The E-Pistle of Thursday
May 2nd, 2024
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Participation in Phase II of the Conflict Transformation Process
Written by Sam Allen, Senior Warden
Yesterday Interim Dean George Stevens wrote to the Cathedral community about how to sign up to participate in workshops led by Susan Czolgosz that will help us acquire communication skills to improve the ways that we interact as a community. George’s letter can be accessed here. We are hoping for an excellent response to our invitation to participate.
The impetus for us to engage in this work was clearly Susan Czolgosz’ Executive
Summary of the parish survey results that became available in March.
To read the Executive Summary click here.
But it is important to recognize that the huge potential impact of having a significant fraction of parishioners and staff receive expert instruction in healthy ways to communicate.
Several parishioners have told me that because they joined St. Luke’s relatively
recently, they were unaware of any conflicts and wondered if participation in our Conflict Transformation work would be worthwhile. I understand that much of the focus on our communications about this work has been to affect healing from things that have occurred in the past, and that is an important component of Susan’s curriculum. In addition, the curriculum will teach important communication skills that are a foundation for working together in a spiritual community.
Late in my professional career, I enrolled in a graduate program at UMass Boston and there earned graduate certificates in conflict resolution and organizational conflict. I did this knowing that these would be valuable skills at work. What I found out as I worked through the two-year program was that I was learning skills that were broadly applicable to all interpersonal relationships.
My hope is that participants in Susan’s program will be enriched by learning healthy ways to communicate and to work together effectively in a congregational setting. These are important skills for all of us, and we should seize opportunities to hone them. In addition, for those who have been hurt or otherwise impacted by past events in our community, there will be opportunities to learn how to move forward.
Seven Phase II educational workshops on Zoom are scheduled for May 9–16 and you can sign up for a workshop date and time here.
Additional workshops will be offered beginning June 24, and the Phase II small group meetings will start then also.
Susan’s work with us will conclude with a Phase III activity in September. Please be aware that to be eligible to participate in the Phase II small groups and in Phase III, it is necessary to complete one of the workshops.
I’m looking forward to being part of this process, and to the positive outcomes that will certainly follow. May God bless our work together!
Sam Allen
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The Departure of the Reverend Suzanne Roberts
On Friday, April 26th, the Reverend Suzanne Roberts, Associate Priest, communicated with the congregation that she would be stepping away from her role at the cathedral on June 30th. This was also discussed by the Reverend Roberts during last Sunday’s announcements. To read the communication to the congregation, please click here.
The letter from the Reverend Roberts is available at both entrances of the nave. On the back of the letter the Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean, expresses words of thanks for Suzanne’s service and ministry at St. Luke’s over the last 19 years.
In order to thank Suzanne for her dedicated care to our community, our service on Sunday, June 30 will include a Liturgy of Leave-taking followed by a festive coffee hour reception, in which we will offer our blessings for the next chapter of her ministry.
If you would like to participate in preparations for the celebration please contact the parish office.
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Choral Evensong This Sunday at 4:00PM
Join the cathedral choir under the direction of Christian Clough, Canon for Liturgy & Music, for a service of choral evensong this Sunday at 4:00PM.
Musical selections include works by Herbert Sumsion, Leo Sowerby, and John Reading.
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Spring Eco-Tips
from the
Public Policy and Environmental Action Team
- Use natural air filters for cleaning the air. For example, peace lilies and spider plants will clean the air without your having to use products with toxic chemicals.
- Compost green waste such as dead flowers and old food, either through Garbage to Garden or your own compost section in your yard.
- Recycle larger items like sofas, freezers, TV’s, etc. These may require more specialized treatment. Ecomaine.org is a resource for learning how to dispose of most items in a way that is environmentally friendly.
- Consider investing in solar panels for your home.
- Daylight Savings Time may help reduce dependence on electric lighting, but when you do need to use artificial light, switch to LED light bulbs.
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The Public Policy and Environmental Action
Team Meeting
PPEAT will meet Tuesday May 14 from 6-7 PM.
All are welcome. Join us via Zoom.
For more information email Ruth Roemer.
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International Labyrinth Day This Saturday
This Saturday, May 4th, is International Labyrinth Day. The cathedral is blessed to have a lovely labyrinth right outside of our tower doors. Information about walking the labyrinth can be found by scanning the sign posted at the entrance to the labyrinth. Consider walking the labyrinth on Saturday, May 4th.
If you’re looking to deepen the spiritual aspect of time spent walking the labyrinth, consider Robert J.F. Elsner’s book Walking the Church Year.
The book provides meditations to accompany you on your journey through Advent, Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter Season, and many other occasions on the Church Calendar.
The book is available from Church Publishing at ChurchPublishing.org: Walking the Church Year - Standard Edition or on Amazon.
Walk and pray through the path of the Cathedral’s labyrinth.
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St. Luke’s Food Pantry Fundraiser Bags
St. Luke’s Food Pantry will receive $1 for each $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold in May at the Bayside Hannaford at 295 Forest Avenue, Portland. Donations of the bags themselves would also be gratefully received. Thanks to our ever-generous supporters; you allow our work to continue.
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Looking at our Rose Window through Mandala Eyes
When: May 19th
Where: Cathedral Nave
Time: 11:30AM -12:30PM
After Church on May 19th join Linda Carleton for a discussion about how our rose window evokes the twelve stages of the Mandala Great Round and of the Christian life. Bring your coffee and your eagerness to engage in fruitful discussion!
Contact Linda Carleton with any questions you may have.
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Park Street Door Code
In order to maintain security efforts at the cathedral, the code on the park street entrance has been changed. If you have questions please contact acting junior warden Fred Fowler, The Reverend George Stevens, or call the parish office (207)-772-5434 if you are in need of the access code. Thank you for your understanding as we make efforts to keep our building safe and secure for all.
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To view last week's bulletin click here
To watch the livestream of last week's service click here.
To listen to the sermon offered this past Sunday by the Reverend George Stevens, Interim Dean, click here.
To View past services visit our Youtube Page or visit the archive page on our website to read past bulletins, sermons, and newsletters.
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Events and Resources
in the Wider Community
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Harmony Unveiled:
Nurturing Nicaragua's Future Together
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Date of Event: Tuesday, May 7
Location: St. Nicholas Church, 350 Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074
Time: 7:00PM
| We hear and read about Central America and think we know something about the people, and about immigration, in specific, and yet oftentimes what we’ve been told turns out to be questionable. Come hear firsthand experience from someone who has been living and working in Nicaragua for over 35 years. Sarah Woodard has extensive experience working among those less advantaged in support of economic development, food security, and access to affordable healthcare. | |
Renaissance Voices Concert on Friday, May 10th | |
Join Renaissance Voices under the direction of maestro Harold Stover
(St. Luke's parishioner) for their next concert on Friday, May 10th at 7:30PM in the Cathedral Nave.
Musical selections include works by John Dowland, Thomas Morely, Edward Elgar, Selections from the Great American Songbook and more.
To learn more about Renaissance Voices and to purchase tickets for this upcoming concert, visit their website here.
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Courage, Resilience, & Artistry: Music of the Holocaust
A Public Lecture and Recital
7:00PM Monday 13 May
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Dr. Susan Eischeid, author, professor of Oboe at Valdosta State University, and noted scholar, will discuss her new biography of SS Overseer Maria Mandl and the women’s orchestra of Auschwitz-Birkenau, during a public lecture and recital entitled Courage, Resilience, & Artistry: Music of the Holocaust.
The lecture and recital will take place at 7:00PM in the cathedral nave and will be open and free to the public.
The recital will feature the following musicians:
Christian M. Clough, baritone, Susan Story Frank, soprano, James Kennerley, piano, and Kathleen, McNerney, oboe.
To learn more about Dr. Eischeid’s work visit her website
To read notes written by Sara Lambert Bloom, an organizer of the event, please click here.
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Award Winning Documentary
"The Philadelphia Eleven" Coming to Portland
published by The Episcopal Diocese of Maine
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, the compelling new documentary "The Philadelphia Eleven" will have a limited theatrical release in 11 selected cities—including Portland!
The screening on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Nickelodeon 6 will feature a post-screening conversation with five noteworthy Maine women priests: the Rev. Merrill Bittner, one of the Philadelphia 11; the Rev. Sukie Curtis, the first woman ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Mississippi; the Rev. Cn. Nancy Moore of Christ Church, Norway; the Rev. Dr. Vicki Lovely Smith of St. Martin's, Palmyra; and the Rev. Portia Royall Hirschman, a parishioner of St. Mary's Falmouth and a supply priest.
We hope you will join us for this exciting event, and that you will share this information with your family, and friends!
Read about the panelists and get assistance with buying tickets here.
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Resources from the Diocese &
the Wider Church
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To read about stories, resources, and events from around the Diocese of Maine, read their newsletter, The DioLog, by clicking the link here, or by clicking on the Episcopal Maine Shield in the bottom of this email. |
The Diocesan Digital Museum is Live!
published by The Episcopal Diocese of Maine
"Thanks to a partnership with HistoryIT, the Diocese is thrilled to announce the launch of a Digital Museum! Hundreds of archival materials have been digitally preserved and are now fully accessible and searchable at any time of day. Initial exhibits now on view include the diocesan Bicentennial and Bishops of Maine; you can also browse the Image Gallery and peruse the Timeline.
Much more will be added to the museum in the months to come! Please enjoy the initial offerings here."
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Formation Conversations with Emily Keniston
Thursday, May 16, 10-11 a.m.
published by The Episcopal Diocese of Maine
“Formation” is the work of deepening our faith and learning about God, our faith tradition and ourselves throughout the course of our lives. And how we “form” Episcopalians is changing a lot as our churches and communities change! No matter what your connection to forming Christians is, you are welcome at these informal conversations where participants share ideas and updates, bring questions, and pray for one another. You can come to one, two or all conversations; they are held via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month from 10-11 am. Questions? Please be in touch with Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston.
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Youth Called to Join Bishops United Against Gun Violence at General Convention
June 25-27
published by The Episcopal Diocese of Maine
"High school students who are called to be advocates and witnesses against gun violence are invited to join the Episcopal Diocese of Maine at the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Louisville, KY. Youth will learn from experienced community organizers in the gun violence prevention movement, spend time with participants in Bishops United Against Gun Violence, and experience the convention. Lodging and most activities will be at Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville. The deadline to register is May 8. Those interested in participating, are urged to contact Director of Faith Formation, Emily Keniston, as soon as possible. All registration materials must be received by May 8."
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Ongoing Opportunities &
Community Resources
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Coffee Hour
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. All are welcome.
Interested in hosting? It is an important part of our parish life and provides us with a time for connection. 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!
Check the hosting schedule by visiting the link here.
Please email Meredith Cough with your date.
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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!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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The Tuesday 12:10 Eucharist is offered every week in Emmanuel Chapel in-person and on Zoom.
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Noon prayer is offered every Wednesday via Zoom.
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Compline is offered weekly on Friday from 8-8:30pm on Zoom.
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Click on the Episcopal Maine Logo above to learn about all that is happening in the wider Diocese.
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stlukesportland.org
(207)-772-5434
Email
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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