FEBRUARY

Message Sent/Message Received," an ECF webinar on February 24

A common challenge for any congregation, large or small, is communications. How can we effectively and efficiently share information with our congregations? Where do we start? In "Message Sent/Message Received" you will see how linking communication to mission can be an effective way to connect people to each other, creating opportunities to share experiences and good ideas, and helping us to recognize the intersection of faith with our daily life. We will share examples of ways to incorporate individual stories of how God is working in and through members of your congregation into your parish e-news or printed newsletter - using the resources at hand.

Presented on Tuesday, February 24, at 7 p.m. by two experienced Episcopal communicators: Melodie Woerman, director of communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, and ECF associate program director Nancy Davidge. Register online here: 

+++ 

Bishop Gene Robinson to preach at St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth on February 22

The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, retired bishop of New Hampshire will be the distinguished guest preacher at St. Alban's, Cape Elizabeth, on Sunday, February 22, at 9:30 a.m. All are invited. Bishop Robinson is one of the featured guests during St. Alban's Centennial year. 

The first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, he is the co-author of three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults, and has done AIDS work in the United States and in Africa (Uganda and South Africa). He has also been an advocate for antiracism training and for LBGT inclusion in wider church.

MARCH

Kids in grades 6-8 are invited to the Winter Middle School Event  

 Registration is at www.maineyouth.org. Click here for a flyer.

 +++

Christian Ed Collaboration Meeting - March 5

+++

 
"Know Your Stuff" webinar with Lisa Meeder Turnbull on March 9

What if someone wishing to make a generous memorial gift walked in the  church door, would you have some needs, ideas, thoughts, and suggestions ready to discuss with the family? Do you have a feel for when you should expect to face some building needs, perhaps one right after the other? 

Physical inventories and building maintenance plans aren't just good practice for insurance purposes; they play a key role in annual, capital, and planned giving as well. Join Lisa Meeder Turnbull on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m. for a stewardship webinar "Know Your Stuff." Visit episcopalmaine.webex.com to participate in the conversation.

Also, If you missed Lisa Meeder Turnbull's webinar on Strategic Thinking because of the latest storm, have no fear! Lisa is repeating the session again on Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. Winter will certainly be on its way out by then. Details to follow.

+++

"Faces of Easter" Formation Workshop, March 18

Please join us for a faith formation workshop focusing on Lent and Easter! We will explore the Godly Play lesson the "Faces of Easter," which details the life and death of Jesus. Participants will hear the story and discuss ways to use the lesson to explore the complex concept of the resurrection so central to our Christian faith. Open to all, this workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants are welcome to attend in person at St. Ann's in Windham, or online via WebEx at episcopalmaine.webex.com

+++

Breathing Life into the People's Song and Prayer: a music workshop in Maine

At Bishop Lane's invitation, Dent Davidson, musician to the House of Bishops from the Diocese of Chicago, will visit Maine to offer a presentation, "Can These Bones Live? Breathing Life into the People's Song and Prayer," on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at St. Bart's in Yarmouth. This special workshop is open to all musicians, choir directors, song leaders and others involved in music ministry. Clergy members are welcome to attend with their music leaders. 

The program is free, but so that we can make appropriate plans for supplies and food, registration is required (registration will close on March 16). Morning hospitality and lunch will be provided. 

Dent invites Maine Episcopalians to "come sing with us in exploring our role as leaders, teachers, inviters, transformers, and so much more, as we preach the Good News through God's gift of Song."

Bishop Lane says, "I'm very excited that Dent Davidson will be joining us. The Diocese of Chicago leads the way in innovative worship and I know you will enjoy this workshop." 

Register by clicking here.

+++

All are welcome on Saturday, March 21, to the next Episcopal Peace Fellowship meeting at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. and continue through a potluck lunch. Members are encouraged to contribute a simple food item. The meeting will end by 2 p.m. at the latest.

Click here for a map and directions. Please join the small but faithful group of EPF members gathering to discuss issues of peace and how to address them prayerfully and effectively.  
 

+++

  

 +++

Clergy retreat registration coming soon

The 2015 Clergy Retreat will be held from Sunday afternoon, March 22, through 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at Grace Church, Bath. Registration (required) will be available very soon. Look for an email. 

All people, clergy and lay, are invited to attend the Chrism Eucharist and the Renewal of Vows on Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at Grace Church.

Please contact Barbara Martin at bmartin@episcopalmaine.org or 772-1953 x 125 with any questions or concerns.

APRIL

Bishop Michael Curry to keynote the Northeast Ecumenical Stewardship Conference, April 17-18, in Boxborough, Mass.

 More information and registration can be found at www.nestewardship.org.