News & Notes: March 18, 2026

Weeks of March 22 • March 29

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Collect & Readings

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

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Collect & Readings

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
St. Francis, Goldsboro &
St. Augustine’s, Kinston

Upcoming Events

Repair Cafe Workshop at Holy Cross, Wilmington, March 21, 2026. Find details here.
CROP Hunger Walk at Downtown Fayetteville, March 22, 2026. 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.
ECW Annual Spring Gathering at Trinity Episcopal, Lumberton, April 11, 2026. Learn more 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

The Rev. G. Edward Dunlap, 83, of Burlington passed away at his home on Saturday, March 7, 2026 surrounded by his family.

A native of Winchester, VA., Ed was the loving husband of 59 years to Donna Ploss Dunlap, devoted father to Kyle and grandfather to Jude-Edward. Ed was an avid golfer, a dinosaur enthusiast, and a lover of ACC basketball and his beloved Washington football team.

He was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Theological Seminary. He was ordained into the Episcopal Order of Priesthood in 1973 and faithfully served in the Dioceses of Virginia and Eastern North Carolina. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Division of Military Police.

Ed is survived by his wife Donna; daughter Kyle Dunlap-Heath; grandson, Jude-Edward Knox Dunlap; sister, Anne Dunlap Snyman Blackman; and nephew, Sean Snyman. His is preceded in death by his father, Charles Dunlap, and mother, Anna Virginia Tiffany Dunlap.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Good Shepherd, 515 Queen Street in Wilmington, with a reception to follow. Interment of ashes will take place after the service at Holy Cross Memorial Garden, 5822 Myrtle Grove Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd or Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Ed’s care team at AuthoraCare Hospice in Burlington, NC.

Dear Friends,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Katherine’s passing. She will be remembered for her deep devotion to her faith, her family, and her love of golf. Katherine considered it a true honor to serve the Episcopal Church and the many congregations she was part of throughout the years. She was deeply grateful for the parishioners whose lives she touched and who, in turn, touched hers.

We are sincerely thankful to everyone who has reached out over the past few months with prayers, kind words, and expressions of love and support for both Katherine and our family. Your care and compassion have meant so much to all of us.

A funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington on Sunday, March 22nd at 3pm.

Memorial Donations may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Financial Assistance Program, PO Box 985, Washington, NC 27889.

With gratitude,
Sandy (Albert), Blake, Albie & Stewart Mitchell

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!