A Reflection from the Rev. George R. Stevens, Interim Dean

Dear Friends-

Lent comes from the German word for spring and comes from the same word as lengthening. As the days lengthen (don't forget to Spring Forward this weekend) and the snow recedes, we look forward to the growth that comes during this season.

The season of Lent began this yesterday on Ash Wednesday with an invitation to a ‘Holy Lent’, that includes the practices of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. The forty days of this season are meant to prepare us for the resurrection of Jesus.

Lent began when the early church began to practice a season of preparation for those who would join the church being baptized at Easter. As the catechumenates learned and prepared, others began to join them in solidarity and the formalized season was born.

At the Cathedral of St. Luke, you will notice some changes to our worship services during Lent. The services are a bit more solemn and penitential in their nature. For example, this Sunday will sing the Great Litany in procession to begin the 10:00 a.m. service.

I pray that you have a blessed Lent.

See you Sunday-

George

UPCOMING

Migrant Sunday

Last month, the Bishop of Maine, the Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, invited all congregations to set aside the first Sunday of Lent as Refugee Sunday. He had received requests from all over the Diocese to consider how we are called to support our neighbors who are new to the state.

Some of our neighbors are refugees, others are seeking asylum, others are fleeing poverty or war. Some of our neighbors are here temporarily and others hope to make Maine their home. In the hopes of being more inclusive of the diversity of parishioners and neighbors, we’ve responded to the bishop’s request here at the Cathedral by naming this Sunday ‘Migrant Sunday’.

We’ll be marking this day in worship through prayer, preaching and music. The collection for the day will be divided between St. Elizabeth’s and our Food Pantry, which serve our neighbors.

Following the 10:00 a.m. service at Coffee Hour, you will have the opportunity to hear from members of our ‘Walking Together Ministries’ as well as representatives from St. Elizabeth’s and the Food Pantry about how you might support their ministries.

‘Episcopal 101’ Continues this Week!

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

COMMUNITY NOTES

Episcopal Church joins religious freedom lawsuit.

You may have read on Tuesday that the Episcopal Church joined a diverse group of religious institutions challenging ICE enforcement actions within church buildings.

The Office of Public Affairs has written an informative story about the Episcopal Church’s role in the suit and our theological understanding of why a suit like this is necessary. I commend it to you: Link to Story about ICE Lawsuit

Annual Meeting Wrap Up

Thanks to all who participated in last week’s Annual Meeting. More than 75 parishioners were able to join us in person for a great meeting.

We heard reports from the Interim Dean, Junior Warden and Outgoing Senior Warden and elected new leadership including John Hennessy as Senior Warden and Peter Carleton, Catherine Hyde and Laura Lyons as members of our Lesser Chapter.

Minutes from the meeting are available here: Minutes of Annual Meeting

Hard copies of the Annual Report (which includes reports from our many ministries) are available in the church office and a digital copy can be found here: 2024 Annual Report

A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the Cathedral’s Youtube page or by clicking here: Link to Youtube Recording of Annual Meeting

A video of the presentation of our 2025 Budget discussion is available here: Video of St. Luke's 2025 Budget Presentation

The Slides that accompanied the discussion are available here: S lides for Budget Presentation

An overview of the Budget is available here: 2025 Budget Overview

Minutes of last month's Vestry meeting available by clicking this link: F ebruary Vestry Minutes

I need your help! Do you know our next Parish Administrator?

A recently posted Job Description invited applications to be our next Parish Administrator.

It begins: "The Cathedral of St. Luke is a vibrant parish located in the West End of Portland, Maine. As the Cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, St. Luke’s is a welcoming space for diverse outreach ministries, worship and community gatherings.

The Parish Administrator provides a warm welcome to those who visit the Cathedral of St. Luke and ensures the smooth-running operation of the Parish Office. The position requires management experience, knowledge of, and commitment to church ministry, excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask. This position can be full-time or part-time and includes benefits.

This position requires: a friendly, warm cooperative attitude, especially with volunteers and visitors, initiative, attention to detail and follow-through, an understanding of confidentiality as well as a good sense of humor. A bachelor’s degree is preferred and candidates with management experience, especially with ministry, are a plus."

A link to the specific list of Principal Functions as well as application instructions are available Parish Administrator Job Description

Please share this position! Any questions? Email me at gstevens@cathedralofstluke.org

-George

Please note: Parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Luke will not be considered for this position.

Might your Lenten practice include finding a new way to support our immigrant and LGTBQ+ neighbors and the organizations that serve them? 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

Camp Bishopswood Summer Registration is Open!

Since the 1960’s Camp Bishopswood has been owned and operated as an arm of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. Open for youth aged 6-17, Camp Bishopswood offers an affordable, fun and faith centered summer experience. More information can be found by visiting, www.campbishopswood.org. Scholarships are available!

The Healing Team

Prayers of Healing are offered at the 10AM 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.)

Soul Talk

Every Fourth Tuesday of the Month

10-11:30AM in the Oratory

Soul Talk is an informal coffee and discussion group exploring our faith and experience of God meeting on fourth Tuesdays, 10-11:30 in the Chapter Room.

Come once a month or once in a while!

If you’d like to receive materials prior to each month’s meeting contact Linda Carleton via email.

The Biblical Study Group

The Biblical Study Group meets in the Chapter Room at 8:30AM.

The Bible Study group is analyzing the forces or efforts of the Mediterranean Christian’s cultures to determine the real or authentic nature of Jesus-the one some are insisting is the promised Messiah or the Christos; literally the ‘Anointed one”. Nicaea, the first attempt (325 CE) was being reflected, or seriously discussed throughout the Empire. Was Jesus of Nazareth the appointed of God or the one sent to provide a way to salvation for all believers?

How are we to understand (and accept) this Jesus. Historically, this entire question was not raised as an issue until 100 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. This issue’s resolution determines how we are to understand the choices we must make about living as an authentic Christian life! Join us on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room. Call Dr. Bob Hanson for more information (207) 400-8250.

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 7-9PM, singing most Sunday 10AM liturgies & for several additional services throughout the year.

If you are interested in joining, please contact Christian Clough.

Sunday 5:15PM Service of Holy Eucharist

The 5:15PM Service is a lay-lead worship service of Holy Eucharist and meditation which gathers each Sunday in Emmanuel Chapel. Each week we welcome a member of the clergy to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.

The service invites all in attendance into a space of quiet and stillness, with music, scripture, and reflections.

We look forward to welcoming you to future services. Please join us!

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.

Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative prayer meets every Thursday at 4:30 PM 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.