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The E-Pistle of Thursday
May 11th, 2023
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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.
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The Meaning of Flowers on
Mother's Day
From the St. Luke's Flower Guild
Anna Jarvis House established Mother’s Day in honor of her mother Ann Reeves
Jarvis, a social activist and founder of Mothers’ Day Work Clubs. She heard her
mother pray at the close of her Sunday school lesson in 1876: “I hope and pray that
someone, sometime, will found a memorial Mother’s Day commemorating her for
the matchless service she renders to humanity in every field of life. She is entitled to it”.
On May 10, 1908, Jarvis held a memorial ceremony to honor her mother and all
mothers at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. She sent 500 white carnations
for all who attended the service, establishing the tradition of the flower
symbolizing deceased mothers.
Increasing demands for the white carnation led the floral industry to market red
and pink blooms to represent living mothers. Increased commercialization of the
holiday incensed Jarvis who became quite outspoken. While others profited from
the day, she did not. In 1943 she began organizing a petition to rescind Mother’s
Day. She was confined to a Sanitarium, that was paid for by the floral and greeting
card industries.
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Cumberland Club Parking Lot Closed on Mother's Day
The Cumberland Club Parking Lot is Not Available for parishioners to park on Mother's Day.
Thank you for your understanding.
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The Death of St. Luke's Parishioner
Helen Joyce York Smith
August 26th, 1932– May 1st, 2023
It is with saddened hearts that we inform you of the death of long-time St. Luke's Parishioner, Helen Smith.
Helen and her late husband, Frank, were active members of the St. Luke's community, and will be very missed by many in our community who are grieving.
To read Helen's full obituary as published by The Portland Press Herald, please click here.
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"Eternal Light"
Music of Farewell and Promise
a concert offered by Renaissance Voices
This Saturday, May 13th, 2023
7:00PM-8:30PM
The Cathedral Nave
Tickets are $25 at the door. Seniors $20
Students with ID: $10
Children under 10: free
Tickets can also be purchased through Renaissance Voices Website Here
Advance tickets are available for $20 at Longfellow Books and Letterpress Books in Portland and The Sherman’s (formerly The Book Review) in Falmouth through May 12, 2023 .
Please see a description of the concert from maestro Harold Stover, a St. Luke's Parishioner, below:
"The singers of Renaissance Voices and I are looking forward to welcoming you to “Eternal Light”, our spring concert at St. Luke’s on Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 PM. We’ll bring you a program of profound music that deals with last things and offers the consolation and hope that is expressed in the vision of eternal light. That vision is part is part of the ancient text of the Requiem Mass that will be heard in settings by the Renaissance master Tomás Luis de Victoria and the 21st-Century composers Carlotta Ferrari and Maine’s John Newell. You will also hear music from William Byrd, one of the English masters from the age of Shakespeare, the contemporary Australian composer Melissa Dunphy, and two very different versions of the beloved 23rd Psalm. The concert concludes with the meeting across three centuries of two great visionary minds: the writer John Bunyan and the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. We hope that this music will bring a touch of eternal light into the here and now of our busy lives."
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Canon for Liturgy & Music on Medical Leave
Christian Clough has undergone a successful spinal surgery this past Monday 8 May to excise a benign cyst that had been causing increasing pain over the past few months.
Christian is now in the recovery process of the procedure which requires about a month of limited activity, including such things as driving, playing the organ, and conducting, so Christian will be absent from choir rehearsals and Sunday worship until Sunday 4 June.
Distinguished local musicians Ray Cornils and Harold Stover, who both served as interim cathedral musicians last year before Christian's tenure began, have graciously offered to provide coverage.
Ray Cornils will be with us today, and Harold Stover, 18 May—4 June.
Currently, all regular choral activities will continue as planned, including the final Choral Evensong of the season, at 4 PM on 4 June. We hope that Christian will return for the final rehearsal (8 June) and Sunday liturgy (11 June) of the choir season. Christian will continue to work with the staff to produce materials for worship, and to prepare for future musical activities.
You can reach Christian by e-mail or by post, during his absence, at 24 Spear Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106-6631. We are praying for a complete and speedy recovery!
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St. Luke's Parishioner in the News
In the recently published May issue of The West End News there is an interview with St. Luke's parishioner Liz Parsons and Roseanne Graef titled, "Re-Foresting the Forest City."
Learn about Liz's love for trees, their importance for our health and well-being, and Portland's Heritage Tree Ordinance by clicking here.
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Please join a Building and Grounds work day this Saturday, May 13th 8:30 am - noon!
We will focus on yard work and odd jobs around the cathedral. Questions? Please contact Junior Warden Claire Hammen
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The Mandala Journaling Group
This Saturday, May 13th, 2023
9:30AM-12:00PM
The Lower Hall
Contact: Linda Carleton
We will be exploring Stage 5 of the mandala Great Round. It’s the stage of the boy Jesus teaching in the temple, beginning to discover his true nature and the plan God had for him. Through working with concentric circles, we see how the Spirit shines through every layer of who we are at any moment in our lives and prepares for carrying that identity into the world.
Please join us on Saturday, May 13th (and every 2nd Saturday) from 9:30-12:00 in the Lower Hall—no experience or artistic talent required! For more info contact Linda Carleton.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
5/14/23 Gail Kesich and Ruth Roemer
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.
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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 .
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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
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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
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How to Get Involved at St. Luke's | |
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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.
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Events in the Diocese and the Wider Church | |
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.
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‘Mental Health + Gratitude’ Webinar
Wednesday, May 17
12:00-1:30 pm
Register Here
As published by the Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs
"Join this panel discussion on how gratitude affects the mental health of those in hospitals, addiction recovery, and senior care facilities—as well as its impact for individuals engaged in coaching leadership development, or spiritual direction."
Learn more about the panelists and the webinar.
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Bulletins, Sermons, and
E-pistle Archives
If you are looking to see previous bulletins, sermons, or prior publications of the E-pistle, please see the archive page on our website.
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Weekly Ministries
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The Food Pantry is open from 8 am to 11 am every Thursday.
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Noon prayer is offered every Wednesday via Zoom.
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The Tuesday 12:10 Eucharist gathers weekly in Emmanuel Chapel. Join via Zoom.
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Contemplative Prayer is offered every Thursday at 4:30 pm via Zoom.
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Compline is offered weekly on Friday from 8-8:30pm on Zoom. For additional details contact Ray Murdoch Curry
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Click on the Episcopal Maine Logo to learn about all that is happening in the wider Diocese.
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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
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