The E-pistle of Sunday, February 11th, 2024

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Holy Eucharist, Rite II

7:30AM in Emmanuel Chapel



Holy Baptism & Eucharist, Rite II 

10:00AM in the Nave & Livestreamed

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.

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. 

Sunday Morning Service Participants

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

Mary Linneman

Ushers

Susan McCuller, Chester Bishop, Melissa Coy, Gail Swanton    

Head Verger

Eleanor Roberts

Verger

John Hennessy

Crucifer

Alec Thorne

The Healing Team

Sara Schmalz, Peter Carleton

Live Streaming

Jack Swanton, Sam Allen

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). 

We continue our celebration of Black History Month with musical selections throughout today’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 under 'community announcements.'

Happening at the Cathedral Today

Join us for the Valentine’s Cookie Walk Today!

Join us in the upper hall following the 10:00AM service today, 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. 

5:15PM Sunday Worship

A small group is leading an effort to restart the Sunday 5:15PM service in Emmanuel Chapel. Services will continue Sundays through 18 Feb.

After the service on the 18th please join us for a potluck in the upper hall.

After the conclusion of services, we will meet and decide how to proceed, but the long term goal is to have the new Dean include this as a regular Sunday service.

Please contact Tim Wilkins if you want to help with the service, or have any questions. Thank you!

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.

With any questions please call Bob at (207)-405-8250.

Celebrating Black History Month

at the Cathedral

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.

Remembering the work and life of The Reverend Absalom Jones

This Sunday we 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.

Community Announcements

Join us this coming 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.

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.

New Labyrinth Sign Installed

This past Thursday, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry

Thanks to everyone who donated coats and boots to the St E's coat drive over the past few months. Going forward our greatest need is for diapers in sizes 2 and 3, bedding of all kinds, and toothpaste and toothbrushes. 

Events in the Wider Community

Ongoing Opportunities & Announcements

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. Thank you to everyone that hosted a coffee hour in 2023. It is an important part of our parish life and provides us with a time for connection. 

Thank you to Liz Griffin and Gail Kesich for taking over the scheduling/organizing these past six months, I am so grateful. 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,

Meredith Cough.

Interested in hosting? Check this schedule by visiting the link here.  

Please email Meredith Cough with your date - <meredith.cough@gmail.com>

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.

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

Weekly Ministries

• The Food Pantry is open from 8 am to 11 am every Thursday.



• St. Elizabeth's Jubilee Center is offered every Tuesday from 8:30 am to 11 am.

• Noon prayer is offered every Wednesday via Zoom.

• The Tuesday 12:10 Eucharist is offered every week in Emmanuel Chapel in-person and on Zoom.
• Compline is offered weekly on Friday from 8-8:30pm on Zoom. 

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