The Season of Creation 2022 | |
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Climate Disasters, Human Impacts
by Dick Farnsworth
Fifteen inches of rain in 24 hours. Millions experiencing famine on the Horn of Africa as a result of a severe, prolonged and persistent drought. Wheat as a diplomatic tool between Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. and all of their allies. Devastating floods leaving one-third of Pakistan under water. Hundreds of homes destroyed by wildfires in California, Oregon, Washington and other western states.
These are just a fraction of the impacts of the rapidly advancing climate change the earth and its people are experiencing. The impacts of climate change are severe. In response to a “once in a 1,000 year” flood, the City of Austin, Texas, purchased over 800 homes that were destroyed. While the affected individuals and/or families surely experienced financial stresses, the losses can’t be measured on an adding machine. The real losses are in the disruption and upheaval of the people, their families and their community. While it
was nice that the City of Austin bought those homes, in order to avoid a repeat of the flood damage, it does not erase the pain experienced by that community and the irretrievable social cost to those individuals and families. The loss of their natural safety net will make the reintegration of these families into their new neighborhoods, wherever they may be, a challenge requiring additional financial, mental health and other social services support to be successful.
Read Full Article Here
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Jaquelin Libby
A Celebration of Life
Please join us tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Emmanuel Chapel as we gather for a celebration of life service for long-time St. Luke's parishioner, Jaquelin Libby.
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The Season of Creation Labyrinth Walk
The Season of Creation will host a Labyrinth Walk this Saturday morning, September, 17th from 9-11am in the Chapel. Linda Carleton will talk about several ways to walk the labyrinth and how this sacred circle can be used to ground our spirituality in God’s creation.
The discussion will be followed by a chance to walk our labyrinth as a group, weather permitting (and using a finger labyrinth if it's not). No need to register. For more information, contact Linda Carleton.
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Ecological Saints
(A blog from our neighbors at St. Alban's on 'Ecological Saints' by Meredith Tipton)
Bill McKibben (Born 1961)
“Our Planet teeters on the edge. Creation is more vulnerable than ever in human history. Scientists reported in early 2019 that we’ve lost half the animals that were alive on this planet in 1970 – not half the species, half the animals. Soon after, other researchers predicted we could lose a million species by mid-century as the planet warms. As I write these words, (2019) a crushing heat wave grips India. In mid-June (2019), in the state of Bihar, government officials warned the hundred million residents not to go outdoors. Two years ago, as a warming climate spread mosquitos that in turn spread the Zika Virus, health authorities in three countries told women not to become pregnant. Think about that: Not to go outdoors. Not to reproduce. The climate crisis is no longer a series of warnings; it’s now a series of bulletins from the front”.
*Bill has published over 20 books beginning with The End of Nature in
1989. This book is considered to be the first accessible book for the general public about climate change.
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Watershed Stewardship Workshop
On September 25, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church will host a Care of Creation Sunday, with a Watershed Stewardship workshop beginning at 12:00 noon.
We have been invited to participate to learn more about how we can foster watershed health in our community.
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Sacred Ground - A Film Based Dialogue on Race and Faith
All are encouraged to join St. Luke's next Sacred Ground circle. Sacred Ground is a film and reading based dialogue, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, political and regional identity. We will start the St. Luke's group on Saturday, October 1, 2022. This first meeting will be from 10:00- 2:00 in the Upper Hall, co-facilitated by Judd Hume and Jean Smart.
If these times don't work, other Sacred Ground Circles led by the Dioceses of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont will be starting this fall.
Read Full Article Here
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Carter Heyward Book Release
The Maine Council of Churches and The BTS Center have invited world-renowned theologian and Episcopal priest, Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward (one of the “Philadelphia 11” women ordained in 1974, two years before the Episcopal Church authorized ordination of women) to lead us in a conversation about her upcoming book, The 7 Deadly Sins of Christian Nationalism: A Call to Action (Rowman & Littlefield, September 2022). Rev. Dr. Heyward will address the rise of white Christian nationalism and offer perspectives for moving forward with hope and action. Bangor Theological Seminary Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics, Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison, will facilitate the online event on September 21 at 4:00 pm.
If you are interested in registering, click here for more information.
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Try on the Cathedral Choir!
New season, new director, new lease on life... Isn’t it time for you to check out the Cathedral Choir?
Rehearsals are held 7-9 PM, in the choir room in the undercroft.
Enter through the doors off the parking lot (from Park St.). Fear not: Your showing up does NOT oblige you to commit to a life of choral singing here! Come and see if this is a community and a ministry you'd like to engage with. No audition required. Christian Clough, our new Canon for Music & Liturgy, would be happy to discuss the program with you, as would many returning choir members. For more information, contact Christian Clough.
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Bishop Brown to join us for Confirmation at the 5:15 Service on September 25th
We are delighted that Bishop Thomas J. Brown will be back to St. Luke’s for a service of Confirmation, Reception, and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at the 5:15 service on September 15. This service was to be held originally in June but had to be postponed due to health concerns related to Covid-19. We thank members of the youth confirmation class who have had this service put off several times for their patience and flexibility! This service, open to all, is a special opportunity for those who wish to reaffirm their faith or to formally become part of the Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s. If you are interested in being confirmed, in being received into the Episcopal Church, or in renewing your baptismal vows, there is space for you. Please contact the cathedral office for any additional information.
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Calling All Worship Participants
Smoke, fire, streamers, and sticks…who wouldn’t want to play with those, especially in church?
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke’s has a long tradition of using incense, torches, streamers,
banners, processional crosses, and verges (those symbolic “sticks” that the vergers carry).
With the retirement of two invaluable head vergers, Thurl Headen and David Savage, we’ve
entered a rebuilding and recruitment mode. We’re seeking people of any age who would like to serve in one of the following roles:
Vergers – think stage managers
Crucifers – carrying the processional cross
Torchbearers – carrying the torches in the processions
Thurifers – carrying/swinging the censor to emit the incense
Boat bearers – carry the incense to be added to the censor
Streamer bearers – those who create magic with streamers in processions
Banner bearers – those who carry banners representing aspects of the Diocese
Acolytes – the training ground and ministry of all of the above
Read Full Article Here
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The Portland Area Youth Ministry
The Portland Area Youth Ministry is a collaboration between St Luke's, Trinity, State Street, Immanuel Baptist, St. Ansgar and Hope Gateway Churches designed to bring youth from our congregations together for fellowship and mission. The reality is that none of these congregations have many youth but together we have the potential for a vibrant youth ministry! As our area youth minister moved on this summer, the pastors of these congregations have gathered together to help this program succeed.
For this coming school year, the goal is to provide at least one mission oriented activity each month, using a youth service model developed by the Rev. Peter Swarr from Trinity. This month, youth will gather at Trinity's parking lot on Sept 18 at 11:15, with the plan of going to Hannaford to purchase then deliver $1000 worth of items requested by Ocean Ave Elementary School. Next month the youth will work to help a different charity. Youth and adult chaperones are welcome! Interested? Contact Peter at [email protected]
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Young and the Restless Meeting on September 19th
The next young and restless gathering for St. Luke's young adults (20-30s group) will be Monday, September 19th in the lower Parish Hall. We'll have pizza and board games, and also intend to sketch out group goals and plans for the next few months. If you're interested in joining our Discord group to be in-the-know, please contact Shana Rose at (610) 568-8907.
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St. Elizabeth's Toothpaste Collection Drive
Please help us to collect toothpaste for our communities in collaboration with other parishes throughout the Diocese! We need your help in order to be good stewards of health and wellness for our neighbors in need!
Every tube of toothpaste can make a difference in the total that we are able to raise as a congregation. Let us join together and raise the total donation amount!
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Proposed Communications Strategy:
Cathedral Communications Group
The Cathedral Communications Group (CCG) will be a group of St. Luke’s volunteers who are committed to the support of our Cathedral Communications Specialist, Avery Schott, to ensure quality and consistency across all publications on the website, E-pistle, and community publications.
The CCG will be broken into 4 main task forces, allowing volunteers to participate at their comfort level.
These task forces pertain to:
1) Proofing, editing, and approving content
2) Social Media Involvement
3) Outside Publicity and Outreach
4) Appearance and Welcoming
If you are interested in learning more about the role of each task force, please read here.
Read Full Article Here
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Community Spotlight Opportunity | |
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Have you ever wanted the opportunity to share your story, interests, or work through an
E-pistle cover letter?
Now is your chance to reach out to fellow parishioners with an E-pistle cover letter through our new 'Community Spotlight'. This is an addition to our regular outreach and communications features.
If you are interested in being featured prominently in our E-pistle through a 'Community Spotlight' please contact the cathedral communications email with your submission details or any questions that you may have.
Submissions should be no longer than five paragraphs long and will also be posted as a blog on the St. Luke's website.
We will begin featuring submissions starting in the month of October.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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A Christian Life of Faith:
Signs and Thresholds Along the Way
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?
Beginning September 18, Dean Shambaugh will lead a Sunday morning class called “A Christian Life of Faith: Signs and Thresholds Along the Way.” Join us at 9 am in the chapter room.
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Women Sharing Stories:
A Staged Reading of 8 Original True Stories by Senior Writers
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The second Thursday of each month we will gather for Community Suppers in the Lower Hall. We need members of our community to prepare and donate specific side dishes to make these important gatherings break-even.
A notice will go out asking for a specific side dish (e.g., salad, green beans, stir-fry vegetables, potatoes, bread) in the epistle, bulletin, a sign-up sheet at each supper, and posted on the bulletin board.
To volunteer and get on the Community Supper email list, please contact Dawn Brennan-Daly.
To learn more about St. Luke's Community kitchen please visit their webpage.
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Community Supper: October
October 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Lower Hall of St. Luke's Cathedral
$5.00 per adult
October Chef – John Bancroft
Please prepare and donate a side dish,
by contacting the parish office.
For more information or to volunteer
contact Dawn Brennan-Daly
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St. Luke's Holiday Fair
– Nov. 12, 9 AM – 3 PM
Please bring your fair donations to the Lower-Level foyer every Sunday starting September 25 – November 6, 7AM – 12 PM
We accept lightly used, “sellable” items only.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT CLOTHING, ELECTRONICS or LARGE FURNITURE.
For weekday donation drop off, please contact
Dawn Brennan-Daly
Mark all boxes “Holiday Fair.” Thank you.
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Bach Virtuosi Administrative Position Job Posting
The Bach Virtuosi Festival is an eight-day summer festival held primarily at St. Luke’s with one concert at Etz Chaim. The festival is seeking a new administrator. This is a permanent, salaried position, ideal for someone who wants to work from home on his/her own schedule. For eleven months of the year, you would work remotely for an average of 10-15 hours per week. During the month of the festival, the administrator would work up to 40 hours per week from home and on-site as needed.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills
The current administrator, Ellie Chatto, is stepping down to do more traveling, but is available to help with the transition.
The job description is attached.
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Centering Prayer Group at St. Alban’s
Join the St. Alban’s Centering Prayer Group on Wednesday September 28 at 7 pm to learn about this ancient form of spirituality. You will see a video by Cynthia Bourgeault, an internationally known writer and retreat leader, and have the opportunity to experience this contemplative form of prayer. Members of the Centering Prayer Group will be there to answer your questions and share their experience. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
When: Wednesday September 28, 2022 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 885 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth
For more information: Liz Smith (201) 602-2494
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We look forward to hosting the Casco Bay UkeFest on October 1, 2022 from 9 am to 4 pm. The day will feature morning workshops for all levels of players as well as afternoon concerts! The Ukefest is excited to feature Amy Conley as a special guest for the festival. You can read more about her work and music here.
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To read about other events at the Cathedral please visit our events page on the St. Luke's website.
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