Bishop's Blog: Resurrection Fundamentals

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb... - John 20:1

Here are some things to know about what we celebrate at Easter.

Resurrection begins in the dark, and feels tentative and ambiguous at first. Our first response to life rising out of the ashes is typically like that of Mary at the tomb, hesitant and sad. We're still grieving what we've lost. Read more...

Ministry in Focus

Re-Centering with RenewalWorks

What if being a Christian meant deepening your relationship with God? What if being a Christian meant walking ever closer with Christ? What if parish life supported those things? It does. It should. It can.

In 2013, the Diocese embarked on a journey called RenewalWorks. Based on a decade of cross-denominational research in which over 500,000 Christians and 2,500 parishes have participated, RenewalWorks is an Episcopal planning tool that assesses the spiritual vitality of a congregation.

The process is simple: 1) survey the beliefs and spiritual practices of parish members, 2) assemble a team to make meaning of the results, and 3) tweak congregational offerings accordingly. Read more...

In the Diocese

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Church House Closing

Church House will be closed on Friday, April 3 for Good Friday. We will open again on Monday, April 6.

Easter Message from the Presiding Bishop

It's still dark when Mary ventures out to find the tomb. The graveyards around Jerusalem don't have much greenery today. The earth is mostly rock and stone, and it is far from easy to make a place to secure a body. Jesus' body was put in a cave-like space, with a stone rolled across the opening to close it up. Mary has made the journey from wherever she's sheltered over the last day, through darkened streets, perhaps hearing cocks begin to crow and townspeople start to stir. Read more...

Upcoming Diocesan Events

April 10-12

Silent Spring Retreat

Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, Marriottsville, MD

This year's retreat will focus on the theme "Beauty in a Troubled Word: Reclaim the Sacred and Holy in God's Creation." The retreat leader is The Rev. Dr. Joan E. Beilstein, Rector of Church of the Ascension, Sligo. The fee is $325; scholarships are available. More information...

April 17-18

Live Now Serve Now: Youth and Family Service Day

National Cathedral and St. Alban's grounds

Youth and Families are invited to join together from across churches and regions and learn why service and outreach are important parts of a Christian life. Attendees will also participate in a hands-on service project. We will camp-out, worship and service in and around the National Cathedral and St. Alban's grounds. Find out more and register now.

April 19, 4pm

The Rev. Tim Johnson will be installed as the rector of Christ Church, La Plata and Christ Church, Wayside.

April 25, 10am

The Rev. Robyn Franklin-Vaughn, will be installed as the rector of St. Barnabas', Leeland.

Parish Events

April 3

1pm: Maundy Thursday play "The Living Last Supper" at St. Luke's, DC

1:15pm: Journey through the Stations of the Cross with pilgrims from churches on Chevy Chase Circle, including All Saints Episcopal Church

7pm: The Trinity Chancel Choir and Orchestra of Trinity, DC will present its annual Good Friday concert featuring "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Theodore Dubois

April 4

10am: Washington National Cathedral offers The Space In Between: A Holy Saturday quiet morning

April 5

Find an Easter worship service near you

10am: Bishop Nathan Baxter from the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania will preach at this Sunday's service at St. Luke's, DC

5pm: Washington National Cathedral hosts Living Water from Ancient Streams: Poetry and Prayer

April 11

12pm: Spaghetti luncheon at St. Mary Magdalene in Wheaton

April 12

4pm: Absalom Jones service at St. Andrew's, College Park. Bishop Mariann will celebrate the Eucharist and the offering will go toward scholarship assistance at the Bishop Walker School

Prayer List

We ask your prayers of condolence for:

Cassandra Burton - on the occasion of the death of her sister (Wanda)

We ask your prayers of healing for:

Tom Bauer

Kevin Thomas

Don Bitsberger

Ed Kelaher's grandson (Lucas)

Martha Bonwitt's husband (Bill)

Joseph Trigg's son (Peter)

Margaret Gordon

Joan Beilstein's nephew (Brian)

Robert Tomlinson

Lane Davenport

We ask your prayers of comfort for:

Fr. Richard C. Martin - in hospice

Connie Reinhardt's father (Jim)

Lane Davenport's father (Charles) - in hospice

Video

School of Prayer: Maundy Thursday