Volume 27, Number 9

Sept. 18, 2025

House of Bishops Meeting and What's Ahead

Bishop Brown returned on Tuesday from the fall House of Bishops meeting in the Diocese of the Dominican Republic. Watch the video to hear his reflections on the meeting and some of what he hopes for our diocese in the coming year. For more on the meeting, read this letter from the House of Bishops and this report from Episcopal News Service.

Casting for Grace

In his latest book, Macauley Lord explores how we heal from moral injury

In the video, a purple sea of applauding bishops clusters around Macauley Lord as he steps to a microphone in the center of the room, hands clasped against his chest. It’s June 2024, and Lord is addressing the House of Bishops at the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky, his hometown. “I presume to speak for all the descendants of James Craik, both those of us who identify as white, and those of us who identify as African American,” Lord begins softly. “Because it’s a virtual certainty, at least in my mind, that the Rev. Dr. Craik owned his own son, and owned his grandchildren. I haven’t proved it yet, but what it means is that growing up in Louisville, the Black people I saw who I thought I couldn’t possibly be related to may well have been my cousins, and I have wondered recently: did one of them wet nurse my mother; did one of them polish our silver; did one of them wash and fold my clothes?”

Moments before, the two governing bodies of The Episcopal Church—the House of Deputies, made up of clergy and lay delegates, and the House of Bishops—adopted Resolution D074, which renounced the theology of slavery held by the Rev. James Craik, president of the House of Deputies from 1842 to 1877, rector of Christ Church in Louisville (now Christ Church Cathedral), and Lord’s great-great-great grandfather. Read the rest of the story by Susan Sherrill Axelrod here.

Photo: Macauley Lord speaks to the House of Bishops at the 2024 General Convention.

In the News: Good Shepherd, Rangeley

Congratulations to the congregation of Good Shepherd, Rangeley, whose bell has been repaired thanks to the work of parish volunteers. The good news, along with Bishop Brown's upcoming visit and other church happenings was announced in the Sun Journal. Read a PDF here.

This is a reminder that your parish's activities are great fodder for local media outlets, who are always on the hunt for news. Want to know how best to reach them or get help with writing a press release? Contact Director of Communications and Engagement Susan Sherrill Axelrod.

A Warm Welcome to Our New Rectors!

The Rev. Elizabeth Marshall Casasola has joined Trinity Church in Castine as their part time rector. Casasola came to us from the Diocese of Massachusetts, although she most recently served as an assistant at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Spotswood, New Jersey. She and her husband, Marcel, live in Hampden, where she also works as a counselor who specializes in treating victims of trauma, violence, and grief. 

Rev. Jarrett Kerbel has joined St. John’s in Bangor as their full-time rector.  Kerbel came to us from the Diocese of New York, but his call to ministry has taken him to leadership positions in New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Jersey, and most recently, Rhode Island. He and his wife Alison live in Hancock. 

The Rev. Gwen Fry, who has been serving since 2022 as part-time priest in charge at St. Mark’s in Waterville Maine, has accepted the congregation’s call to be their rector. She and her wife, Lisa, live in Brunswick. 

2025 Fall Spirit Chats

Tuesdays: Oct. 21 - Nov. 18, 7 p.m.

On Zoom

Spirit Chats are an opportunity for small group faith sharing and strengthening your ability to hear what the Spirit is up to in your day-to-day life. We listen to others share sacred stories as we gather people from across the spectrum of spirituality and formal church experience for reflection and conversation. 

If you feel God has been moving in your life, and you want to hear from others how God is moving in theirs, the Evangelism Task Force—a joint project of the Episcopal dioceses of Maine and New Hampshire—has an opportunity and an invitation for you to share your story during Spirit Chats.

If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Heather Sylvester,  or the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen.

United Thank Offering seeks Province 1 Representative

United Thank Offering (UTO) is currently seeking a new Province One Representative. If you live within Province One and are interested in serving on the board, please review the job description and overview letter below. The deadline to apply is Oct. 17 at noon ET and applicants must have a letter of support to complete the application process.

The UTO began in 1883 when the women of the church took up a thank offering to support innovative mission and ministry in The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion that the church budget could not cover.

Today, UTO includes members of all ages and genders, and welcomes people regardless of church affiliation. UTO’s focus is still on promoting gratitude and supporting innovative projects that address compelling needs around the globe.

Don't Forget to Register for Summer Finale Weekend!

Friday, Sept. 26 - Sunday, Sept. 28

Camp Bishopswood, Hope

Summer Finale is the Episcopal Diocese of Maine’s annual celebration at Camp Bishopswood, located on Lake Megunticook, about five miles from Camden.

All are welcome—we really mean it! Although Camp Bishopswood serves our youth during its regular season, Summer Finale is a time when everyone joins the fun. That means households or individuals, that means friends and family, and that means YOU, whoever you are!

Saturday's event, which is free to attend and includes lunch, is the only time in which diocesan programming will be offered. Scholarships are available to defray the cost of staying overnight, which includes food and lodging.

Questions? Email Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston.

There's Still Time To Submit a Resolution!

But you'll need to act soon. The deadline for submitting a resolution for the 2025 Diocesan Convention is Monday, Sept. 22.

If you are working on a resolution or have an idea for a resolution, you may find it helpful to watch this recording of the Resolution Learning Session held on Sept. 4, or click through the presentation. Learn about the role of resolutions in The Episcopal Church, crafting a resolution, and the life cycle of a resolution. Find more information, helpful instructions, and the resolution submission form here.

Call for Nominations

Do you feel called to serve in diocesan leadership? Nominations for consideration by the 206th Convention of the Diocese of Maine must be received at the diocesan office by Monday, Sept. 22. You may nominate someone else with their permission, or you may nominate yourself.

Learn more about the open positions and find the link to the nomination form here.

Pre-Convention Meetings

Clergy and lay delegates are asked to register and attend one of the following online pre-convention meetings. The same information will be presented at each.

• Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

If You Need a Hotel Room in Bangor...

We have a hotel rooming block for the night of Friday, Oct. 24 at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 300 Odlin Rd. in Bangor. Be sure to reserve before the deadline, Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Youth at Convention

Do you know young people who are interested in learning more about how The Episcopal Church creates the rules that govern us and how they can have their voices heard in the process? If so, please email Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston.

Concerts and Musical Happenings at Our Churches

TONIGHT, Thursday, Sept. 18, 5-6 p.m., St. Saviour's in Bar Harbor hosts folk musician and activist Andrew Revkin for a free, all-ages show. Revkin performed frequently with Pete Seeger from 1996 until Seeger's death in 2014. The concert is part of St. Saviour's Downeast Music Series, which continue weekly through Oct. 16. Learn more here.

On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m., St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland will be the setting for a performance by the early-music ensemble, St. Mary Schola. Called Nature's Voice, it celebrates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun and features the world premiere of a brand-new setting by Bruce Scott Fithian, the ensemble’s founder and music director emeritus. Learn more and buy tickets here.

On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. at St. Thomas’ Church in Camden, Dr. James Higdon, the Dane and Polly Bales Professor of Organ at the University of Kansas, will present “Paris in Camden.” The organ concert will offer a preview of the program that Higdon will perform at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris next month, featuring works by Sowerby, Alain, Messiaen, Fauré, Barber, and Dupré. The concert is a fund raiser for St. Thomas’ music program with a suggested donation of $20 (though any offering is appreciated). Learn more here.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church in Augusta will host "Big Sing in the Big City," a hymn singing morning. All are invited to come with a favorite hymn in mind, or just to enjoy the opportunity to sing together.

Episcopal Divinity School Presents:

Film Screening and Conversation, Reckoning and Repair

Note: These virtual events are concurrent. In order to fully understand the context of the Sept. 24 update, it is recommended that you join EDS for the screening of "Sugarcane."

Conversation and Screening: “Sugarcane”

TONIGHT, Thursday, Sept. 18, 5 - 7:15 p.m.

The award-winning feature documentary “Sugarcane” is a groundbreaking investigation into an Indian residential school, shedding light on years of forced separation, assimilation and abuse that Indigenous children experienced at the hands of church and government. This film brings the hidden story of cultural genocide to audiences worldwide while celebrating the resilience of Native people as they work to overcome cycles of intergenerational trauma.

Join Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) for a conversation with directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, followed by a screening of the documentary.

Reckoning and Repair: An Update from the Episcopal Boarding School Commission

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m.

This conversation will delve into The Episcopal Church’s work to confront its complicity in the Native American boarding school system. Experts will share updates on archival investigations, oral histories, and the development of educational, pastoral, and liturgical resources.

Building on the church’s commitment to truth-telling and reconciliation, the session invites clergy, lay leaders, and community members into deeper awareness of this painful legacy and the urgent task of repair.

Teach Us To Pray Retreat

Thursday, Nov. 6 - Sunday, Nov. 9

St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center, Contoocook, NH

The Communities for Spiritual Vitality will host this retreat led by Br. Keith and Br. Luke of the Society of St. John the Evangelist. It is open to any layperson in a parish without a dedicated full-time priest.

The first disciples asked this of Jesus, and countless disciples have asked it in each generation since. This weekend will introduce several practices of prayer and discuss how they can be taught to others. Participants will explore such themes as the relationship between Word and silence, repetition and imagination, movement and stillness, and solitude and community.

Those who identify as lay leaders or members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to join. Registration closes on Oct. 1. Space and room type will be on a first-come basis.

In order to make this retreat accessible, the Communities for Spiritual Vitality is covering approximately 50 percent of the cost, which is reflected in the prices. Further subsidizing of the registration fee is available as needed.

St. George’s, Sanford is looking for an enthusiastic church administrator. Responsible for various office tasks, this person should know (or be willing to learn) about promoting the church’s work, keeping members informed of events, and social media. A background in marketing, communications, online engagement or church administration is helpful but not necessary. All are welcome to apply. The position is currently 10 hours a week, much of which can be done remotely. Please send cover letters and resumes to the Rev. Tim Higgins, rector of St. George’s. More information can be found on St. George’s website.

St. Paul’s, Brunswick seeks a new organist to join its dynamic music program. In addition to providing music for about 48 services per year, the position also includes accompanying St. Paul's choir for rehearsals (the choir joins about eight services per year); right of first refusal for weddings and funerals and other pastoral services, paid by separate fee; free use of organ and other church instruments for hosting lessons and teaching, except when worship space is needed for religious services. Compensation starts at $12,000/year paid in 26 installments. The application deadline is Sept. 30, 2025. For more information please see the St. Paul’s website.

St. John Baptist, Thomaston, seeks a cheerful, friendly, part-time (15 hrs./wk) sexton who will be responsible for weekly cleaning and minor general maintenance of the church facility, interior and exterior. Applicants must have at least a high-school diploma or equivalency; a minimum of two years of handyman work or relevant experience, and be able to complete Safe Church training and a background check. Pay is $20/hr. Please our website for more details.

St. Thomas’ Church, Camden is searching for a part-time music director, who will be responsible for leading, building, and sustaining the instrumental and choral music offerings of the church, with particular attention to congregational singing. St. Thomas’ has a 1992 Schantz pipe organ with 37 ranks in three divisions and Chickering grand piano. The salary range is $20,000 – $26,000 commensurate with experience. The application deadline is Sept. 29, 2025. Those interested are asked to contact the Rev. Paul Briggs.

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

See the full events calendar here.

See the bishop's visitation schedule here. 

Sept. 22 Diocesan Nomination and Resolution Forms due

Sept. 23 Diocesan Council Meeting

Sept. 26 - 28 Summer Finale at Camp Bishopswood

Oct. 7 Clergy Day with the Bishop at St. Andrew's in Newcastle

Oct. 14 Pre-Convention Meeting on Zoom, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (plan to attend one of the two)

Oct. 16 Pre-Convention Meeting on Zoom, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 206th Diocesan Convention, Bangor

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