Announcements – November 8, 2020

Announcements

The 201st Convention of the Diocese of Maine met via Zoom on Saturday, October 16, 2020 to conduct the diocese’s first virtual convention. We elected diocesan leaders, approved the 2021 budget and nine resolutions while rejoicing in being the Body of Christ. We affirmed Christ Church, Biddeford’s past as we celebrated the future with an inspiring video about the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center.

On Sunday, October 17, we came together again on Facebook and YouTube for a prayerful and spirit-filled liturgy featuring the participation of the faithful throughout the diocese. It included Bishop Thomas Brown’s Convention Address. (The transcript of the address can be found at Episcopalmaine.org)

The convention was blessed throughout by incredible musicians sharing their gifts.The virtual choir offerings included “We are Marching in the Light of God”, “Called and Gifted”, “Dona Nobis Pacem”, and “Let Wonder Be Reborn”.

Details of the budget and resolutions can be found at the Diocesan website, Episcopalmaine.org.

 Resources for understanding systemic racism:

St. Patrick’s vestry and especially webmaster Paula Baines and warden, Peg Olson,  are compiling some wonderful resource material for self examination and self understanding about where we may be unconscious of racism in our lives.  Check out Bishop Curry’s inspiring interview on the TODAY show.  Many of these resources take minutes to watch or read and as our presiding bishop, Bishop Curry says, “Do one thing a day”  to learn and have greater understanding of our neighbors. Check out the google email entitled “Resources on Diversity to share on Facebook AND Racism Resource List”  as well as resources posted on stpatsbrewer.org.  Feel free to share videos, essays and more that you have found! Thanks to Peg and Paula for heading this up!

Silent Auction has been postponed. The Silent Online Auction scheduled for November 12-14 has been postponed until a later date in 2021 due to the dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases. Someone from the fundraising committee will reach out to auction donors to ask how to handle the auction items. 

18th Annual Solidarity Harvest -Sponsor-A-Meal

$40 for a Thanksgiving basket for 8-10 people

Your donation gives a locally-sourced Thanksgiving meal basket to Mainers who may otherwise go without. Our goal is to again distribute 1,400 meal baskets to Mainers in hard times. Funds raised are used to purchase the produce from Maine farms. Help us reach our $55,000 fundraising goal by Sponsoring a Meal. We’ve reorganized our entire plan to keep everyone safe by minimizing inter-personal contact for volunteers. Volunteer opportunities will be announced soon.

Donate and/or volunteer! For More Info call (207) 989-5860. Mail checks payable to Food AND Medicine, 20 Ivers Street, Brewer, ME 04412. Solidarity Harvest is organized by Food AND Medicine, and sponsored by the Eastern, Western and Southern Maine Labor Councils.

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