Volume 28, Number 7

July 16, 2026

Our churches were well represented at Pride parades and celebrations around Maine last month. Clockwise from top right: St. John's, Bangor at Bangor Pride on June 27; St. George's, Sanford at Sanford Pride on June 7; St. Francis, Blue Hill, at Peninsula Pride on June 20; St. Margaret's, Belfast at Belfast Pride on June 6; and multiple congregations at Portland Pride on June 20.

Summer Chapel Leaders Gather at the Cathedral

On July 9, Representatives from some of Maine's summer chapels convened at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke on for their annual gathering. The day's agenda featured members of the diocesan staff detailing ways their work in church finance, formation, communications, fundraising, clergy deployment, and administration can be of service to the chapel community. Following lunch in the cathedral's Upper Hall, the Rev. Suzanne Roberts presided at a service of Holy Eucharist in Emmanuel Chapel.

Play Summer Chapel Bingo!

Did you know that Maine has the most summer chapels—17—of any state in the country?!

To encourage you to visit them, we thought we'd channel both your Episcopal and your competitive spirit in a fun game of bingo. Take photos of the chapels you visit (and the the extra challenges mixed in) to fill the squares and complete a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row to get BINGO. Then either snap a photo or scan your completed bingo card and email it to us by Sept. 8 to be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Shops at Loring House gift card!

Graduating to the Next Chapter of Life



Sarah Harris (at right) delivered this reflection at St. Columba’s, Boothbay Harbor’s service for Youth Sunday on May 24, to mark her graduation from Boothbay Region High School. The valedictorian of her class, she will attend Yale University in the fall. 

It’s strange knowing this chapter of my life—my high school career, my time here in Boothbay Harbor—is ending. For so long, St. Columba’s Church has been part of my routine and part of who I am. Some of my earliest memories are connected to this place. And now, somehow, I stand here on the edge of something new.



When I was thinking about what to say today, I kept coming back to a story: the story of Jairus’s daughter and the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Jairus comes to Jesus, desperate for help because his daughter is dying. Jesus agrees to go with him, but on His way, a massive crowd pressed in around them. A woman who had suffered from internal bleeding for 12 years touched Jesus’ cloak and was instantly healed. And while Jesus has paused, helping and speaking to her, Jairus receives the news: “Your daughter is dead.” “It’s over.” “Jesus was too late.”

We welcome reflections delivered at our churches, particularly those by young people! Email submissions to Director of Communications and Engagement Susan Sherrill Axelrod. 

The Rev. Lauren Kay (at right, center) was featured in a June 24 Maine Monitor story, "Progressive faith leaders push for transgender rights." Kay, who is based in Portland and considers themselves a "priest at large," was one of nine local faith leaders who led a service that celebrated LGBTQ identities at First Parish Unitarian Universalist church in downtown Portland before the city's Pride parade on June 20. Kay "said they hope their participation in the Pride parade, and their work as a priest more broadly, shows young transgender people that there is space for them in the church," reporter Sean Scott wrote.

After a man was injured when the dumpster he was sleeping in was picked up by a trash truck, News Center Maine interviewed the Rev. Tim Higgins, rector of St. George's Sanford, for the June 25 piece, "Community leaders highlight the need for resources after Sanford rescues unhoused person." Higgins spoke about the weekly meal, haircuts, and other programs his church offers to the local unhoused community.

What included 200 quarts of freshly picked strawberries, 40 dozen biscuits, and 20 quarts of homemade whipped cream? St. Philip's, Wiscasset's Strawberry 72nd-annual Strawberry Festival, which was the subject of a feature in the Lincoln County News on July 3. According to Minister of Music Terry Heller: “This festival is kind of the beating heart of the community … everything would fall down if we didn’t have the Strawberry Festival on the last Saturday in June,”

Tri-Dio Sacred Ground Series Returning this Fall

Sacred Ground: An Exploration of Race and Faith is again being offered by the three dioceses of Northern New England on Zoom starting this fall. This is an 11-session curriculum developed by The Episcopal Church to explore the history of racism in our country as well as the economic and social legacies that continue to underlie divisions among us.

For an introduction to Sacred Ground, view the 22-minute invitational video, “We Bless You,” by the Union of Black Episcopalians and Sacred Ground staff. Facilitators and potential facilitators can learn more about the origin and structure of Sacred Ground in this video.

To see what days and times are being offered, please see the registration form here or use the QR code.

The Rev. Bill Blaine-Wallace Publishes New Book

The Rev. Bill Blaine-Wallace, Ph.D, is a retired priest in the Diocese of Maine, pastoral counselor, spiritual director, and activist. His latest book is a call to action for individuals and communities that offers steadfast, collaborative ways to pursue justice grounded in contemplation and compassion. Blaine-Wallace constructs seven relational positions that enliven the inner and outer dimensions of our faith and awaken passion for prophetic change. Available online and wherever books are sold. Download a flyer here.

A Vigil of Lament and Hope

Friday, July 17, 5 p.m.

The Cathedral Church of St. Luke

All are welcome to join the cathedral community in the labyrinth at St. Luke's for candlelight, chanting, prayer, and fellowship to remember Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero and pray for our common life together. With Bishop Brown on sabbatical, the Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfield, Bishop of New Hampshire and our assisting bishop, will be present to stand and pray with us in solidarity.

SAVE THE DATE!

Doctrine of Discovery Learning Weekend

Thursday, Sept. 10 - Sunday, Sept. 13

The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and online

The Council on Indigenous Relations and the Province One Justice Network invite you to a long weekend of learning opportunities about the Doctrine of Discovery. The Episcopal Church has taken an historic lead role in repudiating this complex assault on our indigenous neighbors.

Events include "Interacting with Wabanaki History"—an interactive map experience, presentations by members of The Episcopal Church’s Truth, Justice, & Healing Commission of Native Boarding Schools, and more. Registration information coming soon. Find more details here.

SAVE THE DATE!

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!

More details and registration info coming soon.

An Invitation to Speak Up for 'We, the People'

Monday, August 17, 8 p.m. online

The national organization Faith in Public Life invites you and everyone in your community to take part in creating a statement: "We, the People. A Multifaith Call to Consciousness for the United States."

The organization is asking people with moral clarity and imagination to join together to call for a world where all humanity and all creation can truly thrive.

You will join thousands online, in real time for one hour to write this document together in small groups using an innovative collaborative technology called Synanim that will gather our best ideas based on everyone’s input. It uses human moral intelligence and empathy to create consensus, not AI. This process will enable thousands of people across the United States to create a powerful expression of our deepest commitments to each other, our country, and the world.



The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, ninth Bishop of Washington, is coming to Maine to deliver a keynote address to benefit the work of the Maine Council of Churches. Ticket sales opening soon; check our website's event calendar for updated information.

The Aroostook Cluster, which consists of three rural congregation: St. Paul’s, Fort Fairfield; Church of the Good Shepherd, Houlton; and St. John’s, Presque Isle, is seeking a full-time rector. Leading a three-parish cluster is a unique calling that requires a blend of diplomacy, organizational agility, and deep pastoral care. Because the parishes share staff and costs, the rector must be a great communicator, as well as someone who can honor individuality and celebrate the unique “flavor” and traditions of each parish, while fostering a sense of unity. 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:

• Half-time priest in charge, St. Dunstan's, Ellsworth
• Quarter-time priest in charge, St. Andrew's, Millinocket
• Two-thirds time rector, St. Peter's, Rockland
• Three-quarter time rector, St. Ann's, Windham

The Cathedral Church of St. Luke seeks a part-time administrative assistant (20 hours/week) to support the congregation, its ministries, and the wider community by overseeing in-person office operations, welcoming visitors, and assisting with weekly, monthly, and long-term administrative projects. The person in this role, who will collaborate closely with staff, clergy, ministry leaders, vestry members, and volunteers, must be organized, detail-oriented, and people-focused. Eligibility for this position is limited to those outside of the St. Luke’s community due to the confidential nature of the daily activities of the parish office. St. Luke’s parishioners are not eligible to apply. See the full job description and application instructions here.

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. 



July 17 A Vigil of Lament and Hope, the Cathedral Church of St. Luke

Sept. 10-13 Doctrine of Discovery Learning Weekend

Sept. 11-13 Summer Finale, 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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