Dear friends,

Many of you have expressed concern for our nation facing the threat of recurring violence in the coming days, even as we long for a peaceful transition of leaders, which is one of the most defining and distinctive elements of our democracy. As citizens we have a voice to share in the public sphere, offering words of reason and justice, and as people of faith, we have a voice of prayer to share for the common good. Both are important, and I bid you strike the balance in your rhythms in the coming days. Resist the temptation to consume so much news and social media that you end up being consumed by their anxious energy. Ground yourself in prayer, too, and carve out times for quiet so that you might find a perspective that offers you some peace—a peace which can then be shared with others, and with our nation.To that end, I would like to highlight a few things in the coming days, and encourage you to consider how you might choose to engage these practices. They are by no means exhaustive, but they are meant to help.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

The very first post on the Online Community Life page of the cathedral website, created in March of 2020, was this post announcing that, while the cathedral building may be closed, the outdoor labyrinth was still open and available to all. Since then, the labyrinth in the lawn in front of the cathedral building has remained a valuable resource for cathedral members, Capitol Hill neighbors, and passers-by alike.

The labyrinth at Saint Mark's is closely tied to New Year's Eve. Every year since 1999 a large canvas labyrinth has been laid out in the cathedral nave, inviting all to engage in this ancient spiritual practice as the old year passes away and the new year begins, in candlelight and accompanied by local musicians. This offering has been enormously popular through the years, often attracting over 1,000 people. In 2019, the event was advertised as "Seattle's most peaceful New Year's tradition," but the overwhelming turn-out made the jam-packed nave feel somewhat less peaceful than expected! Clearly, the offering fills a need felt by many people, including those not otherwise connected to the cathedral community.

This year, because remaining physically distant while walking the labyrinth at the same time as others is practically impossible, a formal Labyrinth Walk Event cannot be offered, even on the outdoor labyrinth.

However, the cathedral would like to honor this longstanding tradition by extending an invitation to walk the outdoor labyrinth on December 31, at a time of your convenience. The labyrinth is open 24 hours a day—use common sense, remain masked, and do not form a crowd. To echo the indoor offerings of prior years, the labyrinth will be adorned with candles and (electric) luminarias later in the evening, weather permitting.

The other aspect of the annual New Year's Eve observances at Saint Mark's is the Midnight Eucharist for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus—normally offered on a small altar table placed at the center of the indoor labyrinth at the stroke of midnight as the new year begins. The select few who have participated in this service in the past can tell you that this is a very special liturgy, using a unique form of the Holy Eucharist not employed at any other service in the cathedral's annual cycle. Although there will be no indoor labyrinth, this service will be offered via livestream at the stroke of midnight as usual, and all are invited to participate, wherever you may be.

WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY AFTERNOONS IN ADVENT

Register for a 20-minute time period.

• Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16, or 23 between 12 and 2 p.m.
• Sundays, December 6, 13, or 20 between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

There are two slots available in each time period. A party of individuals from the same household may claim a single slot.