APRIL

"Neighbors Shoulder to Shoulder" at USM on April 7 

At noon on Tuesday, April 7, Bishop Stephen Lane and Maine faith leaders from a dozen traditions will gather at the Woodbury Campus Center at USM to stand together in response to violent events across the country motivated by hate and fear. 

In addition to personal stories by new Mainers, members of the many traditions will reiterate their version of the Golden Rule, 15 versions and counting. The Diocese of Maine is partnering with the Maine Council of Churches, USM Multicultural Student Affairs, and the USM Muslim Student Association in this one-hour event to express solidarity in the wake of violence. All are welcome.  Click here for a flyer.

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Committee on Aging offers book discussion on "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande -- award winning author, physician, and researcher -- has written a wonderfully enlightening book. Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End explores many questions and situations we will all likely face, but ones we are tempted to avoid. His reflections on his own family, his choices, and how he as a doctor advised his own patients are relevant for all of us. Ultimately, he says our goal should not just be "a good death," but instead how we live and interact with our loved ones during the period before the end arrives. His book helps ask great questions that we as people of faith should consider. 

• How do our priorities change as we age?  Why?
• How is medicine helping and hurting us, our parents, and our elderly friends and neighbors?  Is there something we should do to avoid the hurt?  Where things better in the good old days?
• What does he mean when we speaks of "a better life" and having "hard conversations"?
• What, if anything, does all this mean for being a new church in a new way?  How can we all help each other?

Gawande's book is the beginning of an important conversation for our time. Join members of the Committee on the Spirituality of Aging and invited (TBA) experts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, or Thursday, April 16, for an online discussion of the book. Details to follow.  Various versions of the book (hardcover, paperback, audio, or kindle) may be purchased on Amazon. Check out Dr. Gwande's interview with Jon Stewart on the Daily Show here.

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"Learn to Lead" workshop from the BTS Center and the Mass. Bible Society

"Learn to Lead: A Small Groups Workshop" will be held on Saturday, April 18, at Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Churches know that small groups are key to spiritual formation and vitality in their congregations. Yet many are floundering for lack of small group leadership, especially when it comes to leading Bible studies. Working together, The BTS Center and The Massachusetts Bible Society want to help. This workshop, led by Rev. Anne Robertson, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Bible Society, will include the following:

• Learn the basics of leading any small group. 
• Build confidence in leading a Bible study.
• Understand the difference between teaching and facilitating.
• Learn how to use Exploring the Bible: The Dickinson Series
• Practice the skills you've learned.
• Receive tips on recruiting your first group, even if you are in a small, rural church.
• Learn how to structure your group for success.
• Network with others who are learning to lead.
• Discuss ways to overcome the challenges of difficult personalities and group conflict. 

Click here for a flyer for more details. Cost is $25.00 per person. Click here to register.

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The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will be in Maine in April. She will be here on Sunday, April 26, to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of St. Mary the Virgin in Falmouth beginning with Eucharist at 9 a.m.with a reception and open forum time to follow in the Parish House.

She will also speak at an open forum at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Portland on Saturday, April 25, from 1 - 3 p.m.

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Save the Date Events!

June

God's Story/My Story: A Diocesan Retreat for Adults in June

Details will follow, so for now please save the date and share the news. Also, please free to share your ideas as the leaders as they design the weekend. Send them to jhartwell@episcopalmaine.org. Thank you. 

August

BION Camp will be August 18-22 at Bishopswood for kids completing grades 6-12. Download a flier here and register at www.maineyouth.org . Join us for summer fun!