Saint Mark's Justice Ministries Mission: To engage the St. Mark’s community in justice issues, to acknowledge and address our own complicity in injustice, to serve and support those who are in need, to advocate for peace and economic justice, to pursue sustainability and ecological justice, to partner with other congregations and organizations serving and providing opportunities to those in need, and to celebrate the opportunity to serve.

As part of our commitment to justice, Saint Mark's recently adopted a Statement of Commitment and Action, expressing our responsibility to respect the dignity of every human being, strive for justice and peace among all people, and seek and serve Christ in all persons. The statement was born out of concerns about the increase in statements and actions in our nation that target particular groups of people based on their skin color, their religious affiliation, their gender or orientation, their disabilities, or their country of birth. These are artificial divisions that we vehemently denounce as discriminatory and disrespectful. We believe our nation can do better, and we pledge to work toward that better vision. We commit to being a network of activists, in God’s name, joining others who similarly pledge to actively pursue justice. 

Click the cover image to download a pdf of the complete Fall 2020 Ministry Directory.

Learn more about other opportunities at the cathedral by visiting the Get Involved! page.

Justice Ministries Coordinating Team

The JMCT encourages and supports the people of Saint Mark’s and their community allies as they answer God’s call for justice in the world. This team works in partnership with all the volunteer Justice Ministries of the cathedral to set standards of performance and provide assistance, oversight and coordination.
Justin Mills, justinjmills@gmail.com

Meetings take place via Zoom.

Creation Care

The Creation Care Ministry at Saint Mark’s Cathedral strives to faithfully address the crisis of climate change. As stewards of the life-giving goodness of God’s creation, we will work with the Saint Mark’s and broader world communities to educate ourselves and take action together to preserve our shared planet and sustain life for the generations to come. Read more on the Creation Care Ministry page.
Marjorie Ringness, marjorie@ringness.org

While we are physically distancing, the Creation Care ministry continues to meet monthly via Zoom and develop plans for the Saint Mark’s community to work towards the goal of a net zero carbon footprint by 2030, including hosting forums and Cathedral Commons events virtually.

Front Door Ministry

The mission of this ministry is to provide a welcoming face at the cathedral during the week, help visitors to the cathedral find answers to their questions, provide water, snacks, restroom access, and hygiene items to those who may need them, and to connect visitors with local service providers when appropriate. The ministry operates in the narthex from 1–3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Dale Largent, dalargent@gmail.com

On hiatus until building reopens

Habitat for Humanity

Saint Mark’s volunteers have been working with the local Seattle/King County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity and participating in national and international building projects for over 25 years. Recently the Saint Mark’s Habitat crew has also been assisting in projects on the cathedral grounds.
Jacquelyn Miller, jcmiller31@gmail.com
Gordon Miller, glmiller@seattleu.edu

Homeless Advocacy Ministry

The Homeless Advocacy Ministry’s mission is to engage with the congregation of Saint Mark’s, seeking to educate the community about the ongoing crisis of homelessness in our city, and about the issues surrounding homelessness in general. We seek to support programs, such as the Threshold Fund move-in assistance program, that have a direct impact on the lives of homeless adults, children and families. We host Tent City 3 on the cathedral property when possible. Learn more at the Homeless Advocacy page.
The Rev. Canon Nancy Ross, nross@saintmarks.org

During the closure of the building, we hosted Tent City 3 for the first time in many years. Advocacy for the unhoused will become more and more critical as the economic effects of the pandemic intensify.

Hunger Offering

On the second Sunday of every month, the cathedral collects a special offering to support several food programs in the Seattle area. This ministry is currently helping the following hunger programs: Compass Center, Lifelong aids Alliance, Pike Market Food Bank, Immanuel Community Services, Food Bank at St. Mary’s and St. Brigid’s Banquet.
Vicky Greenbaum, vgreenbaum1@gmail.com

Interfaith Dialogue group

This group creates opportunities to encounter and learn from people of faith from other religious traditions. The group has organized visit to the Idris Mosque in north Seattle and the Khalsa Gurmat Sikh Community Center, and participates in events at faith communities throughout the Seattle area.
Brett Bowton-Meade, brett.bowton-meade@sunriseid.com

Jubilee Debt Cancellation

Saint Mark’s is a Jubilee congregation that advocates for right relationships of all peoples at all levels of environmental, economic and social justice issues. Saint Marks prays for those who suffer from injustice in these areas; we contribute $1 per pledging household per year (with the option of declining to participate); we advocate for the disadvantaged when financial institutions, governmental agencies or elected officials are making decisions that could negatively affect them.
Christopher Breunig, cjbreunig@gmail.com

Lowell Elementary Volunteers

Lowell School, right in the Saint Mark’s neighborhood, has a very diverse student population, including children who are homeless and those with special needs. A positive presence—whether in the classroom, lunchroom, playground, in the office, at the buses or on a field trip—can really brighten the day for a student as well as build community. Come join us! If you’re interested in volunteering, you can learn more and sign up directly with Lowell School at lowellelementary.org/volunteer. To check in with others who volunteer at Lowell, and to be on the Saint Mark’s mailing list of Lowell-interested parishioners, contact:
The Rev. Canon Nancy Ross, nross@saintmarks.org

Lowell volunteers are still active even while the school is teaching remotely.

Mideast Focus

The Mideast Focus Ministry works through mission, prayer, education, and action to bring understanding and to promote advocacy for justice and peace in the Middle East region, both within the Saint Mark’s congregation and to the greater Seattle community.
Mary Segall, mesegall@yahoo.com

After a successful in person opening of the Mideast Focus Ministry Film Series in early February, we changed to offering the remaining films via Zoom followed by chats with the directors. The Zoom post-film discussions were well attended and very lively.

Racial Justice

Ministries around anti-racism and racial justice are continually evolving at Saint Mark’s to address the critical and pervasive problems of racism and racial injustice in our nation, our community, our church and in our individual lives. Together, we confront these issues through education, personal accountability, prayer, and action. For more information, see the Racial Justice page, or contact:
The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty, jkdaugherty@saintmarks.org

Anti-racism work has become even more salient at this time. In addition to the recent series of study sessions, other offerings are in the works.

Sanctuary Ministry

Working with the Church Council of Greater Seattle and Casa Latina, Sanctuary at Saint Mark’s volunteers are trained for standing up beside immigrant communities facing threat and oppression and building solidarity with our neighbors through relationship, sharing and action.
The Rev. Canon Nancy Ross, nross@saintmarks.org

St. Brigid’s Banquet—
St. Martin de Porres & Teen Feed

Saint Brigid’s Banquet is committed to providing hot, nutritious meals and hospitality to those in Seattle who are homeless/hungry. Our volunteers cook and serve meals monthly for men aged 50+ who are currently living at St. Martin de Porres shelter, and bi-monthly for teens and young adults served by Teen Feed in the U District. Please consider joining this heart-warming and fun ministry! We welcome all adult volunteers. For times and locations, please contact...
St. Martin de Porres: Chris Rigos, crigos33@gmail.com
Teen Feed: Maris Olsen, maris.olsen@gmail.com

During this time of physical distancing, the Saint Martin de Porres ministry is still providing monthly hot meals to the men residing at the Saint Martin de Porres ministry on Alaskan Way in Seattle. The UW Teen Feed ministry is still providing bi-monthly hot meals to homeless kids in the University District in Seattle.

PARTNER & AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS

Episcopal Relief & Development

ERD is our denomination’s organization that responds to human suffering around the world. We provide emergency assistance after disasters, rebuild communities, and help children and families climb out of poverty. More information can be found at episcopalrelief.org.

Faith Action Network

Saint Mark’s Cathedral is a FAN advocating faith community. FAN is a statewide interfaith advocacy organization through which thousands of people and over 100 faith communities across Washington State partner for the common good, believing that justice work is part of our religious calling. FAN communicates with elected officials about critical social issues and advocates for a more just and sustainable world.
Tom Sunderland, tsunderland@mail.com

Greenbelt Group

The Greenbelt slope to the south and west of the cathedral is an asset to the entire community that has been entrusted to the cathedral. Friends of Saint Mark’s Greenbelt is a unit of the Green Seattle Partnership, which helps maintain and restore the land by removing invasive plants, maintaining the trails and replanting with native vegetation. For information about bi-monthly work parties contact:
Joe Roza, joe.roza@mac.com

 

Mission to Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers locally serves cargo and cruise ship sailors in the Port of Seattle. During cruise ship season, trained volunteers shuttle crew from Pier 91 to and from downtown Seattle so that they can shop for essentials and enjoy being off the ship for a short time. Throughout the year, trained Seafarer chaplains visit cargo ships to provide companionship and spiritual support as well as practical help. Occasionally, Seafarer Missioners conduct church services aboard ship, but always serve as chaplains to sailors of all faiths.
The Rev. Earl Grout, egrout@saintmarks.org

Currently suspended until the ports reopen for visitors.

Northwest Community Bail Fund

The current system of bail is among the most inequitable and unjust aspects of our justice system. Being unable to post bail prior to trial can leave people with a tough choice—either plead guilty to a crime that they may not have committed, or stay in jail for weeks or months. Either choice can impact their job, their shelter/housing and even custody of children. The Northwest Community Bail Fund began as a ministry of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, but is now an independent 501(c)3, part of the National Bail Fund Network. It provides cash bail for people who are charged with low-level crimes in King and Snohomish Counties and who are unable to pay due to poverty. This allows them to get out of jail during their trial period and defend themselves from a position of freedom. NCBF also collaborates with the Pre-Trial Justice Institute, the ACLU, and stakeholders in Washington State on bail reform to reduce/eliminate the use of bail.
The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty, jkdaugherty@saintmarks.org

UCEF

United Churches Emergency Fund (UCEF) is a coalition of local church congregations, individuals, and supporting organizations which provide compassionate listening, focused referrals, and financial assistance to prevent homelessness. Saint Mark’s is a member of the coalition and partners with UCEF to serve those outside their usual service area. A small grant from UCEF makes it possible for an individual or family to stave off an eviction or utility shut-off. It creates a window of hope for people to keep the roof they have long enough to make a difference
Brett Bowton-Meade, abowtonmeade@gmail.com
Watch brief slideshow about the breadth of cathedral ministries:
The Fall 2020 Saint Mark’s Cathedral Ministry Directory is presented at an extraordinary and unprecedented time in the life of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, our community, and our world. The global pandemic has necessitated profound changes in almost every aspect of our lives, and the future is uncertain. But our life as a community continues, as we gather in new ways to worship God, build up our faith, serve our neighbors, and work to create a more just world.
In the information below, many of the entries describe how a particular ministry would function when the building is open, with notes indicating the activities of the ministry during the closure of the cathedral building. Some ministries are continuing their activities essentially unchanged, some have been completely suspended until the situation changes, and many have found creative ways to adapt to the era of physical distancing.
No one know what lies ahead—and no one can say when we will all be able to safely gather together physically as a community once again. But we live in hope that that day will come. Until then, explore all the many offerings and opportunities listed here, and please don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and engage with something new. The whole community of Saint Mark’s is enriched by your presence.