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

Dear Friends-

This Sunday we celebrate ‘The Presentation of Jesus’. The Gospel appointed for the day describes the twofold purpose of the family’s visit to the Temple: the purification rite that Mary participates in and the Jewish ceremony of the redemption of the firstborn. Both of these events are described in the Torah (Exodus and Leviticus) and take place forty days after a birth. This Sunday, February 2 is forty days after Christmas.

Upon bringing Jesus to the temple, Mary and Jesus encounter Simeon. The Gospel reports that Simeon had been promised that “he should not see death before he had seen the Lord' Christ”. Upon seeing Jesus, he utters the prayer that we call the Nunc Dimitus which prophecies the redemption of the world by Jesus.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Book of Common Prayer, 1662

Candlemas is a northern European name for the Feast of the Presentation. This is the festival includes procession with lighted candles at the mass on this day, reflecting Simeon's proclamation of "a light for revelation to the Gentiles", which, in turn, echoes Isaiah 49:6 in the second of the "servant of the Lord" oracles.

Here at the Cathedral we’ll be marking ‘The Presentation of Jesus’ at each of our services, 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Additionally, there will be a special candlelit Evensong service at 4:00 p.m.

See you Sunday!

George

Villagers on Their Way to Church, ca. 1550 artist: Simon Bening (1484–1561), Flemish

As the local parish church prepares for services, villagers and rural peasants make their way down the path.

The candlelit procession inside the church, as well as the candles held by the approaching villagers,

suggest the celebration of Candlemas, a church holiday observed the second of February.

UPCOMING

Save the Date: A Faithful Response to Fear and Uncertainty—Walking together. Make plans to join leaders from around the church including the Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown and Rebecca Blachley from the Office of Government relations Wednesday, February 5^th at 5:00 p.m. for a webinar that will share resources as we stand with our migrant and LGBTQ+ neighbors. This webinar will be recorded, and a link will be shared at https://episcopalmaine.org/

Please join us for our Annual Meeting:

11:30AM Sunday 23 February in the Cathedral Nave

We will elect a Senior Warden for a two-year term, three vestry members for a three-year term and five delegates to diocesan convention, plus alternates.

The 2025 Budget will be presented as well as information regarding next steps in our search for a new Dean. Note: Vestry’s approved Budget 2025 is available in posted minutes and will be discussed at a forum on Sunday, February 9 at 11:30 a.m.

‘Episcopal 101’ Begins Sunday, March 1

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

Mark Your Calendars for our annual COOKIE WALK! Sunday, February 9. Boxes of Sweets for your Valentine will be sold to benefit outreach efforts of the Cathedral. Questions? Contact Jeri Edgar at jeriedgar1@gmail.com

COMMUNITY NOTES

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

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.

Minutes of last week’s Vestry meeting available by clicking this link:

January Vestry Meeting Minutes

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.