Volume 28, Number 8

Aug. 20, 2026

Youth from Seven Dioceses Gather in Maine for

Inaugural Climate Justice Event

From June 29 through July 1, about 50 young people and their adult chaperones from Province 1 and beyond participated in the first-ever Climate Justice Youth Event (CJYE), held at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor, Maine. Funded in large part by a $17,000 Provincial Youth Event Grant from The Episcopal Church Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministries, in addition to a Sowing Seeds of Mission grant from Province I and a gift from the Faith Formation Network of Province I, the event offered an unparalleled opportunity for teens to learn about climate change and faith-based advocacy within the spectacular setting of Acadia National Park.

The schedule was packed with activity, but still allowed time for connection and quiet reflection. Rangers from Acadia National Park’s SEA (Schoodic Education Adventure) Program led hands-on, in-depth investigations of specific plants, animals, and environments, while church leaders focused this inquiry through a lens of faith. Participants learned about phenology, photojournalism, and mapping; they completed tide pool explorations and citizen-science initiatives on the paths around the Schoodic Institute. Many young people chose to wake at dawn to watch the sun rise over the ocean; others opted to stay out at night for stargazing. The group shared creation-focused worship throughout the week—all outdoors—and a deer joined one of the campfire Compline experiences! The event culminated with a ferry ride from the Schoodic Peninsula to Bar Harbor, where all enjoyed a sailing tour of Frenchman Bay.

Making Summer Memories at St. Thomas', Camden

On Aug. 3, St. Thomas', Camden hosted its annual "Summer Memories" Luncheon for the treasured elders of the church. Following the service, the Good Neighbor Ministry team gathered in the kitchen to prepare the famous St. Thomas chicken salad and a side summer salad, set up tables and arrange flowers. From left: Sarah Groman, Kelli McGuire, Sarah McParland, Lucy Ebbert, Haunani Wallace, and Linda Renner.

A Postulant Send Off at St. Peter's, Portland

On July 27, the congregation of St. Peter's Portland celebrated and bid farewell to postulant to the priesthood Galen Weibley, as he headed to Seminary of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. From left: the Rev. Emily Keniston, deacon, Weibley, and St. Peter's Rector, the Rev. Myrna Koonce. All three were postulancy interns at St. Peter's.

Childcare Center at St. Mary's Falmouth Opening Soon

The non-profit, reduced-cost daycare center in the works at St. Mary’s in Falmouth was the subject of a recent feature in Mainebiz. Caring Hearts Childcare Center, which is expected to open Sept. 1, occupies unused Sunday school classroom space in St. Mary’s Education Center. The 3,000 square-foot facility includes “age-appropriate classrooms designed for toddlers and preschool-aged children, dedicated activity and learning spaces, secure outdoor play areas, bathrooms and a staff room,” according to the story.

Caring Hearts is licensed for up to 49 children and is currently recruiting staff and interested families. Funding for the project came in part from a $15,000 diocesan New Initiatives Grant, which is being used to refurbish St. Mary’s existing playground. An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, 3 - 6 p.m. Learn more here. 

St. Brendan's Hosts a Look at the Making of a Musical

A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a new musical to Broadway, hosted at St. Brendan the Navigator in Deer Isle, was highlighted in the Penobscot Bay Press. The event was both a performance and fundraising opportunity for the creators of “One Voice,” (formerly “Marian”) which tells the story of celebrated Black opera singer and civil rights figure Marian Anderson (at right).

The show’s composer and lyricist, Chelsea Marie Davis, discovered St. Brendan’s on her first visit to Deer Isle eight years ago, and “considers it a place of deep connection and community,” according to the story. Over four months on the island she wrote the first 16 songs of “Our Voice,” which will make its debut at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in 2027. Read more here. 

"Dio Maine Cooks: Recipes and Stories from Vintage Church Cookbooks" is back with a stellar recipe for baked fish chowder from the most unusual cookbook in our collection (so far). “A Cottage History and Cookbook,” was created to celebrate the centennial of St. Cuthbert's Chapel on MacMahan Island, located in the Sheepscot River just off of Georgetown. The ring-bound book offers fascinating historic details about 39 island cottages and their inhabitants, and each cottage story is accompanied by at least one recipe. Read more and get the chowder recipe here.

Doctrine of Discovery Learning Weekend

Thursday, Sept. 10 - Sunday, Sept. 13

The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and online

Our Council on Indigenous Relations (CIR) and the Province One Justice Network invite you to a long weekend of learning opportunities about the Doctrine of Discovery. This doctrine, a legal and religious concept that originated in the 15th century, justified the taking of Indigenous lands and the subjugation of their peoples under the premise that discovery granted rights to the discoverers (and that Christians had the rights to conquer the lands of non-Christians). The Episcopal Diocese of Maine has taken an historic lead role in repudiating this complex assault on our Indigenous neighbors.

Events include "Interacting with Wabanaki History"—an in-person, interactive map experience hosted by Wabenaki REACH: Restoration, Engagement, Advocacy, Change, and Healing; a panel discussion (in-person and livestreamed)—"Wabanaki Land and Child Removal and the Doctrine of Discovery," by members of The Episcopal Church’s Truth, Justice, & Healing Commission of Native Boarding Schools; plus other meaningful learning opportunities.

Summer Finale Weekend

Friday, Sept. 11 - Sunday, Sept. 13

Camp Bishopswood, Hope

The Episcopal Diocese of Maine invites everyone to celebrate the end of summer together with a weekend at Camp Bishopswood, which is 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, friends and family, and YOU!

Download a FAQ sheet with all the details here.

Bishop Mariann Budde (Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC) is a nationally respected faith leader, author, and advocate for justice, known for her courageous and faithful public witness. In this timely event, she will reflect on the role of faith in shaping moral leadership and building a more just and compassionate society.

This gathering is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and learn how to be brave, stand for justice, speak truth to power, and seek mercy for our most vulnerable and marginalized neighbors. Tickets are $56 including fees, and may be purchased online or in person at the PortTix box office, 400 Congress St., Portland, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Andrew's in Millinocket seeks a quarter-time priest in charge who will help its congregation deepen their spiritual life, strengthen relationships within the parish, and engage the wider community with compassion and faith. This ministry takes place in a small town and surrounding area in northern Maine, characterized by a close-knit population where many families have lived for generations. Many residents travel long distances for work, healthcare and other services, and resources in the area can be limited. Because of this, the church often functions not only as a place of worship but also as a hub of encouragement and care. See the complete Position Profile and learn how to apply here.

The following clergy positions are also open. Visit the employment page on our website to learn more about them:

• Three-quarter time rector, St. Ann's, Windham
• Half-time priest in charge, St. Dunstan's, Ellsworth
• Two-thirds time rector, St. Peter's, Rockland
• Full-time rector, the Aroostook Cluster

Visit the employment page on our website to learn about other job opportunities.



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. 1 - Oct. 4 Season of Creation

Sept. 10-13 Doctrine of Discovery Learning Weekend

Sept. 11-13 Summer Finale, Camp Bishopswood, Hope

Sept. 11 Lay Preaching Cohort Retreat at Camp Bishopswood, Hope

Oct. 8 Maine Council of Churches hosts an evening with Bishop Mariann Budde, Merrill Auditorium, Portland

Oct. 27 Pre-Convention Meeting

Oct. 29 Pre-Convention Meeting

Nov. 7 207th Diocesan Convention, Abromson Community Education Center, University of Southern Maine, Portland

Note: The Diocesan Office will be closed on Fridays through Sept. 4.

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