9:30 a.m. Gathering at the Meditation Garden



Please join us for a brief service of readings, silence, and

immersion in the natural beauty around us.

Worship this Sunday:

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Pastor Elaine Hewes, presiding

Scripture readings for this Sunday (notes are below)

Exodus 33:12-23

Psalm 99

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22 

The bulletin can be found here.

Join us in-person or online. Click below for the Zoom link.

Saturday, October 17

8:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast

Monday, October 19

4:30 p.m. Meditation/Silent Prayer (Zoom)

Wednesday, October 21

10:00 a.m. In-person Meditation

10:30 a.m. Bible Study with The Rev. Alice Hildebrand

4:00 p.m. Choir rehearsal

Sunday, October 25

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Pastor Elaine Hewes, presiding and The Rev. Timothy Ensworth, preaching

Looking Ahead

Wednesday, October 28

Bible Study - The Rev. Jenny Reece will present

"Six Mystical Poets Sing about Creation"

Friday, October 30 - Thursday, November 5

8:30 - 5:00 p.m. WindowDressers Community Build

Thursday, November 12

5:00 p.m. Potluck Supper and discussion on Bishop Mariann Budde's book, How We Learn to Be Brave

Sermon given by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling on October 11th.

Click below for the video recording. A text copy is available here.

Bill Scaife: Of the many reasons I am grateful to Saint Brendan church, the one that comes to mind often is one I learned about in the book Mother Emanuel. The book recounts the massacre of nine church members at the historic Emmanuel Church in Charleston, SC, in June 2015, and also the history of the AME denomination in the South in general. The author, Kevin Sack, tells of the donations that flowed into the church to help it restore itself after the shooting. He writes that one donation came from the Episcopal Church in Deer Isle, ME. Carolyn Mor, our bookkeeper, told me that, yes, a donation of $750 was made by St. Brendan in December 2015 to “Mother” Emanuel.

“Gasp!”

Just in case you imagine the life of a pastor to be filled with endless “must-dos” and pious ponderings, let me tell you about a visit I had this week…

So, Monday, October 12th was the day of my visit to John Lofty’s house on a small cove in Sunshine, which I try to do every year before he heads back to England for the winter. And as always, he made me tea like the Brits do, with lots of sugar and cream. Of course there were also “biscuits” (known as cookies in our neck of the woods), and crackers with salmon and brie. (John is a most gracious host, and

included the salmon because, as he said, he thought a Swede would like it.)

Last Fall the day of my visit was so chilly that we sat in front of John’s woodstove for our tea and conversation. But this year the day of my visit was a warm October afternoon, and John set up our tea out on his porch, which is as magical as the rest of his octagonal “Hobbit home,” complete with railings made out of tree branches, moss and small trees growing in pots, smooth stones beautifully arranged, and a

solar-powered water fountain.

We sat in the sun as it filtered through the pine trees and sparkled on the cove. We talked about the challenges of aging and the “dearness” of everything when seen through the lens of inevitable loss and relinquishment. We listened to the birds as they darted from tree branch to tree branch. And then John asked me if I would like to put some bird seed in my open palm and see if the chickadees might come to eat.

Of course I said “yes,” never imagining that a bird would come so close. So into my hand John poured some black sunflower seeds. And there I sat with my arm extended, waiting. In silence, I waited. And waited, asking John after a time if he minded that my visit this year included very little talking. He assured me he didn’t mind. And as I sat there in silence in the sun surrounded by the golden light of a late

October afternoon, it occurred to me that I hadn’t done anything like that for a very long time.

I waited. And then I began noticing that the chickadees were venturing closer, their wings all a-whir as they approached, perching on the railing not far from where we were sitting… One chickadee suddenly landing on my hand, his tiny claws wrapping around my finger as he took a seed from my open palm before darting away.

Again and again, chickadees came to my open hand to eat, a few staying long enough to take two seeds, granting me time to look closely at their bright black eyes and to marvel at the lightness of their being. (Bringing to mind Rabbi Darah Lerner’s insistence that the best name for God is, “Gasp!”)

To say the experience was magical would be an understatement. To say that it was mystical would be a more apt description… To say that my life won’t ever be the same is not an exaggeration. Because once you’ve had a chickadee sit on your open hand, you begin to sense something about the “other world” inside this one, and about keeping your eyes and hand and heart open to receive it.

So, after my visit with John was over, I went right to the hardware store and bought a 50-pound bag of sunflower seeds for my new life; one devoted to spending more time on my deck with seeds in my hand and my arm outstretched, waiting for the chickadees to arrive. Which leads me to say that if I don’t show up for church some Sunday morning or for a meeting on any other day of the week, don’t worry. Because

you know where I’ll be…

For the last six weeks of Ordinary Time before the first Sunday of Advent, you are invited to engage more intensely in your "practice" of faith, your heart's commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and, in particular, to the call to "Love Thy Neighbor."

There are so many opportunities–the WindowDressers Build at St Brendan's October 30-November 5, Simmering Pot soup preparations (next one at St Brendan's will be Monday, October 26), Island Heating Assistance Fundraiser concert at St Brendan's on Friday, November 14, 3-5 PM, a meal shared, a letter written, a phone call made, a smile, a kind word, a gesture of forgiveness….

Read below for a brief description of what we call Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Calendar, which is the longest season of the Church year, a time for deepening our relationships with God, with each other, with all of God's magnificent creation.

Two weeks from today, we begin building inserts to keep our neighbors warm this winter. It is hard to describe how much enjoyment we all have working together at this build. We are so grateful for the help our community provides, which makes this outreach possible. Please click below to see the days and times when you could come and join the fun. We need full shifts, especially Nov 2 - Nov 4.

Karen and Bruce Downs are having a Housewarming/Open House

Sunday, October 18th - 3:00 to 5:00 pm

15 Madison Field Lane (Driveway on the left just past 500 Reach Road, Deer Isle)

Plenty of parking is available in the field.

We are rapidly reaching the point when the stewardship effort will be complete. 45 members have pledged $169,400!!!

We thank everyone who has pledged and request that those who have not pledged do so soon.

We are grateful to Julia Pierson, Nancy Greene, Chick White, and Pete Dane, who are writing or have written everyone to thank them for their pledge. Of course, we are very grateful to Carolyn Mor, who keeps our pledge records and takes good care of our finances.

We hope to have pledging complete in two weeks.

Thank you for your continuing support.

The Stewardship Committee

Ordinary Time

We are nearing the end of Ordinary Time, the time between Pentecost and the first Sunday of Advent (November 29). The word ‘Ordinary” may derive from “ordinal,” which means “counted,” as in first, second, third, fourth. 

It is the longest season of the liturgical year and a time for appreciation of the challenge of the here and now of our daily lives rather than a time of anticipation of major events in the life of Jesus such as his birth, death, and resurrection, i.e., Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Pentecost.

The Gospel readings during this time teach us about the healing, inclusive, and forgiving love of Jesus, and his mission to dismantle structures of injustice. It is a time to realign our relationships with God and each other so they better reflect our growing awareness of God’s love for us and for all of creation.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God . . .

Matthew 6: 33

Zoom Meditation/Silent Prayer

Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Readings, poems, and prayers are shared before a period of silence.

10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays

In-Person Meditation/Silent Prayer at St. Brendan

 Bible Study



Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

October Birthdays

Catherine Washburn – 5

Jackie Wilson – 6

Frances Barbour – 13

Kathy Burton – 15

Sandy Lentz – 16

Julia Walkling – 20

Nancy Greene – 20

Regina Christianson – 21

John Haley – 21

KC Morrish – 22

Carolyn Mor – 29

Louis Pickens – 30

News from Near and Far

75th Birthday Party for Linda Shepard

Please join us

Sunday, October 25th at 1:00 pm


Odd Fellows Hall

103 Oceanville Road

RSVP 207-669-0855

Reversing Falls Sanctuary is excited to begin a new monthly discussion series:

Sacred Imagination in a Climate-Changed World.

Our first gathering is Sunday, October 18, from 2–3:30 p.m., with the opening conversation:

Sacred Imagination: Creating the World We Want to Walk Into

How do we live fully, compassionately, and responsibly in a climate-changed world? How do we stay present to what is difficult while still imagining—and helping create—the world we long to inhabit?

Each gathering begins with a poem and a short reading, using them as gateways out of our habitual ways of thinking and into deeper reflection and conversation—and toward ways of living that embody what we value.

Come once or come every month. No homework or advance reading is required; we encounter the poems and readings together. Any faith tradition, or none—all are welcome. We welcome all open hearts and curious minds to explore the defining issue of our time together.

Reversing Falls Sanctuary is located at 818 Bagaduce Road in Brooksville.

Lynne Witham shares this Facebook post from Families First Community Center in Ellsworth. This organization provides supported transitional housing for homeless families. They are "graduating" two families that are ready to move into non-supported apartments on their own and could use some help with furnishing them.

They also welcome plants, home decor, and other cozy touches to help make these new spaces feel like home. To donate, text Arielle Morong, Property & Office Manager, at (207) 460-3711. Thank you!

Support a good cause!

DISES 8th Grade Yardwork and Fall Flower Bulb Fundraiser

We pray for those in special need:

Janet and Scott

Fran Liberatore

Abby Peters

Barbara Wright

Debra & Baby Carter

Harry Vickerson

Julie M

Cathy Johnson

Meg Graham

Charlie Putnam

Mike S.

Meredydd Cooper

 Henna Torrey Roy

Jerry

Agnes and Billy

Gwyn Murray

Sally

Beth Kyzer

Tammie Cox

Judith Jerome

Mimi Maslan

Judy Miller

Megan

Bishop Thomas Brown

Naomi

Anne Burton

Hewit

Mary Ann and Terry

Nishah

Corbin

Rebecca

Pam B

Jaxson

Heather Corey

Stephen Gill

Bill Scaife

Brent Was

Gary and Wellesley

Mary Lawrence Hicks and family

Nancy Greene

Peter Brown

Seth

Linda Shepard and family

Marcia Scott

Carol Stoneburner

We continue to hold in prayer those in our community who have recently lost loved ones; among them are the Williams, Stoneburner, and Sherman families.

We pray for our nation, our president and vice-president, and all elected and appointed leaders.

We pray for all peacemakers and all those who work for justice; may we be found in their ranks.

We pray for all those serving in the armed forces of our country.

We pray for Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury; Hosam, Bishop of Jerusalem; Sean, our Presiding Bishop; and Thomas, our Bishop.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Bartholomew's, Yarmouth, for our Liturgical Commission, and for the wardens and vestries and committees of our parishes.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Anglican Church of Canada.

On the Island and Peninsula, we pray for The River Church, Stonington.

The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

As we draw near the end of Matthew’s Gospel, the opposition to Jesus intensifies. Today the Pharisees seek to entrap Jesus, asking if it is lawful to pay taxes to

the emperor. The trap would be to offend either zealous Jewish patriots or else offend the ruling class in Jerusalem including the Romans. Jesus’ answer points instead to Jewish teaching that the government, even a pagan one, has legitimate authority, but that authority cannot be allowed to interfere with our duty toward God.

In our ongoing story of the Exodus, it is time for the Jews to move on in their journey to the land of promise. Moses asks for a sign of God’s favor. God gives two signs. One is his promise to go with the people on their journey to the Promised Land and the other is to give Moses a glimpse of God.

The second reading today begins several weeks of reading Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. This is probably the earliest of Paul’s letters. Things have gone well since he left and he begins by giving thanks for their faithfulness. This church, however, had some problems and confusion about the second coming of Christ. In coming weeks we will hear Paul’s teaching about that.

Central to every gathering of Christians for worship is intercessory prayer. Our prayer is always for the church and the world. A striking illustration was in the early Christians praying for the emperor who was persecuting them. Our faith calls us to pray for and to minister to all aspects of life. The liturgy reminds us that God is concerned for all creation and is the Savior of all.

Notes on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2009 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York

Warden - John Arrison, 207-505-2474 arrison17@gmail.com

Warden - Allen Downs 207-348-2560 agdowns53@gmail.com

Emily Hawkins - Treasurer

Cindy Beyer - Clerk

Nina Dayton

Kassie Grey

Skip Greenlaw

ST. BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 627 NORTH DEER ISLE ROAD, DEER ISLE Mailing Address: P.O. Box 305, Deer Isle, ME 04627

(207)348-6240 • OFFICE@STBRENDANS-ME.ORG

www.stbrendans-me.org