From the Dean
 

In the post-revolutionary era, the Episcopal Church was struggling to find its identity. On the one hand, with many of the founders being Episcopalian (including George Washington who had served as a vestry member) the Episcopal Church had a pseudo-establishment role. On the other, with many clergy who had retained ties with and continued to pray for England, the Episcopal Church was met with suspicion and subject to prejudice (something very true in Maine ). Perhaps the biggest issue was that - having missed the energy and excitement of the Great Revival and Methodism and rejected anything that appeared "popish" or catholic - it was monochromatic and frankly rather dull.
 
Into this context came two freed slaves, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, whose presence would turn that church upside down. Both had Episcopal roots. Both also were inspired by and became lay preachers in the new Methodist Church. Both saw the need for ministry to and with African Americans. Together they formed the Free African Society and both became strong voices for abolition. Their paths, however, took different directions. Richard Allen went on to form and become the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Absalom Jones stayed in the Episcopal Church, in 1804 became the first African American Episcopal priest, and formed the first black Episcopal Church, the African Church of St. Thomas, in Philadelphia.
 
The Episcopal Church is again searching for its place in society. Like Richard Allen, some feel like we haven't gone far enough and have responded by seeking and starting something new. Like Absalom Jones, others have stayed with the church and both used it both as a platform from which to work for societal change and also helped it evolve and change from within. Absalom Jones' passion and presence set the stage for inclusion and empowerment, not just for people of color but for women, LGBTQ, immigrants and others - all of whom continue to enrich and enliven the Episcopal church today.
 
We say we celebrate diversity and welcome all people. Are we willing to accept the change they bring? Are we willing to let them use the church as a platform from which to speak? Absalom Jones suggests that we should.
 
Absalom Jones's feast Day is Monday, February 13. We remembered him at this week's Tuesday 12:10 service, in which we said the following prayer: S et us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
 
Dean Shambaugh
 
A Pastoral Letter from the Bishop of Maine
Click for a pastoral letter from the bishop of Maine about responding to the times in which we live.

Do you get the diocesan e-news? You should! Click here to sign up!

Mark your calendars for diocesan "Spring Training"  -- one day seminars on all aspects of the Christian Life -- on April 19 in Brunswick!
Valentine Cookie Walk This Sunday!
Happy Valentine's Day

 

The popular annual Valentine Cookie Walk fundraiser will be held on February 12 at 11:30 am in the upper Hall.

 

This event is sponsored by the Kneeler & Knitters Guild. Come fill your Valentine box with delicious homemade cookies, candy, cupcakes & gluten-free and nut-free sweets. A Valentine box will be $8 each.  

 

We ask you to donate your labeled sweets on Friday Feb. 10 in the church office or on Feb. 12 in the upper hall.  The proceeds will be donated to St. Luke general fund and Haiti Recovery Fund.  For More Information, call Jeri Edgar at 799-3061

Haiti Committee Meets This Sunday
  The Haiti Partnership Committee meets this Sunday, February 12 at 11:40 in the Chapter Room, anyone interested in the work we do in Duny is welcome to attend. This Sunday we will be finalizing objectives for upcoming travel by members of our committee to Haiti. We look forward to news and updated photos from the village. The children of Duny continue to be grateful for the meals they receive through the generosity of our Quarter's for Haiti Program each month. Thank you!

SAGE February Dinner, February 15

Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Maine - Join us on Thursday, February 15th at 6:00 pm for our monthly dinner in the Lower Parish Hall. Suggested donations for those over 60 is $5.00 and $7.00 for those under 60.
 
The group is working to develop engaging programs, build community and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges LGBT older adults are facing in Maine. Bring your ideas, your vision and your energy to help reimagine LGBT aging. LGBT people of all ages are standing together to protect our communities in these uncertain times.
 

Rossini Club February Concert
February 19

The February Concert of the Rossini Club will be held in the Cathedral Nave on Sunday, February 19 at 3 pm.
 A reception will follow, during which you can meet the performers.
Suggested donation $10/$5 seniors.  Students admitted free of charge.
  
Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday,
 and Lent!
 
February 28 is Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday!  Mark your calendars for our annual pancake dinner from 5-6:30 pm followed by a jazz concert at 7 pm in the nave.

March 1 is Ash Wednesday, with services at 7 am, 12:10 pm, and 7 pm, as well as ashes to go at Monument Square.

Lent will feature a Sunday morning before church newcomers/inquirer's class, an after church Lenten Series, and at least one quiet day.

Pihcintu to Sing at February 26
Twilight Service

Pihcintu, a chorus made up of young women of various ages will be singing during the "Twilight In the Chapel" 5:15pm service on Feb. 26. 

Con Fullam is the director of this multicultural chorus made up of immigrant folk from around the world who now live in Maine.  Many come from backgrounds filled with tragedy and personal danger.  As their website states: "Through the healing power of music, these vulnerable, yet brave young women have learned to trust, hope and laugh again.  The children and their music are transformative.  Being in their presence is a life-enhancing experience and they touch the hearts of all who hear them!"  Don't miss this rare opportunity to worship amid glorious music. 

A snack reception will follow the service.  Rev. Suzanne Roberts will be the celebrant.

Financial Peace University Begins March 5
 
The PBS Newshour recently had a segment entitled "Broke Baby Boomers," which included interview with the author of the book "Fifty-Five, Unemployed, and Faking Normal," a tragic story of people who appear to have everything together but for whom, in terms of finances, everything is falling apart. This can be for couples or individuals of any age. If this is you or someone you know, Financial Peace University might help. Financial Peace University is not about bigger issues or structural causes of poverty or justice. It is about practical, on the ground, basics of personal financial management, about regaining control of money, and about doing so in the framework of Christian values. Though the more evangelical style and theology of Financial Peace University may not your usual cup of tea, Dave Ramsey uses them to present otherwise dry material in a captivating and entertaining way. In the words of one couple, "Financial Peace University saved our marriage."   Another person said "It changed my life." Why not give it a try? 
This program will meet Sundays from 9-9:45 am beginning March 5. Nursery care will be provided for young children. See Jamie Cough for more information.

February 11, 2017
 
Weekly Child Care:
Our nursery (adjacent to the Upper Parish Hall) is available for children 4 years old and under from 9:45 am to 11:45 am on Sundays.

Sunday School for pre-K-5th grade is from 9:45 to 10:30 (with the children rejoining their parents at the Peace). Swing by any time after 9:45.

Youth Group for middle and high schoolers is from 11:30-12:30 every week. .  All young people in grades 6-12 are invited to attend.

Worship Schedule
Sundays
07:30 am (Chapel) 
10:00 am (Nave)
 4:00 pm (Nave) - Evensong on 1st Sundays
 5:15 pm (Chapel)

Our  Sunday 10 am services are livestreamed on our website.


Remember, the office is closed on Mondays.
 

Tuesdays
12:10 pm: Worship (Chapel)

Wednesdays: 
5:45 pm: Taize or 
Contemplative Prayer
Quick Links
Don't forget to friend us on Facebook - St Luke's Cathedral, Portland, ME 

Click here for our full calendar
Happy 100th Birthday, Francis Madeira!

On Sunday, Feb. 19th we'll be celebrating Maestro Madeira's  

100th birthday. As a longtime member of St. Luke's we'll
honor him at coffee hour.
We hope you'll join us!
 
The Episcopal Church
and Refugees
The Episcopal Church is very involved in speaking out for and working with refugees. To learn more, click here

Getting Involved in Advocacy at St. Luke's
To learn about the Maine Episcopal Network for Justice or the Faith Action Network, contact John Hennessy. jhennessy@episcopalmaine.net

For information about St Lukans participating in local events, contact Liz Parsons ecparsons33@hotmail.com

For deeper discussions on the moral side of current issues, plan on attending our Sunday morning Lenten series beginning March 5! 
  St. E's Donation
Drop Off Hours
Please note our new hours: 
 
Mondays  9-11 am
Tuesdays 7:30-11 am
 
Please leave your items in the lower vestibule. Thanks!

Spiritual Formation 
 for Adults

A Newcomers/Inquirer's Class will be held at 9am on Sunday mornings beginning in March. This is great for anyone wanting to learn more about the Episcopal Church or St. Lukes and is also for anyone (youth or adult) interested in being confirmed in May.

Lenten Series Social Justice is the theme of this years adult program for Lent.  The program starts on March 5 with a presentation by Liz Parson entitled What is religion and why does it matter?: How to bring a faith based perspective in the public square. The Lenten Forum will start at 11:30 in the upper hall. Other topics will include: health care, the environment and race.
 
The Explorers are reading Chapters 11 and 12 in Donna Hicks' Dignity.  Hicks, a celebrated peace activist and conflict resolutionist, has written a practical guide to problem-solving by addressing the underlying emotional issues associated with most interpersonal conflict.  Join us for a better understanding of the stages and interventions in building bridges to reconciliation.  We meet in the Chapter Room from 8:45 to 9:45 on Sunday morning.
    
Heart of the Matter
will explore religious belief through the work of Joseph Campbell each week.  It's a great place for those seeking new ways of understanding their relationship with their faith. Join us in Classroom 8 on Sundays from 8:45-9:45
am.
 
Dwelling on the Word is on  winter break.
  

The Tuesday Bible Study and brown bag lunch continues each week after the 12:10 service.


 

The Thursday evening Theological Study Group is beginning a new unit on the influences  shaping our Western culture.  Learn about the leading voices of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation.  From Galileo and Copernicus to Isaac Newton and Immanuel Kant these voices shaped our Western values.  Join us in reaffirming our cultural and faith foundations.  We meet in the Chapter Room from 7 'til 9 pm.

Stewardship Update
As of February 1, we have received 181 pledges, totalling $348,822. If you lost your pledge card or need stewardship information, click here! We are still a little short of our 2017 budgetary goal of $355,393 so please send your pledge card in as soon as convenient. Thank you!
 
Annual Meeting & Report
We held our Annual Meeting on January 29.  Missed it or want to revisit a particular item?
Read the minutes of the Annual Meeting and the Annual Report (including the 2017 budget) on the cathedral's website.
Youth Happenings
Middle School Event
Congratulations and thank you to Erich Chase and Louisa Radtke Rowe who are part of the leadership team for the Diocesan Middle School event in March.   The middle school event (grades 6-8) is March 10-12 at St Paul's. Register at www.maineyouth.org .
 
Outdoor Cathedral day trip for high school age youth Saturday March 11, 2017
8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Join us for a winter hike on snowshoes in Pinkham Notch at the foot of Mt. Washington. Lunch and dinner will be provided. You do not need to have experience or equipment, just the desire to have fun and explore the White Mountains. Bring a friend and see Jon Radtke for registration forms.
 
Luke Brostek and Meredith Cough will guide the trip. Meredith has been trained by the AMC to take youth outdoors in the winter and has Wilderness First Aid training. Luke is an avid outdoorsman and will complete his Outdoor Leadership Training this spring.

Our Snow Policy
 On weekdays when the Portland Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, so is St. Luke's.  The office and pantries are closed and all meetings are cancelled. 
On Sundays, Worship Services are always held.