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

Dear Friends-

This Sunday, the First Sunday after the Epiphany, we celebrate the inauguration of Christ’s public ministry with his Baptism.

I have always found Jesus’ baptism to be a peculiar thing. Why, if Jesus is God incarnate, should he be baptized?

Of course, I’m not the first person to raise this question. As early as the second century, Hippolytus of Rome says, “That Jesus should come and be baptized by John is surely cause for amazement. To think of the infinite river that gladdens the city of God being bathed in a poor little stream of the eternal, the unfathomable fountainhead that gives life to all being immersed in the shallow waters of this transient world!

“He who fills all creation, leaving no place devoid of his presence, he who is incomprehensible to the angels and hidden from the sight of man, came to be baptized because it was his will. And behold, the heavens opened and a voice said: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

Thanks be to God!

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Blessings-

The Rev. George R. Stevens

Interim Dean

UPCOMING

Responsiveness Committee Meeting This Sunday

The Responsiveness Committee, the group recently formed to address the needs of those who find themselves in harm’s way will meet today from 11:45 AM-1:00 PM in the Chapter Room. This meeting is open to all! Please join us. For more information, or to be included in the group email list, please contact Linda Carleton at lindacarleton01@gmail.com.

The next Meeting of the Lesser Chapter is Wednesday, January 15 in the Conference Room at Loring House at 6:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome to attend and address the group in the opening portion of the meeting. Questions? Please contact Sr. Warden Sam Allen at smallen@mit.edu..

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.

IN MEMORIAM

A Pastoral Note: Sallie Smith

Monday night we received notification of the death of Sallie Smith. Sallie died peacefully at her family home in Freeport.

Sallie has been an ardent supporter and tireless volunteer of the Cathedral for many years and will be truly missed.

The Cathedral will host a the Memorial Service on Saturday, January 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Please remember Sallie's family in your prayers.

Condolences can be sent to the family at: 16 Edgewater Trail, Freeport Maine 04032

Prayer for the Departed

Father of all, we pray to you for Sallie and for all those whom

we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let

light perpetual shine upon them. May her soul and the souls

of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Prayer for Those Who Grieve

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our

understanding: Deal graciously with all who grieve.

Surround them with your love, that they may not be

overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your

goodness, and strength to meet the days to come;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

COMMUNITY NOTES

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

Earlier this 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

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.) The following team members will offer healing prayers:

December 24, 2024 Sara Schmalz, Judd. Hume

The Healing Team will not be offering prayers on December 30

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.