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The E-pistle of Sunday, March 17th, 2024
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
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Holy Eucharist, A Penitential Order, Rite I
7:30AM in Emmanuel Chapel
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:00AM in the Nave & Livestreamed
5:15PM Holy Eucharist
in Emmanuel Chapel
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The Cathedral Church of St. Luke
in the
City of Portland
and the
Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Whoever you are,
and wherever you may be on the journey of the spirit,
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.
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Welcome to St. Luke’s Cathedral
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.
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Sunday Morning Service Participants
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Preacher
The Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean
Celebrant
The Reverend Christopher Worthley, Assisting Clergy
Assisting
The Reverend Rebecca A. Grant, Deacon
Music Leader & Organist
Christian M. Clough, Canon for Liturgy & Music
Lector
Sam Allen
Prayers Leader
The Rev. Anne Fowler
Ushers
Peter Bingham, Melissa Coy, Mary Linneman, Gail Swanton
Verger
John Hennessy
Crucifer
Liam Coy
Live Streaming
Jack Swanton, Sam Allen
The Healing Team
Sara Schmalz, Mary Strnad
Contributing Ministries
The Cathedral Choir, Acolytes, Vergers, The Flower Guild, The Altar Guild, The Kneeler Guild, The Healing Team
Music copyrights granted under OneLicense.net #A-713087. Sources: The Hymnal 1982, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Wonder, Love, and Praise, Voices Found, My Heart Sings Out, The Saint Helena Psalter, The Book of Common Prayer,, Enriching our Worship, The Holy Bible (NRSV).
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5:15PM Service of Holy Eucharist | |
Celebrating: The Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean
Reflecting: Rich Pitre
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Happening at the Cathedral Today | |
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at CSL
with today's guest musician: prize-winning teenage fiddler
Beck Welling
from New Gloucester
Shortly after beginning his ministry at CSL in 2022, Christian Clough, Canon for Music & Liturgy, met Beck’s mother Hannah at Common Ground Country Fair, and their first conversation led to a discovery of a common interest in music. Christian extended an invitation for Beck to play at St. Luke’s that day. We are thrilled it is finally happening!
Please see Beck's Biography below:
Beck Welling is a sixteen-year-old fiddler from New Gloucester, Maine. He began taking lessons at age four-and-a-half with renowned local fiddler Ellen Gawler. In July 2019, with Ellen and her advanced fiddle group, Beck traveled to the Shetland Islands to participate in Folk Frenzy, a week-long celebration of Shetland music. Thus began Beck’s love of Scottish fiddling, only reinforcing the connection to the country that his family’s heritage provides.
In 2001, with Ellen’s encouragement, Beck began lessons with the acclaimed Scottish fiddler Seàn Heely. All of Beck’s lessons with Seàn are via Zoom, but Seàn has taken Beck to a whole new level. In September of 2023, Beck competed in, and won, the Northeast Junior Scottish Fiddling Championships. In the fall of 2024, Beck will go on to compete in the National Competition.
Next to the Scottish genre, Beck also enjoys playing Irish tunes, and looks forward to sharing his love of this music with you all!
Beck is available for events, dances and gatherings of all types! He can be reached via email.
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Eucharistic Minister Training Today
Today, March 17th, after the 10 am service, we will hold Eucharistic Minister training in the Nave. We’ll review the tasks assigned to the Eucharistic Minister, handle the “holy hardware” and answer any questions that you might have about fulfilling this ministry. After the service take a moment to get a cup of coffee and then meet us at the altar rail in the church.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Deacon Rebecca via email.
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Session 126: God’s kingdom, His Realm, The New Age, is already here and has been for over 2000 years! Understood in the New Testament as The Resurrection of Jesus, the now Christos, and visually seen and heard by thousands of followers, especially Saul, who quickly becomes Paul, professing the fulfillment of both the Tanakh’s prophecies and Jesus’ own words e.g. “The Temple will be destroyed, and he, Jesus will have it rebuilt in three days”.
So Paul introduces us to both the very good news of God’s love and our salvation: an act we complete through our faith, and the new righteousness we practice, and the new languages we speak. Jeremiah proclaims our priesthood, and Jesus confirms our sisterhood and brotherhood, with God, the new Abba, loving Father. With Christ our lives are new, wrapped in mystery, and we must learn the new songs that will allow us to sing God’s praise. Bring your questions and your hopes. There are handouts and suggested readings for each session. Contact: Dr. Bob Hanson (207) 405-8250.
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Portland Rossini Club Concert Today at 3:00PM
Join the Portland Rossini Club for their concert this afternoon at 3:00PM in the Cathedral Nave.
The concert will feature:
Violist Melissa Lund Ziegler and pianist Amy Hunter performing Henri Vieutemps Viola Sonata, Op. 36
Elizabeth Harmon, mezzo-soprano, and pianist James Nga performing Schubert’s Suleika I and An die Musik, as well as two songs by Leonard Bernstein
Cellist Hugh Judge and pianist James Nga performing Beethoven’s Sonata No. 1 for Cello and Piano
Pianists Ruth Matt and Leah Neuchiller performing Gershwin’s Three Preludes for Piano.
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Resources from the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT)
Results Presentation this past Sunday
Last Sunday, March 10th, we welcomed CAT consultant, Susan Tamborini Czolgosz, via Zoom to speak with our congregation about the results of our CAT survey.
Below, please find resources from the presentation, including the executive summary and the slides.
With any questions please email the Reverend George Stevens.
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Join Us for the Inaugural
St. Luke’s Chili Cook Off on Friday March 22nd
Join us for our first ever St. Luke’s Chili Cook Off this upcoming Friday, March 22nd in the lower hall. This event will be a time of fun, food, community, and friendly competition to support the pantries operating out of the cathedral who support our neighbors.
Families and children are welcome and encouraged to attend! We will have board games, coloring, and cornhole available beginning at 5:30PM in the Upper Hall. Dinner will be available beginning at 6:00PM in the lower hall.
A sign-up sheet is available electronically here or on the bulletin board outside of the office.
The deadline to sign-up is this Tuesday, March 19th.
The event is open to all. We encourage and welcome donations for the following groups:
St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers sizes 3-5
St. Luke’s Food Pantry: canned tomatoes, canned tomato soup, flour, cornmeal, dried white beans, pinto beans, cooking oil, pasta
Greater Portland Family Promise: Diapers of all sizes
A general suggested offering to support the cost of the event $5 is also welcome, but not mandatory to attend.
With questions about volunteering, please contact parish administrator, Avery Levesque-Schott by email or by phone at 207-772-5434, to learn more about how you can help!
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Easter Flower Offering 2024 | |
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Each Easter the St. Luke’s Flower Guild welcomes contributions to support the flowers which are beautifully arranged for our Easter Sunday services.
Gifts are made in memory of loved ones or thanksgiving for God's blessings in your life.
The names of all individuals and thanksgivings are noted in the Easter Sunday Bulletin.
To make a gift to contribute to the flowers at Easter, please complete either the online or physical form below and make a payment using the following options:
1) Use our online giving software through Realm (see further below for additional instructions)
2) Mail a physical check to our address of P.O. Box 4141, Portland, ME 04101.
Please complete the online form or enclose the physical form in your mailing
3) Place the completed form with a check enclosed in the plate during the offertory.
4) Drop off completed form and check to the cathedral office during office hours.
Please note: Additional physical forms are also available at both entrances to the Nave, in the cathedral office, or can be mailed by request.
We will accept submissions of names for the Easter Bulletin until March 27.
If you have any questions please contact the parish office by email or at 207-772-5434
or
email Flower Guild co-chairs Mary Doughty and Kathy Watt.
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Foyer Groups Return! Simple Food, Simple Fellowship
Foyer Groups are small groups (around 8) persons sharing simple meals and fellowship. The intention is to have fun and provide an opportunity for us to meet each other and/or to become better acquainted. Each group meets once a month for a simple meal and relaxed conversation in the homes of members.
Foyer Groups are not intended to do anything, but simply to be what Christians are: groups of people who gather together and “love one another.” Foyer Groups provide time to be with one another so that friendship may grow.
Each month, a member (or two) host a gathering. Foyer Groups are not a study or prayer group; they have no agenda other than spending time with one another, which is important for the building of Christian community in our parish. The uniqueness of the Foyer Group is its lack of formal structure, its openness of communication, and it's free access given to the Spirit.
Those interested in signing up to join a group can sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office. Sign up sheets will also be available at both the 7am and 5:15 services. The deadline for sign ups is today, March 17.
Please contact Judd Hume (who is coordinating this effort) via email or by telephone at: (207) 773-5611 if you have questions!
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St. Luke's Food Pantry Needs Reusable Shopping Bags | |
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Christian Education at the Cathedral
Interested in Christian Education? In the coming weeks the vestry will be beginning work on creating a fresh job description for the Interim Director of Religious Education at the Cathedral of St. Luke.
If you’re interested in helping shape this new position, please contact Interim Dean the Rev. George Stevens.
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Eco-Tips from the
Public Policy &
Environmental Action Team
Praying in Lent for Creation: Visit Here to View as a Webpage
This is a daily prayer based on the Ignatian Examen, which an individual may wish to incorporate at the end of the day to evaluate one's relationship to the earth. (The Ignatian Examen was developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola to reflect prayerfully with God on the day).
1. I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made. Where did I feel God’s presence in creation today?
2. I ask for the grace to see creation as God does – in all its splendor and suffering. Do I see the beauty of creation and hear the cries of the earth and the poor?
3. I ask for the grace to look closely to see how my life choices impact creation and the poor and vulnerable. What challenges or joys do I experience as I recall my care for creation? How can I turn away from a throwaway culture and instead stand in solidarity with creation and the poor?
4. I ask for the grace of conversion towards ecological justice and reconciliation. Where have I fallen short in caring for creation and my brothers and sisters? How do I ask for a conversion of heart?
5. I ask for the grace to reconcile my relationship with God, creation and humanity, and to stand in solidarity through my actions. How can I repair my relationship with creation and make choices consistent with my desire for reconciliation with creation?
6. I offer a closing prayer for the earth and the vulnerable in our society.
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Luke’s Garden LGBTQIA+ Group Next Meeting on March 24th at 1PM
Join Luke’s Garden for their next meeting on March 24th on Zoom. The topic of discussion will be coming out; it’s history, significance, and what to do if someone comes out to you. They will also be discussing preparations for Pride month.
To join please visit the zoom link here
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Holy Week Schedule of 2024
Please see the schedule below for service times during Holy Week of 2024. With any questions, please contact the Rev. George Stevens.
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HOLY WEEK SERVICE SCHEDULE
March 24th, 2024, Palm Sunday
7:30am & 10:00am
March 28th, 2024, Maundy Thursday
7:00pm
March 29th, 2024, Good Friday
12:00pm, & 7:00pm
March 30th, 2024 The Great Vigil of Easter
7:00 pm
March 31st, 2024, Easter Sunday
9:00am | Festival Eucharist with Brass & Timpani
March 31st, 2024, Easter Egg Hunt
10:15am in the Bishop's Garden
(rain location: Emmanuel Chapel)
March 31st, 2024, Easter Sunday
11:00am | Festival Eucharist with Brass & Timpani
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Painted Rocks
and Prayers for Peace
in the Holy Land
Linda Carleton is painting rocks as prayers for peace in the Holy Land. She would like to paint one for you in exchange for a donation of any amount to the Dean’s Discretionary Fund.
Contact Linda if you would like one.
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Looking For Individuals to serve as Treasurer and
Junior Warden
The cathedral is looking for individuals interested in serving in the positions of treasurer and junior warden.
If you are interested in serving as treasurer please contact The Rev. George Stevens or Tim Wilkins, with any questions.
If you have interest in either of these positions please email The Rev. George Stevens or Senior Warden Sam Allen.
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The Healing Team
The Healing Team offers prayers of healing during Communion on the following Sundays:
March 17 Sara Schmalz and Mary Strnad
March 24 Betsey Deleuse and Elise Magnuson
March 31 Sara Schmaltz and Mary Strnad
Contact: any Healing Team member, or email Judd Hume.
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Ongoing Opportunities & Announcements | |
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Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour - Please join us after the service for a time of fellowship in the upper hall through the doors to the left of the altar. All are welcome.
Interested in hosting? It is an important part of our parish life and provides us with a time for connection. Hosting is fun and easy, it requires bringing in a baked good and brewing coffee the Sunday of your choosing. Please consider signing up, a lot of gratitude comes with the job. Thank you!
Check the hosting schedule by visiting the link here.
Please email Meredith Cough with your date.
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Coffee & Conversation
Each Wednesday at 1 PM in the upper parish hall, join Deacon Rebecca Grant for an informal gathering - coffee and conversations.
There’s no book to read, no service commitment, simply an opportunity to gather and talk about what's happening in our lives. You could also help coach the deacon into retirement from her professional life!
We’re planning this for a season - weekly opportunities where you can attend one, attend all, drop-in as it works for you. Bring your lunch, if you'd like. Topics range from “what's happening in your life” to “what brings you joy” and more.
You can email Rebecca or call at 207-441-7155.
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Join the Young and The Restless
We are St. Luke’s 20s-30s-year-old ministry. We are an active group at the cathedral which also gets together outside of the church.
Join us as we go hiking, ice skating, play trivia, or just enjoy each other’s company! If you are new to us, welcome! We meet every Tuesday at Maine Beer Company in Freeport for Trivia from 6-8.
Other events happen sporadically throughout the month, however trivia is a great opportunity to meet us if you’re joining us for the first time. Contact Shana Rose to stay up to date with group activities and information.
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Join Luke's Garden
LGBTQIA+ Group
Luke's Garden is the cathedral's LGBTQIA+ group which meets every 2nd Sunday of the month following coffee hour.
All are welcome!
For additional information contact Orion Williams
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Looking for Volunteers to Serve as Eucharistic Ministers | |
The Cathedral is seeking volunteers to serve as Eucharistic Ministers.
Have you ever felt a pull to be part of what happens in the course of our worship services?
If so, consider serving as a Eucharistic Minister (chalice bearer) during the worship services.
Training will be provided along with an alb. If you're interested or have questions, please contact Deacon Rebecca either in person or via email.
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Volunteer to Serve on the Altar Guild
We love volunteering on the Altar Guild, and think you would too! Volunteering with Altar Guild is fun and rewarding.
Together, we can work to enable our congregation to engage in worship that is filled with order, beauty, peace, and tranquility.
For more information, contact Kate Leschey or Rita Siavelis.
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Access Your Realm Profile
The Cathedral’s new online database, Realm, is a useful tool for parishioners to manage their contact and pledging information.
Realm helps our community by improving our record keeping in a more streamlined fashion.
When joining Realm you can sign-up to be a part of the online directory in the database.
To activate your Realm profile please contact our financial administrator Nina Andersen.
Nina will assist you with the few steps necessary to access your profile.
We look forward to sharing this exciting new technology with you!
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Weekly Ministries
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The Food Pantry is open from 8 am to 11 am every Thursday.
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Noon prayer is offered every Wednesday via Zoom.
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The Tuesday 12:10 Eucharist is offered every week in Emmanuel Chapel in-person and on Zoom.
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Compline is offered weekly on Friday from 8-8:30pm on Zoom.
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Click on the Episcopal Maine Logo above to learn about all that is happening in the wider Diocese.
https://episcopalmaine.org
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stlukesportland.org
(207)-772-5434
Physical Address:
143 State Street, Portland, ME 04101
Parking Available at:
134 Park Street, Portland, ME 04101
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4141, Portland, ME 04101
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