On Our Hearts and In Our Prayers                                Our nation: "Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace."  (From the Collect for Independence Day in Lesser Feasts and Fasts.)   Our bishops, and all bishops, and their families as they prepare to travel to the Lambeth Conference.  May God guide and keep them safe and gentle all their hearts during this special time of gathering and conversation.   The Rev. David Van Dusen, retired priest in downeast Maine, and his family on the death of his daughter Anne.  May her soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.         Notes of Note                                                         Our new diocesan web site grows daily.  Check it all out at www.episcopalmaine.org  Click around the different pages to see what's up.   Reminder:  The Diocesan Offices at Loring House will close at noon on Fridays from July 11th through August 29th.  Telephone contact information for emergencies will be available on our answering system each week (207-772-1953 or 800-244-6062 in Maine beyond the Portland area.)   Scam Alert Once again someone is using Presiding Bishop Schori's name in a scam.  Be assured that her email address has not changed and she will never ask for money by email.  To verify the authenticity of email from PB Schori, contact Sharon Jones, sjones@episcopalchurch.org.       Further Down In this issue:     Links for Lifelong Learning          Fiscal Tips          Diocesan Resource Center     Things to Do, Places to Go         Paraments, Vestments, Linens (O, My)           Thomas Keating in Maine           Celebrations for Bishop Knudsen           and more   BION Camp Short on Adults Excitement is mounting for BION Teen Camp, August 18-23.  But we may have to turn away some teens because there aren't enough adult volunteers.  To apply to help, contact Jane Hartwell at 800-244-6062 ext. 29 or youth@episcopalmaine.org.   Countdown to Lambeth During the Lambeth Conference, everyone is invited to support the participants using Signs on the Way, a series of reflections on the seven signs in John's Gospel. Signs on the Way may be downloaded at www.lambethconference.org.   Episcopal News Service's bulletin inserts about the Lambeth Conference continue a 10 part series. Download here.   On July 24th Lambeth participants will walk a Walk of Witness through London in support of the Millennium Development Goals.  Episcopalians for Global Reconcilliation and the Episcopal Public Policy Network invite everyone to join a Virtual March for the MDGs at the same time.  Information is at www.e4gr.org.   MEIPL Grants Maine Interfaith Power and Light is offering grants of up to $500 to provide assistance to any Maine faith community currently taking action or planning to reduce their "carbon footprint" through energy conservation and the use of clean power.  Go to www.meipl.org for complete details.    October (Pre-Convention) Northeast Submissions for the October issue of The Northeast need to be in the hands of Heidi Shott, Editor Pro Tem before September 1, 2008.  Please send them to northeast@episcopalmaine.org.   Links for Lifelong Learning    Fiscal Tips Understanding the Budget Process - download the latest paper from the Finance Department about how the Diocesan Budget is put together.  Committees and Commissions and diocesan staff are working on this right now.  Learn how it all works and what happens on the way to Convention. Need help with church finances and other business matters?  The Manual of  Business Methods in Church Affairs, is the place to look.  If you have any questions please email our financial officer Terry Reimer,  treimer@episcopalmaine.org.   Diocesan Resource Center Now that the new web page is up, I am beginning a section of occasional papers, planning tools, and useful tips.  You can find the DRC under Diocesan Life or go directly.  I am also interested in hearing from people who would like to receive occasional (maybe four times a year) emails about topics, treasures, and tools for lifelong learning.  Please let me, Elizabeth Ring, ering@episcopalmaine.org, know if you would like to be on this list.   Planning Ahead Mark your calendars for November 8th for this year's Godly Play Northeast Gathering at All Saints' Church in Belmont, MA.   Things to Do, Places to Go   Diocesan Altar Guild Day St. Michael's, Auburn hosts Paraments, Vestments, Linens (O My), July 19th, 10:00-2:00.  Download the details here and contact The Rev. Barbara Barth, blbstmi@gwi.net, to sign up.   Join Thomas Keating in Bar Harbor Fr. Keating will be at Mt. Desert Island High School on July 22nd and the Maine Seacoast Mission on July 23rd.  Complete information is available at www.mainelighthouse.org,  This is a rare opportunity to join with this beloved practitioner of centering prayer.   Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate! Click here for the schedule of events to honor Bishop Knudsen on August 23rd, September 5th and 6th, and September 12th as she prepares to pass the crozier to Bishop Lane on September 13th at the Investiture Liturgy at the Cathedral.   When making your summer plans, check the web calendar for all the fabulous summer events in congregations around the diocese.  Music, art, crafts, and good food abound.   To submit an event for the Diocesan Web Calendar, send an email to pmclelln@episcopalmaine.org and be sure to include What, Where, When, and Who to contact for more information.       Need to change your email address?  Go to "Manage Your Preferences" at the bottom of this page.