The E-Pistle of Thursday

May 18th, 2023

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Meet the New Chair of the Interim Dean Search Committee: Misha Pride

St. Luke's parishioner Misha Pride has stepped into the role of the chair of the Interim Dean Search Committee. Learn more about Misha in his biography below!

Misha has lived in Maine since 2005, when he was first enrolled at the University of Maine School of Law, and began attending St. Luke’s in 2013.

Now, Misha is a partner at the law firm of Drummond & Drummond, and a city councilor and former mayor of the City of South Portland, but most parishioners will probably recognize him as the father of Lucy (10) and Charlotte (5), who were both baptized at St. Luke’s. Misha and his wife Jessica live in South Portland and attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Eucharist regularly.

Prior to serving as Chair of the Interim Dean Search Committee, Misha served on the St. Luke's Vestry for 6 years.

An Update About the Search for the Interim Dean

Written by Misha Pride

The Interim Dean Search Committee has had several productive meetings, including one with Pam Mot, who will be our consultant during the search for a permanent Dean. The committee finalized an ad that is now available online, both on the Diocese of Maine website, and nationally through the Episcopal New Service. Per guidance from our consultant, the Committee is currently working through questions to ask during interviews with candidates, as well as discussing logistics about timing and structure of the process. We are still waiting hopefully to hear from interested candidates, and thankful for the prayers of our fellow parishioners during this time of transition.

Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

Please click here to read the minutes of the most recent Finance Committee Meeting which was held on May 16th, 2023.

Podcast Link Related to Last Week's Sermon

In Last Week's sermon, The Rev. Anne C. Fowler discussed an episode of a podcast called "Finding Common Ground" in which a “pro-life” leader and Rev. Fowler discuss their experiences in a years-long abortion dialogue project.

To read Rev. Fowler's sermon click here.

To Listen to the episode of the podcast, click here.

St. Elizabeth’s In Need of

Essentials for Inventory

The surge in neighbor visits during recent weeks has caught up with St. E's, and for the first time we had to close our lower hall distribution (bed and bath linens) early due to lack of inventory. Our current needs are diapers size 1, 2, and 3, baby wipes, and kitchen/small household items of all kinds for distribution in June. Keep an eye out for yard sales, downsizing by friends and relatives, and recycling center swap shops--all great sources for restocking our shelves.

Open-invitation meeting for an LGBT Ministry at St. Luke’s

Sunday, May 28th

The Upper Hall

Following Conclusion of Coffee Hour

Contact Orion Williams

Join Orion Williams in the Upper Hall on May 28th at the conclusion of Coffee Hour for an open discussion about beginning an LGBT ministry. This is an all-ages, all-orientations (including allies) group, dedicated to exploring the intersection between being LGBT and Christian, and supporting one another through our journeys of self-discovery and faith. For additional information or questions, e-mail Orion Williams

A Note about our Liturgy Team and Pastoral Presence

During this time of transition to a new Dean we want to explain to the congregation the ways that St. Luke’s Cathedral is providing a clergy presence. We have assembled a team of clergy who will be responsible for organizing and celebrating worship services. This team consists of the Reverends Suzanne Roberts, Anne Fowler, and Christopher Worthley. They will be assisted from time to time by guest preachers and celebrants. Rev. Fowler and Rev. Roberts are available to any congregants who have need of pastoral care. You may reach Rev. Fowler at (617)548-4783 and Rev. Roberts at (207)749-4166.

Hold the Date! Parish-Wide Picnic After the Service on June 11th

Additional Volunteers to Help Needed!

Sunday June 11th, 2023

The Park Street Parking Lot (Rain Location in Lower Hall)

Following the 10AM Service

Menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Vegetarian Options, Salads, and Ice Cream

Volunteer: contact Sarah Dowling

Join us for a parish wide picnic following the service as we conclude Sunday School for the summer, recognize our graduating high school seniors, and note the end of the season for the Cathedral Choir.

The picnic will take place outside in the Park Street Parking Lot (rain location is the Lower Hall).

The menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, vegetarian options, salads, and ice cream.

With any additional questions please contact Sarah Dowling

St. Luke's to host a Performance of

"A Slave Ship Called Malaga"

by artist Antonio Rocha

Saturday, June 10th, 2023

7:00PM-8:30PM

The Cathedral Nave

Tickets available here

Adults (Ages 12+)- $10.00

(Photo credit: Coco McCrackin)

*Please note that the recommended age for attending this event is ages 12 +

Join us at 7:00PM on June 10th in the Cathedral Nave as we partner with Portland Ovations to host artist Antonio Rocha in his performance of "A Slave Ship Called Malaga."

Portland Ovations describes Rocha's work as the following:

"The Malaga Ship Story is a tour de force performance by award-winning, and world-renowned storyteller Antonio Rocha. Using his entire body and voice, Antonio sings, dances, narrates, and mimes his way through this poetically toned historical tale told from the perspective of the ship. The story vividly explores the reality and impact of the slave trade then and now through Antonio’s relationships to Maine and Brazil. Each performance is followed by a moderated conversation with a facilitator."

Visit the links below to learn more about the artist, the background of the performance, and to access educational resources.

Antonio Rocha

Performance Background

Learning resources

Watch a preview of Antonio Rocha's moving performance Below

Bach Virtuosi Festival June 20 - 27, 2023

Concerts performed at St. Luke's Cathedral and

Etz Chaim Synagogue

Johann Sebastian Bach is celebrated as the creator of numerous masterpieces of church and non-secular music, both instrumental and with vocals. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time. This year marks the eighth year that the Bach Virtuosi Festival will bring together world-class musicians to share the music of Bach.

Click here to learn more about the repertoire and world-renowned musicians from the Bach Virtuosi Festival. Take advantage of our 20% off Mother's Day sale

Bach Virtuosi Festival Artists Looking for Housing

Artists performing in the Bach Virtuosi Festival are looking for housing. If you or someone you know is able to host an artist, please contact Administrative Director Megan Akers.

Monday Night Zoom Book Group

Every First and Third Monday of the Month

6:00-7:00 pm

Location: Zoom

Contact: Linda Carleton

The Monday Zoom Book Group is reading Barbara Brown Taylor’s The Luminous Web: Essays on Science and Religion

Taylor suggests that we might close the gap between spirit and matter, between the sacred and the secular.”

The Jamestown Cross Book Review describes the book as “profound in its implications and a must-read for anyone seeking to reconcile the faith they cling to with the science they encounter.” The group meets on 1st and 3rd Mondays from 6-7pm.

The Luminous Web is only four chapters and we’ll complete it in 2-4 weeks. Contact Linda Carleton if you’d like to join us.

The Healing Team

The Healing Team will be offering prayers of healing during the following Sunday services with the following Healing Team members offering prayers:

5/21/23 Sara Schmalz and Peter Carleton

5/28/23 Betsey Deleuse and Judd Hume

6/4/23 Sara Schmalz and Oscar Mokeme

If you have any questions, please contact Judd Hume by calling (207) 773 - 5611 or by email.

The St. Luke's Public Policy

and Environmental Action Team

Eco-Tips

According to the Carbon Map website, the countries of the “Global North” have consumed

most of the Earth’s resources and emitted one half of the carbon dioxide ever released.

You can learn more about how carbon emissions affect different parts of our world by going to www.carbonmap.org.

On the upper right right is a play button which you can click to learn more about the impacts of countries' lifestyles on climate change .

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed!

A big thank you to everyone that has hosted coffee hour this year, it has been very successful and creates an important time for fellowship. We need a few more people to host at the end of May and throughout June. You can view the schedule by clicking on this link. Please take a look and email me with your preferred date and I will add you to the schedule.

Email Meredith Cough or call 207-415-8207

Happening in Diocese and the Wider Church Community

Diocesan Listening Sessions

Every faith community’s voice is necessary for us to have a diocese-wide vision! You're invited to attend at least one of the Diocesan Listening Sessions below:

Tuesday, May 23rd, 6:30PM - St. Mark, Waterville

Thursday, May 25th, 6:30PM - Trinity, Portland

Tuesday, June 20, 7PM via Zoom Passcode 461525

Watch the video below as Bishop Brown speaks about his hopes for these gatherings.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to Host

Four Days of Workshops

From the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs

"Join your fellow Episcopalians for four days of insightful workshops led by dozens of presenters; special speakers; and preachers, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who is beginning his final year as chief pastor of The Episcopal Church.

Don’t miss out on the great rates available NOW for this churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action July 9-12 in Baltimore, Maryland."

Registration—for only $185 until June 1—includes the following:90+ workshops and sessions
4 worship services
3 days of learning
2 lunches
Countless connections
Book now for great hotel rates: Hilton ($169 until 6/18)
Marriott ($149 until 6/12)