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July 25, 2014

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The Bishop's blog: www.roundmaine.org

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As a group of Maine Episcopalians start to learn how they can make a difference in human trafficking our state, learn more about the remarkable ministry at Thistle Farms in a video and talk offered at EYE by the Rev. Becca Stevens. Fast forward to 20:50.

 

EYE14 Morning Plenary
EYE14 Morning Plenary

 

Check out Episcopal Commons - a look at "40 Firsts" in this 40th year since the first eleven women were ordained in Philadelphia on July 29, 1974.

 

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What's going on in the Diocese of Maine?

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Prayers for...

those affected by the continuing strife in Palestine and Israel and the on-going work of the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Visit the website of American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem for updates and ways to help.


the children and all affected by the humanitarian crisis at the Texas border. 

Bishop Jim Mathes of the Diocese of San Diego offered a thoughtful op-ed column earlier this month, "No outrunning fear - a spiritual perspective on border crisis."

In this video Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina interviews Texas Episcopalians who are caring for people at the border.
Texas Episcopalians Caring for Refugees at the Border
Texas Episcopalians Caring for Refugees at the Border
The Rev. Jim Nelson, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church
in McAllen, TX, on caring for unaccompanied immigrant children: "These people come to our area tired, hungry, dirty, and in need, and Christ calls us to help them and that's what we do- pure and simple." 

He goes on to say that the church "is the base in a game of tag." 

 

Thanksgiving for...

Bishop Steve reports that Gretchen is making a remarkable recovery from her surgery. "We have hosted grandkids for a week, and she has returned to her normal activities. Many thanks to all for their prayers and letters of support."


Around the Diocese

Young adult finds her longed for "fire" as missionary to Uruguay

In August Kirsten Lowell of St. Ann's, Windham, heads to Uruguay for a year-long post with the Episcopal Church's Young Adults Service Corps. Today she writes about her upcoming adventure and the journey that led her there in our news blog, The NNE.

She writes: "Six months ago, I was living an average life for a 23 year-old. I lived with roommates, worked 40 hours a week, cooked dinner, and watched Jeopardy most evenings. While I was content with where I was and what I was doing, I desired more and longed for some fire in my life that I could not place my finger on."


Every season is better with Jesus and Moxie

The people of St. Matthew's in Lisbon Falls know how to push the front door of their church out into the community and for a beverage that is near and dear to their neighbors. Check out their newsletter with lots of photos of their presence in the annual Moxie Festival.


Loring House summer hours

During the months of July and August, the diocesan office in Portland will close at noon each Friday. Monday through Thursday, diocesan staff will keep regular hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.


Education for Ministry: Now is a good time to think about joining a group

Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with an opportunity to discover how to respond to that call to Christian service and gives them confidence to participate in the Church's ministry. Many people think that one must be ordained in order to be "a minister." The fact is that all baptized Christians are called to be active participants in the church's ministry. 

Learn more on the EfM web page or contact diocesan coordinator, the Rev. Rosalee Glass at


Parish health ministry materials available

Evelyn Ehrenfried of St. Michael's, Auburn, has many resource materials for a parish health ministry she would like to share. If you would like to learn more, please contact her at [email protected] or 782.6673.


Trustees of Diocesan Funds to evaluate investment policies in August

At their August 20 meeting, the Trustees of Diocesan Funds will consider a proposal to revise their current investment policy. In their evaluation of current policy, members will consider the Presiding Bishop's statement on Socially Responsible Investing, the recently revised statement by the Executive Council's Corporate Responsibility Committee on "Companies Subject to No-Buy Portfolio Restriction," and a request by the Maine Chapter of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship to consider divestment in Israeli business interests.

For more on the roles and responsibilities of the Trustees of Diocesan Fund, visit their web page. Notice of any changes in policy will be shared on their web page and in the late August edition of The Dio Log


New Initiative Grants for ministry - Round 2

Have a great idea for a new ministry? Want to collaborate with a local ministry partner to serve your community? Apply for a NIF grant. For more information, an application worksheet, and the link to the online application, visit here or grab the link on the "Featured Stories" box of the diocesan home page at www.episcopalmaine.org.

 

The deadline for online submission is September 1. Council will vote on new applications at its September meeting. Please direct any questions about the process to Heidi Shott at 207.772.1953 x126 or


Now taking Diocesan Council lay representative nominations 

 

At pre-convention hearings in the fall, eight area representatives are elected to a two year term for Diocesan Council. The class of 2014 will be composed of lay members. (The exception is an additional election of a clergy person to fill an unexpired term in Area 3 - Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties.)  

 

Those interested in serving on Council or learning more about what Council does, when and how often it meets are invited to check out the nomination form. Each of the eight areas of the Diocese of Maine will elect a representative at their pre-convention hearing in September or October.  Dates/times and locations of pre-convention hearings for each area are TBD.  

 

The deadline for nominations is September 19th. To learn even more about Council (meeting minutes and more) visit the Diocesan Council page.

 

 

Last chance to weigh in: Biennial Convention Task Force invites your ideas

Many thanks to the seven (7) people who have shared their thoughts so far. Save this for a rainy summer day and take a few minutes to weigh in on the Task Force's report. They need some love!

Last winter the Biennial Convention Task Force was charged by Bishop Lane to study and make recommendations about the possibility of moving from an annual convention to a biennial convention. A draft report from the Task Force, two proposed resolutions, and a case for location are now online. The Task Force invites members of the diocese to read and reflect on their recommendations and offer comments, ideas, and suggestions. Find everything here. The link for the documents and comment form is also available in the "Featured Stories" box on the newly designed diocesan home page at www.episcopalmaine.org.

  


Pre-Convention information online

195th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Maine

University of Maine, Presque Isle
October 24-25, 2014

For the first time, all pre-convention information usually sent to churches will be offered online at www.tinyurl.com/diome2014 (or click the button above).

Look for announcements in the Dio Log as new information is added to the page. Currently all information about nominations, resolutions, making reservations for accommodations and a map locating hotels and UM as well as a link to the delegate certificate is available. Information about meals, bus service to The County, and Pre-Convention Hearings will be posted soon.

The full convention booklet will be printed and distributed to clergy, delegates, and alternates in September.

 
Upcoming in Maine

Events with Youth Ministries

Fall:
  • Leadership Prep for Middle School Event - October 17 to 18 - Cathedral     
  • Youth at Convention as regular delegates, Diocesan Youth Reps or ambassadors - Oct.24 to 25
  • Leadership Prep for Happening - October 31 to November 2 - Christ Church, Gardiner
  • Fall Middle School Event - November 14 to16 - Cathedral
  • Happening High School Event - November 21 to 23 - Christ Church, Gardiner
 
The place to find more information and applications is always www.maineyouth.org
 

 

The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter: September 24-27 at the Barbara C. Harris Center

 

"The Art of Hosting Conversations was one of the best, most useful and inspiring events I've attended in all my years as an Episcopalian. Maine should send a big gang this year." - participant from the Diocese of Maine in the 2013 conference

 

Province I is offering The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter for passionate parishioners, hopeful visionaries, and transformation-oriented pastoral leaders - lay and ordained. We - The Rev. Tom Brackett, Steve Matthews and Julie Lytle - are inviting you to share your ministry hopes and dreams while learning and practicing community building skills and initiative development processes.

 

By the end of our time together, participants will

  • Learn and explore personal practices of authentic leadership, engagement, and reflection for the sake of living into the Five Marks of Mission, especially the first - that of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.
  • Learn and explore methodologies for hosting change processes in our communities - including Open SpaceWorld Caf�, Wisdom CirclesTheory-UAppreciative InquiryPro-Action Caf�, and Harvesting to engender trust, explore questions, harvest wisdom, and nurture commitments to wise actions in our own local contexts. 
  • Connect with others to create and sustain those practices that support the meaningful relationships needed to foster the changes we seek. 
  • Respond to a call from our community, which is already hosting meaningful conversations in all sectors so we can continue to build our depth and ability to make change in our communities. 

We will offer the training at Barbara C Harris Camp and Conference Center September 24-27, 2014. Cost for the training is $200 per person plus your choice from among four options for all meals and housing. Learn more about the conference and housing options as well as register and pay online by clicking here. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 10. If you have questions, please contact Julie Lytle for information about the process and scholarships.


 

Maine Episcopalians are encouraged to apply to the Loring Fund (for clergy) or the Wolf Fund (for lay people) for financial support.

 

To get a sense of how last year's participants culminated their time together, check out the tales we captured on the Province 1 Youtube channel at  www.youtube.com/episcopalnewengland.