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The Dio Log
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news & events in
the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
since 1999
Volume 22, Number 1
~ January 9, 2020
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Christian Ed and Youth Group alumni of St. Ann's, Windham gathered together on Christmas Eve.
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What's New in the Episcopal Church in Maine
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Prayers for...
Peace. Read The Episcopal Church's updated statement on Iran
here.
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of this world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. -- BCP 816
the
Rev. Laura White and
St. Martin's, Palmyra as they begin ministry together this month
St. Brendan the Navigator, Deer Isle and the
Rev. Elaine Hewes, who has been called to join the people of St. Brendan's in ministry
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Thanksgiving for...
the
Rev. Timothy Fleck's years of ministry with
St. Savior's, Bar Harbor. He has accepted a new call to St. Thomas' Church and School in Coral Gables, FL
the service of the
Rev. Susan Kraus, who has concluded her ministry with the people of
St. Giles, Jefferson
the
Very Rev. Ben Shambaugh and the
Rev. Nate Ferrell who will help the diocese guide our solar farm and carbon offset program
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Voices among us...
George Sheats of Auburn, currently
in formation for Holy Orders
in the Diocese of Maine, explained his decision to become a candidate for the priesthood to the Sun Journal:
George Sheats, faith for a lifetime
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Discernment is for EVERYONE trying to follow the voice of God
The Commission on Ministry has released this new
list of resources
to help everyone in the Christian community discern what gifts God might be calling them to share.
The resources are also compiled and posted as a pdf that you can download and share with your congregation.
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Four openings remain for Anglican Pilgrimage April 15-27
Please prayerfully consider joining this journey in April with
Bishop Thomas Brown. The pilgrimage is designed to foster a deeper relationship with God by visiting and praying at holy places, connecting with old friends and making new ones, and discovering the depths of the English church's spirituality and history. Only four spots remain! Download the pilgrimage
brochure for the full itinerary and booking form to reserve one of the last remaining spaces.
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Diocesan Council awards critical grant funding
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Mothers at Jerusalem Princess Basma Center
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The
Diocesan Council met in December and as part of their work voted unanimously to award critical funding to two relief efforts.
The second award of $7,500 was sent to
Episcopal Relief & Development who continue to respond to the needs of communities in the
Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. The Episcopal Church is hoping to raise one million dollars in total to assist the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos as they work to offer critical assistance and develop a long-term recovery strategy.
These awards are made possible by a long-standing commitment to designate a percentage of the annual operating budget of the diocese to outreach and our recipient partners will share progress reports with the diocese in the year ahead.
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ME Chapter of Episcopal Peace Fellowship to meet Jan. 18
The Maine Chapter of Episcopal Peace Fellowship will begin the new year focusing on defining its mission and the goals necessary to realize that mission. Anyone interested in what EPF is and does in the Diocese of Maine is welcome to come to the meeting on Saturday morning, January 18. at Grace Church, Bath. The meeting will begin at 10:00 am and ends with a potluck lunch by 1:00 pm. Snow date is January 25. For questions, email Co-Convener, Ms Glenis Elliott at [email protected].
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Please be in touch with
Barbara Martin, Executive Assistant to the Bishop, if you have any questions about the schedule or how to prepare for your upcoming visit.
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Read the Gospel of John during Epiphany 2020
The Episcopal Church led by The Good Book Club and its many partners invites all Episcopalians to join in reading the Gospel of John during Epiphany 2020. "The Good Book Club is helping us to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the holy scripture, anew in our time," said
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. Their
website lists the daily readings and partners as well as a variety of resources and formation tools.
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Attend an innovative, earth-conscious service in Portland
World Too Beautiful, a service focused on the power of nature and our place in God's created order, came about in response to eco-anxiety in the community. Members of the
Cathedral of St. Luke in Portland wanted to emphasize the values shared by all of our neighbors (even the "unchurched") such as the beauty of creation, the interconnection of all beings and the need for healing. They were awarded a New Initiative Fund (NIF)* grant from the diocese in 2019 to start this work.
Candlelit, musical, and meditative, these gatherings are intended to help us all live in more sacred ways together and with the Earth. Services take place in Emmanuel Chapel (143 State Street) on the first and third Wednesdays of each month 5:45 pm.
* Dreaming about a new ministry in your community? You can apply for a New Initiative Fund grant, too. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Each congregation and organization in the Diocese of Maine is eligible to apply for funding to support new ministries, expand existing ministries in new directions, or to discern ministry possibilities in their community. Find the guidelines and application here.
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Churches have important role to play in 2020 Census
2020 is way more than an election year!
The 2020 Census will determine the number of seats apportioned in the House of Representatives and the allocation of much of the Federal budget (over $675 billion in 2019).
For everyone, but especially for a small state like Maine, every dollar counts - so it is vital that Maine has a complete count. R
esearch shows that faith communities are among the most trusted voices in the state and that someone is more likely to take the census if they hear about it from someone they trust.
The Episcopal Church, an official partner for the 2020 Census, and the
Maine Council of Churches encourage all of us to get involved in making sure everyone completes the census.
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Upcoming in Maine and Beyond
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Take a survey exploring the ministry of the baptized
The Episcopal Church wants to hear from you! The Task Force on Formation and Ministry of the Baptized, appointed by General Convention is reaching out to people who worship in Episcopal communities for insight, direction, and a better understanding of what's working and what isn't. Lay and ordained people who participate in Episcopal faith communities or who identify as Episcopalian are invited to take the survey
here (allow about 25 minutes).
Responses requested by January 31.
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UTO webinar for 2020 grant applicants on Jan. 14
Potential applicants for the
2020 United Thank Offering (UTO) Annual Grants are invited to participate in an informational webinar offered by the UTO board on January 14 at 8:00 pm. UTO grants in 2020 will be awarded for projects with the focus "Bless: Share faith, practice generosity and compassion, and proclaim the Good News of God in Christ with hope and humility." Applications are being accepted now throughFriday, March 6. To learn more about the grant process and criteria, access the
grant
webinar, or apply, visit
https://episcopalchurch.org/uto-grants. Please contact
Tracy Shaffer,
UTO Diocesan Coordinator, with any questions
[email protected] or 973-
287-9926.
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Caulfield concert at Trinity, Portland Jan. 18
Kelly Caufield will perform "The Songs of Harold Arlen" on Saturday,
January 18 at 7pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Ave.,
Portland. Tickets available at the door for $15. FMI call 772-7421 or
visit
trinitychurchportland.org
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This is the third performance of the 2019-2020 Trinity Concert Series.
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Save-the-Date! Lenten Retreat: Agents of Peace in a Time of Fear
February 27 & 28 from 6-9 pm
and
February 29 from 9am- 3pm
In these days when acts of violence and hate speech are all too common, many find themselves fearful, with a sense of helplessness. We don't have to be. As followers of Christ, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and reconcilers just as he was. This retreat aims to reinforce our trust in, and dedication to the peacemaking work of Christ. Through reflection on scripture, prayer, and times of silence, participants will have opportunities to personally tap into that "peace that surpasses all understanding."
Fr. Masud Ibn Syedullah is coming to
St. Luke's, Portland to lead this retreat. Fr. Masud is an Episcopal priest, musician and educator. Masud emphasizes themes of praise of God, peace-making, reconciliation, and respect for all God's creation. For more information, contact the
Rev. Eleanor Prior.
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Province I seeks coordinator
The Episcopal Church in New England,
Province I, is seeking a new coordinator. The coordinator's primary focus will be facilitating new and emerging networks among the dioceses. Please read the description of this half-time position
here. If you have any questions, please contact the
Rev. Kit Wang, President, the
Rev. Titus Presler, Treasurer, or the
Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas, Vice President.
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