Pentecost Run, Ride, Roll at Seward Park

by on May 22, 2025 with No Comments

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2025, 3-4:30 P.M., Seward Park, Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle

Calling all bikers, scooters, walkers, rollerbladers, runners, unicycles and so forth to join in a Pentecost Sunday Ride/Run/Roll around Seward Park in Southeast Seattle. We will meet on the lawn near the Seward Park Playground at 3 p.m. From there, we will head around the Seward Park 2-mile paved and flat loop. The day ends with the traditional root beer floats! All ages and generations are encouraged to join in. 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! Write to Canon Barrie with questions: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

Generosity Meditations for Living Stones II

by on May 8, 2025 with No Comments

Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. —1 PETER 2:5

For many of us, the last few months have been full of uncertainty, apprehension, and even fear. In times such as these we may feel the instinct to “circle the wagons” and keep things close. It may seem like a time when generosity is a luxury we can’t afford. But generosity can be exactly the antidote we need against fear—an act of faith in God’s goodness that resets our orientation to the world.

As part of the Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future capital campaign, we asked members of the St. Mark’s community to respond to the following query: What does generosity mean to you, especially now? As you reflect on how God might be calling you to be a part of this important work in the life of the Cathedral, we hope these meditations will be food for thought and prayer.

Elizabeth Antley

Generosity nourishes deeper connection to love of ourselves, each other, and the Divine. Whether by sharing our time, our talents, our connections, our wisdom, our creativity, our money, or infinitely otherwise, our generosity affirms our sacred interconnectedness; a way to proclaim, “We love Us!”

Eliza Davidson

To me generosity means to give yourself the gift of giving. I find that in giving I receive joy from the connection made, the time shared, the need met, the fueling of love in our midst. During these dark times, contributing to what is enduring and good helps alleviate the rage and despair that threaten to consume me. We can’t do it all but we must do what we can, accepting it as sufficient for today. There will be many tomorrows and many ways to give ahead. Avoid battles of the good, which only dispirit us. Sometimes we make a lasting impact, sometimes fleeting but all kindle human kindness in our needy world.

Greg Simon

“My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
When facing betrayal and corrupt power, Jesus responded in the most otherworldly way—with radical generosity. In our worldly kingdom, those who give generously or sacrificially might be called “suckers” or “losers”. But we know there is a different kingdom, ruled by love and generosity rather than violence or domination. I pray to see the eternal kingdom more clearly and to help reveal it in my actions.

“I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Even in normal times, I tend to have a hard time letting go of money. I tend to give as the world usually gives—with a heart that is troubled and afraid. And these are not normal times. Many of us are filled with uncertainty about our financial stability, our freedom to speak freely, or even our personal safety. Gratitude and generosity may not be my “natural” reaction to fearful times. So I will pray for that spirit of gratitude and generosity.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Tribulation seems to be on the rise. And we may feel fearful, angry, exhausted, or all of the above. Our power to overcome fear and threat does not come from this world. Our faith calls us to resist fear and threat with their perfect opposites: radical hospitality and spirit-filled generosity. I pray for that spirit of welcome and generosity to overcome this world’s tribulation.

John Hoerster

My grandkids like to say “you let them do it, why not me, it’s not fair.” And adults often seek a quid pro quo, a favor for a favor, an eye for an eye. I find solace at Saint Mark’s because the relationships are not transactional. Members are open, supportive, and generous, acting from a spirit of abundance. During the last couple of years, I’ve been especially grateful that members of the Saint Mark’s community have been prayerful, kind, and supportive as our family has dealt with a health situation. This is just a small example of the multitude of ways in which the Saint Mark’s community generously steps up without expecting anything in return. No quid pro quo, just love.

Michael Kleinschmidt

When I think about what generosity means to me, two of my favorite quotes came to mind:

“It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” (Brother David Stendl-Rast)

“The greatest danger is not that we aim too high and miss the mark, but that we aim too low and reach it.” (Said to be Michelangelo’s life motto)

These quotes inspire me every time I think about them. One could modify the first quote to say: It is not generosity that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us generous. The second quote reminds me not to give until it hurts, but to give until it feels good. It feels good to stretch. Being content with achieving an easy goal is ultimately very unsatisfying. An inner ache remains.

James Davidson

When I think of what generosity means to me—especially now—I am reminded that...

When the prevailing wisdom is: ‘Enough with compassion and empathy….That costs too much….We’re cutting back…’
Love resists. Because love is generous.

When the prevailing wisdom is: ‘History or truth should never make us feel uncomfortable….We take a narrow view on the wider world….Our country first.’
Love resists. Because love is generous.

When the prevailing wisdom is: ‘There isn’t room for you here….You don’t belong….There’s not enough to go around…’
Love resists. Because love is generous. And generosity expresses the heart of God. It’s love in action. Changes us, changes the world.

That’s why we are here. That’s what we are doing. Really. Gospel truth.

Marv Waschke

We say over and over again that God is love, to the point that in moments of distraction or fatigue, we hear the words without the meaning. Then something snaps us back to the meaning of those three short words, that God is the kindness and compassion we offer to others, the kindness and compassion God offers to us, and creation is the mutual exchange of love. That something is generosity. When we give to others, we are blessed with recognition of God's love for us and all creation.

Peter Snyder

The word ‘generous’ comes from the Latin genere, which means to create, cause to exist, bring to life, and from which we get the English word ‘generate.’ In its root meaning, then, generosity is creative and life giving. Indeed, God’s initial act of creation is the ultimate act of generosity, in which the triune God—who lacked nothing—graciously chose to share the divine life with an ‘other.’ When we are generous, we participate with God in this life-giving work.

Holy Week Liturgies at Saint Mark’s, 2025

by on April 10, 2025 with No Comments
The following services will be livestreamed. Livestreams can be see on the cathedral website, as well as on YouTube and Facebook. (The Facebook streams include real-time automatic transcription and subtitling):
  • Palm Sunday 11 a.m.
  • Palm Sunday Compline
  • Chrism Mass
  • Tenebrae
  • Maundy Thursday
  • Good Friday noon
  • Good Friday 7 p.m.
  • The Great Vigil of Easter
  • Easter Sunday 11 a.m.
  • Easter Sunday Compline

The liturgies of this most sacred time are an invitation to enter more fully into the mystery of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Please participate as you feel called. Consider joining in an experience new to you. The entire community is blessed by your presence, whether in person or online.

 

Sunday, April 13: PALM SUNDAY—The Sunday of the Passion

8 a.m.  •  Palm Sunday Liturgy •  Thomsen Chapel

9 a.m. •  Palm Sunday Liturgy •  cathedral nave

11 a.m. •  Palm Sunday Liturgy •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

The Holy Week journey to the Cross begins with Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, greeted by shouts of "Hosanna!"

At 9 & 11 a.m. we begin outdoors (weather permitting). We will again welcome The Super-Krewe to lead the noisy, boisterous procession, which you’re invited to join with palms and rhythm instruments.

At the 9 a.m., an extended Children’s Chapel will be offered with a gentle, age-appropriate journey through the stories of Holy Week. Children are invited to follow the cross to Thomsen Chapel during the sequence hymn prior to the reading of the Passion Gospel and will return to their families at the Peace.

 

12:15 p.m.  •   Stations of the Cross Liturgy  •  cathedral nave

This service prayerfully engages with the cathedral's beautiful and austere artworks by sculptor Virginia Maksymowicz—learn more about them here. On Palm Sunday, a special liturgy created by the participants in the Saint Mark's pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2023 is used.

 

4:30 p.m. •  The Saint Mark's Music Series presents: The Seven Last Words of Christ

 

7 p.m. •  Contemplative Eucharist on Palm Sunday  •  Thomsen Chapel

 

9:30 p.m. •  The Office of Compline for Palm Sunday  •  cathedral nave, livestreamed, and broadcast on Classical KING

The anthem for this service will be by the 18th-century Czech/Bohemian composer Jan Zelenka.

 

Monday, April 14: Monday in Holy Week

7 p.m.  •  Eucharist with Prayers for Healing  •  cathedral nave

An intimate service of Holy Eucharist with the option to participate in the ancient practice of anointing and laying on of hands by a priest. Music is offered by Canon Musician Michael Kleinschmidt on the piano and Associate Musician Rebekah Gilmore.

 

(Cathedral Yoga is suspended in Monday in Holy Week.)

 

Tuesday, April 15: Tuesday in Holy Week

8:15 a.m.   •  Morning Prayer   •  in Thomsen Chapel

11 a.m.   •  Chrism Mass   •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

A joint celebration of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA, including renewal of ordination vows for priests and deacons.

 

7 p.m.  •  Contemplative Eucharist  •  cathedral nave

A special version of the liturgy of silence and stillness usually offered Sunday evenings. (This replaces Contemplative Prayer in Holy Week.)

 

Wednesday, April 16: Wednesday in Holy Week

7 p.m.  •  Tenebrae •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

Tenebrae (Latin for shadows) is, for many, a highlight of the liturgical year at Saint Mark's, with psalms and Lamentations chanted by the adults of the Evensong Choir as candles are gradually extinguished and the cathedral is engulfed in darkness.

 

TRIDUUM—The Sacred Three Days

The Liturgies of the Triduum—that is, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Holy Week—are considered as a single liturgy stretched over three days. They trace Jesus's journey from the table to the garden, from the cross to the tomb until the proclamation of the Resurrection at the climax of the Easter Vigil, late Saturday night.

April 17: Maundy Thursday

7:30 a.m.  •  Morning Prayer on Maundy Thursday  •  via zoom 

 

7 p.m.  •  Maundy Thursday Liturgy  •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

We remember the Last Supper and Jesus's last teachings to his friends. A sermon will be offered by the cathedral's seminarian, Alison Leary Estep. Everyone is invited to participate in the touching and humbling ceremony of the washing of feet. Music is offered by the Saint Mark's Singers and the choristers of the Choir School. The service concludes with the unsettling rite of the Stripping of the Altar, as Psalm 22 is chanted.

 

~8:30 p.m.  •  Night Watch at the Altar of Repose (in the cathedral nave by reservation and livestreamed)

From the conclusion of the liturgy Thursday evening until daybreak on Friday, volunteers are invited to "watch and pray" in McCaw Chapel—learn more and to sign up here.

 

April 18: Good Friday

11 a.m.  •  Communal Walking of the Stations of the Cross  •  cathedral nave

This liturgy will use the order of service authorized by The Episcopal Church from the Book of Occasional Services.

 

12 p.m.  •  Good Friday Liturgy  •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

7 p.m.  •  Good Friday Liturgy  •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

Recalling the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the Good Friday liturgy is out-of-joint. The liturgy includes the complete story of Jesus' trials, crucifixion, and entombment (read at noon, chanted at 7 p.m.). The "Solemn Collects" of the Good Friday liturgy echo some of the oldest prayers of the Christian church. Dean Thomason will preach. There is no Eucharist. Music at 7 p.m. is offered by the Cathedral Choir and the Schola (youth choir) of the Choir School. The service ends with the Contemplation of the Cross.

 

(It is the tradition at Saint Mark's to offer The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as “private confession,” on Good Friday. If this is something you would like, please contact any member of the clergy.)

 

April 19: Holy Saturday

12:15 p.m.  •  Holy Saturday Liturgy  •  cathedral nave

A brief but moving liturgy from The Book of Common Prayer, offered in an unfamiliar corner of the cathedral nave marks the strangeness of this day when we like Jesus may feel suspended between earth and heaven. This liturgy begins with 15 minutes of silent meditation. Canon Emily Griffin preaches.

 

8:30 p.m.  •  The Great Vigil of Easter  •  cathedral nave and livestreamed

This is the holiest night of the Christian year. It begins with the kindling of the New Fire, and by candlelight we hear the chanting of the Exsultet (the Church's ancient proclamation of Easter), lessons from the Hebrew Scriptures, and Baptisms take place. Then the Bishop gives the Proclamation of the Resurrection, the cathedral is awash in glorious light and sound, the great doors of the cathedral nave swing open, and we celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter.

April 20: Easter Sunday: The Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ

6:30 a.m.  •  Easter Sunrise Eucharist  • in McCaw Chapel

First offered in 2021, this simple Eucharist is offered as dawn breaks on Easter morning.

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8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.  •  Easter Day Liturgy  •  cathedral nave; livestreamed at 11 a.m. only

A joyful celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection, with a sermon by Bishop Phil LaBelle and music by the Cathedral Choir joined by brass, percussion, and hand bells.

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9:45 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.  •  Easter Egg Hunt  •  labyrinth/front lawn

 

7 p.m.  •  Contemplative Eucharist on Easter Evening  •  Thomsen Chapel

 

9:30 p.m.  •  The Office of Compline on Easter Sunday  •   cathedral nave, livestreamed, and broadcast on Classical KING

A special Compline which always begins with a canticle sung in procession with handbells. (more details).

 

~10:10 p.m.  •  Organ By Night  •   cathedral nave

Featuring organ works for Easter played by Saint Mark's own Canon Kleinschmidt. More details.