop, Saturday, March 27th 9:00-10:00 am Outdoors & socially distant. ShoreRivers will speak about the benefits of rain barrels, River Friendly Yards, and assist you in putting together your barrel while reviewing installation and maintenance. Contact Michele Miller to sign up. The first TEN people to sign up receive a FREE rain barrel valued at $100!
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.
RETREAT HOUSE HAPPENINGS


The Wisdom Café
The Retreat House is pleased to announce the opening of the Wisdom Café, held each Monday 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

We hope to see you Mondays at noon! Here's the Zoom link  

Seasonal Quiet Day
Thursday, April 8 (new date!)
9:30am - 1:00pm
with Julia Morris Myers, via Zoom

Conscious Aging Wisdom Circle
Fridays, April 16-May 21
1:00-2:30pm
with Beth Knight, via Zoom

Come for a Quiet Walk

With spring's slow arrival we watch and wait for the longer days and warmer temperatures. At the threshold of the season, we relish more time outdoors. You are invited to come by the Retreat House and enjoy the beauty of the trees as they awaken. Please come (with your dog, if you'd like) and take a walk beneath the "whispering pines," around the church, within the Labyrinth, or find a bench to be silent or still.

We hold this space for you to come and rest with the spirit. The gates are always open -- we hope to see you soon.

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.

Zoom linkhttps://bit.ly/RHDays
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 


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!

The Retreat House has several trained spiritual directors who are available to help. Learn more in our Spiritual Guidance brochure.

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:

John David
Katherine (Kit) Bainbridge 

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. Jody Farley.

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: joanne@dioceseofeaston.org. Names are listed for four weeks unless otherwise specified. 
Diocesan Prayer Calendar

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.

Fourth Sunday in Lent
(March 14th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea,
Ocean City, and for the lay leaders of the parish.

Fifth Sunday in Lent
(March 21st)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Mary the Virgin,
Pocomoke City, and for their Deacon, the Rev. Stephanie Clayville, and
her spouse, Brooks.

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.
Beyond the Diocese
Join the Racial Justice Ministry of Province 3 for a Q&A with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Author of "How to be an Antiracist"
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 Register Here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The deadline for this round of grant applications is March 15, 2021. 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.
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 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.
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.
 
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