UPDATE: The next Women's Compline Choir services will be JULY 30 & AUGUST 6, 2023. SEE DETAILS ABOUT THE 2023 SERVICES HERE.
SUNDAYS, JULY 17 & 24, 2022, 9:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave, broadcast, and livestreamed
In the summer of 2019, the Office of Compline was chanted by an ensemble of women for the first time in the six-decade history of Compline at Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle.
(click to enlarge)
These beautifully-sung services were deeply moving to many. In the word of choir director Rebekah Gilmore, "We have many decades—generations worth of women who have wanted to sing Compline at Saint Mark's." And so the decision was made to make the Women's Compline Choir an annual tradition at Saint Mark's each summer. In the summer of 2020, of course, a gathering of the full choir was not possible, and the Women's Compline Choir was represented by just four solo voices. In the summer of 2021, a full complement of singers chanted the office, but the service remained closed to the public. See photos and video from previous year's services below.
At last in 2022, a full choir featuring some of the finest choral singers in the region returned to chant a service open to one and all. As in the past, the services featured special repertoire for women's voices, including world-premiere compositions.
The next Women's Compline Choir services will be offered JULY 30 & AUGUST 6, 2023.
Saint Mark's Cathedral's Curate was ordained to the priesthood in a special ordination liturgy last Wednesday, June 29. The complete liturgy may be seen here (or on youtube). She sends the following note or gratitude to the community:
"I am so grateful for all who attended my ordination, and for all who offered their prayerful support from afar. I could not be more thrilled to be serving my curacy in the midst of this community at Saint Mark’s, and for the Gospel-rooted, life-giving reality I continue to experience here. Thank you!"
Rev. Stahlecker will preside at the 8, 9, and 11 a.m. services this Sunday, July 3. Photos below from Wednesday's service by Kevin Johnson and Troy Stahlecker. Click to enlarge.
Audio and printed text of sermons can be found here.
Support the Mission and Ministry of Saint Mark's Cathedral
If you watch and enjoy our live-streamed or archived services, please consider making a donation in support of the mission and ministry of this cathedral.
You may also donate using the Venmo mobile app from your smartphone (search for @SaintMarksCathedralSeattle ) Thank you for your generosity.
Contact Legislators and urge them to guarantee reproductive freedom (via The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations)
JUNE 24, 2022
Dear friends,
Today our nation received the news we’ve been expecting for several weeks now—that a divided Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade and Casey decisions which had for nearly fifty years ensured the constitutional right to reach an informed decision about termination of pregnancy and safe access to act upon those decisions.
As I said in a recent sermon [pdf] addressing the topic of reproductive rights, this is a matter of human dignity, and as such it is a first and foremost pastoral issue, even as it has been politicized. Since preaching that sermon on May 8, 2022, I have heard from several who have shared very tenderly of their life experiences and the difficult decisions they faced as crucial moments. I stand by what I said that day, and I share here once more that the Episcopal Church has, since 1976, unequivocally and repeatedly adopted formal position statements affirming full and equal access to health care for all genders, and that access to decisions surrounding reproductive rights must be reserved to the individual in consultation with their health care providers. [source]
Here is the statementfrom the Episcopal Church shared today:
Since 1976, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” We uphold the conscience rights of pregnant women and other pregnant persons to determine whether they want to continue a pregnancy. The Episcopal Church views reproductive rights as “an integral part of a woman’s struggle to assert her dignity and worth as a human being.”
In light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, we reiterate our opposition to any legislative, executive, or judicial action at all levels of government that would restrict or limit a woman’s right to choose, or that would limit the rights of women and other pregnant people to access a safe abortion procedure. For us as Episcopalians, this is a matter of faith. Respecting the dignity of every human being means respecting the rights and freedoms of women to control their own bodies, destinies, and future.
I would refer you to the resource page of the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations for additional information about how to respond in light of this judicial ruling. I would also say I am grateful to live in a state where reproductive rights are ensured by legislative action.
As I said in the sermon on May 8, we will make our way together, even when we won’t agree on every detail of such complicated matters. We do so as people of faith who hold dear the human dignity for all people; we do so as people committed to a way of life that is at its core a pastoral way of being with one another; we do so as people who cast a vision for a more just world, bringing hope into a world which is parched and thirsts for good news. I am willing to work for that, and I trust you are too.
Blessings and peace,
The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason
Dean and Rector
Audio and printed text of sermons can be found here.
Support the Mission and Ministry of Saint Mark's Cathedral
If you watch and enjoy our live-streamed or archived services, please consider making a donation in support of the mission and ministry of this cathedral.
You may also donate using the Venmo mobile app from your smartphone (search for @SaintMarksCathedralSeattle ) Thank you for your generosity.
June 12, 2022 • The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
ORISON: O Trinity of blessed Light – Jeff Junkinsmith (b. 1956)
PSALM 113 – Jason A. Anderson (b. 1976)
HYMN: Holy God, we praise thy Name (Tune: GROSSER GOTT) – mel. from Katholisches Gesangbuch, 1686; harm. Charles Winfred Douglas (1867-1944), after Conrad Kocher (1786-1872); vs. 4 harm. Rejoice in the Lord, 1985
NUNC DIMITTIS – Plainsong, Tone VII; harm. Lodovico Grossi da Viadana (c. 1560-1627)
ANTHEM: Let us now laud and magnify with music – William Mundy (c. 1529-c. 1591)
Jason Anderson, director • Jeremy Matheis, reader • Kenneth Peterson, cantor
LEAFLETS
The Service Leaflet contains all you need to fully participate in each liturgy from home.
NEWSLETTER
The weekly cathedral newsletter contains important announcements, offerings, and events. Click here to add yourself to cathedral emails lists.
Audio and printed text of sermons can be found here.
Support the Mission and Ministry of Saint Mark's Cathedral
If you watch and enjoy our live-streamed or archived services, please consider making a donation in support of the mission and ministry of this cathedral.
You may also donate using the Venmo mobile app from your smartphone (search for @SaintMarksCathedralSeattle ) Thank you for your generosity.
THREE WEDNESDAYS: JUNE 22, JULY 27, and AUGUST 24, 5 P.M.–8 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and throughout the cathedral grounds. Registration requested. Fee: $10 in advance; $12 at the door.
UPDATE: On the Sunday following all three evenings (JUNE 26, JULY 31, and AUGUST 28) between the morning services at 10:10 a.m., participants in the Wednesday gathering will share some of what was presented and created at the event. Meet on the front patio. The gathering on July 31 will include the splash mat!
First offered in the summer of 2019, Eat, Play Love (Not Your Average Bible Study) is an opportunity for all ages to share a meal, learn, explore, and have fun together at the cathedral. Now this offering returns for 2022!
Take a night off cooking and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our own Chef Marc Aubertin, then participate in a variety of creative and reflective activities, including the option to attend in-person Evening Prayer 6–6:30 p.m. The evenings end with a brief service of Compline in the Cathedral Nave.
This year, we will explore the theme "Water of Life" through three scripture stories (Creation, the Baptism of Christ, and The Woman at the Well) and respond to them creatively through activities such as music, art, and science. We'll also dive into justice-seeking as it relates to clean water and water access, both locally and globally.
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 4 P.M., at the Ermoian/Kelley residence in north Ballard
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 4 P.M., hosted by Christopher Breunig in Clyde Hill, near Bellevue. Dean Thomason will preside.
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 4 P.M., hosted by Laurel Petrik at Mercy House of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps on First Hill. Rev. Stahlecker will preside.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 4 P.M., hosted by the Gavin Family at their home in Lynnwood. Canon Rosario-Cruz will preside.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 4 P.M., by Rachel & Russ Crosbie in West Seattle
THERE WILL BE NO NEIGHBORHOOD EUCHARIST IN OCTOBER. SEPTEMBER WAS THE FINAL OFFERING IN THE CURRENT SERIES.
Each month from May to October September, Saint Mark's parishioners will be taking turns hosting a simple Neighborhood Eucharist in a backyard or park on a late Saturday afternoon. These are designed to be especially family-friendly, meaningful, and brief—a great way to strengthen the connections among us as well as to God's good earth.
Capitol Hill PrideFest is Back... and so is the Saint Mark's booth!
We will have a tent and display on Broadway during Pride weekend on Saturday, June 25, from 11 a.m. on toward evening. Just like last time—pre-pandemic—we will have fun talking with festival attendees about Saint Mark's and handing out info and souvenirs. PrideFest is a great time and a great way to represent your faith community to a variety of folks looking for a spiritual connection.
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, meet downtown at 11 a.m. (exact location to be announced); registrationrequired.
Join the Diocese of Olympia for the 2022 Seattle Pride Parade. Though many, we truly are one as we march for justice and dignity. By our actions we demonstrate that the Episcopal Church of Western Washington really does welcome everyone. Learn more and register here. Once you register, you will receive precise instructions about where to meet on Sunday, when the information is available. All marchers get a free tee shirt!
Audio and printed text of sermons can be found here.
Support the Mission and Ministry of Saint Mark's Cathedral
If you watch and enjoy our live-streamed or archived services, please consider making a donation in support of the mission and ministry of this cathedral.
You may also donate using the Venmo mobile app from your smartphone (search for @SaintMarksCathedralSeattle ) Thank you for your generosity.
The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility (WAGR) works to end the gun violence crisis in our community and to promote a culture of gun ownership that balances rights with responsibilities. Saint Mark’s Cathedral and Dean Steve Thomason collaborated with other civic leaders to create the Alliance in 2013 to support policy, education and engagement that focuses on reducing gun violence.
NOTE: Late on Wednesday, June 8, Dean Thomason sent a message to the community announcing that the protest that was expected to take place in downtown Seattle on Saturday, June 11, would NOT be occurring. The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility (WAGR) is encouraging folks to attend one of the many other demonstrations that are occurring this weekend, particular in Redmond or Olympia. Find other options and sign up here.
See a video below of Dean Thomason's recent sermon, titled "Courageous Hope in the Wake of Gun Violence," in which he lays out specific arguments for a ban on assault-style weapons such as the AR-15. The printed text of the sermon may be found here.
This summer we will examine the tensions between political power and justice through scripture and supplemental texts with opportunity for reflection and discussion. Canon Eliacín Rosario-Cruz will join us in exploring these themes together. Attendees are encouraged to attend all three sessions but it is not required—join as you can.
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 3:30-5:30 P.M., Seward Park, Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
Calling all bikers, scooters, walkers, rollerbladers, runners, unicycles and so forth to join in a Trinity Sunday Ride/Run/Roll around Seward Park in Southeast Seattle. We will meet on the lawn near the Seward Park Playground at 3:30. Look for a St. Mark's banner and table to find us! From there, we will head around the Seward Park 2-mile paved and flat loop. Celebrate the turn to Ordinary Time by stretching your legs and then indulging in root beer floats! Families with children should plan to chaperone their own children around the loop as needed. The park is a popular place on Sunday afternoons so allow time for parking!
