The Dio Log 
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Dio Shield
news and events in  the Episcopal Diocese of Maine  since 1999

Volume 19, Number 18 ~  September 8, 2017


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What's New in the Episcopal Church in Maine

Prayers for...

the Rev. Lisa Smith Fry and the people of St. Thomas', Camden, as they celebrate joining together in ministry on Sunday, September 10, at 4 p.m. All are welcome. Reception to follow. Clergy: white or festive stoles. 

A note about parking: D ue to an antique car show on Sunday, the street in front of St. Thomas will be closed. Access to the church and parking lot can still be gained through the side street which is Wood Street.


for the Rev. William Murdoch of Damariscotta and his family upon the death of his wife, Jane Glenn Hallam Murdoch, 84, on August 29.  A celebration of Jane's life will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., Sept. 9 at St. Andrew's, Newcastle. Her obituary may be found here. 


all those affected by the winds, flooding, and destruction of Hurricane Irma across the Caribbean and the Florida, for those facing recovery from Harvey, and for the people and wildlife in Montana, Oregon, and California where fires are raging. 

We pray with grateful hearts for the safety of all those who respond to the needs of others in harm's way.

Lord, in your mercy, here our prayer.

For people facing great uncertainty

God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to them
as they wait in uncertainty.

Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.

From the New Zealand Prayerbook, p. 747


Here's the latest from Episcopal Relief & Development on ways to help.


Voices among us ...

Check out the last in  Averyl Hill'summer chapel series. Averyl, a member of St. Mary's, Falmouth, has journey around the diocese this summer visiting our Episcopal chapels.

She writes, " I'm often asked what gave me the idea to do a tour of Maine's summer Episcopal chapels. The truth is that it just came to me, the same way the idea for my blog Serene New England did during Easter Sunday while sitting in church at St. Mary's. I love to explore new-to-me places and meet new people. The theme of renewal and strengthening my relationship with God while appreciating unique places of worship in beautiful coastal Maine settings felt like it would be Episcopal Summer Camp. And in many ways, I was right!"


In the news...

Past Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is profiled in Time magazine this week in a series on firsts for women. Check it out here



Around the Diocese...

United Thank Offering grants for young adults and seminarians

The UTO is now accepting applications for Young Adults and Seminarians. More information, including application forms, the bishop endorsement form, focus and
criteria, is available here.
 
UTO staff members will offer webinars in October to answer any questions folks might have about the process. Join in on  October 10  or 11th at  8pm  Eastern time at  zoom.us/j/8140408194 
 


Follow along with the Keniston family as they return to Tunisia 

The Keniston family, members of St. Ann's in Windham, are becoming missionaries to Tunisia
after spending the last year there. They will work in education reform to train teachers, introduce student-led learning practices, and focus on creating equal learning opportunities for girls and boys alike. They will also be building micro farms using sustainable agricultural practices to nurture some of the most vulnerable populations in North Africa. 

As missionaries, they are largely financially supported by individuals and churches who partner with them in giving, prayer, and sharing their stories. Maine Episcopalians interested in joining their team are invited to read more about the Kenistons' work at their website  www.thekenistonfamily.com

Please note: for security reasons the Kenistons do not publish information about their Christian faith on the website. If you would like to receive their monthly email newsletter that details how God is at work in their lives and community, please email Garrett and Emily at  E.G.Keniston@gmail.com.


A message from Canon Michael Ambler, Jr.

Based on several moments of confusion in recent weeks, Canon to the Ordinary Michael Ambler,  Jr.  wants the people of the Diocese of Maine to know that he has NOT left diocesan staff to become the campaign manager for Janet Mill's gubernatorial race. That would be his son, Michael Ambler, III, (of whom he is pretty proud.)



Upcoming in Maine and Beyond

Churches are invited to participate on Sunday, September 24, in the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence

For the second year, communities across the US will hold concerts to remember victims of gun violence and to serve as a call to action.  As part of their regularly scheduled services, many churches will include a musical remembrance of victims of gun violence. Organizers suggest "God of Mercy, You Have Shown Us" found at www.carolynshymns.com.  Other suggestions are offered by the  Episcopal Peace Fellowship.

For more information about concerts, resources, and participating, visit  http://concertacrossamerica.org/faqs/ .


Celebrate Reformation 500 with a Hymn Sing!

The congregations of Trinity Lutheran, South Paris, and Christ Episcopal, Norway, invite you to join us for a hymn sing on  Sunday, October 8, at 2:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran (34 Buckfield Road, South Paris) to celebrate Reformation 500. If you let us know ahead of time that you're coming, you can send two or three hymn requests! We can't guarantee we'll use every hymn requested (copyright and time limitations) but we'll do what we can. We ask any groups from congregations to bring some small dessert item to share at the reception afterwards, with a focus on apples or pumpkins.  We will take a free-will offering to go toward our year-long fundraising efforts for Lutheran World Relief. 

RSVP to:  trinitysouthparis@gmail.com or 3 43-0410, but if you decide at the last minute to join us, you are certainly welcome.

Hope to see you there!


Pathways to Peace (a.k.a. Miqra) - the fall youth event for grades 6-12 - October 9-11

Join kids and teens from all over our diocese at St. Luke's Cathedral in Portland over the weekend of October 9 to 11 to explore Pathways to Peace. We'll use games, activities and discussions to explore together how our differences can help to bring peace, joy, and justice to the world around us. We will discover stories of people in the bible, the international communities in Portland and our own stories. 

Bishop Steve will share how we are part of God's dream for the world, and we'll worship with the Sudanese community at Trinity Church in Portland.  

Leaders include Kim Wallace, Fred Fowler, the Rev. Sara D'Angio White and Jane Hartwell. There will be laughter, music, games, swimming, great food and new friends. We hope you join us! 

 Register at www.maineyouth.org.  Download a flyer here.


Music with John Bell, musician and songwriter from the Iona Community
 
Friday, October 20,  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.,  "Singing about Jesus Between Christmas and Easter"
 
Saturday, Oct 21,10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.,  "Music for Rediscovering the Psalms"
 
Both sessions will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road (Rte 207),  Scarborough, ME.

This event is sponsored by many churches and Maine's Episcopal musicians. If you can help by arranging a home stay or if you can offer hospitality, contact jhartwell@episcopalmaine.org by September 30. 

Register at www.tinyurl.com/JohnBellMusic . Please invite other churches and music lovers in your area.   Please share this flyer widely!  


Register now for the 198th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Maine 

Saturday, October 28, 2017
Cross Insurance Center, Bangor
  • Early Registration Fee through October 2nd: $30.00
  • Regular Registration Fee through October 11th: $35.00

Please note: Pre-convention meetings will be held a week earlier than originally scheduled. 

Wednesday, September 27, at  7 pm at St. Martin's, Palmyra
Thursday, September 28, at 7 pm at Trinity, Portland 


If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Pinney at  tpinney@episcopalmaine.org.


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