View as Webpage......................................................................................October 2024 | |
|
Hear from The 81st General Convention Deputation
THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19th at 12:00 pm via Zoom
Meeting ID: 824 2500 7743 Passcode: 335608
| |
The Diocese of Easton's Deputation is preparing an overview of General Convention that took place from June 23 - 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to electing Sean Rowe as our 28th Presiding Bishop, the convention dealt with a wide spectrum of social issues, edits to the Book of Common Prayer and the Calendar of Saints, Ecumenical Relations, as well as matters of deacon compensation and diocesan apportionments.
This overview will be shared with the diocese via this Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 824 2500 7743 Passcode: 335608
|
Diocese of Easton Featured in The Living Church
"A Smaller but more Responsive Church"
The Diocese of Easton was prominently featured in an October Issue of The Living Church. The Article, which can be read by clicking here, was written by Christina Havens and is titled "A Smaller but more Responsive Church". The article celebrates the success of the Parousia Initiative as set out by Bishop San and Diocesan Convention in 2019/2020.
| Celebrating Diocesan Heritage Month | |
Bishop Marray and Bishop Shand, along with Diocesan Staff, spent time in prayer and thanksgiving at the gravesides of Bishop Lay and Bishop Adams. Springhill Cemetery, which is a short walk from the Diocesan Office, is the burial site for both The Rt. Rev. Henry Champlain Lay (Bishop 1868-1885) and The Rt. Rev. William Forbes Adams (Bishop 1887-1920). View more photos here.
Our Archivist, Jefferson Moak, has shared an article in honor of Diocesan Heritage Month entitled Diocesan Heritage – Enabling Women’s Suffrage within the Parishes. [Excerpt] "The Episcopal Church and the Diocese have recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood – the Philadelphia Eleven. And 35 years has passed since the Bishop of Easton, Rt. Rev. Elliot Sorge, ordained Marianne Sorge as a deacon in 1989. These are important milestones in the history of the Church and of the Diocese. But what about women in lay leadership positions in the Church? This is rarely discussed or celebrated."... Read more here.
Thank you Melanie Ayres Merryweather, Church Historian and parishioner from Christ Church, Cambridge for these wonderful articles sourced from The Eastern Shore Churchman May 1968 and The Eastern Shore Episcopalian February 2002
The Bishops of the Diocese of Easton - The First Five
The Bishops of the Diocese of Easton - The Next Five
Since 2015 the Diocese has been celebrating ‘Diocesan Heritage Month’ during October. Parishes are encouraged to designate a Sunday in October to be Diocesan Heritage Sunday to celebrate and give thanks for the many blessings received over the years; to highlight and discuss what it means to be part of a diocesan family; and to reflect on ways we may, as a diocesan family, draw closer and live even more deliberately and intentionally into the mission and vision of God for the Church on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
| |
Diocese of Easton Disaster Relief & Response
Bishop San and the Diocese of Easton would like us all to continue to remember the people who have been impacted by Hurricanes Helene & Milton. Click here for the latest information about how the Diocese of Easton is responding...
| |
Bishop San's Continued Appeal for ER&D
Bishop San is encouraging us to donate to the Episcopal Relief and Development Hurricane Relief Fund. Please read Bishop's Appeal here. Congregations may click here for a downloadable & printable ER&D hurricane recovery gift/support form for distribution.
| |
|
Diocese of Easton is Partnering with Fox Trucking for Donations
to the hard-hit areas of Northeast Tennessee and Northwest, North Carolina. The Diocese of Easton will be collecting items from the list of requested items at Bray House (314 North Street, Easton, MD) Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., until the end of October.
LET'S PACK THE TRUCK!!
| |
Ordinations & Announcements
| |
|
Congratulations to our new Deacons in the Diocese of Easton!
By the Grace of God, The Rt. Rev. Santosh K. Marray, ordained Rev. Joanne Fisher, Rev. Kelsey Spiker, Rev. Jessica Stehle and Rev. Michael Valiant to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Christ Church, St. Peter's Parish in Easton, MD.
You can watch the ordination here. Congrats to all!!
| |
Investiture Watch Parties Around the Diocese
Saturday, November 2nd
The prelude featuring a “roll call” of dioceses will start at 9:30 a.m. ET
And the service itself starts at 11 a.m. ET.
| |
In this historic and joyful season, we invite you to pray for guidance for our church and our new presiding bishop as he leads us in envisioning the reign of God in our midst. May our celebration unite us as a sacramental community, and may we be filled with new energy to bear witness to God’s work of redemption.
The Episcopal Church will officially welcome the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe as its 28th presiding bishop with a smaller, simpler investiture service aimed at reducing carbon footprint and increasing churchwide virtual participation. The service will be livestreamed on the Episcopal Church web page and on The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. A recording will be posted and distributed after the service.
Local Watch Parties: The Diocese of Easton will be holding three In-Person Watch Parties (one in each convocation) beginning at 9:30 a.m. for the "roll call" of dioceses so that we can participate in real time with Episcopalians around the world. Look for our welcome video to Sean Rowe! Thank you Father Kevin Cross for hosting us while making our video! Watch parties will be held in the following locations:
Northern Convocation: St. Clement's, Massey
Middle Convocation: Christ Church, Cambridge
Southern Convocation: St. Peter's, Salisbury
Snacks will be provided at each location.
| |
The 2024 Journal from the 156th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Easton is now available on our website. | |
|
Safe Church Safe Communities (SCSC) is a way of life! The SCSC program was established by the Episcopal Church as a way to provide guidelines and instructions for clergy and lay leaders in ways to create and maintain safe spaces in our various church settings. See the Safe Church Safe Communities pages on the Diocesan website for more information or contact Rev. Elizabeth Phillips at Elizabeth@dioceseofeaston.org.
Empower Me! Basic Safety Rules for Children. Teach children to find a trusted adult if someone asks them to break a safety rule!
| |
|
157th Diocesan Convention Date Change
“By their fruit you shall know them”: Camp Wright – Preserving our Heritage. Our Legacy (St. Matthew 7:20)
The 157th Annual Diocesan Convention will once again be a hybrid format. We will convene via Zoom on the evening of Thursday, March 6th. We will gather together in-person, with those who can join us, for a Friday evening, March 7th Eucharist at Christ Church, Kent Island followed by a reception. On Saturday, March 8th, our in-person portion of convention will re-convene at Christ Church, Kent Island.
Pre-Convention & Convocation Meetings via Zoom:
Pre-Convention Meeting December 10th 7:00pm
Convocation Meeting February 11th 7:00pm
| |
For Additional Clergy-specific Save the Dates, click here. | |
|
DIAKONOS
Greek, noun: servant, minister, a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to them by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use.
| |
This month's Diaconal ministry spotlight provided by Rev. Deacon Michael Valliant, and is entitled "Wired for Wonder: Steps Along a Path". Click here for full article. | |
Bishop's Institute Fall Trainings: Training Classes will be for Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor and Worship Leader. Join the network of those serving across the Diocese! Learn about these Ministries here. | |
Camp Wright Reaching Out to Lake Logan. Several Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers have been deeply affected by Helene and the aftermath. Last week, Julia Connelly & Blair Johnson, from our Camp Wright Staff, headed south to help their colleagues at Lake Logan in Canton, NC... "On Monday, Blair and I will be driving down to deliver a generator, supplies, food for volunteers and the warmest morale boost we can muster. Laura and her team are doing amazing work to support folks in the ravaged mountain communities near Lake Logan and it is our intention to do all we can to support them." Julia and Blair have returned safely! Please keep this community in our prayers. | |
Latino & Hispanic Ministry: | |
Seasonal celebrations and rites of passage are integral aspects of Latino ministry as practiced in the Diocese of Easton. This year, between late September and early October, San Miguel Arcángel (Michaelmas) was observed with a procession and incense at Sagrada Familia, Shrewsbury, and St. Francis was again honored on the rectory grounds at St. Clement’s, Massey with the now-well-established bilingual blessing of the animals. Meanwhile, a Quinceañera was held at Holy Spirit, Ocean City. Literally marking the young woman’s reaching the age of fifteen (quince, in Spanish), this is a rich and treasured tradition in many parts of Spanish-speaking America that includes an emphasis on the attainment of spiritual maturity as represented by the obligatory celebration of a mass preceding the often elaborate rituals taking place during the party afterwards. | Is your parish hosting Latino & Hispanic Ministry events? If so, please remember to send information to Mark Hansen our Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries for the Diocese of Easton. | |
Retreat House Happenings:
To receive the Retreat House newsletter and other email offerings, sign up here. View their calendar for programs and special events. For more information, call (410) 364-7069 or contact Francie Thayer.
| |
HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE | |
|
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE
We are quickly approaching the holiday season and we are so excited to see our parish's celebrating with fun activities!! If you have a holiday event you would like to share with the Diocese, please send a brief article to Beth Devenny for inclusion in our November/December Enews.
| St. Alban's, Salisbury Fall Dinner and Auction: YOU ARE INVITED to St. Alban's Fall Dinner and Silent Auction, Saturday, November 2 – 302 St. Alban’s Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804. The dinner begins at 5:00 p.m., followed by a silent auction at 5:45 p.m. with gift cards, services, and artisan market items. The ham dinner costs $20 per person. Reservations are required by October 20. If interested, please contact Shelly at shelly_madsen@yahoo.com to make your reservation and / or for more information. Proceeds support the Rector’s Discretionary Fund, Society of St. Andrew’s (SOSA), Help and Outreach Point of Entry (HOPE), and Wicomico High School, our Faith Partner School. | |
Old Wye Church, Wye Mills 59th Annual Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 2nd 9:00am to 2:00pm. Visit Mrs. Clause and have lunch! A great place to begin your holiday shopping! | |
St. Peter's. Salisbury - Save the date! St. Peter’s annual Holiday Bazaar will be held on Friday, November 15, 5:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, November 16, 9:00am-1:00pm. | |
Trinity Cathedral, Easton is excited to be presenting The Maryland State Boychoir in concert on Friday, November 15 at Trinity Cathedral. They have been called “Maryland’s Goodwill Ambassadors” and have toured throughout the United States and around the world. As part of their concert appearance here in Easton we will need to provide them with housing for Friday evening, November 15 after the concert. Each host family will need to provide overnight accommodations for 2 boys. If you are interested in offering to host please contact Carleen Webb at musicdirector@trinitycathedraleaston.com. | |
Holy Trinity, Oxford - Holy Trinity Christmas Bazaar - December 7th! Stay tuned for more info! | |
Christ Church, St. Michaels - Save the date! Christmas Bazaar, Saturday, December 14th Food, Fun, Fellowship! They will be serving hot chocolate and cookies in front of the church before the big Christmas in St. Michaels parade. Stay tuned for more info. | |
Easton English School at Trinity looking for passionate individuals to assist in various roles, including teaching and helping in our kitchen. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining our team as a volunteer, please feel free to share this message with them. We have several key roles available, including Teachers, Substitute Teachers, Teacher’s Assistants, & Kitchen Helpers. Financial support is always welcomed. We are accepting $10 gift cards as rewards, and contributions towards refurbished iPads from Amazon. Click here for brief descriptions of each position and the responsibilities involved. | |
|
A Story of Mercy and Grace by St. Mary the Virgin, Pocomoke City, MD By: The Rev. Stephanie Clayville, Priest-in-Charge. (Excerpt) "It was a sad day on September 24, 2024. We went to Michael Toomb’s home on Sunday expecting to pick him up for Sunday service. It was then that we were shocked that our parishioner had passed away several days before.
St. Mary's received Michael into our parish family several years ago. He expressed his interest in being received into the Episcopal Church and was too sick to come the day of our Bishop’s visit. Bishop Santosh Marray and I (Deacon at the time) and others from the congregation went down to his home and received him into the Episcopal Church right in his family room! He was so happy that day to be part of our St. Mary's family and the Episcopal Church and we ministered to him ever since." Continue here.
| |
For Sale: Commercial Stove/Oven and Hood/HALO System | |
Garland Commercial 6-burner Gas Range with Griddle/Broiler and two standard ovens available for sale. Dimensions for the range are approximately 8’ 4” wide, 49 ¾” high, 32 ¾” deep. Asking $2,400 or best offer. | |
Also available is a hood, HALO fire suppression system, stainless steel wall protection, and fire extinguisher. Asking $2,000 or best offer for the hood, HALO system, and fire extinguisher if purchaser dismantles OR $3,000 if we hire someone to dismantle. Purchaser will need to plan to pick up equipment and remove from the building. | |
|
For more information or questions, please contact:
Rev. Laura Harbaugh
St. Paul’s Episcopal Center
8700 Memory Garden Lane
Hebron, MD 21830 spec.hebron@gmail.com
443-523-8669 (cell)
Click here for more photos.
| |
Small rural parishes are making us proud and living into the vision of God’s dream for our diocese. These parishes highlight the wonderful work they are doing - they are an inspiration to all in the diocese.
| |
St. Augustine Parish, Chesapeake City - It’s been over 60 years since St. Augustine Church on Mitton Road was restored, causing wear and tear to compile on the interior and exterior of the building. To achieve their restoration goals, the Vestry and Clergy of St. Augustine Parish have established a 3-phase capital campaign to fundraise in order to preserve, protect, and provide long-term sustainability for the historic church and grounds. Read all about it in the September 11th issue of the Cecil Whig Chesapeake City's historic St. Augustine Parish seeks community help. To donate to the AUGUSTINE PARISH BUILDING RESTORATION, call (410) 885-5375. | |
|
St.Paul's, Marion - Due to extensive termite damage, St. Paul's church had to be torn down and the parish hall is being renovated. So far the progress has been right on schedule and on budget. | |
The Bishop made a site visit on Sunday, October 13, to the Parish of St. Paul’s Church, Marion Station. He celebrated Holy Eucharist with parishioners at historic renovated St. Mark’s Church. After the service, the bishop and Lynn accompanied by Fr. Mike Lokey, Rector, his wife Bunny, Chair of the Building Committee, Austin Cox Jr. and his wife Evelyn visited the work in progress to rebuild the new St. Pauls’ Church. When it is completed in December 2024, it is expected to be debt free. For additional photos click here. | |
Christ Church, IU Worton roof replacement. The old roof was asbestos shingle and had been installed in 1921 and lasted, (God bless it), all those years with minimal repair until the past few years made it obvious the time had come for replacement. The new roof, a standing seam metal, was installed in early 2024. We had a substantial contribution from IU Friends, the non-profit whose mission is maintenance of the church, the grounds and the sexton's house. There were also several substantial donations from members. | |
|
|
Pastoral Concerns
We ask your prayers for
The Rev. Deacon Peggy Samuels
Peggy was diagnosed with a brain tumor following a fall over the weekend. She is scheduled for surgery today (October 16th) at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. Following surgery to remove the tumor, Peggy will undergo radiation therapy.
Bishop Marray has been in contact with Peggy and reports her faith is strong and her spirits are high.
Archdeacon Laura Harbaugh made an in-person visit to Peggy yesterday for communion and prayer.
We continue to pray for Father Joe Rushton, Rector of Church of the Holy Spirit, Ocean City as he recuperates from lung transplant surgery at home. Please keep Father Rushton, Nick, the donor, the family of the donor, and his medical team in your prayers as he continues on the path of restoration and healing.
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Peggy Beers. Jim Brack. Ernie Cornbrooks. Carolyn Lee Crouse. Rev. Frank Crumbaugh. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Nancy Dick. Lindsey Donovan. Janice Flood. Doug Girardeau. Babs Glancey. Ann Savage Hastings. Randy Hastings. Grady Hebert. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi. The Rev. Jack Mason. The Rev. Dennis Morgan. The Rev. Peggy Samuels. The Rev. Robert Smith & Susan Smith. Don Sutherland. Chuck Trautmann. Goldey Vansant.
Prayers for those recovering from recent hurricanes.
Lord of all creation, we know that this world is a place of danger as well as beauty, a place of threat as well as promise.
Defend, we pray, all those who experience or fear the effects of natural disaster such as flooding and hurricane, in this country.
Where damage has been done, help them to rebuild, where hopes have been destroyed, help a new future to come into focus, where injuries of mind or body have been caused, help them to heal, that through trust in your faithfulness and through the gift of mutual encouragement,
communities that suffer may find new purpose, energy and direction, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Heavenly Father,
The whole world is yours, and the power of wind, water and flame is as nothing compared to the power of your word.
Be with all those this day who grieve the loss of loved ones and homes, restore the confidence of all who are fearful for their futures and help us all in the work together to rebuild lives and restore hope, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We continue to pray for those affected by the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Click here for printable prayers.
Submit prayer requests to: beth@dioceseofeaston.org.
Names are listed for four weeks unless otherwise requested.
| |  |
|
Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Today we pray for you
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
October 20th
We pray for the Very Rev. Claire
Nevin-Field, her spouse, Andrew, the Wardens, Vestry and People of
Emmanuel, Chestertown.
We give thanks for the ministry of the Rev. Mary Friel, at St. Paul’s,
Centreville, as she concludes her ministry with the parish. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
October 27th
We pray for the Very Rev. Greg
Powell, his spouse, Noelle; for the Rev. Sandra Casey Martus; their Deacon, Jessica Stehle, and their Wardens, Vestry and People of Trinity Cathedral.
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost
November 3rd
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at All Hallows, Snow Hill, for their Rector, Andrew Cropper, their Deacon, Laura Harbaugh, and their Wardens and Vestry.
We give thanks for the ministry of the Rt. Rev. Santosh K. Marray, as he
celebrates his 43rd anniversary of his ordination. (November 8th)
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
November 10th
We give thanks for the witness of
God’s people at St. Alban’s, Salisbury, and for their Rector, the Rev. Margaret Brack, and her spouse, James; for the Wardens, Vestry and their vision for Creation Ministry.
Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
November 17th
We pray for the Rev. Deacon Chris
Sabas, the Wardens, Vestry and People of St. Andrew’s, Princess Anne.
Last Sunday after Pentecost
Christ the King
November 24th
On this Children’s Home Foundation Sunday, we give thanks for the
Ministry of the Children’s Home Foundation, and their leadership in
providing funds for those seeking higher education.
For additional weeks, please visit our website or contact Lynn Anstatt.
| | |
|
Join Election Night Virtual Prayers
Everyone is invited to join Election Night Virtual Prayers hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations from 8 to 10 p.m. Nov. 5. Bishop Sean Rowe, who will become presiding bishop on Nov. 1, will offer an opening reflection and prayer. Episcopalians from around the church will hold silence and lead participants in prayers together for peace, the nation, and all people and countries. Learn more here.
| |
“A Case for Love,” a feature-length documentary inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s message of love, was eleased Oct. 1 on all cable, satellite, and digital platforms where films can be rented or purchased. Learn more here. | |
|
Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
| | | | |
