News & Events in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Volume 23, Number 14
July 29, 2021
Around The Diocese
Bishop Brown guest preaches in Ocean Park on Sunday
Bishop Thomas Brown will guest preach at the Temple at Ocean Park (50 Ocean Ave., Old Orchard Beach) on Sunday, August 1 at 10:30 am. The Temple at Ocean Park was built in 1881 and was originally known as the "Way of Truth Temple." On many Sunday mornings it's filled to capacity, approximately 800 people, who come to experience glorious music provided by the Temple Choir, the Bell Choir and the Temple Brass, great congregational singing, or thoughtful, inspiring sermons by guest preachers from a variety of denominations. Read more about this unique place here. If you can't make it, the upcoming service will be live-streamed here on their YouTube channel.
New Vacation Bible School resource available
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine's Christian Formation team has created a free Vacation Bible School curriculum for churches, households, and individuals based around the theme WATER!


The modules can be used in many ways - one per day, over the course of a week as a traditional vacation bible camp, or could be used at various points over the summer. Adapt these ideas to meet your needs! If you have questions or just want to share how you will use this resource, contact Emily Keniston or Rev. Cn. Sara D'Angio White.
Seeds of Hope seeks Grant Development Associate
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center is seeking a part-time, temporary Grant Development Associate. Find the job description and how to apply here.
News From Our Congregations
The Rev. Thomas Junkert has been called to serve as half-time, priest-in-charge at St. Philip's, Wiscasset. Tom is a native North Dakotan, but claims Minnesota as home state. He moved to Maine 2 years ago, to fulfill his wife of 46 years, Jane's, dream to live here. He was ordained by the ELCA in 1978 and has served congregations in Iowa and Minnesota. Welcome, Tom!
The Rev. Douglas Beck of St. Augustine's, Dover-Foxcroft has released a new collection for harp. Creator of the Stars features beautiful improvisational-style arrangements of five hymns perfect for worship, meditation, and other quiet moments. Read more, watch video recordings of Douglas playing, and purchase the collection here.
We are grateful for and inspired by Bunny Fazekas from Church of the Good Shepherd, Rangeley who is raising funds for Lebanon to Lincoln through quilt sales! Thank you!
Some members of the St. Bartholomew's, Yarmouth choir shared the loft one final time with their beloved John Corrie on his last Sunday after seven years as Music Director. It was St. Bart's first in-person service since March 8, 2020, and John played four of their favorite pieces on the organ. He will be missed!
Voices Among Us
Read the Statement on Indigenous Schools here from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings in which they pledge to make right relationships with our Indigenous siblings an important focus of the work of Executive Council and the 80th General Convention.
Congratulations to Ralph and Marc Zoorob who placed on Lincoln Academy's High Honor Roll for the third trimester. That means all "A"s! Read more here about how the Episcopal Diocese of Maine is providing a bridge from Lebanon to Lincoln and helping the Zoorobs fulfill their dream of receiving an education in the United States.
In the latest episode of the Faith in Maine podcast, Bishop Brown discusses the fifth pillar of the Way of Love: Bless. He talks about how we in the church define the words bless and blessing, how “bless” is an action word, and what it means to bless others and to be blessed ourselves. Listen or download here or dial 207-223-6402.
Prayers
We pray for the Rev. Holly Hoffmann and the congregations on MDI which she serves -- Church of Our Father, Hulls Cove, St. Saviour's, Bar Harbor, and St. Andrew and St. John, Southwest Harbor. They will hold a Celebration of New Ministry on Sunday, August 8 at St. Saviour's, Bar Harbor. May God bless their ministry together!
We offer prayers for Keith Peckham, husband of the Rev. Laura Peckham, former rector of St. Martin’s, Palmyra, and family. Keith died on July 24 following a two-year battle with cancer. His obituary may be found here. May his soul and the souls of the all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Let us pray together for campers and counselors throughout the season. (Photo from the first week at Camp Bishopswood)
We pray for Heather Sylvester of St. Bartholomew's, Yarmouth. She is a postulant seeking ordination to the diaconate as she begins training at Trinity, Portland. She introduces herself to the congregation in this video.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of the Rev. Ian Bockus who died in March of 2021. Burial of the Dead and Requiem Eucharist for will take place this Sunday, July 31 at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of St. Luke, Portland. All are welcome!
Resources
Be an Episcopal delegate to the UN's Climate Conference
Make a difference! Apply to be a member of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's delegation to the 2021 U.N. climate change conference (COP26)! COP26 will take place online from October 31 to November 12.
Who's eligible to apply? All Episcopalians over 18, especially young adults, people of color, Indigenous and LGBTQ people, and those whose communities have been affected by climate change and environmental injustice. Applications are due by August 20.