On Sunday, July 5, the well-known theologian, the Right Reverend John Shelby Spong, will be conducting services and preaching at All Saints by-the-Sea, the Episcopal summer chapel on Southport Island. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. A social hour with refreshments follows the 10 a.m. service. At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7 the Right Reverend Spong will lead a discussion group on the church porch. All are welcome.

A noted author whose books have sold more than a million copies, Spong was bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey for 24 years before his retirement in 2001. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and Virginia Episcopal Seminary. In his writings Bishop Spong calls for a fundamental rethinking of Christian belief away from theism and traditional doctrines. Known as a definitive voice for progressive Christianity, his goal is to offer a new interpretation for the 21st century. Among his many books are: "Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality" (1988); "Why Christianity must Change or Die" (1998); and "The Birth of Jesus" (2014). Many of Bishop Spong’s essays can be found on his website: http://johnshelbyspong.com/

All Saints by-the-Sea is on Southport Island on All Saints Road about 2 miles on your left as you drive south on Route 238 (look for the Episcopal Church sign by the side of the road). Parking is available along Route 238, or if necessary, in the limited number of handicapped parking spaces off All Saints Road. A golf cart will ferry persons from the handicapped lot to the church steps. You may also come to church by private boat or by the tour boat Novelty, which leaves Boothbay Harbor from Pier 8 at 9 a.m. Novelty picks up passengers from the church dock at 11:40 a.m. for return to Boothbay. The very beautiful and simple wood chapel is open for quiet prayer and meditation during the week. More information about the church and its history can be found at http://allsaintssouthport.org.