Volume 27, Number 12

Dec. 18, 2025

Statement from Episcopal and Lutheran Bishops in New England: Our Commitment to Peace and Justice in a Broken World

In the wake of the recent gun violence in Providence, Rhode Island, and Sydney, Australia. Bishop Brown joined diocesan bishops from Province 1 and Lutheran Bishop Nathan Pipho of the New England Synod in issuing a signed statement calling for prayers.

Warm Coats, Boots, and Hearts

Thanks to the generosity of our churches and individuals, the annual St. Elizabeth’s Coat and Boot Drive was an enormous success. On Nov. 11, the first coat distribution day, 245 visitors to the St. Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry at the rear of St. Luke’s Cathedral went home with warm coats. On Dec. 9, 215 pairs of boots were handed out, and on Dec. 16, 208 coats were distributed, along with several pairs of boots.

“We are grateful beyond measure for the outpouring of support from across the diocese,” said St. Elizabeth’s Executive Director Sarah Borgeson. “Thank you for sharing your warmth and caring with those in our community who need it most."

Trees Grow in Bangor and Jefferson

In his address at Diocesan Convention in October, Bishop Brown invited churches to "take a particular action for the life of the world, to build hope," by planting a tree before the 2026 convention. "It can be a lilac, or a maple, it can be a River Birch, or a pyracantha bush, a holly or an ivy, a smokebush or a cherry, a spruce or a pine. You decide," he said. Two parishes recently heeded the call and shared photos of their new trees. The congregation of St. John's in Bangor planted an apple tree (left) and the people of St. Giles' in Jefferson planted a balsam fir. We look forward to seeing your new tree photos, too! Please email them to Director of Communications and Engagement Susan Sherrill Axelrod.

Christ Church, Gardiner Featured on News Center Maine

Christ Church's restoration efforts were the subject of a Dec. 2 spotlight on News Center Maine's "207." The story by veteran reporter Don Carrigan included the renovation of the stone tower and the return of the church's 200-year-old Paul Revere bell, as well as an interview with rector, the Rev. Kerry Mansir. The original Episcopal cathedral of Maine, Christ Church is on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more and watch the segment here.

SAVE THE DATE! Youth Climate Justice Event

June 29 - July 2, 2026

Schoodic Institute, Winter Harbor, ME

The triennial Episcopal Youth Event is not being held in 2026, so the Episcopal Diocese of Maine is offering a way for our youth from all over the church to come together, build community, and learn about protecting our earth— in the beautiful corner of the world called Downeast Maine!



There will be a combination of science programming, presentations from leaders in faith-based advocacy, and time for prayer, art, reflection and more.

Bridging the Gap Calls for Volunteers

Bridging the Gap, a diocesan ministry located in Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church in Augusta, is looking for volunteers for hospitality and greeting guests when they arrive on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m - 2 p.m. This person(s) would greet, direct, and answer questions, as well as set up a drink/snack table in the community room. Bridging the Gap's services include a clothing bank, essentials hygiene pantry, resource navigation, and financial assistance for those facing hardship. To volunteer or for more information, call 207-248-1782 or email Interim Director Bobbi-Jo Burdin.

Sacred Writing in Darkness

Poets Shana Rose, a parishioner at St. Luke's, and Julia Baker, chaplain at Mercy Hospital and parishioner at St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth, are hosting a new ecumenical ministry at St. Luke's Cathedral. “Sacred Writing in Darkness,” will be a time every month for guided sacred writing—poetry, prayers, songs, vignettes, etc—with a different theme every session. The gatherings are designed to help spiritually feed participants longing for respite from the chaos of our wider world right now. They will begin with Baker and Rose providing simple grounding content like a prayer or brief message, and the rest of the sessions will be for participants to write, followed by time at the end for sharing their completed work.

These sessions will be held monthly in Emmanuel Chapel, harnessing the sacred reverence the space provides. To sign up, email the cathedral office.

Applications Open for 2026-2027 Episcopal Service Year for Young Adults

As The Episcopal Church continues to expand its mission service opportunities for young leaders, applications are open for those ages 21-35 interested in a transformative outreach experience during 2026-2027. The priority deadline for US-based placements is Jan. 16.

The Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) is offering six domestic programs that include residential and nonresidential experiences, as well as a summer farming opportunity ideal for college and graduate students ages 18-26.

ESC members receive health coverage, stipends, and housing for residential programs.

Learn more, take a discernment quiz, and apply here.

ChurchNext Offers Introduction to Epiphany Video Course

Epiphany is more than just a season to return Christmas presents. It's a time to discover the ways God is revealing truth in our lives. In this course, led by Sharon Ely Pearson, the Christian Formation specialist for Church Publishing Inc., you’ll learn:

• What is Epiphany?
• What are the themes of Epiphany?
• How should we observe Epiphany?
• How does Epiphany better our lives?

ChurchNext video courses cost $10 and include three-to-six video lectures that are from five-to-seven minutes in length, plus discussion questions, and other resources. Learn more and sign up here.

‘Protesting Faithfully’ toolkit for dioceses, churches, and individuals

The Episcopal Church's new “Protesting Faithfully” toolkit offers practical resources and spiritual grounding for those wishing to stand in solidarity with vulnerable neighbors at protests and demonstrations. Find links to nonviolence training and other resources, as well as downloadable prayers, songs, and Scripture readings. Toolkit resources are available in Spanish where indicated. Get your kit here.

Supreme Court Review

Sunday, Jan. 4, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, Augusta

In this talk, Dr. James Melcher, a professor of Political Science at University of Maine, Farmington, will preview, review and update expectations of the US Supreme Court’s activity in the coming year. In this time of great political uncertainty, Melcher’s commitment to mutual understanding in political conversation and his continued cautious optimism about the American democratic experiment offer hope for those whose faith in our nation may be feeling shaky. “As a church, we are happy to support this learning opportunity, which will empower all to discuss our society’s current concerns from a place of understanding and hope,” says Emmanuel’s rector, the Rev. Ben Cooke.

Reconsider the Lilies: White Supremacy and Environmental Justice

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, 6 - 7 p.m., online

The environmental issues facing society are deeply connected with lasting problems of racism, colonialism, and white supremacy. To be faithful to its calling, the church needs to rethink its environmental theology and confront these problems directly. Join Episcopalians from across the country for an evening webinar with Dr. Andrew Thompson, associate professor of ethics and director of the Center for Religion and Environment at the University of the South's School of Theology. This event is co-sponsored by the Eco-Region in Province 1 and the University of the South.

Prophets, Saints, and Kings: Resisting Christian Nationalism and Building the Beloved Community with King and Bonhoeffer

Saturday, Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Nativity Lutheran Church, Rockport

All are invited to Nativity Lutheran Church for the livestream of a morning with internationally renowned Bonhoeffer scholars, Dr. Stephen Haynes and Dr. Reggie Williams. Participants will learn about the intersecting legacies and lessons of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr., while deepening their understanding of how people of faith can confront and resist the growing forces of authoritarianism and Christian nationalism in our own time. The program will be livestreamed from United Lutheran Seminary (ULS), Gettysburg and is presented by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg College, and ULS’s Kindling Faith program. Light morning refreshments will be provided. There is no charge to attend but attendees are asked to register by calling 207-594-4665 or emailing the church office.

Camp Bishopswood in Hope is in search of an assistant director, who will work closely with the executive director to design, manage, and improve every aspect of Bishopswood’s summer program. This is a year-round, hands-on, people-focused leadership role: training staff, shaping program culture, enhancing systems, and creating an environment where kids and staff feel recognized, safe, and inspired. Applications deadline is Jan. 15, 2026. Learn more and apply here.

The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke in Portland is looking for a cathedral dean who radiates a robust faith in Jesus Christ and enjoys celebrating a variety of Episcopal liturgies while also being a committed seeker of justice. The facilities are shared with cathedral and community organizations who care for immigrants, people who are hungry, and other vulnerable and marginalized communities. The campus is also shared with Loring House, the diocesan office, and the next dean will be an active partner in continuing the long tradition of cooperation and friendship among the cathedral and diocesan communities. Learn more, including how to apply, here.

St. Ann’s, Windham, seeks a full-time rector who shares the vestry and congregation’s vision of a joyful, inclusive church where faith is lived through worship, service, and community connection. They look forward to discovering together what God has in store for their next chapter. Lutheran as well as Episcopal candidates will be considered, and applications will be accepted until Jan. 5, 2026. Read the St. Ann’s Ministry Profile here. To apply, please email Transition and Deployment Officer, the Rev. Suzanne Roberts or call her at 207-749-4166.

Trinity Church in York Harbor is seeking a new summer music director in 2026. As a summer chapel, Trinity's season runs from mid-June to Labor Day. The church seats over 400, and has a well-maintained Wicks pipe organ and two Yamaha pianos: a grand and an electronic model. The choir of around 16 singers has a long tradition of excellence. Read the job description link here. For more info, email Dr. Bill Wieting or call him at 207-363-5258.

Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church is seeking a part-time choir director. The church’s volunteer choir performs twice a month and rehearses weekly, September through May, with additional performances on Christmas Eve and during Holy Week. The ideal candidate will help Emmanuel Lutheran grow in confidence, expand the choir's and congregation's knowledge of singing, and bring joy to their worship through music. For more information, please email the Rev. Ben Cooke, rector at Emmanuel Lutheran, or call 207-623-9486.

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 $25/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. 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. 

Dec. 23 at noon - Jan. 2, 2026 Christmas Break, diocesan office closed

Jan. 28 Province 1 Emerging Leaders of Color Network Gathering, online

March 1 Parochial Reports due

March 5 Lenten Clergy Quiet Day, Grace Church, Bath

March 24 Chrism Eucharist and Renewal of Vows, Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church, Augusta

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