“There are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord”
—1 Corinthians 12:4-5
Every community needs people who help hold it together. At Saint Mark’s, Cathedral Support Ministries are the hands and hearts that make daily life possible. From caring for the campus and balancing the books to welcoming newcomers and offering pastoral support, these ministries embody quiet faithfulness. Their work may not always be visible, but it is essential—creating the stability that allows the whole cathedral community to grow and thrive.
Vestry
The Vestry oversees and stewards the cathedral’s finances, facilities and grounds. Membership is comprised of the Dean, the Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia, elected lay parishioners, and Diocesan members who serve from other parishes. Together, they strive to model faithful leadership to prayerfully respond and connect to the ministries of the cathedral community. Elected lay members serve three-year terms. Wardens work alongside the Dean to provide leadership to the Vestry and parish.
Contact: Greg Hamm, Senior Warden [seniorwarden@saintmarks.org]
Finance Committee
The purpose of the Finance Committee is to provide support, advice, and guidance that assists the Vestry in maintaining effective administration of the accounting and financial operations of the Cathedral. The committee monitors and maintains accounting systems to assure the Vestry and the Parish that the funds and designated gifts, collected and disbursed, are appropriate and in accordance with the policies of the Vestry, standard accounting practices, and gift restrictions. The Finance Committee is advisory only and does not exercise the authority of the Vestry in the management of the Cathedral or Cathedral funds.
Contact: Phil Haas, Junior Warden for Finance [philhaas@gmail.com]
Facilities Committee
The Facilities Committee works with cathedral staff on matters of repair, restoration and preservation of the cathedral, Cathedral House, the St. Nicholas Bldg., Leffler House, the Carriage House, the Deanery, and the cathedral grounds. When necessary, it makes recommendations to the Vestry on project funding.
Contact: Julia Logan, Junior Warden for Facilities [facilitiescommittee@saintmarks.org]
Stewardship Ministry
The Stewardship Ministry seeks to foster a countercultural view of giving – all we have been given is from God, and we hold it lightly and with consideration of our neighbor. Gratitude is a central focus of the ministry and is celebrated through continuously showcasing the many contributions of time, talent, and treasure of our generous and faithful stewards. Our goal is for each member of the community to develop a spiritual practice of stewardship on a daily basis. In addition, the Stewardship Ministry Committee plans and implements the annual fall Commitment Campaign by adopting a supporting theme, developing written materials and visual displays expressive of that theme, and selecting speakers to share with the parish what they are grateful for and what motivates them to generous giving. Helpful skills include knowledge of and interaction with fellow parishioners; ability to take minutes, write simple gratitude exercises, and coordinate with staff on audio-visual displays and communications.
Contact: Peter Snyder, Junior Warden for Stewardship [stewardship@saintmarks.org]
Pastoral Care Team
Saint Mark’s clergy are glad to offer individual pastoral appointments in person, by phone, or over Zoom, whatever life issues or questions are on your mind. Administration of sacraments including anointing and confession is also available. For non-urgent pastoral messages, please call the cathedral office (206.323.0300) or email one one of the clergy directly.
The best way to contact a priest after hours for urgent concerns (e.g. emergency hospitalization, serious injury, etc.) is by calling or texting them on their personal cell phones. These numbers are readily available to all parishioners via the Parish Directory (accessible via a link in the upper right of the cathedral website) or the ChurchLife mobile app.
Contact: The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls [rweyls@saintmarks.org]
Communications
The Communications Ministry is a committee of the Vestry that oversees the cathedral’s website, social media presence, email communications, livestreamed liturgies and events, videos, print publications (such as informational brochures and The Rubric), podcasting, signage, event promotion, media relations, and overall visual identity and branding strategy. In the past year, the committee has been working with the Vestry to improve the accessibility of cathedral communications. The committee is always seeking volunteers to help expand this important work.
Contact: Gregory Bloch [gbloch@saintmarks.org]
A/V Ministry
The Audio Visual Ministry supports and helps further the reach of other important ministries at Saint Marks, including Liturgies, Music, Wisdom School, and others. A dedicated team oversees and operates cameras, computers and sound equipment in both the cathedral nave and Bloedel Hall. If have experience with A/V technology, sound mixing, or operating cameras, or are interested in learning, please reach out to get involved!
Contact: Greg Bloch & Michael Perera [avministry@saintmarks.org]
Office Volunteers
Contact: Erik Donner [edonner@saintmarks.org]
Counters
The Counters meet weekly to verify the gifts from the offering plate and other donations to the cathedral. The group shares fellowship while providing an important service to the cathedral’s functioning.
Contact: Erik Donner [edonner@saintmarks.org]
Newcomers Ministry
The Newcomers Ministry offers hospitality to all who come to Saint Mark’s on their spiritual journey. We practice welcoming and inclusion by responding to all inquiries both online and from visitors cards at Sunday services; personally greeting and welcoming visitors who come to worship; hosting a monthly newcomers coffee; and following up with attendees to answer questions and help them get involved in various ministries and activities.
Contact: The Rev. Earl Grout [newcomers@saintmarks.org]
Medical Equipment Resource Center
The Medical Equipment Resource Center has items such as wheelchairs, walkers (two- and four-wheeled), crutches, canes, etc., available for use at no cost. We welcome donations of clean equipment in good working order. The group also restocks first aid boxes located throughout the campus.
Contact: Nancy Cleminshaw [ncleminshaw@comcast.net]
PARTNER & AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS
Cathedral Foundation of the Diocese of Olympia
The Cathedral Foundation of the Diocese of Olympia was established in September 1995 as an independent, tax-exempt organization, and became affiliated with the Bishop’s Office of the Diocese of Olympia in 2011. Its mission is to raise and manage capital and endowment funds to preserve and enhance the buildings and grounds of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral. For more information about the Foundation, visit the Cathedral Foundation page.
Contact: Julia Logan [foundation@saintmarks.org]