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The Dio Log
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news and events in
the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
since 1999
Volume 19, Number 22 ~ November 3, 2017
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At the Cross Center in Bangor last Saturday, Bishop Steve Lane asperges Diocesan Convention delegates as a reminder of their baptismal promises.
Click here for results of the 198th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Maine
Click here for the Convention photo album.
Thanks to the many photographers who contributed to the album. |
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What's New in the Episcopal Church in Maine
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Prayers for...
the Rev. Suzanne Cole, priest at St. Luke's, Wilton, upon the death of her mother, Barbara Chouinard, this morning.
Congratulations to...
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Su Locsin with members of Saints Matthew and Barnabas at Convention |
the people of Saints Matthew and Barnabas, Hallowell,
upon formally joining together as a new congregation, and thanksgiving for 125 years of the life and ministry of
St. Barnabas, Augusta.
At Convention
Su Locsin, long-time member of St. Barnabas, said it best:
"For the last two years as we have worshipped, wept, prayed, and celebrated together, strong bonds have been forged. Within both congregations there are many gifts and when joined together these gifts have been magnified. With God's grace we will continue to grow in sharing these gifts with the world.
"With the 'official' joining of the saints from Barnabas' and Matthew's who know where Christ will lead us? It is in our stepping out in faith, opening our minds and hearts to C
hrist's call that we will face the challenges of bringing Christ into this world Right Here! Right Now!"
Ms Martha Parshley,
of St. Luke's, Portland, who has been named the Transitional Chair of the newly-formed St. Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry Board of Directors.
Ms Tracy Shaffer, of St. Dunstan's, Ellsworth, the newly appointed United Thank Offering Diocesan Coordinator
All those elected to diocesan office, terms on Diocesan Council, and Trustees of Diocesan Funds at Saturday's Convention:
Secretary (1 year term) - Ms Leigh Spahr, St. Patrick's, Brewer
Treasurer (1 year term) - Mr. Richard Rozene, St. Ann's, Windham
Standing Committee-Clergy (3 year term) The Rev. Sara Gavit, St. Anne's, Calais
Standing Committee-Lay (3 year term) Mr. Douglas Mayer, St. Margaret's, Belfast
Disciplinary Board-Clergy (3 year term) The Rev. Lawrence Weeks, Trinity Church, Portland
Provincial Synod-Clerical Deputy (2 year term)
The Ven. Aaron Perkins, St. George's, York Harbor
Trustee of Diocesan Funds (4 year term) Mr. Kenneth Barrett, St. George's, York Harbor; The Rev. Timothy Boggs, St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth; and Mr. Nathaniel Henshaw, St. Paul's, Brunswick.
Clerical representatives to Diocesan Council elected at Area Caucases for a two-year term
Area 1: The Rev. Ginny Urbanek, Good Shepherd, Houlton
Area 2: The Rev. John Allison, Church of Our Father, Hulls Cove
Area 3: The Rev. Kevin Holsapple, St. Augustine's, Dover-Foxcroft, and St. John's, Brownville Junction
Area 4: The Rev. Beau Wagner, St. Matthew's, Lisbon Falls
Area 5: The Rev. John Balicki, St. Mark's, Waterville
Area 6: The Rev. Lael Sorensen, St. Peter's, Rockland
Area 7: The Rev. Suzanne Roberts, St. Luke's, Portland
Area 8: The Rev. Gail Chandler, St. David's, Kennebunk
Bishop Lane offers thanks to...
all those who had a part in making Convention in Bangor a wonderful day.
Voices among us...
Text versions of Bishop Steve Lane's Convention address and sermon are available on his blog,
www.roundmaine.org.
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| Bishop Lane's Convention Sermon |
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| Bishop Lane's Convention Address |
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Around the Diocese...
Is God calling you to share your gifts and experience in the search for the Tenth Bishop of Maine?
On June 22, 2019, at St. Luke's Cathedral in Portland, Bishop Steve Lane will pass the crozier to the next Bishop Diocesan of Maine.
Maine Episcopalians must do lots of faithful, prayerful work in the coming months to bring that day to fruition. One of the people to help do that work may be you!
The Standing Committee of the Diocese invites you to consider an invitation to be considered for membership on the two committees that will do much of the work leading to an Episcopal transition. The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 10. The Standing Committee will announce the committee rosters on November 20.
Did you attend Convention last Saturday?
Whether you were a delegate, alternate, guest, clergy member, volunteer, or some good soul looking for the basketball tournament on the other side of the Cross Center, the Convention Planning Committee wants to hear from you!
Please take the brief
Convention evaluation to assist the Committee in planning for subsequent conventions. Thanks!
Notice to all treasurers of congregations providing a rectory to clergy
Changes in Clergy Pension Plan Beginning in 2018
The Church Pension Plan has changed the calculation of assessable compensation in determining the employer's contribution to a clergy person's retirement plan.
If you are interested in discussing how to complete the clergy person's annual Church Pension Group compensation sheet and the impact the change will have on the amount a congregation pays for clergy retirement, e-mail Terry Reimer, Canon for Finance and Stewardship, at [email protected]. He will organize a telephone conference call to discuss these items with all interested parties.
New Initiative Fund grant applications now accepted
Now in its ninth year, the Diocese of Maine New Initiative Fund grant program is designed to help congregations and groups fund exciting and creative new ministries in their communities.
At its June meeting in Millinocket, Diocesan Council voted to regularize the deadlines going forward. From 2018 on, the deadline for Round 1 applications will be January 1 and the deadline for Round 2 applications will be July 1. Applications for both rounds will be considered at Council's next regularly scheduled meeting.
For more details and links to the online application and application worksheet, please visit the
New Initiative Fund page of the diocesan website.
Check out the new website and sharing platform at Episcopal News Services
The site offers a new
press release service that offers dioceses, congregations, and church institutions the opportunity to share news, an event, a book release, or an award announcement on the ENS platform. There is also a box to sign up to receive news from ENS by email.
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Upcoming in Maine and Beyond
St. George's, York Harbor, to bless and celebrate newly-renovated space on November 12
All are welcome to the Blessing and Open House of St. George's newly renovated space on Sunday, November 12. The blessing will begin at 1 p.m. and be led by the Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane. An open house, refreshments, and tour of the Church and newly-added childcare center will be at 2:30 p.m. The church is located at 407 York Street.
Check out the great article about Time of Wonder, St. George's child care center, in the
Seacoast Online.
Eucharistic Visitor training to be held at St. John's, Bangor, on November 12
St. John's, Bangor, will offer a training for Eucharistic Visitors on Sunday, November 12 at 12 noon. It will be led by St. John's deacon, Ann McAlhany. Members of other congregations are welcome to attend. Please contact Ann at [email protected] for more information.
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