Offerings include traditional week-long summer camps, adventure camps, day-camps and other special outings.

Campers come from this diocese as well as other areas.  Phone or e-mail for registration details, fees, etc. 

The series consists of 13 books . In addition, there is a guide for the series which summarizes each of the books,  has suggestions on which books may be appropriate for various types of groups, activities for each volume, and aids in establishing groups.

   The titles of the books are :
      Volume 1:  The Anglican Vision            Volume  8:   Mysteries of Faith
      Volume 2:  Opening the Bible                Volume 9:   Ethics After Easter
      Volume 3:  Engaging the Word              Volume10:  Christian Social Witness
      Volume 4:  The Practice of Prayer         Volume11:  Horizons of Mission 
      Volume 5:  Living With History              Volume 12:  A Theology of Worship
      Volume 6:  Early Christian Traditions      Volume 13:  Christian Wholeness
      Volume 7:  Opening the Prayer book     Also; A Guide to the series

This series is uniquely designed to speak to the  church as we find ourselves today. It addresses more topics than the earlier series and it covers each topic both at a more introductory level and with a broader perspective
.

Trinity Cathedral  -  Several books used as the basis  for a “Foundations Course”
Northern Convocation -  “The Practice of Prayer” book was used in a workshop on prayer and praying. 

CONTACT: Cowley Publications,  phone: 800-225-1534, fax 617-423-2354,    web-site: http://www.cowley.org/

Also available from  Cokesbury Bookstore, Virginia  Theological Seminary, Phone 1-800-368-3756

DIOCESAN CONTACT:  George Kettell    gkettell@bluecrab.org 

DESCRIPTION:  The Cursillo movement is a method of renewal in the Church.  Its purpose is to help those in the Church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders.  This leadership may be exercised in work situations, in the family and social life, in leisure activities, and within the Church.  The goal of Cursillo is the goal of the Church:  to bring all to Christ.  This is done when informed, trained leaders set out with the support of others having a similar commitment.

The Cursillo Movement began in Majorca, Spain in the 1940s, Its founders were three Roman Catholic priests who discerned a need for a greater awareness of the Good News of the Gospel. 

It did not develop by accident. It began when a group of men dedicated themselves  to bringing the young men of their city to know Christ better. It was introduced in the USA through the Roman Catholic Church in the 1970s.

The first Cursillo weekend was neither a lucky accident nor a blueprint directly from Heaven. It grew out of a process of development. Nor were its leaders a chance  collection of men. They had been working together for some time bringing men to  Christ, and their worthy purpose was to Christianize the world. The movement grew out of a climate of spiritual renewal. It is a ministry led by lay persons, assisted by the clergy and under the direction of the Bishop. 

The goal of Cursillo mirrors that of the Church; to bring all to Christ. Its Spanish name is Cursillo de Christiandad -- "little courses in living what  it means to be a Christian." A few other Spanish terms are used.  Rollo (roy-o) means short talk.  Palanca translates into the English word lever for lifting something beyond one’s strength (as in prayer).  Other Spanish expressions:  mananitas -- early morning greetings, decolores  -- many colors as in the rainbow and often used as a salutation or greeting, and ultreya- meaning onward, used to describe the meetings which follow up the weekend experience. 

Cursillo has been defined as one method of renewal, and its main purpose is to help Christians to learn and determine their individual calls to service and leadership within the church. It has sometimes been called a ‘ Leaders School’, because it has been so instrumental in development of leadership at the parish and diocesan level. The emphasis is action oriented toward living a Christian life and discovering a personal vocation within the church. 

The three-pronged philosophy in Cursillo reflects Piety, Study and Action. These three being used to transform the environment surrounding the individual Christian. The three day weekend format is carefully structured and faithfully followed by a team of leaders who have spent 6 weeks in preparatory training. It incorporates a schedule of worship, study, music, fellowship and fun. It’s been referred to as a cross between a Spiritual Retreat, and Church Camp. 

The Method or Strategy of the Cursillo Movement consists of three parts. 
1) Identification of environments/situations to be influenced by the Gospel and leaders within those environments (such as a parish) Also called Pre-Cursillo in which leaders and sponsors for candidates are sought.  2) A Three Day Cursillo Weekend: Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon in format of talks, small groups, singing, prayers, Eucharist  and fun, centered in the Sacraments.  The  Weekend is not an end in itself, but can be a re-definition in Christian living.  Many come away with their lives changed, and filled with spiritual renewal. 3) A follow-up systematic support system, known as the Fourth Day--all the days of the REST of your life as a Christian.  Ideally, this takes the form of weekly "group reunions" of Christians in a brief, prayerful meeting and monthly Ultreyas, where smaller groups join together to encourage one another.

There  are currently two annual functions of the Cursillo Movement in the diocese:
Each Spring there is a reunion-type, overnight get-together in Ocean City known as "Isaiah  40." This event includes a format of spiritual leadership, music and fellowship to which any interested Christian is welcome. 

Each year on the last Saturday of July, an Annual Meeting honors the founding of the Movement. Traditionally, the leadership roles are passed from one team to the next at this time. It can be hosted by any parish in the diocese. 

NORTHERN  CONVOCATION: 
Jim Bortner, Phone 410-778-0589, e-mail jbortner@alum.bucknell.edu
Jerry Smithson, Phone 410-639-7672

MIDDLE CONVOCATION: 
George Kettell, Phone 410-820-8504, e-mail gkettell@bluecrab.org
Ellen Kelley 410/820-8664, e-mail ellkel@msn.com
Pat O’Hanlon 410/822-8895, e-mail pohanlon@shore.intercom.net

SOUTHERN  CONVOCATION: 
Ann Glovier, Phone 410-957-2423, e-mail annglovier@dmv.com

DESCRIPTION:  Disciples of Christ in Community is a program which gives experiences in Christian Community and learning.  DOCC provides an opportunity for participants to experience the Christian Gospel in the context of the 21st century world.  But DOCC is clearly centered in the experience of the early church, as described in Acts 2:42.  “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching  and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  Modeled after the early church, small groups of about ten led by trained co-leaders gather after a teaching to discuss its significance in their lives.  In an accepting, caring atmosphere, group members can grow in awareness of the purpose and potential of the church and discover and define personal ministry.

DOCC began in 1975 at Trinity Church, New Orleans, under the leadership of the Reverend John Stone Jenkins.  It is now under the auspices of the school of Theology programs Center of the University of the South.

CONTACT:   Jerry Smithson, St. Paul’s, Kent, 410-639-7672
The Rev. Frieda Malcolm, St. Alban's, Salisbury, 410-742-6595
The Rev. Mike Reddig, St. Peter's, Salisbury, 410-742-5118
web site:  http://www.sewanee.edu/Theology/DOCCfolder/DOCChome.html
e-mail:  docc@seraph1.sewanee.edu

DESCRIPTION:  Education for Ministry, usually known as EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the  basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history,  liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the  completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.

Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be "a minister." The fact is that all baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the church's total  ministry. This Total Ministry is nothing less than the exercise of the church's  vocation to continue the ministry of Jesus. He reconciled the world to God. We are called to incarnate that reconciliation in our own time and in our own place through worship, service to others, and by proclamation of his Word to all people. 

The EFM program is preparation for the ministry to which we are called. It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the Eucharist: "And now, Father, send us out to do  the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."
 

LOCAL CONTACT:  Tom Egeberg, Christ Church, Easton
e-mail: tegeberg@goeaston.com
 

University of the South:  Telephone (800) 722-1974
FAX (615) 598-1165
e-Mail: efm@sewanee.edu
Web site: http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM

DESCRIPTION:  Faith Alive is a witnessing fellowship dedicated to building up the Body of Christ in the Episcopal Church through the format of a weekend program, call a Faith Alive Weekend.  Faith Alive comes to a church at the invitation of the Rector and lay leadership (the Vestry).  Led by a team of visiting lay men and women it is empowering and encouraging, raising up new leaders with a  fresh hunger to follow as Jesus Christ leads, exciting and nurturing the spiritual appetites of children and teenagers, affirming and stimulating growth in small-group communities. 

Web site::   http://www.faithalive.org

DESCRIPTION:  The Interfaith Resource Center is an ecumenical library where 6,000+ books, videos and curricula are available to borrow for personal use or for use with a group.   The center is a link between your denomination and other local congregations and a place to share ideas.  The mission of the Interfaith Resource Center is to encourage and equip congregations in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern shore by providing support and resources, so that all may study the scriptures, praise God, share the faith and minister to others.

The resource center is supported by contributions from several denominations, annual membership fees, video rentals and donations.  Memberships are on a sliding scale depending upon the size of a congregation (ie 1-100 members $50, 101-200 members $60, etc.)  Membership for an individual is $15.  Video rental is $5 per use.

LOCATION:   Central location is 1626 N. Union Street, Wilmington, DE.  The resource center also holds satellite hours from 10 am to 4 pm at various locations on the peninsula  several times a year.  In addition, the resource center staff would be happy to  take resource displays to parish or diocesan events.  Feel free to contact the center to work out an agreeable date for such a visit.

CONTACT:  Paula Hartzel, Director
  Phone: 302/655-6151 or 800/336-6152
  Fax: 302/573-2393
  e-mail: resource.ctr@dol.net
  web site: http://www.interfaithresourcecenter.com/index.htm

DESCRIPTION: Journey to Adulthood is a program which has emerged after many discussions and long testing.  It is divided into three two-year segments:  The Celebration of  Manhood and Womanhood (Rite-13), Journey to Adulthood (J2A), and Young Adults in the Church (YAC).

The first segment derives its name from a new liturgical rite that acknowledges God’s gift of manhood and womanhood.  Celebrated on or near the thirteenth birthday, the transitions of puberty are framed with this rite.  Young people then begin the process of moving intentionally from childhood to adulthood within the context of faith.  Given that young people must turn thirteen at some time during the first two years, children as young as eleven are welcomed into the Rite-13 program.

In the second segment, youth leaders, clergy, and specialists begin the two-year process of training the young people in the skills of adulthood.  At the end of this, the young people may choose whether they wish to make their public commitment to the faith in the sacramental rite of confirmation.  (The young people can thus be confirmed as early as fifteen or as late as seventeen.)  Whatever their decisions, having demonstrated and practiced their newly earned skills, they are, at the end, considered as young adults, ready to take on certain adult responsibilities.

In the final segment, young people are encouraged to take on an ever-increasing responsibility and partnership in the life of the congregation and in the community at large.

CONTACT:   Christ Church-Easton, Joanne Browe, 410-822-2677
  Order from LeadershipResources
           38 Mulberry Street
           Box 302
           Leeds, MA 01053 
           800/941-2218
           web site:  http://www.lea.org

DESCRIPTION: Spiritual Direction is a one-to-one relationship in which the person seeking spiritual direction (the directee) is led and guided in the development of his/her spiritual life by a more experienced and knowledgeable spiritual mentor (the director).   During spiritual direction, the directee might share one’s life of faith, prayer, relationship with God.  Spiritual direction is particularly helpful for a person who is in the midst of vocational discernment or who is wrestling with difficult faith/spiritual experiences.  Spiritual direction can enrich one’s relationship to self, to God, and to people.  Put simply, it’s about fostering a relationship of love during one’s journey in faith.

There are opportunities not only for individual direction but also group spiritual direction.  This would be a small group of people who come together with the help of a director.  The group’s intention is to focus on the same kinds of spiritual/personal faith issues as found in individual sessions.  Benefits of group spiritual direction include mutual support and the diverse-yet-sameness of spiritual experiences that are found among members.

Spiritual direction is most beneficial when relating to a person who has had training and  experience as a spiritual director.  There are various programs which provide training in this ministry, one of them being the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, in Bethesda, MD.  Many spiritual directors are associated with Spiritual Directors International which promotes on-going formation, continuing education and peer  support in their ministry with others.  Spiritual directors listed in the Spiritual Directors International Directory belong to geographical regions in which spiritual directors can be recommended for those seeking a spiritual companion along their journey in faith.

The Rev. Beatrice Billups
Annapolis, MD
410-268-1423

Barry, William A. and Connolly, William J. The Practice of Spiritual Direction,
 Seabury Press, New York, NY, 1982.

Edwards,  Tilden.  Spiritual Friend: Reclaiming the Gift of Spiritual Direction,   Paulist Press:  New York, NY, 1980.

DESCRIPTION:  At least four congregations (Trinity Cathedral-Easton, Christ Church-St. Michaels, Christ Churcy-Denton, and St. Alban's-Salisbury) have used the Consecration Sunday stewardship program with positive results.  This program stresses biblical/spiritual “need to give” versus annual budget needs and focuses on raising the overall level of stewardship - without gimmicks.  Although a non-denominational approach, it is easily adapted to an Episcopal community. 
The program comes with detailed instruction.  It involves an outside preacher/speaker, a parish luncheon or dinner, and a small cost for materials and resources.

Another resource for parish stewardship is the program, A Plan for Stewardship Education and Development Through the Year by David Gordon, 1993.  Both St. Mary Anne’s and St. Mark’s Perryville have implemented Gordan’s program  in their parish stewardship campaigns and found it to be beneficial.

CONTACTS: 

Consecration Sunday
good web site for information:  http://www.stewardshipconnection.com/Programs/Consecration%20Sunday.htm
 

 Trinity Cathedral, Easton
 Natalie Caccia - 410-822-4812 

 Christ Church St. Michaels
 Roy Myers - 410-745-6728

 Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program by Herb Miller
 Abington Press, Nashville, TN
 Author’s fax number - 806/762-8873

A Plan  for Stewardship Education and Development Through the Year 
 Printed by: The Episcopal Diocese of New York
            1047 Amsterdam Avenue
              New York, NY 10025

The Alban Institute also lists stewardship resources in their catalog of books and workshops:
 The Alban Institute
 7315  Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1250W
 Bethesda, MD 20814-2311
 800/486-1318, ext. 230
web site:  http://www.alban.org/

Several people were recommended to the Spiritual Formation committee who might be interested in being a resource person for workshops and retreats.  Their names and addresses/telephone numbers, as well as their area of interest are listed below:

The Rev.  Beatrice Billups
Annapolis, MD
410/268-1423
Workshops and Retreats

The Rev. Dr. David Green
Stevensville, MD
410-643-5921
frdavid4christ@verizon.net
Retreat leader

The Rev. Thomas R. Hughes
Shrewsbury Parish
PO Box 187, Kennedyville, MD 21645-0187
410/348-5944
Workshops and General Retreats

The Rev. Sheila Nelson-McJilton
St. Paul's Church
PO Box 278, Centreville MD 21617-0278
Workshops:  Preaching, teaching, Liturgy and Liturgical Music

The Rev.  Mark Sullivan
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
22 North  Union Street, Smyrna, DE 19977
302/653-9691
Retreats:  Vestry and General Retreats

Alpha is a simple, dynamic and effective way of presenting the message of Jesus Christ in a clear and non-threatening manner to people from all walks of life..particularly those with no faith and those who do not attend services regularly.  It is a 15-session, 10-week practical introduction to the Christian faith.  It was created  to serve all denominations, traditions, backgrounds, and ages.

At each weekly session, the guests enjoy a meal together and then a talk is presented.  After  the talk, the people gather in small groups to share their thoughts and feelings about what they have just heard.  Trained lay people facilitate the discussion.

Over 200,000 people have attended an Alpha course since 1995.

CONTACT:   Charles O. Osberger, rector of Old Wye Church
phone:410-827-8484
e-mail: wrectory@shore.intercom.net

Phone Alpha at 1-888-Why_Alpha 
web site: www.alphana.org

DISCIPLE- “Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study”, a 34 week study, is an approach to Bible study that emphasizes disciplined reading of and listening to Scripture. A typical group is based on the model of Jesus and the Twelve: Clergy or a lay teacher leads a group of potential church leaders- persons with spiritual commitment, open minds, and a hunger for studying Scripture. As well as daily readings members will attend a weekly meeting which includes a video presentation on the week’s readings by one of this country’s leading scholars. 
The 33rd session focuses on the gifts and graces of each participant and how they will use these within their church over the coming months.

For further information and details of free introductory literature and video contact:

Christopher Whyman at (410) 745 6029

DESCRIPTION:  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd provides spiritual formation for children between the ages of 3 and 11.  Inspired by the Montessori method, children are  encouraged to work independently with “hands-on” materials that relate directly and concretely to the lessons.  A model altar with all the items of the Eucharist, figures of the Good Shepherd and sheep, tiny mustard seeds from the Holy Land prayer table and raised maps are examples of the materials used to enhance the child’s spirituality.

Children  begin Catechesis with the parable of the Good Shepherd, which provides the basis for a life long foundational understanding that God’s love is unconditional, unfailing, and complete.  As children grow into an understanding of their broader community, they are introduced to the parable of the True Vine and explore what it means to be healthy branches of the True Vine.

At the age of reason (six or seven), and as children develop an interest and capacity, moral parables and Old Testament lessons are introduced.  Time lines in the history of the church are introduced and expanded as children grow older.  Roles and responsibilities as actors in history are explored.  Discussions focus on the connection between the sacred and the secular worlds and how Christians integrate the two in their lives.

Over the past  forty years, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has been refined and defined primarily by the children’s response to the materials and presentations.  This unique approach to spiritual and religious formation nurtures the child’s innate spirituality, because it evolves from the children themselves.

Today, the method of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is used inter-denominationally in faith formation programs around the world.

LOCATIONS:   Trinity Cathedral, Easton
  Christ Church, Easton
  Christ Church, Cambridge
  Christ Church, St. Michaels
  St. Alban’s,  Salisbury
  St. Mary's, Pocomoke City

National web site:  http://www.catechesisgoodshepherd.org/

CONTACT: Ruth Baker. St. Alban's
phone: 410-548-3492
e-mail: rebaker@salisbury.edu

DESCRIPTION:  Many diocesan parishes include laying on of hands or healing services as a part of normal parish life.  The following details information on two groups involved with healing ministries.

PURPOSE:   That the sick may be healed through prayer and/or the laying on of hands.

North American Business Office
11226 Whispering Spring
San Antonio, TX 78230

Mrs. Julabeth Carden, office manager
210/492-5222
24 hour prayer line - 512/837-3575

Dover, Delaware Chapter meets the second Friday of each month except July and December at 7 pm  at Christ Church on the corner of State and Water Streets.  Co-Convenors are Chris and Mary Buckheister.
Phone:  302/678-2674

Healing missions are held the last full Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of September at Wesley United Methodist Church in Dover at the corner of State and Lockerman Streets.

PURPOSE:  To bring healing to the body of Christ by training believers to use their God given gifts and then sending them out to use their gifts to train and heal others.

PO Box 9520
438 West  67th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32208
Phone 904/765-3332
Fax: 904/765-4224

via media

via media represents a renewed commitment to evangelism in the Episcopal Church. One of the lessons of General Convention is that the Church needs to spread the message of an inclusive, powerful, passionate God to all people. Our churches have experienced a tension between "traditional" and "progressive" ideals in the weeks following the prophetic actions of General Convention. An evangelism tool that presents the basic tenets of Christianity from an inclusive, Anglican approach to scripture, traditions, and reason, leads the participants to a broader view of the journey of faith and the role that the Church can play in society. via media represents an inherently Anglican program that represents the mainstream of American Anglicanism and will help grow the Episcopal Church.

via media is a powerful resource for building Christian community, bringing people into the Church who previously have felt alienated or unwelcome. Our Church stands on the threshold of a marvelous evangelism opportunity, and the actions of General Convention 2003 opened the door. via media is the resource we need to open the door even wider and keep it open for all who seek the Good News of Jesus Christ.

via media website

E-mail Dean Ann Broomell at Trinity Cathedral, Easton