The E-Pistle of Thursday

February 8th, 2024

A Reflection from The Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean

Dear Friends-

This Sunday marks the final week in the Season of Epiphany. Epiphany, or epiphaneia in Greek, derives from the verb "to appear" and means "manifestation", and "appearance". In classical Greek it was used to describe the appearance of dawn, of an enemy in war, but especially of a manifestation of a deity to a worshiper.

The Season of Epiphany is a sequence of these ‘revelations’ to Jesus followers about his true nature. Epiphany ends with the Transfiguration. The Transfigurations is one of the miracles of Jesus and is unique in that it is the only miracle to happen to Jesus himself. 

Thomas Aquinas, the thirteenth century theologian, considered the Transfiguration the ‘greatest miracle’ in that it complemented Baptism and showed the perfection of life in Heaven. 

           See you Sunday!

                                                                             --George

Transfiguration by Alexander Ivanov, 1824

Community Announcements

Annual Meeting Wrap Up

Thanks to all who made last week’s annual meeting such a success. 

We are grateful for the volunteers who put together such a great spread of food, to those who submitted reports, to all who joined us online and in person. 

A special note of thanks to all those who were nominated to serve as Delegates to Convention and as Vestry members. We are deeply blessed to have many wonderful members of our community who offered their gifts of service.

Congratulations to Randi Hogan, Stan Kuziel, Mary Linneman and Eleanor Roberts who were elected as vestry members and to Sam Allen, Jeri Edgar, Fred Fowler, Curtis Maurand, Susan McCuller and Randi Hogan who were chosen to serve as Delegates to Diocesan Convention. 

If you were unable to attend the meeting, minutes are available below.

Copies of the Annual report are available by clicking the button below and in physical form in the parish office.

Join us for the Valentine’s Cookie Walk This Sunday

February 11th

Join us in the upper hall following the 10:00AM service this Sunday, February 11th, for the Valentine’s Cookie Walk. We are excited to bring back this joyful event! 

This fundraiser will feature candy and cookies for purchase. A box of cookies/ candy of your choosing will be 8$/box (please note that plastic gloves will be available). Cash and Checks will be accepted.

All proceeds will benefit general support of the cathedral. 

Volunteers are invited to bring sweet treats of cookies, candy bars, etc. to the upper hall at 9:15 on the morning of February 11th or in days prior to be stored in refrigeration in the kitchen. Please ensure that all donations have ingredients labeled to be courteous of individuals with food allergies. 

Volunteers are also needed to set up displays of sweets on decorated tables before church. Decorations will be supplied by the kneeler guild and will feature red tablecloths, red plates, and hearts.  

To sign-up to volunteer please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by the parish office or contact Jeri Edgar via phone (207)-303-8447 or by email at.

Thank you!

Join Luke’s Garden for our Meeting

This Sunday, February 11th

The next Luke's Garden meeting will be held this Sunday, February 11 at noon in the Lower Hall. We will be making LGBT+ valentines day cards as well as valentines day posters that will be hung up around Portland. Art supplies will be graciously provided by Linda Carleton. Thank you Linda!

For any questions you may have please contact Orion Williams.

Join us next Tuesday evening at 6:00PM in the lower hall for a celebration of Shrove Tuesday with a pancake supper. 

Offerings will include pancakes, syrup, fruit salad, and sausage. 

Please note that we are monitoring the weather for Tuesday evening as there is a potential for a winter storm. If the event is canceled we will send out an email notification the day prior.



If you are interested in volunteering to help, please email Senior Warden Sam Allen.

Join us for Ash Wednesday Services Next Week



This coming Wednesday, February 14th, is Ash Wednesday.

The cathedral will hold three services.

The 7:30 AM service will be in Emmanuel Chapel, and the 12:00PM, & 7:00 PM services will be held in the Nave. 

The Right Reverend Thomas J. Brown, Bishop of Maine, will be preaching and celebrating at both the 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM services.  

If you are unable to attend our services but would like to receive the imposition of Ashes, please contact Interim Dean, The Reverend George Stevens.

Looking For Individuals to serve as Treasurer,

Junior Warden, and Clerk

In the upcoming months the cathedral is looking for individuals interested in serving in the positions of treasurer, junior warden, and clerk for the vestry.

If you are interested in serving in any of these positions please email The Rev. George Stevens or Senior Warden Sam Allen.

New Labyrinth Sign Installed

Today, February 8th, the new sign was installed next to the St. Luke's Labyrinth.

Thanks are given to acting junior warden Fred Fowler, and St. Luke's parishioners Lin Parsons, Liz Parsons, Tim Wilkins, Sam Allen, Linda Carleton, and The Rev. Alice Goshorn for all of their help to make this possible.

The new sign provides a QR Code which links to a page about the labyrinth on the St. Luke's webpage.

The St. Luke's Public Policy

and Environmental Action Team Meeting

We will meet Tuesday February 13 from 6-7 PM. All are welcome.

Join us via Zoom.

For more information please email Ruth Roemer.

Winter Eco-Tips from the

Public Policy &

Environmental Action Team

1. Nudge down the thermostat: Think of lowering the thermostat just 2 degrees lower than you usually do. For warmth, add extra layers of clothing

 Use throw blankets around the house. Also, drinking more hot beverages will help keep you warm. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it so  that your heater is not working hard when you are away at work.

2.Grow indoor plants: These can trap heat, humidify the air and beautify your space.

3. Open the oven door after cooking or baking. Of course, turn the oven off first. The heat will help warm your kitchen.

4. Carpool: this is sensible any time of year, but especially useful in winter, a season that is harsh on vehicles.

5. When buying a new winter jacket or coat shop for eco-friendly garments. Check second hand clothing stores, also, for these items.

Exploring Senior Spirituality: Revised Meeting Time 

This class will be an opportunity to explore the subject of our changing spiritual experiences as we journey through the final chapters of our lives. Using tools such as journaling and discussion we will explore topics including mortality, forgiveness and regret, legacies, preserving our stories, and meaning in life.

We will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 1-2:30pm, a total of seven classes spread out over 9 weeks. Class size will be limited to 10 people.

For more information or to register please contact Rev. Suzanne Roberts.

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.

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.

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.

The Biblical Study Team

Welcome to the study and understanding of the earliest written contributions, the Logia, (the Midrash, or the sayings of Jesus, ca. 27–30 AD). We’re also focusing on the major themes of Saul of Tarsus visits 51–66 AD. Read about these earliest writings, i.e., the Midrash in Luke’s stories in the Acts of the Apostles. Begin your readings with Acts 17.1-10. Watch this announcement for updates over the coming weeks. We meet in the Oratory Room on the ground floor of the Cathedral noon to 1:30PM each Sunday. The Rev. Dr. Bob Hanson is our guide through these sacred writings. Bob holds five graduate degrees in biblically-related areas, and has studied Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, German, Latin, Spanish, & Egyptian hieroglyphs. All are welcome! It’s a joyous time.

The Healing Team Schedule

The Healing Team will be offering prayers during communion on the following Sundays:



February 11 Sara Schmalz, Peter Carleton

February 18 Mary Strnad, Judd Hume

February 25 Betsey Deleuse, Peter Carleton

March 3 Oscar Mokeme, Mary Strnad

If you have any questions, please contact any member of the healing team.

You may also contact Judd Hume by email or by phone at (207) 773 - 5611.

Celebrating Black History Month

at the Cathedral

Remembering the work and life of The Reverend Absalom Jones

This Sunday we will remember the life of The Reverend Absalom Jones.

The Episcopal Archives describes The Reverend Jones’ life with the following words:

“The Reverend Absalom Jones was America’s first black priest. Born into slavery in Delaware at a time when slavery was being debated as immoral and undemocratic, he taught himself to read, using the New Testament as one of his resources. At the age of 16, Jones’ mother, sister, and five brothers were sold, but he was brought to Philadelphia by his master, where he attended a night school for African-Americans operated by Quakers. Upon his manumission in 1784, he served as lay minister for the black membership at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church with his friend, Richard Allen, and together they established the Free African Society to aid in the emancipation of slaves and to offer sustenance and spiritual support to widows, orphans, and the poor.

Read Full Statement Here

To view additional resources regarding Black History Month from the Becoming Beloved Community Newsletter published by the Episcopal Church Office for Racial Reconciliation please read here.

Celebrating the Works of

African American Composers

We continue our celebration of Black History Month with musical selections throughout this Sunday's liturgy, including the Prelude; Psalm refrain, from Lead Me, Guide Me, an African American Hymnal; the setting of the Canticle; and the spiritual “Swing low, sweet chariot”.

Biographical information about the composers of these works can be found below

Robert Nathaniel Dett (1882–1943), was a composer, choir leader, pianist, teacher, poet, and writer. During his lifetime, he was lauded as the first American composer to fuse Negro folk music with the European art music tradition in a sophisticated way, and was a seminal figure in the preservation and study of spirituals, both as a writer and choral interpreter, and as a great teacher and inspirer of African-American musicians in later generations. He was one of the first Black  members of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

W. Clifford Petty, is a native of Eufaula, Alabama, is a working church musician, and is well known as a recording artist, performer, composer, and arranger. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal music performance and his Master of Music Education degree from Alabama State University.

Carl Haywood, DMA, is a longtime faculty member at Norfolk (VA) State University. He served as the Service Music Editor for Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal, for which he arranged/composed twenty-nine selections. He is also the leading contributor to Wonder, Love, and Praise. For twenty-six years, he served as organist/choir director at Grace Episcopal Church, Norfolk, and has served on the Liturgical Commission for the Diocese of Southern Virginia, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music for the Episcopal Church, and as Director of Music for the Union of Black Episcopalians.

Last Week's Service

Click the attached link to view last week's bulletin

Click the attached link to view last week's choral evensong bulletin

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

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

Click here to watch the sermon offered by The Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean

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

The Reverend Christopher Worthley Shares A Resource from Recent Sermon

Following his sermon on January 28th, the Rev. Christopher Worthley wished to share resources from the The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits by Christopher Maricle.

Below, please find an excerpt from the text.

If you have questions please email The Rev. Worthley.

Events in the Wider Community

Ongoing Opportunities &

Community Resources

Click on the Episcopal Maine Logo above to learn about all that is happening in the wider Diocese.

https://episcopalmaine.org/

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