Faith in Maine

You may be puzzled by the fact that the actual word ‘hope’ seldom occurs in Jesus’ original message. Why? Hope is not an ingredient in his message: hope is its thrust, its entire orientation. Seeking the gift of hope is seeking first the Reign of God and its setting things to right.

Our aim over these weeks is to seek the gift of hope. Join the Reverend Martin L. Smith in this second podcast in a series of eight exploring hope.  

Music:

Alpine Meadows by SnowMusicStudio and Our Inspiration by MediaM. Licensed through MelodyLoops #85999536136

Join the Reverend Martin L. Smith in exploring the difference between genuine hope and phenomena such as optimism, looking on the bright side, forecasting, and the belief in the inevitability of progress. Where hope is understood as a gift of the Holy Spirit (linked with faith and love) we recognize that in hoping we are resonating with, participating in, the hopefulness of God, God’s innovative creativity in bringing newness to birth even out of the tragic and ‘unpromising.’ Hope is not a mere positive frame of mind but a practical commitment to become a volunteer in playing a part in making things new in Christ.

This is the first in a series of eight podcasts by Reverend Smith on the concept of hope.

Music:

Alpine Meadows by SnowMusicStudio and Our Inspiration by MediaM. Licensed through MelodyLoops #85999536136

Enjoy a sermon preached by the Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, tenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, 17 May 2020.

Music:

Feeling Happiness by DPmusic and Our Inspiration by MediaM. Licensed through MelodyLoops #85999536136

Enjoy a conversation between the Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, tenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine and Dr. Deirdre Good, ThD on the occasion of the feast of Pentecost, 2020. 

Music:

Feeling Happiness by DPmusic and Our Inspiration by MediaM. Licensed through MelodyLoops #85999536136

Enjoy a sermon preached by the Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, tenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, for the Third Sunday of Easter, 26 April 2020. 

Music: 

Feeling Happiness by DPmusic and Our Inspiration by MediaM. Licensed through MelodyLoops #85999536136

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Lisbon makes Jesus known in its community in creative ways. We recently talked with the Rev. Beau Wagner, rector at St. Matt's, about moxie, outreach, and other ways they share the light of Christ with their neighbors.

Pictured: A St. Matt's float in the annual Moxie Festival parade.

Video: Father Beau counts down the start of the Moxie Chugging Contest

Music written and performed by one of the only people to be born in Hollywood but raised in West Virginia.

Christ Episcopal Church has perched on the edge of the town common in Gardiner, Maine, for more than 200 years. More than a classic New England landmark, the church is home to people who share a warm sense of belonging and welcome that reaches beyond its churchyard.

Pictured: With two native Kentuckians for clergy, Christ Church celebrates Derby Day with fancy hats and derby pie.

Music written and performed by a hospital administrator from the midcoast.

In which we talk with Mike Douglass, executive director of Bishopswood, our diocesan camp in Hope, about what it means to build an unplugged community and offer connection to kids - and increasingly adults - amid the natural beauty of Maine's midcoast. Check it out at www.bishopswood.org.

Pictured: Campers being campers Bishopswood.

Music written and performed by the host's college boyfriend.

Mike with his wife, Hanna Billington

Volunteers at St. Elizabeth Jubilee Center, an essentials pantry at St. Luke's Cathedral in downtown Portland sponsored by eight Episcopal congregations in Greater Portland, talk about the gifts given and the gifts received each Tuesday morning.

Pictured: Young volunteers from Falmouth Elementary School arrange scarves for the neighbors.

Music written and performed by Scott Shott 

Mudseason in Maine. Love it? Hate it? The people of Loring House, the offices of the Episcopal Church in Maine, have strong feelings about it.

Pictured: Tom Sumner, Assistant for Finance and Insurance, at work in his cozy office overlooking St. Luke's Cathedral in Portland, Maine.

Pretty Planet by Tom Chapin & John Forster