A reminder from the Planned Giving Committee. Do you have a traditional IRA. If so, and you are 701/2, you might want to make a distribution from that IRA to St. Francis to complete your 2018 pledge (or as an additional gift). As a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), the amount would not be included in your income but would qualify as part of your required minimum distribution from the IRA. If you have questions, a chat with your tax advisor or IRA custodian might be helpful.
Tim Thomas

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by the Rev. Steve Hayward:

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am full service celebrated by the Rev. Steve Hayward:

*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

The 24th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Right Rev. Stephen Lane, 9th Bishop of Maine during what was most likely his final visit to St. Francis before retiring next spring:

The 24th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Right Rev. Stephen Lane, 9th Bishop of Maine:

*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

The 2018 St. Francis by the Sea Blessing of the Animals was a big hit for both the two and four-legged among us. Click here to check it out!

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by St. Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev.Claudia Wyatt Smith including the words of The Right Reverend Steve Lane from his Homily delivered during this weekend’s 199th Diocesan Convention:

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service by St. Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:
*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by the Rev. Steve Hayward:

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost 10 am full service celebrated by the Rev. Steve Hayward:

“So, As those who have been chosen of God, holy and Beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

With that bible passage Vestry Member and Stewardship Chair Sarah Everdell kicked off the 2018 Campaign pledge card.

On Sunday, September 30th Vestry Member Mary Crawford’s message was:

“We all come to this sacred, BELOVED space, to worship, to learn, to sing … to mourn, to heal, to celebrate … to be fed!”

Hear it all here:

On Sunday, September 30th new Vestry Member Millisa LaLonde‘s message was: “I’ve grown to respect the wisdom of the way this community utilizes money…even though we are frugal people we will continue giving because it is a really good investment.”

On Sunday October 21th Vestry Member Bob Publicover, Senior Warden’s message was: “there are a lot of important things we do here at St. Francis, not the least of which is our commitment to (community)Outreach.”

We are privileged to celebrate the ingathering with Bishop Stephen Lane when he visits St. Francis on November 4th.

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by St. Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev.Claudia Wyatt Smith:

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service by St. Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:

*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

On Sunday October 7th during the 10 am Blessing of the Animals service announcements St. Francis by the Sea Fair co-chair Mary Hartley presented a big check to the SPCA of Hancock County for their partnership of the 2018 Fair in Blue Hill, Maine.

Yes, the dogs you hear in the background were there to be blessed.

The 20th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by St. Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:
October 7, 2018 The 20th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service from St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, Maine celebrated by Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:
*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

September 30, 2018 The 19th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by Guest Preacher The Rev. Canon Hannah Anderson:

During announcements The Rev. Claudia commissioned the new Vestry.

September 30, 2018 The 19th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service from St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, Maine celebrated by Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:

*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

September 23, 2018 The 18th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by St. Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:

During announcements The Rev. Claudia, Mary Hartley and the rest of the congregation took part in a dedication of a new kneeler!

September 23, 2018 The 18th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service from St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, Maine celebrated by Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:

*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service from St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, Maine celebrated by Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by Saint Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith

*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

September 9, 2018 The 16th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by Saint Francis by the Sea licensed Lay Preacher Heather Ford:

September 9, 2018 The 16th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service from St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, Maine celebrated by Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:
*Just a quick note: We attempt to post the sermon and service each week as soon as possible. Most weeks it is late evening of that day. But, for various reasons, sometimes it is not until Tuesday Morning. Thank you for your inquiries and understanding.

September 2, 2018 The 15th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Claudia Smith:

September 2, 2018 The 15th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Claudia Smith:

August 26, 2018 The 14th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Claudia Smith:

August 26, 2018 The 14th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Claudia Smith:

August 19, 2018 The 13th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:

August 12, 2018 The 12th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost August 5, 2018, 10 am Sermon by Allan Sandlin:

August 5, 2018 The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service and Baptism of Henry Ronan Malloy celebrated by The Rev. Allan Sandlin:

July 29, 2018 The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev.Robert Tobin:

The Rev. Steve Hayward

Our sincere apologies.

July 8, 2018 The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:

July 1, 2018 The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:

The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost June 24, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:

June 17, 2018 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:

June 10, 2018 The Third Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:

June 3, 2018 The Second Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:

Dear Friends,

As I’ve watched the tragedy in Gaza unfold over the past several days, my prayers have gone immediately to the ministry and care offered to all people by the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The doctors, nurses, and staff are truly on the front lines in meeting the need of those injured in the violence of recent days.

This ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East holds its doors open to people of all faiths and ethnicities and operates under extreme circumstances and limited resources even in those times that pass for “normal” in occupied Palestine.

The Diocese of Maine, through its International Outreach budget line, has made donations to the the Al Ahli Hospital since 2012. Indeed, if you were at our Convention a few years ago, you’ll remember watching the video posted below that bears witness to the work of the hospital.

Last night I received an update from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ):

Suhaila Tarazi, the director of Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, reports that Ahli is implementing an emergency response to receive trauma cases and has configured an emergency wing with 24 additional beds. The staff is on extended shifts to treat the injured and wounded. Ahli surgeons are treating serious wounds and complex limb injuries.

Ahli Hospital needs immediate and substantial financial support to respond to the catastrophe in Gaza. They need to obtain emergency medicine and medical supplies and fuel for generators.

Suhaila wants you to know that while the resources of Ahli Hospital are stretched to the limit, the hospital staff is working around the clock, treating
and healing victims of the violence. This includes many children who have family members, friends and neighbors who are dead or injured. These children are suffering, and Ahli Hospital is providing them compassionate counseling and psycho-social therapy.

With your help, Ahli stands as a powerful example of Christian witness in this place of desperation and unimaginable horror. Thanks to you, Ahli Hospital sends a message of hope and love.

I encourage you to join me in support the ministry of Al Ahli Arab Hospital with your prayers, both your personal prayers and in your congregations, and, as you are able, with a donation.

You may donate through AFEDJ’s secure donation site.

Thank you for your generosity on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Gaza.

The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane
Bishop of Maine

The Day of Pentecost May 20, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:

The Kitchen Upgrade!!!!

On Tuesday morning, May 15, 2018 the physical work on the Kitchen Upgrade began after being delayed slightly by a back order over the new vent for the new stoves.

This project has been in planning stages since we learned, last year,  of a very generous $50,000 donation by anonymous parishioners to fix the deficiencies.  The most expensive and extensive work is creating a commercial grade vent duct system.

That vent has not only arrived but is already in place.

The work is being overseen by parishioner David Decrow, who oversaw the very successful work required to deal with our leaks and mold in the under-croft several years ago.

As for this project he says, “My best guess is that the kitchen will be out of service for a two-week interval including the week-end between the two weeks. We will try to keep with that schedule as much as possible.”

Decrow adds, “The two rear bathrooms will probably be out of service for about 3 weeks once the duct work starts but again will attempt to minimize that. Overall the project may take up to 6 weeks which includes work in the sacristy, the attic, and on the roof.”

While the kitchen is not in use, coffee hour will be limited to coffee and items that don’t need to be warmed or baked.

And because we won’t have access to the kitchen sinks we will use “paper” disposable cups and plates.

The refrigerator and water dispenser are just outside the kitchen during this stage of the process.

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The Seventh Sunday of Easter May 13, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

The Sixth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:

The Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

The Fourth Sunday of Easter April 22, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward.

The Third Sunday of Easter April 15, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:

The Third Sunday of Easter April 15, 2018, 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Elaine Hewes which includes the Anthem: “Oh Christ, Our Joy and Gladness” Composed by Carlton T. Russell with text by Edward Dufresne, based on Gospel of John 20:1-18:

The Second Sunday of Easter sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

Easter Sunday April 1, 2018, Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

Easter Sunday April 1, 2018 Full 10 am Service celebrated by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

The Great Vigil of Easter Saturday March 31, 2018m, 7 pm Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

The Great Vigil of Easter Saturday March 31, 2018, 7 pm Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Steve Hayward:

On Palm Sunday during his visit to the Holy Land, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry delivered his Easter 2018 Message while standing outside of St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem.
Click here to see the video

Palm Sunday March 25, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:

Palm Sunday March 25, 2018, 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:

The Fifth Sunday of Lent March 18, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes: