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...
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.
The Diocesan Creation Care Team has an opportunity for new members to join us in our work. Our mission is to bear witness through the people of the Diocese of Maine to the need for justice in...
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,...
National Immigration Law Forum National Immigration Forum: National Immigration Forum: Mass Deportation in the U.S.: Explainer Immigrant Legal Resource Center: State Map on Immigration Enforcement Immigration Hub: Our Work – Immigration Hub US Citizen and Immigration Services...
Laity is essential to the life and health of our churches, so we need to support lay formation and access to quality learning experiences. This program was designed by lay preachers in Maine who wanted...
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing is a church-wide resource which is primarily supported by the Diocese of Atlanta and The Episcopal Church, charged with providing tools and experiences to engage in racial healing, dismantling racism,...
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.
