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.

Ascension, Silver Spring Loving Their Neighbors

Ascension, Silver Spring Loving Their Neighbors

This quote from Jeremiah is placed in every bag of supplies that we hand out to the local unhoused six times during the month. This ministry of Ascension, Sligo Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland started in the early days of the pandemic. With so many quarranting, there were only a few people out on the streets around Ascension early each Sunday morning, which made those sleeping outside all the more noticeable.

read more
Alexander Crummell Way

Alexander Crummell Way

Holding court in a sea of concrete—surrounded by the stomach-turning smells of diesel fuel and other chemicals in the midst of the historically black community of Ivy City (1873) in Northeast Washington, DC—stands the Alexander Crummell School. Named after the black priest who was the first rector of St. Mary’s, Foggy Bottom—the first black Episcopal church in DC—and who later founded St. Luke’s, DC, the building was built in 1911 as a segregated elementary school.

read more
Belovedness – Sharing Hope and Sharing Love

Belovedness – Sharing Hope and Sharing Love

You never know where or when the Spirit will tap you on the shoulder, but most of the time, you likely do know when it happens. The real question is, do you focus on this gentle nudge or try to brush it off with some rationale? It is too easy sometimes, to not notice or to even ignore these ‘nudgings’. Have you ever asked yourself why?

read more
Resources for the Stewardship of Creation

Resources for the Stewardship of Creation

It is a time to take stock of our lives: Are we acting as good stewards of God’s creation? What more can we do, with God’s help? Please consider forming a team to discern the next steps for your parish. Here are some resources for discernment and engagement on that journey.

read more
Repairing the Breach: Congregational Resources by Racial Makeup and History

Repairing the Breach: Congregational Resources by Racial Makeup and History

During the 2024 Diocesan Convention, the Rev. Peter Jarrett-Schell, on behalf of the Committee on Diocesan Reparations, presented findings on congregational resources by racial history and makeup. Here are highlights from that presentation. To view the recording of the presentation, see Congregational Resources by Racial Makeup/History on our YouTube channel.

read more
Seabury, EDOW Celebrate a Century of Partnership

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.

read more
Christ Gives Life, Not Captivity

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.

read more
Help Shape Diocesan Youth Ministry

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.

read more
Resources for Confirmation Prep

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:

read more
Parish History Spotlight: Calvary Explores Its Early History

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.

read more