Every faith community’s voice is necessary for us to have a diocese-wide vision! You're invited to attend at least one of our remaining scheduled Listening Sessions below:

Tuesday, May 23rd, 6:30 p.m., St. Mark, Waterville

Thursday, May 25th, 6:30 p.m., Trinity, Portland

Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m. via Zoom Passcode 461525

Click here to learn more from Bishop Brown about these listening sessions.

A group of Maine Episcopalians from three parishes (Trinity in Portland, St. Albans in Cape Elizabeth, and St. Ann’s in Windham) recently joined forces to express their faith-based support for gender justice to their legislators. The initiative was sparked by a youth from St. Alban’s, who wanted to take action against two bills before the Maine Legislature that would limit the rights of transgender and nonbinary people (LD 678 and LD 930). The group gathered at Trinity Portland, where they prayed, discussed the proposed legislation, looked up their representatives, and wrote letters. They also shared a meal and fellowship.

Do you or your congregation want to host a similar event in your community? You can find resources and ideas in this toolkit!

For more information, contact Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston.

In 2021, the Diocese Convention passed a resolution encouraging parishes to implement a territory acknowledgement, a statement that recognizes the original inhabitants of the land and their ongoing struggle for sovereignty. St. Paul’s, Brunswick has been on a two-year journey of working towards this goal. They started by using a statement at their 9 a.m. non traditional Eucharist. The statement evolved over time to include an invitation to action, so that it is not just a symbolic gesture, but one that both honors and challenges us to act for justice and peace. The vestry began using the statement in the last few months and has entered into formal discernment as to how God is calling them to bring this statement into more spaces (other meetings, worship etc).

The Rev. Katie Holicky, Assistant Rector, says, "It has been a slow journey, as the work of justice often is. And it has been rich to do this work with intention and in the engaging spirit of discernment that has also helped us to respect the diverse perspectives that our community holds around the issue of Native sovereignty. We trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding us as we continue this journey."

We acknowledge that we stand on territory that was taken from the Abenaki people of the Wabanaki Confederacy, the people of the Dawnland. May we always remember that the Earth does not belong to us, that we belong to the Earth, and that we are all relatives in life. May we learn from our past sins and be instruments of justice and peace for all people in today’s world. We ask for inspiration that we might be compelled to take action and support our Native siblings as they continue to seek their sovereignty here in Maine.

Here are more resources:

Bishop Thomas Brown visited several congregations in late April and early May to join them in their celebrations and dedications.

One of his stops was at St. Philip’s in Wiscasset, where he attended the farewell celebration for their longtime deacon, the Rev. Marcia Richardson. Richardson has served St. Philip’s and been a faithful and beloved leader in the community. They were joined by the Ven. Archdeacon Aaron Perkins (pictured here) and many parishioners and friends who expressed their gratitude for her ministry.

Bishop Brown celebrated the Holy Eucharist with St. Andrew’s in Newcastle and met with the vestry. He praised the vitality and diversity of St. Andrew’s and their variety of outreach programs.

Another congregation that welcomed Bishop Brown was St. Bartholomew’s in Yarmouth, both to celebrate Eucharist and dedicate their new memorial garden. The garden is a beautiful and peaceful space for prayer and reflection, where the ashes of loved ones can be interred.

If you’re a Maine Episcopalian of any age and stage of life, please join us for some or all of Summer Finale at Camp Bishopswood from August 25-27. There will be lots of options for rest and play in a welcoming environment at our diocesan summer camp.

More details coming soon!

Let us pray for the Rev. Holly Hoffmann and the congregations of Sts. Andrew & John, Southwest Harbor; Church of our Father, Hulls Cove, and St. Saviour’s, Bar Harbor during a period of transition. Holly has resigned, effective June 11. She has been accepted into a doctoral program in adult Christian formation and spirituality in Boston. The Rev. Suzanne Roberts will be with the congregations on MDI on June 18 to begin the planning for new clergy leadership. 

Prayers for Bishop Brown and his clergy support group walking Hadrian's Wall this week. They are making this pilgrimage to celebrate 20 years of the group being together.

We offer prayers for those who will be baptized, confirmed and received into The Episcopal Church with Bishop Brown at a Regional Confirmation in Belfast on May 21 at 4 p.m. at St. Margaret's.

Pray for continued healing for the Rev. Cindy Beaulieu, retired deacon from St. Ann’s in Windham (and formerly St. Paul’s in Fort Fairfield). Cindy is being treated for cancer and covets our prayers.

Join Community Change Inc.’s Virtual Symposium on Confronting White Supremacy.

Are you interested in learning more about systemic racism and how to fight against it? Do you want to be part of a community of white people and their multiracial allies who are committed to racial justice? If so, you are invited to register for Community Change Inc’s Confronting White Supremacy virtual symposium on Saturday, May 20 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Community Change Inc. is a New England organization that has been working to challenge white supremacy and promote racial equity since 1968. Their symposium will feature a variety of workshops and speakers, including:

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with these inspiring leaders and activists. All are welcome, as we need each one of us together to make a difference in the fight against white supremacy.

To register for the symposium, click here.

For more information, visit the CCI website’s event page.

The United Thank Offering presents a "Mental Health + Gratitude" webinar on Wednesday, May 17 at 12 p.m.

Gratitude is not only good for your body, but also for your mind! Research has shown that gratitude can help lower stress, increase resilience, enhance well-being, and improve relationships. Join UTO Board President, Sherri Dietrich, as she hosts a panel of experts who will explore the role of gratitude in mental health in various settings, such as hospitals, addiction recovery, senior care facilities, and coaching, leadership development, or spiritual direction.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Save these dates below! For the full events calendar, click here.

21 Regional Confirmation (St. Margaret's, Belfast)

23 Diocesan Listening Session (St. Mark's, Waterville)

25 Diocesan Listening Session (Trinity, Portland)

2-4 Camp Bishopswood Open House

10 Regional Confirmation (St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth)

13 -14 CPG Planning for Wellness Conference

16 Retired Clergy Gathering (St. Margaret's, Belfast)

16 Celebration of New Ministry with Rev. Paul St. Germain and Trinity, Lewiston

18 Celebration of New Ministry with Rev. Douglas Beck and Trinity, Castine

20 Retired Clergy Gathering (St. Mary's, Falmouth)

20 Diocesan Listening Session (Zoom)