Read about our upcoming Convention, Conference and Celebration weekend. Plus the amazing stories from our 150 Love Challenge. #DioEastonLove
CONVENTION EDITION 2019
150th Anniversary
Reconciliation, Hope &
LOVE
a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton
Contents:
In This Issue:
06
Presiding Bishop Curry is
coming to the Eastern Shore!
01 Bishop’s Letter
02 Convention 2019
02 Business Gathering Overview & Resolutions
03 Youth @ Convention
04 Ignite the Way Conference
05 150th Gala Banquet and Honorees
06 150th Celebration Eucharist
with Presiding Bishop Curry
08 Slate of Nominees for Convention
12 150th Love Challenge: Stories from around the Diocese on how
we answered the call (and are still answering the call) to show
love in our communities.
Cover Photo: Cara and Elizabeth enjoy a joyful moment together during the
Gathering Hope Harvest Festival at Camp Wright.
14
Love... One Load at a Time
Emmanuel Chestertown takes to the
laundromat in their innovative answer
to the 150 Love Challenge.
Pictured Below: More from the Gathering Hope Harvest Festival at Camp
Wright 1. Kids are enjoying the corn canoe 2. The Christ Church Easton
youth band performs 3. Everyone goes home with a free pumpkin!
PUBLICATION INFORMATION
A publication of the Bishop and Diocese of Easton
Copyright 2017 The Bishop and Diocese of Easton
Published Quarterly
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Eastern Shore Episcoplian (ESE)
314 North St., Easton, MD 21601
21
150 Stuffed Totes
Christ Church Denton unites their
community around 150 totes for His
Hope Haven.
OFFICE AND MAILING ADDRESS
314 North St., Easton, MD 21601
410-822-1919 dioceseofeaston.org
joanne@dioceseofeaston.org
The Right Reverend Santosh Marray
Bishop of Easton
Joanne Fisher
Director of Communications
Senior Editor & Creative Designer
The Reverend Loretta Collins
Deacon, Editor
We are in the final stages in the
celebration of our diocese’s 150th
(Sesquicentennial) Anniversary
observances under three biblical
themes – RECONCILATION + LOVE
+ HOPE undergirded by scriptural
text – “GRACE UPON GRACE”
(John1:16).
From reports across the diocese, these
themes were enthusiastically supported
and parochially beneficial in giving
energy, focus and life to parishes
where they were embraced, especially
the 150 LOVE CHALLENGE.
There are numerous testimonies
of how rewarding and missionally
inspiring it was to be part of this lifegiving
experience. On behalf of the
diocese, I would like to extend my
sincere appreciation, to members of
the Sesquicentennial Anniversary
Committee under the leadership of,
the Right Rev. James “Bud” Shand,
X Bishop of the Diocese of Easton,
for their remarkable planning and
execution of the events surrounding
our diocesan anniversary.
The 151st Annual Diocesan
Convention will witness the final layer
of celebrations with convention’s threepart
sessions: On Friday the focus
will be on the business of the diocese,
commencing at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday
the Ignite the Way Conference: Loving
through Discipleship, Evangelism &
Mission begins at 9:00 a.m., and on
Sunday all are welcome to the Closing
Celebration Eucharist with Presiding
Bishop Michael Curry at 12:00pm.
The Bishop’s address on Friday will
present the first draft of a ten-year
vision for the diocese entitled: “God’s
Vision for God’s Church on the Eastern
Shore of Maryland 2020-2030. The
first draft that will be received by
convention is a conversation document
which will be unveiled to the wider
diocese for a year of conversation
led by the bishop to engage every
congregation’s input, suggestions and
recommendations which should define
and populate the final document to
come before Diocesan Convention
2020. This discussion will form part
of the bishop’s annual visitation to
parishes.
As baptized Christians, we are all
missionaries of Christ, and The Ignite
the Way Conference on Saturday will
explore ways to live into this call more
fully. Evangelism, discipleship and
mission is a mandate to all dioceses
of the Episcopal Church coming
out of General Convention and the
Presiding Bishop’s Office. The Diocese
of Easton sees this conference as
launching an important platform for
its work in re-energizing, re-imagining
and renewing God’s mission and
the church’s vocation to follow Jesus’
call to be his disciples (John 13: 35).
All Episcopalians in the diocese are
welcome and invited to engage this
initiative for personal, missional and
spiritual growth.
Sunday’s Celebration Eucharist is
open to everyone (no reservation
or ticket needed). Just come & be
blessed. Let us join together to offer
gratitude and praise to Almighty God
for innumerable blessings and eternal
guidance received over the years. The
famed bishop of the Royal Wedding,
our Presiding Bishop and Primate,
The Most Reverend Michael Bruce
Curry, DD, will celebrate and preach. It
promises to be very inspiring - a holy
and joyful time of worship and praise.
Also, at this Eucharist, the diocese
will welcome its 40th congregation in
Sagrada Familia de Jesus, Shrewsbury,
our first Hispanic/Latino congregation.
Attendees to the worship service
are encouraged to have a substantial
breakfast. There is a cake and tea
reception following the service, and the
Hyatt has graciously agreed to allow
our parishes to provide their own best
cakes.
Be sure to join us for this momentous
occasion.
+ San
1
FRIDAY MARCH 1: BUSINESS GATHERING
The weekend makes its soft opening on Friday with the annual business gathering. The Episcopal Church
of the Eastern Shore of Maryland gathers once a year to govern the parishes that make up the Diocese of
Easton. We worship, we celebrate, we listen, we speak, we debate, and we vote. It is an important event
with much work that needs to be done. It is also where the Bishop makes his annual address. Diocesan
Convention is a balance between being the church and dreaming the church, and there is a time and
place for both.
The Bishop’s address this year will introduce the process for solidifying a ten year project called Parousia.
This work-in-progress will outline God’s vision for God’s church on the Eastern Shore and will help direct
our steps for 2020-2030. This will be a prayerful response to the work of the last 5 years and is grounded
in scripture. A copy of the Bishop’s address will be posted to the website after convention.
Read about our Slate of Nominees for Diocesan positions on pages 8-11
Resolutions submitted by the Committee on Constitution & Canons
to the 151st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Easton
Resolution 1: Amendment to Article V -- Election of a Bishop: Add “Bishop Provisional,” prohibit
nominations from the floor, and provide for a nomination by petition. This is the second reading.
Resolution 2: Article XIII -- Parishes – Separate Congregations -- Missions: To revise and update the
minimum requirements of Parish By-Laws. This is the second reading.
Resolution 3: Article XIII -- Parishes – Separate Congregations -- Missions: To simplify the process of
closing a Parish, Mission, or Separate Congregation, with adequate provisions made for the perpetual
care of any memorials, graves, and/or cemeteries. This is the second reading.
Resolution 4A - Commitment to Respond to Climate Change. To act in response to General Convention
2018 resolution A018 ‘Episcopalians Participating in Paris Climate Agreement,’ (passed) which called on dioceses,
communities of faith, and individual Episcopalians to acknowledge and respond with care to the reality of climate
change. Submitted by St. Alban’s Parish, Salisbury.
Resolution 4B - Care of Water. To act in response to General Convention 2018 resolution B025 ‘Water as a
Human Right,’ (passed) which called on Episcopalians to learn about our public waterways, water and wastewater
infrastructures, and water usage, and to shift away from using bottled water unless necessary for safety reasons.
Submitted by St. Alban’s Parish, Salisbury.
Resolution 5: Establishing Sagrada Familia de Jesus as a Mission Congregation: To continue the process
of establishing Sagrada Familia de Jesús as a Mission Congregation within the Diocese pursuant to Canons, and
in the spirit and tenets of new mission development advocated, supported and encouraged by the Domestic and
Foreign Missionary Society also known as the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America and the
Diocese of Easton. Submitted by Shrewsbury Parish Church, Kennedyville.
For further information and explanation on each of
the Resolutions please visit
www.dioceseofeaston.org/2019resolutions
2
MARCH 1: YOUTH @ CONVENTION BEGINS
DETAILS:
Locaton: Hyatt Chesapeake Resort in Cambridge, MD
Dates & Times: March 1st – 3rd, 2019. Check-In Friday 6pm. Check-Out Sunday
2:00pm (check-out is following the Noon Service – parents are welcome to attend )
For: Students in grades 5-12 and Adult Chaperones. $40 all-inclusive.
Register: Through your local church - or contact joanne@dioceseofeaston.org
April Knight returns! See her amazing painting come to life in just minutes during
worship. Learn how to do your own “scripture doodle” during a special morning
workshop. And discover your inner artist when you create your own canvas.
Hear from leaders and peers about how God’s grace has set them free. Share your
thoughts and stories during small group time. Learn more about Jesus, how His story
is a reflection of God’s grace, and how you can reflect grace too.
Enjoy all the amenities the Hyatt has to offer for the all-inclusive Youth price of only
$40. (Adult chaperones also pay $40.). Time will be set aside for swimming in the
indoor pool. Saturday night we’ll have a chance to see a special performance in the
Ballroom.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Diocese on Sunday with Presiding Bishop
Curry (the royal wedding preacher!). Invite parents and friends to this once in a
lifetime service at noon on Sunday. Plus there’s cake!
3
MARCH 2 : IGNITE CONFERENCE
4
Download Registration at www.dioceseofeaston.org/convention2019
Or Call the Office to Register: 410-822-1919
Discipleship: Building a Culture of Spiritual Growth
Since 2013, the Rev Jay Sidebotham has served as Director of RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement.
RenewalWorks seeks to build cultures of discipleship in Episcopal congregations, with a singular focus on
spiritual growth among congregants. He also serves as Associate Rector at St. James, Wilmington, N.C.
Previously, Jay served as rector in Illinois and North Carolina. He served as Vicar of St. Bartholomew’s in
Manhattan, and as Associate Rector at St. Columba’s in Washington D.C. and St. Martin’s, Rhode Island. A
graduate of Trinity College, Hartford and Union Seminary, New York, he was ordained to the diaconate in 1989
and to the priesthood in 1990. Prior to seminary study, he worked in New York in animation, illustration and
advertising. He appreciates the opportunity to produce cartoons for the wider church, describing the joys and
challenges of parish ministry.
Evangelism: Sharing the Beloved and the Way of Love
The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers serves as the Presiding Bishop’s Canon for Evangelism, Reconciliation and
Creation, helping Episcopalians to follow Jesus and foster loving, life-giving and liberating relationships with
God, each other and the earth. The author of Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other and the Spirit of
Transformation and The Episcopal Way (with Eric Law), she previously directed mission and evangelism work
at General Theological Seminary and in the Diocese of Long Island; founded The Crossing, a ground-breaking
church within St. Paul’s Cathedral in Boston; and led numerous church-wide renewal efforts. A native of
Frankfort, Kentucky, and a graduate of both Episcopal Divinity School and Harvard Divinity School, she makes
her home today in New York's Harlem neighborhood.
Envisioning the Future: The Mission of the Work Ahead
The Rt. Rev. Santosh K. Marray has worked extensively in promoting the Anglican/Episcopal Communion’s
Five Marks of Mission and has led numerous evangelism, discipleship and missional initiatives across the
communion; from planting and reviving congregations to re-imagining mission and leading through change.
He served as commissary to the Archbishop of Canterbury and was a member of the Anglican Covenant Design
Group. Bishop San was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 1981 and bishop in 2005. He has served as
Bishop in the Diocese of Seychelles, and Assistant Bishop in East Carolina (2009-2012) and Alabama (2012-2016).
Most recently this work has been demonstrated through his leadership in the Diocese of Easton – in leading
the clergy and laity to craft and live into a unified identity and vocation (John 13: 35). He holds degrees from
Codrington Theological College, Barbados; the University of the West Indies, Barbados; General Theological Seminary, New York;
the University of Wales, UK, and Colgate Rochester/Bexley Hall Divinity School, NY.
MARCH 2 : HONOREES GALA BANQUET
The culmination observances of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary at the Hyatt Chesapeake Hotel of the Diocese
of Easton includes an Honoree Banquet on Saturday, March 2 at 6:00pm. The 150 th Gala Banquet includes a
delicious plated multi-course dinner prepared by the Hyatt Chesapeake and a special performance of “Harriet
Tubman: The Chosen One” by Gwendolyn Briley Strand. The evening costs $50 and is held in celebration of and
will be honoring members of the diocesan family for their long, dedicated and faithful service to the diocese.
We will be recognizing 19 members of the diocesan family chosen by a subcommittee of Diocesan Council from
persons whose names were submitted either by their parish and/or their convocation. The Council worked over a
six-month period to encourage as many people and congregations as possible to submit names to be considered.
Here are the honorees to be recognized:
Honoree Award (Clergy):
The Right Rev. James “Bud” Shand
The Rev. Dr. Robert ‘Bob’ Gribbon
The Very Rev. Dr. Frieda Malcolm
The Very Rev.Charles Osberger
The Rev. Nathaniel Pierce
Distinguished Service Award:
Nancy Dick
Doris Hughes
Honoree Award (Lay):
C Eddie Vance
Myron Richardson
Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Rice
Mary Booth Davis
Chris Maxwell
Charlotte “Peaches” Meyer
Albert Smith
Kathleen Wise-Ridley
Lynn Anstatt
Bonnie Caudell
Carrie Connelly
Pat Layton
“Harriet Tubman - The
Chosen One” is a dynamic
one-woman show that takes
its audience on one of the
many journeys Ms. Tubman
took on the Underground
Railroad. Watch Ms. Briley-
Strand, change into more
than a dozen characters,
right before your eyes.
Listen as she sings spiritual
after spiritual showing
how the enslaved used
this “secret language” to
communicate with one
another. Join Ms. Briley-
Strand as she transports
you into a time you’ve only
read about.
Parishes and
individuals are
encouraged to show
their support for their
honorees by coming to
the Honorees Banquet
which is open to all
members of the diocese:
Call the Office to Register:
410-822-1919
5
MARCH 3: 150th CELEBRATION EUCHARIST
The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, who gained international
attention and fame when he preached at the wedding of Prince
Harry and Megan Markle, will be present with us on Sunday March
3 rd at Noon at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, MD.
This momentus occasion is the wrap up to our year-long
commemoration and celebration of the 150 th Anniversary of the
founding of our diocese. The Episcopal Diocese of Easton was
founded in 1868, shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War. Since
then members of our almost 40 congregations have been faithfully
ministering with and to people all along the Eastern Shore of
Maryland.
Presiding Bishop Curry is scheduled to preach and to celebrate our
closing Eucharist and everyone is invited! In preparation for this
event, we have conducted a Day of Reconciliation at the recently
opened Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic
Park in Church Creek, MD and a Hope Festival at Camp Wright in
Stevensville, MD. Additionally, our congregations took on a “150
Challenge” by performing 150 unique acts of love or service in their
local communities.
An outstanding and dynamic preacher, Presiding Bishop Curry
gained international attention and fame when he preached at the
wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor on Saturday May 19, 2019. He
has also preached at numerous other events including General Conventions of the Episcopal Church. Videos of
his preaching can easily be found online. We consider ourselves truly blessed to have him with us for this great
celebration and hallmark moment in the life of our diocese.
No need to register. All Are Welcome. See You There!
The Celebration Eucharist Collection will be used to support our diocesan
vision for 2020-2030, the “Parousia” Initiative. Parousia is an ancient Greek
word meaning ‘presence’. Thank you for your support of God’s Vision for God’s
Church on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The Diocesan website now supports online giving.
Visit www.dioceseofeaston.org
and click “GIVE” in the upper right corner.
6
MARCH 3: 150th CELEBRATION EUCHARIST
A SEA OF RECONCILIATION, HOPE, & LOVE
We are encouraging everyone to wear their 150th anniversary t-shirts to the Closing Eucharist of the 2019
Convention. What a cool image to have us all standing together - a sea of people united by Jesus’ call of
reconciliation, hope, and love. Clergy, including Bishop Michael Curry, will have stoles to match.
Yellow Hope
Short Sleeved T-shirt
$15
Blue Reconciliation
Short Sleeved T-shirt
$15
Red Love Short-
Sleeved T-shirt
$15
White 150th Short-
Sleeved T-shirt
$15
White 150th Long
Sleeved T-shirt
$25
Sizes: Small to 3X
Shirts will be on
sale all weekend at
convention (while
supplies last) or
order early by
calling the office:
410-822-1919
or email beth@
dioceseofeaston.org
White shirts also available in short sleeve.
Presiding Bishop Curry
Autographed Bobble Head
Tickets: $5 each or 3 for $10
Proceeds benefit:
The Diocese’s New Mission Frontier -
Our Hispanic/Latino Ministry
Drawing will follow Celebration Eucharist
Name
Address
Phone
Email
Buy your ticket for our PB Curry Bobble Head Raffle all weekend at convention or
order early by going online to www.dioceseofeaston.org/bobbleheadraffle.
7
Introducing our
Convention Nominees...
Nominees were also asked to answer the following question:
“You are busy at work, at home,
and with your congregation,
why is this a good time to add
diocesan service to your plate?”
8
Board of Managers, Lay – Tom
Mendenhall: Tom Mendenhall in
retirement serves as consulting CFO
to For All Seasons, Inc., the Eastern
Shore’s leading agency in Behavioral
Health counseling and Rape Crisis
Support. Previously he served as
Director – School Advancement &
Finance at Wye River Upper School.
He has served as a chief operating
officer, chief financial officer, and general manager at several
small-to medium sized companies where his experience
included turnaround and business restructuring activities
focusing on general management, marketing, and finance.
He spent ten years with Martin Marietta Corporation where
he managed a short term investment portfolio of over $200
million. Tom holds a Masters in Management from the Alfred
P. Sloan School at MIT, and a BS from Drexel University.
Tom is married with four children and eight grandchildren.
He enjoys fishing, reading and writing. He is a member
of Christ Church, St. Michaels and serves on the Vestry as
Finance Chair. He has served on the Diocesan Council and
its Finance Committee, and currently serves as President
of the Standing Committee and Chair of the Camp Wright
Committee. Answer to Question: I have been involved in
Diocesan work for 6 years; it is simply part of what I do and
how I serve.
- See Full Bio Online
Board of Managers, Lay – Debra
Dragone: Read the beginning of
Debra’s bio under her Diocesan
Council Nomination.
Professional Experience, Education,
Family Avocations: Cradle
Episcopalian in the same parish
since birth. Married to John. BS in
Mathematical Science & Business
Administration; MS in Accounting.
Licensed as an active CPA in Maryland. Faculty Member
of Lerner College of Business & Economics at University of
Delaware. Faculty Advisor: Professional Business Fraternity
Delta Sigma Pi. Greek Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi. And for fun:
Irish Dance Club! Treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral Trust in
America
Answer to Question: My calling is to give back each day for
the bounty and grace God has given me. To that end, while
serving and facilitating such non profit organizations as St.
Paul’s Cathedral Trust as needed, I also love the one on one of
teaching Latino children piano lessons as part of our ministry
at St. Clement’s. Although I am seeking a financial position
as a member of the Board of Managers and my contributions
would be strictly financial in nature, good stewardship of
parochial and diocesan funds allow all of us to serve our
congregations and communities to the fullest of our means.
Standing Committee, Lay –
Kathleen Wise Ridley: I have been
a communicant of Christ Church
Cambridge since my Confirmation
in 1985. I have been active in the
parish at every level from committee
and Vestry work, to serving as
Senior Warden, to taking my place
liturgically as a Eucharistic Minister
and Worship Leader. I have also
been active in the Diocese as a member of the Commission
on Ministry, the Standing Committee, and as Deputy to
six General Conventions. I have been a search consultant
and a facilitator for Mutual Ministry reviews with churches
throughout the Diocese. Most recently I co-chaired the
Transition Committee during our Diocesan Bishop Search
and Election, and currently serve on the Cathedral Chapter.
I am married to Doug Ridley [and] we enjoy traveling and
family time with our seven children, 15 grandchildren, and
15 great-grands.
Answer to Question: The Standing Committee needs
seasoned, experienced members of the Diocese to be part
of this council of advice to the Bishop. I have served on the
Standing Committee before, and I believe that at this time in
my life I have both the time and the ongoing experience and
wisdom to be an asset in this position.
- See Full Bio Online
Standing Committee, Lay – John
Dragone: I have been a member of St.
Clements Massey since the early 1980’s.
Spouse Debra and I were married at
St. Clements. Over the course of those
years, I have served as a vestry person,
a VBS and Sunday school teacher, and I
am currently serving as Senior Warden.
At the Diocesan level, I was appointed
to an ad hoc Committee on Parish
Apportionment by Bishop Shand. It was during this
assignment that I became attuned to the fact that our small
parishes, including St. Clements, are faced with many similar
challenges as we work to secure our futures. I have also
served on the Compensation and Personnel Committee.
A graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, I sailed
for a number of years in the U.S. Merchant Marine as a
deck officer, including Captain. Since coming ashore, I have
worked for various shipping companies in Operations and
Labor Relations. I am currently employed by American
President Lines Maritime as Director of Labor Relations.
Answer to Question: I am at a good place in my career in
terms of schedule flexibility and available vacation days as
well as home life to be able to carve out the time necessary to
serve at the Diocesan level.
- See Full Bio Online
Standing Committee, Clergy – The
Rev. Chuck Hatfield: The Rev. Charles
J. (Chuck) Hatfield, Jr. has been Rector
of All Hallows, Snow Hill in the
Southern Convocation since February
of 2018. Fr. Chuck and his wife, The
Rev. Adele Hatfield, previously served
together as Co-Rectors at St. Peter’s,
Mountain Lakes, NJ in the Diocese of
Newark from Feb 2009 until January
2018. While in the Diocese of Newark he served on Diocesan
Council and on the Diocesan Finance Committee. Prior to
Newark, he served as in the Diocese of Southwest Florida as
Associate Rector at St. Monica’s in Naples, FL (2005-2009).
Fr. Chuck received his MDiv from VTS in 2005 and was
ordained a priest in April of 2006. Fr. Chuck received his BS
in Business Management from Virginia Tech.
Fr. Chuck has always enjoyed music and is a keyboard player.
He enjoys all types of music, especially rock, blues, jazz and
classical. Fr. Chuck’s favorite sport is baseball and growing
up in Baltimore developed a favorite Mid-Atlantic team of
Oriole Birds!
Answer to Question: Fr. Chuck brings previous experience as
a member of the Standing Committee, Executive Board, and
Commission on Ministry while in SWVA and would offer his
gifts and knowledge, if elected, on the Standing Committee
for the Diocese of Easton.
- See Full Bio Online
Standing Committee, Clergy – The
Rev. Mark Delcuze: Mark Delcuze
has served at Christ Church Parish,
Kent Island since 2013. In the
Diocese of Easton he has served as
Vice President of Diocesan Council,
Chaplain and Member of the Bishop
Nominating Committee for the XI
Bishop of Easton, and as a member
of the Clericus Planning Team.
Ordained for 33 years, he has served as Ecumenical Officer
in three dioceses, as Title IV Consultant in two dioceses,
and as Three-time Clergy Deputy to General Convention
(Southern Virginia). He has Chaired the Finance Committee
for Esperanza Academy in Lawrence, MA and Chair of
Personnel for the Virginia Council of Churches. For the past
four years, he has been an Instructor in the School fo Adult
Learning at Chesapeake College. Married to Mimi Delcuze
for 35 years, he has two grown daughters, a son-in-law, and
three grandchildren. He plays the guitar and ukulele and has
been known to write a hymn or two.
Answer to Question: Serving Christ in the church is primary
to my vocation. This means always having one major
diocesan responsibility in addition to my parish work.
9
Diocesan Council – At-Large Rep,
Lay – Dee Rinehart: Dee Stanek
Rinehart is a member of St. Alban’s
Parish, Salisbury, where she sings in
the choir, serves as a Worship Leader,
Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic
Visitor. and Teller. She has served
several terms on the parish Vestry and
held the offices of Junior and Senior
Warden.
Her diocesan service has included Diocesan Council,
Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry, and as
a trainer for Worship Leader, Eucharistic Minister, and
Eucharistic Visitor.
Dee and her husband Harry live in Vienna in a house built in
the 1850’s. Yes, history and genealogy are among her hobbies,
but her favorites are her time spent with grandchildren and
singing with her friends in the choir. She is a retired educator
who holds a Masters Degree plus 30 graduate hours. Most of
her career was spent in Dorchester County Public Schools.
Diocesan Council – At-Large
Rep, Clergy – The Rev. Frank S.
St. Amour, III SSC: St. Paul’s, Kent
- Northern Convocation Chair,
Disciplinary Board. In parish ministry
since 1983 with twelve years as a
National Guard Chaplain. Also, as
a Rural Dean and member of the
Church Growth Committee in NJ; in
Bethlehem, on the Commission on
Ministry, Congregational Renewal Committee and the Grants
Committee; and, in WNY, on the Diocesan Council.
A Rotarian for twenty-five years, I have held many offices and
am currently Treasurer of the Chestertown Club.
Diocesan service, like community service, goes with the
ministry. May one hope the Convention feels I could serve
this Diocese on Council.
Diocesan Council – At-Large Rep,
Lay – Debra Dragone: St. Clements
Church: North Kent Parish, Massey:
Organist for worship since the age
of 12. Leadership Positions Held:
Senior Warden, Treasurer and
Registrar. Vestry person numerous
terms. Lay Reader during transitional
ministry. VBS Director & VBS teacher
numerous terms. Lay Representative
to Diocesan Convention several years
Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and other
Committees of the Diocese: Secretary to Annual Convention
of the Diocese of Easton for latter years of Bishop Shand
episcopate through 2014 – approximately 6 years. Teller at
Annual Convention under the episcopate of Bishop Martin
Townsend. Previous Member of Board of Managers. Previous
Chair of Finance Department 4 year term ending 2018. Just
accepted Finance Administrator for Board of Managers as
Chris Maxwell is transitioning to an appointed position with
the Board
Supporting CW ministry as member of the Advisory Board –
and specifically with financial advisory work as needed. This
is a new ministry since 2016
Read More of Debra’s bio under her Board of Managers
Nomination. See Full Bio Online
Diocesan Council – At-Large Rep,
Clergy – The Rev. Dennis L. Morgan:
Priest in Charge at St. Mary’s, Tyaskin
and at St. Paul’s, Vienna. Employed
as a part-time Chaplain at Peninsula
Regional Medical Center Salisbury,
working one overnight [16 hours]
plus an additional 14 to 18 hours per
week. I also serve as chaplain/pastoral
care for the ALS [amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease] clinic and support group
at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Serve as a clients’
rights advocate on the Behavior Support Committee at The
Holly Center [A residential community for developmentally
disabled, both physically and intellectually, adults] in
Salisbury, MD. Married to Jane Morgan.
Answer to Question: My father, gone to glory some thirty-two
years now, was prone to say in response to my endless fretting
about making the “right” decision, “No matter what you do,
it will be all right.” For many years, I was never sure what
he meant by that. It was only in the days just after his death
that I realized he wasn’t talking so much about the outcome,
rather he cared about me and the stress and worry I put
myself through in the process. There may never be a “good
time” to take on another challenge, but to do is to realize that
there is no better time than now, and to understand that now,
is all the time I/we will ever have. This is the right decision,
and, “it will be all right”.
- See Full Bio Online
10
Diocesan Council – Middle
Convocation Rep, Lay – Richard
Savington: A native of the Eastern
Shore, I went away for college,
returning to raise my children here
with my wife, a local Emergency
Medicine physician. Attending
Washington & Lee University and
Loyola University and after a career
in finance, I studied at University
of Baltimore School of Law receiving my J.D. with a
concentration in Tax Law and Estates and Trust. I’m currently
in private practice in Easton, where my daughter is in 8th
grade at my Alma Mater, Saints Peter & Paul. My son is
studying at Marymount Manhattan University in New York.
I worship at St. Paul’s Trappe, where I serve on the vestry and
was on the clergy search committee. My family emphasized
service and actively participated in the life of our church and
I have tried to continue that tradition in my life.
Answer to Question: This new opportunity is a natural
progression in a life of service which began as a child. My
family always emphasized giving back and to whom much
is given much is expected. Even my choice to pursue a legal
career was part of my desire to help others. I believe this next
chapter will allow me to give back and make a positive impact
on our church family and our community at large. I would be
honored to serve on Diocesan Council. - See Full Bio Online
Diocesan Council – Northern
Convocation Rep, Lay – Sandy
Bjork: I am a RN with a B.S. in Health
Care Administration and a J.D. with
a certificate in Health Law. After my
retirement as a nurse attorney, we
moved to Chestertown in 2007. I have
been an active member of Emmanuel
Church, Chester Parish in the Northern
Convocation, where I have been a choir
member, helped with the Kitchen Krew, Flower Guild, and
am currently Senior Warden. I have been honored to serve on
the Board of For All Seasons, the behavioral health and rape
crisis center, and am currently vice president of the Chester
River Health Foundation Board. I serve on the Constitution
and Canons and the Commission on Ministry.
My husband and I enjoy travel in the US and abroad, golf,
and local theater. I was pleased to spend almost ten years of
singing with the Chester River Chorale. We are fortunate to
have our children and grandchildren living on the Western
Shore and in New York so there are many trips back over the
Bay Bridge.
Answer to Question: On reflection, I believe that achieving
the inclusion of all of God’s children as identified as the role
our Diocese is pursuing in living out God’s Mission takes
precedence over the “busyness” that one finds oneself in.
With that in mind, I would be honored to serve on Diocesan
Council.
- See Full Bio Online
Diocesan Council – Southern
Convocation Rep, Clergy – The Rev.
David Michaud: I am the Rector
of St. Peter’s Church in Salisbury
where I have served for 5 ½ years. I
previously served as Rector of St.
Andrew’s Princess Anne and was
ordained in this Diocese in 2007.
Previous to ordained ministry I
served as the CEO of the Community
Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
Current: Chair of the Diocese’s Green Hill Church
Committee; Member of the Diocesan Finance Committee
and the Diocesan Grants Committee. Previous: Co-Chair
of the Diocesan Discernment Committee; Vice President of
Diocesan Council; member of: Bishop Search Committee,
Camp Wright Committee, Nominating Committee,
Disciplinary Board, and Communications Task Force.
Deputy to General Convention 2015 and Alternate Deputy
2012 and 2018; Appointed General Convention Assistant
Secretary for Digital Systems 2012, 2015, 2018.
Answer to Question: I believe that given my skills and
experiences in parishes, the diocese and the wider church I
would make valuable contributions as a member of Diocesan
Council. Through the leadership of Bishop Marray the
Diocese is embarking upon some exciting ministries and I
would work diligently to help implement the vision.
- See Full Bio Online
For the full bio on each of our nominees
please visit
www.dioceseofeaston.org/2019nominees
11
150 LOVE CHALLENGE
Churches around the Diocese got creative with the #DioEastonLove challenge.
We hope you enjoy reading their stories as much as we did.
“Beloved, since God loved us so
much, we also ought to love one
another. 12 No one has ever seen
God; if we love one another, God
lives in us, and his love is perfected
in us.”
(1 John 4:11-12)
St. Paul’s Marion
St. Paul’s Marion has met their 150th Love challenge with their
cemetery restoration project. To date, 150 gravestones have been
restored to reveal their original beauty. This labor of love, removing
decades and even centuries old dirt and moss, was spearheaded
by parishoner Kay Ferraro. She and her dedicated cleaning team,
comprised of family, parishoners, young and old alike, made the
St. Pauls Marion cemetery shine!
The Church of the Holy Trinity Oxford responded
to our Bishop’s challenge to create 150 of something
in celebration of the Diocese of Easton’s 150th
anniversary. As a congregation, inspired by our
Sundays School children, we committed to gather
at least 150 oyster shells, represent the heritage of
the eastern shore, and inscribe them with messages
proclaiming God’s love for all. The plan was to then
have parishioners give the shells to people throughout
the eastern shore community.
150 Shells Proclaim God’s Love
These shells were inscribed at the annual parish
Harvest Fest on Sunday, October 28, 2018. However,
this activity took on a more focused perspective in
light of the massacre at the Tree of Life temple in
Pittsburgh the day before. Parishioners were inspired
to inscribe the shells with messages of solidarity, love, support, scripture,
and prayer for our brothers and sisters at Temple B’nai Israel. Fr. Kevin
brought these symbols of our love to Rabbi Peter Hyman the morning
after this event where they were gratefully received as gifts from God’s
people to God’s people.
12
These are the olive wood
crosses that Christ Church
Easton has been handing out
at services. Well over 150 have
been handed out to date. They
made a particularly powerful
impact at a recent memorial
service where over 450 of the
600 attendees took a cross.
Trinity Cathedral collected
150 days of diapers for the
babies at the Talbot Interfaith
Shelter. Their final count: 2,266
diapers or 15 diapers per day
(for four babies) times 150
days (with 16 to spare). Plus an
additional $145 in donations.
Way to go!
As a part of the 150th
anniversary celebration, St.
Paul’s, Berlin, collected well over
150 cans which were distributed
to the local food pantry.
13
150 Acts of Love Challenge at Emmanuel, Chestertown
When the Rector and Vestry
announced the 150 Acts of Love
Challenge to the parish in May
2018, some wondered if we
could just list the many things
the parish already does, things
like provide lunch to almost
150 students and mentors from
the National Music Festival for
two weeks every summer, or
our annual collection of school
supplies that always exceeds
3x150 needed items. But in
true Emmanuel fashion, our
imaginations were piqued and
we set to work to share God’s
love throughout the community
in additional ways, often new
and quite different.
Our Vestry led the way by
offering $10 to each of the
150 local parish families, and
challenging us to multiply that
$10 gift to make a difference.
The results were staggering.
Parishioners reported back that
they had challenged extended
family to match the $10
contribution thereby making
$150 donations to organizations
like the Bayside H.O.Y.A. S.,
“No Kid Hungry,” legal defense
funds for immigrant children,
the Community Food Pantry,
and the Good Neighbor Fund.
Others used their $10 (often
plus money of their own) to
do individual good deeds for
neighbors, and for strangers.
They bought stamps, gift cards,
flowers, groceries, breakfast for
a group of seniors, helped pay
for prescription medications
for a young family, and “passed
it forward” at coffee shops, ice
cream shops, and fast food
restaurants.
But the most unique way
Emmanuelites met the 150 Acts
of Love Challenge was to initiate
and continue the ministry of
Laundry Love. Once a month a
small group of parishioners visits
the local laundromat armed
with rolls of quarters, detergent,
bleach, fabric softener, and some
snack food. For two hours one
evening a month, parishioners
provide everything needed to
wash and dry the laundry for
whoever comes in the door. Over
the six month period from July
through December 2018, we
washed and dried 382 loads of
laundry, and we are not done yet!
14
Christ Church Cambridge
Christ Church Cambridge collected 150
hats, scarves, and gloves. These were
distributed to local schools and senior
centers.
15
100 Parishioners Each Perform 50 Hours of Service
at Shrewsbury Parish
Angels in the Attic: Collecting and
selling lightly used, affordable items
so our children can buy gifts for
their loved ones for Christmas.
Collecting socks filled with tissue
packets, chapstick, and hand
sanitizer to give to the homeless.
Angel Tree: Offering gifts for families
in need in our parish.
16
Nicole Wagner developed a
Prayerground in the back of the
church, so that toddlers have a place
to play during worship..
Shrewsbury Parish Church is doing the
“50 Hours of Service Challenge.” We are
encouraging 100 parishioners to each
perform 50 hours of service. We have a
booklet that we distributed in November
after we reviewed spiritual gifts. In fact,
we presented a spiritual gifts survey at the
end of October, so that everyone would
know his or her gifts. Then we distributed
booklets which had suggestions on how
people can volunteer. For example, there
is Playmakers Camp at the Garfield,
the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, Camp
Wright, Character Counts!, American
Red Cross, and St. Martin’s Ministries. We
listed 28 organizations in the booklet. We
also suggested ways to serve the church
on the altar guild, as an usher, or to teach
at an adult forum. In the booklet, we
asked people to list the service performed,
the dates, and the number of hours. We
will collect the booklets at the end of
February to offer to the Convention. We
have heard testimonies from pashioners
about how they are now driving for
the blind, knitting for veterans, or
joining Character Counts! as a coach.
The Sisters of Rebecca Matoaka at
Shrewsbury Parish ran a free art
project with children who came to
Fountain Park in Chestertown.
Collecting hats for veterans in
November, spearheaded by Isabelle
Requena and Pam Quarstein.
Kenya Connect: Making educational
materials for children in Kenya.
150 Card Challenge
Story courtesy of Nancy Linck, St. Albans Salisbury
The Daughters of the King chapter
service project last summer in the
park.
Knitting booties for veterans and the
homeless, spearheaded by Roberta
Brown.
The people of Salisbury and beyond took up their pens to make the last
months of Jose Grover’s life a little brighter -- showing love in the same
way he shared it. Each year, Jose had a reputation for sharing Christmas
cards with EVERYONE in his life, and so the call was sent out for 150
cards for Jose. Here is a quote from his family dated May 16th...
“[We] would like to thank you for your funny, loving and gracious cards
sent to Jose Grover since his diagnosis of a brain tumor on 3/5/2018. To
date, we have received 186 cards from as far away as Munich, Germany
(Shorebirds fan) to family around the country...
Every day we lived in suspense as to how many cards would arrive.
Then, every night we would read the new cards and place them on
the walls. There were games, sympathy cards, Happy Birthday cards,
Merry Christmas cards, homemade cards, daily cards from the same
people, weekly cards from the same people, cards with themes, cards
with stories, cards from total strangers, cards with jokes...all honoring
Jose’s generosity of time, talent and spirit. They spoke of Jose’s cooking
skills for Advent & Lent Mexican soups, dining monthly at all the local
restaurants with Barrie Smith, attending all the Shorebirds games with
his friends, or acolyting at St. Alban’s Episcopal.” #DioEastonLove
JOSE ANGEL GROVER entered heaven on Thursday, May 10, 2018
at 11:15 pm. He left this world calmly and gently into his own “Good
Night”.
Raising money for the purchase of
mosquito nets and clean water.
17
Trinity Elkton Records Over
150 Acts of Kindness
161 to be exact. The congregation reported their acts of kindness
every week and a tally was kept. Whether sharing with a churchmembers,
neighbors and friends (101) or serving strangers (39) the
parishioners were hard at work to bring a little cheer to their community.
The rest of the tally was in assisting in local and churchwide
community projects (21). Here are some of the quotes taken
from the spreadsheet - wish we could fit them all!
• Cut my elderly neighbors grass
• Rescreened my neighbors door
• Invited a new person to Church
• Painted a dove mural at
Clairvaux Farms
• Prayed with a homeless woman
• Bought groceries and cleaned
and cooked for an elderly
neighbor and friend.
• Helped restore a historic garden
in Gettysburg. All vegetables
grown in the garden go to the
local food bank.
• Treated a recovering addict to
lunch
• Passed on shoes to a friend
• Called Church friend not seen
or heard from in a while. Needs
AC with this hot weather.
Started campaign to try to get
an AC.
• Provided a ride to a Church
member for Church
• Sent thinking of you card to a
shut in Church member
• Helped with “Christmas in
April”
• Prepared and served 72 meals
at the community kitchen
• Visiting a long term care
patient who does have local
family support
• Cared for Neighbor’s cat while
he was away
• Helped neighbor flush leaves
from clogged rain gutter
• Donated clothes to veteran’s
administration
• Cleaned my grandmother’s
basement
• Prepared bag lunches for Paris
Foundation
• Made soup for neighbor
• A student home visiting from
college jumped into the choir to
sing the anthem!
• Volunteer at civil war
reenactments to help educate
the youth about our local
history
• Took all tablecloths from coffee
hours and washed them
• Helped my son in hard
financial time
• I helped push a stuck vehicle
from the mud at the lights
festival
• Repaired neighbors porch light
• Signed up for Cruise to help
Puerto Rico victims
• Called my Aunt to check on her
• My beautiful wife dedicated
her time towards the spaghetti
dinner
• Pruned shrubs and trees on
Trinity grounds, moved debris
to street for pickup
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St. Paul’s, Vienna & St. Mary’s, Tyaskin
“To honor these children of
God we have collected 150 +
Boxtops for Education”
The parishes of St. Paul’s, Vienna and St. Mary’s, Tyaskin both
served by the Rev. Dennis Morgan, see the love of Christ in the
children of the community. Vienna’s children often park their
bikes, scooters, Hoverboards, etc. in the church yard and hurry
into church on Sunday morning. T. is always eager to prepare
the snacks for coffee hour, others look forward to helping
Fr. Dennis at the altar. Oh what wonderful questions they
have during education and after the service! To honor these
children of God we have collected 150 + Boxtops for Education
to go to Vienna Elementary School. We have opted to continue
this project far into the future.
When Fr. Dennis looks out into the congregation at St.
Mary’s, Tyaskin during the service, he often sees a few of
the children mirroring him as he raises the elements, lifts his
hands in prayer or crosses himself. To honor the children of
the community and its history (St. Mary’s is also celebrating its
220th anniversary), many parishioners added $1.50 or $2.20 to
their weekly offering. With this extra commitment, we are able
to provide backpacks and end of summer pizza for the children
attending the Kids Club program housed in the Westside
Community Center.
The children of Tyaskin and Vienna are in good hands, those
hands of our Lord.
“...many parishioners added
$1.50 or $2.20 to their
weekly offering. ”
19
250 ACTS OF KINDNESS
ST. PETER’S SALISBURY
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury
took the 150 Challenge to a new level.
Since they have been celebrating their
250 th anniversary they decided to
challenge each other to 250 Acts of
Kindness.
Their acts of kindness reached far and
wide in their own church family and
into their community. Parishioners
visited homebound folks, took them
communion and made home cooked
meals. They picked up trash along roads
as they went on walks. One loaned
her car to a neighbor whose car was
being fixed; others gave rides. They
helped with gardening and landscaping,
cleaning, setting up and putting away
chairs. Others volunteered in their local
schools and reached out to all ages to
play games and visit. They supported
the Summer Lunch Program for local
children. One parishioner spent her day
with a new neighbor helping them to get
acquainted with the town. Others shared
produce from their gardens to others.
The entire journey was logged pictureby-picture
on their facebook page
in a photo album titled “250 Acts
of Kindness”. Although 250 acts of
kindness are now complete, their acts
of kindness go on! The new challenge
to each other is to keep those acts of
kindness coming, sharing with their
neighbors the love of our God.
20
Christ Church Denton St Luke’s Church Hill Next Generation Church Church of the Nazarene
150 Totes for His Hope Haven
Ames Church Greensboro Baptist Calvary Baptist The Town of Denton Women for Women
As many may know, Christ Church
Denton is in partnership with His
Hope Haven homeless shelter (their
Resource Center is located in our
Parish Hall). We approached them
first as to what would be a good
item to raise up in a quantity of
150. I said to Lynn Keckler who
manages the shelter that we wanted
something more challenging than
150 cans of soup. She came up
with the idea of Shower Totes that
they could give to their shelter
residents that could be carried to
the common showers with each
one’s personal items. These are the
ones chosen:
We decided on 3 colors: bright
blue for the kids, hot pink for the
women and black for the men. At
$6.00 each, the goal was to raise
$900. -- a real challenge for our
small parish.
Then we had the bright idea of
involving other churches in our
area who are also involved in the
mission of His Hope Haven to
supply the personal care items to fill
the totes. Stefanie Johnson of HHH
took on the task of organizing the
other churches. We divided the
time to complete the challenge into
3 two-month periods to make the
fundraising and tote filling more
manageable. For May-June we
had a Stuff the Totes! event here at
Christ Church Denton. For July-
August we had a Stuff the Totes!
event at Next Generation Church
and the final event for September-
October took place at Calvary
Baptist Church.
Besides the staff & volunteers at
His Hope Haven and folks from
our church, many other churches
and organizations took part in
the project. These included Next
Generation Church, Church of the
Nazarene, Calvary Baptist, Ames
Church, Greensboro Baptist, St
Luke’s Church Hill, the Town of
Denton and Women for Women (a
domestic Violence group).
St. Luke’s Church Hill joined our
campaign and made a significant
financial contribution and The
Rev. Loretta Collins joined us to
stuff totes. We raffled a large swan
decoy at Summerfest this year that
was donated by retired waterman
George Edwards and the winner,
for the first time, was a member of
our own congregation, Mark Fuchs.
He arranged to have the decoy
sold online and made another
significant contribution to the
campaign.
21
The Episcopal Diocese of Easton
314 North Street
Easton, MD 21601
410-822-1919
dioceseofeaston.org
CAMP WRIGHT - RESIDENT CAMP - SUMMER
Session Schedule
Session 1/SHL June 22-28
Mini 1 June 22-24
Mini 2 June 26-28
Session 2/SHA July 1-7
Mini 3 July 1-3
Mini 4 July 5-7
Session 3 July 9- 15
Mini 5 July 9- 11
Mini 6 July 13 - 15
Session 4 July 18 - 24
XMAS/AC/STEM July 27-Aug 2
Session 5 Aug 4-10
SENIOR/NATURE Aug 12-16
www.campwright.com
Join us on Kent Island this summer! For over 85
years, Camp Wright has provided young people
from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and beyond an
encouraging place to grow, learn, play, and make
new friends. With traditional programs and specialty
camps throughout the summer, Camp Wright offers
something for everyone.
22