A Note from the Rev. George R. Stevens, Dean | | |
Dear Friends-
Last night I witnessed a beautiful sunset.
The daylight that I had experienced through the afternoon and evening transformed into an orangey-pink hue. It was so strange that I stepped outside to see those colors, and many others, arrayed across the sky. It was breathtaking.
It brought to mind the words of the Phos hilaron, one of the most ancient hymns in Christendom. First recorded by an unknown author in the ancient hymnbook called Apostolic Constitutions from the late 3rd or 4th century, the Phos hilaron was to be sung when lighting of lamps in the evening.
The hymn has been in continuous use in the church for more than 1800 years. These days it is part of the Evening Prayer service in the Book of Common Prayer and often appears in our Evensong services (like the one we have this Sunday afternoon).
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing thy praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
George
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New Process for Expense Requests
The St. Luke's staff is implementing a new, streamlined process for expense requests. At the center of this new process is an online submission form. This online form will enable our administrative and finance staff members to pay Cathedral expenses in a timely manner while also ensuring that detailed reviews and information tracking happen at each step along the way.
If you need to…
- Submit a check request
- Request an invoice be paid
- Request a vendor be paid
- Request reimbursement for purchases
Please submit your request via our new online Expense Request Form.
We will no longer accept hard-copy requests for payment or reimbursement. All expense requests must be submitted via the online form. Follow the instructions on the form to fill in the necessary details. If you have questions about the form or require any assistance, please contact: office@cathedralofstluke.org.
We thank you for your cooperation in implementing this new process. Your support in this work helps us to continue to be careful stewards of the Cathedral’s resources and helps us improve efficiency so that we can better serve the St. Luke’s community. Thank you!
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Breakfast Forum this Sunday, May 4th at 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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'Episcopal 101' Continues Next Week!
This Sunday, May 4, please join the Rev. George Stevens as we discuss 'What Episcopalians Believe'.
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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Next Choral Evensong: Sunday 4 May at 4:00 p.m.
Join us this Sunday for choral evensong. Canticles and Preces & Responses by Herbert Sumsion. Anthem by C.V. Stanford. Anglican chants by Garrett & Bennett.
We look forward to gathering together for this moving service of worship and music.
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5:15 Service on Sunday
The 5:15 p.m. service is a lay-led 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. Music this week will be provided by Hentus van Rooyen. Stacy Obenhaus will offer a reflection, and our celebrant will be the Rev. Christopher Worthley. Please join us.
| | St. Luke's Food Pantry: Hannaford Fundraiser | | |
Community Garden, Gilsland Farm by Meredith Cough
Bid on this beautiful piece at the upcoming art auction and community dinner!
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FUNDRAISER: SILENT ART AUCTION & 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.
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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New Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
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, June 8 after the 10 a.m. service. If you have questions or want more information, contact: Jeri Edgar at jeriedgar1@gmail.com.
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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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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. Click the link to read: 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.
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. The Healing Team offers confidential prayers of healing, support and strength, in All Saints Chapel (to the right of the communion rail), throughout communion until the end of the postlude. Two members of the healing team offer prayers of healing or rejoicing for whatever your request is. The following team members will pray, with you, on the following Sundays:
May 4, 2025 - Joanne DeKay, Judd Hume
May 11, 2025 - Elise Magnuson, Gail Kesich
May 18, 2025 - Peter Carleton, Sara Schmalz
May 25, 2025 - Joanne DeKay, Judd Hume
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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 today. 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
Tuesdays
2:30 p.m.
The Upper Hall
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.
For additional information contact Jeri Edgar 207-303-8447 or Nancy Mawhinney 207-775-7500.
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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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