Home Gatherings Wrap-up and Looking Ahead

The Home Gatherings for the Living Stones II—Building a Sound Future Capital Campaign have now concluded, and over 250 people participated in one of the 24 separate events—held in homes and other venues across the greater Seattle area—to connect, learn about the campaign, and share their thoughts.

One of the highlights of the gatherings was the presentation of the campaign video, created by parishioner and filmmaker David Wild. If you’ve not seen this informative video, please check it out above or at this link. Many folks at the Gatherings had questions about the proposed Renaissance-style organ which has been offered as a gift from organ builder Paul Fritts, to be installed adjacent to the mighty Flentrop in Compline Corner. To address these questions, David Wild also collaborated with Canon Michael Kleinschmidt on another video titled What Will It Sound Like? Check out that video here!

Looking Ahead:

On Saturday, May 10, drop in to the cathedral any time between 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for a Day of Prayer and Spiritual Practices, featuring invitations to a variety of collective and individual ways to pray, with opportunities for all ages—including body prayers, praying with beads, chanting the psalms, centering prayer, and more. This is a chance to pray for the cathedral parish and the intentions of this community, and to grow in faith through practices that may be new to you. A special highlight will be an intimate service of Evensong led by members of the Schola (youth choir), and the day will conclude with Compline led by members of the Compline Choir at 9 p.m.

The following weekend, any Saint Mark’s members who would like to attend the Advance Commitments Gathering on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. in Bloedel Hall, are cordially invited to do so. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a presentation, and at the conclusion of the evening those present will have the opportunity to be among the first to submit their three-year financial commitment to the campaign. Register to attend this reception by emailing or calling Erik Donner at: edonner@saintmarks.org or 206.323.0300 ext. 217).

On Sunday morning, May 18, at 10:10 a.m., parishioners of all ages are invited to Bloedel Hall, where Canon Emily Griffin will lead a Sunday forum telling the Godly Play Story of The Church, and in response, children are invited to create and build with artist Sandy Nelson. This is an intergenerational opportunity to engage the themes of the Living Stones II Capital Campaign, and the children’s art will be displayed at the All-Parish Banquet.

On Friday, June 6, the entire community is encouraged to come out for the ALL-PARISH BANQUET. This celebration of our vibrant cathedral will be held in the nave, and will include a catered meal, entertainment, and a few surprises!

Finally, on Sunday, June 8, there will be the Ingathering of Financial Commitments, when all the commitments to the campaign will be presented at the altar and blessed. The generosity of the community will be celebrated on this Feast of Pentecost. (This will officially draw to a close public aspects of the “parish phase,” although the Living Stones II Capital Campaign will continue in the Diocese of Olympia, the broader Seattle community, and beyond, through 2028). We are grateful for your participation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Dean Thomason and the Living Stones II leadership team have created an F.A.Q. directly addressing various issues that have been raised at the recent Home Gatherings. You can find it here—and it will continue to be updated as additional issues arise.

Just a few of the questions addressed include:

Q: What happens if we don’t raise all the targeted amounts?
Q: When will construction start? Will services be interrupted during construction?
Q: Will the endowed music salaries be taken out of the annual budget?
Q: Will the pews be replaced?
Q: Will the nave floor include a permanent labyrinth for New Year’s Eve?

…and many more. Find the full F.A.Q. here.