News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine |
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Volume 23, Number 13
July 15, 2021
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Celebrate Summer Finale at Camp Bishopswood |
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Gather with folks from across the diocese to experience the joys of Christian community and the beauty of Camp Bishopswood for Summer Finale!
Don't miss this opportunity for everyone! Swim, boat, hike, rest, lunch and worship on beautiful Lake Megunticook on Sunday, August 29 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
We will gather as a body in the morning and late afternoon for worship, and in the afternoon for a free Bishopswood lunch. Stations will be set up across camp throughout the day, where individuals and households can experience the liturgy on their own terms, at their own pace.
Want to camp overnight? Come up on Friday or Saturday (August 27-28) and enjoy camp lodging, food and hospitality. Diocesan programming is only provided on Sunday, but everything camp has to offer is available all weekend long. Scholarships available - we want this to be accessible to all!
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Did you miss Bishop Brown's sermon from Sunday? |
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Enjoy a sermon preached by Bishop Thomas Brown for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 11, 2021 in which he reminds us, "All of us who would follow Christ are called to confront as well as we can the wrong that we see around us, and confrontation is never comfortable." Watch the video here or listen via the Faith in Maine podcast which is also available by phone. Dial 207-223-6402.
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Register now for Ignatian Retreat in Everyday Life |
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The Ignatian Spirituality Partnership of Maine invites you to practice the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life with a retreat beginning in early October 2021 and running through June 2022. It's for people who live in or near Maine, and there are options that would permit someone to be fully remote.
In this retreat, pray imaginatively with scripture and explore spiritual resources for decision making, growing closer in authentic friendship with Jesus and finding a greater awareness of God working in your life. Meetings will take place from 6:30 - 8:30 pm on the first Wednesday of every month online, and they also offer individual or group spiritual direction monthly (online or in person). It requires you to set aside 3/4 hour for prayer and reflection each day, which is the crux of the retreat.
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News From Our Congregations |
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The Rev. Joshua Hill has been called to serve as rector at St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth. Josh comes to Maine from Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he has served as the Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at the Holderness School since 2017. He and his family will join the congregation in August. Read more in the letter introducing Josh to their community here.
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The new Columbarium at the Cathedral of St. Luke, Portland was dedicated at a ceremony on the afternoon of June 20. A joyful group gathered with many St. Luke’s members returning for the first time since the pandemic began. It was a time to thank all who have worked on the project and David Fernald whose vision inspired the whole team. The Columbarium and Memorial Garden are open to all members of the Cathedral and the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, as well as members of the wider community, with the approval of the bishop or dean. More photos from the ceremony can be viewed here. For more information, download the brochure or call St. Luke’s office at 207-772-5434.
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Parishioners from St. Matthews, Lisbon Falls enjoyed the outdoors and each other's company at their "English 'Crazy Hat' Tea Party". See more pics here.
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The June plant sale at St. Aidan's, Machias was a great success -- netting over $2,200. Steve Wiggin grew and potted the plants, taking them from his own garden. As a sales tool, he made a picture book with the flowers at their prime in his garden so that people could see how their purchases would look! Congratulations and thanks to Steve and the many others who helped with this effort.
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Above are some scenes from Bishop Brown's visit with the people of St. John Baptist, Thomaston and the Rev. Peter Jenks on June 27 when they celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist.
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Blessing of the Animals! Join St. Ann's by the Sea, Kennebunkport this Saturday, July 17 at 9:00 am. All well-behaved pets are welcome! (photo courtesy of Robert Dennis)
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St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill is looking for a Coordinator of Family, Children & Youth Ministry to help develop and grow their ministry. The position is 5 hours/week @ $20-25/hour. They will coordinate volunteers, help develop programs, and likely teach one of the classes. If you you are interested or can suggest candidates, please email the Rev. Brent Was.
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St. Paul's, Brunswick is hiring for a full-time Parish Administrator. You can find the (updated!) job description and application instructions here.
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The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) welcomes all to a four-day online revival! ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ July 27-30 will feature special preaching, music, testimonies, learning, and messages from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others.
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The Rev. Martin L. Smith, friend of the diocese who presented us with the Faith in Maine podcast series "Seeking the Gift of Hope" last year, will lead some services at All Saints by the Sea, Southport this summer. Read more here in the Boothbay Register.
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The Coast Guard’s Auxiliary Chaplain Support (ACS), including the Very Rev. Ben Shambaugh, were presented the Coast Guard Auxiliary Humanitarian Service Award by the Commandant of the Coast Guard in recognition of the impact of their ministry during the pandemic. Dean Shambaugh was also recently given the Sustained Auxiliary Service Award for promoting the missions and goals of the Auxiliary.
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We pray for the Rev. Brent Was and the congregation of St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill who held a Celebration of New Ministry last Sunday. May God bless your continued ministry together!
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We offer prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving for the ministry the Rev. Cynthia Beaulieu, deacon at St. Ann’s, Windham, who has retired from active diaconal ministry following 12 years in both Aroostook and Cumberland Counties.
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Together let us pray for the people of Haiti and Cuba as they experience a time of turmoil. Read Presiding Bishop's Pastoral Words to the the people of Cuba and to Haiti.
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Please pray for the repose of the soul of the Rev. Cn. Linton Studdiford who died in December. Burial of the Dead with Holy Eucharist is this Saturday, July 17 at 1:00 pm at the Studdiford’s home, 124 Bunganuc Road, Brunswick. All are welcome!
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'Peacebuilding Online Project' launches August 1st |
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Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF) will host a series of online, 1-hour presentations the first Sunday of each month starting in August on different aspects of and approaches to peacebuilding, both with others and within ourselves. They will meet via Zoom at 4:00 pm. Hear inspiring voices, learn, and discover resources for going deeper. The first offering on Sunday, August 1 is Being the Church in a Fearful Time. Explore all the Peacebuilding Online Project options through January 2022 here.
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ECF Vital Practices July Vestry Papers focuses on music |
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Music is such a significant part of our experience of church life. It has the power to bring us together in extraordinary ways and often allows us to experience powerful moments of one-ness with God and our fellow worshippers. The July Vestry Papers from the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) Vital Practices brings us ideas on how to think about music ministry in new ways, open up to exploring different music traditions, and approach music ministry with a renewed sense of curiosity and joy. Read the newsletter here.
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