The Monday Connector
March 24, 2025
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Meditation
I know nothing of certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
Vincent Van Gogh
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The Body Together: Learning and
Growing in our Faith
Whether you are brand new to the Episcopal faith, a “cradle Episcopalian,” or somewhere in between, you will want to mark your calendars to join your fellow Saint Markans for this March Sunday Forum series.
We will learn and explore together the history of the Anglican church, the Book of Common Prayer, the Sacraments and finally, what it means to be a Cathedral.
Who this is for: everybody
Sunday, 9:15 am
March 30 – The Sacraments - led by Rev. Kent Rahm
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Our Cathedral and its Culture
Saturday, April 12, 9 am – 12 pm
Library
A Lenten session for everyone. What is a cathedral compared to a parish? What makes Saint Mark's unique as a cathedral community? What gifts/interests do you have and/or want to explore? Join us for this session and meet Cathedral leaders, tour places in the building you may not have seen before, and join together in an instructed Eucharist, learning and talking as we move through this holy meal. Whether you're new to Saint Mark's or already a member, this behind-the-scenes look will make for an insightful, enjoyable morning. Please let Mary Lusk know if you will attend, maryl@ourcathedral.org
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Facing Mortality with Hope
We all find ourselves on the journey to the end of life. It may be our own journey towards death or a journey accompanying a family member, a relative, a friend, or a member of our own community. Planning for the end of life can be a gift to oneself, one's family, and the faith community that has loved you.
The FACING MORTALITY WITH HOPE series addresses three dimensions of end-of-life planning. Our first meeting features the moving story of a family's experience when a loved one is brought home to die and the role hospice played in supporting the dying person and her family. This session offers valuable guidance for planning one's own death, funeral, and disposition of remains.
There is no charge. Register by emailing Joan Olson at jsco@me.com
Date: March 27, 2025
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Place: Community Room
Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
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Lenten Liturgy and Learning: Liberated Love
Wednesday evening, March 26, April 2, 6-8 pm
Join us as we learn about traditions of liberation theology and explore what they mean for our community in this moment. We will integrate songs, readings, and prayers, and our final session will include Holy Eucharist.
Each session begins with song, prayer, and scripture reading. Following will be a time of learning, reflection, and discussion, closing with Compline. Each week will focus on the embodiment of liberation theology in different traditions:
March 26: Queer theology—including stories of LGBTQ+ activism at St Mark’s
April 2: Brief overview of other liberation theologies, such as Palestinian, Indigenous American, disability theology, Black theology, etc.
All are welcome! Mark your calendars and make plans to gather with your Saint Mark’s community as we explore and experience Lent through the lens of liberation theology.
Questions? Contact Clara Sanders at claras@ourcathedral.org
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Lenten Retreat at Saint Mark’s
Rest, Inspiration & Tools for Living Your Baptismal Call
Saturday, March 29th 9am-noon
By way of our Baptism, we are all called to recognize our God-given gifts and put them to the best use possible. Join in a morning of reflection about what this call means to you and consider ways you might adjust habits, strengthen relationships, and build spiritual practices. Enjoy a time of conversation, prayer and reflection followed by the Eucharist.
Also available throughout the morning:
- Tours of Lenten art in the Saint Mark's gallery
- Healing prayer in the nave
- Spiritual directors on hand for small group conversations
Contact Renee Sherman (Reneesherman1@msn.com) to register for this free event
We will be referencing the book Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. The book is available for purchase at the Cathedral book shop as well as on the day of the retreat.
Purchase of the book is optional.
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A Conversation on Hope
Thursday April 3rd, 6 pm central time
Register at www.turquoiseandlavender.com
Why Attend?
- Gain insightful perspectives from faith leaders who embody truth, courage, and hope.
- Engage in an authentic discussion on the power of truth-telling in times of challenge.
- Discover practical wisdom for navigating faith, justice, and transformation.
- Be part of a meaningful community dialogue on the role of hope in today’s world.
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Maundy Thursday Dinner
Thursday, April 17
Saint Mark’s will host a pre-service Mediterranean themed family style dinner before the 7 30 pm service on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
A reception at 6 pm in the banquet room will be followed by dinner at 6:30 with readings from scripture, and dismissal at 7:15 to attend the service at 7:30.
All are welcome, and the cost per person is $15. Registration online here.
If you would like to help with the dinner, contact Inez Bergquist at inez.bergquist@gmail.com
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Climate Justice Spring Round Tables
April 30 , May 7, and May 14, 6-8 pm
The Saint Mark's Climate Justice Ministry will be hosting our spring round table series. Our theme is creation care and our call as Episcopalians to address the problem of climate change and its impact on ourselves and the whole world . No quick or easy answers here, however we will endeavor to help all explore our relationship with the gift of our natural world and how we have become aware of the impacts of climate change .
We will dive into the positive communal responses going on now in our local communities and how we might aid in their work. In our final session we explore what we individually and as Saint Marks can do to change our daily practices to help climate change. We will also focus on the particular effects climate change has on poorer underserved communities in our world. Our meal plan will be pot luck. More details to come later.
David Vaughan, chairperson of the Saint Marks Climate Justice Ministry
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Labyrinth Stations of the Cross at St. Edward's
Come experience the Stations of the Cross as you walk the Labyrinth at St. Edward’s Episcopal Church. Every Friday in Lent from 1pm-7pm the Sanctuary will be open and available to the public. Our address is: 865 Ferndale Road N, Wayzata, MN 55391
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Pocket prayer shawls
The Knitting Ministry has been hard at work creating pocket prayer shawls for you to use or to share. They are small (3-4”) knitted squares designed to keep in your pocket or purse. Our hope is that you will keep one with you as a reminder of God’s great love for you. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, these pocket prayer shawls will be in baskets in the common areas around the church. Please feel free to take one for yourself or give away to someone who might need a little comfort.
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Saint Mark's Library
Greetings,
Sandy Longfellow and I have inherited the care and maintenance of the SMEC Library book collection . The books in the collection range from general topics such as fiction, biography, history , social justice, and poetry, to books more focused on church life such as church history, spirituality, prayer , grief, and theology. The collection includes books for adults, children, and teenagers. Visit the display for Lent and check out a book to deepen your Lenten experience and your call to serve!
Books check out for 4 weeks. If you currently have something in your home that belongs to the SMEC library, we ask that you return it at your earliest convenience.
Welcome to the Library and happy browsing!
Jen Long and Sandy Longfellow, Saint Mark's members
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Easter Flower Ministry
The Altar Guild would like to invite all who are interested to participate in the annual Easter Flower ministry of remembering their loved ones by contributing to the Easter flower fund. Each memorial - or in honor of - is $35.00.
You can send a check to:
Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral - Attn: Flowers
519 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
There are order forms available in the pews and at each door as you enter the Nave that will give you the opportunity to order specific plants. Easter lilies will be ordered if you do not specify otherwise. Please remember to include the names of the persons being remembered or honored. You are welcome to take the flowers home after the 10:30 am service on Easter Sunday, April 20. Any plants left over will be donated to the Saint Mark's landscape ministry.
In order for the names to appear in the Easter bulletins, requests must arrive at the church office by Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Thank you for participating in this valued ministry.
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Wells Foundation grant spotlight:
ALIGN MINNEAPOLIS
The Wells Foundation is a philanthropic non-profit managed by Saint Markans to grant funds to organizations who serve the needs of our communities.
Read about one of them here:
Align Minneapolis is an interfaith collaboration of 18 Minneapolis churches, synagogues, and mosques, including Saint Mark's. Their services include an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program that focuses on preventing homelessness from occurring following a short-term financial emergency. In 2024 the ERA program provided direct assistance to 132 households. Sunday Night Supper community meals held every Sunday at Minneapolis Churches, are hosted and provided by Align Minneapolis member congregations and are free and open to all.
The Wells Foundation is proud to financially support Align's mission through annual grants.
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Sunday Morning Forums
Join in these adult learning opportunities Sundays at 9:15 am for a time for learning, questions, and connecting in community.
March 30 – The Sacraments, led by Rev. Kent Rahm
April 6 - Governance presents and discusses changes to the Cathedral constitution
April 13 - Palm Sunday - Entering Jerusalem with Jesus; preparing for Holy Week and its distinctive liturgies
April 20 - Easter - no forum
April 27 - Discussion of Holy Cow Cat survey, led by Karen Olson and our Vestry
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Fellowship on Sundays
Every Sunday, enjoy fellowship, coffee, and treats between 9am and 12:30pm in the Community Room.
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Gospel Based Discipleship
Fridays, 12:15 pm, online via Zoom
Gospel Based Discipleship is a weekly online meeting to read a passage of scripture and reflect on its meaning. There is no curriculum, no instructor. This is not a class, but a space for thought and reflection, a sort of "mini-retreat" from the week's busyness.
Access the Zoom link here. The gathering lasts only 45-50 minutes, from 12:15 pm until about 1 pm.
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Knitting Ministry
Saint Mark’s has had a group of dedicated knitters for many years. We make prayer shawls, scarves and baby blankets to bless and give to those in need. We welcome new knitters, no matter what your skill level is. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to noon in the library. Please join us! Questions may be directed to gather@ourcathedral.org.
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Gathering Groups
As a way to connect and to grow as disciples of Jesus, Saint Mark’s has a variety of groups based on interest, affinity, or time. Two groups that meet monthly, with a set schedule, are these:
Women’s group: Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm, in the Library.
Men’s group: Fourth Saturday of the month, 9:00 am, in the Library.
Please join us whenever it fits your schedule!
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Building hours for Winter:
Sunday 8am-6pm
Monday 9am-4pm
Tuesday 9am-4pm
Wednesday 9am-8pm
Thursday 9am-4pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9am-2pm
On occasion, building hours will vary.
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