Cozy Compline—A Friday night gathering for all ages

by on October 23, 2024 with No Comments

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave.

Come in your p.j.’s for milk and cookies, then get cozy for the Church’s bedtime prayers sung by the high school Schola of Saint Mark’s Choir School. Pillows and stuffed animals welcome! The liturgy will beautiful and brief. It will be especially child-friendly, but meaningful to all members of the community.

Sunday Forum on Lowell Elementary, Fall 2024

by on October 19, 2024 with No Comments

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

Lowell Elementary is a vibrant place of challenges and strengths. Students speak dozens of languages and join from across the globe, but as the designated elementary school for numerous Seattle homeless shelters, nearly one in three students are unhoused. Please join us in hosting a panel of Lowell staff for a forum on ways the Saint Mark’s community can support these students.

UPDATE: See some photos from the presentations below! (click to enlarge). The slides from the presentation can be seen here.

UPDATE #2:  Following the forum, he principal and social workers at Lowell were asked what the greatest current needs are for the students, and they responded with an Amazon Wish List of undies, socks, and gloves. (Note that this wish list for immediate needs is not the same as the holiday Giving Tree with opportunities to provide toys and other presents. The Giving Tree will be launched at the Alternative Gift Market in late November.)

UPDATE #3: All the wishlist items have been purchased and delivered! The leadership of Lowell school expressed heartfelt thanks for the generosity of the cathedral community.

 

Wisdom Practice Day in Lent: A Different Kind of Fast

by on October 16, 2024 with No Comments

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2025, 8:30 A.M.–12 P.M., registration required

FACILITATED BY THE REV. DR. HILLARY RAINING AND DR. DARLENE FRANZ

One of the most ancient spiritual tools used across religions and cultures is fasting. Jesus himself used fasting as a way to prepare for his ministry, and his 40-day fast in the wilderness is the basis for the Christian season of Lent. In this workshop we will examine the biblical tradition of fasting and give you some modern tools to help you engage in this embodied prayer practice, which is about more than just giving up food.  It is a way of letting go of the distractions and cravings that impede our spiritual journey, creating space for sacred Wisdom to speak into our lives anew.

The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining will join us via Zoom to guide us in a reflection on the spiritual practice of fasting, and local musician Dr. Darlene Franz will be present to invite us into Wisdom Chant across the morning, all as we seek to unfold to new spiritual awareness shaped by questions such as “What is my true hunger?”

Register below or using this link.

Fill out my online form.

Saint Mark’s Singers PLUS—Fall 2024

by on October 10, 2024 with No Comments

Experience What It's Like to Be in the Choir

REHEARSAL: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 9:30–10:45 A.M., in the Choir Room

LITURGY: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 8 A.M. CALL FOR 9 A.M. SERVICE

This invitation is for you if you have ever wanted to sing in a choir at Saint Mark's but have been unable to commit to the demands of the regular choir schedule. You are invited to "Saint Mark's Singers Plus." Come to one practice and sing one service with Saint Mark's Singers. The practice is on Saturday October 19, 9:30–10:45 a.m. in the Choir Room. The service is on Sunday, October 20, when we will meet at 8:00 a.m. and then sing the 9 a.m. Eucharist in the Cathedral. Interested? Send an email to Canon Kleinschmidt before 8 p.m. on Friday, October 18 to reserve your place: mkleinschmidt@saintmarks.org

The Creation Care Ministry presents: Two events in collaboration with Recology, King County’s Waste Management Company

by on October 7, 2024 with 1 Comment
(Click to enlarge.)

UPDATE (10/18/24): The "Beyond the Cart" event offered in collaboration with Recology last Saturday was, in the words of the organizers, "a steady and successful day." During the four hours of the event, almost 300 people visited the cathedral to drop off difficult-to-recycle items. According to the data collected by Recology, about half of the people (143) dropped off electronics or appliances. Almost as many (128) were there to drop off paint. Styrofoam, batteries, and paper for shredding followed close behind. Courtney Oklepek, one of the presenters at the October 9 forum (below), wrote to say, "We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to use your space. We truly appreciate your collaboration, promotion, and enthusiasm in making the event run smoothly. It was also a pleasure to connect with your community during the evening presentation."

A video and other resources from Wednesday night can be found below:

Beyond the Cart Community Reuse & Recycling Event

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 9 A.M.–1 P.M., outdoors on the cathedral property

At this free Community Reuse & Recycling event offered in collaboration with Recology and the City of Seattle, Seattle residents are invited to drop off item for recycling and reuse that can't go in your home recycle carts or dumpsters at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Get rid of hard-to-recycle items such as:

  • Styrofoam
  • household batteries
  • paint
  • fluorescent tubes and bulbs
  • small electronics
  • small appliances
  • clothing & linens
  • furniture & household goods
  • paper for shredding.

Check out the flier for details of what can and cannot be dropped off, and find more details on the City of Seattle website here.

Cathedral Commons Forum on Garbage, Recycling, and Composing

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom

offered by Saint Mark's Creation Care Ministry

Do you have questions about recycling? Here's your chance to ask those specific questions and learn more. Representatives from Recology, the cathedral's recycling provider, will provide information about what to recycle, what to compost, and what to throw away, and what happens to the items we dispose of. Come and learn about how our collective actions make a difference.

UPDATE: The prayers offered by Canon Griffin at the opening and conclusion of the forum may be downloaded here.

A video of the forum is available below:

Nominations Open for 2025 Vestry and Convention Delegates

by on October 3, 2024 with No Comments

Discerning Leadership Opportunities at Saint Mark’s

Vestry Member and/or Diocesan Convention Delegate Openings

Every fall, Saint Mark's Cathedral Vestry appoints members from the parish to serve as a Nominating Committee to discern and present candidates to stand for election by the parish to the Vestry and to the role of Diocesan Convention Delegate. Serving on Vestry and/or as a Convention Delegate are both significant leadership ministry opportunities that help define and articulate the mission of the church, steward our resources and share team ministry with Saint Mark’s clergy and staff.

There will be four open positions on Vestry as members rotate off after serving their three-year term. Parish Bylaws require that two candidates are nominated for each open Vestry position. Therefore eight candidate opportunities are open. In the case of the Diocesan Convention Delegate slate there will be twelve open positions. The Bylaws do not require a double slate of candidates for Delegates. Elections will occur at our Annual Parish Meeting on January 26, 2025.

Every Sunday in October, after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, members of the Nominating Committee will be present in the Coffee Corner. Come by to learn about the experience of those who are currently serving. Pick up material that further clarifies the role and responsibilities of Vestry membership and Convention Delegate. Nomination Forms will be available. Parish members can self-nominate or nominate another parish member with their permission.

Here is some of what current Vestry members are saying:

“Serving on vestry has enriched my life tremendously. It has increased my faith and my knowledge about Saint Mark's Cathedral.”    —Alexandra Thompson, Vestry member 2023–26

 

“Serving on the Vestry has been such a wealth of blessings for me.”    —Justin Mills,Vestry member 2022–25

 

“It is a privilege to be a part of this, and to see the reality of ‘Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’”    —Greg Hamm, Senior Warden, 2024/25

 

“Serving on the vestry might be compared to working in the kitchen of a well run restaurant: you are directly involved in the shaping and making of so much of the work of this place. And you are invited to move more deeply into the community that forms the parish. But to say that leaves out the spiritual and sacramental dimensions that lie at the heart of the work, so that this community takes shape as the living and breathing body of Christ.”   —Doug Thorpe, Vestry member 2023–26

 

“Don't assume that you'll be overwhelmed with responsibilities, or that you need to have some special expertise to serve on the Vestry. What the Vestry offers is an opportunity to learn more about Saint Mark's goals, explore the "sausage making" that helps bring them to life, and take a deeper dive into the ministry of your choice—from creation care to communications to facilities. We meet monthly for approximately two hours, including dinner.”    —Martha Craig, Vestry member 2024–27

 

Nominating Committee Members: Carrie Davis, Adrienne Hubbard, Jim Buskirk, Liz Shea, Beatrix Hamm, Co-Chairs: Maria Coldwell and Scott Hulet

Sunday Morning Forum on Angels in Art

by on September 27, 2024 with 2 Comments

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

A presentation of the Saint Mark's Visual Arts Ministry

Come to Bloedel Hall between the 9 and 11 a.m. services on Sunday morning, October 6, for Contemplating Angels in Art: Their Essence, Form, and Works. This slide presentation offers beautiful fine art imagery drawn from a variety of sources. Join Victoria Scarlett, Director of the Center for Sacred Art, as she guides us through this visual meditation on angels as messengers of God’s light and love. The program is offered with Michaelmas (The Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels, which falls on September 30) in mind.

Fall High School Youth Retreat at Camp Huston

by on September 27, 2024 with No Comments

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 5 P.M. THROUGH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1 P.M., at Camp Huston in Gold Bar, WA (about 75 minutes from Seattle), registration required.

All youth, 9th to 12th grade are invited to this weekend of fun, relaxation, prayer, and reflection at Camp Huston. The theme for the retreat is Let's Talk Vocation - What are you called to do with your life? The cost is $150, which includes lodging and all meals. (You can pay on saintmarks.org/give -- scroll to "Youth Retreat.") Contact Rebekah Gilmore with questions. Registration deadline is Friday, October 11.

UPDATE: Camp Huston included some photos of the Saint Mark's youth in their monthly newsletter. They wrote:

In October, St. Mark's youth came to Huston for the weekend and volunteered some of their time to do Community Service. This was a big help to our staff - THANK YOU ST. MARK'S!!

Click photos to enlarge.

Reflections on the Celtic Pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland

by on September 24, 2024 with No Comments

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 6:45–8:15 P.M., Bloedel Hall and via Zoom

Walking in the footsteps of the saints, in the land of the sacred beauty, is a transformative journey which thirty-five souls from the cathedral community recently made. As Christians, we are all called to make pilgrimage as a spiritual practice, drawing on sacred experiences, near and far. This special forum is designed to share a bit of the flavor, rhythms, challenges, and insights gleaned from the experience on the pilgrimage. Many have asked when we might hear more about the trip—this is the opportunity to do so.

UPDATE: Slides from this program are available here.

A video is now available below:

2024 St Francis Day Celebration & Blessing of the Animals

by on September 23, 2024 with No Comments

UPDATE (10/11/24): Photographer Julie Austin shared these shots from the day. (click to enlarge):

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 3:30 P.M. (activities), 4:30 P.M. (liturgy), on the front lawn and labyrinth

On Saturday, October 5, Saint Mark’s will once again offer its beloved Saint Francis Day tradition. A few years ago this offering was moved from Sunday morning to Saturday afternoon, and the outdoor celebration has a truly festive community atmosphere. The cathedral extends a special invitation to folks in the neighborhood who may not usually attend Saint Mark's. Dogs, cats, bird, bunnies, ponies, chickens, and all creatures great and small are welcome.

New this year: Professional Pet Photographer Julie Austin will be present offering to take free photos of animal friends, starting at 3:30!

The service at 4:30 p.m. includes prayers for healing humanity’s relationship with the earth, and for all the creatures who share the earth with us. After the service, animals can receive an individual blessing from a priest if desired. A festive reception with treats for pets and people will conclude the afternoon.

All are invited to attend, with or without their animal companions. Stuffed animals are also welcome to be blessed, as are photographs of pets who would not find attending the event a blessed experience. Animals should remain leashed or kenneled.

You are welcome to bring your own chair to use on the lawn, although chairs will also be provided.

About Julie Austin:

Hi, I’m Julie Austin, a highly regarded pet photographer in the Seattle area. I’m honored that my clients see me this way. My journey began 17 years ago when I started photographing homeless dogs for a rescue center, helping them find homes. I quickly fell in love with the work and discovered my talent for capturing their playful personalities.

  • 17 years in business
  • 100s of happy clients
  • 1000s of pets and animals photographed
  • 8-time winner Best Pet Photographer of the Year
  • Front Cover of City Dog dozens of times

Learn more at jaustinphotography.com

Photos from the Blessing of the Animals in previous years:

Guest Sermon and Sunday Forum with the Rev. Timothy Dombek

by on September 20, 2024 with No Comments

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29—
GUEST SERMON AT 9 & 11 A.M.
"FRIENDS TALKING FORUM AT 10:10 A.M. in Bloedel Hall

The Rev Canon Timothy Dombek is Saint Mark's stewardship consultant this year, and will be offering remarks at the All-Parish Gratitude Dinner. In addition he will offer a sermon at the 9 and 11 a.m. services on Sunday, September 29, and participate in a "Friends Talking" forum with Dean Thomason in the 10 a.m. hour.

Canon Dombek is an Episcopal priest with over 31 years of experience in serving as lead pastor, school chaplain and upper school instructor, and associate priest for Episcopal congregations and Episcopal schools in Dallas, Texas, in Jenkinsville, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina, and Sun City West, Arizona. Timothy also served six years as Canon to the Ordinary to the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, and three years as Canon for Stewardship and Planned Giving, working on strategic planning and stewardship development (fundraising), planned giving, and volunteer development in congregations in Arizona, and has presented stewardship training in over 20 different dioceses of The Episcopal Church. In 2014, along with co-author Mike Durall, Canon Dombek wrote the book, Making the Annual Pledge Drive Obsolete: How Churches Can Get Out of This Business Once and For All, available from Amazon.com, on Kindle, and used.

Canon Dombek is a trained facilitator in participatory strategic planning methods and consensus decision-making for groups from the Institute for Cultural Affairs, a globally focused consulting process for not-for-profit organizations, faith-based groups and ministries, based in Chicago, Illinois. He also holds an Executive Certificate In Religious Fundraising from the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, part of the Lilly Endowment group, in partnership with the Indiana University School of Philanthropy, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Timothy is also one of the co-creators of (and a graduate of), and a diocesan respondent/presenter for the “Best Skills, Best Churches” program of not-for-profit management training for congregations, developed jointly by the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and Arizona State University, Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, in Phoenix, AZ.

Canon Dombek has been married for 34 years to his wife, Beth, and they have one adult son, Jonathan, who was born with Down syndrome.

Men’s Retreat at Camp Huston: The Art of Forgiveness

by on September 19, 2024 with No Comments

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15–17, 2024, at Camp Huston Retreat Center in Gold Bar, WA

LED BY DEAN STEVE THOMASON

This weekend retreat is designed to create the space for quiet reflection, time away from the burdens of daily life, spacious time in nature, conversations with other men of faith, and worship. It will be a time of spiritual reflection and renewal with focused reflections and conversations related to forgiveness as the catalyst for healing and hope. Steve Thomason, Dean of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, will facilitate the weekend to which men of all ages are welcome.

Registration required.

Space is limited to 30, available first-come, first-served. Fee: $295 double occupancy, $325 single; includes two nights lodging and all meals. Partial scholarships are available. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space. Payment in full is due October 15, 2024. Contact Dean Thomason sthomason@saintmarks.org to reserve your spot.

Meeting God In Our Busy Lives: The Theology and Practice of Zimzum

by on September 16, 2024 with No Comments
The Rt. Rev. Phil LaBelle

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2024, 6:45–8:15 P.M., (as Cathedral Commons) in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom.

FACILITATED BY THE REV. PHIL LABELLE — BISHOP-ELECT OF THE DIOCESE OF OLYMPIA

With overly-packed schedules, many of us wonder if we’ll ever be able to live the lives we yearn for. A life with space for the important things. With a connection to God, others, and the natural world. Jewish mystics suggest that God’s first act of creation was zimzum, a sacrificial self-withdrawal. God needed to open up space within God’s self before God could call forth the cosmos. What might that concept mean for us who are made in the image of God? Join the Rev. Phil LaBelle for an exploration of the Jewish mystical concept of zimzum, and what it can mean for us today.

The slides for this presentation can be downloaded here. A complete video is now available: 

A Spirituality of Hope and Healing

by on September 15, 2024 with No Comments

UPDATED WITH VIDEO

WISDOM SCHOOL 2024/25 OPENING PLENARY

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2024, 6:45–8:15 P.M., (as Cathedral Commons) in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom.

LED BY THE VERY REV. STEVEN L. THOMASON

Drawing on his decades of experience as a hospice physician and parish priest, Dean Thomason will explore a spirituality of hope, as a virtue worthy of practice especially in challenging times, and a spirituality of healing, as the prevailing gift of peace that comes to those who lean into newfound creativity and freedom.

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

A complete video is now available: 

Sunday Forum on Cathedral Communications

by on September 13, 2024 with No Comments

Cathedral Communications: How to Get the Word Out!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 10:10–10:50 A.M., in Bloedel Hall

The Communications Committee of the Vestry and Communications Director Gregory Bloch will present a Sunday morning forum for all members of the cathedral community, exploring the various communications channels used by Saint Mark’s, and how parishioners and ministry leaders can best take advantage of those channels. One of the main themes of the 2024 Strategic Plan is “Connecting and Telling Our Stories,” and the whole community is enriched when the stories of this place are shared. The forum will introduce a “Communications Toolkit” for the community, and some individual parishioners will share their experiences.

The slides from this forum are now available here.

Follow Up: Communications Office Hours

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, and SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2 P.M., via Zoom. 

As a follow up to the Communications Forum, Gregory Bloch, Director of Communications, and Alexandra Thompson, chair of the Communications Committee of the Vestry are offering "office hours" online via Zoom on a Friday and a Saturday in October. They will be present to address any questions relating to event promotion, the Communications Toolkit, the new Canva brand kit, the podcast relaunch, Slack, or just cathedral communications in general. Have you been dreaming of a new communication channel not currently being used that might benefit the mission and ministry of Saint Mark's? Drop in any time between 2 and 3 p.m.

UPDATE: Thanks to those who dropped in! We hope to offer additional such office hours in the future.

Lambert House on the Saint Mark’s Campus

by on September 11, 2024 with No Comments
An article by Lambert House Executive Director Ken Shulman from the Spring 2024 Rubric. Click to open a pdf in a new tab.

UPDATE: Sunday Forum on Volunteer Opportunities at Lambert House

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

This coming Sunday between the 9 and 11 a.m. morning services, a panel of youths from The Lambert House LGBTQ Youth Center  (currently relocated to Leffler House and the Carriage House on the Saint Mark's Campus, see below) will tell us about what Lambert House is, why they go there, and what they get out of it, and then will take questions. Find out about the mission and programs of Lambert House, hear how their move to the cathedral property is going, and learn about opportunities to get involved. Lambert House Executive Director Ken Shulman will moderate the panel.

Saint Mark's Cathedral is pleased to announce the beginning of a partnership with Seattle's LGBTQ+ youth center, Lambert House. This groundbreaking resource for LGBTQ+ young people has a history extending back to 1981, and since 1991 they have operated out of an old Victorian house in Capitol Hill. That building now has critical structural issues that require the entire foundation and basement of the building to be replaced, a $2 million project that will last one to two years. For the duration of the construction, Lambert House's offices and programs will operate out of Carriage House and Leffler House on the cathedral property. Read a brief article by Lambert House Executive Director Ken Shulman from the Spring 2024 Rubric here.

Lambert House officially begins their stay on the cathedral campus this week, on June 27. Cathedral community members should be aware that Lambert House offices will occupy the Carriage House (in the southeast corner of the cathedral property) at all times, and that the Carriage House will not be available for cathedral activities for the duration of their stay with us. In addition, Lambert House has exclusive use of the kitchen and living room of Leffler House on weekday afternoons and evenings, 3:30–10 p.m. Monday through Friday; again, no other activities can be planned for those spaces at those times.

In the words of Executive Director Shulman, "The mesh of missions between Saint Mark’s and Lambert House couldn’t be better. By housing Seattle’s LGBTQ+ youth center, Saint Mark’s is continuing its long history of social justice action and inclusion on LGBTQ+ issues." The cathedral is blessed to be able to support an organization that has benefitted hundred of young people over its 40-year history. Stay tuned for community conversations with the Lambert House leadership in the coming months. Please address any questions to Dean Thomason.

Intergenerational Hike on Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail—POSTPONED

by on September 6, 2024 with No Comments

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE TBA.

All are welcome to join in a three-mile round-trip hike on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail! We will meet at the trailhead at 10 am. After the first 1.5 miles, more adventurous hikers are welcome to continue along the trail while other folks turn back and perhaps choose to have lunch together in nearby North Bend. Learn more here. Please RSVP to Canon Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

A recreation pass is required to park at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trailhead. Both the Northwest Forest Pass and the America the Beautiful Pass cover the fee, or purchase a day pass online ahead of time for $5. Passes are not sold at the trailhead.

Pack your own water. Potable water is not available at the trailhead.

Pets on leash are welcome.

(Our inspiration for this hike was this post!)

“Deep Time” Walk with the Creation Care Ministry

by on September 5, 2024 with 2 Comments

UPDATE! Mary Koch participated in this event, and published this insightful reflection on her experience. Thank you Mary!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2024, 1–4 P.M., walk begins and ends in Leffler Garden (Note corrected time.)

Take a Deep Time Walk to Connect Earth History and Creation Care

Explore climate change through a transformative walking experience that leads participants into a profound connection with the more-than-human world. Deep Time Walk is a journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth's history via a 2.8-mile guided walk. Using a science-based approach to connect to the history of the earth, we'll learn about the magnitude of the Earth's history. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to connect with other participants by discussing questions such as ‘what is your origin story’ and ‘when were you a pioneer in a new activity?'

At the end of the walk, leveraging a Creation Care perspective, we will share light refreshments, discuss what we have learned and consider how to take positive action for a regenerative earth. WALK. EXPERIENCE. ACT.

High school-age and older please. Please RSVP to organizer Richard Hartung: rlhartung@outlook.com

All-Parish Gratitude Dinner, September 28, 2024

by on September 5, 2024 with No Comments

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024, 6–8 P.M., in Bloedel Hall; registration required.

The evening will begin with dinner: a catered taco bar with all the trimmings. Over dessert there will be engaging activities for all ages and an “off-Broadway” act offered by Dean Thomason and the Cathedral staff (designed to bring the house down!). The Rev. Timothy Dombek, guest preacher the following morning, will share a brief reflection about “The Power of Gift” before Dean Thomason closes the evening with prayer and blessing. Come and be a part!

Childcare provided.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 12 P.M. The deadline to register has now passed.

Fill out my online form.

The State of Emergency Shelters in Seattle, and a New Women’s Shelter Coming to Saint Mark’s

by on September 5, 2024 with 1 Comment

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2024, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom. 

Program is free; optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($8/adult; $25/family max.)

"Cathedral Commons" resumes this Wednesday, September 11. Join Dean Thomason and invited guests—Deacon Frank DiGirolamo and others from Operation Nightwatch, with whom Saint Mark’s is partnering to provide a new Women’s Shelter on the cathedral property, launching later this fall in space formerly occupied by Gage Academy of Arts in the St. Nicholas building. The shelter will serve up to twenty women nightly and will have showers, laundry, a clinical care room, and lockers where women can secure their belongings. We will begin with a consideration of the lack of adequate shelter beds in Seattle and reasons for it, then learn more about the important ministry of Operation Nightwatch, and finally share some of the details of the new shelter at Saint Mark’s as a sacramental sign of our commitment to seek and serve Christ in all persons. Those present in Bloedel will have the opportunity to tour the rooms in the St. Nicholas building where the shelter will be located.

UPDATE: A complete video is now available. A few snapshots of the tour of the space that followed the forum can be seen below the video (click to enlarge.)

Bishop’s Seating: Request for Contributions

by on August 30, 2024 with No Comments

Bishop Phil LaBelle is being seated at Saint Mark's Cathedral at a 4:30 p.m. Choral Evensong on Sunday, September 15—see more information below. We, the congregation of Saint Mark's, are providing a festive and elegant reception in the cathedral nave following the liturgy. Contributions of refreshments are needed! Please take a look at this signup form to see what is needed, or speak with Virginia Lenker at a table in the nave on Sunday, September 1, following the 11 a.m. service.

Sunday Forum: Report from the 81st General Convention

by on August 29, 2024 with No Comments

UPDATED WITH VIDEO

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 10:10-10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

Attend this special Sunday forum in Bloedel Hall between the 9 and 11 a.m. liturgies this Sunday for a summary of the events of the 81st General Convention, the governing body of The Episcopal Church. General Convention takes place every three years, and this year occurred in Louisville, Kentucky from June 23–28. Hear from three Saint Mark's members—Michael Seewer, Michael Perera, and Hannah Hochkeppel—who were at General Convention and serving in different roles. Hear from them about the activities from the Houses of Deputies and Bishops, the Exhibit Hall, the election of the next Presiding Bishop (The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe), and more.

UPDATE: The slides from this presentation can now be downloaded here.

A video of the forum is now available below: 

Special Zoom Forum on Operation Nightwatch Broadway Street Ministry

by on August 24, 2024 with No Comments

UPDATED WITH VIDEO

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 6–7 P.M., via Zoom

Join members of the 20s/30s, 40s/50s, Third Acters, and Queer in Christ as we learn about and celebrate a new ministry opportunity at Saint Mark’s, Operation Nightwatch’s Broadway Street Ministry. Operation Nightwatch is a local non-profit that reduces the impact of poverty and homelessness, in keeping with Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbors.

At this special Tuesday night forum, The Rev. Michael Cox, pastor at All Pilgrim’s Church in Capitol Hill and Director of Outreach for Operation Nightwatch, will share the background of this ministry, why it is important for our Capitol Hill neighborhood, and how the community of Saint Mark’s can help. Volunteer opportunities through Saint Mark’s with the new ministry will be on Tuesday evenings starting in September.

Questions? Please contact Molly Bosch: molly.bosch@outlook.com

UPDATE: A complete video is now available below.

Saint Mark’s Writers’ Salon

by on August 24, 2024 with No Comments

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2–5 P.M., Leffler House

The members of Saint Mark’s Writer’s Group invite you to join us at our first in-person Salon, to listen to, and/or share writing from the heart and soul. We welcome 20s/30s, 40s/50s, and Third Acters (60 plus). You may bring an original work, or a work by a favorite author (limit: 5–7 minutes). If you have a piece you would like to share but are shy to read to the group, one of us can read it for you.

If you plan to attend and just be an audience, that is great. If you want to read please submit your request to Elizabeth Clark-Stern: ecstern@yahoo.com (This is not an audition, just a way to keep track of how many readers we can expect.) Everyone please bring a simple snack to share. There will be time for community, laughter, and joy!

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