THREE SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 14, 21, & 28, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Reclaiming the Book of Revelation in the Face of Current Events: A Critique of Empire and Christian Nationalism Run Amok
A three-week series by Dean Thomason
UPDATED DESCRIPTION: The Book of Revelation is perhaps the most misunderstood and misappropriated book of the entire Bible. “Rapture Theology” is a thoroughly modern phenomenon that is not actually supported by the Book of Revelation, and yet it has served as the backdrop to current events in which imperial power, Christian Nationalism, Christian Zionism, war in the Middle East, and much more have taken root and hold sway in our society in alarming ways today. Join Dean Thomason as he unpacks current events and Revelation’s unrelenting critique on Empire meant to offer a sustaining hope in the midst of strife. This book is as relevant as ever, but we need to reclaim it and the faith in Christ to which it calls us. Learn more here.
This series of presentations will not be available via Zoom or livestreamed, but it will be recorded, and videos will be posted here shortly after the event.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Interfaith Taizé Forum
Come to Bloedel Hall between the 9 and 11 a.m. liturgies on Sunday, June 1st for an informational forum in preparation for our Interfaith Taizé liturgy to be offered in the cathedral nave on the evening of Tuesday, June 10, a collaboration between the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Taizé Ministry and Clear Mountain Monastery Buddhist Community (the faith community which currently meets on the Saint Mark’s property on Saturday mornings). At this Sunday morning forum, the organizers of this special event will introduce the motivations behind this interfaith liturgy, share about our planning process, and will walk through some elements of the service, including some of the chants, both Buddhist and Taizé. Bring your questions and curiosities, and leave better prepared to appreciate this unique offering.
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Intergenerational Godly Play
Parishioners of all ages are invited to Bloedel Hall between the 9 and 11 a.m. services on Sunday morning May 18, when Canon Emily Griffin will tell the Godly Play Story of The Church, and in response, children are invited to create and build with artist Sandy Nelson. This is an intergenerational opportunity to engage the themes of the Living Stones II Capital Campaign, and the children’s art will be displayed at the all-parish banquet on Friday, June 6.
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Special Dean’s Forum: Why This Capital Project, and Why Now?
Join Dean Thomason as he offers a bit more detail about what has brought us to this point, engaging a capital campaign, Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future, and what we are striving to accomplish in this time. Why now?, some may ask. Come and hear. There will be time to address your questions as well. All are welcome.
A video is now available here.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2025
Joyous Generosity: A Capital Campaign Forum with Consultant Marc Rieke
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a "cheerful giver?" Have you ever thought, "Why is that even important?" Sharing his perspective and experiences of having served 150 churches across denominations in capital campaigns, our Living Stones II consultant, Marc Rieke, will use scripture and story to help us explore what impels us in our giving, and the ways in which the dynamic of joyous generosity is vital in our spiritual lives.
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025
"Ways to Pray in Lent" with Canon Barrie
Each year on Ash Wednesday we are invited to observe a holy Lent, and among the ways we do that is through prayer and reading and meditating on scripture. Come explore what this can look and sound like, in poetry and music, in the Lenten devotional that will be available at the forum, perhaps even with an intergenerational prayer partner, and plan to share a practice that's meaningful to you in this season of repentance and drawing near to God.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
"Friends Talking"—Iconographer Peter Pearson with Dean Thomason
Iconographer, Priest, and Franciscan Brother Peter Pearson will be at Saint Mark's the week of February 12, leading a Wednesday forum on icons as well as a three-day hands-on icon writing workshop. On Sunday, February 16, he will offer a guest sermon at the 9 and 11 a.m. services, and then participate in an informal "Friends Talking" Sunday Morning Forum with Dean Thomason in the 10 a.m. hour. Learn more about Rev. Pearson and his other offerings here.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Sacristan Michael Seewer Sabbatical Report
Cathedral Sacristan and Head Verger Michael Seewer spent seven weeks last fall traveling around Europe, visiting cathedrals and other houses of worship to study their liturgical practices, including several days at the community of Taizé in France. Hear about what he saw and learned at this Sunday morning forum between the 9 and 11 a.m. services in Bloedel Hall.
A complete video is now available here.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., meet in the St. Nicholas Building, just to the northing of the cathedral. (rescheduled from Jan. 12)
Blessing & Dedication of the New Shelter Space
Between the 9 and 11 a.m. services on February 2, Dean Thomason will join representatives from Operation Nightwatch and lay leaders to formally bless the new Emergency Women’s Shelter on the Saint Mark’s Cathedral campus. The shelter is a partnership between Saint Mark's and Operation Nightwatch—street ministry in Seattle in which cathedral members also serve as volunteers—and will be called Donna Jean’s Place at Saint Mark’s, named in honor of Donna Jean Palmberg, whose late husband, Pastor Bud, founded Operation Nightwatch nearly 57 years ago. The shelter will serve up to twenty women nightly, and provide not only beds to sleep in, but showers, laundry, and lockers to store their belongings. There will also be a small clinical room for the women to receive medical and mental health care services. Gather in the space on the first floor of the St Nicholas Building following the 9 a.m. service—signage will guide you.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
A Crash Course in the Principals of Non-Violence
In this forum on MLK Weekend, we'll take a brief look at the fascinating history of non-violence with a special emphasis on the legacy of Bayard Rustin, a student of Mohandus (Mahatma) Gandhi, who brought back his learnings to the leaders of the American Civil Rights movement. A Black gay man and a Quaker, Rustin became a trusted advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr, and was the organizer of the March on Washington. While the principles of non-violence deserve much more time than this forum allows, Canon Barrie will provide resources for further exploration, including the pledge of non-violence and the invitation to a participate in the annual Season for Non-Violence.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2025
“Friends Talking” Forum—Bishop LaBelle and Dean Thomason
Bishop Phil LaBelle was consecrated the ninth Bishop of Olympia last September, and this informal conversation between the 9 and 11 a.m. services on the Sunday of his first official Parochial Visitation is a great opportunity for the cathedral community to continue to get to know our diocese’s new leader, and to hear how things have been going so far.
