Sunday, December 15th, 2024

Holy Eucharist, Rite II

7:30AM in Emmanuel Chapel

Holy Eucharist, Rite II

10:00AM in the Nave & Livestreamed

Holy Eucharist

5:15PM in Emmanuel Chapel

The Altar Flowers for today’s services are given to the glory of God

in loving memory of LaVerne Ausman

by John and Georgia Bancroft

Welcome to the Cathedral Church of St. Luke

We are a community of faith with ancient worship and modern thought, catholic traditions and progressive theology. We proclaim a Biblical perspective for thinking people, a respect for reason, science, and a diversity of perspective. This empowers compassion and care for both the wider community and one another.

Our commitment to welcome and inclusion is central to our mission modeled on the Kingdom of God and proclaimed by Jesus Christ.

Sunday Service Bulletins

Livestreaming

Service Participants

Preacher

The Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean

Celebrant

The Reverend Christopher Worthley, Assisting Clergy

Assisting

The Reverend Rebecca Grant, Deacon

Music Leader & Organist

Christian M. Clough, Canon for Liturgy & Music

Soloist

Shana Rose

Verger

Randi Hogan

Crucifer

Alec Thorne

Lector

Ellen Detlefsen

Prayers Leader

Ruth Roemer

Advent Wreath Prayers Leader

Alec Thorne

Live Streaming

Jack Swanton, Sam Allen

Eucharistic Ministers

Elizabeth Burger

The Healing Team

Gail Kesich, Sara Schmalz

Contributing Ministries

Acolytes, Vergers, The Flower Guild, The Altar Guild, The Kneeler Guild, The Cathedral Choir

5:15PM Holy Eucharist

5:15 Service Bulletin

5:15 Hymns and Readings

Service Participants

Celebrant

The Reverend Dr. Celestin Hategekimana

Reflector

The Reverend Bryan Breault, Pastor, State Street UCC

First Reader

Stephanie Miller

Service Leader

Lin Parsons

Music Leader

Kevin Reams

HAPPENING TODAY

Coffee Hour

This morning’s coffee hour is offered by members of the cathedral vestry

Please join us after the 7:30AM & 10AM service for fellowship and refreshments in the Upper Hall, through the doors to the left of the altar.

All are welcome. Interested in hosting? This important part of our common life provides us with a time for connection.

Hosting is fun and easy; it requires only bringing in a baked good and brewing coffee.

Please consider volunteering; a lot of gratitude comes with it. Thank you!

Check the hosting schedule by visiting the link here.

Please email Meredith Cough with your date.

5:15PM Service to welcome

The Reverend Bryan Breault

and guest musician Kevin Reams

This Sunday

December 15, 2024

Emmanuel Chapel

Please join us this Sunday evening as the 5:15 service welcomes the Reverend Bryan Breault, pastor of State Street Church UCC, who will be offering a reflection on the work of their church's ministry of housing new Mainers. To learn more about Bryan, click here.

We will also welcome guest musician, Kevin Reams, who will guide us in our music during the service. To learn more about Kevin's musical background, visit his website here.

About the 5:15 Service

The 5:15PM Service is a lay-lead worship service of Holy Eucharist and meditation which gathers each Sunday in Emmanuel Chapel. Each week we welcome a member of the clergy to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.

The service invites all in attendance into a space of quiet and stillness with music, scripture, and reflections.

With questions about the service please contact Liz Parsons.

We look forward to welcoming you to future services. Please join us!

The Reverend Bryan Breault,

Pastor, State Street UCC

Kevin Reams,

Flutist

UPCOMING

Christmas With Renaissance Voices

This Saturday, December 14

7:30PM

This Sunday, December 15

2:00PM

The Cathedral Nave

Join Renaissance Voices and maestro Harold Stover, for their Christmas Concerts at the Cathedral.

Concerts will be held this weekend, at 7:30PM on Saturday December 14 and at 2:00PM on Sunday December 15.

The program features music of Juan Esquivel, Sally Herman, Celia McDowell, and more!

Tickets are available for purchase on the Renaissance Voices Website here.

The Cathedral Choir Presents a Service of Lessons and Carols

Next Sunday, December 22

4:00PM

The Cathedral Nave

Join the Cathedral Choir next Sunday, December 22nd at 4:00PM for a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols.

This service will serve as our first liturgical celebration of Christmas.

Please invite friends, neighbors, and family!

This offering provides an excellent opportunity to welcome in the wider community to our beautiful space and to experience a moving worship experience.

With questions please contact Christian Clough, Canon for Liturgy & Music

Christmas Service Schedule

Christmas Flower and Greens Contributions

Each Christmas Season the St. Luke’s Flower Guild welcomes contributions to support the flowers and greens present during Christmas Services at the cathedral.

Gifts are made in memory of and thanksgiving for loved ones. The names of all individuals are noted in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Bulletins.

To make a Christmas Flowers and Greens Contribution

1)Complete the form online or submit a physical form (available in church at both entrances of the Nave)

Online Flowers and Greens Form

2) Submit payment

Options include:

Drop off a physical check to the cathedral office. Please note "Christmas Flowers" in the memo.

Visit our Realm Giving Page and select Flower Fund Contribution in the dropdown menu.

Additional Notes

Christmas Flowers and Greens Forms can be found at both entrances to the Nave and in the Cathedral Office.

If you are unable to pick up a form in person or online, please contact the parish office or call 207-772-5434 and we will gladly assist you.

We will be accepting names until Friday, December 20th at 12PM.

Looking for Ushers for Christmas Day

The cathedral ushers are looking for three volunteers who would be willing to serve on Christmas Day for the 10:00AM Eucharist.

If you are interested please email Anna Messmer.

Nominations Open!

Annual Meeting to be Held Sunday, February 2 at 11:30AM

Cathedral Nave

Nominations for Vestry, Senior Warden, and delegates to Diocesan Convention are being received by the Nominating Committee of the Lesser Chapter.

Members of the Nominating Committee are: Sam Allen, Catherine Hyde, Dan McDonald and the Rev. George Stevens.

At our Annual Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, February 2 at 11:30 a.m., we’ll elect a Senior Warden for a two year term, three vestry members for three year terms and five delegates (as well as alternates) for Diocesan Convention.

Please contact the Rev. George Stevens for ‘Job Descriptions’ or to nominate yourself or someone else. Please contact George via email.

Please note: please have permission of the person you’d like to nominate before submitting their name.

A NOTE OF THANKS

Thank You to Volunteers who helped with the

Greening of the Cathedral

Thank you to the members of the flower guild, the building and grounds committee, and all volunteers who helped last Saturday to decorate the cathedral with festive greenery for Advent and Christmas.

We appreciate all of your efforts to help welcome in the Christmas season at the cathedral!

Photo highlights below are courtesy of Jamie Cough and Shana Rose.

COMMUNITY NOTES

Celebrating the Ordination of

Jonathan Radtke to the Transitional Diaconate

On Thursday, December 12, we were thrilled to celebrate the ordination of St. Luke's community member, Jonathan Radtke, to the Transitional Diaconate.

As a member and leader, Jon has served St. Luke’s for 30 years in many roles including, Lay Reader, Christian Education Coordinator, Junior Warden, and guest preacher.

Following a discernment program, the Cathedral of St. Luke sponsored Jon’s application for Postulancy in 2020. Jon has since completed a program with other postulants from Region I to further prepare for ordination. In 2023, the Lesser Chapter of St. Luke’s approved Jon’s application to become Candidate for Holy Orders. For the past year Jon has been completing his field placement as part of the ministry team at Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland.

Blessings Jon!

Pictured below (from left to right): The Rev. George Stevens, Interim Dean of the Cathedral, the Rev. Jonathan Radtke, newly ordained member of the Transitional Diaconate, and The Right Rev. Thomas Brown, Bishop of Maine.

An Announcement from the Reverend George Stevens

Dear Friends-

Earlier this week, I received word that our beloved Parish Administrator, Avery Levesque- Schott, will be leaving the Cathedral for a position with the University of Southern Maine Foundation.

Avery joined the staff in June of 2022. He has generously shared his gifts with this community.

Avery is a great listener and clear communicator, has brought organization and technical skills to the office, and possesses a keen attention to detail. But his most important gifts are his patience, warmth and sense of humor. I am truly grateful for his work among us.

Avery will be working through the end of December, but has agreed to be thanked publicly on Sunday, January 5^th at Coffee Hour following the 10:00 a.m. service.

There will be more to say later about hiring a new Parish Administrator. Until then I hope you will join me in sharing appreciation for all Avery’s hard work.

-George

A Letter from Avery Levesque-Schott

Dear St. Luke’s Community,

I write to you today with a heart full of gratitude. In recent days I have been engaged in prayer and faithful discernment regarding next steps in my life’s journey.

This week I have been graciously offered a position at the University of Southern Maine Foundation and have accepted the opportunity to step into a new role. I believe that this next step will enable me to grow professionally and to make a direct impact on the lives of students in our community, a cause which I hold dearly.

I did not come by this decision lightly. In my two plus years as a part of the cathedral staff, I have been embraced by the incredible love of this community, worked alongside and learned from exceptional colleagues, and made life-long connections which I will cherish dearly.

I have shared in your moments of joy, grieved the loss of loved ones and community members, witnessed profound moments of connectedness through worship, and had the opportunity to share in your work of advocacy and care for our neighbors. Above all else, I have had the opportunity to build and share in the St. Luke's community with each of you.

A few months ago, following our World Café, I was profoundly moved as I listened to community members share why they care so deeply for the cathedral. This sacred space holds a vital place in the hearts of so many which stems across generations of family, friends, and loved ones. It is a space where we come with our most vulnerable selves and ask to be lifted up, both through worship and through seeking a deeper connection with others.

Thank you for allowing me the great gift of bearing witness to this, supporting you, and being welcomed with open arms.

Ultimately, it is my belief in the strong foundation of skills and personal growth that you have fostered in me during my time with you, which has made me confident in taking this next step.

Although my time serving as your parish administrator will conclude at the end of December, St. Luke’s will always be a part of who I am for the rest of my life. I love you all dearly. Thank you for caring for me and shaping me into the person I am today.

In conclusion, I offer you this prayer by Thomas Merton, which can always be found in my email signature. It helps to ground and guide me throughout life’s journey:

“My Lord God I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever near me and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.”

Thomas Merton- 1915-1968

With peace and gratitude,

Avery Levesque-Schott

Parish Administrator

Ad Hoc Preparedness Committee

At its November meeting the vestry unanimously approved the formation of an ad hoc Preparedness Committee. Chaired by Linda and Peter Carleton and Ruth Roemer, the purpose of the committee is to help St. Luke’s address for the threatened mass deportations and the growing number of transgender people fleeing from hostile states.

In the coming days, the Committee will gather information as to what ideas and actions are being considered by the State of Maine, the City of Portland, the Maine Council of Churches, the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, and local immigrant and transgender rights groups. The committee will then present findings to the vestry and the Cathedral and will give suggestions as to ways St. Luke’s and its members might participate in these efforts.

Please contact Linda Carleton via email with any questions or to join the effort.

Eco Tips & Announcements

from the St. Luke's Public Policy

and Environmental Action Team

Avoiding consumerism at Christmas

1. Question your purchases

-Are you spending money just because of sales?

-Are you buying gifts out of obligation?

-Is buying more toys for a child the best thing for him or her?

2. Focus on people and not presents

-Being fully present to another is the best gift you can give.

-Children will remember your loving attention, presence and memories, not all the stuff purchased for them.

3. Rethink your traditions

-Keep traditions that make the holidays meaningful.

-Leave out traditions that create stress, debt, and fatigue.

4. Consider “no cost gifts”

-Be generous with your time by spending it with a loved one, having friends over for coffee or tea, going for a walk or to a movie or museum.

5. Donate to a charity in honor of a loved one.

Interested in learning more? Visit the webpage here to read in greater depth.

PPEAT Book Discussion Group

The Public Policy and Environmental Action Team (PPEAT) would like to host a 6 to 8-session book discussion beginning in mid to late January on Citizen: Faithful Discipleship in a Partisan World, by Andrew Doyle, an Episcopal bishop from Texas.

Citizen provides a biblically and theologically grounded guide to how we can be both citizens of the kingdom of God and citizens of our community, state and country. The discussion will be led by Sarah Braik.

If you are interested please email Sarah Braik and indicate your preference for Monday or Wednesday evening, and whether you would prefer in-person or Zoom. Thank you!

OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

The Healing Team

Prayers of Healing are offered at the 10AM service each Sunday, during or after communion and to the end of the postlude. Two members of the Healing Team offer these healing prayers in All Saints’ Chapel (the small chapel to the right of the communion rail.) The following team members will offer healing prayers:

December 22, 2024 Gail Kesich, Elise Magnuson

December 24, 2024 Sara Schmalz, Judd. Hume

The Healing Team will not be offering prayers on December 30

Soul Talk

Every Fourth Tuesday of the Month

10-11:30AM in the Oratory

Soul Talk is an informal coffee and discussion group exploring our faith and experience of God meeting on fourth Tuesdays, 10-11:30 in the Chapter Room.

Come once a month or once in a while!

If you’d like to receive materials prior to each month’s meeting contact Linda Carleton via email.

The Biblical Study Group

The Biblical Study Group meets in the Chapter Room at 8:30AM.

The topic for our sessions is the search for the one and only God, Elohim or Adonai, within ourselves.

Join us for our study of the search of becoming “who we were meant to be.”

We are led by Bob Hanson, retired university professor, Episcopal priest, author, peace activist, and Jungian analyst. With questions, contact Bob at (207)-245-2695.

Sing With the Cathedral Choir

The Cathedral Choir is welcoming new members! We hope you’ll join us for fun, learning, fellowship, and the joy of music-making in community.

Previous singing experience is not required. Short-term commitments are possible.

Rehearsals most Thursdays 7-9PM, singing most Sunday 10AM liturgies & for several additional services throughout the year.

If you are interested in joining, please contact Christian Clough.

Sunday 5:15PM Service of Holy Eucharist

The service invites all in attendance into a space of quiet and stillness, with music, scripture, and reflections.

We look forward to welcoming you to future services. Please join us!

The Kneeler Guild and

Prayer Shawl Knitters

Tuesday

2:30PM

The Upper Hall.

For additional information contact Jeri Edgar 207-303-8447 or Nancy Mawhinney 207-775-7500

Everyone is welcome, whether you are curious or want to begin. Kneeler kits cost $75, which include directions, yarn, needles & canvas. Novices are welcome; we will teach you as needed. Prayer Shawls: 26-29” by 60”; select your yarn & needles. Coffee & Tea available.

Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative prayer meets every Thursday at 4:30 PM on Zoom.

Please join us for a half hour of silent meditation followed by a brief conversation about our experience. All are welcome. No experience is necessary.

For more information email Sarah Braik.