A Note from the Rev. George R. Stevens, Dean | | |
Easter: It’s not over yet.
Dear Friends-
I walked through the Cathedral this morning to the lingering smell of incense and flowers from our incredible Easter celebration last weekend.
Given how busy this time of year is, it’s easy to look ahead to Mother’s Day, graduation, and all the things that the coming weeks will bring. But I would love to remind you that Easter is a season that lasts fifty days.
Stretching from Easter to the feast of Pentecost, Eastertide gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to live in the resurrection. The season of Easter includes the forty days that Jesus was with the disciples before his ascension and the ten days that precede the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
What I love about Eastertide is that it gives us a chance to revel in the glory of a God that conquers death and sin. This is a season where both in our lives and in our scripture, we get glimpses of the resurrection and its power.
I wish you a blessed Eastertide!
See you Sunday.
George
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Thank you!
Thank you to all volunteers who participated in last week’s Holy Week services. Last week’s Holy Week services were made possible thanks to the dedicated work of countless volunteers who gave their time and talents to make the Cathedral a welcoming space of worship for all. Thank you for all that you do in the life of the Cathedral.
A very special thank you to Mike Thorne for creating stunning flower arrangements around the Cathedral. We are grateful for the beauty you created to help us celebrate Easter.
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Welcoming Our New Parish Administrator
Please welcome our new parish administrator Abby Ericson! Abby brings a wealth of experience in higher education and the private sector. She has an eye for detail and a heart for ministry. Abby grew up in Maine and currently lives in Wells. She can be reached via email at office@cathedralofstluke.org and via telephone at (207) 772-5434 ext. 203.
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Beware of Scam Emails
This week another round of scam emails were sent to parishioners purportedly from the Rev. George Stevens asking for ‘a favor’ in the form of gift cards. Please know that private requests for gift cards will never come from any staff member at the Cathedral.
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'Episcopal 101' Continues Next Week!
This Sunday, April 27, make plans to join the Rev. Christopher Worthley, as he leads, "What is Church? Anglicanism in Historical and Ecumenical Perspective."
Interested in the History of the Episcopal Church? How Episcopalians view scripture? The Book of Common Prayer and its history?
This ten-week series is open to all, but specifically for those interested in Confirmation, Reception or Baptism in the Church. We’ll meet after the 10:00 a.m. service on most Sundays in March, April and May. Meetings will be live streamed and recorded.
Interested in more information? Contact the Rev. George R. Stevens via email at <gstevens@cathedralofstluke.org>.
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5:15 Service on Sunday
A series of reflections offered by Vestry members at the 5:15 p.m. service continues this Sunday featuring long-time parishioner Nancy Brain. This is an unusual opportunity for St. Lukans to hear our leaders share insights on spiritual matters. As an example, you may read Senior Warden John Hennessy’s reflection here: Reflection offered by Senior Warden John Hennessy.
Musicians this week will be Barbara Ryland (harp) and Linda Carleton (piano). Our celebrant will be Fr. Celestin Hategekimana. Please join us.
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SAVE THE DATE
FUNDRAISER: SILENT ART AUCTION AND AN ITALIAN COMMUNITY DINNER
TO BENEFIT ST. LUKE'S FOOD PANTRY
WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 15TH starting at 5:30pm
WHERE: LOWER HALL
Come join in the FUN, FELLOWSHIP, enjoy a delicious meal, and a chance to bid on fine artwork.
The artwork has either been donated by generous members of St. Luke's or created by the artistic and talented members of the congregation.
We are looking for members to DONATE Artwork to the cause. Betsy Bodor and Stan Kuziel will be available to accept donations on the Sundays in April BEFORE and AFTER the 7:30am and 10am services. They will also be available in the food pantry program on Wednesdays in April from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
PLEASE submit donations by Wednesday, 4/30.
In addition to the Silent Art Auction on Thursday evening, 5/15, the artwork will also be available for viewing and submitting of bids during Coffee Hour after 10 a.m. services on Sunday, 5/11.
The announcement of individuals with winning bids will be done following the Italian community dinner on Thursday, 5/15.
The food pantry thanks you in advance for your continued support.
We look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser.
Any questions, please email Stan at: winstonduncan59@gmail.com
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Coming soon!
Cookie Sale & Portable Cookies & Sweets Cookbook
St. Luke’s is assembling a small portable cookie cookbook. Serve at: sporting events, girl scouts and boy scouts, birthdays, and family gatherings. These are family favorites to share with friends! This cookbook is designed to take with you on trips to: camping, skiing, tenting, and to share with friends. The cookbook will feature a photo of you making the cookie and will include the recipe. Sign up today to help us create delicious cookies and a portable recipe book. Sign-up sheets will be available at this week's worship services and in the Upper Parish Hall. The cookie sale will be held on Sunday, May 4 after the 10 a.m. service. If you have questions or want more information, contact:
Jeri Edgar <jeriedgar1@gmail.com>
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Breakfast Forum Sunday, May 4th 8:30 a.m.
The Hospitality team invites the congregation to share in a conversation about hospitality at the Cathedral. Anyone interested is welcome to participate; the goal is to exchange ideas around how we invite, welcome, and connect with people at St. Luke's and the community at large. The format will be similar to that of World Cafe held last fall. We will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Lower Hall and a light breakfast will be served.
Contact Meredith Cough at <meredith.cough@gmail.com> with any questions.
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The First Parish Wabanaki Ally Team invites to
A program presented by Wabanaki R.E.A.C.H.
Interacting with Wabanaki-Maine History
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 1 to 3 p.m. at First Parish Portland, Unitarian Universalist
425 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101, Parish Hall (right side entrance)
Limited to 40 participants. We ask for a $20 suggested donation to cover program costs.
"This program is an interactive experience in which we engage in a story of particular events in the history of 400 years of colonization of Wabanaki people by Europeans in this territory now called the state of Maine. This highly engaging experience requires our full participation in order to genuinely increase our understanding of colonization and what it means for current descendants and future generations; to reflect on what story we are writing for our grandchildren."
Link to Registration form Link to Donation form*
*The donation link brings you to the First Parish donation form. Scroll down to “Social Justice Fundraiser: Wabanaki REACH program” and make a one-time donation.
For 1st timers, you’ll have to create a login.
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ZOOM UPDATE FROM HAITI
We invite anyone interested in an update about Haiti to join a ZOOM call on Sunday, April 27th at 8:00 pm EST. The Haiti Education Foundation, one of our partners in Duny, is hosting this panel discussion. You will hear from Trinity Hope Feeding, Haiti Healthcare Partners, and the Haiti Education Foundation. Their Liaison, Ancy Fils Aime will also join from Haiti. These are all organization working in or near Duny. The meeting happens every year and is informative. The Zoom link is included below. You can also contact Meredith Cough for additional information at <meredith.cough@gmail.com> I hope you can join us.
Haiti Zoom Update
Time: Apr 27, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Click to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 6839 1776
Passcode: 442375
Click here to support our Haiti partnership.
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St. Elizabeth's Diaper Drive and Information Sheet
The great folks at St. Elizabeth's have provided a fantastic Information Sheet. It includes stats on the number of neighbors served (more than double since 2021) the diverse languages of the guest the ministry serves (dozens) as well as specific ways to help with physical donations of diapers and financial support.
Here's a a link to the Information Sheet.
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WALKING TOGETHER: A faithful response to fear and uncertainty
You are invited to attend coffee hour after the service where you can learn more about St. Luke’s Walking Together ministry and the ways you can support it. You can donate much-needed goods to our food pantry and St. Elizabeth’s essentials pantry, volunteer to assist the work of organizations such as Hope Acts, Presents! Maine, and the State Street Church shelter, or simply wear a button to show your support for those who feel vulnerable and afraid.
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) has put together a really good video on Immigration Basics and Know Your Rights for Churches and Individuals. You can watch it at: https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/feb3webinarrecording
| | OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES | | |
Eco Tips
The Episcopal Public Policy Network is urging us to contact our members of Congress asking them to preserve the investments in the environment contained in the Inflation Reduction Act.
During this week of the 55th Earth Day, we give thanks for the beauty of God’s creation and we reflect on our role in being good stewards. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to preventing the worst effects of climate change and one of the most significant ways we can ensure continued flourishing on Earth. As important as our individual actions are, we also must push for systemic change to address climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss.
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in 2022, provided funding for communities across the country through numerous provisions and programs aimed at reducing emissions and addressing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation. Ask your senators and representatives to protect the Inflation Reduction Act from efforts to repeal or cut its programs.
“God, maker of marvels, you weave the planet and all its creatures together in kinship; your unifying love is revealed in the interdependence of relationships in the complex world that you have made. Save us from the illusion that humankind is separate and alone, and join us in communion with all inhabitants of the universe through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who topples the dividing walls by the power of your Holy Spirit, and who lives and reigns with you, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Go to the Office of Government Relations website to write your members of Congress today.
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The Healing Team
Prayers of Healing are offered at the 10 a.m. service each Sunday, during or after communion and to the end of the postlude. Two members of the Healing Team offer these healing prayers in All Saints’ Chapel (the small chapel to the right of the communion rail).
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Soul Talk
Every Fourth Tuesday of the Month
10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Oratory
Soul Talk is an informal coffee and discussion group exploring our faith and experience of God. If you’d like to receive materials prior to each month’s meeting, contact Linda Carleton.
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The Artist's Way
Jesus said, “Unless you become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.18:3) The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, is a 12-week program to help unleash the joyful, creative, and spiritual child who lives within each of us.
If you would like to discover (or rediscover) the Artist’s Way in May, contact Linda Carleton by May 1. We’ll decide together the time and way to meet.
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The Biblical Study Group
The Biblical Study Group meets in the Chapter Room at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays.
The focus of the current class is 'What must I do to fully live the Christian life?'
This life giving process is already known to us through Jesus Christ and the Saints. Consider this five step process: 1) to fully understand God's commands 2) to understand and accept God's love for us 3) to understand and fully accept God's forgiveness 4) to understand and to fully accept that God is within us 5) we are adopted by God to become part of God's own family and brothers and sisters to His Son.
Join us on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room. Call Dr. Bob Hanson for more information (207) 400-8250.
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Sing with the Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir is welcoming new members! We hope you’ll join us for fun, learning, fellowship, and the joy of music-making in community.
Previous singing experience is not required. Short-term commitments are possible.
Rehearsals most Thursdays 7-9 p.m., singing most Sunday 10 a.m. liturgies & for several additional services throughout the year.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Christian Clough.
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The Kneeler Guild and
Prayer Shawl Knitters
Tuesday
2:30 p.m.
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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Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Please join us for a half hour of silent meditation followed by a brief conversation about our experience. All are welcome. No experience is necessary.
For more information email Sarah Braik.
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Volunteer to Serve on the Altar Guild
Volunteering with Altar Guild is fun and rewarding.
Together, the Altar Guild works to enable our congregation to engage in worship that is filled with order, beauty, peace, and tranquility.
For more information, contact Kate Leschey or Rita Siavelis.
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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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Contemplative prayer meets each week on Zoom on Thursday at 4:30 PM
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Noon Zoom Prayer Group meets on Thursday afternoons at 12:00 PM on Zoom
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Compline is offered weekly on Friday from 8-8:30 PM on Zoom.
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Click on the logo above to learn about all that is happening in the wider Diocese.
https://episcopalmaine.org
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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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