Volume 28, Number 1

Jan. 15, 2026

Revealing the Real Gift of Christmas

At the Cathedral Church of St. Luke's family service on Christmas Eve, Bishop Brown delivered his sermon directly to children, seated on the floor in front of the crèche. He used an empty box to illustrate his message that "unlike presents we get from Santa Claus—which might not fit or break—Jesus comes to us not in a box but inside our hearts, and it's a gift that lasts forever!"

Photos courtesy of Christian Clough and the Very Rev. George Stevens

In the News: Welcoming the Stranger Given Special Meaning This Year

Bishop Brown and the Rev. Tom Mousin, rector of St. Peter's, Portland, were among the local clergy interviewed for a Dec. 23 story in the Portland Press Herald, headlined: "For these Maine churches, the story of Christmas and immigrants' reality tell a similar tale."

In the piece, reporter Sophie Burchell explored how, during Advent, "many churches are drawing parallels between the story of the Holy Family’s flight from persecution by King Herod and modern-day immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S. and Maine, despite risks to their safety." Read it here (gift article).

Frances Perkins to be a 2026 Maine Women's Hall of Fame Inductee

On March 21, Episcopal saint Frances Perkins will be one of two women inducted into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame. The Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins was the first woman to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet. She spent her summers at her family home in Newcastle (now a national monument), where she was a faithful member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

From a press release: "Perkins is best known for her policy work at the national level, but her career and accomplishments continue to have a significant impact on Maine—especially the one quarter of Maine residents who receive Social Security (more than half of whom are women)." Learn more here.

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. Register your interest via the button below and Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston will be in touch.

Winter Youth Retreat

Friday, Feb. 13 - Sunday, Feb. 15

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

At this Province 1-wide event, middle and high school youth from around New England will gather for a weekend of faith exploration and lots of fun as we learn and grow together. For Maine participants, there is some funding through the diocese for this event and the option of carpooling. Please be in touch with Emily Keniston for details or with questions, and you can sign up here.

Confirmation Exploration Weekend

Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15

Barbara C Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, NH

No matter where a young person is on their confirmation journey (ready to go, curious, not at all sure they want to be confirmed...), this is a weekend that will help us meet new people and explore this important step in a young person's life of faith. Mainers, there is the possibility of diocesan funding and carpooling for a group, so please let Emily Keniston know if you are interested or have questions. Learn more about the program and sign up here.

A reminder that camp registration is open at Camp Bishopswood in Hope, and summer staff is being hired now! Learn more here or email Emily Keniston with questions. 

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.

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Service

Monday, Jan 19, noon

St. Luke's, Wilton

The guest speaker at this ecumenical service will be Passamaquoddy educator Sandra Bassett.

Honoring the Dream While Continuing the Journey

Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Winthrop Congregational Church, Winthrop

The Rev. Kerry Mansir, rector of Christ Church, Gardiner has been instrumental in the planning of this ecumenical event, focused on "Immigration Justice: Where have we been, where are we now, and what can we do?" Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and the program featuring guest speakers and community building starts at 9:30 a.m.

Building Faith offers a variety of resources for learning, praying and acting in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther, King, Jr. for adults and children.

Find all of the resources here.

The Sermon on the Mount: On Earth as in Heaven

The Communities for Spiritual Vitality, a Vermont-based initiative that supports lay formation across Province 1, has just released its 2026 Lent-Easter Devotional. Included in the beautifully illustrated, 84-page booklet are contributions from Bishop Brown; Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston; the Rev. Liz Marshall Casasola, rector of Trinity Church, Castine; Lio Cook, Church of our Father, Hull's Cove; and Larry Gilman, the Parish of St. Andrew and St. John, MDI. Read it online, order a printed copy, and learn about the seven weekly formation gatherings using the devotional here.

Holy Habits Lenten Meditations from Sister Monica Clare

Beginning on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) and continuing throughout the 2026 season, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is offering daily Lenten Meditations inviting readers to reflect upon and deepen their spiritual practices.

This year, ERD has partnered with Sister Monica Clare—Episcopal nun, best-selling author and unlikely TikTok star—to create meditations that explore the theme of “Holy Habits.” In her meditations, Clare reflects on the scripture readings for vespers (evening prayer) to encourage habits that support and strengthen a life of faith.

All are invited to participate in “Holy Habits” by subscribing to daily emails, downloading resources for further study and including the meditations in community prayer, worship and gathering time. Explore the meditations here.

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.

UPDATED: 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 March 31, 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.

UPDATED: St. John Baptist, Thomaston, seeks a cheerful, friendly, part-time (12 hrs./wk) caretaker 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 $30/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. 

Jan. 19 Diocesan offices closed for Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday

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

Feb 13 - 15 Province 1 Winter Youth Retreat, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, NH

Feb. 16 Diocesan Offices closed for Presidents' Day holiday

March 1 Parochial Reports due

March 3 Bishop Brown delivering the opening prayer at the Maine State Senate

March 5 Lenten Clergy Quiet Day, Grace Church, Bath

March 13-15: Confirmation Exploration Weekend, Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, Greenfield, NH

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

June 29 - July 2 Youth Climate Justice Event, Schoodic Institute, Winter Harbor

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