St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church
Your spiritual home on the Blue Hill Peninsula: 330 Hinckley Ridge Road, Blue Hill, Maine 04614 — (207) 374-5200
What’s Happening at St. Francis
SAVE THE DATES
A couple of quick notes…
The Rev. Allan Sandlin will be in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am to Noon. If anyone has an office desk they no longer use, please consider donating to St. Francis for Allan to use in his office. Thank you.
Barbara Brady, Church Office
St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church
PO Box 76
Blue Hill, ME 04614
Services, Meetings and Events at St. Francis
Worship services will continue to be offered via Facebook live
Tues.—Fri. 8:45 am Morning Prayer Zoom
Thursday 4:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
Friday 9:15 am Contemplative Prayer Zoom*
Sunday 9:00 am Adult Forum
10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
* Contemplative Prayer Fridays 9:15 am on Zoom.
Contemplative prayer is the Christian way of saying meditation. We will gather, ring a bell, and then after 20 minutes, ring the bell again. The intervening 20 minutes are silent. What you do with that 20 minutes is up to you. Basic instruction in Centering Prayer will be offered at 9:05. But feel free to bring a rosary, or just sit and reflect. This is preceded by Morning Prayer from 8:45 – 9:00. All are welcome to join us for that, but it is not required.
✠ People living their faith across Maine: A podcast of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. In addition to downloading to your device, you can listen on the Diocesan Website https://www.episcopalmaine.org/news-category/faith-in-maine-podcast ** And NOW you can listen on the telephone! The phone number is: 207-223-6402. Call and listen ANYTIME.
✠ Healthy Acadia wants to help you continue positive note. Give yourself the gift of improved health and well being while taking time to relax, boost your immunity, and strengthen your mind and body with Tai Chi for Health.
✠ Healthy Acadia is offering multiple classes, some have already begun! Pre-registration is required for all classes. For more information or to register by phone, contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206.
✠ A Message from The Planned Giving Committee. Still looking for a New Year’s resolution? Have you been thinking of providing for St. Francis in your will (or other method taking effect at your death)? The Committee invites you to so provide for St. Francis and thereby share in the assurance of it future.
A Letter To St Francis from The Rev. Allan Sandlin
8 February 2023
Dear People of St. Francis by the Sea,
I’m beginning to remember what winters in Maine are like. Gretchen and I arrived one week ago tomorrow and, in spite of the icebox weather last Friday and Saturday, we are very happy to be here.
Seeing the faces of old and new friends on Sunday morning, singing and sharing Eucharist together, feasting on lemon bars and Fred Heilner’s sandwich roll-ups…it was all good, a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, indeed.
For now, I want to assure you that I share a corner of your grief over Fr. Brent’s illness and suffering this past year along with the deep sadness at his announcement to resign. Brent has been a gift to me these past three years through his kindness and generosity extended to a former priest of the parish, his consistently thoughtful, challenging preaching and most of all, observing how he cares for you all.
He really loves you. But you already know that. I rejoice alongside you that he, Windy, Hannah Maeve and Lucille will remain part of this community and that we will see each other at Tradewinds and soccer games and perhaps when picking up bread at Tinder Hearth.
Since returning to the peninsula on a part-time basis 6 years ago, one of the best parts has been a rare thing for retired clergy—returning to the parish where I first served as Rector (well, actually, in the beginning, I was the Vicar, a title I still wish I could have hung onto.) At least through most of August when I stepped back into the pulpit and presided at the altar, it was my complete joy sitting next to you in the pew. On occasion, I even found my way into the choir. How cool is that? It has been such a gift to renew old friendships and begin to form new ones among people who have held a very special place in my heart for almost 30 years.
Now, by the grace of God and the strong support of Bishop Thomas, we move forward together. We don’t know yet what the future will hold for this parish, where the road will lead or who we will meet along the way. But it will be my privilege to walk with you for a time as your pastor and priest.
It will be a privilege to join all of you as we pray, sing, work, feast and share God’s love with each other and with those in need in this community and beyond.
Many years ago, a priest whose name I no longer recall once celebrated the Eucharist at St. Francis on a Sunday when I was on vacation. When I came back to church the following week, I heard about the words she used when she placed the bread of life into outstretched palms. She said “Become what you receive. The body of Christ.” I’ve borrowed that phrase, as have many others, in the intervening years with the congregations I’ve served.
You know the truth of this in your bones. You, dear people of St. Francis, are the body of Christ. You’ve been his hands, his feet, his voice for a very long time. It’s in your DNA.
I wonder what God is dreaming for you now?
Grace and peace,
Allan+
The Rev. Allan Sandlin
The Fifth Sunday after the EPIPHANY February 5, 2023
A major heart felt welcome home to The Rev. Allan Sandlin.
Fr. Allan was he first full time Rector for St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church after coming to Hinkley Ridge in Blue Hill as Vicar in 1994. He will be with us for the foreseeable future as interim Rector.
Your webmaster is out of the country so at least this week you will have just the Facebook Live recording of the service which includes everything from Fr. Allan’s terrific Homily, the Choir’s Offertory Anthem” Siyahamba” a Zulu folk song, arr. Thomas R. Vozzella (2013) (We are marching, for the Lord is our light) and the announcements.
Ministers of MusicMinisters of Music: The Rev. Carlton and Lorna Russell and Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reservedMusic used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved
Here is the full St. Francis by the Sea Sunday Service
Fourth Sunday of Easter May 8, 2022
The medical mystery tour continues for our Beloved Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was with no answer on what or how to treat his ailments. In the meantime, St Francis continues to follow the directions he created. Our Celebrant and Preacher this week was, once again, The Rev. Donna Downs.
This week’s posting includes the Blessing of the Sunday School, a special Mother’s Day Coffee Hour as well as the thoughtful sermon, full service, and beautiful music from our Choir under the direction of our Ministers of MusicThe Rev. Carlton and Lorna Russell.
Easter Vigil Saturday, April 16th 7:00 PM
The Episcopal Churches of the Blue Hill Peninsula celebrated the Great Vigil of Easter together
St. Francis by the Sea
St. Brendan the Navigator
Trinity Episcopal Church
Saturday, April 16, 2022, 7:00 pm
The Great Vigil of Easter
The Lighting of the Paschal Candle
The Rev. Jenny Reece, presiding
The Rev. Regina Christianson, homily
In the darkness, fire was kindled outside in a cold drizzle and not caught on camera. The Celebrant says:
Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer.
For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.
The history of the Easter Vigil can be seen below the videos.
Please click below for Bishop Thomas Brown’s Easter message for 2022. Click here for a transcript of his message. Happy Easter!
The Great Vigil of Easter, held sometime between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter, is the ancient service that celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Beautiful and soul-stirring, the service involves our whole being – sights, smells, sounds, stories, dark, light, … and waiting. By the end of the fourth century, the Easter Vigil had the four parts, and in the order, we follow today: Service of Light; Service of Lessons; Baptism or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows; and Holy Eucharist.
Service of Light: We begin in darkness, outside. A new fire is lit. From it the Paschal Candle is lit and then our own candles. We process behind the lighted Paschal Candle, the light of Christ, into the darkened church; the light of Christ breaking the darkness of sin and death. Then we hear the Exsultet. Exsultet, Rejoice – the opening word of the Easter Proclamation, an ancient song sung over the Paschal candle. The Exsultet recounts the saving events of the Old Testament and New Testament.
Service of Lessons: Keeping vigil is a time of prayerful waiting, prayerful being present with one another. When we keep vigil, we tell stories – often family stories. So it is during Easter Vigil. We tell the stories passed on to us by our faith ancestors. Stories of our faith family history, old, old stories that recall how God loved and saved his people throughout history. Each story, a reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, is followed by a psalm or hymn, and prayer.
Baptism or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows: In the early church, Easter was the main time for baptisms. Over the centuries, the tradition has become that if there are no baptisms, we renew our Baptismal vows. The words of the Celebrant remind us that, “Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life.” Following our renewal, the Celebrant asperges us. As we delight in being sprinkled with water, a reminder of our baptism, we join the Celebrant in the Easter Proclamation: Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. All at once, bells ring, lights go on, altar candles are lit, and music fills the air.
Holy Eucharist – Easter Communion: Our celebration reaches its high point in the Easter Eucharist. We have come from darkness into light, from prayerful waiting to joyful thanksgiving. We are a people made new; we are an Easter people given new life in Jesus Christ.
Good Friday Service April 15, 2022 7:00 pm
April 15, 2022’s Good Friday service from St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Blue Hill, Maine. A solemn service that includes a moving Sermon, a wonderful Offertory Anthem: “When Jesus Wept” William Billings (1746-1800) and some congregational singing. Our Rector Fr. Brent Was remains on medical leave as the search for a diagnosis continues. The Rev. Elaine Hewes filled in again.
Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved
Maundy Thursday Service April 14, 2022
As in year’s past the Maundy Thursday Service at St. Francis by the Sea was quick moving. A solemn approach to Good Friday and Easter that includes a great Sermon, a wonderful Offertory Anthem and congregational singing. Our Rector Fr. Brent remains on medical leave as the search for a diagnosis continues. The Rev. Donna Downs filled in again. Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved.
Seeking A Walking Prayer
As part of the St. Francis regular Wednesday Seekers program was a six part special series during Lent about prayer presented in conjunction with the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill. The final episode was an introduction to using a Labyrinth as a prayer vehicle. It was held in the under-croft of St Francis and led by The Rev. Lisa Durkee of the Congregational Church.
So after walking the Labyrinth what do you do with the huge portable path to put the undercroft back in useable shape?? Here is a time lapsed video to show you. Special Thanks to Mary Hartley for shepherding the project.
Holy Week Means Many Observances & Much Meaning!!
Palm Sunday – April 10th – 10:00 AM – The Rev. Donna Downs
Maundy Thursday – April 14th – 7:00 PM – The Rev. Donna Downs
Stations of the Cross – April 15th – noon – behind the Congregational Church with Rev. Lisa Durkee, inside the Congregational Church if raining.
Good Friday – April 15th – 7:00 PM -The Rev. Elaine Hewes
Easter Vigil – April 16th – 7:00 PM – The Rev. Jenny Reece, presiding, The Rev. Regina Christianson, homily
Easter Sunday – April 17th – 10:00 AM – The Rev. Steve Hayward
The Third Sunday of LENT March 20, 2022, 10:00 am
Fr. Brent continues to deal with health issues and this week we were blessed with the presence of The Rev. Steve Hayward as Celebrant and Preacher. He is well known to the parish as a long time member, a Brooksville resident, a frequent Supply (fill-in) Priest and The St. Francis by the Sea Interim Rector during the search that found The Rev. Dr. Brent Was. Meanwhile during Announcements Junior Warden Sarah Everdell shared a phone call she got from Fr. Brent and that information is in the Full Service as well as the final (4th) video at the bottom of the page.
Click here to read Fr. Steve’s Homily!
“My spirit longs for thee” Simon Lole (b. 1957)
The Second Sunday in LENT March 13, 2022
This week the St. Francis by the Sea service was organized and presented by the Morning Prayer Group. This week’s Sunday service is a longer version of Morning Prayer and was conducted because our Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was is unwell. Junior Warden Sarah Everdell shared an email from Fr. Brent and that is in the Full Service as well as the final (4th) video at the bottom of the page. (Morning prayer held every Tuesday thru Friday at 8:45 am live on Zoom is a 15 minute service and everyone is invited.)
Ash Wednesday Saved by the Bishop!
As you may be aware, Fr. Brent is battling some health issues. He was not able to officiate on Ash Wednesday. So instead The Bishop of Maine, The Rt. Rev. Thomas James Brown filled-in for Fr. Brent.
Music Master Class
Wednesday Seekers Found Advent Music and More!
While these classes were about Advent Music what we learned from our Music Ministers: Choir Director The Rev. Carlton Russell and organist Lorna Russell excellent scholarship, research and presentation is a study of ‘hymnody’ itself. There are four installments starting with this — the first!
This is the second installment of a very special Wednesday Seekers program: “Exploring Our Advent Hymns” from St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Blue Hill, Maine for Advent. But there is much more to be learned about all hymns. Researched and presented by our Music Ministers: Choir Director The Rev. Carlton Russell and Organist Lorna Russell.
Wednesday Seekers Seeking Even More were not disappointed in the third installment.
This is the Fourth and final installment of the very special Wednesday Seekers program: “Exploring Our Advent Hymns” which really does help us all better understand all of ‘hymnody.’
This installment was broadcast on December 23, 2021. It originally was scheduled for the day before but was postponed a day because of wicked winter weather.
Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved.
7th Sunday after the Epiphany
February 20, 2022
We are back in the pews or at least some of us are. With masks on, vaccines in, windows open, social distancing and limited singing, we are inline with the most recent guidance from the Maine CDC.
In fact, our bishop had a private conversation, not long ago, with Dr. Shah who said that if a church conducted itself as we are, he personally would be comfortable attending. For those who don’t feel comfortable we are still Zooming!
We wish to thank everyone who stuck with us despite this past Sunday’s technical difficulties. Many of the those issues have been taken care of in these videos with some editing room magic. However, there are still a few echos that couldn’t be corrected.
If you wish to read Fr. Brent’s Sermon click here!
The Results Are IN!
The vestry met and had a productive conversation on Wednesday regarding regathering. The votes are in and…
…we’re back in person!
With masks on, vaccines in, windows open, social distancing and limited singing, we are inline with the most recent guidance from the Maine CDC. In fact, our bishop had a private conversation with Dr. Shah last week and Dr. Shah said that if a church conducted itself as we are, he personally would be comfortable attending.
Lots of things are reopening, lots of rules we have lived by the past two years are relaxing… It is a confusing time for all of us as we come to terms with the fact that we just don’t know how safe things are. However, we do know a lot about how to make things saf-er. We are doing out best to makes things as safe as possible for as many people as possible.
You have a decision to make about what you are comfortable with, what risks you are willing to take as the risk level all around us goes down. We will continue to offer an online option.
If you would like to talk about any of this, please get in touch.
Blessings,
Brent
Wednesday Seekers Found the Sound
This is the Fourth and final installment of a very special Wednesday Seekers program: “Exploring Our Advent Hymns” from St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Blue Hill, Maine. Researched and presented by our Music Ministers: Choir Director The Rev. Carlton Russell and organist Lorna Russell. Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved. This installment was broadcast on December 23, 2021. It originally was scheduled for the day before but was postponed a day because of wicked winter weather.
(This has been revised because of some technical issues with double and/or distorted audio as well as some repeated video because of editing errors)
Second Sunday after the Epiphany January 16, 2022
St Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Blue Hill Maine has moved all services to Zoom ONLY. It will be for at least the next few weeks because of Covid-19 and the spread of Omicron.
If you wish to read the sermon click here!
First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ January 9, 2022
Due to the Omicron surge, we have returned to online only church for a bit. The Vestry will consult again this coming week about the rest of January. Pray for an end to the surge!
If you wish to read the sermon Click Here!
First Sunday after CHRISTMAS December 26, 2021
It seemed as if Christmas was just yesterday and it was. It is not usual to have the First Sunday after Christmas the day after Christmas itself. But we did and celebrating as well as preaching was The Rev. Regina Christianson. She is both a member of St. Francis and a member of the Choir but this was her first opportunity to officiate.
REIGN OF CHRIST 26th Sunday after Pentecost November 21, 2021
The windows will stay open 🥶🥶🥶 (but even less open)
Masks on at church. 😕
If you wish to read the Sermon/Homily Click Here:
Including the Choir Singing wearing masks.
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost November 7, 2021, 10:00 am
The windows will stay open 🥶🥶🥶 (but even less open)
Masks on at church. 😕
No congregational singing. 😕😕
If you wish to read the sermon please click here!
Behind Our Kneelers
The history of St. Francis is an exciting example of the power of a vision and the deep faith needed to pull it off! Still, It Takes A Peninsula!
One of those is the person most responsible for our very special kneelers 99-year-old (2021) parishioner Mary Semler.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, October 10, 2021, 10:00 am
Masks on at church. 😕 No congregational singing. 😕😕 The windows will stay open 🥶🥶🥶 (but not as open)
If you wish to read the sermon, please click here!
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 26, 2021, 10:00 am
Masks on at church. 😕 No congregational singing. 😕😕
The windows will stay open. 🥶🥶🥶 (see details below)
If you wish to read the Sermon Click Here
Covid Changes! We Make Changes!
From The Rev. Dr. Brent Was, Rector:
Hancock County remains in the “High” transmission category. (You can keep track at Gov. Mills’ COVID page: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/
On windows… good ventilation is critical to our ability to stay open for in-person worship. The vestry and I have decided that we are going to keep the windows wide open until the COVID situation improves significantly.
We are very aware that the seasons are changing, and it has already been chilly on a couple of morning. Please do not close any windows on Sunday morning. And PLEASE dress appropriately. Feel free to bring a lap blanket, or some hot bricks like our colonial ancestors brought to church. If you feel that it is too cold, it might be time for you to return to Zoom for worship.
We’ll keep on with in-person worship until either the situation improves and we can close the windows, or until Bob and I can’t stand it anymore, at which time we’ll move to Zoom only. God willing it won’t come to that, but wanted to let you our plans.
I’m really sorry that we still are having to deal with this. I so appreciate your patience and fortitude.
So, if you have a compromised immune system or have any other extra risk factors for COVID, or if you are simply unsure or nervous about what to do right now, err on the side of conservatism and join us on Zoom. (Windy and the girls are staying home because Lucille is 4 weeks too young for a vaccine). Anxiety about personal safety doesn’t help in your journey towards God in Christ. Being wise, however, and making the sacrifices we are being called to make do bring us closer to the Divine does.
Thanks for mindfully discerning what is right for you in this moment.
In Christ,
Brent
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 29, 2021
Masks on at church. 😕 No congregational singing. 😕😕
COVID continues its relentless march, and based on CDC metrics, Hancock County has slipped into the “High” transmission category.(You can keep track at Gov. Mills’ COVID page at https://www.maine.gov/covid19/)
In consultation with Lorna, Carlton and the Vestry, we will suspend congregational singing if we hit “High” anytime in a week.
Having done so this week;
- We will not sing hymns or service music tomorrow. (The Choir will sing, masked).
- We’ll keep every other pew in the side pews closed off and we’ll add some roped off pews the back of the center section.
One good point is that I discovered why the Zoom sound has been poor. (My fault, sorry)! So the Zoom experience should be back to last summer level of quality. (Thanks, Bob)!
If you have a compromised immune system or have any other extra risk factors for COVID, or if you are simply unsure or nervous about what to do right now, err on the side of conservatism and join us on Zoom. (Windy and the girls are staying home because Lucille is 5 weeks too young for a vaccine). Anxiety about personal safety doesn’t help in your journey towards God in Christ. Being wise, however, and making the sacrifices we are being called to make do bring us closer to the Divine does.
Thanks for mindfully discerning what is right for you in this moment.
In Christ,
Brent
If You Wish You May Read The Sermon
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 22, 2021, 10:00 am
Masks ARE Required. More information below.
If you prefer to read the sermon click here
Very Important News
St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Blue Hill ~ Maine
From Fr. Brent August 19, 2021
Folks,
As you all know the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. In fact, we are backsliding with 12 death in Maine reported Thursday. As of today the entire state is listed as having “high” or “substantial” transmission of COVID, triggering mask recommendations for all indoor gatherings and outdoor gathers where maintaining a safe distance is not feasible.
The vestry met on Wednesday and has made a few decisions.
1. Coffee hour is suspended for now.
2. Our Annual meeting on August 29 will be a very limited affair, lasting no more than 20 minutes.a. No potluck. We will remain in the sanctuary after Mass.c. In the interest of time the Emily Award and the steeple project will be the only formal presentations. We ask you to read the annual report and bring questions pertinent to a group discussion. (Printed copies will be available this Sunday, electronic copies will be sent to everyone soon).
3. Both the Adult Education and Family, Children and Youth committees are discussing options. In person formation offerings such as Sunday School, Sunday Adult Forum and Wednesday Seekers are unlikely for now.
4. Singing. We are keeping a close eye on transmission rates. After consulting with Lorna and Carlton, we will likely suspend congregational singing if Hancock county slips into “high” transmission rates.
This is all very hard. I highly encourage you to make the correct moral choice and get vaccinated for the sake of the most vulnerable even if you have personal concerns about vaccinations. Also, I encourage you to be responsible when it comes to wearing a mask in public spaces, especially indoors. Let’s do our best to keep COVID at bay so that our health care system can handle the stress.
As always, please be in touch if you have questions or concerns.
In Christ,
Brent
The Bishop is Coming… The Bishop is Coming…
“Celebration of New Ministry”
Fifteen months in the making The Episcopal Bishop of Maine, the Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown is coming to St. Francis by the Sea this Sunday for a “Celebration of New Ministry”. It typically does not take this long for such a celebration but given that CoVid-19 shut down all church gatherings the Sunday the Bishop was originally scheduled we all agree “Better Late Than Never” as well as “Better Safe than Sorry”!
In the words of our “new” rector the Rev. Dr. Brent Was: “I don’t know about you, but it feels a little weird to me to be having a celebration of new ministry 15 months into our time together.”
“Why are we doing this? Well, first off, in this post-pandemic summer, we don’t need much of an excuse to have a party. So there is that. “
“More importantly, though, we are celebrating a new ministry together. For 62 of the first 65 weeks I was with you, we were in crisis mode. We didn’t worship in person. Or learn in person. Or play BINGO in person.
Fr. Brent continues, “We survived, even thrived as a church, but a church in the (God willing) unique context of a global pandemic. We are back in person and we don’t know each other nearly as well as we should a year and a half in. Life in Christ together is new!”
“And this place, St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church is moving into a time of renewal. We have children here, newborns (and about-to-be-borns) through high school. We are hiring our first coordinator of family, children and youth ministry! Our outreach into the community is growing. The St. Francis Fair is over and we have a lot of energy and love to share and the time to discern how to share it. Our liturgical life together is in transition into a slightly more traditional posture. Attendance is up. New folks are around. The world and a lot of us in it are seeking new ways to make meaning of things and to connect with our neighbors, and we are one of the very best places to do that here on the peninsula.The world has always needed Jesus Christ. The world desperately needs His love and care right now.”
“When we celebrate on Sunday at 4:00, we will not be simply celebrating my arrival, or the work that we have done and will do together. When we gather on Sunday we will be celebrating the new life in this congregation, on this peninsula, in this world, and how we, as a people, joined in Christ, can do our part, and joyously. And I truly don’t think that is an unreasonable expectation.”
Immediately following the Celebration of New Ministry we will have a party.
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost July 4th 2021
On this 4th of July we had a wonderful turn out. Once again:
Not only are we back we have also begun our Summer 8 am service.
The church pews are once again we populated with parishioners happy to see each other’s smiles and to hug after such a long slog through CoVid-19.
The key for everyone is to be fully vaccinated.
For the safety of the most vulnerable, only fully vaccinated* people may attend in-person worship. Exceptions will be made for those unable to be vaccinated due to health conditions or eligibility (such as children under 12).
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost June 20, 2021, 10:00 am
Each Sunday everyone seems to get more and more comfortable to be back “home” and together (in person instead of Zoom). The key is to be fully vaccinated.
For the safety of the most vulnerable, only fully vaccinated* people may attend in-person worship. Exceptions will be made for those unable to be vaccinated due to health conditions or eligibility (such as children under 12).
If you are not fully vaccinated, you would put our children and others who may be medically fragile at higher risk.
PLEASE do the loving thing and get vaccinated, if not for yourself, then for our children. Otherwise, you are welcome to continue on Zoom for the time being. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Brent.
*fully vaccinated means your final shot plus two weeks
First Sunday after Pentecost: TRINITY SUNDAY May 20, 2121
Re-Gathered and fully opened for the first Sunday service since the start of the pandemic. Services are opened to all who are fully vaccinated and for that reason no masks required but are optional depending on ones comfort level. This week, as if by magic, the sound system worked.
The 3rd Sunday of Easter April 18, 2021
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. This is the 3rd Sunday Service in the Nave of St. Francis by the Sea since the pandemic restrictions were put in place. It was conducted via Zoom with only a skeleton crew on hand.
The Second Sunday of Easter April 11, 2021
This is the 2nd Sunday Service in the Nave of St. Francis by the Sea since the pandemic restrictions were put in place. It was conducted via Zoom with only a skeleton crew on hand.
From Fr. Brent: “I have some great news for everyone: Get your red suede shoes out because Pentecost ’21 is going to be a Pentecost to remember. On Pentecost, May 23, we will return to the room where it happens up on Hinckley Ridge Road! Church is going to open for in-person worship again. 14 months plus one week after the last proper gathering of St.Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church, we will be back at it together. Now there is a point of light to steer by. As Emily Dickinson wrote, “A little Madness in the Spring/ Is wholesome even for a king.”
Third Sunday in Lent March 7, 2021
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live from a Carriage House in downtown Blue Hill.
Next Sunday
March 14, 2021
Ash Wednesday Service February 17, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Ash Wednesday Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live from a Carriage House in downtown Blue Hill.
5th Sunday after the Epiphany February 7, 2021
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live from a Carriage House in downtown Blue Hill.
The Full Service celebrated by St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was.
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Sunday, January 31, 2021
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live from a Carriage House in downtown Blue Hill.
Second Sunday after the Epiphany January 17, 2021
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live from a Carriage House in downtown Blue Hill.
The First Sunday After The Epiphany January 10, 2021
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom and YouTube Live. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live from a Carriage House is downtown Blue Hill.
St Francis Festival of Lights: The Movie
St. Francis Church has been bright and beautiful with as eClare creator Judy Rountree put it,” a drive-through experience like nothing else!” Beautifully lighted trees to share with the Blue Hill Peninsula as a free drive-thru experience.
It was created with social distancing and masks required. A number of parishioners picked trees and brought their own lights. Ray Yardy, once again saved the day (actually the nights) with his great understanding of all things electrical.
As Judy Routree noted in eClare, “The lighting of the four trees in the median has been funded by Peter and Donny Smith“
A Dear Friend To Remember
On January 2, 2020, St. Francis lost a longtime very active and deeply loved member Patty Deetjen. She and her husband Rudy were both very committed to the church and the community. They were among the first residents of Parker Ridge and maintained a summer home on Eggemoggin Reach in Brooksville. Patty was extremely involved in a number of St. Francis ministries including the Flower Guild and the Outreach Community.
Of the many gifts from Patty & Rudy Deetjen was the love and enthusiasm they shared with so many St. Francis events including this wonderful song created by Rudy accompanied by the Choir to open the St. Francis Fair.
St. Francis Can’t Gather In But We Still Reach Out
This time of year is the time of the most giving by the most people. But the St. Francis Out Reach Committee’s giving is not just at Christmas but gives throughout the year. It’s volunteers members meet monthly but work quietly everyday of the year assessing community needs and ways that they may help under the direction of committee chair Sue Grindle.
This month a critical need came up and 63 blankets were purchased by Francis Outreach and delivered to Downeast Community Partnership.
When St. Francis Outreach volunteer Marty Hamblen spoke to the good folks there they told her that they are now up to 550 families in need just for Christmas, over and above those they normally serve.
Once again this year St. Francis put up a Giving Tree to help brighten Christmas for Children at H.O.M.E. and Emmaus and once again our church community came through with flying colors
Click here for Downeast Community Partners
All of this was made possible by the kindness of not just the St. Francis Family but also Blue Hill Books that not only gave a deep discount for the books but put little tags in the books denoting the appropriate age. Also, Out on a Whimsey discounted their prices to $10.00 per child while still providing top notch gifts. So both stores were able to cover their expenses and still giving them money to help them survive this year and made it possible for us to help more children. And to help us make this a more bountiful Christmas for those families. Hammond Lumber provided a Big Check both literally and figuratively:
Matt Russell and Alan Hamblen from Hammond Lumber present a donation check for St. Francis by The Sea Outreach to purchase toys and books for children in need this Christmas. Assisting are William and Jacob Adams, two of the children at St. Francis. As Outreach Chair Sue Grindle put it, “It truly was a win-win for everyone!”
The Third Sunday of Advent December 13, 2020
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live steaming on Zoom from The Bagaduce Music Lending Library in Blue Hill.
The Second Sunday of Advent December 6, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live steaming on Zoom from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill.
from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill
Sunday Worship in the Time of a Plague
In this extraordinary time, our buildings are closed but the Church is not!
We continue to turn the prayer wheel each week with a Zoom-based Service Live from a Carriage House in Blue Hill at 9:00 am on Sunday.
Login information in our newsletter, the eClare.
Due to concerns about Zoombombing, unwelcome, often offensive intrusions into online worship, we are not publishing the login information publicly. To join in email Fr. Brent at bwas@riseup.net.
Thanksgiving Eve Prayer Service
Thanksgiving Eve Prayer Service from St Francis w/St. Brendan’s – Deer Isle and Trinity – Castine.
Despite the condition of our world, we have much to be thankful for. We joined Episcopalians from across the peninsula to offer our thanks. Here’s the raw recording of the Zoom:
Click here for the order of service.
Sunday November 22, 2020 The Reign of Christ
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was once again broadcast live steaming on Zoom from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill. Which includes the Sermon by The Rt. Rev. Thomas James Brown, Bishop of Maine
from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill
After the zoomed service dozens of parishioners drove to St Francis by the Sea to receive the Body of Christ from Fr. Brent and pick Advent gift from the Church. The gift contains a few things to help keep us all together during the challenging holiday season ahead. Many also checked out the bonfire during the Drive-thru.
23rd Sunday after Pentecost November 8, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live steaming on Zoom from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill.
All Saints Sunday November 1, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live steaming on Zoom from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill.
The Rev. Dr. Brent Was, Rector St, Francis by the Sea
21st Sunday after Pentecost October 25, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live steaming on Zoom from a Carriage House on Parker Point Road in Blue Hill.
The Rev. Dr. Brent Was, Rector St, Francis by the Sea
Diocesan Convention Results
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine 201st Annual Convention
17 October 2020 via Zoom
‘‘Nothing will separate us: Being the Body of Christ”
20th Sunday after Pentecost October 18, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live steaming on Zoom from Cynthia Winings Gallery 24 Parker Point Road in Blue Hill.
The Rev. Dr. Brent Was, Rector St, Francis by the Sea
https://www.cynthiawiningsgallery.com/
19th Sunday after Pentecost October 11, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live from near the gazebo at the Bagaduce Music Library on South Street in Blue Hill, Maine
Rector St, Francis by the Sea
17th Sunday after Pentecost September 27, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live from in front of the Blue Hill Town Hall:
Next Sunday September 27, 2020 ➸ Drive-thruCommunion part Deux!
30 minutes after our Zoom Mass ends, come to the church for the Body of Christ and a Blessing!(We’ll be doing this the Last Sunday of each month until the wine starts freezing)
Here are just some of the parishioners who took part in our first-ever Drive -thru Communion administered with prayer by the Reverend Dr. Brent Was, Rector of St. Francis by the Sea Blue Hill, Maine.
16th Sunday after Pentecost September 20, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was broadcast live from Bridge End Park, Little Deer Isle, Maine
15th Sunday after Pentecost September 13, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Service was again broadcast via Zoom. This week Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was is on Vacation so this week we were graced with the presence of The Rev. Tom Mousin via Zoom
As Judy Rountree wrote in a recent eClare (the St. Francis Newsletter) : “The Rev. Thomas Mousin is an Episcopal priest, currently serving as a chaplain with Hospice of Southern Maine. He also provides pulpit supply for churches throughout the diocese. Before moving to Maine, Tom was the rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Prior to his ordination in the Episcopal Church, he served several churches in Vermont as a United Methodist pastor, and also worked there as an elementary school teacher. He lives in Portland with his spouse, the Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown”
Zoom Sunday service is now at 9 am
It is summertime so the Vestry supports the Rector’s idea, as The Rev. Dr. Brent Was put it, “Since we don’t need to get dressed and out the door during Zoom Worship Time, I thought maybe we could start earlier. So, 9:00 am it is and still live from Cape Rosier.”
Please do let is know if you think this experiment works for you.
13th Sunday after Pentecost August 30, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was used Zoom to broadcast this week’s service Live from the Blue Hill Town Park.
12th Sunday after Pentecost August 23, 2020
Because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was used Zoom to broadcast this week’s service Live from the top of Caterpillar Hill in the Sargentville Village of Sedgwick, Maine overlooking Walker Pond.
The full Zoom Service celebrated by The Rev. Dr. Brent Was, Rector St, Francis by the Sea
11th Sunday after Pentecost August 16, 2020
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was used Zoom to broadcast this service Live from Cape Rosier. This week from Back Shore in Holbrook State Park, Harborside, Maine.
9th Sunday after Pentecost August 2, 2020
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was used Zoom to broadcast this service Live from Cape Rosier. This week we were joined by The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine.
8th Sunday after Pentecost July 26, 2020
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was used Zoom to broadcast this service Live from Cape Rosier.
If you would rather read the sermon click here. Download
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost July 5, 2020
Once again, because of CoVid-19 St. Francis by the Sea’s Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was used Zoom to broadcast this service Live from Cape Rosier.
The video clip used in the Sermon is from the PBS documentary called American Creed and of Eric Liu which is part of Episcopal Church’s anti-racism program, Sacred Ground https://www.americancreed.org/stories (see “Eric Liu: ‘What We Bring To The Table’”)
A National Day of Mourning Prayers
Today, Monday June 1, 2020, is a National Day of Mourning in which we are asked to join people of all faiths to mourn the more than 100,000 Americans who have died from Covid-19. At the Episcopal Church of Maine’s Bishop Thomas Brown along with The Very Rev. Dr. Benjamin Shambaugh, Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Luck in Portland offer prayers
4th Sunday of Easter May 3, 2020
The Zoomed 4th Sunday of Easter Service from St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Blue Hill, Maine. This Prayer Service is by the Rev. Dr. Brent Was (Rector) and was conducted Live from Cape Rosier! at 10:00 AM on Sunday May 3, 2020.
If you prefer to read Fr. Brent’s Sermon check it out here:
St Francis by the Sea Creatures
How a Blue Hill church is using lobsters to jumpstart its local economy
Milissa LaLonde, a parishioner at St. Francis by the Sea in Blue Hill, gestures with another church member as he gets out of his car Friday at the church to pick up his weekly lobster order. LaLonde, who runs the program, had customers place their checks in the aluminum pot. The church is buying lobster in bulk each week from an area lobsterman in order to help boost the local economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BLUE HILL, Maine — 05/01/20 — Milissa LaLonde, a parishioner at St. Francis by the Sea in Blue Hill, gestures with another church member as he gets out of his car Friday at the church to pick up his weekly lobster order. LaLonde, who runs the program, had customers place their checks in the aluminum pot. The church is buying lobster in bulk each week from an area lobsterman in order to help boost the local economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Bill Trotter, BDN Staff • Updated: May 2, 2020 8:11 am
BLUE HILL, Maine — In an effort to help support the local economy during the global COVID-19 pandemic, a local church has organized a weekly bulk purchase from a local lobsterman.
The program, now entering its fifth week at St. Francis by the Sea, is part of a broader movement among Mainers to support local businesses while measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease have forced many retailers to shut down for several weeks, with many facing several more weeks of closure. The program also reflects efforts by local food and beverage producers to stay in business by delivering their product directly to customers.
On Thursday dozens of members of St. Francis drove into the church parking lot on Hinckley Ridge Road to pick up their order, paying $6 for each lobster — below normal retail prices — all of which goes directly to the fisherman who caught them.
Church officials have not identified the fisherman supplying the program, saying he does not want the attention, but they have said he has a family and fishes far offshore. The $1,632 he is getting this week from church members is helping to pay the costs of operating his boat, maintaining his equipment, and to support his family.
“He’s pretty shy,” the Rev. Brent Was, rector of the church, said Monday.
Was, who has a background in local food systems and community supported agriculture, said he brought up the idea last month with church’s members. They in turn contacted the fisherman, who said he’d be happy to sell them some of his catch.
“This was a way we could [support local food producers] quite easily,” Was said. “Agriculture is such a vibrant part of the community here.”
Milissa LaLonde, a member of the church, said Wednesday that for years St. Francis staged an annual fair at which donated household goods were sold, with all the proceeds going to a local community organization. The church decided the fair last August would be the last one — “it became too much work for a bunch of old people,” she said — and so the lobster-buying program, which she helps to run, now is helping the church fulfill that part of its mission.
“We’ve been looking to replace the community service part” of the defunct fair, LaLonde said.
For several years, fishing industry advocates have encouraged direct-to-consumer sales as a way to help ensure that fishermen can sell what they catch and get a decent price for it, even if their harvests and sales volumes are fairly small.
Localcatch.org, an online network that connects commercial fishermen directly with consumers, was co-founded in 2011 by Joshua Stoll, an assistant professor of marine policy at University of Maine, as a way to boost the viability of small-scale fisheries throughout North America.
Stoll said Friday that since mid-March, there has been a 447 percent surge in traffic to the network’s website, where an interactive map provides locations and contact information for fishermen and regional seafood marketing groups who have registered with the network.
“The pandemic seems to have raised our collective consciousness about a lot of things, including where we get our food,” Stoll said. “I don’t know if interest in local seafood will stick, but in times of disruption when everyone’s routines change, people are trying a lot of new things and these ‘experiments’ may become habits. That could be transformative.”
In Maine, there has been an increase in recent years in smaller retailers and specialized distributors — Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine, Luke’s Lobster, and Downeast Dayboat among them — that focus on and emphasize the quality of Maine seafood in hopes of solidifying a niche market in which they can get higher prices for their products.
Ben Martens, executive director of Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, said that since COVID-19 pandemic has spread to Maine and disrupted the availability of many foods, and the way that people buy it, there has been a much higher interest in buying from Maine fishermen and specialty seafood retailers. Since early March, the association has gotten more inquiries about where to buy Maine seafood than it has in the prior eight years, he said.
“We’ve seen a huge uptick in local demand for Maine seafood,” he said.
It’s not just a matter of supporting local fishermen, Martens said. In times of disruption, when travel or trade is restricted, fish and other marine organisms harvested in the Gulf of Maine generally are more readily available to Mainers than food shipped from elsewhere.
He said many people also are more willing to take the time to prepare food, instead of just buying a frozen dinner and heating it in the oven, because they are home all day and have time on their hands. The association’s blog, which includes some recipes on how to prepare seafood, is getting more than 10 times as many readers than it did before the pandemic arrived in Maine, he said.
“We’ve got people ordering whole fish [from association members] and learning how to fillet them,” Martens said.
It has been helpful that the volume of seafood harvested in Maine this time of year typically is fairly low, which has helped lessen the impact of the plunge in global trade, Martens added.
Lobsters, which make up 47 percent of the annual statewide marine harvest by volume and 73 percent of its value, are harvested in much greater quantities each year from July through November than in the spring. Fisheries for baby eels, which almost exclusively are shipped overseas, and scallops — both of which take place in winter and/or spring — have been hurt more significantly by the ongoing pandemic and are fetching lower prices than in recent years, Martens said. Together, Maine’s eel and scallops harvests comprise less than 5 percent of annual statewide commercial fishing value of nearly $674 million.
Given the volume of fish or other marine species that are harvested in Maine each year, Martens said, direct-to-consumer sales in Maine might be helpful for fishermen who deal in small volumes, or may buoy incomes in the short term, but they are not a substitute for a nationwide or global distribution network. If overseas trade and domestic restaurants continue to stay shuttered or significantly restricted into the summer, weekly parking-lot sales won’t provide much help to Maine’s fishing industry.
Local demand can’t absorb 100 million pounds of lobster, or 3 million pounds of groundfish, Martens said.
Even in times when trade restrictions cause international exports of Maine seafood to drop, there is opportunity to boost demand, he said. Americans on average each eat only 15 pounds of seafood every year, he said — far less than the annual averages of more than 100 pounds of chicken, more than 80 pounds of beef, and more than 60 pounds of pork, according to USDA statistics.
“People should be demanding [Maine] seafood,” Martens said. “There’s a lot of room for seafood consumption to grow in the U.S.”
In the meantime, increased efforts to buy local are helping to keep at least some Maine fishermen afloat, and with luck those efforts won’t fall off after the pandemic passes, he said.
“It’s been revealing,” Martens said of the pandemic’s impact. “Hopefully we can learn from this and build off it.”
The 3rd Sunday of Easter’s Surprise
One thing that CoVid-19 has robbed from us is the Sunday morning beauty of the music provided by the St. Francis Music Ministers and Choir.
This piece is based on the Gospel for today (Easter 3A), Luke’s story of the journey to Emmaus.
“All Along the Way” Gregory Norbet, O.S.B. (Heather Ford, soprano; Lorna Russell, piano; Carlton and Lorna, backup choir)
It is important to know that this was recorded while paying strict attention to proper social distancing.
Lorna notes, “As to how this recording was created, Carlton and I recorded our parts (piano and back-up vocal sounds) in Stockton Springs,
They then sent the file to Heather who added her part at her home in Trenton using “GarageBand.”
Third Sunday of Easter April 26, 2020
This Sunday finds our new Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was resting and healing, not from CoVid19 but from Viral Syndrome. He is on the road to recovery. In his step we have video of the service organized by the Episcopal Diocese of Maine including music and a sermon from Bishop The Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, compiled by a diocese-wide team of clergy and lay leaders.
Full Service from the Episcopal Diocese of Maine
“A Win-Win Net Result”
St. Francis by the Sea is living up to it’s name thanks to some forward thinking friends looking to the ocean. They began realizing that CoVid19 has dried up the Lobster market, a huge part of the Blue Hill Peninsula economy. So here’s the story of neighbors helping neighbors with a true win-win proposition. Our thanks to the Episcopal News Service for covering it.
Click Here to Read All About It!A Higher Calling for High Tech
While CoVid19 kept our churches closed for Easter. It didn’t dampen either faith nor creativity. The National Cathedral and The Episcopal Church Office of Communication/Multimedia Services unit produced a viritual choir and orchestra. They combined, “nearly 800 submissions from more than 600 participants all around the world” and invite you to celebrate Easter as they came together in one voice to proclaim – The Strife is O’er, the battle won!”
Good Friday 2020
For our Good Friday service we once again zoomed. Led by our new Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was with the Rev. Carlton Russell joining with the chanting.
If you wish to follow along here is a link to the printed service:
Palm Sunday April 5, 2020
Sadly There Is No Recording BUT!!!
Technical gremlins played havoc with the recording of the Palm Sunday Zoom. But it was a meaningful virtual gathering of more than 50 people. Part of the traditional Palm Sunday service is the reading the Passion. For this year Fr. Brent treated us to a virtual performance created by members of Parishes around the Diocese brought together on Zoom.
Read Fr. Brent’s Sermon here!
Palm/Passion Sunday
April 5, 2020
The Reverend Dr. Brent Was
“Truly this man was God’s son.”
Good morning everyone out there in TV land. It has been another tough and unprecedented week. I pray that you are as well as you can be in these circumstances.
It is Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday. I was always a little peeved at the change in the liturgical calendar to add “Passion” to the Sunday, which was more or less done because too many of us don’t go to the Holy Week services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and/or Holy Saturday, meaning that many of us went Palm Sunday straight to Easter without any exposure to the Passion. That won’t do. You can’t get to Easter without Good Friday.
(to read more click on “Next” below)
The 5th Sunday of Lent Zoom Morning Prayer
On Sunday March 29, 2020 in continuing our efforts to provide spiritual sustenance during this COVID19 crisis St. Francis tried something new Zoom-based Morning Prayer Live from Cape Rosier!
Sermon for March 29, 2020 Year A, Lent 5
The Reverend Dr. Brent Was
“To set the mind on the flesh, is death, but to set the mind on the spirit is life and peace.”
It is really good to see you here, everyone who could navigate the digital wilderness to get here, be it today, the morning of Sunday the 29th of March, or on some later date. I hope you are holding up.
(Continued: Click on Next below)
The 4th Sunday in Lent March 22, 2020
This Sunday St. Francis conducted the first Live-streamed Mass offered by the three Episcopal parishes on the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle: St. Brenden the Navigator, Deer Isle – Trinity, Castine – St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill –
The video of the Live-Streamed service is being uploaded to YouTube right now but should be available by mid-day Monday.
There were many challenges which we hope to minimize next Sunday (not minimized like the start of this week’s video LiveStream).
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters.
The 1st St. Francis Live Streamed Service.
The 2nd Sunday in Lent March 8, 2020
With the Beginning of the new Ministry of St. Francis Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was a new tradition has begun with the Children of St. Francis ringing the bell to start the service. The Second Bell Ringer is Taggart Chung.
Each Sunday another Sunday School child will be The Bell Ringer
You May Read The Sermon Here!
March 8, 2020 The Reverend Dr. Brent Was
“…no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”
Good morning everyone! A blessed 2nd Sunday in Lent to you. I think this is going to work out, you now, us. I am meeting people here and a bunch of clergy colleagues. Just great. And last Sunday came together! I was a little nervous, seeing you all here for the first time, getting used to this new chasuble and altar and teeny-tiny microphone switches.
(continue by clicking “next” at the bottom of the page)
The 1st Sunday in Lent March 1, 2020
With the Beginning of the new Ministry of St. Francis Rector The Rev. Dr. Brent Was a new tradition is beginning with the Children of St. Francis ringing the bell to start the service. The First Bell Ringer is Brigid Was who inspired the idea.
Each Sunday another Sunday School child will be The Bell Ringer
Who IS Our New Senior Warden??
On Sunday August 25, 2019 the St. Francis church family gathered for the Annual Meeting. Among other important issues they voted in a new Sr. Warden. Vestry member Milissa LaLonde is now the new Senior Warden for St. Francis by the Sea.
She replaces Bob Publicover who served four years as Sr. Warden. During the annual meeting he shared: “this is the perfect time for new blood in the church leadership. And, Milissa LaLonde brings new energy, new ideas, an ear that really listens as well as a mind that is truly open.”
We asked Milissa to tell us about herself: “I hail from Michigan but have lived in Bucksport for 36 years, where my husband and I raised 4 children. I retired from teaching in 2016 but continue to substitute and tutor children on a regular basis. I love to cook, garden and am an avid reader. I am deeply involved with Restorative Justice; a process in which those who break the law or do harm can repair that harm and victims can be made whole. John Paul and I were active Catholics for 57 years until discovering the open arms and spiritual life of St. Francis by the Sea.”
The Vestry is made up of nine St. Francis members, each elected for a three-year term.
The Vestry is responsible, with the guidance from a search committee, to call a new rector if needed. They are also responsible for filling other positions in the parish, thus ensuring that appropriate programs, policies, duties and committees have been developed and are followed.
The Senior Warden is often referred to as the Rector’s warden and the Junior Warden (TBA) is known as the People’s Warden.
Milissa LaLonde, Senior Warden (Vestry Term ends: 2021)
Kevin Hunt, Treasurer
Sarah Everdell (Term ends: 2022)
Bill Gould (Term ends: 2022)
Prudy Heilner (Term ends: 2021)
Katie MacLeod (Term ends: 2020)
Ellie Neuhauser (Vestry Term ends: 2020)
Bob Publicover (Vestry Term ends: 2020)
Teri Stephens (Term ends: 2021)
Lynne Yurosko (Term ends: 2022)
A NEW Senior Warden
On Sunday August 25, 2019 the St. Francis church family gathered for the Annual Meeting. Among other important issues they voted in a new Sr. Warden. Vestry member Milissa LaLonde is now the new Senior Warden for St. Francis by the Sea.
She replaces Bob Publicover who served four years as Sr. Warden. During the annual meeting he shared: “this is the perfect time for new blood in the church leadership. And, Milissa LaLonde brings new energy, new ideas, an ear that really listens as well as a mind that is truly open.”
We asked Milissa to tell us about herself: “I hail from Michigan but have lived in Bucksport for 36 years, where my husband and I raised 4 children. I retired from teaching in 2016 but continue to substitute and tutor children on a regular basis. I love to cook, garden and am an avid reader. I am deeply involved with Restorative Justice; a process in which those who break the law or do harm can repair that harm and victims can be made whole. John Paul and I were active Catholics for 57 years until discovering the open arms and spiritual life of St. Francis by the Sea.”
The Vestry is made up of nine St. Francis members, each elected for a three-year term.
The Vestry is responsible, with the guidance from a search committee, to call a new rector if needed. They are also responsible for filling other positions in the parish, thus ensuring that appropriate programs, policies, duties and committees have been developed and are followed.
The Senior Warden is often referred to as the Rector’s warden and the Junior Warden (TBA) is known as the People’s Warden.
Milissa LaLonde, Senior Warden (Vestry Term ends: 2021)
Kevin Hunt, Treasurer
Sarah Everdell (Term ends: 2022)
Bill Gould (Term ends: 2022)
Prudy Heilner (Term ends: 2021)
Katie MacLeod (Term ends: 2020)
Ellie Neuhauser (Vestry Term ends: 2020)
Bob Publicover (Vestry Term ends: 2020)
Teri Stephens (Term ends: 2021)
Lynne Yurosko (Term ends: 2022)
Les Petits Chanteurs September 1, 2019
Maine’s New Bishop Thomas James Brown! Amen!
The Reverend Thomas James Brown was Ordained and Consecrated as the 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine on Saturday June 22nd in the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 143 State Street in Portland.
Watch the ceremony via YouTube using this link (https://youtu.be/ecpU2vkDFTM)
DOWNLOAD ORDER OF WORSHIP HERE
About the liturgy
The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, the Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church was the chief-consecrator. The Reverend Barbara K. Lundblad, a Lutheran pastor and a retired homiletics professor, preached.
View or download the Order of Worship here.
The Day of PENTECOST Sunday, May 28, 2023
The Pentecost Service from St. Francis By The Sea Episcopal Church Blue Hill Maine. The Rev. Allan Sandlin, Interim Rector is the Celebrant and The Rev. Tim Boggs is the Guest Preacher. The Rev. Carlton and Lorna Russell, Ministers of Music. Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-732785. All rights reserved. Once again there were some technical difficulties with the Facebook Live feed and we apologize with hopes of fixing those issues before next Sunday.
Red Doors??? At St. Francis
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From The Rev. Allan Sandlin
“At the April meeting of the St. Francis Vestry, a motion was made to paint the doors of church with the color red. The idea had been discussed at previous vestry meetings and thus, following some discussion, the motion passed unanimously. The work will take place sometime in the near future and is offered in memory of long-time parishioner Mary Semler. Mary served as chair of the Altar Guild, needle pointer extraordinaire (she was responsible for the artistry of many of our kneelers) and Senior Warden. She died in 2022 at the age of 99.”
From Vestry member, Bill Gould
“Every Episcopal Church I ever attended or was a member of had a red door including the one I was baptized at by my grandfather who was the priest at the Church the Crucifixion in Philadelphia.
Historically, churches painted their doors red to signal those fleeing violence that they were places of sanctuary. The present world is full of people who are looking for places to find peace, comfort and forgiveness. Some call it tradition, but the deeper reason is the firm belief that these churches are places of refuge.
Many people come to the Episcopal Church from other traditions and denominations in the belief that churches are not clubs for saints but hospitals for sinners. So, just as hospitals display a red cross, they use red doors to announce that we are a place of healing and restoration. These parishes help the wounded put their lives back together and provide comfort in time of need. These doors are open wide to welcome all people in.
In the beginning of cathedral architecture, as it was believed that red stood for the Blood of Christ, red was painted on the north, south, and east doors of a church. In other words, they were making “the sign of the cross” which ultimately marked the church as a safety zone from spiritual dangers in addition to protection from physical harm.
The tradition of red doors originated in England during the Middle Ages. If you were being pursued by someone, you would be safe if you could reach the church door. No one would dare commit violence on holy ground; furthermore, the Church didn’t have to abide by civil law. Pursuers could proceed no further, and victims knew that the red doors meant sanctuary, refuge, and safety. The person who claimed sanctuary like this could state his case to the priest and ask for justice to be served.
Today many Episcopal churches, as well as Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic and others, paint their doors red to symbolize that they are a haven for emotional and spiritual healing, a place to seek physical safety and a place for forgiveness and reconciliation.”
The Seventh Sunday of Easter: Ascension Sunday, May 21, 2023
A great way to start this Sunday with new Altar & Pulpit Frontals donated Anonymously to be Blessed, a Homily that began with an excellent punchline, a profoundly moving Anthem, some major announcements, and great Hymns for all who filled the pews. Sadly it was not a great morning for those tuning in for Facebook Live. We suffered two major technical glitches and we humbly apologize, hoping to have both fixed by next Sunday. While there is no recording of the full service we were able to capture some on the trusty iPhone for your viewing pleasure now.
The Sixth Sunday of EASTER May 14, 2023
It was a beautiful Mother’s Day celebrated after the service with a super pancake breakfast to raise money for the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. It is to provide confidential financial support to people in need at the Rector’s discretion. We have a short video of the Conspicuous Consumption below:
Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved
The Fifth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2023
The May 7, 2023, Homily from St. Francis By The Sea Episcopal Church Blue Hill, Maine.
We are happy to welcome as our guest preacher Heather Ford, parishioner, vestry member and soprano soloist in the St. Francis Choir. Heather is a licensed lay preacher in the Diocese of Maine and a life-long Episcopalian. She worked at the diocesan camp, Bishopwood for 26 summers and was in charge of the Faith Development Program for several of those summers. When not volunteering at St. Francis, she teaches at Hancock County Tech School.
Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service is obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-732785. All rights reserved.
The Offertory Anthem Canon: Alleluia à 3 William Boyce. The Rev. Carlton and Lorna Russell, Ministers of Music.
And this week’s Announcements from St. Francis By The Sea Episcopal Church Blue Hill, Maine by The Rev. Allan Sandlin, Interim Rector and Milissa LaLonde, Senior Warden
The Fourth Sunday of EASTER April 30, 2023
Our beloved Music Directors, Lorna and Carlton, took a very well deserved and long overdue Sunday off. Filling in for them, we welcome Gerald Wheeler back to the organ bench. Gerald served as organist and choirmaster at St. Francis from 1996-2004. Hired by our current Interim Rector The Rev. Allan Sandlin who was our first Full Time Rector back then. A joyful reunion for all of us.
PALM SUNDAY
The Liturgy of the Palms April 2, 2023
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
All but one service are at St. Francis
Maundy Thursday, April 6, 7:00 pm
Good Friday, April 7, Stations of the Cross, 12 Noon @ First Congregational Church Blue Hill, Maine
Good Friday Service, 7:00 pm
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 8, 7:00 pm
Easter Day, Sunday, April 9, 10:00 am
The Fifth Sunday in LENT March 26, 2023
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
All but one service are at St. Francis
Palm Sunday, April 2, 10:00 am
Maundy Thursday, April 6, 7:00 pm
Good Friday, April 7, Stations of the Cross, 12 Noon @ First Congregational Church Blue Hill, Maine
Good Friday Service, 7:00 pm
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 8, 7:00 pm
Easter Day, Sunday, April 9, 10:00 am
We lucked out with a good-weather Sunday and the good news of the New Testament. More good news is that the St. Francis Internet connection is scheduled for a major upgrade to FIBER this coming week. It means better quality for our video feed as well as making life easier for our outstanding “Clerk of the Works” Barbara Brady in the church office.
Now on to this week’s service highlights:
The Rev. Allan Sandlin, Interim Rector
Fourth Sunday in LENT March 19, 2023
It was the last Sunday of Winter which began with heavy snow showers and by the end of the Service the sun was shining with clear blue skies. A number of people decided it was better not to chance slippery roads and joined the service on Facebook Live.
The Rev. Allan Sandlin our Interim Rector preached a wonderful Homily around the Gospel reading: John 9:1-41 about Jesus giving the Blind Man his sight.
Our Ministers of Music The Rev. Carlton and Lorna Russell with the Choir provided a hauntingly beautiful Offertory Anthem:
Among the following announcements are St. Francis by the Sea plans for Easter Week.
The Third Sunday in LENT March 12, 2023
It was a beautiful Sunday Morning filled with beautiful music and meaningful words from our Interim Rector The Rev. Allan Sandlin.
The Offertory Anthem from the choir was a wonderful version of “Camina, pueblo de Dios” Cesáreo Gabarain (1936-1991) (“Walk on, O people of God”; WLP 739), sung in Spanish by Soloist: Jane Reinoso and the choir with Stephen Whiteley, on guitar. The congregation was invited to sing along with the refrain in Spanish. Ministers of Music The Rev. Carlton and Lorna Russell Music used by permission: One License #A-732785 All rights reserved
The busy morning also included the commissioning of The Discernment Committee for the Search for a New Rector.
The Rev. Dr. Brent Was officially resigned because of his unrelenting year long medical condition. He and his family presently remain in the Blue Hill Peninsula area and remain in our prayers.