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.
The Racial Justice Council and the Committee on Indian Relations of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine held a public forum in support of LD1626, “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act" in February 2022. Maulian Dana, Ambassador of the Penobscot Nation will be the keynote speaker.
Season of Creation, Earth Week, Earth Day, Climate Justice Liturgy
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.
Global mission is no longer the domain of professional missionaries, but has become the work of everyone in the church. We go on mission trips to build schools, clinics, and churches, participate in medical missions,...
Below you will find the first draft of the legislative tracking document and my notes from Advocacy Days. The tracking document is not set up with active links to the legislative documents – yet. I...
You are invited! We all know that our Prayer Book provides a clear statement about the mission God gives us: to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ (p. 855)....
7 July 2024 Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13 for the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Portland, Maine Jesus is teaching. Do we have ears to hear? Hello, friends. It’s good to...
Spring Training 2022 – Featuring a Conversation with the Bishops of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont Saturday, May 14 9 am -12 pm Online via Zoom Join us for a morning of conversation, prayer, and learning. Participants can...
How should parishes celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Earth Week (April 17-23) this year? The Diocese of Maine’s Creation Care Team suggests that we look to the Wabanaki experience as they respond to the...
