Maine’s Native Berry
Maine’s 44,000 acres of wild blueberries grow naturally in fields and barrens that stretch along the Downeast coast to the state’s southwest corner. Adapted to Maine’s naturally acid, low fertility soils and challenging winters, wild blueberries are a low input crop requiring minimal management.
The berries are grown on a two-year cycle — each year, half of a grower’s land is managed to encourage vegetative growth and the other half is prepared for a wild blueberry harvest in August. After the harvest, the plants are pruned to the ground by mowing or burning.
Wild blueberries hold a special place in Maine’s agricultural history — one that goes back centuries to Maine’s Native Americans. Native Americans were the first to use the tiny blue berries, both fresh and dried, for their flavor, nutrition and healing qualities but it was not until the 1840’s that wild blueberries were first harvested commercially. As a symbol of Maine’s agricultural heritage — a heritage that respects and values the environment — growers consider the future well-being of the land in their management practices, allowing neighbors and visitors to continue to enjoy some of Maine’s most scenic vistas and precious wildlife habitats.
Doxology
Priest: Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.
Amen (cf. Rom. 11:36).
Communion Rite
Priest and Congregation: “Our Father” (cf. Mt. 6:9-13).
Priest: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ (Jn. 17:15).
Congregation: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.
Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live and reign for ever and ever (Jn. 14:27). The peace of the Lord be with you always (cf. Jn. 20:19).
Breaking of the Host
Priest and Congregation: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us…. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace (cf. Jn. 1:29).
Communion
Priest: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper (Rev. 19:9).
Priest and Congregation: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed (cf. Mt. 8:8).
Dismissal
Priest: The Lord be with you.
Congregation: And also with you (cf. Ruth 2:4).
Priest: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk. 24:51). Go in the peace of Christ (cf. Lk. 7:50; 2 Chron. 35:3).
Congregation: Thanks be to God (cf. 2 Cor. 9:15).
