Congregation Visitations Spring 2026

On this Sunday, when we remember the Baptism of Jesus, Bishop Skirving visited with the people of All Souls Episcopal Church in Northwest, NC. Fittingly, members of the congregation renewed their baptismal covenant as they promised their support for Sherry, Alfred and Jeri who were each received into the Episcopal Church. Bishop Skirving reports visiting with founding members of the congregation whose families had given the land on which the church is built and had provided the materials with which it was built. One of these founding members, with his wife, were the first couple married in the new church building in 1948. At the same time, Bishop Skirving also visited with many who have come new to the church in recent years, and with some who were visiting for the first time today.

Photo: A stain glassed window depicting the baptism of Jesus by John, in the Cathedral of the Americas in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo taken by Bishop Skirving in 2014.

On this, the 2nd Sunday After Epiphany, Bishop Skirving worshipped with the people of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Morehead City, NC. Their new rector will be with them in less than two months, and there is lots of excitement amongst the members of the congregation! Three members (Christian, Leslie and Milton) were confirmed and two (Britt & Kim) were received today. Below, these five are pictured with those who prepared and presented them, and with Bishop Skirving. To follow at some point, there will likely be a picture of a lovely and delicious cake that Alex Russell baked for the occasion! From the sermon about “epiphanies” and rooted in Psalm 40 and the gospel reading, this summary …we are to See the Light, Bear Witness to the Light, and Be the Light. Our world needs to see the light which is never conquered by the darkness!

After two weeks of Sunday visits cancelled due to “wintery weather” Bishop Skirving was happy to be out on the road again. Yesterday, February 8th, he visited with the people of Church of the Good Shepherd Wilmington NC. Although the temperature (outside and inside!) was cold, the welcome was very warm! Deacon Rhonda Thomas now serves with the congregation, and it was clear to Bishop Skirving that the members of the congregation are very happy to have her with them! Another of the faithful communities of people that gather regularly for worship across this diocese, and then go out into the world in service! Thanks be to God for the faithful lay leaders of Good Shepherd, and for all who call this place their home.

This morning, Bishop Skirving gathered with the saints of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Elizabethtown for worship and some light refreshments. This small congregation of faithful people have navigated some significant property concerns in recent times (flooding, plumbing, and a dying pipe organ) all while welcoming Grace United Methodist Church to share their facilities and supporting member James Green in his formation for ordained ministry. To God be the glory!

Yesterday Bishop Skirving joined the people of Trinity Episcopal Church, Chocowinity, NC for worship for the 3rd Sunday of Lent. The gospel passage proclaimed was from the fourth chapter of John’s gospel, and told the story of Jesus offering “living water” to the woman of Samaria. Before worship, Bishop Skirving noticed this piece of fabric art hanging in the parish building. Titled “I Am The Living Water” and created by Juliet Hemingray, this gift was offered in memory of The Rev. John & Doris Taylor.

Fabric art, including this piece, and church banners like the one pictured here that the people of Trinity took to our most recent Diocesan Convention, are beautiful expressions of thanksgiving for all of God’s creation, using the skills and gifts that God has given us!

The next time you’re in church, take a moment to appreciate the works of art that you can see and hear …fabric, stained glass, architecture and music. And on a daily basis, keep your eyes open to God’s glory on every side!

Drink deeply of God’s living water!

From Bishop Skirving …

“This morning, I joined the people of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lumberton for worship that included confirmations, receptions and a reaffirmation of baptismal vows. It was good to meet their interim pastor, Carl Rosenberg of the ELCA and to hear from members about the expected impact on Lumberton and Roberson County of the recent federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. A great reception followed worship, with specially made Nanaimo bars for me, and lots of good conversations with members of the congregation.

Many in this congregation have family who are active duty military personnel, including some who are currently serving in the war in Iran. It was clear that people of Trinity are deliberate in caring for one another during this difficult time, and that they are conscious of how deeply their whole county is similarly affected.”

“Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Happy Easter!

The pavilion at Trinity Center was filled to overflowing with early morning worshipers who gathered well before the sun had risen. Thanks to the people of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Morehead City, NC for hosting this sunrise service.

Great thanks to all who have worked so hard to plan and lead Holy Week and Easter worship in congregations across the The Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Happy Easter!

After the sunrise service at Trinity Center, the six of us had some breakfast and got dressed for 9:00am worship at St. Francis by the Sea Church in Pine Knoll Shores. Sandy and I were joined by our daughter Cate, her husband Allen, and their children Logan and Mira. We got someone to take an “Easter picture” of us together, and I’ve also shared a few shots taken during worship by family.

Nearly every seat was fully, with overflow seating in the side chapel. The music was glorious and the rector’s sermon was great. I am grateful to the Rev. Mary Kay Brown for letting me slip in as celebrant on short notice.

Hoping that everyone who has worked so hard to plan and lead worship in the congregations of The Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina will soon have some quiet time to rest and to be with loved ones.

Let our resurrection celebrations continue!

This morning, Bishop Rob Skirving and Bishop-Elect Sarah Fisher celebrated the 3rd Sunday of Easter with the people of St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church in Wilmington. Fifteen members of the congregation were confirmed today, and posed for a picture after the exchange of the peace. Special good news was celebrated today, as the congregation has learned this week that their next rector has been called and will begin ministry with them in a short time. An East Carolina welcome to the Rev. BJ Buracker and his family! And grateful thanks to Deacon Susan Cushinotto and the Rev. Michael Singer who continue to provide clergy leadership during their pastoral interim.

While Bishop Skirving continues to preach and lead worship each week, Bishop-Elect Fisher sits in the congregation and works hard before and after worship to meet as many people as she can. After her ordination on May 23rd, she will be the one preaching and celebrating!

An extra treat for Bishop Skirving was the chance to preach and lead worship with the congregation’s Saturday evening Celtic liturgy.

All in all, a joyful celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus!

Thanks to Tracy Ryder Hanson for the photograph.

Of all the things I will miss after I have resigned as 8th Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, Sunday visits will be at the top of the list! This morning, I got an “ussie” with the Rev. John Porter-Acee after worship with Saint Timothy’s Episcopal, Greenville NC. The people of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Engelhard joined us in Greenville, in support of three of their members who were confirmed with those from St. Timothy’s.

Three more Sunday visits before the 9th Bishop is ordained!