Returning for a second year, Rev. Charles LaFond comes to Southport and All Saints directly from a pilgrimage to the island of Iona. He’s been writing about this in his popular blog, “The Daily Sip” where he describes a pilgrimage as “a step by step wandering in which one allows the people walking with you to be the Divine One’s messengers.” He writes about the history of the island, its holy places and its beauty, and his own spiritual journey.

Episcopal priest, experienced beekeeper, and expert potter, Rev. LaFond brings a wide variety of perspectives to his ministry. A longtime native of New Hampshire and former chaplain of the New Hampshire Senate, LaFond is now based in Denver, Colorado where he is canon steward of the Episcopal Cathedral. As canon steward he oversees the fabric of one of Denver’s most beautiful buildings, coordinates hospitality programs to visitors and communicants, orchestrates the raising of money and people for mission and industry, and contributes to the life of the community through teaching, preaching, and writing on the spiritual life. LaFond is an inventor, designer, writer and lead presenter for Project Resource, an initiative of the House of Bishops and EC Development Office to train bishops and their teams of teachers in financial development and membership growth.

On both upcoming Sundays, LaFond will celebrate Holy Communion at the 8 and 10 a.m. services. A social hour with refreshments follows the 10 a.m. service. At 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and Tuesday, July 11, LaFond will lead a discussion group on the church porch. All Saints welcomes visitors of all faiths.

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 the return trip. The very beautiful and simple wood chapel is open for quiet prayer and meditation during the week.