The Clergy Formation Committee is a group of presbyters and deacons working to offer opportunities to enrich the ongoing formation of Maine's clergy community.
Our faith calls us to care for the vulnerable among us, and as members of the Body of Christ, we stand together, and we will renew our commitment to live out God’s second-greatest commandment, “You...
Continue to pray for Ukraine and those in danger Collect for Peace from the BCP: Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who...
Episcopal Visitations are required by Canon III every three years. In the Diocese of Maine, episcopal visitations are scheduled in rotation about once every 28-30 months. Other celebrations, special services/ mission leadership or pastoral care visits may be scheduled 'in between' official visitations by either the Priest in Charge/Sr. Warden or the Bishop.Episcopal Visitations are required by Canon III every three years. In the Diocese of Maine, episcopal visitations are scheduled in rotation about once every 28-30 months. Other celebrations, special services/ mission leadership or pastoral care visits may be scheduled 'in between' official visitations by either the Priest in Charge/Sr. Warden or the Bishop. You will be provided with visitation forms (available below) ahead of Bishop Brown's visit. Please complete these to help you to prepare for your time together. Here are few highlights: A visitation consists of four parts—a pre-visitation conversation, worship and congregational conversation, vestry/leadership meeting, and time with the clergy person. Please consider scheduling the vestry meeting to a weekday, about 90 minutes, either before or after the visitation. We'll find the time that’s most convenient for you and your leadership. The clergy-bishop time need not occur on Sunday, and when the visitation is online, we’ll likely have to use Zoom for this part. The Bishop's preference, whenever it’s safe and possible, is to have a meal together. Forms to read and complete before Bishop's visit: Bishop's Visitation Customary Notes for Vestry Visits Notes about Confirmation Visitation Planning Worksheet Visitation Schedule Please contact Lauralee Raymond, Executive Assistant to Bishop Brown will any questions.
Discernment by Henry Nouwen In Discernment, Nouwen teaches us how to read the signs of the times; in daily life in order to make decisions that are ultimately guided by God. Nouwen emphasizes listening to...
Read a message from Bishop Brown here. Monday, July 29—the feast of St. Mary and St. Martha—was the actual date on which three retired Episcopal bishops ordained 11 women priests at the Church of the...
The weekend of February 16-18, 2024, faith communities in Maine are participating in a “Gun Safety Awareness Sabbath,” praying in unity for safety from gun violence for our families, communities, and state. In the last decade,...
August 15, 2023 Dear Friends in Christ, The Diocese of Maine is ready to support the people of Hawaii, and especially the people who live on Maui. The loss of life, the unfathomable destruction of...
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.
January 28, 2024 The legislative committees continue to hold public hearings and work on bills at a very quick pace although not necessarily on bills we are working on. Read the legislative report here. Remember,...
