Volume 26, Number 11

November 15, 2024

Saturday, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Holiday Inn by the Bay

Cathedral Church of St. Luke

We look forward to welcoming the diocese to the 205th Annual Convention in Portland! Convention business will be live-streamed from 9 - 11 a.m. and 2 - 4:30 p.m. on the diocesan YouTube channel. All are welcome to join Convention Eucharist in person or watch online from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the Cathedral's YouTube channel. The Convention Eucharist Worship Bulletin is available for download below.

In Case You Missed It: A Post-Election Message from Bishop Brown

On Nov. 6, Bishop Brown shared a message regarding the U.S. Election., reaffirming the commitment of the Diocese of Maine to uphold the word of God through peace and justice. He wrote, "This election will not keep us from being disciples of Jesus Christ who join with God in the work of peace and justice. God is bigger than today, and bigger than the United States. We will be still—some of us less so today than we’d like —but we shall be still and know that God is God." Read more here.

Bishop Brown Visits Christ Church, Norway

St. Saviour's Bells Removed for Repair

The bells at St. Saviour's Church in Bar Harbor were removed Oct. 23 for refurbishment and cleaning after failing to ring for the past two years, together with safety and integrity concerns . The bells have been taken to Sunderlin Foundry in Ruther Glen, Virginia for repair. Read more about them in the Bar Harbor Story.

St. George's Sanford Supports Thriving Baby Blessings Program



Established in 2018, St. George’s Baby Blessings program in Sanford helps families living in the greater Sanford community to provide for the basic needs of their children. It has grown from serving 7-10 families a month to now serving over 60 families a month, most who have multiple infants and toddlers, providing over 250 packages of diapers and wipes a month.

Thanks to the funding of $2,500 from a Dioceses New Initiative Grant, the generosity of St. George's parishioners, local businesses and other churches in Sanford, the church has been able to transition from purchasing supplies month-to-month at retail prices, to purchasing bulk supplies from a national distributor to last several months.

Fundraising efforts and donation solicitation are ongoing. There is an Amazon Wishlist set up and posted on the webpage and Facebook. Using this link, anyone can order diapers or wipes, and they will be sent directly to St. George’s. We are also exploring a community diaper drive in partnership with local agencies. These donations supplement any bulk purchases we continue to make as finances allow with grant awards and cash contributions. For more information you can contact Maria Lantagne.

St. Elizabeth's Jubilee Center Winter Coat and Boot Drive

As we gear up for colder temperatures, St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry is launching its annual coat and boot drive. Many of our neighbors come from warmer climates and don’t have the necessary clothing for fall and winter in Maine. Let’s join together to help them keep warm and feel welcome.

Large and extra-large sized coats for both men and women are most needed, but coats and boots of all sizes are welcome. Items should be in clean, good condition. Items can be dropped off at St. Luke’s Cathedral or at any of our eight partner churches through Dec. 31.

• St. Alban’s: Cape Elizabeth
• St. Bartholomew’s: Yarmouth
• St. David’s: Kennebunk
• St. Luke’s Cathedral: Portland
• St. Mary’s: Falmouth
• St. Nicholas: Scarborough
• St. Peter’s: Portland
• Trinity: Portland

Monetary donations may also be made for the purchase of new coats and boots for our 

neighbors. Financial contributions can be mailed to: St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center, P.O. Box 4036 Portland, ME 04101 or visit this link. Questions? Please contact Sarah Coburn Borgeson.

The Episcopal Church is pleased to again offer special resources this Advent and Christmas to help churches share the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

• Advent curriculum, calendar, and bulletin inserts
• Digital and printable resources to promote your Advent and Christmas events on social media, websites, or around town
• Customizable promotional video for your Episcopal congregation
• Sermons and lesson plans for Advent and Christmas
• Advent wreath-making video and blessing
• United Thank Offering printable letter to Santa
• Episcopal Migration Ministries’ Advent calendar
• The Camino Project Advent resource: Weekly inspirations for families
• Episcopal Relief & Development Advent toolkit
• AdventWord inspirational online calendar
• “Prophetic Voices” podcast series
• “d365” devotions, written by those who work with and care for students
• Check back for new resources in the coming weeks.

2024 Advent Calendar Available to All

As they have for more than 30 years, the Rev. Thomas Mousin and the Rev. Merry Watters have designed their annual Advent Calendar to share. Beginning Dec. 1, there is scripture for each day. Please share freely! For more information visit Rev. Mousin's website. Download a PDF copy here.

Early Registration for Barbara C. Harris Camp is Now Open

The Episcopal Church’s Young Adult Service Corps invites 2025 applicants



The Episcopal Church is seeking Episcopalians ages 21 to 35 interested in international mission engagement. The church’s Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) is accepting applications for 2025 placements. The deadline to apply online is Jan. 31. More information is available here.

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church Christmas Fair

Saturday, Dec 12, 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

At the annual Christmas Fair at St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Yarmouth, you'll have fun gift shopping for terrific offerings of gourmet frozen foods, baked goods and jams, homemade fudge, crafts, tabletop greenery arrangements, jewelry, scarves and handbags, books, and puzzles. There will also be a silent auction and an a capella group will make the event more festive with holiday tunes. For more information, visit St. Bartholomew's website.

The Advent Grace of Starting Over: An Advent Quiet Evening with Fr. Martin Smith

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Portland

All are invited to attend an advent gathering with Fr. Martin Smith for a short talk, contemplations, and personal mediation. Smith is the author of widely read books on contemporary spirituality and one of The Episcopal Church's most experienced leader of retreats. This event is free and open to the public and can also be joined virtually on St. Peter's Facebook page.

Download the event flyer or find more information here.

You Are Not Alone: Responding to Grief and Trauma by Building Relationships

Friday, Dec. 20 - Sunday, Dec. 22

Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, NH

The Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, has raised the alarm

about what he refers to as a epidemic of loneliness and isolation. "You Are Not Alone" is an opportunity for learning, retreat, and healing with co-presenters, the Rev. Bob Davidson, an Episcopal priest and social worker who has served as a hospice chaplain and trauma counselor, and Dr. Anthony Valdini, professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine. Saturday will be structured around three presentations; Facing up to loneliness and isolation—medical, psychological and spiritual impact; overcoming grief and trauma—gaining insight and discovering everyday recovery tools; and building relationships and social connection—healing support and Interdependence. Additional overnight options include: Friday evening get acquainted and community building; Sunday morning healing community worship. Download the flier to share with your parish. Register here, by e-mail, or by calling the office, 603-547-3400.

Open Positions

Constellation, a provider of community-based home health, palliative care, hospice, non-medical home care, school-based OT/PT/ABA, and in-home ABA therapy is seeking a hospice chaplain (32 hours per week) in the Bangor, Maine area. The candidate must be a graduate of an accredited seminary or school of theology (BD, MDiv or equivalent theological degree) or provide evidence of completion of three or more units of Clinical Pastoral Education and have experience working with death and dying, individuals/family/caregiver. The hospice chaplain will assure spiritual assessment of patients and families/caregivers in the hospice program and facilitate the development of the individualized the plan of care and plan funeral or memorial services as requested. Read the full job description and learn how to apply here.

Bridging the Gap in Augusta is seeking a new director (35 hours per week). The person in this role will help guide the organization into the future! Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a low-barrier community resource serving individuals and families who are experiencing generational or circumstantial poverty, often with additional challenges including homelessness, being new to the country, substance use disorder, domestic violence, and mental illness. Read the full job description here. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and 3 references (at least 1 professional) via email to Bridging the Gap. No phone calls please.

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham has an opening for a part-time faith formation director (20 hour/week). They are seeking a joyful teacher with passion for bringing others to Jesus and his word, enthusiasm for starting and growing programs for all ages of children and the attention to detail and delegation skills to make it happen. Degrees and experience preferred but not required. Salary commensurate with experience. Requires completion of “Keeping Your Church Safe” online training. The 20 hour/week Faith Formation Director reports to St. Ann’s Rector and Senior Warden. Please contact Patty Bruce for questions and to submit a cover letter/resume.

Is your church hiring? Would you like us to share the job description? If so, let us know!

See the full events calendar here.

• Nov. 16, Diocesan Convention in Portland, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Nov. 17, Bishop's Visitation, Christ Church, Gardiner
• Nov. 24, Regional Confirmation at St. Mary's, Falmouth, 5 p.m.
• Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Service with Bishop Brown, Cathedral of St. Luke, 10 a.m.
• Nov. 28-29, Thanksgiving Break, diocesan office closed
• Dec. 8, Bishop's Visitation, St. Mark's, Waterville
• Dec. 14, Fostering a Future with Leaders of Color in New England
• Dec. 14, Vigil for Lives Lost to Gun Violence, Unitarian Church, Brunswick, 6:30 p.m.
• Dec. 20 - Jan. 2, Holiday Break, diocesan office closed
• Dec. 22, Bishop's Visitation, Trinity Church, York Harbor, 4 p.m. 
• Jan. 14, Diocesan Grants Town Hall, 6 p.m.
• Jan. 27-30, 2025 Come Away Together: Forma and Province I Conference
• March 13, 2025 Lenten Clergy Quiet Day, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Zoom
• April 8, 2025 Chrism Eucharist at St. Mary's, Falmouth, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• May 4-6, 2025 Spring Clergy Conference

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