News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine | | |
Volume 27, Number 11
Nov. 13, 2025
| | New Beginnings at St. Bart's, Yarmouth | | Sunday, Oct. 27, was a particularly special day at St. Bart's in Yarmouth. The Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelson, who was ordained in the Lutheran church, joined Bishop Brown for a Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity to become an Episcopal priest. The joyful service also included the baptism of Iris Elizabeth Covie, daughter of Pal and Sarah Covie. Photos courtesy of Joe Michaud | | Rev. Kevin Kinsey Rides Into Retirement | | Late last month, St. Paul's in Fort Fairfield threw a party to honor and celebrate the Rev. Kevin Kinsey on his retirement. Kinsey, who has served for 13 years as pastor for what's known as the Aroostook Cluster (which also includes St. John's, Presque Isle and Church of the Good Shepherd, Houlton), was thrilled with his farewell gift—an Episcopal Diocese of Maine-branded leather motorcycle jacket! | | St. George's, Sanford Goes on Retreat | | The weekend of Oct. 10, about two-dozen members of St. George's, Sanford, along with rector, the Rev. Tim Higgins, gathered for a two-day, community-building retreat at St. Anthony Franciscan Friary in Kennebunk. | | All Saints' Day Tributes at St. Patrick's, Brewer | | Central to the Holy Eucharist at Saint Patrick’s, Brewer, on All Saints' Day was the table in the front of the church on which parishioners were invited to place photos of their deceased family members and other people who are important to their lives. They were also invited to place a candle at an appropriate point in the service. | | Updates and Announcements | | |
Diocesan Convention Recap
On Oct. 25, nearly 250 clergy and lay delegates, ministry representatives, and guests gathered at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for the 206th Annual Diocesan Convention. From the kickoff Eucharist, informative presentations, and lively resolution discussions, to the rousing camp song led by Camp Bishopswood Director Mike Douglass, it was a day of prayer, joy, action, and connection.
-
Find election results, final versions of resolutions, a recording of the convention livestream, youth and mission videos, and Bishop Brown's address here.
-
See more photos on our Facebook page!
Photo: Delegates from St. Thomas', Camden, from left: Derek Reed, Rev. Paul Briggs, Donovan Bailey, Jan Lyle (alternate), Rev. Kristen Burkholder, and Kelli McGuire.
| | |
Rev. Dave Dalzell Joins ONE Advocates in DC
The Rev. Dave Dalzell, rector of Trinity Church, Saco, represented Maine last month as part of the ONE Faith Leaders Summit in Washington D.C. The annual event brings faith leaders from all 50 states to the nation's capitol for meetings with elected leaders to advocate for initiatives that address global health and poverty. Among these are the President's Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), GAVI the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Photo: Doug Anderson, senior director, US Government Relations, for ONE; Dalzell; Maine Sen. Angus King; Rev. Kevin Veitinger, rector, All Angels’ Church, NYC. Dalzell also met with Senator Susan Collins and staff from Rep. Chellie Pingree's office.
| | |
Advent Study Offering: Five-Week Course on Matthew's Gospel
Fridays, Nov. 21 - Dec. 19, 11 a.m. - noon
In person at St. Margaret's, Belfast, and online
All are invited to join a group at St Margaret’s, Belfast for a free, online and in-person short course on Matthew’s Gospel, which is the focus of Lectionary readings for Year A starting in Advent 2025.
Matthew’s Gospel is the first in the canon—that is, the 27 books of the New Testament. It is one of four New Testament gospels, through which we learn about Jesus and his followers. Matthew’s focus is on Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), a grounding with which Matthew’s audience is very familiar, but which we as Episcopalians are not. A Jewish text written after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the war against Rome in 66-70CE, Matthew wrote intending to present contours of Judaism in the context of that catastrophe for Jewish followers of Jesus.
To join the course or if you have questions, please email the instructor, Canon Deirdre Good, for a course outline and online materials before Nov. 21.
Canon Deirdre Good, Th.D., a parishioner of St Margaret’s, and a licensed lay preacher in the diocese, taught New Testament and Christian Origins at the General Theological Seminary in New York City for 28 years. For more information see deirdregood.net.
| | |
Outreach Opportunities at St. John's, Bangor
Warm Hearts, Warm Clothes
Too many individuals in Bangor's homeless community are facing harsh winter weather without the proper outdoor attire. St. John’s is seeking donations of gently used hats, gloves, scarves, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, winter boots, and wool socks that will be given directly into the hands of those who are in the most need. Through Sunday, Nov. 16, donations can be dropped off Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. - noon or during Sunday services at 225 French St.
Fill The Truck in Support of Bangor Area Homeless Shelter
As we look forward to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday where food and family will be at the center of many celebrations, we acknowledge that not everyone will be as fortunate. Let's "Fill The Truck" and help to provide a holiday meal to those at the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter this Thanksgiving. St. John’s will be collecting non-perishable food donations—such as stuffing mix, gravy jars/packets, canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and instant mashed potatoes—on Sunday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
St. John's is located at 225 French St., Bangor. For more information about either of these projects, please contact Hilary Graebert.
| | |
Registration for Camp Bishopswood is Now Open!
Registration for the 2026 summer season at Camp Bishopswood—your Episcopal camp in beautiful Hope, Maine—opened Nov. 6. Offerings include one- or multi-week youth camps for ages eight to 16; Mini Camp for ages six to eight; a CIT program for ages 16 to 17 and Day Camp for ages six to 12. A voluntary tiered pricing schedule makes camp affordable for everyone. Learn more here.
| | |
Apply for Episcopal Service Corps at Plainsong Farm
Plainsong Farm and Ministry in Rockford, Michigan, is accepting applications for young adults ages 21 to 32 interested in an Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) opportunity from Jan. 11 to Oct. 31, 2026.
ESC offers U.S.-based programs for young leaders who want to serve communities and deepen their spiritual lives. Plainsong fellows will participate in a 10-month immersive program in small-scale regenerative agriculture, spiritual practice, and communal living. Apply online.
| | |
Want to Help Plan the Next General Convention?
The Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements is seeking volunteers to serve on planning committees for the upcoming 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona, July 3 - 8, 2027.
At its July meeting, the committee approved the formation of several planning committees to implement a new model for General Convention, as recommended by the General Convention Reinvention Steering Committee. This model establishes a daily rhythm featuring morning worship, small-group work or Bible study, and a program block focused on equipping and connecting participants, followed by afternoon legislative sessions. The program emphasizes intentional community building, formation, and relationship development as integral components of the convention experience. Read more here.
Those interested in serving are invited to submit their names for consideration by Nov. 30.
| | |
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 we are offering a way for our youth 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.
| | |
St. Francis by the Sea: A Commemorative Pilgrimage to Italy
Oct. 2 - 11, 2026
The Rev. Douglas Beck, rector of St. Francis by the Sea in Blue Hill, invites you to embark on a spiritual journey through Italy, immersing yourself in the sacred sites and timeless beauty of Assisi, Orvieto, and Rome, on a pilgrimage to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Beck has personally curated this pilgrimage to offer a rich blend of prayer, history, and artistic splendor for discerning travelers seeking both spiritual renewal and cultural enrichment. Participants will celebrate Eucharist together in several locations and have ample time for prayer, reflection, and sharing.
Download a brochure here.
| |
|
First Friday at St. Luke’s
Friday, Dec. 5, 4 - 8 p.m.
143 State St., Portland
St. Luke's Cathedral is hosting a festive gathering as part of Creative Portland’s First Friday Art Walk in December. Join them for docent-led tours of the cathedral's art and architecture, delicious snacks, live music in the cathedral, and a special selection of holiday crafts for sale, including homemade jams and jellies. All are welcome!
For more information, contact the cathedral office.
| | |
There's nothing like an old-fashioned Christmas fair to put you in a holiday mood. And, by shopping for gifts, Christmas decor, and treats at an Episcopal church fair, you're helping the church to support community initiatives that serve our neighbors. From Southern to Downeast Maine, there's likely one happening near you!
Saturday, Nov. 15
Trinity Church, Saco - Holly Berry Holiday Fair, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Christ Church, Gardiner - Christmas Fair, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Bart’s, Yarmouth - Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill - Christmas Sale and Empty Bowls Event, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Mark's, Waterville - Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Mary’s, Falmouth - Sparkles Christmas Fair, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
St. Paul’s, Brunswick - 89th Annual Christmas Fair, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
| | |
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.
The Communities for Spiritual Vitality is a grant-funded initiative originating from the Dioceses of Vermont and Massachusetts that seeks to support the spiritual formation and fellowship of laypeople throughout Province 1. Its primary focus is on those in parishes without full-time access to clergy. The half-time assistant director will work with the director on most areas of strategic development for the initiative. Hours per week fluctuate based on programmatic rhythms. Applicants should reside within Province I and commit to travel to meet with the director regularly and perform program functions. Clergy as well as laypeople with strong experience in the spiritual formation of others are encouraged to apply. Learn more here.
St. Paul’s, Brunswick seeks a new organist to join its dynamic music program. In addition to providing music for about 48 services per year, the position also includes accompanying St. Paul's choir for rehearsals (the choir joins about eight services per year); right of first refusal for weddings and funerals and other pastoral services, paid by separate fee; free use of organ and other church instruments for hosting lessons and teaching, except when worship space is needed for religious services. Compensation starts at $12,000/year paid in 26 installments. For more information please see the St. Paul’s website.
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 $20/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.
| | Do you have a story to submit to The Dio Log? Did someone forward you this newsletter? Join our community and help us share the good news! | | | | |
