NEWS
Here’s where you’ll find good news stories about how we–as a diocese, as parishes, and as individuals–are drawing people to Jesus and embodying His love for the world by growing our skills as leaders, deepening our faith, and striving for justice.
Seabury, EDOW Celebrate a Century of Partnership
Not every proposal to Diocesan Convention is a keeper. But in 1923, those assembled in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington approved in concept a home for elderly Episcopalians, with Bishop Alfred Harding recommending the name “The Church Home,” and approving a Mother’s Day collection in support of it.
Christ Gives Life, Not Captivity
My father was a correctional officer and deputy sheriff in Maryland for several years before I was born. Growing up, he would say that prison is the closest thing to “hell on earth,” as he instructed me on navigating racist policing and legal systems I might encounter directly as a Black youth in America. This idea became ingrained in my consciousness. His way of describing prison communicated theological undertones I couldn’t dismiss or take lightly. I understood at a deep level that prison wasn’t an ideal place for me—or anyone else.
Help Shape Diocesan Youth Ministry
We, as a diocese, have an opportunity to build a ministry with rising generations that is full of power and possibility—that meets youth where they are, supports them in their faith life, and invites them deeper into courageous discipleship. Help shape diocesan youth ministry by completing our survey by Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Resources for Confirmation Prep
As the May 11, 2024, Spring Confirmation service approaches, here’s a quick refresher on what resources are available through the School for Christian Faith and Leadership to support congregations in preparing candidates for confirmation, reception into The Episcopal Church and reaffirmation of baptismal vows:
Parish History Spotlight: Calvary Explores Its Early History
Calvary Episcopal Church is one of seven historically Black Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Washington. In 2022, three dedicated parishioners from Calvary formed a committee to begin the work of examining its history. The goal: to determine how its congregation has shaped and been shaped by the realities of race in the United States.
Committee on Congregational Stewardship and Diocesan Support: Application Process Open
At the December 2023 Diocesan Council meeting, a resolution was presented and passed calling for the establishment of a Committee on Congregational Stewardship and Diocesan Support. Learn more about the work before the committee and apply to serve by February 21.
5 Resources for Deeper Learning: Black History for Social Change
Black History Month offers a time for special reflection over the inspiring movement work, transformative endeavors and hard-fought contributions that Black people and communities have brought to American culture and society. Collected here are resources for deeper engagement covering local, national and global realities of struggle for liberation, self-determination and realization of justice-making.
Young Adult Episcopalians: Living a Faithful Lent
This Lent, the diocesan Young Adult Episcopalians (YAE) will engage in an offering called, Living a Faithful Lent, through which they will serve with EDOW partner organizations that support the very communities Jesus mentions in Matthew 25. Beginning Saturday, February, 17 and going through March 23, Young Adults (20’s and 30’s) from around the Diocese of Washington are invited to gather for six Saturdays of service and reflection centering on Jesus’ words in Matthew 25.
Stewardship Strategy for Parish Facilities and Finances Presentation
During the diocesan-wide listening sessions that informed our strategic plan, one of the issues that kept coming up was the high cost of maintaining our church buildings and properties, and how those costs consumed a disproportionate portion of congregational resources that could otherwise be used for actual ministry.
The Meaning of Black History Month
In 1915, Historian and Journalist Carter G. Woodson traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the commemoration of the emancipation proclamation. This trip inspired him to create an organization devoted to the scientific study of Black life, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. On February 7, 1926, Woodson established Negro History Week.