Bridging the Gap is a community initiative of Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church and a partner program of the United Way of Kennebec Valley. We have not created something new but are working to unify three existing direct services at the administrative and operational levels. As with any social justice initiative, Bridging the Gap is a way for us to have an organized response to that which breaks our hearts in our community; a way to offset the parts of the system that often make it difficult for an individual to become the healthiest version of him or herself; and a way to develop long-term solutions. The mission of Bridging the Gap is to help people become the healthiest version of themselves by connecting them to basic needs and community resources and by providing opportunities for meaningful volunteerism and social connection. The vision of Bridging the Gap is a community in which everyone is given the opportunity to thrive and live with dignity.
Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes updated for Lectionary Years A, B, and C In 2022, the Rev. John Elliott Lein (artist and priest in Downeast Maine) partnered with the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (Creation Care leader in Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts) to assemble and present liturgical resources for this Season for the benefit of interested yet busy parish worship leaders. Year by year, contributions and diocesan endorsements have grown. Last year, the 2024 Season of Creation worship guide was authorized for use in 50 dioceses across The Episcopal Church.
26 October 2023 The diocese is planning a community-wide prayer vigil tonight in place of the pre-convention meeting that was previously scheduled. JOIN HERE As you plan to comfort parsihioners and friends, please know of...
COVID Continued: Sick Clergy and Sunday Morning Plan B In recent weeks we’ve been hearing frequent reports of people testing positive for COVID, including in many cases, clergy in charge of Sunday worship. The good...
DOWNLOAD A PDF Merry Christmas. In this feast, God reminds us of God’s extraordinary love in giving us absolutely everything that we need: Our breath. Our conscience. Our imaginations. In sending Jesus Christ to be...
Province 1 Conference and Budget Meeting Monday, Dec. 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., on Zoom Registration is now open for the Province 1 2024 Winter Conference, which will feature elections for Provincial Executive Committee and...
Climate change and environmental degradation are manifestations of our turning away from God. The effects of this willful separation from God resonate across our collective lives: All areas of justice are either worsened or made better depending on the health of the planet. A changing climate and degraded environment worsen conflict, forces human migration, and causes food insecurity. These related crises increase the rate of violence, cause more natural disasters and humanitarian crises, and deepen the wounds of those already suffering from racism. People living in poverty are plunged further into poverty by the deteriorating condition of the planet.
Clergy background checks are conducted through Praesidium by the diocese when there is a new priest called to serve a congregation. The results are sent to the diocese for the bishop’s review. The diocese pays...
Registration is open for Have Your Say 2025, a forum-style retreat open to middle and high school students from Maine and New Hampshire. This year attendees will explore the theme “Who Do You Say That I Am?”...
We encourage you to visit the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing! Subscribe to their newsletter and you’ll gain access to the many resources that they’ve posted, helping them expand their work throughout the...
