View as Webpage.................................................................................November 2024 | |
The Bray House staff is so thankful for all our many blessings and would like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!! We pray that you are surrounded by people who fill your life and home with love, joy, happiness and much laughter. The Bray House offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th. | |
Bishop's Resignation/Retirement Announcement
(Excerpt) "In the holy name of Jesus, my Savior and in thanksgiving to God for the ministry we share in the Diocese of Easton, God’s little gem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, it is with humble gratitude that I wish to inform you, my beloved siblings, of my decision to resign/retire as your bishop effective Fall of 2026. This decision to retire has come with much joy, gratitude and contentment for the many blessings my family and I have received from God. The call to serve the church is a unique and particular gift in collaboration with God’s Spirit and the faithful’s permission and support."... Read full letter here.
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Bishop's Reflection, Post-Election
Bishop San shared thoughts post-election through his blog, linked here in full.(Excerpt) "Let’s be mindful, that at a time such as this Jesus calls us to be attentive to the seeds of reconciliation. We are to watch carefully for signs of where God is already at work in the broken places of the world, and where people of goodwill begin to respond to the call to join in with the God who is always ready..." Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe also shared a letter linked here.
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2024 Diocesan Convention
The 157th Diocesan Convention March 6, 7 & 8, 2025
“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. View the latest Convention News Here.
Read the DIOCESAN CONVENTION RULES OF ORDER
Read the CALL TO CONVENTION
December Info Meeting
Find out more about Convention at our upcoming December Zoom Info Meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:00pm. Link to Zoom Meeting ID: 826 7261 9201
Click Here for the Info Meeting Agenda
February Convocation Meeting
February Meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00pm. Link to Zoom
Meeting ID: 826 7261 9201
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Nominating Committee:
The following have confirmed their service for the Nominating Committee:
Sally Rifenburg, Susan Leight, David Michaud, Claire Nevin-Field, Granville Blades, John Phillips
Resolutions with Debate Committee:
The following have confirmed their service for the Resolutions with Debate Committee:
Mr. Gordon Fronk, Esq., The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Sichangi, Mrs. Debra Dragone, The Rev. Michael Lokey
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A Historical Offering from our Archivist
Camp Davenport 1922 - 1927 - by Jefferson Moak
Next year at Convention, the Diocese will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding
of Camp Wright on Kent Island. Bishop Davenport, the 3rd Bishop of Easton, encouraged the idea of creating a diocesan summer camp soon after his consecration as bishop in 1920. He recognized that a diocese that included 39 separate parishes spread out over 4800 square miles had issues in reconciling many of the different parochial viewpoints. A camp, according to Davenport, would “help the boys of the country to know those of the town” and develop self-reliance and the spirit of cooperation. Mr. & Mrs. J. Ramsey Speer, who lived on a property known as “The Wilderness” at the mouth of the Choptank River, near Trappe, offered part of their property for use as a summer camp and thus Camp Davenport was founded. Continue reading here.
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Formation Conference Discounts!
January 27-30, 2025 ++ Online or In-Person
Every January those in Formation Ministry across the Episcopal Church gather together for Learning and Networking. This includes Clergy, Staff and Volunteers, Youth Leaders, Bible Study and Small Group Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, and the list goes on...
Province III and the Diocese of Easton are once again partnering with FORMA in their commitment to being "Radically Hybrid" - offering these church leaders accessible professional development without sacrificing opportunities for meaningful connection.
Learn more here.
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Children's Home Foundation Sunday is November 24th
The mission of the 65 year old Children’s Home Foundation is to offer tuition support to youth and adults of the Eastern Shore of Maryland while they pursue career training at two year colleges. CHF also provides “camperships” for young people who would otherwise be unable to afford camp, and it helps fund driver’s ed classes for high school students. CHF is currently conducting its annual Thanksgiving Appeal to raise money for its ministries. Click here for letter of appeal.
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Small Grants Available for New Parish and Mission Initiatives!
Diocesan Fund for Church Initiatives made possible by the St. Stephen's Endowment Fund - The Diocese Wants to Fund Your Great Ideas!
Applications are now being accepted for the Diocese of Easton’s Church Initiatives Grant Program. Grants are available exclusively for parishes and mission churches in the Diocese of Easton who undertake innovative programs and projects. The grant program is funded by investment returns from the St. Stephen’s Endowment Fund which was created with proceeds from the sale of St. Stephen's Church, East New Market. That “thinking outside the box” decision in 2008 has become a valuable resource for funding 16 years of new ministries and continues to benefit parishes across the diocese.
2025 Call for Applications...................... 2025 Grant Application
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Rev. Margaret Brack heading to COP 29!
We are so grateful for Rev. Margaret's leadership on our Episcopal Church United Nations climate change delegation! Here is a brief description from Rev. Margaret. "COP29 Nov 11-29 has begun and my role as a delegate is described here: What does it mean to represent the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church at the United Nations (UN) as a Presiding Bishop’s delegate to COP29? Each of us has been authorized by the Presiding Bishop to exercise this role during this year’s 29th session of the United Nations Conference of Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) because of the confidence and trust that has been placed in us. Whether we are attending virtually or in person, we are representing the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church – and General Convention – by our presence, our words and our actions." Continue reading here
Episcopal Church delegation advocates for creation care at COP29
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Clergy Lunch & Learn
The newly rebranded re-introduced clericus, Clergy Lunch & Learn, took place last Thursday, November 14th at Christ Church Easton. The gathering began with Holy Eucharist led by Rev. Marianne Ell and assisted by the newly ordained deacons. The service was followed by lunch and discussion led by Rev. Marianne. Thank you to Rev. Patrick Collins and the Atlar Guild of Christ Church Easton. Thank you, Rev. Marianne, for your message of hope and vision, especially during times when the fog sets-in and the beachhead is difficult to see. We are people of hope and vision!
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Diocese of Easton Disaster Relief & Response
Bishop Marray wishes to thank the Diocesan family for responding so generously to the Bishop’s Hurricane Relief Appeal. In addition to what our diocesan family has sent directly to Episcopal Relief & Development, we have collected $5,400, sent to ER&D, and two full pallets of donations that were delivered to Fox trucking for distribution in Northeast Tennessee and Northwest, North Carolina. Thank you all!
You may still make a donation online to ER&D or mail or deliver your contribution (made out to the Diocese of Easton), to Bray House at 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601, and please include in the memo line Bishop’s Disaster Relief. The diocese will remit your donation together with the name of your parish or personal names to ER&D or you may donate via our online giving portal Please make sure to add "Bishop’s Disaster Relief" to the memo line. All donations will be directly deposited to the Episcopal Relief and Development office.
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Our Diocese is Making Headlines
The Diocese of Easton got a prominent shout out in the Episcopal News Service Article on the investiture! The quote said: “The Diocese of Easton in coastal Maryland incorporated canoe paddles as props into its video clip. It concluded with the message “Let’s get Rowe-ing!” Watch the roll call video here. Our welcome video begins at minute 22:13.
The Diocese of Easton was Featured in The Living Church
The Diocese of Easton was prominently featured in the 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.
The Diocese of Easton is a Parochial Report Stand Out
The recently released Parochial Report showed improvements and promise for The Episcopal Church as reported by the Episcopal News Service. We encourage you to take a look at these reports and to note the Diocese of Easton's positive numbers - in both recent years and across the last ten years. Reference the Following Links:
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Be on the Lookout for Scams:
With the holidays approaching we wanted to remind our members to keep an eye out for potential scammers who may be looking for gift cards, money, or other items. They may try and solicit these items via phone call, text or email. Be sure to check the source of where a message has originated and always call the office (410-822-1919) if you are ever in doubt. Please reference this article for more information.
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Alcohol Policy of the Diocese:
As a quick holiday reminder, the Diocese of Easton has an alcohol policy. The policy on Alcohol was passed at General Convention and ratified by this diocese’s convention in 2015/2016. See the Policy.
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Episcopal Church Welcomes Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe | |
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Episcopalians around the world and in various time zones gathered to welcome the Most Rev. Sean Rowe as the church’s 28th presiding bishop in a first-of-its-kind virtual investiture service, livestreamed Nov. 2 from the Chapel of Christ the Lord at The Episcopal Church Center in New York City.
Find links to the recorded service (also included below); worship service booklet; Bishop Rowe’s sermon; and event photos. Read more here.
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The Diocese of Easton held Watch Parties in each convocation. St Clement's, Massey, Christ Church, Cambridge & St. Peter's, Salisbury. A good time was had by all who attended. | Rev. Susan Leight, Bishop San and members of Christ Church Cambridge. | |
José Carranza of the Sagrada Familia de Jesús mission was able to access the proceedings via simultaneous translation on a separate unit with headphones.
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Two Ways Your Church can Practice Gratitude and Change the World by The Rev. Charlotte Meyer
Host a Thank Offering - The United Thank Offering (UTO) began in 1883 when women of the church took up a thank offering to support innovative mission and ministry in The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion that the church budget could not cover.
Today, UTO includes members of all ages and genders, and welcomes people regardless of church affiliation. UTO’s focus is still on promoting gratitude and supporting innovative projects that address compelling needs around the globe. The Diocese of Easton and Bishop San remain strong supporters of the UTO. Several of our parishes continue to send thank offerings which fund mission work in our Diocese and beyond. Please contact Charlotte Meyer to help you plan your ingathering for UTO. Thank Offerings should be made payable to United Thank Offering and sent to Rev. Charlotte Meyer, UTO Coordinator, c/o Diocese of Easton, 314 North Street, Easton, MD 21601.
Apply for a UTO Grant - Just last year, Trinity Cathedral, Easton was awarded a $30,000 grant for its Easton English School at Trinity to hire a coordinator to advance their recently piloted free English as a Second Language (ESL) class for immigrants to a full-fledged ministry. The grant funds a part-time, bilingual Coordinator who will manage a large team of volunteers and develop strategies to achieve program goals.
Read more here.
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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!
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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.
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This month's Diaconal ministry spotlight provided by Rev. Deacon Chris Sabas, and is entitled "Election 2024: The Day After". Click here for full article. | |
Bishop's Institute Training Stay tuned for upcoming Spring 2025 training dates! Review the descriptions of ministry trainings that will be offered below. Learn about these Ministries here. | |
Camp Wright SUMMER 2025 DATES are HERE!! Registration for Camp Wright's Summer 2025 Season opened on November 13th. We can't wait to see you this summer! Have a question? Contact Julia, Executive Director or Alesia, Camp Wright Registrar. | |
Latino & Hispanic Ministry: 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. | |
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Retreat House Happenings:
The Retreat House Annual Appeal Forever Grateful Click here.
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.
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HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE | |
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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.
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The Caroline County Department of Social Services (DSS) runs a program called Christmas Wishes, which provides gifts for children receiving services through the department who did not qualify for the Brighter Christmas Fund, Salvation Army Angel Tree, or other holiday gift programs. Last year, Caroline County DSS received requests to assist approximately 198 individuals. The community responded generously, purchasing gifts, donating funds, and providing gift cards to assist these families. This year, we have learned that many organizations will not be able to assist as many individuals as they did last year, and we are already seeing an increase in applications. To learn more, click here. | |
Emmanuel Episcopal Church - Join us for our 31st Annual Christmas Bazaar with a preview party at 5:30pm on Friday, November 22nd ($20) or Free on Saturday, November 23rd 8:30am-1:30pm. All proceeds benefit local charities. | |
Trinity Cathedral, Easton - Circle of Hope is a support group for family members impacted by addiction or mental health issues in a loved one. Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 6-7 pm. Click here for more info. | |
Holy Trinity, Oxford - Holy Trinity Christmas Bazaar - December 7th! Stay tuned for more info! | |
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Christ Church, St. Michaels - Tidewater Singers Holiday Concert
Friday, December 13, 7 PM
Christmas Greens & Goodies, Saturday, December 14th - Get excited about the debut of CCSM's Christmas Greens and Goodies! Christmas wreathes, table decorations and arrangements will be available for sale during the St. Michael's Parade. We will also be serving hot cocoa and selling our delicious baked goods for all the parade goers to enjoy! More information will be forthcoming.
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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. | |
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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.
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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for the repose of the soul of Patricia Kirk Galbraith Dunlap, mother of The Rev. Canon Dr. Daniel Dunlap. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Cathedral, Easton, MD on November 22 at 11:00 am. Her ashes will be interred together with those of her husband in Hershey, PA. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Friends of Old Trinity Church, P.O. Box 157, Church Creek, MD, 21622.
We ask your continued prayers for
The Rev. Deacon Peggy Samuels of St. Paul's, Centreville.
Peggy was diagnosed with a brain tumor following a fall last month. She is doing well and has been going to physical and occupational therapy. She is getting her strength back and has some scans scheduled for later this month and early December. Please continue to hold her in your prayers.
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. Father Rushton continues to make progress towards recovery. He reports the doctors are continuing to modify medications for him. Parish leadership has been in contact with him mostly through email and he is aware of all that is going on at the Church of the Holy Spirit (COHS.) He misses everyone at COHS and is looking forward to hopefully returning in early 2025! Please continue to pray for him and Nick through this process.
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Peggy Beers. Charlie Bohn. Jim Brack. Ernie Cornbrooks. Carolyn Lee Crouse. Rev. Frank Crumbaugh. Former 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.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Today we pray for you
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.
First Sunday of Advent
December 1st
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Christ Church, Cambridge, and for their Rector, the Very Rev. Susan Leight, and her spouse, A.K.; the Wardens, and Vestry.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 8th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Andrew’s Mission, Hurlock, and for the ministry of their Deacon, the Rev. Barbara Coleman, and her spouse John. We pray for their Food Ministry and those who receive its offerings.
Third Sunday of Advent
December 15th
We pray for the Rev. Betty Hudson, and her spouse, John; for their Curate, the Rev. Charlotte Meyer, and her spouse, George; the Wardens, Vestry and People of Old Wye, Wye Mills.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 22nd
We give thanks for the witness of
God’s people at All Faith Chapel, Tunis Mills, and for their Interim, the Rev. Deacon Loretta Collins, and her husband, Patrick, and their Deacon, the Rev. Joanne Fisher, and her spouse, Travis.
First Sunday after Christmas
December 29th
We pray for our retired Deacons:
Melody Sutherland, Buddy Murray, Donald Whalen, Penny Morrow, Sharon Snyder, and Dick Bunting.
For additional weeks, please visit our website or contact Lynn Anstatt.
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Episcopal Relief & Development Is Giving Donors A Chance to Double Their Impact During Its Holiday Match Campaign Episcopal Relief & Development has launched its Holiday Match Campaign to support global needs around the world. Now until December 31, donors can double the impact of their donations with qualifying contributions matched up to $750,000. Read more here. | |
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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