“Serving others is a particular strength of St. Philip’s” Episcopal Church in Wiscasset, Bishop of Maine Thomas Brown told attendees at the Hodge Street church Sunday.

Brown told them their work for others is one of the ways they are living their lives without regret and worry. Too often people spend too much time thinking about life after death and not enough on living their lives right now, he said.

Missions based at St. Philip’s include Help Yourself Shelf (HYS) food pantry, Bargain Basement and – with First Congregational Church of Wiscasset as an equal sponsor – Feed Our Scholars and Feed Our Scholars/Set for Success, longtime member Gretchen Burleigh-Johnson said. First Congregational also heavily supports HYS, she said. And from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 14, a Souper Supper of broccoli cheese soup, breads, dessert and drink is planned. “All are welcome, no charge. There is a can for donations if people choose to support the events,” she said about the suppers held the second Thursday of the month, through March. St. Philip’s members and other volunteers put on the suppers at the church, 12 Hodge St., St. Philip’s senior warden Jon Young said.

Every new Maine bishop visits churches around the state, Young, of Newcastle, said. In an interview after the service, Young concurred with Brown’s shout-out to the community work St. Philip’s does. Young said he has been there to see 35 years of it. Young also liked Brown’s inclusion of children, including Young’s grandsons Easton Morgan, 5, and Elliot, 2, of Dresden at numerous points, including blessing the water at the baptismal font. Brown smiled along with the children as he spoke with them, explained each activity and carried it out with their help.

Young said it meant Brown and the Maine church recognize children’s importance, and their importance to the church’s future. St. Philip’s and other churches will need them, Young said.