Last 8:00 am Service — Sunday, August 19th.
Annual Meeting, Sunday August 26 after the 10:00 am Service followed by a luncheon.
August 12, 2018 The 12th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:
August 12, 2018 The 12th Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:
The Rev. Claudia Smith
Rector St. Francis by the Sea
Recently our Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, joined with other faith leaders to publish a statement of faith in a time of religious and political turmoil. It follows here in its entirety for your prayerful consideration. As you will see it is a sweeping statement that calls us into deeper conversation about what exactly it means to be followers of Jesus.
Faithfully,
Claudia+
A Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis
We are living through perilous and polarizing times as a nation, with a dangerous crisis of moral and political leadership at the highest levels of our government and in our churches. We believe the soul of the nation and the integrity of faith are now at stake.
It is time to be followers of Jesus before anything else—nationality, political party, race, ethnicity, gender, geography— our identity in Christ precedes every other identity. We pray that our nation will see Jesus’ words in us. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
When politics undermines our theology, we must examine that politics. The church’s role is to change the world through the life and love of Jesus Christ. The government’s role is to serve the common good by protecting justice and peace, rewarding good behavior while restraining bad behavior (Romans 13). When that role is undermined by political leadership, faith leaders must stand up and speak out. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “ The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”
It is often the duty of Christian leaders, especially elders, to speak the truth in love to our churches and to name and warn against temptations, racial and cultural captivities, false doctrines, and political idolatries—and even our complicity in them. We do so here with humility, prayer, and a deep dependency on the grace and Holy Spirit of God. Continue reading
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:
July 29, 2018 The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev.Robert Tobin:
July 22, 2018 The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
The Rev. Elaine Hewes
The Rev. Steve Hayward
Our sincere apologies.
July 8, 2018 The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:
July 8, 2018 The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:
July 1, 2018 The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
July 1, 2018 The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost June 24, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:
The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost June 24, 2018, 10 am Full Service Celebrated by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:
June 17, 2018 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
June 17, 2018 The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
June 10, 2018 The Third Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:
June 10, 2018 The Third Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Virginia Peacock:
June 3, 2018 The Second Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
June 3, 2018 The Second Sunday after Pentecost 10 am Full Service celebrated 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 Day of Pentecost May 20, 2018 10 am Full Service Celebrated 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.
The Seventh Sunday of Easter May 13, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:
The Rev. Steve Hayward
The Seventh Sunday of Easter May 13, 2018, 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Steve Hayward:
The Sixth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:
The Sixth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2018, 10 am Full Service Celebrated by The Rev. Emily Blair Stribling:
The Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward:
The Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018, 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Steve Hayward:
The Fourth Sunday of Easter April 22, 2018, 10 am Sermon by The Rev. Steve Hayward.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter April 22, 2018, 10 am Full Service celebrated 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:
The Second Sunday of Easter full service celebrated 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:
The Fifth Sunday of Lent March 18, 2018, 10 am Full Service celebrated by The Rev. Elaine Hewes:
The Fourth Sunday of Lent March 11, 2018 10 am Sermon by Saint Francis by the Sea Rector, The Rev. Claudia Wyatt Smith:
The Fourth Sunday of Lent March 11, 2018 10 am Full Service from St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, 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.
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry has released a video calling for action, “We must make our country safe because all of us are valuable and we are all children of God: We must make our country safe because all of us are valuable and we are all children of God.”
You can view the video he posted by clicking here.
Resources
The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations: Take action with the Episcopal Public Policy Network on an assault weapons ban here, and tell the Senate to oppose the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Click here.
Bishops United Against Gun Violence resources here. Bishops United Against Gun Violence statement on Parkland, Florida, Click here.
On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington DC to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. Click here for a link to the “March for our Lives”, sponsored by some of the kids in Parkland, FL who survived the shooting.
There was a Christmas present for the St. Francis Family and it was opened on Christmas Eve with help from young Ambrose Chung.
This gift was specifically directed by the anonymous donors to be used to upgrade the kitchen. We are in the planning stages and will share more information as soon as it is available. So stay tuned.
