Communications, News & Events
Communications
News
Sunday Services
The Sunday service starts at 9:30 AM. Masks are optional. Masks are provided for those who would like to wear them. Click here for further information on protocols to maintain the well-being of our parishioners. Click here for information on each Sunday's service. Daycare service is provided every Sunday through June 8th.
A "Kids' Corner" is available in the back of the sanctuary. Click here for more information on our Youth Program.
The Sunday service starts at 9:30 AM. Masks are optional. Masks are provided for those who would like to wear them. Click here for further information on protocols to maintain the well-being of our parishioners. Click here for information on each Sunday's service. Daycare service is provided every Sunday through June 8th.
A "Kids' Corner" is available in the back of the sanctuary. Click here for more information on our Youth Program.
Adult Formation
--Book of 2 Months Club returns: Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang
For the months of May and June, the Book of 2 Months Club will be reading Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Fugelsang offers his take -- both deeply serious and with his characteristic humor -- on the topic of White Christian Nationalism. For a description of the book and to purchase it locally, click here. Our final gathering to discuss the second half of the book will be Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Please be in touch with Amanda if you'd like to participate and to be sent the Zoom link.
--Weekly Bible Study: Looking for ways to grow more deeply in faith? Our weekly Bible Study meets every Wednesday at 10 AM in the upstairs conference room. We are completing Judges and Ruth - the stories of the early days of God's people in God's promised land. We will be taking a break for the summer. Click here for more information on this and other Adult Education programming.
--Book of 2 Months Club returns: Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang
For the months of May and June, the Book of 2 Months Club will be reading Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Fugelsang offers his take -- both deeply serious and with his characteristic humor -- on the topic of White Christian Nationalism. For a description of the book and to purchase it locally, click here. Our final gathering to discuss the second half of the book will be Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Please be in touch with Amanda if you'd like to participate and to be sent the Zoom link.
--Weekly Bible Study: Looking for ways to grow more deeply in faith? Our weekly Bible Study meets every Wednesday at 10 AM in the upstairs conference room. We are completing Judges and Ruth - the stories of the early days of God's people in God's promised land. We will be taking a break for the summer. Click here for more information on this and other Adult Education programming.
Upcoming Events
Annual Newcomers Coffee on June 14th
If you are new to St. Bart's or have been coming for some time, we invite you to join Rev. Amanda and members of the parish for coffee and conversation. Bring your questions and comments. We will gather in the chapel after the service. We look forward to seeing you then!
If you are new to St. Bart's or have been coming for some time, we invite you to join Rev. Amanda and members of the parish for coffee and conversation. Bring your questions and comments. We will gather in the chapel after the service. We look forward to seeing you then!
Choral Evensong on Sunday afternoon, June 14th
Please join us for the last Evensong of the season at 4 PM. Led by our Music Director Christina Edelen and the St Bart's choir, this is a contemplative service of music and readings in the Episcopal Church tradition.
Please join us for the last Evensong of the season at 4 PM. Led by our Music Director Christina Edelen and the St Bart's choir, this is a contemplative service of music and readings in the Episcopal Church tradition.
Click here for a full event calendar.
Have an event coming up? Please fill out the program planning event form and send to Teri in the office. Questions? Email Teri.
Recent Events
Workshop on End-of-Life Planning Friday, May 8th recording
The Fellowship Committee offered a workshop to create an End-of-Life Plan with Leona Oceania. Leona Oceania is an End-of-Life Doula who has a practice called Die Well Death Education. A great presenter and very engaging, she guided us through documents and information that are necessary to complete while we still can. She brought folders with a wealth of resources to help guide us in this process and discussed Advanced Directives, healthcare proxy, burial options, care management and what to share with your family. Click here to watch a recording of the presentation.
The Fellowship Committee offered a workshop to create an End-of-Life Plan with Leona Oceania. Leona Oceania is an End-of-Life Doula who has a practice called Die Well Death Education. A great presenter and very engaging, she guided us through documents and information that are necessary to complete while we still can. She brought folders with a wealth of resources to help guide us in this process and discussed Advanced Directives, healthcare proxy, burial options, care management and what to share with your family. Click here to watch a recording of the presentation.
4th Annual Day of Service expands volunteerism to 5 nonprofits
This year's Annual St. Bart’s Day of Service was well attended as always. Volunteering at 5 nonprofits ocurred in the morning, followed by gathering back at St. Bart’s for a cookout/luncheon together. This is a collaborative way of expanding our outreach and generating interest and momentum for serving our communities via local nonprofits. This year's organizations included Maine TransNet, Growing to Give, Furniture Friends, St Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry and Royal River Conservation Trust. Many thanks go to Pal Covie for organizing the event again this year! See photos below.
This year's Annual St. Bart’s Day of Service was well attended as always. Volunteering at 5 nonprofits ocurred in the morning, followed by gathering back at St. Bart’s for a cookout/luncheon together. This is a collaborative way of expanding our outreach and generating interest and momentum for serving our communities via local nonprofits. This year's organizations included Maine TransNet, Growing to Give, Furniture Friends, St Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry and Royal River Conservation Trust. Many thanks go to Pal Covie for organizing the event again this year! See photos below.
Another successful diaper drive for St. Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry
St Bart's parishioners donated 3,150 diapers and an additional $570 in cash for our March Diaper Drive. Rev. Amanda blessed the diapers at the Palm Sunday service. St. E's goal is to distribute 100,956 diapers in 2026. Two bundles of 12 diapers are given out on Diaper Day each month. Thanks to all who contributed to this important ministry!
St Bart's parishioners donated 3,150 diapers and an additional $570 in cash for our March Diaper Drive. Rev. Amanda blessed the diapers at the Palm Sunday service. St. E's goal is to distribute 100,956 diapers in 2026. Two bundles of 12 diapers are given out on Diaper Day each month. Thanks to all who contributed to this important ministry!
Diplomacy on Ice: Climate science, glaciers, and effecting change on the global level A Talk by Dr. Susana Hancock
St. Bart's Climate Action Committee welcomed Dr. Susana Hancock back to St. Bart's to speak on Sunday, March 8 at 4 pm. Susana, familiar to many at St. Bart's, is an Arctic and glaciers researcher who specializes in science diplomacy and climate policy. Susana shared some of her recent icy adventures (ranging from an attempt to ski to the North Pole to climbing the high-altitude glaciers along the Colombian Equator) and how she brings her research to world leaders and into international decision-making spheres to drive urgency and ambition in global climate action. If you missed this terrific presentation, click here to view the recording.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, sharing in community
Thanks go to the many hands that helped make this annual event fulfilling in so many ways! Also thanks go to the Fellowship Committee Chairs for organizing. We all enjoyed informal fellowship while dining on steaming pancakes and delicious fixings! A fun, family event.
Thanks go to the many hands that helped make this annual event fulfilling in so many ways! Also thanks go to the Fellowship Committee Chairs for organizing. We all enjoyed informal fellowship while dining on steaming pancakes and delicious fixings! A fun, family event.
2025 Christmas Fair, A Day to Remember
As so many know, the Christmas Fair was a great success. The preliminary number for revenue generated has us exceeding our $16,000 goal by several thousand dollars. This means our core nonprofit organizations--Friendship House, St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry, and Yarmouth Food Pantry--will receive a year-end gift from our parish family. Many thanks to all who volunteered to make the Fair such a success. We are grateful especially for our Fair Co-Chairs Michele Johns, Pam Waite and Marcia Sharp for their months of preparation.
As so many know, the Christmas Fair was a great success. The preliminary number for revenue generated has us exceeding our $16,000 goal by several thousand dollars. This means our core nonprofit organizations--Friendship House, St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry, and Yarmouth Food Pantry--will receive a year-end gift from our parish family. Many thanks to all who volunteered to make the Fair such a success. We are grateful especially for our Fair Co-Chairs Michele Johns, Pam Waite and Marcia Sharp for their months of preparation.
St. Elizabeth’s Annual Coat and Boot Drive
Many thanks to St Bart's parishioners who donated scores of winter coats and boots for St. Elizabeth's drive. Coats and boots were given out over 4 days due to the incredible outpouring of donations across the Portland area churches. St Bart's volunteers helped to size, organize and distribute the coats and boots. 245 coats were distributed in November and another 208 coats in December. Truly a blessing.
Many thanks to St Bart's parishioners who donated scores of winter coats and boots for St. Elizabeth's drive. Coats and boots were given out over 4 days due to the incredible outpouring of donations across the Portland area churches. St Bart's volunteers helped to size, organize and distribute the coats and boots. 245 coats were distributed in November and another 208 coats in December. Truly a blessing.
Fellowship Event: Our first Friendsgiving Dinner enjoyed by 80 attendees
Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee, parishioners and friends gathered together in community to share a potluck meal on November 21st. Thanks go to the Fellowship Chairs and so many others who turned our sanctuary into a beautiful dining space, as well as all of those who brought food and cleaned up afterwards. A joyful event for which we are grateful.
Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee, parishioners and friends gathered together in community to share a potluck meal on November 21st. Thanks go to the Fellowship Chairs and so many others who turned our sanctuary into a beautiful dining space, as well as all of those who brought food and cleaned up afterwards. A joyful event for which we are grateful.
The Bishop of Maine affirms Rev. Amanda as Episcopal Priest and presides over Baptism
On October 26th, the Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Brown celebrated the Baptism of Iris Covie, and the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity of Rev. Amanda. We were so fortunate to have Bishop Brown with us to officiate and celebrate on this very special Sunday. Some photos of the joyful day below.
On October 26th, the Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Brown celebrated the Baptism of Iris Covie, and the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows and Declaration of Conformity of Rev. Amanda. We were so fortunate to have Bishop Brown with us to officiate and celebrate on this very special Sunday. Some photos of the joyful day below.
17th Yarmouth Art Festival brings in record number of entries and sales!
The in-person phase of the 17th annual Yarmouth Art Festival wrapped up with 88 pieces sold, a record for this event. Thanks to the many volunteers, artists and art lovers who participated. Jurors selected 169 pieces by 140 artists. Submissions totaled 698, a new record, presenting a challenge to the jury to choose from a great many quality pieces. Portland Press Herald staff writer Sophie Burchell wrote a very nice piece about opening day, interviewing artists and art lovers on the scene.
The total net funds raised were $16,000 and will support the following local community nonprofits: Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine, Equality Maine, and New Mainers Assistance Program.
The in-person phase of the 17th annual Yarmouth Art Festival wrapped up with 88 pieces sold, a record for this event. Thanks to the many volunteers, artists and art lovers who participated. Jurors selected 169 pieces by 140 artists. Submissions totaled 698, a new record, presenting a challenge to the jury to choose from a great many quality pieces. Portland Press Herald staff writer Sophie Burchell wrote a very nice piece about opening day, interviewing artists and art lovers on the scene.
The total net funds raised were $16,000 and will support the following local community nonprofits: Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine, Equality Maine, and New Mainers Assistance Program.
New Member Sunday held October 19th
Rev. Amanda welcomed 12 new members and their children during the Sunday morning service.
It is not a requirement to participate in our New Member Service or the ministries of St Bart's to become a member of our church. Membership status, though, signifies a commitment to the vitality and sustainability of our ministries through thoughtful engagement, participation in decision-making, and contributions of time, talents, and treasure.
Rev. Amanda welcomed 12 new members and their children during the Sunday morning service.
It is not a requirement to participate in our New Member Service or the ministries of St Bart's to become a member of our church. Membership status, though, signifies a commitment to the vitality and sustainability of our ministries through thoughtful engagement, participation in decision-making, and contributions of time, talents, and treasure.
Lobster Dinners-To-Go Annual Fundraiser 2025 – A record for lobsters and donations!
Our popular Lobster Dinner fundraiser was a huge success. We fulfilled 115 dinners and received additional donations for a total of over $12,000. As always, all funds raised go to NMAP (New Mainers Assistance Program).
Many thanks to Cap'n Jeff Diggins for catching and supplying the lobsters, as well as the Membership Co-chairs and all the volunteers who helped to make this fundraiser run without a hitch. See photos of the fun below.
Our popular Lobster Dinner fundraiser was a huge success. We fulfilled 115 dinners and received additional donations for a total of over $12,000. As always, all funds raised go to NMAP (New Mainers Assistance Program).
Many thanks to Cap'n Jeff Diggins for catching and supplying the lobsters, as well as the Membership Co-chairs and all the volunteers who helped to make this fundraiser run without a hitch. See photos of the fun below.
Annual Fellowship gathering at the Sea Dogs game on June 7th
Despite gloomy weather, St Bart's parishioners always have fun getting together for a Sea Dogs baseball game. This year was particularly special as one of our young members was selected to throw out the first pitch. Go Grayson! It was also the Sea Dog's annual Pride Day.
Despite gloomy weather, St Bart's parishioners always have fun getting together for a Sea Dogs baseball game. This year was particularly special as one of our young members was selected to throw out the first pitch. Go Grayson! It was also the Sea Dog's annual Pride Day.
Episcopal Clergy and Lay People Fight Anti-Trans Legislation at the State House
The Episcopal Church has taken an unequivocal position in support of trans, non-binary, and two-spirit people. The Diocese of Maine is on record having opposed eight of the bills in the legislature. On the day of the public hearing, May 8, 2025, many clergy and people of faith from our churches were on hand to offer their support for the transgender community in Maine, including our Rector Amanda. None of the anti-trans bills passed.
Photo left (l to r): the Rev. Lauren Kay, the Rev. Gwen Fry, and the Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelson.
Photo left (l to r): the Rev. Lauren Kay, the Rev. Gwen Fry, and the Rev. Amanda Gerken-Nelson.
Great turnout for our Third Annual Day of Service on May 3rd
47 parishioners volunteered at 5 different non-profits and then gathered back at St. Bart’s for a delicious cookout/luncheon. This is a collaborative way of expanding our outreach and generating interest and momentum for serving our communities via local organizations. Click here for more photos of the day.
47 parishioners volunteered at 5 different non-profits and then gathered back at St. Bart’s for a delicious cookout/luncheon. This is a collaborative way of expanding our outreach and generating interest and momentum for serving our communities via local organizations. Click here for more photos of the day.
Supporting the Maine Civil Rights Act
Many St. Bart's members were among the several hundred people who turned out on a cold Maine Sunday morning to support LGBTQIA+ students, neighbors and friends, the Maine Principals Association, and Governor Mills for standing up for state law: the Maine Civil Rights Act.
Many St. Bart's members were among the several hundred people who turned out on a cold Maine Sunday morning to support LGBTQIA+ students, neighbors and friends, the Maine Principals Association, and Governor Mills for standing up for state law: the Maine Civil Rights Act.
Outreach opportunities discussion group
Many St Bart's parishioners gathered after the Sunday church service to hear from the Founder of In Her Presence, a Portland-based non-profit organization supporting immigrant women and families. Language acquisition, career counseling and job placement, and promoting community connections are some of the initiatives this group undertakes. John Hennessy, Director of Public Policy for the Diocese, joined in the discussion to share Episcopal Church initiatives in support of the immigrant community.
St. Bart's Pastors gather at memorial service
All five pastors of St. Bart's were in attendance at Peter Chandler's memorial service in February. From the left: Nina Pooley, David Heald, Sukie Curtis, Amanda Gerken-Nelson, and Gil Birney. It brought special meaning in celebrating the life of a very special parishioner.
All five pastors of St. Bart's were in attendance at Peter Chandler's memorial service in February. From the left: Nina Pooley, David Heald, Sukie Curtis, Amanda Gerken-Nelson, and Gil Birney. It brought special meaning in celebrating the life of a very special parishioner.
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