Worship Schedule St. John the Divine 315 Main Street, Southwest Harbor
St. John's Worship Service
is suspended for now.
The building is
temporarily closed.
If you need access or need to talk with someone, please call
Gen MacKenzie, 244-7313
Ted Fletcher, 266-8415
CHURCH CLOSURE UPDATE
MARCH 26, 2020
Bishop Brown (see message below) has asked that all churches be closed. One person may be in the church to check on the building and grounds. This will be several times a week. The Bishop has allowed for two exceptions. These are the Food Pantry and Backpack programs. He advised that common sense and compassion should be our focus and our priority should be serving the needs of others.
The Food Pantry and Discretionary Fund will need additional donations as the number of requests are expected to increase. The Backpack Program may require additional donations at a future date.
Please keep in mind our operating expenses continue even though the church is closed. You are asked to mail your pledges to the church. If you have not returned your pledge card, please do consider returning it.
The rapid changes and limitations occurring in our daily lives is unsettling. We are challenged to think creatively and to be flexible.
Examples of this are Dean Henry and the Food Pantry volunteers, and Dianne McMullan and the Backpack volunteers new distribution systems to meet the needs of our community. An additional example is the new approach for providing pastoral care and staying connected with parishioners developed by Joan Bromage and Rita Redfield. Also, Michele Daley is continuing and changing administration methods as needed.
They are examples of creativity and flexibility in ministering to the needs of others and putting their faith into action. May we all be creative and flexible in acting out our faith. We thank you.
May we continue to seek God's guidance and peace with each day's challenges.
Faithfully,
Gen MacKenzie
Ted Fletcher
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St. John's Calendar
The full St. John's Calendar can be viewed <HERE>.
All meetings have been cancelled until further notice.
Suggestion for the day:
Reach out to one person today who may be particularly isolated.
Reach out via phone, text, or email.
Keep in your prayers this week:
Jeremy Harkins, Michael Shook, Joyce and Jim Risser, Loretta Schmidt, Susannah Jones, Theresa Mitchell, David Douglass, George Harorack, Lee Pike, Fred Sprague, Sara Winchenbach, Dorothea Mead, Ray McDonald, Richard Ramsdell, Cassandra Crabtree, Beth Pfeiffer, Dorothy & Jim Clunan, Bill and Barbara Loveland.
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At St. John's
Meditation on Tuesdays at 4:00 at St. John's has been suspended until further notice.
Westside Food Pantry Upcoming distribution Sundays are as follows: April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17. The first Sunday distribution hours are 12 noon to 2 PM, the second Sunday hour is 12 noon to 1 PM. Distribution will be held at St. John's.
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From the Diocese of Maine As a Parish of the Diocese of Maine, we are part of a church family that extends from Kittery to Fort Kent, and connects us to the rest of the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. We share ministry with our Bishop and with every worshipping community. If you are not subscribed to the Diocesan twice monthly email newsletter, the DioLog, please click [here] to subscribe. If you are subscribed, don't forget to open it and read it every time! There is a lot going on in every corner of the Diocese, and you wouldn't want to miss anything. | | |
25 March 2020
The Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord Jesus Christ
This is a moment to be a follower of Christ, to care for our neighbor, to step-up if we are healthy, and to rest if we are vulnerable.
Bishop Thomas James Brown
Dear People of God called to be the Diocese of Maine, As expected, the cases of the Covid-19 virus continue to grow in our country and here in Maine. The Governor has issued new measures to protect public health and access to health care. Municipalities, including Portland, have taken their own steps to flatten the curve as quickly as possible. As the spiritual leaders and faith shepherds of our diocese of some 10,000 people in 59 churches and ministries across Maine, we are now called on in this unprecedented moment to take every step necessary to help slow the spread of this virus. Given the diversity and access to resources of our congregations, it will be up to each of you to determine how best to prioritize and respond to the needs – practical, emotional and spiritual – of your respective parishes. And as always, you have open access to the resources and support of the diocesan office 24/7. Following yesterday's Town Hall with clergy and lay leaders, I am reiterating my advice about protocols for ongoing safety of our communities: 1) Clergy, staff, and lay leaders should work from home, insofar as possible 2) Arrange for phone and e-mail messages to be forwarded. 3) Suspend access to church buildings, offices, and parish halls; consider placing signs on doors. 4) Make arrangements to have buildings checked every 4-5 days; if equipped, set security systems. 5) Those who do enter our buildings must use a log with one's name, date, and time. Sanitizer to be present with wipes for pens, paper etc. With regard to worship, outreach, and pastoral care: - Consider live streaming worship from your home via Zoom or Facebook Live.
- Continue pastoral care remotely via phone, emails, and social media links.
- Continue nourishing faith formation online in small communities.
- Cancel plans for "Eucharists to go" or "Palm Sunday to go".
- Visit us at episcopalmaine.org for resources.
- Continue essential humanitarian ministries such as pantries and blood drives, partnering with other organizations and adhering to latest CDC recommendations and measures.
- Set a good example by practicing common sense and care by staying at home, and only visiting businesses and organizations that are absolutely essential.
Staff from Loring House, who are all working remotely, shall continue to contact every parish in the diocese during these challenging times. The word "essential" is suddenly a regular part of our daily speech. So it is with you! You are essential to God's mission in he Episcopal Diocese of Maine. I anticipate looking back on this time as an example of when each of us looked past our church buildings and became the church wherever we were.
In closing, and as we walk alongside each other in this uncharted journey together, I share this message from the Letter to the Hebrews:
Jesus Christ is the same—yesterday, today, and forever.
When we focus on this truth, and the joy that comes from having Him as the Lord of our lives, we can do all things because He gives us strength. God's nature is to bring God's people from death into life. All the time!
Faithfully in Christ, | | | | | | | | | | Episcopal Diocese of Maine | Fifty-nine congregations and ministries across Maine, Portland, ME 04101 | | | | | | | | | | |
COVID-19 Resource Links for MDI Region
Last Updated: March 25, 2020
Click on Blue Links below or scroll to go to the category you are interested in:
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
General
Food (Meals & Groceries)
Meals for Students
Medical
Supplies
Learning Resources for Families
Mental and Physical Health
Childcare
Utilities
*Special thanks and solidarity to the Rockland community group and others for assistance in creation of this additional list of resources (link here). The linked list is specific to the Rockland area, but contains information that can also be useful to the MDI community.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fill out a form below to:
Get Help:
https://forms.gle/QzV1LLb76fzM5U1k8
Provide Help:
https://forms.gle/a7FFeb1Q8T4B21nYA
General 211 Maine - 211 - 211 Maine | Get Connected. Get Answers.
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. 211 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specialists are trained and friendly; they know we all need help sometimes. You can reach 211 via phone, text, email, or by searching our online database.
Food (Meals & Groceries) A&B Naturals - (207) 288-8480
Bagged grocery pick-up and delivery
Bar Harbor Food Pantry - (207) 288-3375 or email: jennifer@bhfp.org
Food by appointment or pick-up. Call to schedule Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 2pm
Your food will be set on the picnic table for you to load into your vehicle, there are neon yellow signs to help indicate where to park.
Please do not enter the pantry, or open the pantry door when you arrive- we want to keep you safe!
Open curbside, drive-by food distribution on Fridays 9am-12 for any and all residents of Hancock County- items such as produce, milk and bread available during these times.
Hannaford Supermarkets - Bar Harbor: (207) 288-5680 Ellsworth: (207) 667-5300
Beginning March 24 Hannaford stores will begin special shopping hours for customers over 60 and those with compromised immune systems. Stores will open early from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, Hannaford is shortening its general operating hours starting March 21. The new hours will be from 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Open Table MDI - opentablemdi@gmail.com
Free prepared meals for pick-up or delivery
Packaged meals available for pick-up on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00pm at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church. Pick-up will happen upstairs or (weather permitting) outside the side door of the Church, near the parking lot. There will be no sit-down meal service until further notice.
Pine Tree Market - (207) 276-3335
Will put phone orders together for pick-up.
Southwest Harbor Foodmart - (207) 244-5601
The Foodmart is offering shopping and delivery for anyone who is high risk or elderly by partnering with a third party volunteer service. Available Tuesday and Friday, 8AM to 4PM only. To make an order, call the store and share a list of what you need.
Westside Food Pantry, Southwest Harbor - (207) 664-8615
Serves Southwest Harbor, Tremont and Mount Desert. The pantry provides vouchers only, not food. It's open on the first and third Sunday of the month. For more information call or visit westsidefoodpantry.org.
Meals for Students The Backpack Program is making deliveries on Thursdays and is open to all students in the district. Anyone who would like a delivery and hasn't yet signed up through a school survey is encouraged to email Neilly at bneilly@mdirss.org.
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Conference Center, Bar Harbor (207) 288-8530 x3108.
Lunch will be provided Monday through Friday with pickup from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m (see map on website for Willows Circle pickup location). Open to all AOS 91 students. Please order online, one order for each child, at lunchinbarharbor.com or by calling 288-8530 x3108
Geddy's, Bar Harbor - (207) 288-5077
Free to-go dinner for students K-12. Call to place your order and pick up between 4-6 pm. Be sure to tell them this is a student dinner. Choice of hot dog, mac and cheese, pasta with red sauce, or chicken fingers.
Red Sky Restaurant, Southwest Harbor - (207) 244-0476
Free "school lunch" while Pemetic Elementary is closed. Those interested in a meal can call ahead and specify pick up or delivery. Service time is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and everyone (kids and adults) is welcome. Contact is James Lindquist at 244-0476 or Janet.adler@mdirss.org.
"The River" Church, Town Hill - (207) 288-3948
Free bag lunches for students Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27. Call ahead to order the number needed, 288-3048.
Medical/Pharmacy Carroll Drug Store
Free delivery of prescription medication
Delivering prescriptions free of charge to any customer on Mount Desert Island.
New Patients: 207-466-6469
Current Patients: 207-244-5588 Supplies
FT Brown Hardware - (207) 276-3329 - ftbrownco@yahoo.com
Curb-side pick-up and delivery
Open normal hours, but the door will be physically locked. Orders via telephone or email with curb side pick-up or free delivery on MDI. Our hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 and Saturday 8:30-12:00.
Paradis True Value - (207) 288-4995
Phone orders and pick up
Following all of the recommended guidelines, Paradis is happy to let customers pay over the phone, and have items ready for pick up.
Learning Resources for Families MDI Tutors - MDITutors@gmail.com
FREE Skype test prep sessions
These sessions will be:
Tuesday: 1:00-2:00 SAT Prep
Thursday: 1:00-2:00 AP Test Prep
These test prep sessions are completely FREE for anyone who is interested. Please RSVP by sending an email.
Spectrum Broadband - 1-855-243-8892 (to sign up)
Free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 Days for New K-12 and college student households (New Customers Only)
For more information: Charter to Offer Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi For 60-Days For New K-12 and College Student Households and More
Suddenly Homeschooling Support Group
Resources and Community for Learning at Home
https://www.facebook.com/groups/224050045444679//
Summer Festival of the Arts
Virtual Art Classes
Virtual Art Classes
Mental and Physical Health Acadia Family Center - Southwest Harbor - (207) 244-4012
Free and Low Cost Remote Counseling
"During this crisis, we are ensuring financial situations are not a barrier to receiving mental health and substance use therapy. Please know that money concerns will not be a barrier to receiving help. The Center has a financial assistance program and we are relaxing the requirements with the understanding that conditions are changing rapidly for many. If you would like to speak with a counselor, please call."
Intentional Warm Line - 1-866-771-9276
Mental Health Support Line
The Intentional Warm Line is available toll-free from anywhere in Maine, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a mental health peer-to-peer phone support line for adults, aged 18 and older, offering mutual conversations with a trained peer specialist who has life experience with mental health
Domestic Violence Resources: - Next Step Domestic Violence Project - 24-hour helpline—1-800-315-5579
Next Step's Ellsworth and Machias Resource Centers will be closed to the public from March 17 until at least April 6. "If you need to speak to an advocate, please call our 24-hour helpline. We are here for you—just not, for the time being, face-to-face."
https://www.nextstepdvproject.org/ - Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline: 1 (866) 834-4357
Information, crisis counseling, emotional support and advocacy.
www.mcedv.org
Recovery Resources: Narcotics Anonymous: Offers a variety of online and skype meeting options https://www.na.org/meetingsearch
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) tip sheet describes resources that can be used to virtually support recovery from mental/substance use disorders. It also provides resources to help local recovery programs create virtual meetings:
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/virtual-recovery-resources.pdf
Maine TransNet - info@mainetransnet.org
MaineTransNet facilitates ONLINE peer support groups for trans people and allies, as well as providing avenues for social networking and public dialogue. Maine TransNet directs people to available resources and provide training and education opportunities that utilize our expertise and experiences. For support group schedule go to http://www.mainetransnet.org/support
Childcare MDI Helpers
If you are in need of childcare, complete the "Get Help" form at the top of this document or click here (https://forms.gle/QzV1LLb76fzM5U1k8) to be put in touch with a network of babysitters who are doing their best to provide care safely. Utilities
Bangor Daily News article about relaxed utility payment policies during outbreak
https://bangordailynews.com/2020/03/14/business/internet-cable-companies-wont-shut-off-service-to-those-who-cant-pay-during-outbreak/
Exercise and Movement
Monica Johnson
Free daily yoga and Qi gong classes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpEgnwk3tOtVrGNr5DvPfw
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MDI+ Episcopal Churches:
Confidential Prayer Chain: Unlike our published prayer lists, prayer requests that come into the Prayer Chain remain private to the prayer chain itself, which will pray devotedly for one week unless an updated request is made. If you'd like to know more about this or our Pastoral Care Team, please contact our office administrators.
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