Reflection on Diocesan Convention from Dean Shambaugh
October 27, 2022/
-The Very Rev. Benjamin A. Shambaugh, Dean
The Annual Convention of the Diocese of Maine was held last Saturday. Delegates from congregations across the state gathered on zoom to worship, pass resolutions, approve a budget, elect positions, and hear the bishop’s address. Resolutions were passed on Evangelism, on Deacons, on Indigenous Sovereignty, on repentance for Native American Schools, and more. The Bishop spoke about envisioning the future and continuing our work on racial and climate justice. With a magnificent video of worship and the participation of its people, St. Luke’s truly shined. Thank you to all of our St. Luke’s members and friends who made the convention a wonderful success. Text of resolutions, results of elections, videos of worship and the bishop’s address, and other information can be found on convention website https://episcopalmaine.org/about/governance/convention/
On a more local level, the bishop also announced the formation of a group to study Loring House, the red brick building on the Cathedral close which houses diocesan staff. Unlike St. Luke’s which kept its doors open and staff on site, Loring House was essentially closed during two years of Covid, with diocesan staff primarily working at home. What is the best post-Pandemic use of this asset? Offices for diocesan staff? Could cathedral staff move there? Could it be used as a residence/housing for a future bishop, dean, or Canon Pastor? Could it be rented, or even sold? The answers to these questions will have a greater impact on St. Luke’s than any other congregation. They also offer an incredible opportunity. Watch the e-pistle to learn more as this process begins to unfold.