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The Dio Log
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news & events in
the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
since 1999
Volume 21, Number 10
~ May 16, 2019
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Maine represented along with other New England (Province I) Episcopal dioceses at a Provincial Synod meeting last week in Worcester, MA.
Pictured above (left to right) The Rev. Kit Wang, Province I President, Ms. Pat Blethen of St. Patrick's, Brewer, Bishop-Elect Thomas James Brown, The Venerable Aaron Perkins, Archdeacon and Bishop Stephen Lane
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What's New in the Episcopal Church in Maine
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Prayers for...
Bishop Stephen Lane as he preaches at his Farewell Eucharist at the
Cathedral of Saint Luke in Portland on Saturday, May 18th at 10am followed by the unveiling of his official portrait. ALL ARE WELCOME!
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the Rev. David Dalzell as he begins as the new Priest-in-Charge at Trinity Church, Saco
the Rev. Suzannah Rohman who has been called to serve as Rector at St. Andrew's, Newcastle
family and friends of the Rev. Canon Henry A. Male, Jr., D.Min., 89,
of Norway, Maine who died peacefully on Friday, May 10. Rev. Male served at St. Barnabas Church in Rumford from 1994-2006. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated in honor of Henry's life on Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Church Episcopal Church in Bridgton. Read full obituary here.
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Voices among us...
At the recent Spring Training day, participants in the workshop "Creative Approaches to the Prayers of the People" led by the Rev. Nancy Moore worked together to create Prayers of the People for the diocese to use on Pentecost. You may use them as they are or make adjustments to fit your own congregation--but we hope you use them! Thank you to everyone who was involved in preparing this offering. Bishop Lane has approved use of these prayers. As long as the Prayers of the People include all the required areas of concern as outlined on page 359 of the BCP, you are free to create forms for your own congregation or use resources other than the six forms found in the prayer book.
Congratulations to former Canon for Communications and Social Justice Heidi Shott for winning two Polly Bond Awards of Excellence at the Episcopal Communicators Conference in Denver this month! Her piece about our own St. Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry won an Audio/Video Podcast Episode Award of Excellence.
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A word from the Bishop-elect...
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In the Letter to the Colossians we read,
God chose to make known the riches of the glory of mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim...so then continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up, and established in the faith, abounding in thanksgiving.
In these first days among you I'm discovering the timeless truth of St. Paul's words. You are rooted and built up in Christ, and I see this in the welcome and the hope you are extending to me. Thank you!
Thanks to diocesan staff, I'm getting settled into Loring House, along with all the necessary tools: a computer with diocesan email, a mobile phone, and a staggering new definition of the word "calendar." Mostly, I'm spending a great deal of time with Bishop Lane (we were at St. Margaret's in Belfast last Sunday); his warmth and willingness to teach are great gifts. I'm thankful for the members of the diocesan staff, each of whom is working overtime to serve during this transition. It's going very well!
As you know, it's the Diocese of Maine's tradition to ordain and consecrate our bishops at the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke. I embrace this tradition, even as I lament that it means requiring tickets in order to allow representatives of each faith community to attend the liturgy on 22 June. Although we're unable to accommodate everyone at the Cathedral, thanks to our communications team, a professional live-stream has been arranged. We encourage parish watch-parties to join us in prayer; next month we'll make available additional worship resources for the day, including a link to the worship leaflet. If you wish to be added to a waitlist for tickets, sign up here on
episcopalmaine.org.
With trust that we shall continue to live our lives in Christ, rooted and built up, I look forward to getting acquainted. In the meantime, I covet your prayers, and pledge that you are in mine.
Faithfully,
Thomas J. Brown
Bishop-elect
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Applications for the 2020 diocesan budget to be posted soon
The Finance Committee will be posting information and application forms for two processes open to congregations and diocesan groups for funding on
episcopalmaine.org next week.
Strategic Mission Support (SMS) will be open to all congregations. The criteria, application materials, and instructions will be available. Questions? Contact SMS Subcommittee Chair Lael Sorensen at
[email protected].
Funding for diocesan programs and committees from the diocesan budget will also be available along with the criteria, application form, and instructions. Questions? Contact Mission Priorities Subcommittee Chair Paul Beaudette at
[email protected].
The deadline for applications for both processes is July 1st.
Maine Youth are invited to a Bishop Celebration Overnight
All parishes are invited to send a team of 6th-12th grade youth, along with a chaperone, to St. David's in Kennebunk, June 22-23, for a Bishop Celebration Overnight. The overnight will include a viewing party of the Consecration of Thomas J. Brown, complete with Bishop BINGO, and youth will also have the chance to meet and worship with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. This is a fun-forward event, filled with exciting games, opportunities to make new friends, and topped off with make-your-own ice cream sundaes.
Cost is $18 for individual youth, or $65 for youth groups. Scholarships are available. Check out maineyouth.org to find out more and to register. Contact Youth Missioner Sara D'Angio White with questions - [email protected] or 585.749.9125. Come celebrate with us! Download a flyer here.
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Sunday with the Presiding Bishop in Old Orchard Beach
Everyone is invited! Come gather with Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry and be inspired, challenged and blessed as he proclaims the transforming power of walking the "Way of Love" with Jesus.
Come join us Sunday June 23 10:30 a.m. at The Temple at Ocean Park, 50 Temple Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064.
If you cannot join us, you will be able to see the sermon via live stream or a recorded version on the
Diocese of Maine website. And, in case you don't already know, Bishop Curry will be back with us in Bangor, Maine on May 2, 2020 to help us celebrate the Bicentennial (200th) Anniversary of the Episcopal Diocese in Maine.
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How churches can respond to the overdose crisis in Maine
More than one Mainer a day dies from an overdose-they are our children, our parents, our sisters and brothers, our friends, our co-workers, and our congregants. Read about how faith communities throughout the state are grappling with this epidemic here in a recent Bangor Daily News article.
A day-long workshop sponsored by the Maine Council of Churches will take place May 21 where faith leaders will: learn about the science and the stories related to substance use disorder, harm reduction, compassionate care, overdose prevention, criminal justice and public policy; hear about churches in Maine already involved in responding at the local level; get trained in administering naloxone and receive free NARCAN to keep in an emergency kit at your house of worship.
Tuesday, May 21, 10am-3pm
First Universalist Church
169 Pleasant Street, Auburn, Maine
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS EVENT AND LUNCH IS INCLUDED!
-Advance Registration is required-
You can register online at mainecouncilofchurches.org
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Upcoming in Maine and Beyond
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Share your church or group's story on the Bicentennial Timeline
Start celebrating 200 years with a timeline telling the story of our diocese! Let's look at all of the congregations, chapels and ministries which make up Episcopal Maine. Each organization should send their favorite three photos, the name of their congregation or ministry, the date founded, location, ministries, along with a
few (25-50) words about something that excites the group and contributes to their unique story.
Please make sure your parish gets included in the Bicentennial Committee's Timeline Project! Send your information to Rachel Zoller at [email protected].
Here's what's exciting our friends at
St. Margaret's, Belfast!
"We have a fantastic interim minister (The Rev. John Nieman!) lined up for us for the next 3 years. What a terrific time of insight, creativity and growth for us! It's our plan to put sound absorbent tiles in part of the parish hall to deaden the cacophony of coffee hour when it's in full swing. (This is to be kind to those with hearing sensitivity.) Yes, it gets a little loud in there, but what a blessing to have so many parishioners happy to see one another and making all that racket! "
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Responding to Maine's Opioid Crisis ~ June 9 in Falmouth
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St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Camden seeks music minister
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Camden, Maine has opened a search for a new half-time director of music. They love sacred music of all sorts and are seeking a musician who will continue to take them down the path of excellence, as well as to broaden their abilities and strengthen their worship through music. Please read a full job description here. If this position interests you or a musician you know, please be in touch with the Rev. Lisa Smith Fry at [email protected].
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Episcopal Peace Fellowship - Maine Chapter ~ Spring Meeting June 8
Episcopal Peace Fellowship - Maine Chapter is holding its spring meeting on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newcastle.
We'll begin at 10 a.m. with business and a discussion of BDS and what it means.
Robert Schaible from Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights will join us in the discussion. We will end with a potluck lunch contributed to however modestly by participants.
Download meeting flyer here.
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