JANE BURKE
The Maine native grew up in Augusta and Popham, attended secondary schools in Augusta and received a bachelor of fine arts from the Maine College of Art.
Burke has been involved in various types of “creative ministry” since her twenties when, while serving in Youth with a Mission, she traveled and performed in Europe, Canada and the U.S. A certified teacher of Montessori-style “Godly Play,” she prefers an approach which honors a child’s innate spirituality, and supports their personal exploration and experiences relating to God and the sacred stories.
She’s been making murals — painted, sculpted and mosaic, for more than 20 years. Her projects include many public murals, some with community involvement. Also a songwriter, she enjoys co-writing with children.
She is a member of 5 Rivers Arts Alliance organization based in Brunswick, the Episcopal Church Visual Arts (ECVA), and is a contributor to the Episcopal Café’s art blog.
She served as the director of Christian Education/Formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Waterville for four years, and began her ministry at St. Paul’s on May 1.
With the completion of the second floor of the Parish Hall, new administration wing, several classrooms, and an “Upper Room” for the unique Sunday morning 9:30 a.m. family service which began in September 2012, increased space has provided for expanded Christian formation programs. These include children 3-5, K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th and 9th-12th high school grades.
Four members of the youth group and three accompanying adults ventured on a pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona, learning about the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.
The Rev. Carolyn Eklund, rector at St. Paul’s, said, “Jane’s curiosity, spirituality, creativity and artistry are the gifts that she brings to St. Paul’s.”
Consecrated in 1845 and celebrating its 169th year, St. Paul’s is pleased to welcome newcomers and to offer its services for young and maturing children and their parents, including nursery care, and children and adult parish choirs.
Call the church office at 725-5342, visit www.stpaulsmaine.org or stop in for church literature and more information.
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