From the Office of the Bishop |
|
A Reflection
The Feast of the Ascension
A Brief Season to Embrace a Glorious Message
The Feast of the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus (celebrated on Thursday, May 13) traditionally falls forty days after the resurrection and ten days before the Feast of Pentecost which will be celebrated on Sunday, May 23. The significance of Ascension is that it underlines the exaltation of Jesus, and a fitting conclusion to his ministry. Also, it authenticates his message about his relationship with the Father and his imminent return (Greek Parousia) at a time appointed by his Father in heaven. Sadly, in the Anglican/Episcopal liturgical culture it has never held a prestigious or prominent place in the church’s liturgical calendar.
Its place in Christian tradition, however, has been securely fixed by its prominent role in Christian creeds and confessions. A myriad of creeds and confessions echo the claim of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed that Christ “ascended into heaven.” Although there are New Testament references and allusions to Christ’s ascension (e.g., Luke 24:50-53; John 20:17; Ephesians 4:8-10; 1 Timothy 3:16), only Acts 1 provides a full narrative of the event. Read more.
Material adapted from The Acts of the Apostles. Paideia Commentary Series. Eds. Mikeal C. Parsons and Charles H. Talbert. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic (a division of Baker Publishing Group), 2008. Used by permission.
|
|
Collaborative Clergy Conference
Two- Diocese & One Convocation Gathered Together
Reimagining Our Common Life as the Body of Christ
“See I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21: 5)
“…they may be one, as we are one...” (John 17: 22)
The Diocese of Easton, guided by the Holy Spirit, pioneered a unique opportunity this week (May 10-11) by organizing and executing a Two-Diocese & One Convocation Clergy Conference, the first of its kind. The Diocese collaborated with the Episcopal Church in Delaware and the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe to engage clergy from the three Episcopal judicatories in common conversation. It was the body of Christ utilizing a new model of doing the church’s business - bridging virtual space via Zoom. The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe is comprised of Episcopal churches/missions in Germany, Italy, Belgium, France, Georgia, Switzerland and Austria.
The Clergy Conference was attended by over 90 clergy from the participating dioceses and convocation. Worship was led by the three judicatories and gave clergy the rare opportunity to experience the vision of a pre-Pentecost worship experience. According to Bishop San, “This was one the many highlights of the two-day conference. It was an extremely holy and spiritually compelling moment of grace and mystery. A reaffirming testament of how fortunate and blessed we are to be a part of this beloved church.” Read more.
|
|
The Bishop enjoyed his first in-person visit since 2019 to St. Mark's in Perryville this past Sunday where he received a new member into the Episcopal Church. The event was live-streamed and the spirit was healthy and reassuring even with the pandemic still posing concerns. The Bishop commended the Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Susan Oldfather and the vestry, for their hard work and dedication in this time of fear and anxiety and its repercussions on the church; reminding them that the church belongs to Jesus, and He has navigated the church through many crises throughout history.
The Bishop also enjoyed a visit to Christ Church, St. Michaels, where the service was held on the parish lawn with everyone bringing their own chair. This also marked his first in-person visitation since 2019. It was another occasion to witness adaptability and creativity at work and to see the high level of enthusiasm among the members gathered. Christ Church is immersed in it preparations to celebrate their 350th anniversary as a community of faith - coming in 2022. Bishop San is looking forward to celebrating this event with the church community.
|
|
Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
|
|
More From the Office of the Bishop |
|
Brayhouse summer office hours will begin on June 1st.
Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30 pm.
|
|
Formation Deep Dive
All About General Convention 2022 (It's Coming to Province 3!)
with Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies
May 24th, 12pm-1pm on Zoom
Hear about volunteer opportunities at next Summer's General Convention in Baltimore as well as getting an overview of how it all works.
|
|
Faithful Fridays with Bishop San
Bishop San will continue to create and post a devotional video every Friday leading up to Pentecost. The series will return again in the Fall. 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 for the next two Fridays for inspiration and spiritual reflection.
|
|
DIOCESAN TRAIL 2 TRUTH PILGRIMAGE
Saturday, October 9th - Sunday, October 10th, 2021
SAVE THE DATE!
The diocese is partnering with Province 3 on their second Trail2Truth Pilgrimage exploring the topic of God's call on us to love and listen across racial divides. The weekend, designed for high school students, will include a Zoom worship with other dioceses across the mid-atlantic, a visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum and a camp out at the Hillsboro Retreat Center. Keep an eye out for more to come! Or you may also email Joanne Fisher to make sure your name is added to the interest list (or to join the planning team).
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Keep on slowing the spread of COVID-19 by
watching your distance, washing your hands and wearing your mask.
|
|
Pfizer Vaccine has been authorized for emergency use. Two doses, delivered three weeks apart. 95% effective at preventing serious illness. Injection-site pain, fatigue, headaches, chills.
Moderna Vaccine has been authorized for emergency use. Two doses, delivered four weeks apart. 94.1% effective at preventing serious illness. Injection-site pain, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, chills.
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine has been authorized for emergency use. One dose. 85% effective at preventing severe illness. Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain.
|
|
NEW Covid 19 Guidance for Maryland Schools
Here is the newest edition of COVID-19 Guidance for Maryland Schools, a joint effort by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Health. Specifically, this document provides updated guidance on:
- Physical distancing
- COVID-19 testing
- Quarantine of close contacts
- In-person learning and vaccination
Updated sections are helpfully color-coded for your reference.
|
|
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.
|
|
We are currently hiring Day Camp Counselors and Camp Maintenance staff.
We are still seeking nurses for summer camp! Camp nurses can be RNs, Nurse Practitioners, MDs, EMTs. They handle daily medication administration, blisters, bruises and provide care to our staff and campers. Nurses work one session or multiple sessions and we have a couple of nurse opportunities still available for this summer. Camp Wright pays nurses a daily stipend or exchange camp tuition for services.
Summer staff applications are on our website:
As always, feel free to reach out to our camp director, Julia Connelly, if you have any questions or need any additional information.
|
|
Happenings Around The Diocese |
|
All Faith, Tunis Mills Book and Plant Sale - The ECW of All Faith Chapel in Tunis Mills is planning a Book and Perennial Sale on the chapel lawn for Saturday, June 26th beginning at 8:00 am. If you would like to make a donation or to assist in any way, please contact Charlotte Dabney or Tina Mills.
|
|
St. Peter's, Salisbury, Book Club & Bible Study Opportunities
St. Peter’s Book Club is reading Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Because there is much to absorb and ponder in his book, the Book Club will be reading this over several months. The next zoom meeting of the Book Club is Monday, May 17 at 7pm when the Introduction and chapters 1-4 will be discussed. All are invited to read the book and join in the discussion. Go to the Book Club page on St. Peter’s website. Elizabeth Phillips is moderating the group and has posted reflection questions on the Book Club web page to consider in the discussion on May 17.
|
|
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.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE - Summer Quiet Day
In-person - Thursday, June 17th
9:30am - 2:00pm
with Julia Morris-Myers
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.
To learn more about a Hermitage Overnight, contact us at i[email protected] or call (410) 364-7069.
The suggested donation is $75/night, but please don’t let finances get in the way!
We invite you to take some time for yourself!
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:
Zack Harbaugh, son of Pastor Greg Harbaugh, St. Peters, Salisbury.
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Susan Carrow. The Rev. Paula E. Clark bishop-elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. The Rev. Kevin Cross. Jody Farley. The Rev. Bryan Glancey. Logan Harbaugh. Weasie Kamihachi. Bonnie Kendall. The Rev. Ron Knapp. Art Leiby. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. George Merrill. Jefferson Moak. Bishop Parsley. Becky Richardson. Larry Samuels. The Rev. Pete Stanton. Kirk Wade. Rev. Dr. Lisa Webb.
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
Seventh Sunday of Easter
(May 16th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Christ Church, Easton, for their Rector, the Rev. Bill Ortt, and his spouse, Susan.
Day of Pentecost
(May 23rd)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Mary Anne’s, North
East, for their Rector, the Rev. John Schaeffer, and his spouse, Karen.
First Sunday after Pentecost
(May 30th)
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Mark’s, Perryville,
and for their Rector, the Rev. Susan Oldfather.
For additional weeks, please visit our website.
|
|
|
Communication from the
Office of the Presiding Bishop
|
|
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s statement on the violence in the Land of the Holy One
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued the following statement on May 13 as fighting continues to escalate in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
One more time we awake to the news of violence. Reports come in, even as you read this, about violence that has caused death, life-changing injury and destruction of property and lives. Violence which is borne of frustration, rooted in injustice and the violation of international law and in truth, the violation of human rights and human decency. In the Name of the God of all creation, the violence must stop, regardless of where it comes from and to whom it is directed.
One more time The Episcopal Church stands to say that violence is not the way forward. We say the expansion of Israeli settlements at the expense of Palestinian families must end. We say incitement which encourages violence must end. We say enough is enough.
One more time The Episcopal Church encourages the government of the United States and others who have influence, who are of goodwill and who genuinely seek peace to be partners in peacemaking, to bring about a negotiated settlement to the long-standing conflict which has consumed both Israelis and Palestinians.
One more time we find ourselves full of sorrow and sadness. We find ourselves grieving over the loss of life, destruction of homes and the fear that lives in the hearts of tens of thousands of innocent people. We join all people of faith to offer up prayers for healing, wholeness, restoration and reconciliation.
And we pray God to grant wisdom and courage to all those in authority to seek peace and pursue it without delay, without excuses, without confusion and with only one agenda: a negotiated and equitable agreement for peace between Israelis and Palestinians — once and for all.
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
|
|
Trinity Commons Speaker Series with Hannah & Charlie Lucas
“It’s okay to be not OK!” That’s the message Hannah and Charlie Lucas want to spread through their app notOK™. This free mobile application acts as a mental health SOS button for teens in distress that notifies trusted contacts when they feel vulnerable and want help. The idea came from Hannah, who had been struggling with depression and anxiety. Her younger brother Charlie helped her bring the app to life with the coding skills he had recently learned in summer camp. Join us for a conversation with Hannah and Charlie in which they’ll discuss creating their app as well as opportunities and resources for teens struggling with mental health issues. Learn more and register.
|
|
Register for upcoming sessions of Virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency course August 9-13, 2021. The next session of the Virtual Episcopal Latino Ministry Competency Course (VELMC), is an innovative five-day intensive course designed for diocesan staff, clergy, lay leaders, and seminarians to gain practical knowledge and cultural competency for Latino/Hispanic ministry. Read more
|
|
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland - Covid Victims Memorial Ribbon Project
Your Diocesan Christian Formation Council and the Cathedral of the Incarnation invite you to participate in a COVID-19 Remembrance Installation. It is our wish to mark and honor the lives lost in Maryland during the ongoing pandemic. The project will consist of a ribbon hanging installation outside at our cathedral. We invite you to participate in this diocesan-wide, state-wide remembrance. Ribbon hanging will begin on Pentecost, May 23rd. Read more here.
|
|
The Pain and Prayer Project seeks participants We know that people use many techniques to cope with chronic pain, including praying to God or a higher power. We are trying to better understand what kinds of prayer are most helpful. If you are interested in participating, you can go directly to the screening website. This project is a collaboration between the Episcopal Church in Delaware and academic pain experts. Funded in part by the 2020 United Thank Offering Grant. Read more here.
|
|
Pentecost Season Opens with Way of Love Revival Weekend
‘One in the Spirit’ features churchwide virtual worship and concert
- The Episcopal Church greets Pentecost with One in the Spirit, a Way of Love Revival Weekend designed to fan the flames of hope, celebrate difference, honor creation, foster beloved community, and send people toward Jesus’s Way of Love. The weekend of events includes the following:Saturday, May 22, 6-7:30 p.m.: Concert for the Human Family and “From Many, One” Community Conversations
- Sunday, May 23, 4-5:30 p.m.: Churchwide Pentecost Revival Worship from Philadelphia, Navajoland, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.
|
|
The Episcopal Church launches Concerts for the Human Family
Nashville artist Kory Caudill partners with diverse team on transformative, timely project. Concerts for the Human Family, a new artistic collaboration led by The Episcopal Church and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry that explores “the powerful intersection between art, justice and faith,” will launch May 22 with a free digital broadcast filmed at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.
The inaugural concert, which pairs pianist, composer and musical director Kory Caudill of Nashville, Tenn., and Baltimore-based hip-hop artist Wordsmith, will provide an uplifting journey through the human experience of love, grief, loss and hope – a musical commentary on social reckoning in the United States and a pandemic that has touched every corner of the world. The concert was filmed with special care to follow all safety guidelines outlined by the CDC. Read more here.
|
|
Tell Me Something Good Season 2
On each episode of Tell Me Something Good, you can expect to hear the Good News of God’s great love from the perspective of farmers and mothers, pie-bakers and Sunday School teachers. Sharing the stories of how God is showing up in extraordinary and ordinary ways, guests from around The Episcopal Church chat with hosts Jerusalem Greer and Marcus Halley, exploring the themes of hope, curiosity, and innovation in their ministries and their lives.
New episodes of Tell Me Something Good will be released every two weeks and will be available for viewing, along with Season 1, on The Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV @theepiscopalchurch. Read more here.
|
|
A Year in the Life, a new web series from The Episcopal Church, documents how Episcopal churches, schools, and ministries have navigated a very contentious and difficult year. Filmed using COVID-safe protocols, the series covers topics like food insecurity, education, worship through restrictions, clergy calls, and more. Each episode includes reflection materials to help the viewer consider how the last year or so has affected them and their neighbors. New episodes of A Year in the Life are released every two weeks.
|
|
Episcopal Youth Event/Evento de Jóvenes Episcopales Research Project
We invite you to help us explore the story and legacy of EYE/EJE as we begin to research and understand more deeply what these events mean to The Episcopal Church. The Office of Youth Ministries for The Episcopal Church has contracted with Ministry Architects to conduct a professional and objective evaluation of the almost 40-year-old international triennial Episcopal Youth Event and the more recently added Evento de Jóvenes Episcopales. Since EYE2020 was cancelled due to pandemic, we sought to take advantage of the pause and engage in a research project while we have the capacity to give it the attention it deserves. Now is the time, and we humbly request your help. Read more here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
