On Sunday, February 20, 2022, the Rev. John Nieman, our Transitional-Priest-in-Charge for the last three years, celebrated his last Sunday Eucharist at St. Margret’s. We love both John and Margaret and will miss them so much! Here is a recap of our combined ministries. God bless the Nieman as they take the fork in the road. We look forward to seeing them walk through the door again.
How every modern minister ended up having coffee hour with parishioners during the pandemic – Via ZOOM, March 28, 2021John spearheaded the assembling and training of our first lay leadership team equipping us to lead Morning Prayer and preach. L-r: Kristen Burkholder, Faye Ward, Julian Sheffield, Rev. John, Kenneth Taylor, Audrey Klein-LeachJohn and Margaret’s first Sunday with us! March 3, 2019.On February 23, 2019, we welcomed John Nieman as our interim minister for the next three years.Rev. John Nieman and Cindy Frost at the Episcopal Diocese of Maine Spring Training, April 2019Bishop Lane visited St. Margaret’s on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019, with Bishop-Elect Thomas Brown Before meeting with he Vestry, Bishop Lane and John talked together in the library.Bishop Lane’s visit to St. Margaret’s in May 2019.John with Kristen Burkholder and Rev. Joel Krueger of Frost Church UCC in Belfast, for Belfast Has Pride 2019John leading St. Margaret’s and St. Mark’s in Waterville congregations in worship at Mosman Park, Searsport, July 14, 2019Lessons and Carols, December 2019John talks with Deirdre Good during our after-school food program “For Goodness Sake”, February 19, 2020Social distancing during ZOOM services meant Rev. John sitting so the camera could see him. June 2020Our first outdoor service was held in our parking lot for those who wanted to gather in person without putting each other in jeopardy during the pandemic. John embraced the challenge wonderfully. July 26, 2020.After months of being in lockdown, services began being broadcast from the sanctuary. John and a small team of people began ZOOM services there. June 2, 2020.Eucharist during the pandemic. September 13, 2020.Bishop Thomas James Brown and Rev. John Nieman during the dedication of our stained glass window. May 23, 2021.John and Margaret Nieman joined the St. Margaret’s contingent for the 2019 Belfast Has Pride parade.While we were in lockdown during the first few months of the COVID19 pandemic, the only way we had to gather was digitally. John literally met us where we were, and kept our spirits up and our eyes focused on God.Absolutely fabulous!John and Margaret Nieman at the 2019 Belfast Has Pride Parade.
We are so grateful for the care and attention you have given to keep yourselves and one another safe by observing protocols thus far. Given the large number of COVID cases in Maine and the rise of the omicron variant, we want to be especially vigilant and careful in order to keep one another and the wider community safe. Until further notice, beginning Christmas Eve and continuing for all worship services going forward, we urge
Only those who are fully vaccinated and boosted to attend worship services
Everyone in attendance to wear a well-fitted mask
Stay home if you have any symptoms, especially a cough, or have any question about whether you might have been exposed to someone with COVID
Requested by fellow a parishioner! Kristen Burkholder on vocals and Linn Johnson on piano, Sunday June 21 2020. “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” often called “The Black National Anthem” was written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) and then set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) in 1899. This song is in the Episcopal hymnal, pg 599 under the category “Christian Responsibility.” Amen!
St. Margaret’s Episcopal is in Belfast, Maine, the only Episcopal church in Waldo County. We are a vibrant faith community of individuals from here and away, year-round and summer residents, cradle Episcopalians and people who grew up in the other faith traditions and Christian denominations, questioners, and seekers. We are all ages, single, married, partnered, divorced, and widowed. We come from a spectrum of political beliefs and are united in our commitment to the Body of Christ. We share a variety of spiritual practices and liturgy throughout the week that are both traditional and contemporary. We recognize that worship includes transformative service in our local community and in the world. Wherever you are on your path, all are welcome. We are currently streaming our Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m. on ZOOM. If you would like to participate, please sign up for our e-newsletter (which provides the link) on our website homepage.
The Hospitality Committee is interested in starting a similar storytelling program to Public Radio’s “Moth Hour.” This monthly event will kickoff this Fall as we encourage the practice of personal storytelling. The program goals include:
believing that listening to personal stories can widen our perspective and help us realize what we have in common
creating a supportive space in which people can listen and be heard
and believing that a community is strengthened when its members share stories with one another.
Upcoming events to sharpen our skills and guide us in this adventure, open to anyone.
This year’s “Maine Storytelling Muster,” which is open to the public, is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, in Waterville at the United Methodist Church on Pleasant Street.
The West Market Square Artisan Coffeehouse in Bangor “recently started hosting monthly story slams at 6:30 p.m.the first Friday of every month, “ according to the Bangor Daily reporter Aislinn Sarnacki
There is a sign-up sheet on the easel-held bulletin board in the Parish Hall for those who want to help organize or just
