News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine |
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Volume 23, Number 17
September 9, 2021
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Worship online with the diocese this Sunday |
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Get ready for a full diocese-wide service on Sunday, September 12 celebrating the wonder of creation!
The service, created by our Climate Justice Council, will include music, a sermon, and participation from across Maine.
If you have questions or want to participate in one of our upcoming services in November and December, please email Katie Clark, Director of Communications.
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Nominations for leadership positions being accepted |
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The 202nd Convention of the Diocese of Maine will take place online on Saturday, October 23. Business will include the election of diocesan leaders. Nominate yourself (or someone else) to fill one of several open leadership roles!
Submit a nomination for any of the positions below using this form. Click on the title links to learn more about each one.
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Be a part of the Diocesan Convention Virtual Choir |
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You are invited to sing in a virtual choir presenting music during the 202nd Convention of the Diocese of Maine "Go Forth with Hope and Grace" on October 23! We welcome singers of any age to participate including those who aren't church members.
Soon after signing-up, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions. Each singer should register individually. Recordings will need to be submitted by September 27. Register here.
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Seeds of Hope seeking Assistant Director |
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Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, a Jubilee Center of the Diocese of Maine and a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization in Biddeford, is looking for an Assistant Director. Seeds of Hope works to find solutions to poverty and to support neighbors in reaching their highest levels of independence and experiencing a sense of belonging. Learn more about the organization here. Find more information about the position and how to apply here.
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Hennessy recognized by Maine Council on Aging |
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The Maine Council on Aging (MCOA) recently announced the recipients of their 2021 inspirational leadership awards. Included are the winners of the "Trailblazing Advocate Award" which celebrates the sustained contributions of those whose passion, actions, and advocacy have made Maine a better place for us all to age with dignity, health, purpose, and security. The three recipients are Nancy Kelly, Frank Brooks, and John Hennessy, Director of Public Advocacy for the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. The award recognizes their sustained efforts to create SAGE Maine in 2011, to research, support, and advocate for the needs of older LGBTQ+ Mainers, to educate aging services providers about these needs, and to keep older LGBTQ+ Mainers connected and healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state, and older LGBTQ+ people, are better off for their efforts. John is also recognized as a founding member and early leader of the Maine Council on Aging.
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News From Our Congregations |
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St. Luke's Cathedral, Portland has begun work on a new labyrinth on the lawn at 143 State Street. They anticipate approval of the labyrinth project by the Historical Preservation Board with construction likely beginning in the spring. Landscape architect and labyrinth designer, Jennifer Bear, did a chalk layout recently and the architect's sketches are on display in the cathedral tower.
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Congratulations to Bob Publicover of St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill who has received the Emily Award this year. The Emily Award was established in 2009 by St. Francis by the Sea in order to honor the many people who have engaged in a variety of church-related activities over a long period of time that are critical to their mission. It was named after Emily Chaney who was the first recipient of the award.
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The Taizé Community, located in the village of Taizé, Burgundy, France, was birthed in 1940 and has become an internationally recognized ecumenical monastic brotherhood that receives 100,000 visitors per year. The Taizé service is a form of contemplative worship that incorporates music, mystical practices and inter-spiritual beliefs using short chants sung over many times.
Experience Taizé in-person, around the diocese:
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St. Ann's, Windham now offers Taizé services...all are welcome! Join them this month on Friday, September 10 at 6pm. Beginning in October, Taizé will be offered on the first Friday of each month. Questions? Contact the parish office.
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Taizé is also returning to St. Luke’s Cathedral, Portland! Starting on September 22 at 5:30pm in Emmanuel Chapel. They will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.
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St. Patrick's, Brewer holds a Service of Meditation through scripture, prayer, quiet time patterned after worship in Community of Taizé, France and the Iona Community in Glasgow, Scotland on the 1st Wednesdays of each month at 6:30pm. Contact church leadership for more info.
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Rangeley church to observe 100 years of service, worship
Beginning this month, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rangeley plans to celebrate 100 years of service and worship. Throughout the year, in addition to regular Sunday services, Good Shepherd will host several special celebrations and events.
Read more
www.centralmaine.com
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Maine faith leaders pen letter supporting For The People Act
More than 125 people of faith in Maine have signed a letter calling on lawmakers to support the voting rights bill. Marge Kilkelly, member of Christ Church, Gardiner, represented us at the press conference unveiling the letter.
Read more
religionnews.com
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New Mainers group repurposes Hallowell church
When the Episcopal Church closed its doors in June, it was bittersweet. The property at 20 Union St. had been a house of worship for more than 160 years, but now it's a place that a family of nine Syrian refugees can call home.
Read more
www.centralmaine.com
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Peggy Williams of St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth writes movingly in "A Daily Cup" from August 31 about her experience being a part of their Discernment Committee as an example of diverse individuals coming together and working toward unity and a common goal. Read more here.
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The Rev. Jane Field, Executive Director of the Maine Council of Churches, writes in her Portland Press Herald letter to the editor, "Maine people of faith should get vaccinated" , that loving both God and neighbor means we must do all we can to protect those around us.
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Let us pray for diocesan staff shifting to new roles this month. Emily Keniston, formerly our Consultant for Christian Formation will begin serving as our Director of Faith Formation supporting both adult and children's ministries.
John Hennessy will shift from a staff to a consulting role as Director of Public Advocacy. John will represent our presence at the State House, our participation with the Maine Council of Churches, and our relationship with the Episcopal Peace Fellowship.
You can find John, Emily's, and all the rest of our team's contact information on our website here.
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Please continue to pray for those fleeing Afghanistan. Let us listen to the words of Presiding Bishop Curry as he encourages us to assist Afghans arriving in the U.S. with the hope of safety through Episcopal Migration Ministries work with the Afghan Parolee Support Program. Included with this video, there are links and information sources that can assist you in participating in any way that you can.
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Together let us pray for recovery and reconstruction for those suffering the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana and parts of the East Coast. May those impacted by this storm find the assistance, help, and resources they need. May those experiencing loss find refuge in God. |
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We offer prayers for the victims and survivors of the attach on 9/11 and pray for peace. Presiding Bishop Curry will deliver a blessing and sermon Sept. 11 and 12 as part of A Time and Space of Remembrance and Healing at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York, which served as a relief mission for recovery workers at Ground Zero for nearly a year after the buildings fell. Tune in online at trinitywallstreet.org/september-11. |
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The BTS Center's Convocation 2021 registration is open |
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Over the course of two days this fall, participants will gather for online sessions, and log off for some intentional, self-guided, offline sessions, returning to digital space for continued learning and reflection. Incorporating music, the arts, and contemplative practice.
Convocation 2021 will inspire and challenge you to ground your spiritual leadership in the common good and in the sacredness of our planetary home. Register here. Scholarships and church/team discounts are available.
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Interested in applying for a United Thank Offering grant? |
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Awarded for projects in The Episcopal Church and throughout the Anglican Communion, the 2022 UTO grants will focus on creation care.
Register here to join an informational webinar on the 2022 focus on Saturday, September 21, 7:00 pm.
Additional webinars will be held in October, November, and January.
Every penny given to the United Thank Offering is distributed annually in grant funding to missions and ministries seeking to live Jesus’ way of love. More than $140 million has been awarded to more than 5,300 projects since UTO began in 1880, supporting staff positions, conferences, creation of educational resources, building projects, and much more. Learn more and support UTO at episcopalchurch.org/uto.
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