SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025

Shaping Liturgy to Reflect Us

The topic of this special joint meeting of the 20s/30s and the Queer in Christ ministry groups is Shaping Liturgy to Reflect Us. Do younger parishioners and members of the LGBTQ+ Community feel seen and celebrated in the sacramental rites of the church?

Gather in Leffler Living Room this Sunday evening to discuss how Episcopal liturgies have changed over time to be more inclusive, especially of LGBTQ+ people, and to explore where there's still work to be done. Fr. Adam will give a high level overview of Episcopal liturgies, when and how they've changed, and highlight recent changes to ancient rites, like Marriage, as well as new rites like a recently approved Service of Renaming. This will be followed by a conversation about ways that we can be more welcoming and inclusive in our expression of worship as a church, and what it means to truly belong to a faith tradition and be included in all aspects of its sacramental ecclesiology.

Following the discussion, there will be an option to attend Compline together. Questions? Email 20s30s@saintmarks.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Why do we suffer? — with Canon Wendy Claire Barrie

Please join a fascinating discussion with Saint Mark's Canon for Intergenerational Ministries Wendy Claire Barrie on the topic of “Why do we suffer?” This question is as old as humanity, and some of the deep and difficult questions underneath it are “How can a loving and merciful God permit suffering?” and “Where is God when we or someone we love is suffering?” We’ll talk about the classical views and some of the more life-giving ways we can approach these ancient, challenging, and complex questions by looking at the theodicies (or anti-theodicies) of theologians such as Jurgën Moltmann, Zachary Braiterman, Monica Coleman, and Wendy Farley.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Kenosis — with Bishop Phil LaBelle

Our Bishop leads a discussion of the theology of "self-emptying."

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

The Gospel of Mark and the Jewish World of Jesus

Get to know Saint Mark's new curate, the Rev. Adam Conley, as he leads a discussion on The Gospel of Mark and the Jewish World of Jesus. Father Conley will introduce the historical context out of which Mark's Gospel emerged: the worldview of Second Temple Jewish Apocalypticism. He will facilitate a conversation exploring these themes and hold space for your questions. While not necessary to participate, attendees are invited to read Mark's Gospel ahead of time — it's not that long!

SUNDAY, MAY 11  SUNDAY, MAY 18

Rage Prayers

Our spirituality is shaped by routines and rites, and in practices like The Peace and the Dismissal, we nurture a spirituality of peace and comfort. What do we do when we are called to anger, as Jesus also was? Join priest and author the Rev. Elizabeth Riley in exploring this question. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together.

Questions? Email 20s30s@saintmarks.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Digging Deeper into Lent

What roles should confession and forgiveness play in the messiness of our lives? What is self-denial meant to teach us? How can giving up something or adding a spiritual practice during Lent shape us as people? Gather on Sunday evening, March 9, in Leffler House for Questioning Together as the Rev. Canon Emily Griffin leads an exploration of this vital season in our spiritual lives. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email 20s30s@saintmarks.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Discernment & Vocation

Please join Saint Mark's 20s/30s Group on February 9 at 7:30 in Leffler house for February's installment of Questioning Together. This month's gathering will be a discussion on Discernment and Vocation led by former Jesuit Volunteer and Saint Mark's member Molly Bosch, who will be hosting and facilitating Erin Beary-Andersen and Ross Hays, who both have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of Jesuit Ignatian Spirituality and theology. We will be overviewing Ignatian spirituality and the ways that it supports moments of discernment and calls to vocation in our daily lives. Following the discussion, there is the option to attend Compline together. For questions, please email Molly at molly.bosch@outlook.com

UPDATE: Director of the Diocesan Resource Center Sue Tait has shared this list of books relevant to this topic, which are available at from the Resource Center located at Diocesan House.

If you would like to borrow any of these books, please email Sue at resource@ecww.org — you can have books mailed to you, or arrange for pick-up at the cathedral. Books can be returned to the cathedral when you're done with them.

(The Center is a valuable resource, with books and other material on a wide variety of topics available. Find the online catalog by visiting books.ecww.org and then selecting the button for the catalog).

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

Accompanying Others in Suffering and Pain

with the Rev. Canon Rich Weyls

What does it mean to accompany others through spiritual suffering and pain? What is our call as Christians to show up in care for others while also tending to our own souls in the discomfort of entering the suffering of others? Join us for Questioning Together as we host Canon Rich Weyls, Canon for Community Life at Saint Mark’s, who has previously worked in hospital chaplaincy, alongside parishioners Else Trygstad-Burke and Molly Bosch who work in mental health care. We will explore what it means to accompany others who experience pain while also caring for our own souls through the lens of our faith.

At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email Molly: Molly.bosch@outlook.com or 20s30s@saintmarks.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024

Christian Identity in Secular Cities and Institutions 

with Dr. Sarah Elwood

Longtime Saint Mark's parishioner and professor of geography at the University of Washington Sarah Elwood led a discussion about holding and embracing Christian identity within largely secular spaces. Seattle is one of the least religiously affiliated major cities in the country; how does this influence our identities as practicing Christians? We will discuss how Christian values can be embodied in irreligious institutions such as school and work.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17*, 2024:

The War in Gaza

*NOTE: moved to the THIRD Sunday in November due to Veterans Day

Facilitator: Prof. Doug Thorpe

Saint Mark's parishioner Prof. Doug Thorpe led a discussion about unfolding events in Israel and Gaza. Doug is a member of the Bishop's Committee and has long been involved in activism work for justice in Israel and Palestine.

Prof. Thorpe shared this bibliography.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024

50 Years of Women's Ordination

Facilitator: The Rev. Canon Elise Johnstone

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

Eucharistic Theology 

Facilitator: Dean Steve Thomason

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024

Poetry and Spirituality

Facilitator: Prof. Doug Thorpe, Molly Bosch, and Molly Porter

Join 20s30s members Molly Bosch (poet and writer) and Molly Porter (UW English PhD student), along with Doug Thorpe (SPU Professor Emeritus of Literature), to talk about their experiences with poetry and spirituality. The evening will include a group discussion of prayerful poems by George Herbert, Rainer Maria Rilke, and more.

Collection of poems shared (PDF)

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024

What Does It Mean to Practice Evangelism as Episcopalians? 

Facilitator: The Most Rev. Melissa Skelton

Come explore this question with Bishop Melissa Skelton as we discuss ways evangelism can be reclaimed and used as a spiritual practice that is lifegiving and welcoming. We’ll consider how Episcopal/Anglican identity informs this approach in seeking, naming and sharing Christ’s presence in all persons. Questions? Email Emily Meeks (emeeks@saintmarks.org).

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

What is Anglo-Catholicism? 

Facilitator: The Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker

We will look back on a brief history of the movement and how it translates to our contemporary context. Theological themes and questions will include a focus on the sacraments, the importance of beauty, and a legacy of social justice. Questions? Email Fraser (fraserreach@gmail.com).

• Resource Recommendations from Canon Linzi 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023

How Much is Enough?

Facilitator: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Join in for discussion on the relationship between money and Christian life. Living in a world that spans a spectrum of extreme need and great excess, this gathering is a time to ponder "how much is enough" in our own lives. This session will seek to offer insight and discussion on money in our context, and explore how we can improve the stewardship of our resources in our lives, church, and community. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email Fraser Reach: fraserreach@gmail.com

• Resources & Recommendations from Dean Thomason

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024

Exploring the Mystics

Facilitator: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

This discussion will focus on the roots of Mysticism, Celtic Spirituality, and how the Mystics practiced a spirituality rooted in discovering the indwelling Divine in all creation. Please join this lively discussion to dive deeper into the lives of the Mystics and discuss how exploring Mysticism may enhance our inner spiritual lives and our spiritual community.

• Resource Recommendations Shared at January 14 Questioning Together
• Reading List from Celtic Pilgrimage (2022)
• Reading List for Ireland Pilgrimage (2024)
• Celtic Wisdom and Prayers

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Food and Faith

Facilitator: Brian Sellers Petersen

Join in for a conversation on how food practices can reflect Christ in how we cultivate diversity and stewardship, support the land, and nourish mind, body and spirit. Brian is the author of Harvesting Abundance: Local Initiatives of Food and Faith, the host of Spade Spoon Soul podcast and a consultant on Good News Gardens.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2023

Gratitude and the Saints

Facilitator: The Rev. Danae Ashley

In the weeks approaching All Saints' Day and a season of reflection and gratitude, join in for a conversation about the significance of the saints in the Episcopal tradition and how our relationship with the saints fosters gratitude. How can the values of these venerated saints inform our attitude about gratitude in contemporary life? The Rev. Danae Ashley, a priest in the Diocese of Olympia and licensed marriage and family therapist, will facilitate this spirited discussion.

About the Rev. Danae Ashley

A native of Spokane, Washington, the Rev. Danae Ashley is an Episcopal priest and marriage and family therapist who has ministered with parishes in North Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and Washington State and is a marriage and family therapist at Soul Spa Seattle, LLC. Danae uses the Arts in counseling, spiritual direction, and creation of ritual. She also joined the Episcopal Church’s CREDO Faculty in 2022, living into another aspect of her call of supporting clergy across the Church. Danae has written for Working Preacher, Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead, Episcopal Café, and Sermons that Work, as well as being a contributor to podcasts, books, and producing a play about fertility struggle. She writes and does the audio narration for Sermons That Work, a global ministry of the Episcopal Church. Her favorite past times include reading, traveling with her husband, making sure their rescue dog, Cooper, is living his best life, dancing with wild abandon to Celtic music, and serious karaoke.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Faith Outside the Church

Facilitators: The Rev. Paul Benz and The Rev. Michael Cox,

What does it look like to deconstruct the meaning of “church” and apply it to a context that exists outside a physical building? Join us for a conversation about the power of connection when our faith is brought outside the church walls and onto the streets. We will be welcoming The Rev. Paul Benz, who was ordained in the ELCA church and The Rev. Michael Cox, who was ordained in the Assemblies of God and transferring to the Disciples of Christ. Both individuals work as Street Ministers with Operation Nightwatch, a Christian nonprofit working to bring the power of chaplaincy and presence to those living and sleeping on the streets of Seattle. We will explore the idea of “church” as an expansive meaning of sharing Christ in the most human moments of connection in the world and what it looks like to live out the understanding of Christian ministry in the context of accompaniment and kinship with those on the margins. Dessert provided. At 9:15, we'll head over to Compline together. Questions? Email Molly (molly.bosch@outlook.com).