Cathedral Community and Hospitality

A number of groups at the Cathedral provide place, occasion (and often food) and reason to cultivate community. Each group has a slightly different focus.


Neighborhoods

Arranged according to neighborhoods

The Cathedral is a large, far-flung family. In the past year, we have tried to foster a spirit of “neighborhoods” among those who live close together. The spirit underlying this effort speaks to connection, attention and care for family members. If someone is ill and needs meals, the neighborhood folks are contacted first. If someone needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment, the neighborhood contact emails the group to see who is available to help.

This ministry is in the early stages, but is growing in popularity as neighborhoods meet for the first time in the summer of 2008, get to know another and become acquainted with the idea of “neighborhoods.”

20s/30s Group!

October through May meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Great Lost Bear (Forest Avenue) from 5:30pm to whenever!

Other gatherings to be determined

There is a group for twenty- and thirty-somethings! Join others in this age-group for stimulating conversation over a meal during the year at the Great Lost Bear on Forest Avenue. Topics range from music to what God would have us do in such a broken world.

The 20s/30s Group also gets together for movie nights, Bible studies, and other events throughout the year. Be watching for announcements.

Coffee Hour

Immediately following the 10am Sunday Eucharist

Thanks to these dedicated groups, families and individuals, the time immediately following the 10am Sunday Eucharist is a bit like being at home. They provide tasty baked goods, coffee and juice or punch. Sometimes it is more festive than others depending on the day and the season.

  • If you would like to get involved as a Coffee Hour Host, please contact Jennie Cook at 772-0970.

Thursday Night Dinners

First Thursday of the month, October through May, from 6-7pm

A vital way for parishioners to gather together for a good meal and even better conversation, the monthly parish dinners provide ample opportunity to visit. These dinners normally offer a variety of cuisine, but it is always delicious. 

  • If you would like to get involved with the Thursday Parish Dinners, please contact Richard Rasner at rrasner@maine.rr.com. 


Foyer Dinners

Individually arranged

Patterned after a concept developed at Coventry Cathedral in England, "foyers" are small, informal groups that gather once a month in individual members' homes, to share a light meal and relaxed conversation. Small groups of 6-8 people are formed from a larger list of interested adult parishoners. Each group is comprised of "newcomers," "oldcomers," single and married people, urban and rural dwellers--a true potpourri of cathedral folks.

Newcomers

First Monday of each month at 5:30pm

The Cathedral is witness to an increasing number of people coming through our doors to worship, learn and get involved with our faith community. To welcome these and to get recently added members involved with the life of the Cathedral, the Newcomers Committee meets to discuss how to improve hospitality, plan newcomer dinners and talk about how to get newcomers involved.

  • If you are interested in joining those who receive Newcomers at the Cathedral, please contact Barbara Prime at bprime@verizon.net.


Beloved Disciples -- LGBT Fellowship Group

Second Sunday of each month for 5:15pm Eucharist, potluck follows

We welcome all members of the Cathedral community to participate. The Beloved Disciples meets for worship and fellowship the second Sunday of each month at 5:15pm at the Cathedral in Emmanuel Chapel followed by a potluck meal afterward in the Lower Parish Hall.

 

Beloved Disciples LGBT Fellowship Group Update

The Beloved Disciples recently held their annual meeting on May 18th and the following officers were elected:

2008-2009 Officers of the Beloved Disciples

Ryan Anderson, Chair

Davy Ulrich, Vice-Chair/Treasurer

Wade McClay, Secretary

John Hennessy, Communications/Public Relations Liason

Leigh Donaldson, Program Chair

 

Saint Luke's Kneeler Guild: Expressions of Faith in Needlework

Meets at the Deanery on Tuesdays September through May

1980s

The Kneeler Guild made 20 needlework kneelers for Emmanuel Chapel. Their uniform dimensions and deep red color have inspired our new effort.

2003

The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke completed renovations to the Cathedral. Carpet in the Nave was replaced with stone tiles. The comfort of cusioned prayer kneelers is needed.

2004

A Kneeler Guild was re-formed with great enthusiasm. The stitching "Sewing Bees," as they are called here, made 100 fabric kneelers in three months!

2005-2007

All parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine are invited to stitch a kneeler. The diocese includes 18 summer chapels and 68 parishes.

Future Plans

We plan to print a kneeler book recording stitchers, designers and memorials. The book will be displayed in the Cathedral and available for purchase in the Cathedral Shop.