The E-Pistle of Thursday

November 9th, 2023

St. Luke's Webpage

Give/ Pledge to St. Luke's

Events

Join us for the St. Luke's

Holiday Fair this Saturday!

Join us this Saturday for our annual Holiday Fair!

We look forward to coming together as a community for a time of fellowship, welcoming our neighbors to the cathedral, and celebrating the start of the Holiday Season.

Tables Being Offered This Year Include:

Hand-Made Gifts
Vintage Linens
Nativity and Winter Home Items
Live Music
Jewelry
Attic Treasures
Jams and Jellies
Toys & Games
Hot Beverages & Baked Goods

Opportunities to Volunteer are still available!

Email Fair Coordinator Sarah Dowling to volunteer your time/expertise.

With additional questions or information, e-mail Sarah, or call or text her on (207) 653-1017.

Christmas Table For Fair

If you have any Christmas related items for the fair please contact Liz Stover by email or phone at (207)-272-4922

Please bring all items to St Luke's tomorrow, Friday 11/10

Calling All Bakers For the Fair!

We need everyone's help with providing baked goods for the fair.

Donations of pies, cakes, cookies, muffins or any other baked goods would be greatly appreciated. Please label ingredients.

Let Liz Stover know what you can bring via a call, text or email and please deliver to St Luke's tomorrow, Friday 11/10.

With any questions please contact Liz Stover by email or at 272-4922.

Thank you for your help!

Community Announcements

Stewardship Ingathering Celebration

This Sunday, November 12

Over the past month, we have been reflecting on the Cathedral’s role in our lives, our neighbors’ lives, our greater roles in the world and the life of the Church.

The Vestry has made a Generosity Declaration, committing to give to God the first portion of our time, talent, and money, and inviting us to join in this lifelong, joyful, transforming, and liberating response to God’s call to us.

This year we offered a hybrid mailing option (either a physical mailed letter or online materials) which featured a letter from Senior Warden Sam Allen, Stewardship FAQ, links to a downloadable pledge card, and to online giving through our new database and giving platform, Realm.

If you would like to access Realm please contact our Financial Administrator, Nina Andersen

As you plan what to offer in 2024, we pray you are taking to heart our stewardship theme, “Rooted in Faith, Nurturing Community: Thriving Together in Transition.”

This Sunday, November 12, join in celebrating our Ingathering Sunday. At both the 7:00am and 10:30am services, we encourage you to bring your pledge cards up to the altar as your offering.

If you have already made your pledge for 2024 (thank you!), we will have an offering card for you to participate.

If you haven’t already made your pledge, please take time to pray on how you are called to respond with gratitude and generosity, and then plan to bring your pledge with you or make your pledge online here.

PPEAT Coffee Hour This Sunday

This Sunday, November 12 at the Coffee Hour after service, come hear about the mission and work of the Maine Climate Council.

On June 26, 2019, Governor Janet Mills and the Maine State Legislature created the Maine Climate Council, an assembly of scientists, industry leaders, bipartisan local and state officials, and engaged citizens to develop a four-year plan to put Maine on a trajectory to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and at least 80% by 2050.

The plan was delivered to Governor Mills on December 1, 2020. State Representative Christopher Kessler, one of the four State Legislators who serve on the Council will be with us to share an update about the structure and work of the Council.

He’ll also share information about key actions that have been taken as well as plans and projects under way to achieve the goals of the four-year plan.

Healing Team Schedule

The Healing Team offers prayers of healing during or after communion. The following team members will be offering prayers on the following Sundays:

November 12, 2023

Elise Magnuson, Oscar Mokeme

November 19, 2023

Ruth Roemer, Sara Schmalz

November 26, 2023

Peter Carleton, Judd Hume

December 3, 2023.

Betsey Deleuse, Oscar Mokeme

If you have any questions, please contact any of the Healing Team Members or email Judd Hume. Judd can also be reached by phone at (207) 773 - 5611.

Thanksgiving Day Service at the Cathedral

Please join us on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, 2023 at 10:00 AM in Emmanuel Chapel for a service of Holy Eucharist with The Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, The Bishop of Maine, presiding.

All are welcome!

St. Elizabeth's Pantry Coat Drive

As we gear up for colder temperatures, St. Elizabeth’s is launching its annual coat and boot drive. Many of our neighbors come from warmer climates and don’t have the necessary clothing for fall and winter in Maine.

Large and Extra-Large sized coats for both men and women are most needed, but coats and boots of all sizes are welcome. Items should be in clean, good condition.

Monetary donations may also be made for the purchase of new coats and boots for our neighbors.

Financial contributions can be mailed to: St. Elizabeth’s Jubilee Center PO Box 4036 Portland, ME 04101 or visit here.

Lewiston Deaf Access Fund

Meeting The Need of Maine's Deaf Community

Maine’s Deaf community deserves full access to the upcoming funerals following the Lewiston shootings, but funds for ASL interpreters are still needed. The Maine and Massachusetts Councils of Churches are partnering to create the Lewiston Deaf Access Fund to meet the need of Maine’s Deaf community at this tender time, so that all may fully gather to grieve, gather, pray, and mourn in their own language. ASL interpreters have been working overtime to meet the needs of the Deaf Maine community and this fund will provide financial support for all access needs. Our wish is for all Deaf Mainers to have opportunities to be fully included in the funerals, memorials, and gatherings in the weeks ahead.

Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston

The pioneer Episcopal Jubilee Center in Maine is in Lewiston, and was started – 30 years ago! - by Trinity Church there and for many years has operated out of the Trinity basement, serving more than 1,000 needy folks every week. Trinity operates 6 days a week and runs a soup kitchen, a food pantry, a day shelter, a resource center (including a

weekly health center) and provides referrals and connections to all sorts

of social services.

They also have a thriving refugee assistance program. Now Trinity has more than outgrown the cramped Trinity basement and is looking to build a purpose-built building across the street. To that end it has embarked on a Capital Campaign.

St. Luke's parishioners Nancy Brain and John Watson are keen supporters of Trinity Jubilee Center. They would be delighted to talk to anyone at St. Luke’s who might be interested in finding out more about their plans.

Contact John and Nancy via email to learn more information

John Watson & Nancy Brain

Christmas Serving Opportunity

St. Luke's is seeking additional helpers in the Christmas Eve Vigil and the Christmas Day service. Interested in participating in the service?

Please contact Head Verger Eleanor Roberts for more information. All ages welcome

Seeking Input for the Sunday 5:15 pm Service

We are seeking input from parishioners interested in restarting the Sunday 5:15PM service in the chapel. A working group is forming to explore how we might form this service, possibly using lay leadership. One option is to launch a time limited series of 5:15 services starting in the Sundays following Epiphany, and reassess whether continuing into the new year is feasible.

We are hoping this group will consider options, ask questions and explore ideas together on how to proceed. An organizational meeting is planned for Sunday, November 19 at Noon.

If you have thoughts or are interested in joining in, please contact Tim Wilkins.

St. Luke's Food Pantry in Need of Contributions

The Food Pantry welcomes your contributions of oil, flour, and dried beans!

These continue to be the most wanted items and and the most difficult for us to keep in stock.

Donations can be dropped off at any service or at the Cathedral's rear entrance. Thank you! Both neighbors and volunteers are grateful for your support!

With any questions please contact Mary Brighthaupt.

Visit Hannaford over the Bridge

and Support Our Food Pantry in November

During November, St. Luke's Food Pantry will receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold during the month of November at the Hannaford on 50 Cottage Road in South Portland.

Plus, our pantry will receive $0.25 from every Hannaford Snack Pals Plate sold there.

Eco-tips from St. Luke's

Public Policy and Environmental Action Team

PPEAT

What's happening at COP28 this year?

As we approach the pivotal gathering of world leaders at COP28, the United Nations' international climate conference in Dubai, many of you may have questions about this gathering and what we hope can be accomplished. Interfaith Power and Light (IPL) wants to give you the insights and knowledge you need to understand the critical discussions and actions surrounding the global challenge of climate change and how you can take action.

Join IPL's COP28 webinar on Tuesday November 14, 2023 at 4 PM on Zoom to learn more about COP28, the role of the faith voice, and what you can do to support this work from home.

Go to the registration page or visit interfaithpowerandlight.org and go to the events page to register.

Join the Young and the Restless on Saturday November 18th at 6pm for their annual Friendsgiving dinner!

Bring your favorite casserole, side dish, pie, libation, or non-libation to share! The church will supply a rotisserie chicken and all the plates, utensils, and cups. Also, bring your favorite card or board game that we could play while eating yummy desserts. Please contact Shana Rose to RSVP.

Contribute to CSL’s music ministry

Recently, several longtime choir members have retired from or taken breaks from the Cathedral Choir, and we could use your vocal talents to rebuild our membership. If you fit the bill (or aren’t sure), please drop in on a choir rehearsal (Thursday 7PM or Sunday 8:45AM) and check it out.

Or, offer to play an instrument or sing. We invite you to share your musical talents with our worshiping community in our praise of God. Or, do you know someone with talents to share? For more information or to discuss your interests, please contact Christian Clough, Canon for Liturgy & Music.

In Memoriam

Mary Jane Northrop

August 21, 1930 - November 2, 2023

Dear St. Luke's community members,

It is with mournful hearts that we inform you that St. Luke's parishioner MJ Northrop died this past Thursday, surrounded by her loving family.

We offer our deepest condolences, care, compassion, and outpouring of love from our community to MJ's family and friends in their time of mourning.

MJ was a devout member of the cathedral and was an active member of the Ushers, Altar Guild, Kneeler Guild, and The Haiti-Maine Committee for many years.

A service in celebration of life will be held at the Cathedral on Friday, December 1st, 2023 at 10:00AM in the Cathedral Nave.

A reception will follow in the Upper Hall.

To learn more about MJ's life, please read an obituary from her family here .

May light perpetual shine upon her.

Julia Mead Knox

Dear St. Luke's community members,

It is with mournful hearts that we inform you that Julia Mead Knox, died this Tuesday. Julia is the daughter of former St. Luke's community member, The Reverend Regina Knox.

We offer our deepest condolences, care, compassion, and outpouring of love from our community to Julia's family and friends in their time of mourning.

The Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, Bishop of Maine and The Episcopal Diocese of Maine published the following statement regarding Julia's death:

Julia Mead Knox, the daughter of the Reverend Regina Gilmartin Knox (retired rector of All Saints’ in Skowhegan) and John Benton Knox, died 7 November 2023 at Harefield Hospital in London from overwhelming sepsis following a Covid infection. Julia was a doctoral student at Oxford. Regina traveled to the UK last week; and was with Julia as she went from death to life. Funeral arrangements will be made at a later date.

Remember in your prayers our sister, Regina; Julia’s father, John (who is hospitalized in Augusta), and the repose of Julia’s soul.

It was our Lord Jesus himself who said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” We pray for Julia, that she may rest from her labors, and enter into the light of God’s eternal sabbath rest. Receive, O Lord, your child for she returns to you. Wash her in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe her in her heavenly wedding garment. May she hear the words of invitation, “Come, you blessed of my Father.” May she gaze upon you, Lord, face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest. May angels surround her, and saints welcome her in peace.

In Christ,

The Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown

Tenth Bishop of Maine

Last Week's Service

Click the attached link to view last week's Bulletin.

To watch the livestream of last Sunday's service, click here

Click the attached link to view last week's Evensong Bulletin.

To watch the livestream of last Sunday's Evensong, click here

To watch the sermon offered by The Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, Bishop of Maine, click here

To View past services visit our Youtube Page or visit the archive page on our website to read past bulletins, sermons, and newsletters.

Events in the Wider Community

St. Elizabeth's Pantry to Host Benefit Concert on November 18th

at Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland

The FLUKES, an ensemble of enthusiastic ukulele musicians, presents a family friendly concert to benefit St. Elizabeth's Essentials Pantry, a low-barrier pantry serving non-food essentials to all those in need, including new Mainers and Mainers whose families have been here for generations.

The FLUKES play and sing songs from Bach to the Beatles and beyond.

Suggested donation $10, free for children under 12.

AGO Annual Members Recital

The Portland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present their annual members’ recital, Advent and Christmas Preview on Sunday, November 12 at 3:00 PM at the First Parish Congregational Church, 9 Cleaveland Street, Brunswick, Maine.

The program is free and open to all. Selections by Albrecht, Bingham, Chapman, Joseph, Stover and others, including works by the performers. Organists: Jane Hagness, Paul Schnell, Harold Stover and John Sullivan.

Renaissance Voices Concerts at the Cathedral

Join Music Director Harold Stover, (St. Luke's Parishioner) and Renaissance voices for their Christmas Concerts, December 9th and 10th at the cathedral.

This program will feature works by Heinrich Isaac, Igor Stravinski, Franz Biebl, a new work by Harold Stover, and more.

To learn more about Renaissance Voices and to buy tickets online visit their website here

St. Mary Schola presents A Neapolitan Christmas

Join St. Mary Schola and Guest Conductor Christian Clough (Canon for Liturgy and Music) as they present a program entitled 'A Neapolitan Christmas' featuring a moteto by Francesco Durante, and six voice setting of the Magnificat by Michael Praetorius.

To learn more about St. Mary Schola and to buy tickets online visit their website here

Ongoing Opportunities &

Community Resources

Help with Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour needs hosts. It's fun and easy! No commitment required— you can do it once and that's a help. Please check out the schedule and if there is a date you can serve, contact Gail Kesich or Liz Griffin.

Help the Cathedral With Recycling

As Portland does not pick-up recycling for businesses we are looking for volunteers to take home the paper we gather in blue bins and add them to parishioner's recycling bins at their homes (We do however recycle cardboard and compost both of which have been a very successful campaigns).

If you would like to help please contact Sarah Braik or Tim Wilkins. Thanks for your help.

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!

Opportunity for morning meditation in Emmanuel Chapel

St. Luke’s Parish Administrator Avery Levesque-Schott invites you to join him in Emmanuel Chapel from 7:00AM-8:00AM on Tuesday & Thursday mornings for a time of silent sitting and walking meditation.

A brief reading will be offered with accompanying active listening dyads. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be available in the Upper Hall following the conclusion of the meditation.

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 each Tuesday at Maine Beer Company in Freeport, 6-8 PM for Trivia.

Other events happen sporadically throughout the month, however trivia is a wonderful 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.

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

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.