Legacy of

Gratitude

Bishop San

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

Ecclesiology

The nature and structure of the Church.

Evolution of the Episcopal Church

• Bishop Samuel Seabury 1783 & 1784

Ordination of First Priest

• Fr. Colin Ferguson (1785-1799)� Rector of St. Paul, Kent
• First Designated Episcopal Parish� Emmanuel, Chestertown
• First Christ Church/State of Maryland – 1631� Christ Church, Kent Island

• Bishops William White / Samuel Provost - 1785
• Authority of Bishop Granted by “the People in trust”
• Roots/Identity in Jesus

Diocese of Maryland

• Bishop John C. Claggett / September 17, 1792
• Diocese of Maryland Established
• Claggett Ordination & Consecration� (Three Bishops Present)
• 1^st Episcopal Bishop Consecrated on US Soil

Diocese of Easton

• 1865 – Act of Diocese of Maryland
• Officially Formed as Bona Fide Diocese – The Diocese of Easton - October 1865
• Bishop Henry Lay (October 1868)
• 150^th Anniversary - 2018

Bishop & Diocesan Polity/Ecclesiology

• Episcopal/Episcope – Bishop
• Greek “epis-ko-pikos” – Overseer/watchman/guarding/oversight/
• Chief Pastor/ Ecclesiastical Authority
• Jesus was 1^st Bishop or Guardian – “Samaritan”
• Diocesan Governance/Diocese organized around bishop/Bishop in Council (Lay & Clergy)

• Connect with Anglican/RC Heritage/Roots
• Visionary
• Clergy serve under Episcopal Authority of Bishop
• See Ordinal for Ordination & Consecration of Bishop (BCP 512)
• Lay Formation & Authority (BCP 855)

• “Apostolic Succession” 1^st Bishop: James of Jerusalem (Acts 15) & 1^st Apostle (Peter)
• Clergy Ordination/
• Confirmation
• Lay Empowerment
• Bishop Prepares the People of God for the Mission of God
• Multi-faceted role

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Diocese Connects/Networks

• Global, National, Regional Connection
• Search Clergy
• Church Pension Fund
• Church Medical Insurance
• Church Insurance – Property & Liability Protection
• Safeguards/Peace of Mind to Do �God’s Mission

Triple Function:

1. Be Witness to the Gospel
2. In Service of the Servants of God
3. Provide Pastoral Oversight that Enhances and Strengthens Unity of Mission
4. BCP 855 (The Ministers of the Church)

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Prepare the People of God for the Mission of God

Question

What is our Diocesan Divine Vocation?

Missional Strength in Parishes

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
• To teach, baptize and nurture new believers
• To respond to human need by loving service
• To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth

• Over 45 Million – Investments/Cash Assets
• Approx. 150 Million in Real Estate
• Easton Episcopal Funds – 36M over 10 years of 30 Shareholders
• Property Held in Trust - Canon 7: 4

Safeguarding Our Financial Health

Question

What we risk saving one million?

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The benefits far outweigh the cost for maintaining our ecclesiastical identity and independence.

How shall we move forward together as one Diocesan Family in Christ?

Question

What does it take to remain as a Diocesan Family in the Household of God – The Church?

Our Diocese, 40 Congregations of Clergy and Lay working together in collaborative ministries, is God’s Gift to the Eastern Shore.

2022-2023�YEAR OF�CONGREGATIONAL�RESILIENCE