News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine | |
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Volume 25, Number 22
December 18, 2023
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A Message for Advent from Bishop Brown | |
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Bishop Brown sends Advent greetings! Watch his video above where he encourages us, saying, "Let’s speak words and use sign language and every other tool we can to speak a word of hope and glory even if it feels out of place." We can't wait until things get better to share the beautiful message of hope and restoration in Isaiah 35. Let it inspire us to work towards a better future! Bishop Peggy Johnson, New England Conference, The United Methodists joins Bishop Thomas Brown in the video to provide ASL interpretation.
Make a donation to the Lewiston Deaf Access Fund here.
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Serve on the Special Commission to Study Investment of Diocesan Funds | |
Convention adopted Resolution 1 regarding the investment of diocesan funds. It asks for the bishop to assemble as committee made up of members from Justice Councils, the Standing Committee, and Diocesan Council and Trustees of Diocesan Funds to discuss the Call to Action included in the resolution and the Private and Special Law under which the Trustees of Diocesan Funds exist, and to report to the 205th Diocesan Convention (in 2024) its conclusions and recommendations, including any appropriate resolutions for consideration.
Bishop Brown has communicated with Tom Van Buren, a key leader on the Racial Justice Council and a primary author of the resolution, who suggested the name of this new commission and that it comprise eleven people.
Members of the diocese who are interested in serving on this commission should complete this short form listing their congregation, a paragraph about why they want to serve, and a paragraph about their skills and experience with social justice, finance and investments, or anything else that may qualify them.
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The form will be sent to three members of Diocesan Council, Julie Littlefield, lay representative Southern Gateway, Lucia Elder, lay representative Midcoast and the Rev. Lauren Kay, clergy representative Southern Gateway. Julie, Lucia, and Lauren will review submissions and make recommendations to the bishop. Their email addresses are linked above. Please let them know if you have any questions! | |
Final circle in "An Advent of Wonder" meets Tuesday | |
The diocese recently gathered diverse, intergenerational groups to share in the quiet wonder of the Advent season. Participants had the choice to join in-person at St. David, Kennebunk and online via Zoom. Here, Sally Thomas, leads the Godly Play circle at St. David. The last circle will be held on Tuesday, December 19 at 7 p.m. at a private home in the Freeport/Pownal area. | |
You will leave refreshed and reconnected with the stillness, mystery, and wonder that prepares us for the joy of Christmas! | |
Advocate for Gun Safety with the Diocese | |
Join together for Gun Safety Day of Action on January 3!
Episcopalians of all ages are invited to come live out your faith and add your voice to others advocating for gun safety.
Arrive at 8:30 a.m. at the State House to begin going through security. The event begins at 9:30 in the Hall of Flags. Meet Director of Advocacy, John Hennessy on the second floor holding our diocesan flag! (He'll be smiling just like he is the photo below!)
Please add your name to this list to let us know you are attending.
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This will also give us a way to contact you with any updated plans.
Questions? Please reach out to John Hennessy. (Link: ) If you are a young person or a parent or chaperone with questions, please be in touch with Emily Keniston.
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Save-the-Date for the premiere of "A Case for Love" | |
Join the diocese for this one-day film screening event on January 23.
The film "A Case for Love" is a documentary inspired by the teachings and writings of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. It examines the question of whether or not love, specifically unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divisions and the current rending of our social contract.
The diocese will be purchasing a group of tickets for youth and others interested in Maine and NH for the screening at the Regal in Newington, NH and meeting at one of the Portsmouth churches following the screening. Stay tuned for details!
Find more info and theaters showing the film here.
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News From Our Congregations | |
This month Bishop Brown visited the people of St. George, Sanford and also St. John, Bangor, where 26 people received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation! | | | |
Bishop Brown will celebrate two Christmas Eve Services (5 p.m & 10 p.m.) at the Cathedral of St. Luke in Portland. Livestream available here. | | | |
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St. David in Kennebunk is currently seeking a part-time custodian to perform duties related to maintaining the cleanliness of our building. Under the general supervision of the Parish Administrator, the custodian will perform weekly cleaning tasks such as vacuuming and/or mopping all floor space, dusting and/or polishing all surface areas, washing glass in doors and door frames, waxing kitchen floor and polishing furniture as needed, breaking down cartons in the basement and emptying all trash containers and removing all trash to outdoor bins.
Assembly and disassembly of tables and chairs will also be required. This position is offered on a contractual basis with an understanding that hours worked in some months i.e. winter, high holidays may be more than 10 per week, and during quieter times, less than 10. If you are interested, please submit your application today to Cathy Zub.
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St. Paul, Brunswick (27 Pleasant St.) invites you to join them on December 21 at 5:00 p.m. for a service remembering the unhoused who have died this year. | | | |
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Roy Smoot of St. David's has published a book
Roy Smoot, a member of St. David, Kennebunk, has published a book entitled "It All Belongs: Love, Loss & Learning to Live Again". Roy co-wrote it with his now-deceased first wife around the experience of her illness and death. It offers spiritual tools and healing practices to help readers face end-of-life realities by exploring the beauty, light — and even joy — tucked within even the most tragic of circumstances. Roy writes in the introduction, “Hold nothing back in your questions, rantings, thoughts, emotions. As this book’s title affirms, everything you feel, think, ask, experience, live through, and release is a sacred part of your journey. It all belongs.” Please use this corrected link to purchase the book.
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As thinking Christians, Episcopalians pursue their love of our Creator with heart, mind and soul
In the Rev. Jack Fles' (All Saints, Skowhegan) recently published opinion piece, he writes, "Amidst the divisions of our time, Episcopalians have historically taken the path of the “Via Media” — the “middle way” — when addressing theological and social issues. As thinking Christians, Episcopalians pursue their love of our Creator with heart, mind and soul and attempt to love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus recommended." Read more here.
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What It Took: Erin Reed '08 on a journey of compassion, community, and loving Lewiston
Bates College visited Trinity Jubilee Center to profile of directors and Bates alumna, Erin Reed and Kim Wettlaufer. "The center now helps an average of 100 people a year find jobs and it annually serves a total of 4,000 individuals in the Lewiston area."
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Jason Briggs of Trinity, Saco is up to his old tricks! Making good things happen for our community. This time he helped organize transportation and more for the Portland Kiwanis Senior Holiday Dinner. They had 120 guests join them at the Elks Club! Sam Novick lead us with a prayer for Hanukkah and Bishop Thomas Brown offered a blessing. Don Campbell provided Christmas Music. Guests received gift bags provided by the youth group, Aktion Club at PSL/Strive and Kiwanis members. Thank you to everyone who helped with this incredible event. | |
Prayers for the Rev. Mary Lee Wile who has retired from St. Paul's in Brunswick where she has served as a deacon for 22 years. We thank God for her years of ministry with the diocese. May she thrive in retirement! | |
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Jane Hartwell, former diocesan staff member and a friend to us all, especially youth and young adults and the communities at Camp Bishopswood, died on December 7. Jane’s life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m, Saturday, January 13 at Trinity Church, 580 Forest Ave., Portland. Access the livestreamed service here.
Read Jane's full obituary here. Please hold Jane's husband, Davis, and family in prayer.
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Loving Jesus,
You were born in a stable but worshipped by the angels.
Be with all who are lonely,
and with all who feel distant from celebrations.
Be for us a living hope that lightens their hearts.
Amen.
From "Prayers for Christmas", churchofengland.org
Bishop Brown and staff will be on holiday break from December 25 through January 1. We wish you a Merry Christmas!
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