News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine |
|
Volume 25, Number 16
August 31, 2023
|
|
Prepare for Diocesan Convention |
|
-
Pre-convention Meetings via Zoom ~ Tuesdays, October 10, 17, 24, 31, 7pm
-
Convocation at the Cathedral & Livestreamed~ Saturday, October 21, 9am
-
Business Session voters on Zoom & Livestreamed ~ Saturday, November 11, 9am
|
|
Soon after we all return from our joyous Labor Day weekend, it is time to look at the quickly approaching deadline for submissions. September 15 is the due date for:
Plans are underway for Convocation on October 21. It will be a time for face-to-face fellowship and in person worship, which we haven't experienced together as a diocese since 2019!
We will also hear Bishop Brown offer his annual address, sharing information gleaned from the Diocesan Listening Sessions.
Look for the Convocation event registration to arrive next week!
|
|
Attend the Ordination of Andree Appel to the Diaconate |
|
Participate in a ME-AL Sacred Ground Circle in 2023 |
|
Your Racial Justice Council is focusing on increasing participation in Sacred Ground, an 11-part series based on film and readings that is part of The Episcopal Church's ongoing commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice, in the coming year. Learn more about Sacred Ground here or by watching the "We Bless You" video.
Here are some of the ways people in Maine will be taking part:
1) The Tri-Diocesan Sacred Ground circles shared between Episcopal Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. These meet bi-weekly, online this fall. Registration is now closed. (Watch for future offerings.)
2) The shared Sacred Ground circles between the Episcopal Dioceses of Maine and Alabama. These also meet bi-weekly, online this fall. Register for one of these circles here.
3) You can begin a circle in your church, to meet in-person or online! Email Rev. Katie Holicky for assistance. |
|
"We Bless You" (22 min) - The Episcopal Church
The Union of Black Episcopalians, in collaboration with Sacred Ground, has produced this invitational video that speaks to those discerning whether to participate in a circle, and to the question...
Read more
www.episcopalchurch.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
News From Our Congregations |
|
Over 75 people attended "Worship on the Grass", an outdoor ecumenical worship service held each summer in Bangor. St. Patrick's Episcopal, Brewer joined Redeemer Lutheran of Bangor, First United Methodist Church of Brewer, and First United Methodist Church of Orrington. Music included wind, strings, percussion, and a pick-up choir! They enjoyed a potluck luncheon together following the service.
The Rev. Lev Sherman of St. Patrick's said, "Not only was it 'on the grass', but it was in the shade of a wonderful old oak tree, and pleasant summer breezes caressed the crowd throughout the Holy Eucharist."
|
|
|
|
St. John’s, Bangor is excited to introduce their new Choir Director. Colin has been a conductor of school, faith, and community choirs since 2008 as well as an in-demand accompanist. He is currently the Director of Vocal Music at John Baptist Memorial High School and the accompanist for the Bangor Area Youth Choir, Bagaduce Chorale, and Mount Desert Summer Chorale. He lives in Stockton Springs with his wife and two children. Colin will officially join their staff on September 1. |
|
|
|
|
St. George's, Sanford held a free clothing giveaway day on August 26th. They served over 100 asylum seekers, as well as other community members in need. That same morning, St. George's Baby Blessings ministry (free diapers and wipes) served 40 families. It was a day full of blessings! |
|
|
|
|
St. Peter's by the Sea in Cape Neddick held it's annual "Jazz at St. Peter's" concert on August 27. The 18-piece New Legacy Swing Band performed on the church rectory lawn with its picturesque ocean view to nearly 300 people. A wine and cheese event takes place alongside the concert. The event raises funds for the Preservation Fund of their church, built in 1897 which is on the national historic register. Check out the chapel's history flyer here. |
|
|
|
|
St. Thomas’, Camden is looking for a part-time Communications and Office Manager (20 hours per week). In this role, you will be responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of St. Thomas’, manage the use of the Church facilities, manage church communication including – weekly online newsletters, Sunday bulletins and keeping St. Thomas’ online presence (website, Facebook, etc.) up-to-date and minor bookkeeping responsibilities. Read more here. Please send resume to Terry Mello, Treasurer. |
|
|
|
|
A new episode of the "What's Your Story?" podcast series is available now! Learn more about the Rev. Katie Holicky and Andrea Lauerman and the Sacred Ground program in Brunswick, Maine. Download wherever you get your podcasts or at http://faithinmaine.org/. |
|
|
|
Gardiner church seeks to fix tower that houses Revere bell
Historic Christ Church hopes federal funds will pay for most of the repair work, but other money is needed. Last year, a $1 million estimate for work to the tower that houses the Revere bell — one of 14 in Maine — stunned the Rev. Kerry Mansir.
Read more
spectrumlocalnews.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Episcopal News Service spoke to Delia Heck, a professor of environmental science at Ferrum College in Virginia and member of The Episcopal Church’s Task Force on Care of Creation and Environmental Racism, in the article, "‘Season of Creation’ emphasizes creation care as a way for Episcopalians to care for neighbors". She says the Season of Creation from September 1 to October 4 is more than just a time when Episcopalians can reflect on God’s act of creation. It’s also a time church members can be intentional about how they think about and act on the issues of climate change and caring for others.
Our Climate Justice Council has put together resources here to help you celebrate beginning Friday, September 1. Let us know how you and your parish are observing the season! |
|
|
|
We pray all of students, teachers, staff, parents, and caregivers as students head back to school or prepare to do so. May they learn well, look out for those who may need a new friend, take care of one another, and have an honest education reflective of our rich, complex history. May their backpacks never be forgotten in strange places, and may they grow strong in body and wisdom this school year.
Adapted from a prayer by the New Hampshire Council of Churches
|
|
Please join us in offering prayers of thanksgiving for the ministry of Barbara Martin as we say good-bye. The Canon for Administration position has been eliminated as part of Bishop Brown's staff reorganization. Bishop Brown gives thanks for Barbara’s steady support and deep commitment to diocesan and Episcopal Church systems, structures, and governance – as well as her support for him - and gives thanks for her many gifts.
Barbara served the diocese for more than fifteen years under Bishops Knudsen, Lane, and Brown, and oversaw countless projects including diocesan conventions, Town Halls, the modernization and integration of administrative platforms, and the restoration of Loring House, Emmanuel Chapel, and the Bishops' Garden. She provided leadership to the Diocese, TEC (The Episcopal Church), served as President of B+E+S+T (Bishops' Executive Secretaries and Administrators Together), and on the Client Council of the Church Pension Group.
You can send well wishes to Barbara via email or mail to PO Box 434, Gorham, ME 04038.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Canon to the Ordinary, Tina Pickering. |
|
Please pray for the people of Trinity, Lewiston and the Rev. Dr. Paul St. Germain as the formally welcome him with a Celebration of New Ministry on September 17 at 6 p.m led by Bishop Thomas Brown. All are welcome!
Attire: white or gold. Reception following. Trinity is located at 247 Bates Street in Lewiston.
|
|
Collect for Labor Day
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
BCP , p.261
|
|
Register now for Ignatian Retreat in Everyday Life |
|
No time to go on retreat? Not feeling monastic? No worries!
The Ignatian Partnership of Maine will offer the Retreat in Everyday Life again in 2023-2024. Developed over 500 years ago by St. Ignatius, the prayer practices and spiritual
strategies are surprisingly modern.
“Finding God in All Things” is the primary mantra of the Ignatian Exercises. This Retreat allows you to move through the exercises over a nine-month period, locating a dedicated time of prayer and reflection each day. It runs from October through June and requires a commitment to praying daily with the materials, a monthly large group meeting (via Zoom) on the first Wednesday of the month, and monthly individual spiritual direction (via Zoom or in person).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
