News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Volume 23, Number 16
August 26, 2021
Around The Diocese
Be a part of the Diocesan Convention Virtual Choir
You are invited to sing in a virtual choir presenting music during the 202nd Convention of the Diocese of Maine "Go Forth with Hope and Grace" on October 23! We welcome singers of any age to participate including those who aren't church members.

Soon after signing-up, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions. Each singer should register individually. Recordings will need to be submitted by September 27.
One of our virtual choir videos (above) from last year's convention has received more than 9,300 views...be a part of this year's contribution to the 202nd Convention!
Climate Justice Council invites you to worship September 12
Get ready for a full diocese-wide service on Sunday, September 12 celebrating the wonder of creation! The service will include music, a sermon from Bishop Brown, and participation from across Maine and is presented by our Climate Justice Council.

How can you join us?

If you have questions or want to participate in one of our upcoming services, please email Katie Clark, Director of Communications.
Nominate yourself or someone else for diocesan leadership
 
Please use this form to nominate yourself or someone else. Submissions are due September 15.
 
Find all available convention information here on the diocesan website. Please contact Canon Barbara Martin with any questions.
Diocese seeks part-time Administrative Specialist
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine is seeking a dynamic, organized, part-time Administrative Specialist to handle a wide range of complex tasks. The ideal candidate must be well-organized, attentive to detail, and possess strong communication skills. Database experience required. This position requires a high level of confidentiality (signed agreement) and discretion. Read the full description here. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Canon Barbara Martin.
Be the next Provincial Coordinator
Province I will be accepting applications for a new half-time Provincial Coordinator between the dates of September 1-15th. This is an exciting opportunity to serve and live as part of a vibrant and dynamic provincial ministry. Please see the full job description here. A letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references should be sent electronically to Lainey Hurlbut at the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
News From Our Congregations
St. Paul's, Brunswick is tending to creation on their property with a rain garden! A rain garden captures excess water in a shallow depression planted with vegetation that can quickly absorb water flow. The garden acts as a filtration system, helping to absorb chemicals mixed with the roof and street run-off. The pollution to our local waterways often can be traced to run-off from impervious surfaces. Filtered through the garden, excess groundwater will enter the storm drains cleaner and ultimately reach the Androscoggin River, home to native wildlife and plants. Read more here in this article published in St. Paul's newsletter.
St. Barnabas', Rumford is pleased to announce that their roof is finished and to share these before and after photos!
Here's a photograph of the beautiful interior of St. Peter's by the Sea, Cape Neddick taken during Bishop Brown's visit on August 22. Keep up with the bishop on Instagram @bishop_thomas_brown.
Above is a scene from the Rev. Holly Hoffmann's Celebration of New Ministry with the congregations of Church of Our Father, St. Saviour's, and St. Andrew and St. John on August 8.
Voices Among Us
Episcopal Bishop Mandates Vaccinations For Clergy and Staff

The Episcopal Diocese of Maine is mandating that all of its diocesan staff and clergy must be vaccinated for COVID-19 by the end of September. Bishop Thomas Brown says the decision was reached after consulting with several other spiritual leaders ...

Read more
www.mainepublic.org
Watch this United Way video which tells the story of Bridging the Gap in Augusta and how they serve the community. It features Melissa Furrow, Volunteer & Donations Manager, and Sarah Miller, Administrative Director.
Listen to the newly released Faith in Maine podcast episode "The Way of Love: GO. An Interview with Bishop Brown". It explores the concept of “going” in all its different meanings. Going beyond your comfort zone, and going out into our communities, both here in Maine and abroad. Enjoy the interview here, wherever you download your podcasts, or call 207-223-6402. This number is always updated so that you'll hear the latest episode when you dial-in! 
Prayers
Let us pray for the Rev. Madeline Murphy, and her new ministry among us! Madeline was ordained to the Holy Order of Deacons on August 17 at Christ Church, Eastport.
We offer prayers for those confirmed and received at the Regional Confirmation in Brewer on August 16: Logan Stephen Spratt of Trinity, Castine, Thomas Avila and Kristen Wagner of St. Augustine's, Dover-Foxcroft, Vicky Montgomery and Jamie Beck of St. Patrick's, Brewer. We ask the Holy Spirit to be their guide, guardian, and help.
Please join us in praying for the people and wildlife threatened in the parts of the U.S. and the world where fires are raging. We pray with grateful hearts for the safety of firefighters and all those in harm's way.
Prayers for the repose of the soul of the Rev. John S. Mitchell, former rector of St. Luke's, Wilton (1988-1995), who died on August 14, 2021 in Loveland, Ohio after a long battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 28 at Zion Episcopal Church in Manchester. The service can also be viewed via Zoom. Click here for details. Read his obituary here.
We pray together for those in Haiti suffering from the devastation of an earthquake followed by a tropical storm. More than 1 million people have been impacted by the back-to-back disasters, and the death toll is close to 2000. Episcopal Relief & Development are responding with direct assistance to vulnerable households, as their partners plan long-term recovery. To assist in these efforts, visit episcopalrelief.org/haiti-relief.
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for Maine's General Convention Deputation who have accepted requests to serve on legislative committees. The Very Rev. Ben Shambaugh, Dean of the Cathedral, will serve on the Churchwide Leadership Committee, and Dick Rozene, Diocesan Treasurer, will serve on the Diocesan and Congregational Vitality Committee. To view a full list of committees and those assigned, click here.
Thanksgiving for the Rev. Peggy Day! In addition to all the other ways that Peggy, deacon at St. Patrick's, Brewer, serves the community, she has recently joined the Board of the Wilson Center, a progressive, ecumenical, and multi-faith organization providing a spiritual voice on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono. Read more about the Wilson Center's fall plans and view Peggy's bio here.
Resources
Join a conversation about supporting our Afghan friends
Apply for a 2022 UTO grant to support "Care of Creation"
The 2022 United Thank Offering grant application materials are now available. The focus of this year’s grants is Care of Creation: Turning love into action by caring for God’s creation to protect the most vulnerable—who will bear the largest burden of pollution and climate change—through justice, advocacy, environmental reparations, or the development of formation materials. The deadline for submission of a completed application (and required documents) is 5:00 pm on Friday, February 4, 2022 for dioceses of The Episcopal Church. If you need assistance or have questions about the application, please contact the Rev. Canon Heather Melton, staff officer for the United Thank Offering.