Bishop’s Christmas Message 2022
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel – ‘God is with us’ (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
"...The message of Christmas is one of peace and goodwill to all. We share it with each other in a spirit of love, kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice. The barriers, some visible, others invisible, are shattered, even if temporarily, so the light of the Christ child may shine clearly in the lives of us all..."
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Bishop's Pastoral Directive: Pertaining to General Convention Resolution C007 - designating March 10th as the date to commemorate Harriet Ross Tubman. Read Directive here.
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Ordination of Susannah Elizabeth Southern: Bishop Marray will ordain Susannah Elizabeth Southern to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at eleven o'clock in the morning at St. Alban's Parish
302 St. Alban's Drive, Salisbury, Maryland. All are welcome.
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155th Diocesan Convention
New on the webpage: Draft Rules of Order, Budget as Approved by Council, Memorandum and Links from Constitution and Canons Committee, Resolutions Committee, and Nominating Committee/Election Information
Convocation Meetings:
Convocation Meeting 7:00pm - 12/14/22 - Via Zoom
Convocation Meeting 7:00pm - 1/31/23 - Via Zoom
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Welcome Reverend Margaret Brack: Rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury: The Parish of St. Alban’s which was in the search process for over three years has called the Reverend Margaret Brack to be its rector. The Diocese of Easton welcomes the Rev. Margaret Brack and her spouse Jim. Rev. Margaret has been called to a two-church cure – Rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Salisbury and Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church of Salisbury. This is the first time in the history of the diocese that such an ecumenical appointment has been done. The spirit of the Lutheran and Episcopal Concordat commonly referred to as “Called to Common Mission” is ‘bearing fruit’ in a more robust, collaborative and tangible way in our diocese. Margaret and Jim come to us from the Diocese of Maryland. Read more.
Welcome Reverend Claire Nevin-Field: Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chestertown Rev. Claire Nevin-Field has been called to be the rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chestertown. The diocese welcomes Rev. Fields and her spouse Andrew to historic Emmanuel and Chestertown. The parish was in the search process for close to three years and thanks Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams for her faithful and dedicated service to the parish over the many years of her rectorship. Claire and Andrew come to us from the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Read more.
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Clergy Advent Luncheon: The Bishop hosted the Annual Advent Luncheon for Clergy and Spouses this week (pictured above). The lunch was preceded by a wonderful shared Eucharist in Trinity Cathedral.
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Safe Church Updates: The Diocese has adopted the following policies. Please make sure you are familiar with their contents. These and other links, including those for training and background checks are located on our Safe Church webpage.
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Parochial Report Filing for 2022: 2022 Parochial Report filings can be filed beginning on January 3, 2023 and are due by March 1, 2023. Parishes should be receiving correspondence from The Episcopal Church concerning 2022 Parochial Reports. If you have questions about how to fill this out, you should review these links for help and guidance!
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CPR, AED & First Aid Training at the Diocese. We had a great turnout of folks from around the diocese who learned how to care for someone in a medical emergency.
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Christine Brown from All Faith Chapel, Tunis Mills |
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Michael Valliant & Chris Rigaux from Christ Church, Easton
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Mission Summit 2023: Mark your calendars for October 7th, 2023 as the Mission Summit returns with a Ministry Fair & "Tailgate Party" at Christ Church, Kent Island. Each church will have a chance to share their top success stories and provide one another with tools for applying these ideas across the Diocese. (Not to mention amazing food, lotsa fun & great fellowship!)
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Clergy Save the Dates: The 2023 Clergy Conference, with keynote Bishop Jim Mathes, will be at the Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort from May 1st - May 3rd, 2023. For more Clergy Save the Dates, click here.
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Ocean City Youth Retreat: Weekend of January 6th - 8th, 2023. Join us in early January for our annual Winter Youth Event - packed with friends, fellowship, and a deep dive into scripture. This year's theme is "Branded: Marked as Christ's Own Forever" - conversations about how to be confident in our faith in a skeptical world. Register your Youth Group. Register as an Individual.
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Additional Youth Ministry Save the Dates:
- Camp Wright Youth Summit: Weekend of April 28th-30th, 2023
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Episcopal Youth Event (EYE): July 3rd-8th, 2023 (Province 3 will host a pre-EYE event July 3-4 which is included in these dates)
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Merry Christmas! The Bray House staff would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyful and blessed New Year!! We hope this holiday season is filled with good health, lots of happiness and joy, and may your homes be filled with much love and laughter!
Christmas Office Hours Please note that the Diocesan Offices (Bray House) will be closed for Christmas from December 22nd - 27th and again for New Year's from December 30th - January 2nd. If you require immediate assistance please use the following phone number: 410-310-4486.
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Be on the Lookout for Holiday Scammers
We are once again entering into a sacred time for Christians, celebrating the birth of Christ. However, there are those for whom this time isn’t sacred, it is a time for scamming and taking advantage of others. Please know, your bishop will never send you an email requesting that you purchase a gift card. No matter whose name is on the email and no matter how official the email may look, if you receive such an email – do not respond to it, simply move it to the trash and throw it away. If you are ever in doubt, always call the office (410-822-1919) Please reference this article for more information. May you and your loved ones feel God presence during this Season of Christmas.
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Thank you for your continued support
of the mission and ministries of our Diocese.
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Camp Wright Update: We are accepting Staff Applications for our 2023 team-- counselors, kitchen, maintenance staff and other positions are available. We have begun our search for a new Associate Director. The Associate Director manages all aspects of our summer camp program. We feel confident that we will find an exceptional leader to fill this role in our ministry. Information about all of our available positions can be found on our website.
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Give the gift of Camp Wright this Christmas! The best way to support Camp Wright's programs, facilities, and scholarships is with a monthly gift. In the spirit of Christmas, folks who make a gift of $25 or more to our Scholarship Fund this month will receive this fun, handmade Seabear ornament for their tree. You can make a one time gift, or set up your monthly giving plan.
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Summer Camp 2023 registration opened on November 1 and we currently have a waitlist in most sessions, but we expect to have a lot of shift on the waitlists in the coming weeks. Please register your camper as soon as possible and we will let you know when a spot becomes available. Your credit card will not be charged until your camper has been placed in a session. Contact Alesia, registrar@campwright.com with any questions.
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Retreat House Happenings:
The Retreat House at Hillsboro and Heartberry Hollow are delighted to announce the creation of a new online community podcast. The Forest’s Edge is an experimental participatory podcast that invites you to join in an exploration of core questions about what it means to be a spiritual, earthy being in the world today. Learn more 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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Bishop’s Institute News: We are excited to announce Spring 2023 Trainings for Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, and Worship Leader Training in March 2023.
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Latino & Hispanic Ministry: Enjoy a photo essay of the dedication of the Irene H. Riebe English Learning Center with the Donald E. Smith Christian Fellowship Lounge at St. Clements, Massey.
Latino Leadership training days to be led by Padre Thom Sinnott and Pastor Mark Hansen Feb 11, May 13, Aug 12 & Nov 11, with each session running from 10 am to 3:00 pm; the venue is slated to be the new English Learning Center at St. Clement’s. For more information, contact Mark Hansen.
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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AROUND THE DIOCESE
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Church of the Holy Trinity, Oxford - Holiday Jazz Concert Sunday,December 18th at 3:00 pm. With Chuck & Robert Redd (Vibes & Piano) Learn more here. |
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St. Peter's, Salisbury - You are invited to join four distinguished soloists in a sing-along to the Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 18th at 6:30pm. With Jennifer Hope Wills, opera singers from the Baltimore\D.C. area, and musicians from the Salisbury Symphony. This year’s “Messiah” sing-along promises to be a treat for music lovers. Admission is free. The audience is encouraged to bring scores, which also will be on sale at the church for $10. For more information call 410-742-5118.
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Christ Church Cambridge Concert Series on Sunday at 4:00pm December 18, 2022 Tidewater Singers Christmas Concert Admission: $15 Students Free Christ Episcopal Church 215 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 Phone: 410-228-3161 |
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St. Andrews, Hurlock - Bishop San enjoyed spending the day at St. Andrew’s Community Fair on November 30 – celebrating the Feast of St.Andrew’s.
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POST YOUR EVENT!
Send an email with a short description plus links or attachments to Joanne. Churches are also encouraged to add joanne@dioceseofeaston.org to their local enews.
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Pastoral Concerns
We pray for continued healing and comfort for the following people and their families: for Geovanni Ayon, Carolyn Lee Crouse. Doug Girardeau. Rev. Bryan Glancey & Barbs Glancey. The Rev. Jim Kamihachi & Weasie Kamihachi. The Rev. Ron Knapp. Tom Mendenhall. The Rev. Susan Oldfather. Becky Richardson. Rev. Peggy Samuels. The Rev. Ken Thom.
Pray for cessation of the war in Ukraine, Middle East and in other parts of the world. For the citizens of Ukraine, refugees and displaced children, the elderly, parents, sick and the nations that are providing a safe and secure shelter for migrant citizens.
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Diocesan Prayer Calendar
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at All Faith Chapel, Tunis
Mills, and for their Lay Leadership during their period of transition.
Christmas Day
December 25th
We pray for our retired Deacons: Penny Morrow, George Murray, Melody
Sutherland, Dick Bunting and Don Whalen.
The Holy Name of our Lord
January 1st
We pray for a prosperous New Year, good health, and peace to all.
We give thanks for the ministry of the Board of Managers, celebrating 13 years of investment leadership and stewardship of diocesan funds.
First Sunday after the Epiphany
January 8th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Luke’s, Church Hill, and for their Vicar, the Ven. Deacon Loretta Collins. We give thanks for her faithful service to the people of St. Luke’s as she prepares for retirement.
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
January 15th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. Peter’s, Salisbury, for their Rector, the Very Rev. David Michaud, and his spouse, Kelli. We pray for their Asst. Rector, the Rev. Greg Harbaugh, and their Deacon, the Rev. Laura Harbaugh.
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 22nd
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at Christ Church, I.U., Worton, and for the lay leadership of the parish.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
January 29th
We give thanks for the witness of God’s people at St. John’s, Cornersville, and their Rector, the Rev. Canon Dr. Daniel Dunlap, and his spouse, Donna.
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The Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) invites young leaders ages 21 to 32 interested in a transformative outreach and discernment experience to apply online for the 2023-24 program year. Learn more here.
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Join a diverse cohort of emerging leaders on a two-year journey of faith-inspired, values-driven, and community-oriented learning and mentorship.
The Trinity Leadership Fellows Program is for individuals seeking to deepen the faith-inspired and values-driven mindsets and skills needed to effectively lead organizations and serve communities in contemporary society, while also building lifelong supporting peer and mentoring relationships. Learn more here.
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“My Way of Love for Small Groups” “My Way of Love is intended for individuals seeking guidance in growth in love of God and neighbor, but we’ve also found that it’s a great resource for small gathered communities to use,” said Jerusalem Greer, manager of evangelism and discipleship for The Episcopal Church. “A group, any group — inside or outside a congregation — can take the inventory on their own, begin their eight weeks of emails, and then share with each other how the journey is going.” Learn more here.
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