When you are overloaded, there’s only one Person who can provide soul rest. It’s Jesus. In the midst of a soul-sick, crazy-busy life, God’s prescription is to spend time alone with Him.

The Clergy Support Fund of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic is designed to help our clergy with specific financial needs: either in times of hardship or in times of professional growth. The fund can also be used for positive opportunities for development, restoration, and growth.

Jesus emphasized the importance of showing mercy and compassion to others, particularly the marginalized, oppressed and vulnerable. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells the story of a man who, despite cultural animosities, extends mercy to a stranger in need.

And now, our mission is to bring the gospel to the nations of the world so that people from every tribe and group and language have the opportunity to respond in faith to the saving work that Christ accomplished on their behalf.

Many of you who live in and around the Washington DC area are in the midst of a real storm right now. I have spoken with several area clergy and also several lay people employed in the government sector. It’s a time of challenge, fear, and incredible disequilibrium. I remind you that God’s call to His people in such times is to hold up and not fold up. We are not called to be passive nor are we to be cowed by fear. Instead, we are called to a living hope.

Frankly, I think this is actually great discipleship strategy. As Christians we trust Jesus, the author, pioneer and finisher of our faith, who goes ahead of us and calls us to follow him into a future that is totally secure and yet which can sometimes (often?) feel disorienting. With joy and a twinkle in his eyes, I can envision our Lord saying, “Come follow me - turn and face the strange…"

As part of my daily spiritual practices for 2025 I’m using both a bible reading plan (sequentially through the Bible) and the Daily Office (and particularly the Psalms). In my Scripture engagement, I just finished reading about Joseph (Genesis) and I’m now in the life of Moses (Exodus). Reflecting on their stories has caused me to realize the importance of the choices we make.

Christmas Blessings from the Diocese Staff!

Bishop Chris’ message for you: God’s Joy and Peace to you…today.

At Living Mission: Synod 2024, Bp. Chris gave his Bishop’s report, where he shared stories, photos, and videos showcasing how the Holy Spirit is changing lives across our Diocese. Watch the recording now! (And find out why he is holding a tube of tennis balls!)

A Pastoral Response to the TFCA Investigation

You are an essential part of our Diocese. Your faithful witness brings Christ’s light to a world in need. Keep sharing your stories and living in mission every day.

A special invitation from Bishop Chris.

When God’s word speaks of the heart, it almost never speaks of the physical muscle in your chest. Rather, the heart is the entirety of who you are in your inner person.

As he was ascending to Heaven, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Notice that Jesus told his followers to “go and make” disciples. He didn’t say: Stay and be disciples, but go and make them. It’s vital that we recognize there’s an outward movement to Christ’s Great Commission; there’s an outward movement to discipleship.

While abuse isn’t a topic many people want to think about, I believe it’s vital that the Church and her leaders grow in our understanding of this issue.

And why? Because this is a Gospel issue.

As he was ascending to Heaven, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Notice that Jesus told his followers to “go and make” disciples. He didn’t say: Stay and be disciples, but go and make them. It’s vital that we recognize there’s an outward movement to Christ’s Great Commission; there’s an outward movement to discipleship.

Each day we were led in a study of 2Timothy by the Right Reverend Rennis Ponniah (Retirred Bishop, Singapore). I was so grateful for the large turnout of leaders from our Diocese with more 50 participating.

Please pray for the College of Bishops as we seek to discern whom, from the 30 Diocesan Bishops, the Lord has prepared and anointed to be Archbishop for this next season of the Church’s life.

Thomas declares, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)