2025 Gratitude Conversations

by on September 11, 2025 with No Comments
The leaders of the Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Stewardship Ministry will present a five-week series of reflections, prayers, mediations, and short stories to prepare the way for our 2025 Stewardship Campaign. We welcome your thoughts and reflections in response, either using the comment box at the bottom of this page, or via email: stewardship@saintmarks.org.
If you have any questions or reactions, please write Junior Warden for Stewardship Pete Snyder at: petersnyder58@gmail.com

WEEK 5

by Peter Snyder

Through advertisements and social media I am constantly bombarded with images of things I ‘need’ to make me more successful, thinner, more stylish, or what have you. The underlying message in all of this is that I should focus on me, and what will make me happy. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy, but experience tells me that it is not things that make me happy—it is living a life that is directed towards something greater than myself.

At St. Mark’s, I hear a different message: “strive first for the kingdom of God…and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33). To me this says that I will find more satisfaction in those things I have, and less dissatisfaction from those I don’t have, when I am oriented towards God.

Our generous God welcomes all into the kingdom and invites us to live into that same generosity. Mark Reike, our consultant for the Living Stones II capital campaign, was fond of saying that the gift one should give is the gift that will bring the most joy. This has stuck with me because I have found there really is more joy in generous giving than in a life filled with ‘stuff.’ I am so thankful to be part of a community that strives to embody this joyful generosity!

WEEK 4

by Alexandra Thompson

I brought the dried hulls of a radish plant gone to seed to my gardening group last night. The brittle hulls contain the seeds for a next round of radishes to grow, not just in my garden, but in those of my neighbors. It brought me joy to think of how generous nature. We take something tiny and make food out of it. If we fail at making food, the plant gives us another chance. In my life Saint Mark’s is not much different. The church has an institution and the people inside have been so warm and generous to me and my family over the past 20 years. My small contribution of time, talent and treasure contributes to a vibrant cathedral community. I am glad to be part of Saint Mark's Cathedral and gladly choose generosity when it comes time to make a financial commitment this Fall.

 

WEEK 3

by Greg Simon

In our consumer culture, we’re prompted to post online reviews of nearly everything we purchase. But we’re not usually prompted to post reviews when we give rather than buy. So I’ll take this opportunity to post my online review of our household’s annual giving to Saint Mark’s Cathedral:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review title: Choose generosity!

This is the deal of a lifetime! Nothing I’ve purchased before has given me this kind of joy and satisfaction. The durability and reliability just can’t be beat; it’s even more satisfying after many years as it was on the first day. Choose generosity – and you’ll just keep wanting more of it!

 

WEEK 2

by Deborah Person

I was at a game this weekend, and in front of me was a very young girl, so completely generous with her smiles, laughter, and attention to everyone around her. It was contagious. Everyone around her received her gifts of joy and generosity of spirit and spread it to each other. I went home grateful for that reminder of how quickly generosity can spread.

I wish I always expressed generosity as freely and easily as my new young friend did this weekend at the game. But in these challenging times, I can too easily forget that generosity is always a choice. When I choose generosity, I not only shift my experience, but those around me as well – it’s a game changer (pun intended!).

I am grateful for this community for so many reasons, especially for the opportunities we have to practice choosing generosity, supporting each other and serving together.

 

WEEK 1—Choosing Generosity

by Greg Hamm

Each year at around this time, we hear about stewardship, and we are encouraged to make a pledge to Saint Mark’s Cathedral. It is easy to think about this in very mundane terms: “Well, the church is a valuable presence in our lives and our community, and it needs money to operate, so maybe I’ll contribute.” This is certainly not wrong—the church is utterly dependent upon generosity to keep functioning. Annual pledges are especially important because they allow the cathedral to budget and plan for the coming year.

And it is certainly true that the presence of Saint Mark's Cathedral is vitally important, especially in these challenging times. The cathedral provides an island of coherence in our lives that helps keep us from giving in to despair or apathy. It helps people in need, advocates for justice, and keeps alive the story of another, more caring way in our society.

But pledging, at whatever level, is valuable in a different, and more personal way. This is where choosing—the first word in our stewardship theme, Choosing Generosity—comes in.

When I make a pledge, I am choosing to be generous, not once, but repeatedly over a whole year. And making this choice changes me. Generosity becomes a practice—a practice of gratitude, and of belonging. I start paying attention to more of the things happening at Saint Mark’s. I start chatting with “strangers” after worship (who aren’t really strangers anymore). At Communion, I look the chalice bearer in the eye, and we smile.

Everyone is welcome at Saint Mark’s; I have always felt that. When I choose generosity, I let that welcome all the way in. I belong here; I am home.

2025 Social Media Survey Results Summary

by on July 30, 2025 with No Comments

From January 26 through February 23, 2025, almost one hundred members of the Saint Mark’s community responded to a Social Media Survey conducted by the Saint Mark’s Communications Committee to learn more about current social media usage in the cathedral parish. Using a combination of online Survey Monkey and paper surveys, ninety-eight adults provided information about their general social media usage and specific information about how they use social media in their day-to-day lives about events and news related to Saint Mark’s and more generally. Their responses provided a helpful picture of how parishioners learn about events and use the various communication resources at the Cathedral.

Who participated in the survey?

Of the ninety-eight respondents, 14% were in the 25-39 year range, 21% were 40–59 years of age, and 64% were sixty years old or more. Service participation was distributed with 3% from the 8 a.m. service, 30% from the 9 a.m. service, and 49% from the in-person 11 a.m. service.  Fourteen percent reported they were primarily online attenders of the 11 a.m. service, and three percent participating in other services, such as evening prayer or Taizé. Respondents participated with paper surveys or online surveys that were based on QR code links and publicized in Saint Mark’s publications for a four-week period, starting at the parish annual meeting on January 26.

Results

When asked about their general usage and frequency of posting on social media, Facebook and Instagram were the clear favorites with 62% using Facebook and 43% using Instagram Sometimes or Often. X/Twitter was frequented by about 6% of the respondents, and Bluesky was used by about 17% of the respondents. TikTok was not frequently used with this older group of respondents with only about one percent reporting having used it in the past three months.

With respect to Saint Mark’s related events and news, 57% said they had used Facebook and 22% used Instagram over the past three months. Slack was used by 11%, and Bluesky by 3%. X/Twitter and TikTok were around almost nonexistent since Saint Mark’s does not use these social media platforms for cathedral communications. When asked about their actual posting of content, Facebook was the clear winner with 35% posting something Sometimes or Often. Instagram was 19%, and Slack and Bluesky were not far behind—14% and 10%, respectively.

With the social media landscape constantly changing, especially with the arrival of Bluesky on the scene, 61% percent of the respondents expected their social media choices to remain the same in the near future, fourteen percent expect it to change, and 24% marked Unsure at the time of survey.

Comments and Suggestions

Respondents also had the opportunity to provide some narrative responses, and these reflected the larger landscape of communications at Saint Mark’s. Three questions were used to provide information in this area. When asked about where and how respondents most frequently find out about Saint Mark’s events and news, the responses provided a broader picture of communications usage in the parish. The emailed newsletter on Fridays was cited by 52% of respondents and 44% of respondents mentioned the service bulletin insert Sundays & Beyond as a place they turned to for information. Thirty-four percent utilized Saint Mark’s website for information. A handful of respondents mentioned “coming to church” and word of mouth as ways they learned about events, including announcements made during services. Two respondents said they rely on their spouse for information. Almost twenty percent [19.4%] mentioned direct email communications from Saint Mark’s about specific events such as upcoming programs and concerts as well as deaths in the parish as a form of communication they relied on.

With respect to what they enjoy about Saint Mark’s social media content on Facebook and Instagram, the answers varied widely. Photographs were mentioned by 26% of the sixty-nine respondents to this question with specific praise for Kevin Johnson’s contributions in this area. Other things that were mentioned included information about events in the parish, and sermons and liturgies and programs that are both livestreamed and available on YouTube or through the Saint Mark’s website. Stories of personal engagement by parish clergy and members were also valued. Some 30 percent of the respondents to this question reiterated their non-use of social media.

When asked what Saint Mark’s should be doing differently on social media, to this question twenty one out of fifty-two respondents (50%) said they did not know, but others had clear opinions. There was an emphasis on focusing on various ministries, especially linking Saint Mark’s ministries to other groups and programs in the Seattle community.  One person wrote that it would be helpful to include short-form stories of parishioners, ministries, and ministry partners to help “create a greater sense of connection, curiosity, and understanding within the church and beyond.” Another person stressed the need to follow the social media preferences of younger parishioners “because the future depends on them.”  Another respondent stressed the need for “promoting what it means to be an Episcopalian and a Christian in these challenging times.” Others mentioned ethical and privacy concerns about the use of some social media platforms and urged consideration of this complex topic and possible changes in Saint Mark’s social media choices.

Questions about this survey and its results can be directed to Communications Director Gregory Bloch at gbloch@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.

 

Candidates for Vestry and Convention Delegate, 2026

by on January 6, 2025 with No Comments

Vestry Members Continuing in Office

Term ends January 2027:
Phil Haas
Julia Logan
Martha Craig
Christopher Breunig
The Rev. Gail Wheatley (Diocesan Member)

 

Term ends January 2028:
Deborah Person
Hannah Hochkeppel
Sam Herring
Mark Lundquist
The four members elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting will end their term January 2029.
Download a pdf version of this candidate list.

All members of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral congregation are invited to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting to elect new parish Vestry members and Delegates/Alternates to the Diocesan Convention. The agenda includes brief reports from parish leadership and committees, the presentation of awards, and the Dean’s address.

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. and may be attended in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. A potluck meal will not be offered in 2026.

Who makes up the Vestry?

The Vestry currently consists of 17 members: 12 elected from Saint Mark’s Parish, three diocesan members appointed with the consent of the Bishop, the Dean who chairs the Vestry, and the Bishop of Olympia (or the bishop’s designated representative). Additionally, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, and Clerk serve with the Vestry as non-voting officers. All Vestry members are to be persons with demonstrated qualities of dedicated commitment to Saint Mark’s (or their own parish), leadership and vision with responsiveness to the needs, concerns and hopes of the world.

Vestry leadership resides with the Dean and individuals who are traditionally known as “Wardens”, together with other Vestry Officers. In accordance with the By-laws (Art. IV, sec. 1), the Senior Warden, the Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor (the Cathedral’s attorneys) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Dean. The Junior Wardens, Clerk, and Treasurer are elected by the Vestry.

Each member serves for one three-year term. This year, the members completing their terms are: Greg Hamm, Peter Snyder, Sarah McCord, Alexandra Thompson, and Becky Kacel (Diocesan Member—Trinity, Everett)

Election Rules

Like last year, the Annual Meeting will be called to order in Thomsen Chapel at 8 a.m. to take nominations from the floor (if any). Voting will occur by paper ballot only, either at the table in the narthex between 8:05 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or at the entry table in Bloedel Hall between 12:35–12:45 p.m.

Online voting for those joining the meeting via Zoom is no longer available. Per cathedral bylaws, there is no early voting or proxy voting. Complete election rules are presented during the meeting.

Who can vote in the Parish Election?

The Second Restated Bylaws of St. Mark’s Cathedral Parish (Art. 1, sec. 3) provide:

In accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Olympia, “Parish Communicants” are those baptized persons who are faithful in corporate worship and who have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion at Saint Mark’s at least three times during the previous year (unless good cause prevented)...”;

“Parish Communicants in Good Standing” are those Parish Communicants age sixteen years or older, who are recorded contributors to the support of Saint Mark’s with money or with personal service... Unless subsequently defined otherwise by Diocesan or Episcopal Church canons, “Parish Electors” shall include all the Parish Communicants in Good Standing.”

About the Diocesan Convention

Each fall, more than 500 delegates from around Western Washington come together to conduct diocesan business, including electing individuals to offices and deputations, admitting new missions or parishes, and voting on resolutions. The Bishop also gives an annual address.

The 115th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia will be held online and is scheduled for October 23–24, 2026, at the DoubleTree SeaTac Airport..

Convention Delegates are a major link between the parish, the Vestry, and the Diocese, at both convention and other diocesan meetings. Delegates serve for two years. The 12 Delegates elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting will join the 12 delegates already elected in January 2025.

Nominating Committee

This committee is designated by the cathedral’s Constitution and Bylaws to present to the parish a list of nominees for the annual parish elections. The process involves careful vetting of all candidates as well as interviews with candidates for Vestry. This year’s committee is: Greg Hamm (chair & Vestry liaison), Jim Buskirk, Carrie Davis, Hilary McLeland-Wieser, Peter Snyder, Alexandra Thompson, Nancy Valaas, Dean Steve Thomason (ex officio). Questions? Contact: nominations@saintmarks.org

Candidates for Vestry

 

Amanda Davis

Since joining Saint Mark’s in 2012, I have been actively involved in many areas of this community. I am a member of both the Cathedral Choir and Evensong Choirs and currently serve as the Choir School Treasurer. When I’m not in the choir loft, I have been an acolyte, a confirmation mentor, both delegate and convenor for the Diocesan Convention, and previously served on vestry, including a year as Junior Warden for Finance. Professionally, I have worked at local nonprofits for over 13 years in financial, administrative, and fundraising roles.

I am deeply grateful for the Saint Mark’s community and for the many rich and varied gifts that each person brings. I am honored to stand for vestry, and excited for the opportunity to learn about, engage with, and nurture the many areas of transformational work Saint Mark’s is involved with both within these walls and across the diocese.

John Gulhaugen

As the son of a Lutheran pastor, I have been involved in church communities my entire life. My parents were instrumental in our faith development and showing us what it is like to be a part of a church family. My husband James and I began attending regular services at St. Mark’s during Holy Week of 2019, making the decision to officially join during the pandemic in 2021. Since then I have become ever increasingly involved in the church by joining the Cathedral and Evensong Choirs, becoming the leader of the Compline Host Ministry, participating in Radix, Queer in Christ and developing lifelong memories and friendships during two Pilgrimages. Serving on the Vestry would be a great way to enhance my continued growth at St. Mark’s, and give a little back to an organization which has provided so much.

My life before St. Mark’s included being the director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church in West Seattle, conducting The Seattle Metropolitan Singers, a volunteer leader of a support group, singing with the Seattle Opera Chorus and working in Procurement at the Boeing Company, from which I am retired. All of these past experiences required working with groups of individuals coming together to guide and lead the organizations successfully, and are a good background for work on the Vestry. I am pleased and honored to have been nominated and considered as a candidate.

John Harlow

I moved to Seattle in 2021 with my wife, Kim. Our older daughter, her husband, and their first son were already here. They have since had a second son and we enjoy being active grandparents. This year, our younger daughter and her partner moved here. We have always been a close family and are blessed to be together in the same city. I am educated and trained as a psychologist and have been a therapist for 25 plus years. The last 15 of those have been in private practice. My office is in the Green Lake area. At our last church, in Albuquerque, NM, I served on the stewardship committee and was part of two successful campaigns. I liked learning some of what it takes to run a church and working with my fellow parishioners towards that end. We have attended St. Mark’s since 2022 with the 11 a.m. service being our preference.

I am in my third year in the EfM program and have done four rounds of Radix. I like how the small group setting encourages fellowship and how it allows for a deep dive on a given topic. I would like to serve on the vestry because I believe in St. Mark’s mission and see this as an opportunity to participate in furthering it. I think I would be a good addition as I have some relevant experience and am good at working with people to accomplish things. I am honored to be nominated.

Sarah McCord

I have been in a special one-year position on the vestry this past year and am now standing for a regular position. I was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal church and began attending Saint Mark’s regularly since 2018 when I was reaffirmed in the church. Since then, in addition to the vestry, I have served in the ushering ministry, the phase II discernment committee for Robert Stevens, and when my work schedule permits, bible study and the Radix Project. I have also attended a Wesleyan Small Group at Seattle Pacific University. I was very fortunate to be able to go on pilgrimage to Ireland and Iona a year ago, a life-altering experience which brought my faith into focus and created bonds with my fellow pilgrims that both surprised and touched me. I also volunteered for a month last summer at Saint Andrews House, an Episcopal retreat center on the Hood Canal.

I did my undergraduate work in Mathematics at MIT and graduate work in Applied Math at UW. After spending several years as a mathematician at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I now teach in the Seattle Pacific University math department. I live in a multigeneration household, with my husband and children and one grandchild and also have several family members in the area - the richness of my family has been the center of my life. I want to explore God’s message and my own purpose, in part by being more involved with Saint Mark’s, learning more about theology and my place in the church.

Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm

I found my spiritual home at St. Mark’s in 2016 after moving to Seattle from New Jersey with my husband Greg to be near our children and granddaughter. Since then, I have been increasingly drawn into Cathedral life in a variety of ways: Radix groups, a pilgrimage, the Saint Mark’s Singers, and various committees. Since 2020, I spend most of my time and energy with the Flower Ministry as ministry leader.
I am an artist and a semi-retired academic family physician with a small private practice, and will enter Chaplaincy training at the Spiritual Care department at UW Harborview Hospital in January 2026. My family life as wife, mother, and grandmother keeps me grounded, and the St. Mark’s community keeps me spiritually connected.

During our time at St. Mark’s, we have met so many incredible people who have inspired and enriched our lives in many ways. I am honored to have been invited to stand for election to the vestry and hope to be able to contribute to the wellbeing of our community in serving on vestry.

Victoria Szydlowski

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral has been my spiritual home since I moved to Seattle in 2018 with my beloved spouse, Matthew Briggs, to begin my PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Washington. I largely receive when I come to St. Mark’s. Slowly opening to participate in St. Mark’s over the years allowed me to integrate contemplation and action, to grow and co-create community oriented toward liberation theology. Significantly, my life at St. Mark’s is informed by acting on values Matthew and I built our lives around as he prepared for his death from a rare cancer (2021) to use our shared resources to lovingly serve those who are marginalized and to challenge structures of privilege. As such, both Dr. Christena Cleveland, PhD and The Rev. Will Gafney, PhD visited St. Mark’s to imagine a more equitable way of illuminating the plurality and abundance of Gods ways. St. Mark’s holds the reality of pain, illness, death, and love that knows no bounds. I would be honored to serve as a member of the vestry at St. Mark’s to share this holy mystery and promise of love with you all.

James Wilcox

I joined the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Choir in September 2013. I had just moved to Seattle to go to graduate school at UW in computer science, and I thought a church choir would be a good way to stay musically active and meet people who are not computer scientists. At first I thought I was “just” joining the Cathedral Choir, but Saint Mark’s has a wonderful way of patiently growing on you, and in the years since then, I joined the Evensong and Compline Choirs, served on the Compline Choir board for 6 years, helped lead in-person evening prayer on Wednesdays, and met and married my wife Molly Porter here. That’s a bit more than I thought I was signing up for, but certainly I can say I’ve been musically active and have met plenty of people who are not computer scientists! I feel called to continue to let Saint Mark’s grow on me by standing for Vestry this year.

Candidates for Diocesan Convention Delegate

 

Colton Carothers

Colton is an active member of the Saint Mark’s  community, currently serving on the Visual Arts Ministry, as one of the lay leaders of the Queer in Christ Ministry (QuiC), and participating in Education for Ministry (EFM) and the discernment process. Raised in Eastern Washington, Colton studied at Seattle University (B.A.), the University of Washington School of Law (J.D.), and the Université Jean Moulin—Lyon III in France (LL.M.). Professionally, he is a technology  transactions attorney at Perkins Coie, where he has an active pro bono practice with arts organizations. Outside of work, he delights in traveling, speaking French, and attending opera performances and Kraken hockey games. Colton looks forward to bringing his love for Saint Mark’s, experience in governance, and passion for justice to his role as a delegate to diocesan convention.

Mariam Ermoian

I have grown up as a member of the Saint Mark’s community, having attended since I was a few months old. Music is the most critical part of my connection to both Saint Mark’s and my faith as a whole. I have been a member of the choir school since I was five years old, and it has truly shaped who I am today. As a current Junior in high school, I am now a member of the Schola and Evensong choirs and occasionally play piano for the monthly service of Taizé. Outside of the church, I am especially interested in biology and/or medicine, and I participate in the Ballard High School orchestra (as a violinist), as well as Ballard’s student arts council.

The supportive and welcoming environment I have found here at Saint Mark’s is truly unmatched. As a youth member who is continuing to grow in my faith, I find myself constantly guided by the community around me. I am both excited and grateful for the opportunity to take a more active role in the church as a convention delegate. Thank you!

Roberta Kanive

I first came to the 11 a.m. service in January 2004. While I grew up in the Northern Baptist Church and was married in the Roman Catholic my spiritual home is at St. Mark’s. In the early weeks of attending, I recognized the lightness, the burden lifted as I walked to the car to resume my “outside” life. Now I understand: the liturgy encouraging participation with its antiphonal structure, and the absolutely bedrock grounding of the sermons with their suggestions, descriptions of integrating our spiritual lives as we move through the secular world were such a perfect beginning. The beauty and inspiration of the anthems and organ offerings provide the so important lift, the emotional response to Hope, and finally the comfort of singing hymns alongside the kind neighbor next to us in the pew suggested it was possible for all to be well… I believe the worship service provides the stability and the emotional space to take first steps toward the sought after
transformation.

I am happy to serve as a candidate to the Diocesan Convention. I want to do whatever is needed to support the Episcopal Church in its presence and influence in the current American culture we find ourselves in today. It seems to be essential that we search out ways to sustain the Church as an essential thread of society’s foundation that holds true as history unfolds.

Carrie Kahler

I grew up in Lynnwood and used to attend Compline in high school, but really came to St. Mark’s in 2012. Ever since I have been blessed by the lovely community of people here, as well as challenged to think differently about my faith and theology. I currently lead the reading ministry and have enjoyed attending some Radix groups as well as many Wisdom School offerings. I would be honored to be a convention delegate and learn more about the larger structure of our diocese.

Brad Kirschner

Although relatively new to St. Mark’s, I have been involved in the Diocese of Olympia since 1974—Bishop Phil is the fifth Bishop of the Diocese since I arrived. At the parish level I have served as Vestry member, Senior Warden as well as serving at the Altar as Lector, Chalice Bearer and herding the young Acolytes. At the Diocesan level, I have served on the First Nations, Camps & Conference facilities, and Episcopal Charities Appeal Committees. I am a graduate of the former Diocese of Olympia School of Theology with such St. Mark’s notables as Earl Grout and Hisako Beasly. I have often said that Convention presents the Church at its best and its worst as it brings together the faithful as we try to live into the Gospel Message and guide the temporal affairs of the Diocese. I will try to focus on bringing out the best.

Joella (Jo) Kirschner

Baptized at age three in Butte, Montana, I have been a life-long member of the Episcopal Church. My first encounter with St. Mark’s was as a diocesan delegate in the years when the convention gathered in the pews of St. Mark’s Cathedral. A lot has changed over the intervening years. I have been involved in small group prayer and pastoral care in the parishes we have attended, leading me to earn a Masters of Pastoral Care degree at Seattle University. Yearning for deeper educational offerings, the Wisdom School listed on the Cathedral website drew me to St. Mark’s. I believe that we are stronger together, and the diversity in our parishes across the diocese offers the opportunity to learn from others we might not otherwise meet. I look forward to those opportunities to listen, learn and grow, and to share what I learn with you.

Kathy Minsch

I grew up singing in the choir in my local Episcopal Church in Potomac Maryland, then attended several Episcopal churches on the East coast before moving to Seattle in 1992. I eventually became a member of Saint Mark’s in 2009, and have been a lector ever since, as well as intercessor. I served on the Vestry 2021-2023, where I also participated on the Strategic Planning Committee. I became Co-Chair of the Creation Care Ministry September 2021 through 2024 and am currently Co-Chair of the Third Acters Ministry which started up in November 2023. I took the 4 year Education for Ministry course, graduating this past June, which gave me a deeper understanding of scripture and the history of Christianity. I am in the current Center of Spirituality and Action program. Even though I’ve been fortunate to serve as a Diocesan Convention Delegate several times, I am honored to be considered once again. I’ve always enjoyed the Conventions and appreciate the importance of the governance of the Episcopal Church.

Molly Porter

Hi! I’ve been attending Saint Mark’s for just over 4 years. For most of that time, I’ve sung in the cathedral and evensong choirs, where I met my husband James. I have also recently made my stirring debut as a Compline hospitality minister, and love taking part in various events around the cathedral. Beyond Saint Mark’s, I am a PhD candidate in English at UW, where I also teach writing and literature, and I like hiking, skiing, gabbing, cooking, and reading. Previously, I have lived and taken part in Episcopal community in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. James and I have enjoyed attending services and coffee hours around the diocese, and I’d like to get to know how the diocese works more through attending Convention. Plus, I take an odd delight in the mundane happenings that result from the delightful confluence of relative strangers with a common goal in logistics meetings, so I am excited to take part in this one.

Kevin Johnson

I have been a member of St. Mark’s Cathedral since 2007, confirmed in 2009. My current ministries include serving as an acolyte, chalice bearer, coordinating our Eucharistic Visitor ministry, and I’ve taken a Cathedral-related picture or two. I have previously served as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention and am pleased to serve again. I appreciate the opportunity it provides the Cathedral delegation to meet parishioners from around the Diocese, while offering insight into our contribution to the Diocesan community.

James Davidson

James Davidson comes to the Episcopal Church from the United Methodist tradition. During seminary (Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University), James served as a minister with a circuit of 11 chapels in Yorkshire, England. James and his husband, John Gulhaugen, joined Saint Mark’s in 2021. At Saint Mark’s, James has facilitated Radix groups, as well as Queer in Christ Lenten study groups. He currently serves on the Altar Guild, Chalice Bearer, and Lector ministries. And (with John) serves as a Compline host once a month. A lifetime highlight with many cherished memories is a Saint Mark’s Cathedral pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the Spring of 2023.

Kristine Ekman

I was born and raised in Seattle, and baptized at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church. My family joined the Episcopal Church when I was 10 years old, and I have been an Episcopalian ever since. I grew up in the Church of the Ascension in Magnolia, and as an adult have been a member of Grace Church in New York, and attended St. James in the City in Los Angeles. When travelling, I always try to find an Episcopal Community where I can worship, and celebrate the global reach of our church.

I started attended St. Mark’s in 2019 when I joined my first EfM Cohort. After taking a break during Covid, I graduated from EfM this past June, and decided to sign up for another go round this fall to learn more about Women in the Bible. I officially became a member of the Cathedral community in 2022 and have been involved in the 40s/50s group and the 2nd Sunday Book Club. I am very honored to be asked to serve as a delegate for the congregation that has given me so much.

Alexander Snow

No photo or bio information available.

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