CHRISTMAS EDITION 2019
In Your Light
We See Light
Psalm 36:9
a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton
1
Contents:
Advent Clergy Luncheon
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND
Nine counties, 42 worshiping
communities, and more than
5,000 people engaged in living
out our call to welcome all, share
Jesus’ love, and serve the world.
BISHOP
The Rt. Rev. Santosh Marray
Welcome All
Share Jesus’ Love
Serve the World
02
04
04
Bishop’s Christmas
Message
“Christ’s birth is the bridging of
two realities that shows that God
is not just the God of heaven but
Lord and Creator of the universe.”
Why Bother?
“Can I make a difference that
just might get me and my family a
little closer to the vision?”
Advent Light from
Christ Church
Parish
”As the oldest Christian
Community in Maryland, we rely
on the Light of Christ to guide our
steps. “
In This Issue:
01 Pictures from the Advent
Clergy Luncheon
02 Bishop’s Christmas Message
God’s Divine Love Permeates
for a Broken World
04 Why Bother?
Reflections on past, present,
and going to church.
06 Advent Light from Christ
Church Parish, Stevensville
A peek into the life of our
2020 Convention host church.
08 Bishop’s Institute Launch
Join us on January 4th.
Cover Photo:
Courtesy of Scott Law Photography.
www.scottlawphotography.com/
PUBLICATION INFORMATION
A publication of the Bishop and Diocese of Easton
Copyright 2019 The Bishop and Diocese of Easton
Published Quarterly
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Eastern Shore Episcoplian (ESE)
314 North St., Easton, MD 21601
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
1
Bishop’s Christmas Message
2
God’s
Divine Love
Permeates for a Broken World
By Bishop Santosh Marray
“They shall name Him Emmanuel”
which means, “God is with us”.
(St. Matthew 1:23)
PHOTO: Bishop San & Lynn’s new grandson, Jace, is ready to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is the solemn gathering of the faithful to
celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus and the world’s
Messiah or Anointed One. As we commemorate his
birthday, I feel compelled to remind the diocesan
family that God became human like us so that we might
become God. The Lord of the angels became one of us so
that we could eat the bread of angels. What a stunningly
beautiful and awesome way to sum up the Christmas
message.
The center of attraction is the manger, the child Jesus,
by coming among us offers God’s healing and love
to our broken and hostile world. As I reminded our
family some years ago, believing and receiving him
means putting him first, far ahead of the fading glory
and shifting hopes offered by this world. Also, Jesus
offers humanity a personal way of knowing, loving and
relating to God our Father in heaven, and our fellow
neighbors.
Christ’s birth is the bridging of two realities that shows
that God is not just the God of heaven but Lord and
Creator of the universe. Christmas is God’s incarnation,
that is, God taking human flesh and becoming one like
us. God became human, not just to save the world, but to
bless the world, to bless being human, to endorse being
human, to join us in our humanness. In this holy and
joyful season Jesus invites us to come to him as a child
embodying all the characteristics manifested in children
- from the purity of innocence to the openness toward
people of different cultures, ethnicities, nationalities,
social or economic status and skin color.
Second, when we look around, and see the children in
their many Christmas presentations, that excitement
and thrill go a long way in helping to lay aside, even for a
moment, the realities of daily struggle. For children, all
the experiences of life are new and thrilling adventures.
They take them in and take them on willingly and
eagerly. Adults will do well to adopt this attitude of
childlike innocence at Christmas, and for once give the
gift of this sacred birth we celebrate a chance to fill us
with PEACE! JOY! LOVE!
The timeless incarnational truth in this message is
God’s invitation for us to participate in the holy work
of salvation. We are co-responsible for our salvation by
embracing and incarnating Jesus’ call to ‘come unto me’
and ‘live in me as I live in you’.
My beloved, the birthday of Jesus marks our own
birthday. Our baptism into Christ fundamentally draws
us into a shared intimate relationship with him. This
accounts for the reason why over the centuries the
practice of gift sharing had become so popular. In truth,
we are all celebrating this birthday with Jesus which
gives us every reason to exchange gifts during this
happy season.
In the spirit of the season, I wish to personally thank our
generous diocesan family for donating to date $30,000
to the Bahamas Hurricane Relief. The enormous task
of rebuilding and restoring over three hundred years
of livelihood for the Bahamian people on the islands
of Great Abaco and Grand Bahama is a daunting
proposition. Let us continue to be generous and caring
in our support in this Christmas tide. My beloved, my
heartfelt gratitude goes out to you for supporting one of
my and Lynn’s adopted countries.
However, as we do so we are reminded to spare some
time in our celebration to invite the Christ child of
Bethlehem stable, Jesus the Lord and Savior, into our
lives and to give him the freedom to lead us where he
wishes - recommitting our lives to the guiding principles
of love for all, peace, joy and Christian harmony.
Finally, our beloved family, Nalini ‘Lynn’ and I are
conscious of the gift we have received from God in
allowing us to share ministry and companionship with
each and every one of you. You have all made our life in
the diocese a truly remarkable and holy experience. We
love you with our heart, mind and soul! As the angels
remind us, “God is with us”.
Every blessing, joy, happiness, peace and goodwill to you
and your beloved family members on this Christmas
season!
+San & Lynn
3
Church Hill, MD was a thriving town 50 years ago. There was a busy hardware store, sub shop, gas station,
theatre, and more. Now the activity has diminished. Rarely do I see anyone on the sidewalks...
Why Bother?
by Bobby Gallian, Parishioner at St. Luke’s Church Hill
I ask myself “Why are the sidewalks vacant”; “Why don’t I
know the names and stories of my neighbors”; “Where is
everyone”; “Is this really what I want”? I came to this town
because I wanted something better, better for me, better
for my family. I knew I likely would not find the “small
town, America” that Norman Rockwell depicted in his
many illustrations in the Saturday Evening Post so many
years ago. But I did want a better way of life, where the
news of the day was a bit more balanced, and somewhat
more positive. Have I missed something? Did I do all the
things I should have done, so to realize my hopes? Is there
something I can do now? Can I make a difference that just
might get me and my family a little closer to the vision? I
am after all only one person, and surely it will take much
more than just me to make a meaningful difference. Oh
why bother?
The news today told the story of yet another young person
who in an instant, physically hurt several of his peers, and
emotionally hurt exponentially more. And once again,
those who survived the carnage were briefly interviewed
by journalists, and once again the feedback included
comments like “Why?”…”Why here?”…”Why now?”…
and “I never thought something like this could happen
here!” I am not a physician, nor a psychologist, nor a first
responder. I am just one person and surely it will take
far more then me to swing the needle to a more positive
chain of events. But I do have a very modest suggestion
for consideration. I place before myself the notion of
community. Is it possible that empty sidewalks and mass
shootings are tied together? What are the chances that
the Norman Rockwell vision NOT BEING REALIZED is
somehow linked to the frequent terrible news of people
hurting people BEING REALIZED?
may just lose a sense of a real community, while they search
to be part of or gain membership in a virtual community.
Their perception may become their reality. I suggest that
being isolated may lead to depression, and that virtual
reality is a very poor substitute for real community. I
suggest that repetitious overdosing on internet trolling, or
video gaming, or social media, or even television may lead
to empty sidewalks, anonymous neighbors, ghost towns,
and physical harm.
Human kind is nurtured by fellowship, and fellowship
is nurtured by community. And community starts with
individuals, who having each decided to share, come
together. In church there is a practice called “Holy
Communion”, whereby individuals decide to come
together, to be part of something greater than anything
they can do themselves alone, and in this coming together
they hope to be closer to the Creator, the Sustainer, the
Savior, the King, the Comforter, the Alpha, the Omega.
This modest gathering is a community. The effort made
to participate is as simple as making the decision to share.
The practice of stepping away from the virtual world, so to
come together in the real world, may just be the key to make
positive change. To enjoy the smiles, handshakes, hugs,
and good news may just be enough to fill the sidewalks of
small towns, and to rescue young people from isolation,
depression, and explosion.
There is a place, St. Luke’s Parish, which sits upon the high
land of a small town named Church Hill. Indeed the town
is named after the church on the hill. The lovely but modest
structure there was built by craftsmen centuries ago, in
hopes of hosting such a holy communion, and offering
fellowship to those who make the decision to share.
The high ideal of community can be found there. And
so I decide to step away from the screen, stroll along the
sidewalk, meet the neighbors, and join in the community.
Such a place and such a community may help steer those
otherwise isolated, and help nurture young people who
simply wish to belong. This may be a step towards the
vision I had hoped for. Why bother? Because I can make
all the difference, for me, for my family, for my neighbors,
and for my small town in America.
Depression is certainly a very powerful state. When young
people grow up connected to a VIRTUAL reality to such a
degree that they become disconnected from REAL reality,
they may lose a sense of community. And the flesh and
blood people around them may become perceived as fake
holographic images, while the virtual people found on the
internet or video screen may become perceived as more
like themselves. They may become disconnected from
human beings and connected to animated images. They
4 5
Advent Light from Christ Church Parish
by the Rev. Mark Delcuze, Rector of Christ Church Kent Island
Christ Church Parish, Kent Island is
excited to be preparing to host the
152nd Annual Convention of the
Diocese of Easton. We also join with
everyone in Advent Preparations.
Advent is a time for turning towards
the light. This fall the Vestry has
directed our attention to: Forming
Christians, Serving our Community,
and Welcoming our Neighbors.
their year by walking the Stations of
the Nativity. The Christ Episcopal
Church Day School, which will
soon be celebrating its 50th year, has
more than 60 children enrolled.
Serving our Community
More than 800 people move through
our buildings on Kent Island every
week. We host six different scouting
groups for boys and girls, including
Boy Scout Troop 1631 which was
recently honored to lay a wreath at
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
at Arlington. Recovery Groups
call our parish home three days
a week. We are also delighted to
provide year-round facilities for the
Kent Island Farmer’s Market every
Thursday. Our Backpack Program
sends home healthy weekend meals
to 90 children in local elementary
schools each week. We also donate
non-perishable food twice a week to
the Grasonville Community Center.
Welcoming our Neighbors
Two big annual events serve
as centerpieces for Advent
Preparations. The Westminster
Ringers will join un on December
7, bringing more than 100 hand
bells and a dozen ringers. The
music of this community event
puts everyone in the spirit. Because
we also know that holidays can be
difficult for some people, we will
offer our Seventh Annual Service of
the Longest Night on December 18.
This candle-lit prayer service offers
Scripture, music, and a chance for
personal prayer.
Christ Church Parish generously
feeds all our neighbors. In
November, we hosted our fourth
Free Community Dinner and Game
Night. More than 80 people from
our communities came to share
three kinds of chili and homemade
dessert at no cost.
Minister of Music Gary Van Essen,
provides a diverse program and
directs the Praise Band. He also
welcomes other musicians including
oboe and bassoon! We have prayed
daily Evening Prayer more than
1200 times since Fr. Mark arrived
in 2013 and in this holy season the
daily lighting of the Advent Wreath
guides our steps towards the manger.
are welcome to receive: through
food and fellowship, learning and
recovery, devotion and praise.
We look forward to joining with the
other congregations of the Middle
Convocation to welcome the whole
Diocese to be with us for our 152nd
Annual Convention March 7, 2020.
Forming Christians
Christ Church Parish, Kent Island
is Grounded in Christ. As the
Our new Coordinator for Christian
oldest Christian Community in
Formation, Lisa Pinkham will gather
We Also Worship Regularly
Maryland, we rely on the Light of
children and youth around the
All of this activity happens in the Christ to guide our steps. We are
Godly Play stories during Advent
context of prayer. Our Sunday Growing in Faith. More than four
with the help of St. Nicholas and St.
Choir grows stronger as additional dozen households have joined
Lucy. Our Education for Ministry
“Advent Singers” join in preparation our congregation in 2019. And
class reaches the halfway point in
for the celebrations of Christmas. we are Giving in Community. All
6 7
“Equipping the saints for the work of ministry...”
Ephesians 4:12
Bishop’s Institute
RENEWED MINISTRY.
RENEWED JOURNEY.
RENEWED CHURCH.
Diocese of Easton’s
Bishop’s
Institute
JOIN US FOR OUR
LAUNCH SERVICE
JAN.4
About This Publication
The EASTERN SHORE EPISCOPALIAN (ESE) is the
quarterly news magazine of the Diocese of Easton. It
includes feature articles, columns from the bishop, stories
about ministries and parishes, and information about
upcoming diocesan events.
DEADLINES: The deadline for the ESE is the 20th of
the month preceding release. January *20th, May 20th,
August 20th, and November 20th. *Deadline may vary
for pre-convention issue.
DISTRIBUTION: We try to publish and distribute the
Eastern Shore Episcopalian on a quarterly basis. The
magazine is created in Adobe InDesign, saved as a PDF,
and published online via a service called Yumpu. Once
the issue is completed, a link is posted to our website and
the same link is emailed to our Enews distribution list.
We also mail hard copies to churches who requested them
according to a list linked here.
Based on the ebb and flow of the busy seasons we try to
adhere to the following schedule:
February: Pre-Convention Edition
June: Summer Edition
September: Fall Edition
December: Abbreviated Christmas Edition
GUEST ARTICLES may be submitted for consideration
but are included only if the following criteria are met:
1. The article is 300-600 words and includes 1-6 photos.
2. There is room for the article in an upcoming magazine.
3. The article is NOT an event synopsis or advertisement.
4. The Bishop approves the content and inclusion of the
article.
NEXT ISSUE
SERVE THE WORLD:
• Hear from some of our Churches
• Convention Preview
• Submit for Consideration to:
joanne@dioceseofeaston.org
NOTABLE DATES
January 4
BISHOP’S INSTITUTE LAUNCH
Join us for a special Eucharist and celebration of the launch
of the Bishop’s Institute.
January 10-12
OCEAN CITY YOUTH RALLY
Join thousands of 6th-12th graders from around the region
at this year’s youth rally “Inseparable” (Romans 8:38-39).
February 10th
NORTHERN CONVOCATION MEETING
Shrewsbury Kennedyville @ 7pm
The second of two business meetings leading up to
Convention.
February 11th
MIDDLE CONVOCATION MEETING
Christ Church Cambridge @ 7pm
8
@11:00AM
with Reception to follow
Installation of the Canon eologian,
the Rev. Dr. Daniel Dunlap, Rector Old Trinity Church Creek
Commissioning of the Advisory Board
Commissioning of the Bishop’s Committee
St. Paul’s Hebron
8700 Memory Gardens Lane
Hebron, MD 21801
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: We encourage the
submission of articles and pictures. We reserve the right to
edit material offered for publication. All submissions must
include name, phone and email address for verification.
• One full page article with pictures = approximately 300-
600 words
• Name of the author should be at the top of the article
• A short tagline should be at the end of the article,
including contact information for author Example: John
Doe serves as music director at St. Swithin’s. Contact him
at jdoe@stswithins.org.
• Include a headshot if possible
• Pictures should be high resolution .jpeg files (min. 300
dpi) to ensure print quality (send as separate attachment,
not in body of the article)
• Please select a significant point in your article (call out)
and highlight this text in the article
Submit stories & photos to joanne@dioceseofeaston.org
February 13th
SOUTHERN CONVOCATION MEETING
Holy Spirit Ocean City @ 7pm
March 7th (Rain Date March 14th)
ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION
Christ Church Stevensville
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.
SIGN UP FOR THE BI-WEEKLY ENEWS
dioceseofeaston.org
9
The Episcopal Diocese of Easton
314 North Street
Easton, MD 21601
410-822-1919
dioceseofeaston.org
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness
but will have the light of life.’”
John 8:12
10
Change language