Welcome
St. Aidan’s is 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 will be holding an Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 at 4:30 PM.
Everyone is welcome to join us, either in person or on Zoom, as we begin our solemn journey of grief and
penitence, readying ourselves for Easter.
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. The Rev. Lynn Rutledge, 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 a.m. and can be attended in person or on Zoom. We are currently in the process of replacing our rector who has retired. Holy Eucharist is offered on the first and third Sundays of the month and Morning Prayer on the second and fourth Sundays. We are currently using supply clergy for our Communion services. Depending upon the availability of supply clergy, fifth Sunday services will be either Holy Eucharist or 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 and the Machias Food Pantry 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, Thaw Fund (local emergency heating assistance), the Machias Christmas Giving Tree, Alzheimer’s Association, World Central Kitchen, a family dealing with severe illness, and the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.
St. Aidan’s at a Glance
Our OTM Is Posted
Our OTM posting is now completed, approved by vestry and it has been posted on both the Diocesan and National Websites. Applicants are now encouraged to apply. We look forward to speaking to potential candidates. To view the latest information or review the OTM posting, please check out our “Our Priest” page. We will post the latest information about our search on this page.
St. Aidan’s and Christ Church Eastport have formed a joint Discernment Committee. If you have questions, please contact Jacqueline O’Clair, Discernment, St. Aidan’s by email or call 207-255-4995 and state that it’s question for Discernment Committee.
Undercroft Renovations
Please pardon our appearance and any construction disruptions in our undercroft. After many years of use we, with the thanks of a special gift from Steve Colhoun who loved this special space, are undertaking some long overdue renovations to freshen the area and make it even more useable by the community we serve. We will continue to update you as the work is being done.