Special Lenten Wednesday Evensong Service, Led by Choristers of the Choir School

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WEDNESDAYS IN LENT, BEGINNING FEBRUARY 24, 4:30 P.M., via Zoom

During the season of Lent, the choristers of the Choir School will host a weekly Evensong service over Zoom on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome! Take a break in your week to be led in prayer by the voices of our cathedral choristers. (Daily Evening Prayer continues at 6:30 p.m. as usual.) Join using this Zoom link.

Although these services are led by the choristers of the choir school, they are very much a worship service for the entire congregation, of all ages.

These services will be offered at 4:30 p.m. on:

  • February 24
  • March 3
  • March 10
  • March 17
  • March 24

Prayer Banners for Lent

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What Lenten prayers are on your heart? We may be distanced from each other in these times, but we can share our prayers, a piece of ourselves, in community.

All in the Saint Mark’s cathedral community are invited to contribute to a display of prayer banners around the labyrinth—a tangible and tactile expression of our prayers, both personal and communal.


UPDATE: On Maundy Thursday all the banners will be gathered together, collectively blessed at the evening liturgy, and offered up as an embodiment of the prayers of the community.


You will need a piece of cloth about 3" wide, and between 12" and 24" long. You can pick one up from the bin placed on the front patio of the cathedral during the day (M–F, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Or you can make one yourself, using whatever fabric is at hand.

Using a Sharpie, fabric marker, or another method that will be permanent and waterproof, write your prayer intention on the cloth, in whatever style makes sense to you. You can write a small note in one corner or the banner, or your lettering can fill the whole space. You can write a lot, or just a single word.

Then, make a prayer pilgrimage to Saint Mark’s!

Bring your prayer banner—or make one on the spot—and then take a clip from the bin on the patio to string your banner along with others around the labyrinth. (The banners will be more permanently attached at the end of each day.) If you cannot make it to the cathedral in-person, please mail your banner to the cathedral at the usual mailing address.

When we put our prayer banners together this way, even though we may not be all walking there at the same time, we are connecting with each other, taking time to be present at the labyrinth in prayer, and leaving something of ourselves that we share. As we string our own prayer banners, we pray for all the others who have walked and placed their prayers here in community.

Contact Canon Jennifer at jkdaugherty@saintmarks.org with any question.

Canon Nancy Ross discusses this offering in the second half of the video below:

Choral Evensong on the Third Sunday in Lent

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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.

Lent at Home, 2021

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The season of Lent has provided a certain rhythm to the lives of Christians for twenty centuries now. Through thick and thin, Lent is a steadfast part of the journey for people of all ages. Of course, this year will be different, but there is also an opportunity to return to our roots in the early Christian community, before church buildings became normative, and the home was the principal place for gathering and growing in faith.

Here are some resources and practices to help you and your family journey through Lent, and as you do, know that many others in the Saint Mark’s community are journeying with you.

Lenten Evening Devotional

This five-minute evening service of worship is a great way to begin your evening meal or prepare for bed and can be found below on this page. A printed version of the service was mailed to parishioners in February, or you can view a pdf online here. You’ll light and then extinguish candles to acknowledge the darkness that comes before Easter light, and then at Easter, light all the candles to celebrate.

 

Prayer Banners

All the members of Saint Mark’s are invited to share their prayer intentions by writing them on a fabric banner and hanging them around the labyrinth on the cathedral front lawn. You can pick up fabric and a marking pen at the Saint Mark’s office or make your own with other fabric and permanent ink. Then make a prayer pilgrimage to Saint Mark's to join your prayer with the whole community. More information can be found here.

 

Lenten Community Book Study

Jesus and the Disinherited. Join Theologian-in-residence Canon Walter Brownridge in engaging with this foundational text exploring the Gospel as a manual of resistance for the poor and disenfranchised. Introductory presentation on Sunday, February 28 at 1 p.m.—join using this Zoom link.

 

Weekday Liturgical offerings via Zoom

Consider committing to attending one of the Daily Office liturgies online from home for the next six weeks—perhaps just once a week, or more—as part of your Lenten discipline. Beginning Wednesday, February 24, and every Wednesday thereafter, a new service of Morning Prayer will be offered at 8:30 a.m. (Thursday Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. continues as usual.) This means Morning Prayer is now offered twice a week, while Evening Prayer continues to be offered five times a week, M–F at 6:30 p.m. as usual.

In addition, for five Wednesdays in Lent only, a special service of Evensong (sung Evening Prayer) led by choristers of the Choir School will be offered at 4:30 p.m. These very special Zoom services are intended for the whole community, and will happen each Wednesday, from February 24 through March 24.

Stations of the Cross

The cathedral is blessed to be able to once again display the stunning sculptural interpretation of the traditional fourteen Stations of the Cross by artist Virginia Maksymowicz in the nave. This beautiful video of the "Way of the Cross" liturgy from the Book of Occasional Services was directed and edited filmmaker and community member David Wild—it is available to used as an aid to prayer at any time.

The leaflet for this service may be downloaded and printed here.

Sung Prayer

The words and music for the Taizé song The Lord is My Light are found here for use as a meal grace or prayer to begin or end the day.

Here is a video from our neighbors at St Andrew's, Green Lake, in Seattle—try singing the other parts of the round along with the singer in the video! A version of the song with all the parts of the round can be heard here

Additional Resources

 


An Evening Prayer Service for Lent

This simple form of evening worship for people of all ages, a brief five minutes, is for use during Lent, February 17–April 3. It can be used at the daily evening meal or close of day, or another time. The simplicity and repetition embeds the words in our minds and hearts. We are drawn into the reflection of what Jesus has done for us, and into our own penance and devotion, as we prepare for the events of Holy Week and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter.

Place six candles, lined up, at the center of the dining table or another gathering place. Similar to the Tenebrae service on Wednesday of Holy Week, where the lights dim by steps as we head into Jesus’ Passion, you begin each time of prayer with all six candles lit—and then, at the appointed time, extinguish one each night of the first week, two the second week, and so on, experiencing the growing darkness that leads to the light of Easter.

OPENING ANTIPHON

A leader begins by saying the antiphon of the week, or:

Leader:
Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

All respond:
Thanks be to God.

SCRIPTURE

A reader reads the following, or another appropriate passage of Holy Scripture:

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not fall.
—Psalm 16:7–8

 

PRAYER

All pray together:

Almighty and most merciful God, kindle within us the fire of love, that by its cleansing flame we may be purged of all our sins and made worthy to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

EXTINGUISHING OF CANDLE

As we move toward the events of Holy Week, we extinguish one candle each week, recognizing the darkness that comes before the light of the Resurrection. In the days immediately following Ash Wednesday, keep all the candles lit. Then, extinguish one candle of the six on the nights of the first week of Lent, two candles the second week, and so on.

 

HYMN

Conclude by saying or singing the evening hymn, known as the Nunc dimittis or “Song of Simeon,” one of the oldest Christian hymns.

Lord, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior,
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.
[Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, it now and will be for ever. Amen.]

or another version, such as this one [The Hymnal 1982 # 499] :

Lord God, you now have set your servant free
to go in peace as promised in your word.
My eyes have seen the Savior, Christ the Lord,
prepared by you for all the world to see—
To shine on nations trapped in darkest night,
the glory of your people and their light.

 

ANTIPHON OF THE WEEK

 

ASH WEDNESDAYS & THE DAYS FOLLOWING:
RETURN TO THE LORD
February 17–20

Return to the Lord, your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

 

FIRST WEEK OF LENT:
REPENT AND BELIEVE
February 21 – 27

 The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.

 

SECOND WEEK OF LENT:
FOLLOW JESUS
February 28 – March 6

 If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

 

THIRD WEEK OF LENT:
LISTEN to GOD’s LAW
March 7 - 13

The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent.

 

FOURTH WEEK OF LENT:
CHOOSE LIFE
March 14 - 20

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

 

FIFTH WEEK OF LENT:
THE HOUR HAS COME
March 21 – 27

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

 

HOLY WEEK:
JOURNEY TO THE CROSS
March 28 – April 3

Being found in human form, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.

Plainsong setting (Saint Mark’s)

Setting by Tyler Morse (The Evensong Choir)

Setting by David Hogan (Choir Camp)

Hymn #499 (Saint Mark’s Schola)

Setting by Stephen Sturk (The Compline Choir)

Setting by Aleksandr Grechaninov (National Lutheran Choir)

MEALTIME BLESSING

If dinner follows immediately, say together the mealtime blessing for Lent:

Give us grateful hearts, O God, for all your mercies, and make us mindful of the needs of others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Rubric: Winter 2021 Issue

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The new issue of The Rubric contains stories, reports, and reflection by, from, and about the community of Saint Mark's during these extraordinary times. Read full-screen using the reader below, or download a full pdf here. Click the titles below to read individual stories.

Contents of the Winter 2021 issue include:

A GIFT FOR THE FUTURE
the story of the largest gift in Saint Mark’s history

GOD’S UNQUENCHABLE DESIRE FOR HEALING
the sacramental rite of Unction

THEOLOGIAN-IN-RESIDENCE
welcoming The Rev. Canon Walter Brownridge

MINISTRY ON THE FRONT LINES
faith and vocation during the pandemic

THE RADIX PROJECT
small group ministry connects and sustains

FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER
Jaime Rubio, our guest in Sanctuary, continues his struggle for justice

Cathedral Yoga Resumes Monday March 1!

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Cathedral Yoga Returns as a Monthly, Zoom-based Offering

BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 1, 5:30 P.M., via Zoom

Last year on March 1 the final Cathedral Yoga gathering of 2020 was offered on the altar platform of Saint Mark's. The following week, the class was suspended.

Now, one year later to the day, Cathedral Yoga will begin again as a once-a-month live Zoom offering from the cathedral nave direct to your living room!

Ministry leader Irene Beausoleil, a longtime parishioner of Saint Mark's and a professional yoga instructor, will lead the class. It will look different, but some things about Cathedral Yoga will remain the same as ever: a gentle, contemplative, and restorative practice, offered on a pay-what-you can basis. All are welcome, regardless of skill level or prior experience—Irene will always adapt or modify elements when requested. Cathedral Yoga will be offered on the first Monday of each month, and future months could feature special guest teachers and musicians. Check out the Cathedral Yoga web page for more information, and join using this Zoom link.

Ash Wednesday 2021

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

LIVESTREAM LITURGIES AT NOON and 7 P.M.

Service leaflets for these services: Noon service | 7 p.m. serivce

Ash Wednesday will look and feel different this year, but its meaning is more relevant than ever. In this brief (4-minute) video, Dean Thomason explores the significance of this observance, and invites you to fully participate from home.

As the Dean says in the video, small containers of ashes are now available to be picked up from the cathedral office—drop by during normal opening hours, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., between now and February 17. (Come to the Hoerster Annex entrance and ring the bell on the call box.)

However, as an alternative, all are invited to collect dirt from the earth, from your own garden or form a place meaningful to you, to use in this ritual instead.

Stay tuned for further invitations for observing a holy Lent from home.

Lent & Easter Schedule of Services and Events

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The schedule of Lent and Easter special liturgies, events, and opportunities can now be found on the Lent, Holy Week, and Easter 2021 page on the cathedral website. There are some events that are still being finalized, so check back for more information as the season unfolds.

Highlights include:

  • Ash Wednesday, February 17, livestream services at noon and 7 p.m.
  • Palm Sunday, March 28, livestream service at 11 a.m.
  • Maundy Thursday, April 1, livestream service with at-home component at 7 p.m.
  • Good Friday, April 2, services at noon and 7 p.m.
  • The Great Vigil of Easter, April 3, livestream service at 8:30 p.m.
  • Easter Sunday, April 4, service at 11 a.m. plus a new sunrise Service at 7 a.m.

See the full schedule here.

 

Ensemble Singing Returns to Saint Mark’s Cathedral

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Quartets resume February 17, at the 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday liturgy.

After a three-month hiatus during which only vocal soloists were permitted to sing during religious services, updated guidelines now once again allow small groups of singers to sing in harmony. (See Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25.12 and the updated Religious and Faith-Based Organizations reopening guidance.)

While the updated guidelines allow for choirs of up to 15, livestreamed services at Saint Mark's will feature a quartet of singers beginning with the evening service on Ash Wednesday, February 17, with the possibility of larger groups of singers in the future. Singers will be spaced widely apart, and will remain masked at all times.

The Compline Choir has made a similar decision. Live broadcasts with a quartet of singers resume on February 21.

Keep an eye on the Reopening Planning webpage for the most up-to-date information.

NEW! A Service of Morning Prayer— Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.

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PLEASE NOTE: This service, which debuted in 2021, was indefinitely suspended as of January, 2023. The following announcement remains for historical reasons: 


BEGINS FEBRUARY 24, 2021, then EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 8:30 A.M. via Zoom

Beginning on February 24, Saint Mark's will offer an additional service of Morning Prayer each week! At 8:30 a.m. on February 24, and every Wednesday thereafter, join us on Zoom for Morning Prayer, led by one of the lay worship leaders from Saint Mark's. (Thursday Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. continues as usual.) Occasionally, one of our priests will also join us and lead us in prayer. We will meet using the existing Zoom link for Morning and Evening Prayer:

If you have questions about this new service, please email Cathedral Sacristan Michael Seewer (mseewer@saintmarks.org).

Introduction to Sundays Hymns: February 14, 2021

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On Thursday, February 11, Associate Organist John Stuntebeck introduced the hymn to be sung at the morning liturgy this coming Sunday, February 14, The Last Sunday after the Epiphany (and the last Sunday before Lent). This introduction was presented live on Facebook. The hymns discussed are:

  • "Christ upon the mountain peak" [Hymn #130]
  • "Ye watchers and ye holy ones" [Hymn #618]
  • "Deep River" [LEVAS II #8]

Join us in the future on Thursdays at 4 p.m. for another live hymn chat! Just visit the cathedral's public Facebook page at the time of the broadcast—if you "follow" the cathedral on Facebook, you should receive a notification when we're live.

Inquirers’ Class for Spring 2021

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BEGINS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021, 12:30–2 P.M., via Zoom

A series for newcomers and inquirers. Please visit the Inquirers Class page for complete description and additional updates. The current series will meet at 12:30 p.m. on:

  • February 14
  • February 21
  • February 28
  • March 7
  • March 14
  • March 21
  • March 28

Some participants in the spring Inquirers' class choose to receive the rite of Confirmation at the conclusion of the series. This year confirmations will be offered at the Easter Vigil, on April 3.

Register here or contact Emily Meeks (emcmeeks@gmail.com) to RSVP or with questions..

Mideast Focus 2021 Film & Discussion Series—”Who’s at the CHECKPOINT?”

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The Mideast Focus Ministry's eighth annual series of film screenings and discussion begins February 19! The theme of this Film Series is "Who's at the Checkpoint?" Like most of the previous series, all events will be via Zoom.

This year's programming has a difference. In response to the U.S. apartheid-like parallels to Palestine in our own country, we will spend some evenings linking to Black Lives Matter and the story of Indigenous people in America. See the complete schedule with details of each film here.

Restrictions imposed by the film's distributors mean that the instructions will vary from film to film. Check the webpage for details as they become available. Join each post-film discussion using this Zoom link.


Schedule of films:

FEBRUARY 19  •  Advocate

MARCH 5  •  East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem

MARCH 19  •  There is a Field

APRIL 9  •  'Til Kingdom Come

APRIL 23  •  Promised Land

MAY 7  •  Mayor

MAY 21  •  The Present (with a selection of shorts)

Details may be found here.

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2021

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The Closing of the Doors, Shrove Tuesday 2019

Let's COOK and EAT together by Zoom
as we say farewell to our Alleluias for Lent!

Pancake Making, Alleluia Scroll Burying, "Closing of the Doors" Litrugy and Palm Burning

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021, join using this Zoom link

See below for suggestions about what to prepare in advance of the event.

5:30 p.m. • COOK TOGETHER

Visit each other's kitchens as we cook together virtually! Inspired by the success of the Youth Group communal cookie baking event over Zoom, the whole congregation is invited to take their Zoom device into their kitchen to share the experience of making pancakes, the traditional meal for Shrove Tuesday. Hosted by the Youth of Saint Mark's, we will chat with each other, share our pancake making secrets and learn a few tidbits about the history of Shrove Tuesday celebrations.

6 p.m. • EAT TOGETHER

At 6 p.m., attendees will be separated into smaller "breakout rooms" for conversation and fellowship while eating.

6:30 p.m. • PRAY TOGETHER

The brief but powerful "Closing of the Doors" liturgy is completely unique to Saint Mark's. At 6:30, everyone attending the Zoom meeting will witness the transformation of nave space for Lent, and say a fond farewell to our alleluias, accompanied by hymns, scripture, and prayers. At this time, you are invited to "bury" your own alleluia scroll or banner! (See below for suggestions about how to make one.)

Conclusion of the service • BURN

As palms are burned on the front patio, all depart in silence. At this time you are invited to prepare dirt or ashes for the following day at home as well.

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Raincoat Donation Drive

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FEBRUARY 8 - 19

Donate your new or used raincoats! Saint Mark's will collect and deliver raincoats (men's and women's) to Community Lunch, a service that provides free meals and survival services to hundreds of homeless and low-income people of Seattle. To donate, come to Hoerster Annex (Saint Mark's office entrance), Monday-Friday, 9-5. Come to the door (masks are required), ring the bell, and a staff member will come out to receive the donation.

If you are unable to arrive during those hours, please email Rev. Emily Austin at to arrange a donation drop off time on Saturday, February 20th. Eaustin@saintmarks.org.

Virtual Easter Hymn Project

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Once again, you—yes, YOU—are invited to be part of a video offering of “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!”—the tune known as "Easter Hymn." The video will resemble the virtual choir & congregation video of “O come, O come, Emmanuel” offered by this community last Advent, a video that was profoundly moving to many who saw it. No matter if you have no experience in choirs, if you think your voice isn't good enough, if you've only recently connected with Saint Mark's, or where you are physically located... your participation is needed!

The "O come, O come Emmanuel" virtual choir & congregation had over 140 participants! Can we beat that number this time? (click to enlarge)

In order to honor the ancient practice of suppressing Alleluias during Lent, we must record our submissions before Lent begins. For that reason, videos must be received by midnight on Shrove Tuesday, February 16. Easter this year falls on April 4.

Record yourself (either alone or with your household!) singing along with the "guide track" video (below). Then submit your video using the button below. That's it! More detailed step-by-step instructions are below.

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Parish Annual Meeting and Elections, 2021

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Please note the changes made to this year’s Annual Parish Meeting which has been adapted given the cathedral’s closure and the need to conduct our business virtually. All sessions of the Annual Meeting will take place via Zoom.

The Link to cast your vote will be announced in the meeting during Session 2, January 31.


ABOUT VOTING

Parish Communicants in Good Standing are to vote using the electronic link that will be included in the Zoom chat during the reconvened Annual Meeting on Sunday January 31, 2021 at approximately 10:00 AM.
A Parish Communicant in Good Standing who has limited internet or computer access or knowledge, who will join the meeting by phone, or who has any other concerns, can vote by calling Erik Donner in the Cathedral office at 206.323.0300 x 217.  Erik will record your vote anonymously and keep your vote strictly confidential.  You must call between Monday January 25 at 9 a.m. and Friday, January 29 at 4 p.m., to have your vote counted.
Further election rules may be read here.

Video reports presented in Session 2


Overview (see more detailed agenda below)

SESSION 1: SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2021, 9:45-10:30 A.M. Join using this Zoom link.
Call to Order, Election Rules (adapted), Report of the Nominating Committee, Nominations from the Floor, then Recess until January 31 at 9:30 a.m.

At the regular coffee hour following the 11 a.m. service in January 24, candidates for Vestry will be present for an informal meet-and-greet.

SESSION 2: SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021, 9:45-10:30 A.M. Join using this Zoom link.
Call to Order, Elections, Reports, then Recess for Worship via Livestream

Dean Thomason's sermon during the service on January 31 will serve as the Dean's Report to the Parish.

SESSION 3: SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021, 11:45-12:30 p.m. Join using this Zoom link.
Awards and Recognitions by Dean Thomason, Closing Prayer, Adjourn

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Candidates for Vestry and Diocesan Convention Delegate, 2021

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Meet the Vestry Candidates!

 

Sunday, January 24, 2021, in the Zoom Coffee Hour following the 11 a.m. service

Vestry Members Continuing in Office

Term ends January 2022:
Kristen Austin
Jim Buskirk
Marjorie Ringness
Robert Stevens
Micah Kurtz (St. Columba’s Kent), Diocesan Member
Term ends January 2023:
Peter McClung, Junior Warden
Walter Stuteville, Junior Warden
Clara Berg
Emily Meeks
Karla Koon (St. Andrew’s, Seattle), Diocesan Member
Term ends January 2024:
Four members elected at the 2021 Annual Meeting

All members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral congregation are invited to attend the 2021 Annual Meeting to elect four parish Vestry members and twelve Delegates/Alternates to the Diocesan Convention. The Annual Meeting will open on Sunday, January 24, 2020 at 9:45 AM for the purpose of announcing the candidates and opening nominations from the floor and go into recess until it resumes at 9:45 AM on Sunday, January 31, 2021. The agenda will include:

  • The Annual Parish Election of 4 Vestry members and 12 delegates to Diocesan Convention.
  • Brief reports from parish leadership and committees.

See the complete agenda for all three sessions of the 2021 Annual Meeting here.

PLEASE NOTE: Voting will take place via a special web link sent out during the meeting on January 31. If you cannot use Zoom, or if you plan to join the meeting over the phone, or have limited internet access, or if you have any other concerns, you may phone Erik Donner in the cathedral office at 206.323.0300 x217. Erik will record your vote anonymously and keep your vote strictly confidential. You must call between Monday, January 25 at 9 a.m. and Friday, January 29 at 4 p.m. to be counted.


Who makes up the Vestry?

The Vestry currently consists of 17 members: 12 elected from St. Mark’s Parish, three diocesan members appointed with the consent of the Bishop, the Dean who chairs the Vestry, and the Bishop (or his designee). Additionally, the 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 St. 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 Article IV, Sec. 1, the Senior Warden and Chancellor (the Cathedral’s attorney) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Dean. The Junior Wardens, Clerk and Treasurer are elected by the Vestry. Currently, the Dean prefers to appoint as Senior Warden the leader chosen by the Vestry.

Each member serves for one three-year term. This year, the members completing their terms are: Julia Logan, Senior Warden; Carrie Davis, Kari Nasby, and Michael Perera.

The Vestry shall aid and support the Rector to promote the spiritual welfare and growth of the Parish. The Vestry shall transact the temporal affairs of the Parish.

—Saint Mark’s Cathedral Bylaws


In considering the Vestry Nominees

When choosing among the Vestry candidates, the Nominating Committee invites you to consider the following about each person:

  • Dedication to the Saint Mark’s community that is demonstrated by regular participation in worship and prayer
  • A gift for leadership with the ability to communicate effectively and work constructively with others
  • Support of the mission and ministries of Saint Mark’s that is demonstrated by active ministry leadership and a history of regular pledging of financial support
  • Experience with organizational structures and development
  • Ability to understand the large and complex financial life of the Cathedral
  • Understanding of the challenges involved in living through the dual missions of a Cathedral and a Parish
  • A commitment to strengthening the Cathedral’s role in the community
  • A desire to maintain strong Parish relationships within the Diocese

Who can vote in the Parish Election?

St. Mark’s Constitution (Art.1, sec.3) provides: 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 St. 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 St. 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.”  For purposes of voting at the 2021 Annual Meeting, the inability to have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion at St. Mark’s at least three times during the previous year because of the Cathedral closure due to the pandemic will be considered to be “good cause.”  At the meeting’s opening on January 24, nominations may be offered from the floor.


Nominating Committee

This committee is designated by the Cathedral’s Constitution and Bylaws to present to the annual Parish meeting a list of nominees for Parish representatives. The committee also invites nominations for delegates to Diocesan Convention. The process involves careful vetting of all candidates and includes interviews with those standing for election to the Vestry. This year’s committee membership is: Lynne Markova, Chair; Carrie Davis, Julia Logan, Senior Warden; Peter McClung, Junior Warden; Michael Perera, John Selberg, and Dean Steve Thomason, ex officio. Questions? Contact: nominations@saintmarks.org.

Candidates for Vestry

Carmen Brady

I am a member of the Cathedral and Evensong choirs at St. Mark’s, and the parent of a teenager who has participated in St. Mark’s choirs and youth groups for several years.  I also have served on a previous Strategic Planning Committee.  My husband and I first attended St. Mark’s in 1993, and much has changed in our lives since then. We’ve lived in two other states, had a child, and I’ve gone from journalist to grad student to teacher to paralegal. Throughout that entire time--- even when we were not in Seattle--- we always considered St. Mark’s to be our spiritual home, mainly because of the wonderful community here. We’ve experienced firsthand how this church enriches and supports all, and I would be honored to become part of the group charged with moving our mission forward.

Chris Rigos

After completing Christian Initiation (CI) class at Saint Marks, I was confirmed at the 2007 Great Easter Vigil. I consider Saint Marks my spiritual home and would like to continue to give back to this wonderful community. I participate in parish life through my attendance at services, forums, and ministry. I have been an usher, reader, Welcome Table volunteer, coordinator of the AIDS Care Team, and Finance Committee lay member. I serve as a Radix Zoom co-facilitator and coordinate the Saint Martin de Porres meals ministry. I am studying in the Education for Ministry (EfM) program. I hope that I would bring to the Vestry my spiritual faith and a knowledge of our operations, history, and parish friends. I served as an attorney in public and private practice and a career in higher education as professor, dean, and vice president for planning.

Kathy Minsch

I am honored to be invited to run for the St Mark’s vestry.  A life-long Episcopalian, I’m a 14 year member of St Mark’s.  I early on became a lector, and intercessor.  I’ve represented St Mark’s at 4 Diocesan Conventions.  I chaired the labyrinth committee one year, served on the environmental justice committee and am active in the Creation Care Committee.  I’ve served on several nonprofit boards.  I will be retiring this spring from Seattle Public Utilities, where I’m an intergovernmental liaison and strategic advisor for regional watershed planning and recovery efforts.  I am inspired by the constant growth and evolution of St Mark’s, even into the virtual world. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to give back in a deeper and more sustained way and parlay my strategic planning, teamwork, grant writing and leadership skills into serving on the vestry.

Maris Olsen

My name is Maris Olsen, and I have been attending St. Mark’s for the past 4-5 years. I was drawn to this parish because of our strong commitment to social justice issues. I am primarily involved in working with several homeless ministries and immigration rights. While a member of St. Mark’s, I have worked with the Noel House community, St. Martin de Porres, and have been the team lead for UW Teen Feed for the past several years. I strongly believe that solving homelessness would solve a host of other societal issues. On a lighter note, I have enjoyed reading as a lector at the 9:00 service and look forward to resuming in 2021 . I am currently retired from my career as a program manager at Microsoft, and stay busy taking care of my grandchildren, sewing clothes, and gardening like a crazy person.

Olivier Santos

I had been in business and industry for 26 years; and another 9-plus in social services in a variety of leadership roles – many involving change management, and greater social responsibility. Away the office or church, I am usually traveling – seeing and learning about places and meeting people. I came to Saint Mark’s Cathedral formally in the fall of 2012. Not long after, I offered my talent as an usher and later, as the coordinator of the Newcomer Ministry; plus a few other tasks for a number of ministries since then. I was received at Saint Mark’s in 2015. My journey of faith brought me here; and more recently, I was talked into possibly running for a seat in the Vestry. I am a firm believer in the passage found in Matthew 22:14; therefore, if called, I think I am ready to help out however I am able to do so.

Russ Crosbie

Russ has been a lifelong Episcopalian, but started coming to services at St Mark’s in the fall of 2016.  He has served as a Eucharistic minister, and as a lay chaplain in community.  He has also assisted his wife Rachel as a leader for the 20s and 30s group, helping to establish and lead the 'Questioning Together' monthly gathering for dinner and conversation. Russ started his work life as a shop carpenter and worked in professional theater for much of his career, most recently as the Technical Director for the Seattle Opera. Russ is so grateful to the St Mark’s community for the space for prayer, reflection, healing, and spiritual fulfillment.  The people he has met and grown to know and love have made this place feel like home, and it is in this place and with these people he hopes to grow with his family.  It would be an honor to serve this community on the vestry. He thinks there is much for him to learn and offer in this ministry should he be invited to serve.

Scott Kovacs

I have been an active member of Saint Mark’s since arriving in Seattle in 2009, singing in the choirs (Cathedral Choir and Compline) in addition to assisting with the Schola and Evensong Choir when they were created. I have served on the Stewardship Committee, assisted with the Social Justice Ministry as the liaison for the Mental Health Chaplaincy when it was housed here, and helped lead several efforts withing the Living Stones Capital Campaign. I am currently serving a lifetime appointment as the Lay Chaplain to the Compline Choir. In my ministry outside the cathedra, l I work as an ad-hoc consultant for Chaplains on the Harbor, helping them develop and organize their ongoing growth and missional work serving our neighbors in Grays Harbor County. My professional life is varied, working as a professional musician, voice teacher, and non-profit executive specializing in arts management. I am currently the consultant for a number of small and mid-size arts organizations helping them navigate the pandemic as well as plan for the future. I am on a several boards and advisory boards, including for the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium, which I helped found. I live in Shoreline with a tiny cat-like velociraptor that likes to cuddle named Cosmo.

Wayne Duncan

I have enjoyed and grown from my involvement in several ministries since I started attending St. Mark’s regularly in 2017.  As a regular listener to Compline on KING-FM for many years, I already felt part of the larger St. Mark’s community.  When I started attending Sunday services regularly, I began experiencing the warmth of the community and the varied opportunities for worship, education, and involvement.  I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis when I was in graduate school at the University of Minnesota. At St. Mark’s my involvement has ranged from Education for Ministry—I’m now in Year 4—to the Visual Arts Ministry, helping install the Stations of the Cross, leading small groups with the Radix and the Racial Reconciliation programs, and co-leading a webinar last spring on coping with the stress of the pandemic.  I feel enriched and blessed by being part of the St. Mark’s community, and I would be honored to serve on the Vestry, helping to continue the great work that has already been done.  I believe my background on multiple church and community boards as well as dealing with the challenges of being a healthcare provider during a pandemic will be useful background for serving on the Vestry.  Exciting things are happening in our community, and I am eager to support our ongoing programs and to help support new ones that we feel called to start.  I am excited by the opportunities the St. Nicholas building renovation presents and hope to be an active contributor to that project.  More generally, I am excited to imagine and experience our post-pandemic life together.

Candidates for Diocesan Convention Delegate

All the following candidates were elected by acclamation during Session 1 of the Annual Meeting on January 24, 2020.

Marc Aubertin

I offer myself as a delegate to Diocesan Convention, not from any sense of my particular ability to contribute. Rather, I believe that every member of an Episcopal parish/cathedral community has an obligation to serve in this way, when the Holy Spirit moves a fellow member of the community to nominate you. I’ve been a member of the Cathedral Community for 5 years serving in various ministries: Cathedral and Evensong Chorister, Thurifer, Verger, finance committee, Cathedral Foundation and cook (Wednesday Commons Meal). I have been an active Episcopalian for 40 years, serving as a parish treasurer and delegate to Diocesan Convention in the Diocese of Massachusetts.

Libby Carr

[no statement submitted]

Nancy Cleminshaw

I joined Saint Mark’s in 1981 after moving from Ohio. Shortly thereafter, my husband died, I completed my degree from UW, and ran away, moving coast to coast and back. During the years, wherever I lived, I have served: Altar Guild, Choir, Lector, Acolyte, LEM, Vestry, Junior Warden, Search Committee, Diocesan delegate, CEEP delegate, Legacy Committee, Worship Leader. My return to Saint Mark’s in 2017 felt like I had come full circle: I was home. Here I am a Verger and member of the Garden Committee. Also, I am member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. I would be honored to represent Saint Mark’s at Convention and look forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with other parishioners within the diocese.

Russ Crosbie

See statement above under "Vestry Candidates"

Jenny Donner

Since 2008, my husband Erik and I have called Saint Mark’s our spiritual home. We were married here in 2009, and since then, I have served in ministries that have included the Altar Guild, as Vestry secretary, as a member of a discernment committee, and an acolyte. I’m honored and excited to explore this aspect of our greater diocese as a delegate.

Shannon Gould

[no statement submitted]

Ruth McRee

[no statement submitted]

Roberta Nestaas

I began attending Saint Mark’s in 2001 when I moved into Seattle. A lifelong Episcopalian, I was drawn to the majesty of the cathedral and its commitment to social justice. When I retired in 2014 as President and CEO of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, I asked the Dean for some volunteer opportunities. I quickly became a lector and a Finance Committee member. I’ve also served on the SSC Advisory Board since its inception. After attending many Lutheran synod assemblies (conventions), I was interested in serving as a delegate to our diocesan convention three years ago and would enjoy serving again. Most recently I’ve been a member of the St Nicholas Redevelopment Committee.

Amanda Osenga

I am a cradle Episcopalian from Colorado. We started attending St. Mark’s about a year after moving to Washington. We’ve loved this community and getting involved as we can in these unusual times. I led a Radix group and am mom to Jonathan who is in Choir School and Sunday School. As a teen, I served as a youth delegate and volunteer to the General Convention in Denver in 2000. I also volunteered at several Colorado Diocesan conventions so I was thrilled to be asked to participate here in Washington. I look forward to representing Saint Mark’s.

Mary Segall

A lifelong Episcopalian, Mary Segall has worked improve the quality of international health care in over 20 countries. When working in the West Bank during 2008, she witnessed the bombing of Gaza over Christmas. As she observed, people had no safe place to run. Her commitment to education and advocacy continues through her service on the Bishop’s Committee for Holy Land Justice, and through chairing the Mideast Focus Ministry and the Kairos Puget Sound Coalition. Mary serves as a greeter and an usher and is working to restock the First Aid Kit, so that when the Cathedral reopens, the emergency response will be ready. She also participates the planning of the “Spirited Women” gatherings.

Pam O’Sullivan

I have attended St. Mark’s since 1992, baptized there as an adult in 1993 at the Easter Vigil.  I have served as an usher, a verger for many years and, most recently, a greeter. I also served in St. Brigid’s Banquet’s Teen Feed ministry for several years.  I have had the opportunity to participate in many discerning and joyful events at the Cathedral, including marriage to Tim O’Sullivan in 2010.  I served as an alternate to the Diocesan Convention in 2019, then delegate to the virtual Convention in 2020, which voted on the resolutions of the Ethnic Ministries Circles of Color.  It was a powerful experience. I am honored to be considered for the alternate/delegate positions again for the 2021 and 2022 sessions, to represent this most “holy box,” my St. Mark’s home.

Timothy O’Sullivan

It is an honor to be considered for the position of convention delegate.  I was received into the Episcopal church in Massachusetts in 1996.  I was baptized and confirmed in New York as a child. Moving to Washington in 2004, I started worshiping at Saint Mark’s.  I have been a member of the healing rail and presently serve as a Chalice Bearer and a Lector at the 11AM service.  I have served as a delegate to convention for Saint Marks four times since I became a member of the parish.  I look forward to serving Saint Marks and the diocese as a delegate to the 2021 convention.

Holy Eucharist for the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 6:30 P.M.

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple on February 2 is one of the Feasts of the Our Lord. On Tuesday evening, a brief service Holy Eucharist will be offered from Thomson Chapel, which you may join either on the livestream page in the usual way, or by joining a special Zoom meeting (with some time for chatting afterwards). Dean Thomason will preside and preach.

Join using this Zoom link.

Introduction to Sunday’s Hymns: January 31, 2021

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On Thursday, January 28, Canon Michael Kleinschmidt introduced the hymns that will be sing at the livestream service of Holy Eucharist this Sunday, January 31, 2021, The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. This introduction was presented live on Facebook.

The hymns discussed are:

  • "O! for a thousand tongues to sing" [Hymn #493]
  • "From thee all skill and science flow" [Hymn #566]
  • "From all that dwell below the skies" [Hymn #380]

Plus a few words about his organ preludes for this Sunday (based on the tunes "Slane" and "Malabar") and a reminder about John Stuntebeck's upcoming recital on the Fritts organ in Thomsen Chapel, 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 29.

Join us in the future on Thursdays at 4 p.m. for another live hymn chat! Just visit the cathedral's public Facebook page at the time of the broadcast—if you "follow" the cathedral on Facebook, you should receive a notification when we're live.

Creation Care All-Parish Survey

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The Creation Care Ministry team wants to hear from YOU! Everyone is the Saint Mark's community is invited to complete the brief survey below to help guide our programming in 2021.

There are just eight simple questions—it should take less than five minutes to complete.

The deadline to submit is February 14, 2021. Thank you!


CREATION CARE SURVEY 2021

“The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”  —Psalm 24:1

Saint Mark’s Cathedral has set a goal for its campus and households to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by 2030. The Creation Care Ministry supports this goal and strives to faithfully address the crisis of climate change. See our Creation Care webpage for more on this.

A “net zero carbon footprint” means we measure and reduce our carbon emissions and offset the remaining carbon footprint by contributing to carbon offset programs. We have chosen the national Episcopal Church’s carbon tracker (https://www.sustainislandhome.org/) because it offers a way to individually and collectively measure and reduce our emissions that come from five basic household areas where we have the most impact on climate change. These five areas—electricity, home heating, transportation, food, and waste—account for 40% of US global emissions.

We ask that you, a member of our Saint Mark’s family, complete this survey to guide us in our work to help our households achieve this goal.

Create your own user feedback survey

The Fritts Organ: An Introduction

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In preparation for his concert on Friday, John made this delightful video introducing the Marion Camp Oliver Organ in Thomsen Memorial Chapel—constructed and installed by Paul Fritts of Tacoma Washington in 2003. John talks about its sounds, mechanism, temperment, decorative carvings, and more, concluding with a full performance of a brief prelude by Buxtehude. It's 25 minutes, but feel free to jump around—the Buxtehude starts around minute 21.

More information and technical details about the Fritts organ may be read here.

Don't miss John's concert on Friday, January 29, at 7 p.m.! Watch live on the usual livestream page, or watch the simultaneous streams on Facebook or YouTube.

The program and program notes for John's concert are available in advance here.

Virtual Coffee Hour, Every Sunday via Zoom

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UPDATE: Virtual Coffee Hour has now come to an end.

The Final Virtual Coffee Hour was: SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021, 12 P.M.

Throughout the pandemic, virtual coffee hour has been a way for parishioners to connect after each Sunday's service. In light of reopening, virtual coffee hour will end in favor of an in-person social time (details to be announced)! The final Zoom will take place following the 11 a.m. liturgy this Sunday, July 18. Many thanks to Senior Warden Peter McClung for leading this deeply meaningful ministry for so many months.

 


Monthly Newcomers' Coffee with Clergy will continue for now!

On the first Sunday of each month, a special virtual coffee hour is offered for those who have recently started experiencing Saint Mark's liturgies (wherever you may be located), those who are new to Saint Mark’s, or anyone who has questions about the cathedral community. Learn more on the newcomers page. Join the newcomers' coffee using this Zoom link.

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