A Reflection from The Reverend George Stevens

The E-Pistle of Thursday

January 11th, 2024

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A Reflection from The Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean

Dear Friends,

Last week we began the season of Epiphany. This short season, which lasts from Christmas to Ash Wednesday, offers a chance to reflect on God’s ‘manifestation’ in the world.

The term Epiphany comes form the Greek word epiphaneia which in pagan religion was used to describe the “a manifestation or striking appearance of a deity and was used of a festival held in commemoration of the appearance of a god at some particular place.” In Scripture the term is used to describe the historic event of Jesus Christ coming into the world and being seen as a witness to the Gentiles. The three primary ‘manifestations’ are to the Magi, at His baptism, and at His first miracle at the wedding in Cana.

The Apostle Paul writes these inspired words using the term: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest (ἐφανερώθη transliterated epiphany) in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).

I’m looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday-

Blessings-

George

Community Announcements

Join Luke’s Garden for their meeting this Sunday

January 14th at 1:00PM

Join St. Luke’s LGBTQIA+ Group, Luke’s Garden, for their next meeting this Sunday.

Visit here for the Zoom link.

The Parish Prayer List To Renew This Week

This Sunday, January 14th week the parish prayer list will be renewing.

If you wish for a name to be added to the prayer list, please email the parish office.

A name will remain on the prayer list for a period of 3 consecutive weeks unless otherwise requested.

5:15 Service

A small group is leading an effort to restart the Sunday 5:15 service in the back chapel. We will start this Sunday 1/14 and continue for the next six Sunday's concluding on 2/18.

After that we will meet and decide how to proceed but the long term goal is to have the new dean include that as a regular Sunday service.

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

Finance Town Hall and Budget Presentation on January 21st

Join us in the Upper Hall at the conclusion of coffee hour on January 21st for the annual finance committee and budget report presentation. This presentation will focus on the 2024 budget that will be provided as part of the annual report.

Mark Your Calendars for the Annual Meeting on February 4th

The Cathedral’s Annual Meeting date has been set for February 4, 2024.

There will be an election of three Vestry members for three-year terms, and election of one Vestry member for a two-year term. In addition, we will elect five Delegates for Diocesan Convention, plus alternates.

An email regarding the submission of reports for the annual meeting has been sent to representatives of each ministry. If you have questions please contact The Rev. 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.

Celebrating The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Songs & Wisdom for Our Times

Featuring the Sea Change Chorale

Sunday, January 14 at 2:00 pm

First Congregational Church, UCC

301 Cottage Road, South Portland

Contact Deidre McClure

Join us for an afternoon of music and reflection on the legacy of Dr. King, featuring congregational singing and music by the Sea Change Chorale, Deirdre McClure, Artistic Director.

Sponsored by the Greater Portland Multi-faith Group.

If you are interested in singing with the chorale for this event please contact Deirdre McClure.

Eco Tips from the Public Policy & Environmental Action Team Green New Years’ Resolutions

Consider implementing some or all of the following New Years’ Resolutions to help our planet:

1. Bring your own reusable shopping bags to the store

2. Cut down on the paper towels. Use cloths instead to clean and wipe up spills.

3. Trade your bottled water habit for a reusable water bottle made of glass, aluminum, or recycled plastic.

4. Switch to green power. If possible, join a solar farm or call the electric company to ask about renewable power options.

5. Eat some meatless meals each week.

6. Use a bike in conducive weather-for short trips.

Coffee & Conversation

Beginning Wednesday, January 24th, at 1 PM in the upper parish hall, please 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.

Most Recent Minutes from the Lesser Chapter

To read the most recent minutes of the Lesser Chapter meeting held on December 20th, please click here.

To view all past minutes of the Lesser Chapter and Finance Committee meetings, please visit the Vestry Page of our website here.

Join us for 'Robert Burns Night' Community Supper

on January 25th

Dig out your tartan and join us for music, food, poetry and fun on January 25 as we celebrate Robert Burns Night during a January community supper.

Supper includes: Cock a Leeky Soup, Mince, Tatties and Neeps, a bit of Haggis and Shortbread.

To make a reservation please email Jon Radtke

Suggested donation is $20 per person or $30 per couple or family.

Harp and Piping start at 5:30!

With any questions please contact Jon Radtke

Stewardship 2024

We are grateful for everyone in the Cathedral community who has made generous contributions and pledges for 2024.

We also want to extend a special welcome to the 23 households who have made their first pledge to St. Luke's!

If you wish to join in making a financial pledge to support the Cathedral's mission and ministry, please contact the office or pledge online.

Together our pledges will define the resources we will have to devote to our mission in 2024 as a community. We welcome and invite all contributions to support this effort!

Every gift is gratefully received and enriches our lives. Thank you.

With gratitude,

Randi Hogan

Stewardship Chair

St. Elizabeth’s 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.

The Healing Team Schedule

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

January 14, 2024 Jon Radtke, Sara Schmalz

January 21, 2024 Betsey Deleuse, Mary Strnad

January 28, 2024 Judd Hume, Elise Magnuson

February 4, 2024 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.

The Young and The Restless Enjoy

A Time of Fellowship & Fun While Sledding

Last Sunday following the service, members of the St. Luke's young adults group, 'The Young and The Restless' enjoyed a time of fellowship and fun while sledding at the Eastern Promenade in Portland.

To join the Young and the Restless on future outings please email Shana Rose.

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 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.

Updates from the Wider Church

Health Update on Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

Published by the Episcopal Office of Public Affairs

On January 9th Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was moved from the intensive care unit of the hospital to a regular room, where he will continue his recovery from a Jan. 6 surgery to treat the reoccurrence of a subdural hematoma. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Please hold Bishop Curry, his family, and his whole medical team in your prayers.

Read all health updates.

Ongoing Opportunities &

Community Resources

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>

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!

Clarification Regarding Pledging Using Realm

Thank you to all of our community members who have made a pledge gift using Realm.

Treasurer Tim Wilkins and Financial Administrator Nina Andersen wish to clarify the process of setting up a pledge through Realm.

In order for our team to have a record of your pledge for the year please complete and submit a pledge form. This informs us of your total amount to be pledged for the year before using Realm to enter a payment plan in Vanco for your 2024 pledge. We appreciate your understanding and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please contact Tim Wilkins or Nina Andersen with any questions you may have.

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.