From Your Dean:
Gifts that diversify the Art of the Cathedral
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I don’t know about you, but I grew up seeing pictures of Jesus with white skin and long blond or brown hair. He was usually skinny, often in a white robe with a lamb on his shoulder, and blue eyes gazing into heaven. That Jesus didn’t have the swarthy muscled look of a Middle Eastern stone mason or shepherd of the first century. He, however, looked right at home in a suburban Midwestern church of 50 or so years ago.
That image shows more about the artists and their culture than it showed about Jesus himself. While we are created in God's image, we also create God in our own.
As a result, the vast majority of images in St Luke’s –Jesus and Mary, as well as various biblical characters, saints and angels – tend to be white. This speaks to the artists and the culture and time in which these images were created. It, however, does not reflect the diversity of our current culture, our theology of inclusion, or our understanding of the Kingdom of God.
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Thanks to the Rev. Eleanor Prior, a nicely framed photograph of Bishop Curry now hangs with the other bishops in the parish hall. And, thanks to a member of the Sacred Ground Group, the nave is graced with print of a Madonna and Child by Vermont painter Janet McKenzie who challenges traditional Christian images by using women and people of color in depictions of Jesus, Mary, and other Biblical figures.
The original, "Mary and Jesus with the papel picado," is part of the permanent collection of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Burlington, VT which Dean Shambaugh saw on a recent visit.
We thank the artist for her work, the donor for her generosity, and the dean of St. Paul’s for her hospitality and contagious enthusiasm for this piece and all that it represents.
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Bill Gowen
Service this Saturday at 11:00 am
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A memorial service for Bill Gowen will be held at St. Luke's on Saturday, August 14 at 11:00 am. A link to his obituary may be found here.
Bill was an active member in dozens of organizations over his lifetime including serving as treasurer and/or president of many. He was a 32o Mason and enjoyed all aspects of masonry and of being a member of the Kora Shrine, where he would drive his Porsche 914 with the Kora Motor Unit in parades. He was a member Rotary Club of Westbrook-Gorham and Windham, Downeast Porsche Club, Family Motor Coach Association, and St. Luke’s Cathedral.
May light perpetual shine upon him
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Because of demands of a new job, Tim Reiniger is stepping down from his positions as treasurer and member of the vestry. We wish Tim all the best on as he takes this opportunity. We, however, will sorely miss his leadership, skills, and caring heart in these positions. During Tim’s time as treasurer, procedures have been updated, a new bookkeeper has been fully trained, clean audits have been received, budgets have been planned, and the cathedral’s financial position has been and continues to be stronger than ever.
On top of all that, Tim’s leadership with the PPP process helped not just St Luke’s but the entire diocese of Maine.
In the words of John Watson, the chair of our finance committee, “It goes without saying that Tim will be very much missed. His work with the PPP loan application for instance was not only highly beneficial for St. Luke’s but for the diocese as well - indeed it is not going too far, I think, to say that the diocese owes its PPP success almost entirely to his efforts! I would also single out the fact that Tim has worked closely with Nina (our Bookkeeper) in the preparation of a new finance manual which will be very valuable as we move forward. So thank you so much, Tim!”
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I agree. In the words of our Savior, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Thank you Tim!
We are in the process of looking for a new cathedral treasurer. If you have suggestions, please contact Finance Committee chair, John Watson or Senior Warden Anna Marie Christie.
Dean Shambaugh
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All of the clergy and senior staff have been fully vaccinated. We ask everyone to be masked in worship to respect those who because of age or health issues have not been vaccinated yet. |
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7:30 Holy Eucharist (in Person)
10:00 Holy Eucharist (In Person)
Lemonade Hour will follow the 10 am service.
Please Note that the 5:15 service is on summer break.
National Cathedral worship on line at 11:15
Bulletins for all services are here.
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The Elevator is currently inoperable. We are in the process of getting it repaired and apologize for any inconvenience. Those with mobility issues are encouraged to use the front tower entrance . |
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Summer registration is now open for Pray, Play, Connect LIVE! Click here to register! The
last event is in August and is at Camp Bishopswood in Hope on the 29th from 1-4 pm. All
youth graduating 5th-12th grade are welcome! If you haven’t participated in a diocesan youth
event, this is a great opportunity to check one out.
Teen Simple Daily Devotional https://d365.org/ This resource is used by teens across the
country. It walks you through simple daily devotionals (sort of like meditations). You could
use it any day, to strengthen you on your faith journey.
Upcoming
Summer Finale Day for Youth, Individuals and Families
Sunday, August 29 at Camp Bishopswood
This day-long opportunity for youth will be paired with an opportunity for individuals and
families to engage in faith formation while enjoying all camp has to offer. Folks will have the
optional chance to spend Friday and/or Saturday night, August 27-29, at camp. Click here to
register!
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Journey to the Diaconate
Updates from two of our people in process!
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Dear St. Luke's Vestry & Parish,
I am submitting my application for a Candidate to Holy Orders at the end of August and I wanted to report to you on where I am in my journey toward the Diaconate.
I will be finished with school by the end of September this year. I have begun my internship in the Diocese at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church here in Portland, with The Rev. Tom Mousin. This internship will be for the school year. I will be preaching and assisting in liturgical duties, as well as helping St. Peter’s invest themselves more fully into the community. I am very excited and though the pandemic has changed things I am looking forward to a wonderful year there. As the year continues I will let you know what I am doing there and will invite you to come hear me preach, as soon as I have a date.
Please know that I could do none of this without your prayers and support. You have been the backbone of my postulancy and I feel truly supported and ready to take this next step. You are in my prayers daily. Thank you all.
Carlisle E. Blind
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Hello, Fellow St. Lukans!
I am currently a postulant to the Diaconate, raised up by our congregation. I am deeply grateful for the support of this congregation and the experiences I have had in my time here.
I started coming to St. Luke’s in 2006, after a long period away from church. I have been active in our church since the first day I came through the doors! I spent four years working in our youth program, then a term on the Vestry and two terms as Senior Warden. I began my journey to the Diaconate in 2016.
In 2019 I was recommended for postulancy by the Commission on Ministry, and I began the two-year Province I School for Deacons program in October of 2019. The program is run out of the Diocese Connecticut, and we have postulants from all the New England states. P1SFD has been a life changing and defining experience for me. It has deepened my understanding of our Christian faith, helped me to develop a working definition of what it means to be a 21st century Christian and helped me to deepen and define my relationship with God. I hope to share my journey more fully with you all in the future.
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In June, I began an internship at Christ Church, Norway, with Rev. Canon Nancy Moore. I am currently getting to know people and making connections there, within the congregation and the community. I expect to be committed to Christ Church into 2022. I am excited by this opportunity to start “doing the work” after a long period of preparation.
Thank you, again, for your support, and I look forward with anticipation to our continuing journey of faith!
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Join us for our 12:10 worship service every Tuesday! |
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Join us in-person every Tuesday at our 12:10 worship service in Emmanuel Chapel. Please wear your mask. Bible Study is on summer break.
You may also join us via Zoom here
Both Compline and Contemplative Prayer are on Summer vacation - see you in September!
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Noon Zoom remains on our Summer schedule - we zoom on Wednesdays only through August.
Are you feeling isolated or looking for ways to connect with old friends and make new ones? Join a time of prayer and check-in at Noon Zoom.
12:00-12:30.
Meeting ID: 980 0503 8807
Passcode: 531349
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Evening Compline is back soon! |
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Compline is an ancient service of night prayers that stretches back to Saint Benedict. A perfect way to have a meditative end to the day and prepare for the quietness of night.
Starting Monday, September 6, we'll meet online Monday - Friday at 8:00 pm.
Monday & Wednesday, led by Tom and Emma Flinn
Tuesday & Thursday, led by Jon Radtke
Friday, led by Ray Davis Murdoch Curry
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Taizé returns to St. Luke’s this Fall |
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Taizé returns to St. Luke’s starting on September 22: 5:30 pm gathering, service at 5:45 pm in Emmanuel Chapel. We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.
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Volunteer with Window Dressers! |
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WindowDressers coordinate teams of volunteers to build low-cost insulating window inserts, to make homes & businesses more energy efficient. Over 1/3 of the inserts they build go to low income households for no cost, and the inserts are made at fun, community-building, barn-raising style events across Maine.
350 Greater Portland worked with Sierra Club Maine and volunteered for a build in 2018 and 350 Maine for another in 2019 in South Portland. 350 Downeast has led two very successful builds in Machias. As you may remember, WindowDressers built the window inserts here at St. Luke's several years ago.
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WindowDressers now have a Community Build planned for the Portland area in November, but their lead volunteer just had to step back. They have a team of volunteers in place, and a slew of participants already lined up to get inserts & participate at the event, but they're searching for an individual or a group to help spearhead the effort. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
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Mailing address information during the ongoing pandemic |
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As a reminder, please continue to use our post office box when sending letters to the cathedral. Wondering why? We share a street address with the diocese, whose State Street office is still closed for onsite work, mail and package deliveries. Thank you!
Until further notice, our mailing address is :
P.O. Box 4141
Portland, ME 04101
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