TWO WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 22 & 29, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)
What Do We Do Now?—Shifting Paradigms in Times of Chaos, Upheaval and Injustice
led by Dean Steve Thomason
Our world is seemingly on fire, and the uncertainties of our time translate to a sense of chaos and upheaval. Anxiety and anger run amok. Under threat of change, the human impulse is to conservative inertia or even regression, which invariably leads to injustice and oppression. We are seeing that; we are living in this crucible moment when the paradigms that have historically made sense in the social fabric will not hold, and tweaks to them will not suffice. Paradigm shifts (revolutionary insights) are needed as we find our way. We are on the cusp of something as significant as Newtonian cosmology or modern Cognitive Psychology, but we will only breakthrough to new paradigms if we let go of the basic assumptions of the prevailing theories of social constructs built on a misguided transactional calculus. Hint: Jesus was on to something big!
Join online using this Zoom link.
UPDATE: A complete video of the first forum in this series is available here.
The following handout was shared at Part 1 of the forum: Vice & Virtue List (pdf)
The slides from Part 1 can be downloaded here (pdf).
A video will be posted here when it is available.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)
Eco-theology—Is God's Love Broad Enough for Bears?
led by Canon Rich Weyls
What does theology have to say about environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change? Ecotheology is a form of constructive theology that focuses on the interrelationship between religion and nature, particularly in the light of environmental concerns. In this session, we will explore classical theological notions of Creation, our neglect of these concepts in Western Christianity, and their restoration in the Triune God of love. This presentation will be given by The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls, Canon for Community Life and Senior Associate Rector. Canon Rich is also the staff support person for Saint Mark's Creation Care Ministriy.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)
Icons: Portals of Sacred Beauty
WEDNESDAY, FEBRAURY 12, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and on Zoom
Byzantine iconography is an ancient and deeply prayerful art form in the Christian tradition, dating back nearly to the apostolic times. Over the centuries, it has evolved and developed as the faith spread throughout the world. Iconography follows a highly systematic and disciplined process which has been handed from teacher to student for centuries. It’s also a very comprehensively demanding educational course for those who want to explore and master the technical, historical, and spiritual aspects of this field. Fr. Peter Pearson, a Franciscan, will guide a reflection and conversation on icons, their use in worship and contemplative practice, and their contribution to art and beauty across generations. Lean more about Fr. Pearson and his other offering at Saint Mark's the week of February 12 here. All are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)
An Introduction to Hildegard of Bingen's Approach to Psychotherapy
led by the Rev. Danae Ashley
What can a revolutionary 12th-century Benedictine nun teach us today? Plenty! Saint Hildegard von Bingen was a polymath and a German Benedictine abbess who lived from 1098–1179 in the Rhine Valley. Her myriad of gifts have been noticed throughout history: prophetess, composer, physician and healer, environmentalist, preacher, mystic, advisor, linguist of her own secret language, and much more. You are invited to learn more about St. Hildegard and her fascinating life, focusing on her holistic approach to mental health, through an interactive presentation with the Rev. Danáe Ashley—Episcopal priest, international speaker, and author of a forthcoming book from Tehom Center Publishing on Hildegard and psychotherapy.
A Zoom link will be posted here when it is available.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRAURY 26, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)
Exploring Symbolism in Episcopal Worship, Part 2
led by Hannah Hochkeppel and members of the 20s/30s group
This is a follow-up to the forum in April 2024. Details TBA.
THREE WEDNESDAYS IN LENT, MARCH 12, 19, & 26, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)
Faithful Living, Faithful Dying
led by Dean Steve Thomason
Details TBA.
SPECIAL THURSDAY EVENING EVENT FROM THE WISDOM SCHOOL
THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025, 7–8:30 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall and livestreamed; registration required
Pádraig Ó Tuama: The Better Angels of Our Nature
UPDATED DESCRIPTION: We live in fraught times when violence seems to be the common denominator in a calculus based in mistrust and misanthropic othering. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind… Drawing on inspiration from his work with language and religion, conflict and peacemaking, this truth-teller of our time will draw us into an orbit of soulful wisdom and poetic grace.
Fee: $15 (for in-person and livestream participation).
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025
Saint Mark's and Sanctuary—Responding to the Needs of Our Time
led by Dean Steve Thomason and Canon Emily Griffin
The Saint Mark's Vestry has once again authorized Saint Mark’s serving as a Sanctuary Hub, if called upon by the Sanctuary Network in our region. Dean Thomason and Canon Emily Griffin explored ways to respond compassionately and with intention, guided by our mandate to respect the dignity of every human being. Key to this effort will be a cohort of volunteers to serve in various ways, and we engaged in conversation during this evening about how we responsibly do that together.
Learn more, including links to related events and resources, here.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025
Unpacking the Creeds
led by Canon Wendy Claire Barrie
The historic Creeds of the Church—most importantly the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed—are an essential and obligatory part of our liturgical tradition, and also a potential stumbling block for many. In this Wednesday forum led Canon Barrie, participants explored what the Creeds are (and what they are not), asked where they come from and how they came to be central to our worship practice, looked at some alternative creeds, and finally tried crafting our own.
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY, *DECEMBER 11, 2024
*Rescheduled from November 13, due to a power outage.
Where Spirituality Starts: An Intergenerational Approach to Faith
with Canon Vicar Emily Griffin
While growth in our relationship with God is a lifelong process, the relationship itself is there from the start. What we often lack—no matter our age—are ways to name and share what we experience of God’s presence. The Rev. Canon Emily Griffin explored the spirituality of childhood and how it provides a foundation for a lifelong faith. How might religious language, community, play, and authentic presence with one another nurture faith—and what might we learn from each other across generations as we journey together?
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
Housing & Hunger Ministries Summit
The Restorative Justice Council, the Affordable Housing Exploratory Committee and the Intergenerational Council collaborated to bring together ministry leaders at Saint Mark’s and from the broader Seattle community in this event. The goal of the summit was for attendees to learn very practical ways they can be with our neighbors in need. The ministries represented were Operation Nightwatch, Sharewheel (Tent City 3), Lowell Elementary School, Meals Sharing Ministry, Affordable Housing, Habitat for Humanity, and the Saint Mark's Threshold Fund.
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Engaging the Numinous in Advent: "O" Antiphons at Saint Mark's
Facilitated by: Steve Thomason, Michael Kleinschmidt, and Jason Anderson
The "O" Antiphons service at Saint Mark’s is a signature liturgy that draws us into the orbit of Advent preparation and hope, connecting ancient themes and imagery that engages all the senses. The cadenced rhythms of chant, prayer, hymnody, and prophetic scriptures are held together by carefully choreographed movements that invite us into the realm of the numinous. This year’s service—December 1, 2024, at 7 p.m.—will include the premiere a newly-commissioned anthem, In the Stillness by Black composer Brittney Boykin.
In this Cathedral Commons forum, Dean Thomason, Canon Kleinschmidt, and Dr. Anderson explored with participants the theological underpinnings of the "O" Antiphons tradition at Saint Mark’s, the centuries-old liturgies that it taps into, and the origins and history of this special service. We also discussed ways we continue to adapt and evolve the liturgical expression of "O" Antiphons, seeking to amplify the voices of women prophets while also revising language of familiar hymns to foster sensitivity to Jewish traditions. Those present had the opportunity to sing a revised verse of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and also tried their hand at revisions to other verses of that quintessential Advent hymn.
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024
Building Radical Shaker Community Through Song
"For what came we together to do but to sing the love of Mother to you?”
with Dr. Carol Medlicott, Scholar of the Shakers
Like many forms of Christian faith, Shakerism holds several simple spiritual truths at the forefront, while it also draws richness and strength from deeper theological nuance. The Shakers’ vast song tradition helps to elaborate their complex theology. At the same time, the song tradition reinforces the Shakers' communal identity and their novel conception of social order. Dr. Carol Medlicott, who has been studying Shakers and Shaker music for over twenty years, explored how these socially radical separatists that worshipped through dance have used song to create and sustain community for 250 years.
This forum is presented in conjunction with the Saint Mark's Music Series concert Shaker Harmonies: Celebrating 250 Years of the Shakers in America, featuring the Tudor Choir and the Women's Compline Choir of Saint Mark's Cathedral, on Sunday, November 10, 3 p.m.
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 (in person only)
A Liturgy for All Hallows Eve
We celebrated the evocative and brief liturgy of All Hallows Eve from the Book of Occasional Services. By candlelight we sang and prayed and heard the ancient stories of Saul and the Witch of Endor and Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones, and reflected on the deeper meaning of the Triduum of All Hallows, All Saints, and All Souls. Afterwards, we enjoyed hot cider and a sweet treat.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
Film Screening—A Case for Love
A screening of the 2024 feature-length documentary inspired by "the teachings and writings of Bishop Michael Curry, most well-known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, inspire A CASE FOR LOVE. Through the stories of Americans across the US, this film examines the question of whether or not love, specifically—unselfish—love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
Recology–Waste/Recycling/Composting
Do you have questions about recycling? Here's your chance to ask those specific questions and learn more. Representatives from Recology, the cathedral's recycling provider, will provide information about what to recycle, what to compost, and what to throw away, and what happens to the items we dispose of. Come and learn about how our collective actions make a difference.
A complete video and other resources are now available here.
This event is followed up by a “Beyond the Cart” Community Re-use and Recycling event offered in collaboration with Recology on the cathedral campus, Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more here and download the flier here.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2, 2024
Reflections on the Celtic Pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland
Walking in the footsteps of the saints, in the land of the sacred beauty, is a transformative journey which thirty-five souls from the cathedral community recently made. As Christians, we are all called to make pilgrimage as a spiritual practice, drawing on sacred experiences, near and far. This special forum was designed to share a bit of the flavor, rhythms, challenges, and insights gleaned from the experience on the pilgrimage. Many have asked when we might hear more about the trip—this was the opportunity to do so.
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
Meeting God In Our Busy Lives: The Theology and Practice of Zimzum
FACILITATED BY THE REV. PHIL LABELLE — BISHOP-ELECT OF THE DIOCESE OF OLYMPIA
With overly-packed schedules, many of us wonder if we’ll ever be able to live the lives we yearn for. A life with space for the important things. With a connection to God, others, and the natural world. Jewish mystics suggest that God’s first act of creation was zimzum, a sacrificial self-withdrawal. God needed to open up space within God’s self before God could call forth the cosmos. What might that concept mean for us who are made in the image of God? The Rev. Phil LaBelle joined us for an exploration of the Jewish mystical concept of zimzum, and what it can mean for us today.
UPDATE: a complete video from this presentation is now available here.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
A Spirituality of Hope and Healing
2024/25 WISDOM SCHOOL OPENING PLENARY LED BY THE VERY REV. STEVEN L. THOMASON
Drawing on his decades of experience as a hospice physician and parish priest, Dean Thomason will explore a spirituality of hope, as a virtue worthy of practice especially in challenging times, and a spirituality of healing, as the prevailing gift of peace that comes to those who lean into newfound creativity and freedom.
UPDATE: a complete video and slides from this presentation are now available here.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
The State of Emergency Shelters in Seattle, and a New Women’s Shelter Coming to Saint Mark’s
Join Dean Thomason and invited guests—Deacon Frank DiGirolamo and others from Operation Nightwatch, with whom Saint Mark’s is partnering to provide a new Women’s Shelter on the cathedral property, launching later this fall in space formerly occupied by Gage Academy of Arts in the St. Nicholas building. The shelter will serve up to twenty women nightly and will have showers, laundry, a clinical care room, and lockers where women can secure their belongings. We will begin with a consideration of the lack of adequate shelter beds in Seattle and reasons for it, then learn more about the important ministry of Operation Nightwatch, and finally share some of the details of the new shelter at Saint Mark’s as a sacramental sign of our commitment to seek and serve Christ in all persons. Those present in Bloedel will have the opportunity to tour the rooms in the St. Nicholas building where the shelter will be located.
A video is now available here.