[Episcopal News Service] Saturday, May 14 marks four weeks since the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador causing the death of more than 650 people, injuring more than 4,600 and displacing some 30,000. Recovery from the loss of life and the estimated $2 to $3 billion in damages will take years.
Over the past month, the Episcopal Diocese of Litoral, which serves the coastal area hardest hit, conducted a survey of the communities surrounding its churches in the hardest hit area, and has developed a comprehensive plan to care for the short- and long-term needs of people living in those communities; appointing parishioners to liaise with local government officials.
The diocese is preparing to provide “effective and efficient support” to victims based on the results of the survey, said Litoral Bishop Alfredo Morante-España, in an email message. Support, he added, that will require significant financial resources over the next two to three years.
The diocese’s plan covers four courses of action: providing food; health and medical care; spiritual care; and reconstruction and housing improvement. This disaster has a direct link to some in our parish community. Donors can direct support Episcopal Relief & Development’s disaster fund: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/disasterresponsefund-1
The first day of Garden Market was a little damp and cold but crowds of people still entered our gates and kicked off our 2016 Garden Market! Saturday’s weather was more pleasant so even more visitors purchased flowers and plants for their gardens. The vendors, volunteers, and the 4,000+ visitors all appeared to be quite pleased with this year’s Garden Market. A BIG THANK YOU to all who made it successful, and a special “Thank you” to Dru for her leadership! Check out some Garden Market photos: 
We are excited that we can send some of our SMA youth on a mission trip to Costa Rica this July. Our youth missionaries, in collaboration with the Diocese of Easton, will help to build a church and participate in vision screening.
Youth Group Bowling Party (6th-12th grade), May 22nd at Elkton Bowling Alley from 4-6. It’s free! We will have plenty of pizza and soda. Please meet at St. Mary Anne’s behind the parish house by 4. Father John will be going with us.
