News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine | |
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Volume 26, Number 4
April 18, 2024
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On Easter Sunday, children at St. Columba’s Church in Boothbay Harbor enjoyed an Easter egg hunt around the church building. Photo courtesy of Cherie Scott. | |
At the Cathedral Church of St. Luke's in Portland, The Easter Vigil (above) and Easter Day service (below). Photos courtesy of Nancy Mawhinney. | |
Updates and Announcements | |
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Our Digital Museum is Live!
Thanks to a partnership with HistoryIT, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Digital Museum! Hundreds of archival materials have been digitally preserved and are now fully accessible and searchable at any time of day. Initial exhibits now on view include the diocesan Bicentennial and Bishops of Maine; you can also browse the Image Gallery and peruse the Timeline.
Much more will be added to the museum in the months to come! Please enjoy the initial offerings here.
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Thank You Parish Volunteers, Staff, and Clergy
Thank you from Loring House staff to volunteers, staff, and clergy in all of our parishes for submitting the 2023 parochial reports on time. This is just one of many examples of the time and care you devote to your parish. We are profoundly grateful for your service to your church and community!
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Award Winning Documentary "The Philadelphia Eleven" Coming to Portland
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, the compelling new documentary "The Philadelphia Eleven" will have a limited theatrical release in 11 selected cities—including Portland.
The screening on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Nickelodeon 6 will feature a post-screening conversation with five noteworthy Maine women priests: the Rev. Merrill Bittner, one of the Philadelphia 11; the Rev. Sukie Curtis, the first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Mississippi; the Rev. Cn. Nancy Moore of Christ Church, Norway; the Rev. Dr. Vicki Lovely Smith of St. Martin's, Palmyra; and the Rev. Portia Royall Hirschman, a parishioner of St. Mary's Falmouth and a supply priest. Tickets are $15.
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Comedy for A Cause with Chip Leighton
Friday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
UUCB Hall, 1 Middle Street, Brunswick
Cape Elizabeth resident Chip Leighton is famous for his hilarious commentary on parenting and marriage, including funny texts and driving quotes from teenagers, and things he needs to apologize to his wife for. He’s also the author of the upcoming book, “What Time Is Noon? Hilarious Texts, Ridiculous Feedback, and Not-So-Subtle Advice from Teenagers.” An active community member, Chip serves as VP of the Preble Street Board of Directors and is heavily involved in the community outreach of St. Alban’s Church. Tickets start at $50 with all proceeds benefitting the Maine Council of Churches.
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Spirit Chats
Thursdays: April 25, May 2, May 9
7-8:15 p.m.
Spirit Chats are an opportunity for small group faith sharing. Have you ever experienced a “God-incident” in your life and wanted to share it but weren’t sure where or with whom? Perhaps this has so spilled over into your daily life, you want to talk about it with others, but find it difficult to find the setting. If you feel God has been moving in your life, and you want to hear from others how God is moving in theirs, the Evangelism Task Force—a joint project of the Episcopal dioceses of Maine and New Hampshire—has an opportunity and an invitation for you to share your story during Spirit Chats.
To register, contact the Rev. Tim Higgins, the Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen, or click on the button below.
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World Labyrinth Day is Saturday, May 4
Every year on the first Saturday in May people around the globe participate in World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for world peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience.
If you want to spread the word about your labyrinth, Beth Quinlan, a member of St. Alban’s in Cape Elizabeth and a Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator invites you to be in touch with her.
She runs a Facebook page called Maine Labyrinths and is interested in promoting labyrinths in Maine, especially those at Episcopal churches in the diocese.
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Formation Conversations with Emily Keniston
Thursday, May 16, 10-11 a.m.
“Formation” is the work of deepening our faith and learning about God, our faith tradition and ourselves throughout the course of our lives. And how we “form” Episcopalians is changing a lot as our churches and communities change! No matter what your connection to forming Christians is, you are welcome at these informal conversations where participants share ideas and updates, bring questions, and pray for one another. You can come to one, two or all conversations; they are held via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month from 10-11 am. Questions? Please be in touch with Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston.
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Youth Called to Join Bishops United Against Gun Violence at General Convention
June 25-27
High school students who are called to be advocates and witnesses against gun violence are invited to join the Episcopal Diocese of Maine at the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Louisville, KY. Youth will learn from experienced community organizers in the gun violence prevention movement, spend time with participants in Bishops United Against Gun Violence, and experience the convention. Lodging and most activities will be at Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville. The deadline to register is May 8. Those interested in participating, are urged to contact Director of Faith Formation, Emily Keniston, as soon as possible. All registration materials must be received by May 8.
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Climate Justice Council Reminder for Earth Day
The Climate Justice Council is happy to remind our parishes that Monday, April 22 is Earth Day. The official theme this year is Planet vs. Plastics—a good opportunity to monitor the use of plastics in your ministries. Read more about it at earthday.org.
How to celebrate: We hope that you will mark Earth Day in worship, either on April 21 or the 28 (or both) and by engaging your parish in cleaning up, organizing, and educating yourselves and your communities as you care for God's beautiful creation. For liturgies, program ideas, and general inspiration, visit our page on the diocesan website.
Earth Keepers: If you have not already done so, we encourage you to support one or more of your members to be the official Earth Keepers of your parish. The Council will be delighted to support them and help them to access the resources, ideas, programs, and activities they can use to enrich your ministry of creation care. Please send the names of those interested in finding out more about our Earth Keeper program to Earth Keeper Facilitator, the Rev. Jenny Reece, or Council Chair Sarah Braik. Thank you!
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Summer Programming at Adelynrood Retreat & Conference Center
Adelynrood, the Newbury, MA, retreat center operated by the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, has announced open registration for its summer programs. These include permaculture gardening and spirituality, knitting, spiritual direction, writing, and social justice. Learn more and register here.
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St. Paul's Church in Brunswick, seeks a full-time Rector. Applications will be accepted until May 31.
Trinity Church in Castine seeks a part-time Priest-in-Charge. Applications will be accepted until May 30.
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine seeks a Canon to the Ordinary, who serves as the senior advisor to the bishop for mission strategy, governance, congregational development, and as the chief of the diocesan staff. Lay professionals as well as ordained are encouraged to apply for this position. Application deadline is April 30.
Learn more about these and other open positions around the diocese on the employment page of our website.
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Bishop's Visitations and Diocesan Events | |
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APRIL
21 Celebration of New Ministry and Institution of the Rev. Misty Kiwak Jacobs: Grace Church, Bath, 1 p.m. More info here.
28-30 Clergy Conference: Schoodic Institute, Winter Harbor
30 Canon to the Ordinary application period closes
MAY
12 Bishop Visitation: St. Margaret’s, Belfast
19 Bishop Visitation: St. George's, York Harbor
22 Ecumenical Pentecost Celebration with Bishop Brown: St. Ann's, Windham, 5 p.m. More info here.
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