Dear friends,

Yesterday’s statement from the CDC announcing that masking and distancing would no longer be necessary for those who are vaccinated comes as a breath of good news. It bears hope on the wind around us that maybe we are approaching an end to the pandemic, and it encourages everyone to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. In effecting this change, the CDC looked to science and the small risk of infection and transmission that persists for those who are vaccinated while also leaving room for states, local public health officials, and businesses and venues to decide when and how to implement changes to current policies. I am glad for this, but I also know it will create some confusion.

Bishop Rickel, on the call with clergy yesterday, exhorted us not to abandon masks and distancing in worship just yet. I agree with him, and so, while we are looking to a new horizon when relaxation of those requirements may occur, we are not there yet. If you come to church, you will be required to continue to wear your mask and follow the safety guidelines.

You may say, “But the CDC said I don’t have to wear a mask…” That is the headline, but not the full story, and not everyone who attends worship at Saint Mark’s is vaccinated. I know you are tired of this; I am, too. We are not wearing the mask for ourselves, but for those around us, and the disease is still very dangerous, even deadly, for those as yet unvaccinated, including our children. Wearing the mask still in public worship is about serving others—or to place it in our covenantal context—it is about seeking and serving Christ in others, and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Governor Inslee has identified the end of June as a potential date on which we, as a society, may lift many restrictions. We will reevaluate when there is new local direction. We will find our way as a community. This means there are exciting developments to consider at Saint Mark’s—the return of other liturgies, the gathering of ministry groups at the cathedral, and the return of community groups who use the cathedral as a place of meeting as well. I want to assure you that the cathedral leadership and staff are well along in planning for those eventualities, with a keen eye to everyone’s safety.

So, for now, you will still need to register to attend worship, as we have since mid-March. There is room for more—no need to stay away, there is room for YOU! And when you are here, look around you and see who else is there, and know you wear the mask for them, for just a little longer. Look at those leading worship, and know they are striving to do “this” the best they know how, and with deep care and concern for you. I’m asking you to bear it all with grace and good humor. A new horizon is approaching, and we’ve come this far. Let’s press on, shall we? Thank you.

Faithfully yours,

The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason
Dean and Rector

Participate NOW to share at a gathering on SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 1–2:30, via Zoom

The Spirited Women’s next women’s gathering is focused on writing and exploring a created psalm together. The practice is writing a “Progressive Psalm,” where each woman will write one verse (two lines) of a psalm of Praise/Gratitude prior to the gathering on June 13, and submit her verse to be put together with others’ to create a modern and personal psalm unique to Spirited Women.

At the meeting on Sunday, June 13, each will have the opportunity to talk about her verse and what inspired her. More details and suggestions/instructions on writing your verse here. Please submit your verse to Mary Segall by Sunday, June 6, or contact her with questions: mesegall@icloud.com. Register for the Zoom using this link.

Hannah Byun, Wyatt Smith, and Susanna Valleau, organists

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021, 7:30 P.M.

For the second year in a row, COVID will prevent Alex Weimann from traveling across the Canadian border from his home in Vancouver to come and play the Flentrop. As a result, Alex Weimann’s All-Bach performance is now postponed to May 13, 2022 - a performance we will all greatly anticipate.

This year, three of Seattle’s finest young organists will take turns performing in this annual concert of appreciation for Capellmeister Bach. For the final concert of the 2020-21 Music Series -- and the second All-Bach Concert of the pandemic -- join Hannah, Wyatt, Susanna, and Johann Sebastian for a livestreamed concert of organ favorites from the mighty Flentrop organ of Saint Mark’s Cathedral.

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 9 A.M. - 12 P.M., via Zoom 

Interested in Liturgical Ministries? Liturgical Ministries include those ministries that are active in worship on Sundays and through the week, including lectors, altar guild, hospitality ministers, acolytes, etc. (Learn more here.)

Dean Thomason and Cathedral Sacristan Michael Seewer will host a Liturgical Ministers Training on Saturday, May 9 via Zoom. All current and aspiring liturgical ministers are invited to attend. Registration is required, and you will receive the Zoom link via email once you register.

The training will be divided into three portions:

• First portion from 9–10 a.m.: discussion for acolytes, lectors, hospitality ministers (including former ushers and greeters).
• Second portion from 10–11 a.m.: Plenary for everyone facilitated by Dean Thomason.
• Third portion from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for Eucharistic ministers, Eucharistic visitors, altar guild, and vergers.

Please click here to register, and please note that correct time that you should plan on joining as noted above!

As we did last for the first time in 2020, the Night Watch at the Altar of Repose will once again be offered via livestream. This virtual Night Watch begins on the usual livestream page as soon as the Maundy Thursday liturgy concludes, and continues until sunrise on Good Friday.

As Jesus asked his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, "Could you not stay awake with me one hour?" all are invited to spend some time in prayer and stillness at home before the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist, streaming live from the nave all night. Spend the time in whatever way feels meaningful to you: meditating, reading scripture or poetry, journaling, knitting or just sitting in silence.

If you wish, you can sign up so we know who will be keeping watch online, but this is not required. The sign up form will be posted when it is available.

Questions? Email Sacristan Michael Seewer, mseewer@saintmarks.org.

Many people in the Saint Mark’s community are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, and the improving availability of the vaccines offers hope that everyone who wishes to be vaccinated soon can be. Securing an appointment, however, can sometimes be complicated and frustrating. If you are eligible but are having difficulty with the sign-up process, parishioners Beatrix and Greg Hamm have offered to help folks navigate the system to get an appointment. If you would like to seek their help, please send an email to Erik Donner, edonner@saintmarks.org, or one of the clergy, and the connection will be made. Thanks.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

Saint Mark's will offer Choral Evensong via live stream with the most singers permitted since the COVID lock down began in Seattle almost one year ago to the day. Twelve members of the Evensong Choir, fully masked anat least 9' apart in all directions, will offer a chant-based setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis by Canadian composer, Healey Willan; and Johannes Brahms' ravishing setting of Paul Flemming's prayer, "Let nothing ever grieve thee" (Geistliches Lied, Opus 30.) Join with the choir in raising your eventide prayers and praises to God on the eve of the third full work week in Lent.