Eastern Shore Episcopalian (ESE) - Convention 2018

Introducing our
Convention Nominees...
Diocesan Council – Northern
Convocation Rep, Lay – Mark
Hansen: The son of Episcopal
missionaries serving over three
decades in Brazil and Japan, I am the
product of a lifelong immersion in
global Anglicanism. My own sense of
vocation to a life of domestic Christian
mission came during the mid-1980’s
while doing seminary field placement
as a bi-lingual tutor in the South Bronx at a predominantly
Puerto Rican parish. Today, I teach English as a Second
Language for Mexican immigrants at St. Clement’s, Massey,
where for the past four years I have served as Lay Pastor in
a team-ministry model to this small, bold, mission-oriented
– and now growing – congregation. I have a myriad of
experience in diocesan-level affairs across four diocese as
well as in leadership roles within the local community. My
PhD is in Latin American history with a minor in religion
from Columbia University, and I am currently affiliated as a
Visiting Scholar at Washington College.
I am enthusiastic about the vision of “a prayer-centered
church and a mission-shaped diocese” in large measure
because it is not just our bishop’s idea nor is it merely a
marketing slogan. Bishop Santosh’s spiritually-grounded
and collaborative leadership style has been evident in the
emergence of this vision, insofar as he was the leader in
urging diocesan representatives to craft such a statement,
while being a respectful listener in guiding it through its
various iterations. The result is a well-ordered statement
of two indispensable priorities: prayerful connection with
the living God, resulting in missional outreach to the wider
world. Too often we Episcopalians fall into a bandwagon
mentality, with the “cart” of social action coming before the
“horse” of prayerful, scripture-based reflection. In all things,
we must never forget that “the Church is the only society
that exists for the benefit of those who are not its members.”
(William Temple)
Diocesan Council – Middle
Convocation Rep, Clergy – Charlie
Osberger: Rector Wye Parish, Dean
of the Middle Convocation, member
of the Commission on Ministry,
Board of Camp Wright and Deputy
to the General Convention of the
Episcopal Church 2018
Jesus is the Foundation of the
movement bearing His Name for his Kingdom’s cause.
We are living witnesses to the presence of the Kingdom
of God among us. This means to me participating in the
proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, unifying a
Diocese of missions, ministries and congregations, all ages,
youth and leaders who are a spiritual offering of real hope,
real grace and real peace to the world through real lives
changed by the love of God. As we live into the next 150
years of Easton’s vision, decisions and commitments that
demonstrate true compassion and the joy of our Lord’s
salvation we will be good news for the communities and
people we serve.
Diocesan Council – Southern
Convocation Rep, Lay – Phil
Tilghman: Grew up in Federalsburg
MD. Graduated Washington
College 1964 and married college
sweetheart same year. Three children,
nine grandchildren and two great
granddaughters. Member St. Philips,
Quantico since 1966. Senior Warden
several times and just retiring from
most recent stint. Two previous terms on Diocesan Council.
Member of Bishop’s selection committee. Elected member
Wicomico County Council 1984 thru 2000. Host of local
interview program on local access TV 2000 thru 2014.
As a Diocese we expressed to those who would be our Bishop
that ” status quo is not an option”. Now we must embrace
the challenge that Bishop San has set for us in terms of
commitment to Christ centered service to mankind starting
in our own communities. As a Diocese we should take every
opportunity to meet, worship and dialogue with each other as
fellow Episcopalians to bolster that commitment. The more
the “flock” is together the stronger we become and thereby
more receptive to the Shepherd.
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