SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, November 19, 2023:

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost

8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the cathedral nave

10 a.m. • Godly Play

in the St Nicholas Bldg, 2nd floor

10:10 a.m. • Sunday Forum on The Pageant of the Nativity

in Bloedel Hall

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist*

in the nave and livestreamed

12:30 p.m. • QuiC Book Discussion

in Leffler House Living Room

2 p.m. • A Visit to Brier Patch Farm

at 22526 Hickory Way, Brier, WA

7 p.m. • Contemplative Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed

1o p.m. • Organ by Night

in the nave and organ loft

Photo from All Saints' Sunday 2023 by Kevin Johnson.

NEW THIS WEEK

Strategic Planning Survey

open now through November 30

2023 Giving Tree

an opportunity to share generously

Isaiah, the Prophet of Advent

a three-part Wednesday evening series

The 2023 "O" Antiphons Liturgy

a beloved Saint Mark's tradition

Ordinations

to the transitional diaconate

An Advent Quiet Morning

at Saint Mark's, December 16

The Concert for the Human Family

a save the date for February 2024

Honoring Peter Hallock

this Sunday, the 99th anniversary of his birth

Phishing Text Message Scam

be on alert for fake requests

STRATEGIC PLANNINC COMMITTEE

Strategic Planning Survey Now Live

SURVEY OPEN NOW UNTIL NOVEMBER 30

The Strategic Planning Committee invites you to complete a brief, anonymous survey. Responses will help develop and guide a shared vision for this community as we engage our mission and ministries in the next 18-24 months. Find the online survey here. If you would like a paper copy of the survey, contact Erik Donner (206.323.0300 x217). Please submit your responses by Thursday, November 30. Learn more about the Strategic Planning Committee here.

Visual Connection on Spiritual Practices

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, THROUGH NOVEMBER 26

Between November 19 and November 26, please visit a new Strategic Planning activity on transformation in the Nave. As we give thanks for our blessings, we invite you to bring pictures, photos or poems of your own sources of transformation and attach them to a large painted poster board. Share your transformation with others and marvel at the wide variety of spiritual practices that center us. Extra supplies will be provided for those who are inspired on the spot.

Please email Alexandra at alexandra.thompson98126@gmail.com or Elli at qwertynerd97@gmail.com if you have any questions. Please visit the Strategic Planning website for more information. 

Creation Care Ministry monthly meeting

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 6:30–7 P.M., via Zoom

The November Creation Care Ministry monthly meeting scheduled for November 21 will be HELD ON ZOOM ONLY. This meeting was previously announced as taking place in person, but will be on zoom only, as usual. We hope to have in-person meetings quarterly, beginning in 2024. Watch for more details about those meetings, and please join us anytime. The link for the November 21 meeting on Zoom is here.

2023 Giving Tree

AVAILABLE IN THE NAVE NOVEMBER 23 THROUGH DECEMBER 10

This year's Giving Tree will be in the nave beginning on Thanksgiving Day. As we have in years past, the cathedral will be supporting the children and families of Lowell Elementary, Casa Latina, and Mary's Place.

Choose a tag from the tree, buy a gift, and bring it back to Saint Mark's to be blessed at the altar on Sunday, December 10. (The gifts need to be delivered to Lowell School before classes end.) You can also order directly from the Lowell School wishlist or the Mary's Place wishlist (with or without taking a tag), or make a donation at saintmarks.org/give using the "Casa Latina and Lowell School Gift Cards" line.

Your generosity means an enormous amount to these families in our community. If you have questions about the Giving Tree, please contact The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker: lstahlecker@saintmarks.org

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Isaiah, the Prophet of Advent 

THREE WEDNESDAYS: NOVEMBER 29, DECEMBER 6 & 13, 2023, 6:45–8:15 P.M., Presenters on Zoom. Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family). 

led by The Rev. Hillary Raining, Ph.D., The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty, and Canon Wendy Barrie

Join former Saint Mark's Theologian-in-residence, The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, for this three-session series centering on the wisdom of the Prophet Isaiah. Each section will focus on an essential and living affirming theme from this book of prophecy. We will explore how Isaiah has been used in the Christian tradition, especially in the mysterious Advent season.

Program is free. The presenters will be on Zoom. Those attending the community dinner in Bloedel Hall at 6 p.m. will participate in the forum together in Room 210.

Check out Dr. Raining's brief trailer for the series:

Collecting Old Christmas Cards for New Project...

Saint Mark's Intergenerational Ministries is collecting old Christmas cards, scraps of holiday gift wrap, and colorful ribbons for an all-ages Christmas card and ornament-making activity table at the Alternative Gift Market on December 3. You may drop off your items in the church office during the week or in a basket in the coffee corner this Sunday or next. Contact Canon Barrie with questions: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

The "O" Antiphons—Advent Procession with Lessons & Carols

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023, 7 P.M., in the cathedarl nave and livestreamed

Saint Mark's offers The "O" Antiphons Advent Procession with Lessons and Carols each year on the first Sunday evening of Advent. Pageantry, prayer, scripture readings, and music unite to draw worshipers deeply into the identity of the One most longed for. The particular form of this liturgy used at the cathedral was invented here, first presented in 1986, and is today used by churches around the world. It is a highlight of the liturgical year at Saint Mark's for many.

For the 2023 "O" Antiphons liturgy, the Compline Choir, Senior Choristers of the Choir School, and Cathedral Choir will adorn the opening procession by singing Peter Hallock's dramatic setting of the 5th-century hymn From lands that see the sun arise. The "O" Antiphons themselves will be sung in a graceful setting by the 20th-century Canadian composer Healey Willan. The congregation and choirs together will sing a hymn published in 2006 by Mary Louise Bringle, Now the heavens start to whisper, and a new tune by Jack Burnam for the classic Advent hymn The King shall come when morning dawns, among other well-known hymns of the season. Incense will be used. Learn more about the liturgy and see material from previous years here.

Ordinations to the Transitional Diaconate

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 10:30 A.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

By the Grace of God and the People Consenting, our Bishop Provisional, The Most Rev. Melissa M. Skelton, will ordain six candidates to the transitional diaconate. (This is an ordination to the order of Deacons for those who intend to later be ordained as priests.) Two of the candidates, Phillip Lienau and Robert Gary Stevens, have been raised up for ordination from Saint Mark's Cathedral. The other candidates are Theresa L. Newell, Lisa Bozarth Ozaeta, Martin William Pommerenke, III, and Myra Ryneheart Corcorran. All are invited to attend in person or via livestream. The festival color is red.

40s/50s Holiday Brunch

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 12:30 P.M., Leffler Living Room

Let's celebrate the season together! The 40s/50s group will hold their Christmas brunch in Leffler House on Sunday, December 10. Dress in your most festive attire and bring a dish to share as we enjoy fellowship and good food while honoring Advent. Sign up to contribute using this link. Questions? Contact Kristine Ekman at krisekman@aol.com  

An Advent Quiet Morning

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 9 A.M. TO NOON, Leffler House

Saint Mark's annual Advent Quiet Morning will be offered this year on Saturday, December 16. This morning of Spiritual Retreat, in the comfortable Living Room at Leffler House, will include Centering Prayer, a meditative Breathwork session (lead by guest teacher Andrew Ragan), and a Contemplative Eucharist. There will be ample spaciousness for rest in the sacred stillness, for journaling, and for personal prayer. The Quiet Morning is offered at no charge, but freewill donations will be gratefully received. Space is limited, so registration is required, please email Rev. Linzi with questions or to reserve your spot: lstahlecker@sanitmarks.org

SAVE THE DATE

Concert for the Human Family

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024, in the cathedral nave. Free admission.

Multicultural Ministries & Community Transformation and Saint Mark's Cathedral are excited to welcome back Concert for the Human Family: "an inspiring collaboration between award-winning musicians and church leaders who believe in the power of music and storytelling to foster Beloved Community. Experience genre-bending original music that bridges jazz, hip-hop and bluegrass, performed by a multicultural team led by Nashville pianist and composer Kory Caudill and hip-hop artist Wordsmith. All woven with sacred stories to launch conversation around reconciliation, healing and justice in the communities we call home."

Register here. (Ticket are free!) Stay tuned for more info about a Sacred Ground dinner beforehand and other ways to engage!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Honoring Peter Hallock's 99th Birthday

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, at Compline (9:30 p.m. in the nave and livestreamed) and The Organ Loft (10 p.m. on Classical KING)

Composer, countertenor, and choir director Dr. Peter R. Hallock (1924–2014) served as Organist and Choirmaster of Saint Mark's Cathedral from 1951 to 1991. He founded The Compline Choir in 1956 and led that choir until 2009. This Sunday, November 19, would have been his 99th birthday. The Compline Choir will mark this occasion with a special Office of Compline this Sunday featuring favorite compositions by Hallock, and concluding with the world premiere of a new anthem, titled Hymn for an Anonymous Musician, by The Compline Choir's composer-in-residence, Erin Aas.

Immediately following the radio broadcast of the office of Compline, Classical KING (98.1 FM or king.org) will air a special edition of The Organ Loft, one of the station's longest-running programs, honoring of Peter Hallock and his music. The Organ Loft is hosted by Roger Sherman, Associate Organist Emeritus of Saint Mark's. This week's special program will include some not-so-well known music of Peter Hallock as a singer, composer, and choral conductor. 

Sunday's offerings form a prelude to the events coming up 2024, which will mark both the 100th anniversary of Hallock's birth, and the 10th anniversary of his death. Learn more about Hallock at 100 on the website of the Peter R. Hallock Institute, here.

Organ by Night

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 10 P.M. (following Compline), in the nave or organ loft

Michael Plagerman will offer this month's Organ by Night music following Compline this Sunday, November 19. He serves as Director of Sacred Music at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Seattle. He will play works by Charles-Marie Widor and Felix Mendelssohn. On every third Sunday of the month, organists offer 20 minutes of music on the mighty Flentrop organ, and encourage listeners to join them in the gallery to see and hear the organ and organist up close. They are also happy to answer questions about the music and the organ itself. 

Phishing Text Message Scam Alert

A message was recently sent to the parish announcing that community members have been receiving fake text messages to their mobile phones purporting to come from Dean Thomason. These messages are a scam, and should be deleted without responding. No one from Saint Mark's will ever ask you "for a favor" to send money or gift cards to a third party. See the full message here.

REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY

2024 Women's Retreat Registration Opens November 13

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, APRIL 19–21, 2024, at St. Andrew’s House Retreat Center in Union, WA

Saint Mark’s women will gather at St. Andrew’s House on the Hood Canal for a weekend of play, rest, and spiritual reflection. The theme for the retreat is Contemplation & Community. There will be plenty of time for connecting with new people and deepening existing friendships, as well as exploring the beautiful setting through walks and/or a cold plunge in the canal. Participants will have the opportunity to create art, try out new spiritual practices, and share their stories with one another. 

Registration opens Monday, November 13. Most rooms at St. Andrew’s House are double occupancy, but some singles are available. Total cost for the retreat, including all meals and lodging, is $260 for a double room and $325 for a single room. To register after November 13, 1) email Canon Jennifer at jkdaugherty@saintmarks.org and let her know if you need a single, and 2) make a $50 deposit through the cathedral website or by mailing a check to Erik Donner at the cathedral. During the first week of registration, priority will be given to those who were not able to attend the retreat in 2023.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Upcoming Formation Opportunities in 2024: The Inquirers’ Class and Contours of the Christian Life

The Inquirers’ Class is a four-week series in January that explores the basics of the Christian faith through the Episcopal lens with clergy. New this upcoming year will be Contours of the Christian Life, a seven-week series on Wednesday evenings to journey with others during Lent to go deeper into questions of faith as Episcopalians (check out this preview video from Dean Thomason to learn more). Both the Inquirers’ Class and Contours of the Christian Life offer opportunity to prepare for baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation, although this is not required to participate. Registration is now open; register for the Inquirers’ Class here and for Contours of the Christian Life here. Questions? Email Canon Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

UPDATED DESCRIPTION

The World is About to Turn: A Diocesan 20s/30s Advent Gathering

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 9 A.M.–3 P.M., at Diocesan House, 1551 10th Ave E, Seattle

20s/30s from across the Diocese of Olympia are invited to join in for an exploration of Advent to consider the meaning and relevance of this season in today’s context. Advent is a time of focused preparation and waiting that readies us for a deeper experience of both the birth of Christ and the "Second Advent" or return of Christ. During this holy and often busy season, you are invited to take part in this day of reflection as we connect to faith, other young adults in their 20s and 30s, and God's goodness. Speakers include: Sonja Lund (Chaplain Resident, Virginia Mason Franciscan Hospital), The Rev. Nic Mather (St. Stephen's, Longview), The Rev. Malcolm McLaurin (Holy Cross, Redmond), The Rev. Canon Britt Olson (St. Luke's Ballard), and The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson (Diocese of Olympia Canon for Multicultural Ministries and Community Transformation). Activities will include: continental breakfast, theological discussion and reflection, music, lunch, wreath and icon making, closing liturgy and labyrinth walk. Childcare is available (make your request in the registration form). Learn more and register here. Questions? Email Emily: emeeks@saintmarks.org

Faith Action Network Annual Dinner

THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 4:30-7:30 P.M., Renton Pavilion Events Center

Come to the Faith Action Network’s (FAN) Annual Dinner! Open your experience to this diverse group from over 150 faith communities. FAN is a statewide, multifaith partnership striving for just, compassionate, and sustainable communities through courageous advocacy and public action. Learn what you can do to make the lives of Washingtonians more just, equitable, and sustainable. Register here. Saint Mark’s has purchased a table for eight—you can register for the Saint Marks’ table for $87.50, or register as an individual for $95. Register soon, this dinner always sells out. The event will be held at the Renton Pavilion Events Center, 233 Burnett Avenue South Renton, WA 98057. This year’s theme is United in Hope—The Power of Multifaith Action. Contact Tom Sunderland with questions: tsunderland@mail.com

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Many Messiahs Community Circle at All Pilgrims Church

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 10:30 A.M., at All Pilgrims Church, 500 Broadway E, Seattle. Free and open to the public, no RSVP needed.

Many Messiahs is a new holiday concert that strives to bring racial justice to concert halls and beyond, co-created and performed by a diverse collective of artists who borrow source material from Handel's beloved Messiah. The event is led by Tonya Abernathy, facilitator and vocalist, and Aaron Grad, Many Messiahs artistic director and guitar. Leading up to our world premiere at Meany Center for the Performing Arts on December 16, we will be gathering with local communities, using songs from Many Messiahs as conversation starters to connect, heal and rejoice. Anyone who comes will get to enjoy fellowship, refreshments, and a chance to sing in a group—no musical experience necessary! Learn more at manymessiahs.com

FUNERALS

A funeral for The Rev. Jerry Shigaki will be offered

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

Sunday, November 19, 2023:

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost

Download the service leaflets in advance here.

Join the 11 a.m. service via livestream here.

Read the Scriptures appointed for this Sunday here.

Scripture:

Zephaniah 1:7, 12–18

Psalm 90

1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

Matthew 25:14–30

8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker

Hymns:

O God, our help in ages past [Hymn #680]

Lord Christ, when first thou cam’st to earth [Hymn #598]

Organ:

Rebecca Groom te Velde, Aria on a Ground (St. Anne)

Vincent Lübeck, Präludium in E Major

9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Rev. Edie Weller

Preacher: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker

Hymns:

O God, our help in ages past [Hymn #680]

Signs of ending all around us [WLP #721] 

Choir:

Orlando Gibbons, Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round

Johann Sebastian Bach, Zion hört die wächter singen, from Cantata BWV 140 (Wachet auf!)

Organ:

Heinrich Scheidemann (after Hieronymus Praetorius), Benedicam Domino

Vincent Lübeck, Präludium in E Major

11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

Preacher: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker

Hymns:

Lord Christ, when first thou cam’st to earth [Hymn #598]

O God, our help in ages past [Hymn #680]

Signs of ending all around us [WLP #721] 

Choir:

Peter R. Hallock, My soul, sing the praise of the Lord

Benjamin Britten, A Hymn of Saint Columba

Organ:

Heinrich Scheidemann (after Hieronymus Praetorius), Benedicam Domino

Vincent Lübeck, Präludium in E Major

7 P.M. • CONTEMPLATIVE EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider: The Rev. Edie Weller

Musician: Page Smith, cello

A beloved Seattle tradition since 1956. Broadcast live on KING 98.1 FM, and king.org; livestreamed on saintmarks.org and Facebook and YouTube; and available as a podcast. Learn more here.

Special service honoring the 99th birthday of Dr. Peter R. Hallock, founder of the Compline Choir

Highlights:

Peter R. Hallock, Bring us, O Lord God

Peter R. Hallock, Psalms 134 & 4

Peter R. Hallock, Nunc dimittis (2-part setting with bells)

Erin Aas, A Hymn for an Anonymous Musician [World Premiere]

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH*, 12:30 P.M., meet in the rear of the nave following the 11 a.m. service.

*PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Newcomers' Coffee in December. The next offering will be January 7.

A newcomers' coffee with clergy is offered on the first Sunday of each month immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday service. This coffee hour is offered especially for newcomers, guests, or anyone who has questions about the cathedral community and liturgies. Gather in the back of the nave.

Email newcomers@saintmarks.org if you cannot attend in person, or with any other questions. And as always, please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested.

Weekday Prayer Services

Daily Morning Prayer is offered by St. Paul's, Seattle, weekdays at 8:30 a.m., online via Zoom only. Members of the cathedral community are encouraged to participate.

Daily Evening Prayer is offered Monday–Friday at 6 p.m., online via Zoom only.

Thursday Morning: A service of Holy Eucharist is offered in person in Thomsen Chapel 7 a.m. on the 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of the month only. On the 2nd/4th Thursdays of the month, an online-only prayer service is offered via Zoom at 7 a.m. instead.

Contemplative Prayer

MOST TUESDAYS, 7–8 P.M., in the cathedral nave

This time of meditative prayer is open to anyone who yearns for a time to simply sit in the presence of the Divine—whether you sit regularly and miss doing it with others, are curious, or think you can’t do it, come, sit together and talk about it. Meetings begin with a period of silent meditation, followed by discussions on a variety of contemplative practices including Centering Prayer. There is no doing it right or wrong; there is only doing it. Read more here. Email Phil with questions: phil@philfoxrose.com