From the Bishop
| 4 March 2020Dear Episcopal Church in Maine Family: Gretchen Lane was beloved in our diocese, and her death evokes sadness in all of us who knew her. At the same time, this is an occasion for us to proclaim hope in resurrection, to give thanks for her presence and friendship, and to convey our love to Steve, who was our bishop for over a decade. Her funeral is the same day as Spring Training. Several in our community, especially members of governing bodies and diocesan staff, would like to be in Rochester on the 21st of March. Therefore, I am taking the decision to cancel Spring Training. Certainly some of us will be disappointed about this decision. Many of you had already committed to being in Augusta, to hearing the Reverend Jay Sidebotham, and to attending or leading workshops. However, not all is lost, not ever. Early in May we will gather in Bangor to be with Canon Stephanie Spellers, and with our Presiding Bishop, Michael Bruce Curry. It will be an occasion for us to gather together, to claim our call as evangelists, to learn, and to worship. I hope all of us will make this a priority. For more information about the Presiding Bishop’s visit, click here . Gretchen’s memorial service will be at the Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas, 2000 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY at 11:00am on Saturday, 21 March. If you are interested in joining others from the Diocese of Maine in attending the service, arrangements have been made for bus transportation and a room block at a nearby hotel. Those details appear below. Please send condolence notes, and sympathy cards to: The Rt. Rev. Stephen Lane and Family, 1400 East Avenue, #313, Rochester, NY 14610. Memorial contributions in thanksgiving for Gretchen may be made to: Saint Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry, 143 State Street, Portland, ME 04101 or The Center for Wisdom’s Women , PO Box 1016, Lewiston, ME 04240 (please add “Sophia’s House” in the memo line). Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Lord, you now have set your servant free, to go in peace as you have promised; for these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, whom you have prepared for all the world to see. A Light to enlighten the nations, and the glory of your people Israel. Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory. Faithfully in Christ, |
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| The Rt. Rev. Thomas J. BrownBishop of Maine[email protected] |
| So we can advise St. Thomas about the number of folks planning to attend, please select the response (below) that best matches your plans: * If you plan on attending the Memorial Service, but are making your own transportation arrangements, please click here . * If you’re attending and are interested in taking the bus , please click here . Tickets are $50 and are limited ~ distribution will be by order received. The bus will depart from the parking lot on the corner of Marginal Way and Franklin St in Portland (Exit 7 off 295) on Friday, 20 March promptly at 10AM The bus plans on stopping twice; please feel free to bring your own snacks/lunch.A free-will offering for the bus driver’s tip will be taken on the return trip. If you are attending and need a hotel room , please be in touch with the Strathallan Double Tree by Hilton at 550 East Avenue in Rochester at 1-800-678-7284 or by reserving directly by clicking here.A special room rate of $119 (plus tax) has been arranged under the group name “Episcopal Diocese of Maine” group code “DOM”Breakfast (buffet or ala carte) is available at the hotel for an additional charge. For more information, please be in touch with Canon Barbara Martin [email protected] or 207-650-6070 x 125 |
| Condolences for Bishop Lane and Family may also be sent to the diocesan office to be forwarded: Episcopal Diocese of Maine, 143 State Street, Portland, ME 04101. |