Welcome to St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Machias, ME
We are committed to “restoring all people to unity with God and with each other in Christ.” We are an open and inclusive congregation welcoming members from all faith communities, backgrounds and sexual orientation and preference to worship in an open, loving family that gives us the strength and flexibility to be united as one in the Holy Spirit.
Join Us on Zoom Sundays at 9:30 eastern
Why not join us at 9:30 am on Sundays as we celebrate our lord with joyous music, and in an intimate worship space. We are all Friends in Christ.
Our Worship Space
St. Aidan’s has an intimate worship space.
Established in 1960, St. Aidan’s is located in Machias, Maine, in the heart of Down East Washington County. Our parish is small, but we have a very big heart and as such we are often able to accomplish things that may cause larger churches to struggle. You will find our unique, intimate worship space to be a joy. Our magnificent collection of icons, given to us for our use over many years, invite meditation. The intimacy of our space allows sermons, music and prayer to be received in a very warm, rich and spiritual setting. Our former rector, has remarked that “giving a sermon at St. Aidan’s is more like having a conversation among friends.”
Our Sunday services are held at 9:30 am and can be attended in person or on Zoom. Our rector, the Rev. John Elliott Lein, started with us July 1st, 2023, and offers Holy Eucharist on the first and third Sundays of the month. Morning Prayer is held on the second and fourth Sundays. Fifth Sunday services are also Morning Prayer.
Serving the Community
At St. Aidan’s, the greater community is part of our daily life. Weekdays will find our undercroft used by various groups – multiple AA organizations, a veterans’ group and a bridge club are among the residents of this warm space. We also host other organizations, such as Sunrise Senior College, that may need our space for a special event or educational classes. We partner with organizations like the University of Maine at Machias, the Machias Food Pantry and Wee Care Baby Center assisting in service projects and support that help serve the people of the Machias area. Volunteerism and service is a way of life in Maine and at St. Aidan’s. Many of our members are involved on a daily or weekly basis with several non-profits that serve the people of Washington County.
On the second Sunday of each month, the congregation makes a special offering to aid persons in need. In the past year, this offering has benefitted the Machias Food Pantry, Bangor Area Alzheimer’s Association, Camp Bishopswood, Wee Care Baby Center and Episcopal Relief & Development for South Sudan and Gaza.
St. Aidan’s at a Glance
St. Aidan’s To Offer New Contemplative Evening Gatherings
Starting Tuesday, May 13th, St. Aidan’s will offer new in person contemplative gatherings from 5:30 – 6:30pm. The initial gatherings will be with meditation, mystical parables, and the sharing of thoughts and feelings. Father John will lead us in this journey, and which may change in nature as they continue.
St. Aidan’s Priest’s second year continues to see us grow.
Father John is leading our parish in exciting new ways of understanding our Lord and the Gospels with his spiritual leadership. His knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing this information with us through his formation discussions is a true calling and blessing.