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

Dear Friends-

This Sunday, the second Sunday after the Epiphany, God's revelation to the world in the person of Jesus continues with his first miracle.

The changing of water into wine is a familiar story and has wide implications in revealing who Jesus is and what his ministry would be about. The miracle in Cana reveals Jesus' power, Jesus' love, and Jesus' role as a transforming figure in all the world.

"How did the miracle happen?" you might ask. The 18th-century poet, Alexander Pope, in describing that great miracle at Cana, once said, “The conscious water saw its Master and blushed.”

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Blessings-

The Rev. George R. Stevens

Interim Dean

UPCOMING

Please join us this Sunday as we welcome the Rt. Rev. Thomas J. Brown, Bishop of Maine at the 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services.

Nominations Open!

Annual Meeting to be Held Sunday, February 23 at 11:30AM

Cathedral Nave

Nominations for Vestry, Senior Warden, and delegates to Diocesan Convention are being received by the Nominating Committee of the Lesser Chapter.

Members of the Nominating Committee are: Sam Allen, Catherine Hyde, Dan McDonald and the Rev. George Stevens.

At our Annual Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, February 23 at 11:30 a.m., we’ll elect a Senior Warden for a two year term, three vestry members for three year terms and five delegates (as well as alternates) for Diocesan Convention.

Please contact the Rev. George Stevens for ‘Job Descriptions’ or to nominate yourself or someone else. Please contact George via email.

Please note: please have permission of the person you’d like to nominate before submitting their name.

Sarah Ludlow Ogden Smith

May 28, 1943 – January 4, 2025

A Memorial Service for Sallie Smith will be held this Saturday, January 18 2025 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke at 11:00 a.m.

Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sallie Smith Obituary

COMMUNITY NOTES

A Prayer for Los Angeles from Bishop Thomas James Brown

“Gracious and loving God, you are beyond and yet within this moment of devastating loss in Los Angeles. Open our eyes that we may see you. If we cannot see you, show us others who can, so that we respond to help your people in Los Angeles who now face incalculable loss, for we know that within this destruction, you are present, and always ready to equip us with faith in Jesus Christ to support your people. Amen.”

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles needs your financial support, direct service, and prayer:

To make financial contributions give directly to the Diocese of Los Angeles.

or to Episcopal Relief & Development, who are on the ground helping to coordinate disaster responses and giving money. Contributions can be given to ERD's dedicated fund.

Link for Diocese of Los Angeles Fire Response Page

Link for Episcopal Relief and Development

Letter from the Wardens and Vestry regarding next steps for the Cathedral.

Last week, a letter from the Vestry and Wardens was shared with our community. The letter identified four areas of focus necessary for preparation for calling our next Dean. Areas of focus are:

Mission: Refining and restating the mission of St. Luke’s Cathedral.

Stewardship: Faithfully and creatively addressing the cathedral budget deficit.

Hospitality: Increasing our practice of hospitality with our parish family and community.

Identity: Clarifying the relationship between the cathedral parish and the Diocese

of Maine to answer the question, “What does it mean to be a Cathedral?”

Hard copies of the letter are available in the Parish Office and at both entrances to our worship space.

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.

In January, we will learn about the development of Jesus. We will look at how he grew from being a rural peasant apocalyptic preacher to later become the son of man, the son of God, the Risen Christ, the person of God, and finally the sovereign Ruler of the Universe. In February, we will consider how to live the vital life of Christ. Stay tuned!

We are led by Bob Hanson, retired university professor, Episcopal priest, author, peace activist, and Jungian analyst. Contact Bob at (207) 405-8250.

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.