SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, December 24, 2023:

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the cathedral nave

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed

The Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

4 p.m. • Christmas Eve Family Service

(Prelude & Carol Sing at 3:45 p.m.) in the nave and and livestreamed

7:30 p.m. • Christmas Eve Eucharist

(Prelude & Carol Sing at 7:10 p.m.) in the nave and livestreamed

11 p.m. • Christmas Eve Eucharist ("Midnight Mass")*

(Prelude & Carol Sing at 10:30 p.m.) in the nave and livestreamed

Monday, December 25, 2023:

The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day

10 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed

*Incense will be used at 11 p.m. only.

Cover photo shows Ray Miller lighting candles in preparation for The Pageant of the Nativity, last Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Photo by Kevin Johnson.

NEW THIS WEEK

Christmas at Saint Mark's

Cathedral services for the Holy Day

Twelfth Night Chilly Dip

A cold plunge in the lake for the new year, January 5

20/30s Caroling Cheer

Sharing joy with Skyline Retirement Community, January 6

January 7 Evensong

First Evensong offering of 2024

Questioning Together + Compline

A monthly 20s/30s gathering

Ignatian Spirituality

A Sunday forum and a Wednesday evening program exploring a profound spiritual practice

Strategic Planning Events

Sunday forum and a Wednesday discussion on the process so far

The Book of Common Prayer

Wednesday forum on a keystone of our liturgical life

"Small Sparks" Grant

Toward a transformation of Leffler Garden

Pageant Video

Last Wednesday's offering available on demand

The complete 2023 Advent/Christmas Schedule of Events is now available here.

CHRISTMAS AT SAINT MARK'S

December 24 falls on a Sunday this year, which means this coming Sunday is both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and (after sunset) also Christmas Eve. The cathedral will offer its usual Sunday morning services at 8, 9, and 11 a.m., and then its usual Christmas Eve services at 4, 7:30, and 11 p.m. that evening. Come early to the Christmas Eve services for the special preludes featuring choral offerings, instrumental music, and beloved carol for all to sing. (Preludes begin at 3:45, 6:10, and 10:30 p.m., respectively)

The 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist is suspended. Compline will NOT be offered. (This is the only situation when Compline at Saint Mark's is cancelled on a Sunday). Classical KING will broadcast an archive recording at 9:30 p.m.

One service is offered on Monday, December 25, at 10 a.m. All the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services are livestreamed. Find more information in the liturgy section at the bottom of this email.

Twelfth Night Chilly Dip

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 6-6:30 P.M., at Madison Park Beach, 1900 43rd Ave. E, Seattle

Meet at the bathhouse at Madison Beach for the first bracing Saint Mark's chilly dip of 2024! After our early evening plunge we'll warm up together back up at the cathedral, in time for the Twelfth Night Eucharist and the Burning of the Greens. If you have questions or would like more information, be in touch with Rev. Linzi.

20s/30s Caroling Cheer

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2 P.M., meet at 120 Broadway (at Yesler)

Come join in for caroling cheer at a few local retirement communities. The vocal adventures will be followed by hot cocoa (or other chocolate-related goodness) at Rey Amargo (722 E Pike St). First, meet at 120 Broadway (Seatte 98122) at 2 p.m. to brush up on singing voices and mingle. Around 2:45, a group will walk to Skyline Retirement Community and carol through the halls from 3–3:45 p.m. Vocal adventures will be followed by a 17 minute walk to Rey Amargo for chocofreshments! Email Betsy if you're interested, and she'll send you the caroling PDF for printing or downloading: betsy.heimburger@gmail.com

Choral Evensong on the First Sunday after the Epiphany

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 4:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

Saint Mark's Cathedral's first offering of Choral Evensong in 2024 is an opportunity to reflect on the themes of baptism, the light of Christ, evangelism, and new beginnings. Raise your voice in praise and prayer to God on the eve of the first full work week of the new year. The Evensong Choir will offer a cheerful setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis by Herbert Brewer, and John Work III's introspective setting of the Negro Spiritual, "This little light of mine."

20s/30s GROUP

Questioning Together + Compline: Exploring the Mystics with The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 7:30-10 P.M., meet in Leffler House

Join in on a discussion focused on the roots of Mysticism, Celtic Spirituality, and how the Mystics practiced a spirituality rooted in discovering the indwelling Divine in all creation. This will be an opportunity to dive deeper into the lives of the Mystics and discuss how exploring Mysticism may enhance our inner spiritual lives and our spiritual community. Questioning Together + Compline is held on the second Sunday of each month. Join in for a conversation exploring a question of faith with a facilitator providing background on the topic. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email Molly Bosch: molly.bosch@outlook.com

SUNDAY FORUM

Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality: Going Deeper in Your Life of Prayer

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 10:10-10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

Come take part in a discussion on the gifts of Ignatian Spirituality. This Christian spiritual tradition is inspired by St. Ignatius Loyola and is a spirituality for everyday life, beckoning us to see that God is ever-present in our world and active in our lives all around us. Learn about the basic tenets of this approach that can support deepening prayer and attuning discernment as we listen to how the Spirit may be moving in our midst. Facilitators include Erin Beary Anderson, Ross Hays, and Dean Steve Thomason. On February 7, a follow-up Cathedral Commons will go deeper into the The Daily Examen, a technique for meaningful reflection of your day (see below).

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Forum on The Book of Common Prayer 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) shapes how Saint Mark’s worships, what we believe, and how we see the world and ourselves in the Episcopal tradition. It is designed to inform every aspect of our lives in rich ways. Join in for a discussion to learn more about its history, language and theology and explore ways to incorporate it into our spiritual lives. Facilitators will include Dean Steve Thomason, James Davidson, Peter Barrie and Canon Wendy Claire Barrie. A physical copy of the BCP or a free online version are not needed to attend but could be helpful to have available. All are invited to join whether you are new to the text or have been engaging with this book for years. 

SUNDAY FORUM

Strategic Planning: What We’ve Learned From YOU!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 10:10-10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

All ages are invited for an interactive forum to engage central themes from the Strategic Planning Committee’s ministry outreach and all-parish survey findings. In addition, there will be an opportunity to make origami gift boxes as we consider the vision of Saint Mark’s shaped by the many gifts Saint Mark’s offers this community. Enjoy light refreshments with an assortment of bagels, spreads and fruit. 

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Special Parish Forum: Strategic Planning Updates

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

Join the Strategic Planning Committee for this special forum that will preview recommendations informing the 2024 Strategic Plan. Committee members will share more about the engagement approach including key themes and learnings from ministry outreach and the all-parish survey. All are encouraged to attend. The Committee was established in July 2023 and charged by the Vestry to develop a plan that envisions the next 18–24 months of being Church in a post-pandemic world. The formal plan will be presented to Vestry at its annual retreat in February. 

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

The Examen: Finding God Across Your Day

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

Usually prayed in the evening, the Daily Examen is a way to help notice and attend to God’s presence throughout the day through prayer. Come learn about the history of this practice with an overview from Dean Steve Thomason, hear experiences from Molly Bosch and Bryan Pansing who learned the Examen in the Jesuit Service Corps, and practice with a guided exercise from Ross Hays and Erin Anderson. Together we will consider what’s bringing us closer to God and what may be creating distance for us? 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Creation Care Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent

The Creation Care Ministry has selected prayers for each Sunday of Advent, as an invitation to the community to remember God's gift of the Earth and our responsibilities to it. This final Advent prayer is offered by The Rev. Edie Weller.

Gracious and loving God,

as we open our hearts in Advent to the coming of Jesus among us,

we give thanks for your holy gift of the Incarnation. 

For in this, Jesus joined in our human nature

and affirmed the material being and beauty of all creation. 

Grant us wisdom and grace to recognize our place in the web of all life

and to commit together to caring for this incomparable gift. 

City of Seattle "Small Sparks" Grant Award

The City of Seattle has awarded a $5,000 Small Sparks grant for revitalization of the Leffler Garden that will increase access to green space for the neighborhood and community. This grant is sponsored by the Cathedral Foundation, and the project activities will include: 

• Making the garden more accessible to parishioners, the neighborhood and the community
• Supporting the partial funding of a new fence to increase visibility from 10th Avenue
• Creating a space of connection and conversation with a weather resistant table and seating area
• Hosting educational opportunities for learning about community gardening (such as the recent Composting Workshop) 
• Building new garden beds and replenish garden supplies 
• Expanding opportunities for composting on campus 

If you are interested in learning more about the project, or being involved in garden work parties, please contact Emily Meeks: emeeks@saintmarks.org

Resources from last Sunday's Creation Care Poetry Reading

Doug Thorpe, Kate Thorpe, and Sarah Reeves shared inspiring poetry for the winter season at last Sunday's forum, December 17, hosted by the Creation Care Ministry. A list of the readings is now available here.

The Pageant of the Nativity 2023

If you missed last Wednesday's extraordinary Pageant, or just watch to watch your favorite parts again, a complete video is now available here, or on the cathedral's YouTube channel here.

FOUR SUNDAYS: JANUARY 7–28, 12:30–2 P.M., Leffler House

The Inquirers’ Class is a four-week series in January that explores the basics of the Christian faith through the Episcopal lens with clergy. Whether you are new to Saint Mark’s, or simply interested in sharing and learning more, you are welcome. The next series meets January 7–28, 2024. See an outline of the series and learn more here. Register for the Inquirers’ Class here

Then, beginning in February 2024 will be a new offering titled 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. The class will meet February 11–April 17, 2024. More information, including session topics, an introductory video from Dean Thomason, and a registration link, can be found here.

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. Questions? Email Canon Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

New Saint Mark's Cathedral Merch Store

One of the many exciting elements last Sunday's Alternative Gift Fair was the official public launch of the Saint Mark's Cathedral Merch Store. You can now order a tee shirt, sweatshirt, shopping bag, coffee mug, apron, or sticker with the cathedral logo, or a unique rose window bandana, from the print-on-demand service Teespring. The cathedral makes a small profit on each sale. Makes great gifts! Additional items and designs are planned for the future. If you'd like to see samples of the items in person, contact Rev. Stahlecker: lstahlecker@saintmarks.org

Sunday, December 24, 2023:

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

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:

2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16

Canticle 15

Romans 16:25–-27

Luke 1:26–38

8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: Alison Estep

Hymns:

O come, O come, Emmanuel [Hymn #56]

Come, thou long expected Jesus [Hymn #66]

Organ:

Rebecca Groom te Velde, Recitative and Rhapsody

J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599

9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

Preacher: Alison Estep

Hymns:

My soul cries out [Canticle of the Turning]

The angel Gabriel from heaven came [Hymn #265]

O come, O come, Emmanuel [Hymn #56]

Choir:

arr. Martin Shaw, Joys Seven

Organ:

Marcel Dupré, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord," from Fifteen Pieces for Vespers of the Holy Mother, Op. 18

J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599

11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: Alison Estep

Hymns:

O come, O come, Emmanuel [Hymn #56]

Savior of the nations, come [Hymn #54]

Creator of the stars of night [Hymn #60]

The angel Gabriel from heaven came [Hymn #265]

Choir:

Kevin Siegfried, Annunciation

Organ:

Rebecca Groom te Velde, Recitative and Rhapsody

Marcel Dupré, "How lovely and how pleasant art thou become in thy delights, O Holy Mother of God," from Fifteen Pieces for Vespers of the Holy Mother, Op. 18

Sunday, December 24, 2023:

The Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord

Download the service leaflets in advance here.

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

Read the Scriptures appointed for Christmas here.

Scripture:

Isaiah 9:2–7

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11–14

Luke 2:1–20)

4 P.M. • CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker

Hymns:

The First Nowell

Once in Royal David's City

Go, tell it on the mountain

O Come, all ye faithful

Angels we have heard on high

What child is this?

Silent Night

Joy to the world!

Choir:

John Rutter, Donkey Carol

Personet hodie

arr. Leo Sowerby, Manger Carol

Organ:

A.D. Miller, Go tell it on the mountain (Gigue)

Craig Phillips, Toccata on Antioch

7:30 P.M. • HOLY EUCHARIST WITH CAROLS

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Most Rev. Melissa Skelton

Hymns:

The First Nowell

Go, tell it on the mountain

O Come, all ye faithful

Angels we have heard on high

Joy to the world!

What child is this?

Silent Night 

Hark! The herald angels sing

Choir:

Carl Schalk, Before the marvel of this night

arr. J.S. Bach, From heaven above to earth I come

Conrad Susa, The shepherds sing from Three Mystical Carols

Philip Stopford, There is no rose

Organ/Brass:

Henry Purcell, Voluntary in C

Marcel Dupré, Nativité from Symphonie-Passion, Op. 23

arr. Percy Grainger, Sussex Mummers' Carol

Tielman Susato, Basse danse bergeret

11 P.M. • HOLY EUCHARIST WITH CAROLS ("MIDNIGHT MASS")

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Most Rev. Melissa Skelton

Hymns:

The First Nowell

Go, tell it on the mountain

O Come, all ye faithful

Angels we have heard on high

Joy to the world!

What child is this?

Silent Night 

Hark! The herald angels sing

Choir:

Otto Goldschmidt, A tender shoot

arr. June Nixon, The holly and the ivy

Herbert Howells, A spotless rose

arr. J.S. Bach, From heaven above to earth I come

Daniel Pinkham, Gloria from Christmas Cantata

Morten Lauridsen, O magnum mysterium

Organ:

Henry Purcell, Voluntary in C

A.D. Miller, Go tell it on the mountain (Gigue)

Marcel Dupré, Nativité from Symphonie-Passion, Op. 23

arr. Percy Grainger, Sussex Mummers' Carol

Tielman Susato, Basse danse bergeret

Monday, December 25, 2023:

Christmas Day: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

10 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

Hymns:

O Come, all ye faithful

Angels we have heard on high

Hark! The herald angels sing

What child is this?

Joy to the world!

Choir:

Harold Darke, In the bleak midwinter

Organ:

Jean-François Dandrieu, Three Noëls with variations

David Willcocks, Toccata on Mendelssohn

All liturgy and repertoire information subject to change.

Each week, those for whom the community has been asked to pray are published each Friday afternoon in the Cathedral Prayer List, found as a PDF at saintmarks.org/prayer

On that same page, find information about joining the cathedral's Prayer Chain, to receive emails about individual prayer requests as they are submitted.

The prayer list is also available in printed form in the back of the nave.

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

Next Offering: 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.