Breaking bread (and enjoying chowder) with the people of Trinity, Castine

Bishop Steve and the Rev. David Andrews, rector of Trinity, Castine, before the service.

For many of our visits we’re able to set out on Sunday morning. But if it’s more than two hours away, we go the night before. Our visit last week was Trinity, Castine, a long time summer chapel which is now a a year round congregation with a fulltime rector. Castine is near the end of one of the long fingers that reach down into Penobscot Bay, about three hours from Portland. The church is very near the water with a wonderful view of the harbor. The beautiful stone church has been cunningly wrapped with a two story parish house which is used both by the church and a community day care center.

We drove drove to Castine by way of I-95 and Rt. 3 and arrived in time for a chowder supper in the parish hall. The community turned out in force for a relaxed time of fellowship and great fish chowder. We had good conversation about the health of the diocese and the Episcopal Church. After supper we retired to the home of rector David Andrews and Emily Gibson.

The Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday service was solemn and celebratory with wonderful music. Deacon Carol Huntingdon assisted with the service. Following worship and a reception, I met with the Vestry. We had a serious talk about the financial challenges confronting the Trinity and some creative ideas about reaching out to the community.

Palm Sunday at Trinity, Castine

Castine is an unusual community. 800 students attend the Maine Maritime Academy. There are few young families. The local K-8 school has just 58 students. Many residents were once summer residents and now live in Castine full time in retirement. Many of the children in the daycare center are children of faculty at MMA. Such demographics make for interesting challenges and possibilities.

Gretchen and I broke bread with David at the local Castine Variety. Great sandwiches! Then, before we headed home, I met with someone who is in discernment about holy orders. I often meet with someone who lives near the church to save one or both of us another trip. Since it was a beautiful afternoon, we made our way along the Acadia Highway (Rt. 1) back home.

+Steve

Bishop Steve’s Passion Sunday sermon may be read here.