Four Way Talks Open
February 5, 2006Getting four Episcopal parishes to talk about common goals and visions can be as difficult as getting four hostile nations to negotiate, but the climate is right on Mount Desert Island, and a truly significant conversation began on Friday, January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.The event took place at St. John’s, and began with a Service of Light and Eucharist. Nearly 80 people remained for an excellent pot-luck supper and a substantive discussion, ably facilitated by Sarah Flynn.
Some major themes emerged, and the “elephant in the tent,” the high cost of four full-time priests for four geographically close congregations, was named and discussed. Future steps include continuing conversations about: whether we might all save if we purchase our oil together; how we might develop an Island-wide ministry to our Island youth; how we might do outreach and communication together; and the “elephant,” the possibility of some day sharing clergy (a largish committee with representatives from all four congregations has agreed to continue this conversation).
The mood of the evening was upbeat, frank, open and caring. We already know one another because our paths cross in so many ways. Engaging one another as Episcopalians helps us deepen our connections, and may accomplish the goal of many: beginning to see ourselves as the Episcopal church on Mount Desert Island, worshiping in our four different places.
One result of the evening was the following prayer for our clergy, written by Andrew McMullan:
Dear Lord, please look with special favor upon Thy servants and our shepherds. For those who have answered Thy call and given themselves unselfishly and completely to Thy service are indeed special souls. As they lead us on our path to becoming closer to You and closer to our Brothers and Sisters in Christ, please keep them from all harm and strengthen them in all goodness. In a sometimes dark and broken world, fraught by doubt and human frailty, please comfort and embolden them in the knowledge of our respect, gratitude, great need, and above all, unfathomable love for them. Godspeed our clergy on our journey together, as they guide us to fulfill Thy will for us on earth. AMEN
Vesta Kowalski
July 4, 2006 at 2:43 am
[...] The MDI Episcopal congregations, and St. Dunstan in Ellsworth have entered into a collective heating fuel pre-buy for the next year with No Frills Oil. Church members will be able to purchase oil “at 8 cents a gallon less than the pre-buy price (which varies daily)…” (in the words of Ted Bromage, who negotiated the contract.) A fuller explanation of the arrangement will appear in the August newsletter; but Ted says that interested parishioners who are still comparison-shopping for their winter oil supply will be able to call No Frills (422-3581), identify themselves as church members, and “see what they can do for you.” [...]