Exploring the mental wellness barriers within faith circles reveals complex layers. Mental illness in churches often encounters stigma, a roadblock to open dialogue. Mental wellness isn’t always seen as a legitimate medical condition, but rather a spiritual shortcoming. This misunderstanding can hinder access to appropriate mental healthcare. Many churches are stepping up by integrating mental wellness discussions into their activities. Pastors are beginning to address mental illness openly, striving to break the stigma.

This is why I shall happily – though not without a certain unavoidable self-consciousness – wear funny clothes as I take vows and have a Bishop ask God’s blessing over me on Saturday. They show beyond doubt who I am serving.

Thirteen intrepid souls from Christ Church Accokeek in Accokeek, MD, ages 11-65, went on mission to serve the people of Paintsville, KY from August 4-10.

We give thanks for the ordination of Brad Boucher to the priesthood on Sunday, September 1 at Church of the Resurrection in Lutherville, MD.

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.

September is Child Protection Training Month for Clergy of the Diocese.

We give thanks for the ordination of April Murrie into the priesthood, Wade Bradshaw and Angela Holstege into the transitional diaconate on Saturday, August 17, at Church of the Good Shepherd in Charlottesville, VA.

Immanuel Anglican Church hosted Rock the Block at Martain Luther King Jr. Elementary School (PWCS). This Back-to-School event was a huge success! Over 250 children received backpacks, school supplies, and socks!

Christ the Saviour Anglican Church, Alexandria VA, sponsored its fifth summer youth camp, Camp Turtlepond, in the mountains of North Carolina in late June.

You are invited to a series of public forums led by Rev. Dr. John Frederick as we consider our most pressing crowd-sourced questions about the Christian faith! 

Our Church Speaks: A podcast of saints from every era and place.

We’ve gotten so caught up with being faithful, that we’ve forgotten that the point of our persistence and courage is the Love of Jesus.

As I’ve grown more conscious of this, I’ve become particularly aware that my hands are not just mine. “You” — which includes our hands — “are not your own,” as Paul tells us. They are, mysteriously, marked as conveyors of God’s touch, if you will. And as such, they are set apart not only to hold “weighty” things but also participate in the “hands on” ministry of Jesus.

The Deaf Community is one of the least reached people groups in the world. In the USA, a recognized estimate is only 2-5% of deaf claim any religious faith at all. There are many factors giving rise to this alarming statistic but one of them is not being able to envision the concept of God, or the incarnate Jesus, as relatable or accessible to deaf people.

The youth group at Church of the Holy Spirit recently embarked on a meaningful service trip to Niagara Falls, New York. Partnering with YouthWorks, a nondenominational mission organization, our young members dedicated a week to serving a community in need.

This was my first opportunity to attend the provincial assembly. I was privileged to serve as a delegate and as a subdeacon in the opening Eucharist.

In an effort to connect our own church family, and reach out to the community, Church of the Apostles (Fairfax, VA) hosted Brick Building Nights for four consecutive Wednesdays in July.

What a wildly wonderful world, GOD! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” (from Psalm 104, The Message paraphrase)