Holy Week Liturgies at Saint Mark’s, 2025

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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.

 

Vigil at the Altar of Repose, 2025

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MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 9 P.M. until dawn on Good Friday. Advance registration required.

The Vigil at the Altar of Repose will happen this year, starting upon the conclusion of the Maundy Thursday liturgy (around 8:45 p.m.) until the following sunrise. This ancient practice is inspired by Jesus' question to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemene, "Could you not stay awake with me one hour?"  As in recent years, this vigil will be an online offering, with a live video available all night.

In addition, there is the opportunity to participate in the vigil in person. The length of the vigil depends on those who volunteer: for security, doors are locked, and each participant opens the door for the next at the beginning of each hour. (On the night of the event itself, if any participant arrives late and the chain is broken, the vigil concludes at that point.)

If you are interested in spending an hour in prayer, please sign up for a slot here no later than Palm Sunday, April 13. After that date, the specifics will be determined based on which slots have been filled, and participants will be notified. Please do NOT plan on participating without signing up in advance.

Contact Sacristan Michael Seewer with questions: mseewer@saintmarks.org

Easter Memorials & Thanksgivings 2025

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Each year at this time, all are invited to make a special contribution in honor or in memory of a loved one, in order to help underwrite the beautiful flowers and music of the celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection.

Fill out the form below, or use the paper form in the Sunday service leaflets. Then make a gift in any amount, using the method that is most convenient for you—by check, saintmarks.org/give, or Venmo.

Contributions received by Palm Sunday, April 13, will be acknowledged in the Easter service bulletins. Contact Erik Donner in the cathedral office with questions: edonner@saintmarks.org.

Fill out my online form.

Becoming a Poverty Abolitionist

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

“If America’s poor founded a country, that country would have a bigger population than Australia or Venezuela.”

—Matthew Desmond, Poverty, by America

Why is there so much poverty in the richest country on earth? Can poverty be abolished? Participants in the recent Community Book Studies of Matthew Desmond’s, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City and Poverty, by America invite you to join this conversation at a Cathedral Commons on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Whether you have read one or both of these books is NOT a requirement to attend. We come together to consider our role in economic justice and to ask, What am I willing to change about how I live to abolish poverty?

Forum on Supporting Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and via Zoom. Optional community dinner at 6 p.m.

Come learn about the challenges facing transgender and gender non-conforming people in these uncertain times and how we can best support one of our most vulnerable minorities. Queer in Christ leaders Chloe Jett and Rose Hazard will guide us in learning more about the power of using gender affirming terms and how we can mobilize to help protect those in the transgender and gender non-conforming community.

The Questions Easter Asks Us: A Palm Saturday Event for All Ages

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SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 4 P.M., in the cathedral nave

Canon Emily Griffin and pianist David Poortinga will lead us using art, story, and song through the life of Jesus as we prepare to enter Holy Week.

The Godly Play story usually shared over the weeks of Lent, The Faces of Easter, will be told in large scale, and familiar hymns and tunes will be woven throughout with opportunities to sing, wonder, and pray together as we reflect on the journey to the cross and the mystery of the Resurrection.

Generosity as Resistance: Living the Call to Radical Hospitality in Challenging Times

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TWO WEDNESDAYS IN LENT, MARCH 19 & 26, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

“From anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again” (Luke 6:29b–30).

Jesus proclaimed a message of extravagant generosity—a generosity responsive to God’s overwhelming generosity to us as the one who creates, sustains, and redeems us. But today there are voices in our nation and in the Christian Church who seek to restrict generosity to those deemed “worthy.” How are we to live out Jesus’ call in these times? How do we develop a counterculture of abundance in the face of a culture that operates out of scarcity? Join us on March 19 and 26 to reflect together on these questions. Led by Peter Snyder, James Davidson, and Greg Simon.

Join online using this Zoom link.


Download the slides for Part 1 here.

A video of Part 1 is now available:

QuiC 2025 Lenten Conversation Series

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LAUNCH: SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 5:30 P.M. in Leffler House or online via Zoom

SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS: MONDAYS, 7:30 p.m., online via Zoom only

The Queer in Christ community will gather for a Lenten conversation series titled Clearing Space for God. There will be a general introduction next Sunday, March 2, at the normal monthly Queer Conversation time—right after Evensong at 5:30 p.m. Then starting the next day, Monday, March 3, the group will meet on Zoom each Monday at 7:30 p.m. for six weeks, through April 7.

Community member James Davidson will facilitate the discussions. The series will conclude with another in-person/hybrid gathering, time and location TBA.

The Zoom link for the Monday meetings will be in the QuiC newsletter sent on March 1. If you did not receive that newsletter, email queerinchrist@saintmarks.org and the link will be sent to you. (And please indicate if you'd like to be added to the mailing list.)

Although attending all seven meetings is ideal, you are invited and encouraged to attend as many or as few meetings as you are able.

UPDATE: Download the packet of readings and reflection questions here.


DATES & TOPICS:

Kick-off meeting:
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 5:30 P.M. (during Queer Conversations) in Leffler Living Room or online via Zoom

Session 1: Taking care of yourself
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 7:30 –8:30 P.M., on Zoom

Session 2: Being smart and strong
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 7:30 –8:30 P.M., on Zoom

Session 3: Standing with unity for diversity
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 7:30 –8:30 P.M., on Zoom

Session 4: Clearing space for God
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 7:30 –8:30 P.M., on Zoom

Session 5: The plan in a nutshell
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 7:30 –8:30 P.M., on Zoom

Session 6: When it all comes down to it
MONDAY, APRIL 7, 7:30 –8:30 P.M., on Zoom

Closing session (in person/hybrid)
date/location TBD

Pádraig Ó Tuama: The Better Angels of Our Nature

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A Thursday evening Wisdom School event with acclaimed poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025, 7–8:30 P.M., in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

UPDATE: Due to the number of registrations, this event will be offered in the cathedral nave rather than Bloedel Hall. A livestream will be available to registrants as announced previously. 

UPDATED DESCRIPTION: We live in fraught times when violence seems to be the common denominator in a calculus based in mistrust and misanthropic othering. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind… Drawing on inspiration from his work with language and religion, conflict and peacemaking, this truth-teller of our time will draw us into an orbit of soulful wisdom and poetic grace.

Fee: $15 (for in-person and livestream participation). A recording of the livestream will be available to those who register for a limited time after the event. 

Register below or using this link.

Advance registration is now closed. You can present and pay at the door on Thursday still.


About Pádraig Ó Tuama

Pádraig Ó Tuama (b. 1975, Ireland) is a poet with interests in language, violence, power, and religion. He is the host of On Being’s Poetry Unbound and has published volumes of poetry, essays, a memoir and theology. He has two books forthcoming in early 2025: Kitchen Hymns, a volume of original poems (CHEERIO and Copper Canyon Press), and the anthology 44 Poems on Being with Each Other; A Poetry Unbound Collection (Canongate and WW Norton). He lives in Belfast and New York City.

Learn more at padraigotuama.com

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“Choir Unvested”: A Cabaret with the Evensong Choir

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An Evening of Cabaret, Dessert, and Silent Auction in Support of the Evensong Choir's 2025 Pilgrimage

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 7 P.M., Bloedel Hall 

Tickets are now on sale for Choir Unvested, a evening of brilliant entertainment and a silent auction by the Evensong Choir. Enjoy delicious desserts and refreshing beverages as you listen to the choir sing songs from Monty Python's Spamalot, The Band's Visit, Les Misérables, Sweet Charity, Toy Story, and other musicals.

The Evensong Choir is comprised of advanced choristers with unchanged voices, and skilled teen and adult singers. Choir Unvested is a fundraiser for their upcoming pilgrimage to Lincoln and Durham Cathedrals, England, where they will serve as choir-in-residence for one week each in August.

Tickets are $100 (plus a processing fee), $65 of which is tax deductible. Purchase tickets here

Thresholds and Transitions Across the Liturgical Year

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UPDATED WITH VIDEO

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

A Cathedral Commons forum led by Hannah Hochkeppel and 20s/30s members

Hannah Hochkeppel and 20s/30s members will lead this forum on the final Wednesday before Lent to explore the liturgical calendar. What are our seasons? What do the colors and traditions of each season invoke in our spiritual life? Together we will uncover the ways in which the cyclical nature of the liturgical year invites us regularly into the experience of transition and reflection.

This is a follow-up to a previous forum exploring the liturgical traditions of The Episcopal Church offered in April 2024.


A video is now available:

Ecotheology—Is God’s Love Broad Enough for Bears?

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 6:45–8:15 P.M., (rescheduled from February due to weather), in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

led by Canon Rich Weyls

What does theology have to say about environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change? Ecotheology is a form of constructive theology that focuses on the interrelationship between religion and nature, particularly in the light of environmental concerns. In this session, we will explore classical theological notions of Creation, our neglect of these concepts in Western Christianity, and their restoration in the Triune God of love. This presentation will be given by The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls, Canon for Community Life and Senior Associate Rector. Canon Rich is also the staff support person for Saint Mark's Creation Care Ministry.


Download the slides for this presentation here.

A complete video is now available:

2025 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper with Closing of the Doors

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Closing of the Doors, 2019

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 6–7:15 P.M., in the cathedral nave. Suggested donation: $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family. Registration requested.

Please gather in the cathedral nave on Shrove Tuesday (a.k.a. Mardi Gras), March 4, to end the season after Epiphany in the traditional way—by gathering in community, eating pancakes, and having fun! There will be live music, crafts, and games. Chef Marc Aubertin and the youth will be preparing our meal. In addition to pancakes, sausage, fruit, and toppings, Vestry members will provide jambalaya and gumbo.

The celebration in the nave will conclude with a brief liturgy to "bury the Alleluias" and close the great doors until Easter. (This is a treasured tradition unique to Saint Mark's—see some views of what the Closing of the Doors looked in recent years here:

Finally, on the patio, palms are burned to create the ashes for the Ash Wednesday services the next day.

Due to the terrific turn out to this event last year, we are requesting  advance registration to assist in planning. Register using this form or below.

 

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An Introduction to Hildegard of Bingen’s Approach to Psychotherapy

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

led by the Rev. Danae Ashley 

What can a revolutionary 12th-century Benedictine nun teach us today? Plenty! Saint Hildegard von Bingen was a polymath and a German Benedictine abbess who lived from 1098–1179 in the Rhine Valley. Her myriad of gifts have been noticed throughout history: prophetess, composer, physician and healer, environmentalist, preacher, mystic, advisor, linguist of her own secret language, and much more. You are invited to learn more about St. Hildegard and her fascinating life, focusing on her holistic approach to mental health, through an interactive presentation with the Rev. Danáe Ashley—Episcopal priest, international speaker, and author of a forthcoming book from Tehom Center Publishing on Hildegard and psychotherapy.


UPDATE: 

At the forum, the slides and workbook were drawn from Rev. Ashley's forthcoming book and cannot be posted here due to copyright. Please contact Rev. Ashley directly with inquiries. 

A complete video is available below:  

Sacristan Michael Seewer Sabbatical Report

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UPDATED WITH VIDEO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

Cathedral Sacristan and Head Verger Michael Seewer spent seven weeks last fall traveling around Europe, visiting cathedrals and other houses of worship to study their liturgical practices, including several days at the community of Taizé in France.

Hear about what he saw and learned at this Sunday morning forum between the 9 and 11 a.m. services in Bloedel Hall.


A complete video is now available: 

Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly: Living Faithfully in Chaotic Times

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, 7–8 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

In such a time as this, when chaos and confusion are threatening migrant communities, we as people of faith are called to reaffirm our values and uphold the dignity of every human being.

People of all faiths who seek strength in this moment are welcome to this peaceful gathering as we ground ourselves in community, prayer, and song and commit to active and practical solidarity with our migrant neighbors.


UPDATE:

Find the program for this event here.

Find the website discussed by Joey Lopez of the Church Council of Great Seattle here or at http://bit.ly/MigrantSolidarity

A complete video is now available.

Intergenerational Prayer Partners for Lent and Eastertide, 2025

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Registration is now open!

Register using this form.


All members of the community of Saint Mark's are warmly invited to become an Intergenerational Prayer Partner, as part of special program lasting from Shrove Tuesday, March 4, through the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, June 8.

What does this mean? 

If you register to participate, you’ll be matched with a prayer partner of another generation, with whom you’ll regularly check in so you’ll better know their prayer needs. Perhaps you’ll sit together on Sunday mornings, and meet up occasionally at Saint Mark’s events, such as the Pancake Supper and the Pentecost Run/Ride/Roll.

How will this work? 

You’ll fill out a brief form telling us which service you attend and what some of your interests are, we’ll do some match-making and put you in touch with your prayer partner by email. We hope you and your assigned prayer partner will meet up at the Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, get to know each other a bit, and begin praying for each other.

Participants will be given written prayers which you may choose to use, along with other creative prayer suggestions. There will also be a list of Saint Mark’s events you might choose to attend together over the three-month period.

Can children and youth participate?  

Yes! Parents can sign up on behalf of children and youth can sign up with parental permission. In all emails, parents will be copied, and we are only meeting up during church events, so prayer partners of children and youth will never be meeting privately, following Safe Church policies.

Can I be matched with another adult?

Yes! Intergenerational simply means you’ll be paired with someone of another generation, and you can let us know if that’s your preference.

Why are we doing this?

We want to help cultivate and strengthen intergenerational relationships among Saint Mark’s parishioners, and we know from other congregations who have adopted this model that it’s a great way for people to meaningfully connect and engage with each other.

What Do We Do Now?—Shifting Paradigms in Times of Chaos, Upheaval and Injustice

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TWO WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 22 & 29, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

led by Dean Steve Thomason

 

Our world is seemingly on fire, and the uncertainties of our time translate to a sense of chaos and upheaval. Anxiety and anger run amok. Under threat of change, the human impulse is to conservative inertia or even regression, which invariably leads to injustice and oppression. We are seeing that; we are living in this crucible moment when the paradigms that have historically made sense in the social fabric will not hold, and tweaks to them will not suffice. Paradigm shifts (revolutionary insights) are needed as we find our way. We are on the cusp of something as significant as Newtonian cosmology or modern Cognitive Psychology, but we will only breakthrough to new paradigms if we let go of the basic assumptions of the prevailing theories of social constructs built on a misguided transactional calculus. Hint: Jesus was on to something big!

Join online using this Zoom link.


REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

The following was shared at Part 1 of the forum:

The following were shared or referenced in Part 2 of the forum:

The slides from Part 1 can be downloaded here (pdf).

The slides from Part 2 can be downloaded here (pdf).

Video of Parts 1 & 2 are posted below.

2025 Annual Parish Meeting & Elections

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025, 12:30–2 P.M., Bloedel Hall and via Zoom

The 2025 Annual Meeting of St. Mark's Cathedral Parish, Seattle, will be on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. in Bloedel Hall and via Zoom. The meeting will include election of parish Vestry members and delegates/alternates to Diocesan Convention. A brochure featuring the candidates is now available here, and will be available in the back of the nave starting Sunday, January 5. We’ll also hear reports from the Dean, Senior Warden, and ministry leaders. The Dean will bestow Pro Christo Awards. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our vibrant parish. As with last year, there will be no potluck meal, but light snacks and coffee/tea/water will be available to those in Bloedel Hall, and you are welcome to bring your own food if you find that helpful.


UPDATES: 

The slate of 12 candidates for Diocesan Convention Delegate was approved.

The new Vestry members elected to three-year terms were: Deborah Person, Hannah Hochkeppel, Sam Herring, and Mark Lundquist. In addition, Sarah McCord was elected to a one-year term (to serve the remainder of the three-year term of Doug Thorpe, who is resigning from the Vestry before his term is concluded.)

The Dean re-appointed Greg Hamm as Senior Warden.

The Pro Christo et Ecclesia medal was awarded to Greg Hamm and Canon Michael Kleinschmidt.

The Cathedral Cross was awarded to Maria Coldwell.

The new election procedures this year resulted in a substantial increase in the total number of votes cast: about 40% higher than any year in the previous decade! The Dean, Vestry, and Nominating Committee invite feedback on the new election procedures.

A complete video of the meeting is now available:


PLEASE NOTE:

  • The meeting will again be hybrid—you can attend in Bloedel Hall or via Zoom.
  • There will be no potluck meal again this year. Light snacks and coffee/tea/water will be available to those in Bloedel Hall, and you are welcome to bring your own food if you find that helpful.
  • Elections will occur slightly differently this year—see notice below. This year, online voting for those joining the meeting remotely will not be available. Votes may be cast in person any time between 8:05 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. As usual, there is no early voting or proxy voting, per the cathedral by-laws. The election rules will be read by the Cathedral Chancellor during the meeting.

NOTICE OF CHANGES TO ELECTION RULES

The Vestry has adopted slight changes to the Election Rules this 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 will no longer be available. You must be a Parish Communicant in Good Standing to vote.

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.”


ADDITIONAL LINKS:

A Brush with God: An Icon Workshop

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UPDATED WITH VIDEO

WEDNESDAY CATHEDRAL COMMONS FORUM

Icons: Portals of Sacred Beauty

WEDNESDAY, FEBRAURY 12, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and on Zoom

Byzantine iconography is an ancient and deeply prayerful art form in the Christian tradition, dating back nearly to the apostolic times. Over the centuries, it has evolved and developed as the faith spread throughout the world. Iconography follows a highly systematic and disciplined process which has been handed from teacher to student for centuries. It’s also a very comprehensively demanding educational course for those who want to explore and master the technical, historical, and spiritual aspects of this field. Fr. Peter Pearson, a Franciscan, will guide a reflection and conversation on icons, their use in worship and contemplative practice, and their contribution to art and beauty across generations. All are welcome.

UPDATE:

Fr. Pearson shared this handout (pdf) at the forum.

A complete video is now available:


THREE-DAY WORKSHOP

A Wisdom School workshop with  renowned iconographer Peter Pearson

THURSDAY–SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13–15, 2025, registration required.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 6:30–9 P.M.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 6:30–9 P.M.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 9 A.M.–4 P.M.
(additional session Sunday afternoon, February 16, if needed) 

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Icons have served since the earliest days of Christianity as spiritual aids, and they have enjoyed something of a renaissance of spiritual purpose in recent times. Byzantine Iconography is a highly structured and disciplined art form which combines prayer and painting techniques to create serene images of Christ, Mary, the angels and the saints following centuries old guidelines.

Peter Pearson, a Franciscan, has been studying and painting icons for more than fifty years and teaching others to do so for over half that time. No previous experience or natural talent is required. We paint, pray, and follow the contemplative process, step by step, guided by Peter. Participants will be invited to envision and paint an icon image of Christ (guided by a prototype of Peter’s).

The deadline to register has now past. Please email Dean Thomason with questions: sthomason@saintmarks.org

SUNDAY SERMON & SUNDAY FORUM

"Friends Talking"—Peter Pearson and Dean Thomason

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 10:10-10:50 A.M.., Bloedel Hall

Peter Pearson will offer a guest sermon at 9 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 16, and participate in an informal "Friends Talking" Sunday Morning Forum with Dean Thomason in the 10 a.m. hour on Sunday, February 16.


Icon Exhibition in the Nave

In conjunction with his workshop, sermon, and forums, members of the Saint Mark's Visual Arts Ministry is presenting an exhibition of a selection of sacred icons by Peter Pearson. There are 18 icons in total, each painted with acrylic paint on wooden panels using traditional Byzantine methods and varnished to protect the surface. A page identifying the title of each icon is available on the bench by the exhibition, and can also be viewed online here.

Almost all of the icons displayed are available for sale. A price list can be found on the bench by the exhibition in Compline Corner. Icons may be purchased from Fr. Pearson directly. If you are interested in purchasing one, email Ministry Leader Deborah Brown at visualarts@saintmarks.org and they will put you in touch with him.

The exhibition will be on display through Sunday, February 23.


About the instructor

Peter Pearson has been on this path for fifty four years, after being introduced to an icon by his elementary school art teacher. He’s painted thousands of icons and has introduced scores of students to the process. At this point, Peter has studied with more than a dozen master iconographers, including Nina BouroffPhillip ZimmermanNicholas PapasCharles RohrbacherValentin StreltsovDamian HigginsXenia Pokrovsky, and Michael Kapeluck. He holds an Masters of Divinity in Sacred Theology from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and recently completed a Doctorate in Sacred Theology with a thesis on Byzantine icons and spirituality.

Peter is the author of three books on iconography—including A Brush with God: An Icon Workbook and Another Brush with God: Further Conversations about Iconsand is working on a fourth. He regularly offers workshops and lectures on iconography around the country. He’s a sought after speaker with enthusiasm and the ability to make complicated issues accessible to every audience. His icons grace the walls of churches, monasteries, and homes throughout the world.

Peter is also a priest and a Brother in the Community of Francis and Clare in the Episcopal Church.

 

Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Weekend Afternoon of Service and Forum, 2025

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UPDATE 1/24/25:

Heartfelt gratitude to the many participant who came together to make January 19’s Afternoon of Service such a joyous community event. Together, we made 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Operation Nightwatch, inventoried all the hygiene supplies that have arrived for Donna Jean's Place Shelter, and filled 20 shower caddies that will be given to the shelter's first residents. We decorated cards to welcome the 20 women and additional decorated cards will be used later this spring when we celebrate teachers at Lowell Elementary School. We painted a new outdoor sign for Lowell, "Home of the Dragons", and made two knotted fleece blankets that will be given to children there. We made a delicious meal for a Saint Mark's family. A team went to a nearby L'Arche residence for yard work, and another team went to Volunteer Park to pick up trash. We look forward to this being an annual event on the Sunday of MLK Weekend, when we come together to serve our community.

 



SUNDAY MORNING FORUM

A Crash Course in the Principals of Non-Violence 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

In this forum on MLK Weekend, we'll take a brief look at the fascinating history of non-violence with a special emphasis on the legacy of Bayard Rustin, a student of Mohandus (Mahatma) Gandhi, who brought back his learnings to the leaders of the American Civil Rights movement. A Black gay man and a Quaker, Rustin became a trusted advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr, and was the organizer of the March on Washington. While the principles of non-violence deserve much more time than this forum allows, Canon Barrie will provide resources for further exploration, including the pledge of non-violence and the invitation to a participate in the annual Season for Non-Violence.

RESOURCES:

An Afternoon of Service

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 12:30 P.M., Bloedel Hall, registration requested. Lunch is provided.

UPDATE: Choir School families have the option of working on a project during the 11 a.m. service, and then joining the group for lunch. (Please indicate this option in the "additional comment" field of the registration form)

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
–The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the Sunday of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, people all ages and abilities are invited to gather at the cathedral in the afternoon for a variety of projects in the service of our community partners. There will be activities in service of Operation Nightwatch/Donna Jean’s Place ShelterL’Arche Seattle, and Lowell Elementary School. Some of the activities will be seated, while others will be more active — you can indicate your preference when you register.

UPDATED DETAILS: We’ll start with lunch. Some participants will assemble welcome baskets for the first residents of Donna Jean's Place—making an inventory of received items, filling shower caddies with toiletries, and creating handmade cards. Others can work on crafting a wooden sign for our neighbors Lowell Elementary School (Home of the Lowell Dragons!).

Some new friends from L’Arche Seattle will join in these projects. A team from Saint Mark's will go after lunch to L'Arche Seattle's Angeline House near Volunteer Park to help with trimming back some shrubs and breaking up larger branches that have already fallen or been trimmed, raking, and taking down a large outdoor canopy. Please bring your own work gloves!

Depending on the number of volunteers who sign up, additional projects may be added.

The Spiritual Approach to the Enneagram: A Map to Inner Wisdom

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A Wisdom School weekend workshop with Joseph Benton Howell, Ph.D.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025, 6:30–8:30 P.M.

and SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2025, 9:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M., in person and via Zoom. Registration required.

This three-part workshop will approach the Spirituality of the Enneagram in ways we have not previously considered in the Wisdom School. Friday evening’s session will use the foundational concept of the soul child to describe the nine types with specific egoic reactions that come when disconnected from our original goodness. We will explore each type’s pride, virtue, avoidance, trap, and passion as portals into the spiritual journey of life. Saturday morning will explore inner dynamic flow, wings, and levels of consciousness, and we will delve into experiential exercises with our respective personality types. After lunch, participants will explore the soul’s essential qualities for spiritual development through guided meditations and interactive exercises. This last part is highlighted in Dr. Howell’s latest book, Know Your Soul.


About Dr. Joseph Benton Howell

Joseph Benton Howell, Ph.D., is a graduate of Samford University (B.A.1971), Yale Divinity School (MAR 1974), The University of Virginia (Ph.D.1978), and Fellow in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School (1978-79). He is an International Enneagram Association (IEA) Accredited Professional Teacher, and the founder of the Institute for Conscious Being.

Dr. Howell has been practicing Clinical Psychology since 1980 in Anniston, Alabama. He began teaching topics in spiritual development in the late eighties and has traveled extensively presenting conferences and seminars in such disciplines as dream work, the Enneagram, levels of spiritual development, techniques in spiritual direction, and the theology of Henri Nouwen, Joe's mentor at Yale Divinity School. He is the author ofBecoming Conscious: The Enneagram's Forgotten Passageway and is in demand as a conference presenter all over the country.

Learn more here.


UPDATE: The slides from this presentation are now available here. A complete video recording (divided in three parts) is now available:

Unpacking the Creeds with Canon Wendy Barrie

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UPDATED WITH VIDEO

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025

led by Canon Wendy Claire Barrie

The historic Creeds of the Church—most importantly the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed—are an essential and obligatory part of our liturgical tradition, and also a potential stumbling block for many. In this Wednesday forum led Canon Barrie, participants explored what the Creeds are (and what they are not), asked where they come from and how they came to be central to our worship practice, looked at some alternative creeds, and finally tried crafting our own.


Resources:

  • This handout, containing creeds from the the BCP as well as alternative creeds, was distributed at the presentation.
  • Canon Barrie recommends this podcast episode which explores the issues raised in the forum.

A complete video is now available: 

Saint Mark’s and Sanctuary—Responding to the Needs of Our Time

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025

led by Dean Steve Thomason and Canon Emily Griffin

The Saint Mark's Vestry has once again authorized Saint Mark’s serving as a Sanctuary Hub, if called upon by the Sanctuary Network in our region. Dean Thomason and Canon Emily Griffin explored ways to respond compassionately and with intention, guided by our mandate to respect the dignity of every human being. Key to this effort will be a cohort of volunteers to serve in various ways, and we engaged in conversation during this evening about how we responsibly do that together.


Upcoming opportunities shared at the forum:

from The Church Council of Greater Seattle:

Immigration Organizing Faith Convening – Thursday, January 16, 6:30 p.m., at First Church Seattle (180 Denny Way); learn more and register here.

from Episcopal Migration Ministries:

Walking With: Migrant Accompaniment for Ministry Leaders in 2025 and Beyond Friday, January 17, 9–10 a.m. Pacific Time, online webinar. Learn more and register here.

from the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN):

Rapid Response Training on Saturday, January 25, 12–2 p.m., online only. Rapid Response teams are groups of trained individuals who are activated to document and provide support to affected families when activity, raids or detentions by immigration agents are reported in their community. Learn more here. (We are hoping to create a Rapid Response team here at Saint Mark’s that can be activated as needed.) Register using the Zoom link.

Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Rally in Olympia – Thursday, January 30, 2 p.m.; learn more and register here. (The full-day program is at capacity and registration is closed, but you can still register for the march and rally)

Accompaniment Training OnlineWednesdays, February 12 & 19, 6–8 p.m., online only. Learn more and register here.

from the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW:

Advocacy TrainingMonday, February 10, 6:30–8 p.m., online only. Learn more and register here.

Accompaniment Training Sunday, February 23, time and in-person location TBA. Learn more here.


UPDATE: The slides from this presentation are now available here.

A video is now available below. (Note that the opening land acknowledgment and welcome are missing form the video. We apologize for the inconvenience.)

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