E-Pistle of Thursday

January 12th, 2023

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Welcome Rev. Paul St. Germain

We will welcome the Rev. Paul St. Germain at the 10:00 service on Sunday. Paul will be providing coverage of St. Luke’s from February 1-May 1.A native of Vermont and cradle Episcopalian, Paul has served parishes of many sizes, primarily in the midwest, for over thirty years. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in History, followed by a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School where he received Yale’s prestigious Wilcott-Caulkins Award for public speaking. In addition to a Diploma of Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School, he holds a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary. Professionally, he has twice been appointed to the State of Ohio’s Council on the Humanities, and served for over a decade as a technical advisor to the Diocese of Southern Ohio on liturgy and the use of imagery in worship and website communication. He also has consulted on church development and planning – and served for ten years as head of The Miami Valley Episcopal Russian Youth Exchange Program. Paul loves travel, and has built a number of collegial relationships through service here, Central America, and Eastern Europe, leading over thirty pilgrimages and ministry trips since 1995. His focus is often Anglican history with a primary interest in the role of ritual in modern culture. He is a close follower of the British Royal Family, enjoys Star Trek and Good Food, sailing with Cunard, motoring in his MiniCooper, and caring for Tavish – a particularly vocal and opinionated Scottish Terrier. He lives a few blocks away from St. Luke’s. Paul will be assisted by the Rev. Suzanne Roberts, the Rev. Anne Fowler and the Rev. Christopher Worthley.

Committed to Listen • MLK Day 2023 Sponsored by The BTS Center and the Maine Council of Churches January 16, 2022 • 12:15 pm (Eastern) • Online Registration

On April 16, 1963, from his cell in a Birmingham City Jail, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned a public letter addressed to several of Alabama's leading white religious leaders, who had openly questioned the pace and the confrontational nature of civil rights demonstrations. 

This "Letter from Birmingham Jail" has been called "the most important written document of the civil rights era." 

In the 21-page, typed, double-spaced essay, Dr. King responds to the criticisms these eight white clergymen had made in their recent "A Call for Unity" statement, in which they agreed that social injustices existed but argued that the battle against racial segregation should be fought solely in the courts, not the streets.  

“It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham," Dr. King agreed, "but it is even more unfortunate that the city's white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.”  

Dr. King argued that racial violence and oppression demanded a more urgent response — that lukewarm words of support were inadequate, that only nonviolent direct action would result in real progress toward change.

"You may well ask: 'Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches and so forth? Isn’t negotiation a better path?' You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue."

Because the work of racial justice is far from finished, and because Rev. Dr. King's challenge to religious communities and leaders is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago, we will come together on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023 for a public reading of the Letter. 

Co-hosted by The BTS Center and the Maine Council of Churches, this event will include a public reading featuring multiple voices, contemplative music, and space for reflection.

St. Luke's Community Announcements

Judd Hume

-Nominated for Vestry and Delegate to Diocesan Convention

"Judd Hume began attending St. Luke's in April, 1994, after retiring from serving as a minister in the Mennonite Church. Since he joined St. Luke's, he has participated as a torch bearer, a crucifer, sub-deacon, and sang with Hank Beebe and Albert Melton in the Cathedral Choir. He also taught Sunday School. From 6/91 until 10/2011, Judd worked as a substance abuse counselor. He currently volunteers at Reiche Elementary School as a tutor with first graders.

Judd feels he was particularly blessed singing with Albert Melton. He learned of servant leadership, patience and grace while singing with Albert. More recently, he serves on the Healing Team and on the BBCC. Both of these ministries are calling of his soul. Since being a sophomore in high School (1972), he has had a calling to racial reconciliation. Prior to coming to St. Luke's, he has served in a bilingual church in NJ, and a multiracial Mennonite church in Philadelphia.

He has a desire to serve on the Vestry in addressing the spiritual, physical and financial needs of the Cathedral congregation."

Sam Allen

-Nominated for Vestry

I retired in 2013 after a career of teaching, research, and administration at MIT. My field is physical metallurgy (when asked, I say I’m an engineer who knows a lot about metals). My wife, the Rev.’d Anne Fowler, grew up in Portland and we both felt a strong pull to relocate here after retiring. We moved to Deering Highlands in 2013 and began to attend St. Luke’s early in 2014.

At St. Luke’s I served as Junior Warden from 2015-2019, and then as Senior Warden 2019-2021. I am also a member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Finance Committee, the Endowment Committee, the Public Policy and Environmental Action Committee, co-leader of Noon Zoom, and have served as a delegate to Diocesan Convention for several years. I love St. Luke’s and look forward to continuing to help shepherd the Cathedral forward.

Michael B. Thorne

-Nominated for Vestry

Perhaps the happiest day of my life was the Sunday was when Jim, Nate, and I stood with our newborn Alec, stood at the baptismal font of this church.

His older brother had been baptized at another church where we as "a two dad family" had been relegated to a private chapel- away from the congregation.

For me this church, St. Luke's, and our Episcopal Church, more broadly are a national treasure.

I'm not sure that I am very successful at being a Christian, but the people in this community provide me with examples of what that looks like in real life and make me want to work at being a better person.

I also believe, that this faith community has not only "the right stuff" to survive but actually thrive in this city. To achieve that we need to compliment our clergy with a strong lay leadership team.

We have been at St. Luke's for 15 years now. And during that time I've had a turn at serving on the Vestry, attending Diocesan Conventions, teaching Sunday School, getting in the way at St. Elizabeth's, and offering unsolicited opinions on a host of topics. If I can master the steps of liturgical garb, you may see me swaying with a cross or candle stick on Sunday morning.

I've been back in Maine for twenty years now after a career in Boston, where I was a minor officer of a major Boston bank. I was an Area Leader in the realm of human resources, mergers, and systems conversions.

My formal schooling was at UMaine and Harvard Extension.

My partner, now spouse, Dr. Jim Theberge and I have been together 35+ years and have lived in Cape Elizabeth where we've raised two sons Nate (20) and Alec (15) who have been active members of St. Luke's.

Linda Carleton

-Nominated for Vestry

The spiritual journey that led me to The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke has been a rocky, winding road. I was raised in a family that was decidedly hostile to religion in general and Christianity in particular, and it took me many years to shed that bias. I’ve always been a spiritual seeker, and as a former teacher of high school history and comparative religions, I have a deep appreciation for the sacred in all religious traditions. For a while I considered my “spiritual but not religious,” but was drawn to the community of church. I passed five years as a Unitarian Universalist, before finding a home in the United Church of Christ. After 25 years of teaching, I received a powerful call from God and retired to attend Yale Divinity School. In 2001 I was ordained in the U.C.C. to a ministry of refugee resettlement, founding the Melita Welcome House through a church in Guilford, Connecticut.

When Peter and I retired to Chebeague Island In 2008, I parleyed my childhood piano

lessons into serving as organist for the Chebeague United Methodist Church. For five years I

painted, wrote and led workshops on mandala journaling and the Enneagram at churches and

retreat centers in Maine. I discovered Saint Luke’s after coming for its Taizé services. I fell in

love with this church that serves the Portland community, is true to its liturgical past and

doctrinal traditions while honoring other sacred tradtions, and embraces contemporary

movements in Christian theology and worship. Over my past decade as a member of Saint

Luke’s I have worked with both Saint Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry and Saint Luke’s Food

Pantry, served as Chair of the Outreach Committee and its Alternative Giving Program,

coordinated our World Too Beautiful service, participated in the Strategic Planning Committee,

served as a Stewardship Ambassador, and facilitated book groups and mandala journaling and

rock painting workshops. It is now my very great joy to be singing in the Cathedral Choir.

In serving on the vestry at Saint Luke’s, I hope I might contribute toward helping the

Cathedral build on the many ways it already serves as a spiritual resource for its members and

the greater Portland community and envision new ones as well.

Jamie Cough

-Nominated for Vestry

I grew up as a catholic and was received into the Episcopal church after we landed at St. Lukes over 30 years ago. 

I am the father of 3 adult children and recently welcomed a grandchild to the family.

 We live in Portland and I have been working in the power industry for a long time in various capacities. I am grateful for the wonderful and supportive home that is St. Luke’s. I hope to serve this community in any ways as I am able to.

Curtis Maurand

-Nominated as Delegate for Diocesan Convention

I came to St. Luke’s in 1999 and was confirmed through St. Luke’s in 2,000. I have been a member of the choir since 2001. I am always interested in sacred music and liturgy. I have been involved Native American and South American Spiritual groups in the past and have a special interest in the Diocesan efforts at reconciliation. I was an information technology professional. I retired in 2019. I have interests in history, photography, cooking and baking.

Curtis's Website

Gayl Anglin

-Nominated as Delegate for Diocesan Convention

Gayl was raised in the church, but did not become an Episcopalian until graduate school. As many graduate students in the social sciences, she took a critical look at her entire life and decided to find a church that aligned not only with her spiritual beliefs, but also with her social values. During this time, she was enrolled in a feminist theory course with an Episcopalian priest (with whom she is still in contact) who was instrumental in her finding the Episcopal church. She has lived around the US and has experienced a wide variety of parishes, finally landing in Maine in 2011 and Portland in 2014.

Gayl has a doctorate in Political Science and is a college professor and department chair in the health sciences, where she specializes in health law, ethics, policy, and cultural competence. She lives in Portland with her husband, Vern, and teenaged sons, Matthew and Isaac. Unlike their mother, the boys are cradle Episcopalians and were recently confirmed at St. Luke’s. She has been a member of St. Luke’s vestry for the past three years and is passionate about the national church’s commitment and work towards racial reconciliation. 

Eleanor Roberts

-Nominated for Vestry

"I have spent most of my life as a St. Luke's parishioner, from a 7 year old in Sunday school to returning as an adult. Since returning I have served as a verger, and sat on the Cathedral Strategic Planning Committee. St. Luke's is important to me because it is both a place of respite and reinvigoration. I can enjoy the peace and tranquility of services while being surrounded by people working to make a difference, who build community instead of exclusivity. My goals as a member of the vestry would be to increase inclusivity, to support events and ideas that open the church doors for all, and to work for more voices and experiences to be fully recognized and represented by the church as whole."

Orion Williams

-Nominated as Delegate for Diocesan Convention

I am a 24 year old living in South Portland. I love Portland as well as the church community I have found myself in. St. Luke’s has made me feel more welcome and safe than I have ever felt in such a community. I love the environment and the aesthetic feeling the services give me, and I love being a part of it. I feel truly loved here. 

Jamie Moore

-Nominated for Vestry

I'm a social worker living in Portland with my partner and my 9-year-old son. I came to St. Luke's through the youth group in the 90s, and I participated in a lot of Diocesan youth events from middle school through young adulthood. After living outside of Maine for a while, I've been attending St. Luke's steadily for about the past 7 years and have become more involved in various groups and activities over the years - most recently joining the choir last September. I love the people at St. Luke's, and I look forward to the potential opportunity to represent and support the congregation as a member of the Vestry.

Fred Fowler

-Nominated as Delegate for Diocesan Convention

Fifteen years ago, my wife, Pat and I moved to Maine permanently from Cazenovia, NY. Prior to our move our goal was to find a new church home. After visiting a number of Episcopal Churches during vacation

trips to the Portland area, we connected with St. Luke’s as participants in the Tuesday 12:10 pm Eucharist service led by Fr. Webster. He was the first to make us feel at home and fed us spiritually. Immediately upon moving here we became active volunteers at the Cathedral finding it a way to meet new people with common interests. As time progressed we became more active in leadership roles. I was raised up as Jr. Warden, working closely with Fr. Webster to learn all aspects of the building physical plant. After serving my terms as Jr. Warden I took on the role of senior warden. I found it rewarding and satisfying to serve God in this capacity. I took an interest in the governing structure of the Diocese and was elected the Diocesan Council for one term and then was chosen by Bishop Lane for a second term where I served on the Finance Committee. This last fall I rotated off of an additional term of being the area representative on Diocesan Council but was invited to stay on as a lay representative on the Grant Committee. A couple of years ago I approached the Diocese with the idea to develop an advisory group for parishes to request guidance on building projects and issues that rise up. Working with Canon Martin, we recruited three other diocesan members, with specific skill sets to serve on the group and be available to address questions from parishes. I am an active member of the Cathedral Finance, Endowment, and Buildings and Grounds Committees enjoying working with a variety of folks focused on doing God’s work through management of resources and making improvements to the building to better serve those who use it on a regular basis. I continue my connections with the Diocese by offering oversight of property maintenance and repair working with Canons Martin and Reimer. It is always a joy to attend Diocesan Convention and connect with folks from around the State and listen to their spiritual journey stories, struggles and successes that I can then bring back to our Cathedral.

One of our most rewarding volunteer activities is coordination of the 10:00 AM

ecumenical morning prayer service each Tuesday at Piper Shores Retirement Community in Scarborough. It continues to be a joy in providing access to worship opportunities for those who may no longer have a connection to a parish since moving to the facility. We are blessed to have been invited to participate in this ministry by Fr. Richard Ellis, a resident and member of St. Luke’s.

How to Get Involved at St. Luke's

Sunday Mornings| 9am-10am

Location: The Chapter Room

Contact: Dean Shambaugh

So much of what we do at St. Luke’s is designed to help others. What about nurturing and exploring our own spiritual lives? What about our questions and struggles of faith, our relationship (or not) with God? 

• Lead by Dean Shambaugh
• All are Welcome (resuming Jan 8)

The First Saturday of the Month Beginning February 4th | 9:30am-11:30am

Location: The Chapter Room

Contact: Linda Carleton



Journaling Within the Sacred Circle (or mandala) is a way to deepen your connection with God and with your own soul. Come explore the 12 Stages of the Mandala Great Round as they relate to the seasons of the year, the stages of our lives and the Christian story. . The only thing you’ll need is an open heart and mind. All materials are provided. You can come every month or drop in when you’d like.

Every First and Third Monday of the Month Beginning January 16th

6:00-7:00 pm

Location: Zoom

Contact: Linda Carleton



We will be reading Sophronia Scott’s Louie Award winning book, The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton. A 2004 nominee for the African American Literary Awards best new author, Scott was hailed by Professor Henry Louis Gates as “potentially one of the best writers of her generation." In The Seeker and the Monk, she writes an imaginary conversation with 20th century mystic, monk and activist Thomas Merton based on his extensive private journals and offers guidance on how to live in these fraught times. As a Black woman who is not Catholic, Scott both learns from and pushes back against Merton, holding spirited, an intimate conversations on race, ambition, faith, activism, nature, prayer, friendship, and love. She asks: What is the connection between contemplation and action? 

Thursday Evenings| 7pm-9pm

Location: The Choir Room (Adjacent to undercroft)

Contact: Christian M. Clough

• Showing up does not commit you to the choir
• No audition required

Select the Episcopal Maine Logo 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