News & Notes: March 11, 2026

Weeks of March 15 • March 22

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Collect & Readings

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Emmanuel, Farmville &
Church of the Good Shepherd, Fayetteville

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Collect & Readings

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
St. Philip’s, Southport &
St. Mary’s, Gatesville

Upcoming Events

Daughters of the King Quiet Day at Christ Church, New Bern, March 14, 2026. Click here to learn more.
CROP Hunger Walk at Downtown Fayetteville, March 22, 20255. Click here for details.
Lower Cape Fear Deanery Youth Gathering in Wilmington, March 22, 2026. Learn more here.
Walk for Peace with St. Paul’s Youth at St. Paul’s, Edenton, March 22, 2206. Click here for more info.
Eugene Price Annual Kite Flying Festival at St. Andrew’s, Goldsboro, March 28, 2026. Find details here.
New Beginnings 59 at Trinity Center, April 17-19, 2026. Click here to learn more and register.
April Formation Leader Gathering on Zoom, April 21(7PM) & 22 (2PM), 2026. Learn more and register here.
Cursillo EC107 at Trinity Center, April 23, 2026. Find details here.
Third Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Market at Christ Church, New Bern, May 2, 2026. Click here for details.
Ordination of the Ninth Bishop of East Carolina at Riverfront Convention Center, May 23, 2026. Learn more here.

View All Upcoming Events

Diocesan News

Diocesan House Staffing News

In 2022, Sara Tavela joined Diocesan House Staff as our Coordinator of Communications. In that capacity, she managed our website and social media accounts, published our weekly e-newsletter (“News & Notes”) and our quarterly online magazine (“Diocesan Digest”), and supported all our other communications efforts

Additionally, Sara provided resources and assistance for many of those who do the work of communications in our congregations, and she supported the staff at Trinity Center in their work of communications. During her time with us, Sara was always willing to step in and help with any project that needed staff support. Of note, Sara took a lead role with respect to the planning for our 2024 Annual Diocesan Convention. In all her work with the Diocese, Sara brought enthusiasm, creativity, kindness, and an attention to detail.

As many of you will know, Sara’s health required her to take sick leave and then short-term disability beginning in May 2025. By the end of 2025 Sara became eligible for long-term disability and so her employment with the Diocese of East Carolina came to an end. We thank Sara for her faithful service and we ask that you please join us in keeping Sara in your prayers as she continues to live with health challenges.

Chris Williamson, Special Assistant to the Office of the Bishop, picked up many of Sara’s responsibilities when she was initially forced to take sick leave, and he continues to support our ministries of communications. All Diocesan House hiring decisions are now on hold until our Bishop-Elect joins us on staff, in order that she can help shape future staffing priorities.

Note – We did not want to make an announcement of Sara’s leaving during the season of Christmas, and then lost track that an announcement had not yet been made. Our thanks to Sara for her patience.

Nominations for Deputies to the 2027 General Convention

Nominations are open for Deputies to the 2027 General Convention! We ask that you share this news and the below link with everyone in your congregations, and especially with those who might be interested in serving as a deputy to General Convention

https://www.diocese-eastcarolina.org/nominations-for-82nd-general-convention/

Ministry & Faith Formation Events and Resources

Lower Cape Fear Deanery Youth Gathering | March 22, 2026 at St. Mark’s, Wilmington

Hosted in Wilmington and led by the ECYC, come and with youth in 6 – 12th grades and their adult leaders from the Lower Cape Fear Deanery for an afternoon of fellowship, service, and worship!

Registration is by parish not individuals. If you are interested in attending, please check with your parish youth leader. Parish Registration deadline is March 17th! Click here to register and learn more.

You do not have to be from the Lower Cape Fear Deanery to participate. If your parish would like to come, just register!

Questions? Please contact Emily Gowdy Canady, Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation for the Diocese of East Carolina.

New Beginnings 59 | April 17-19, 2026 at Trinity Center

New Beginnings is a weekend event designed especially to respond to the unique challenges and concerns of young people in grades 6-8. It was created by adults and young people to help participants grow in their love of themselves, others and for Jesus Christ.

During the weekend, participants meet peers from across the diocese, enjoy skits, listen to talks, and participate in small group activities and discussions. These activities focus on self, friends, parents, siblings, school, God’s love, prayer, and the church. Free time is built in for young people and adult youth leaders to have an opportunity to fellowship with their newfound friends.

Click here to register and learn more.

April Formation Leader Gathering on Zoom, April 21(7PM) & 22 (2PM), 2026

Join for this program year’s last Formation Leader gathering focused on creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for gathering for formation or workshop.

Click here to learn more and register!