11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist with Vestry Installation

in person and livestreamed

in person and livestreamed

My Tree: Reception, Screening, and Discussion

Lenten Forum with Dean Thomason

QUICK LINKS: LEAFLETS | CATHEDRAL PRAYER LIST | VIDEO ARCHIVE | SERMONS | CALENDAR

THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 10 A.M., Bloedel Hall

THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, immediately following the 11 a.m. service

A newcomers' coffee with clergy is normally offered on the first Sunday of each month immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday service, but February's gathering was moved to the second Sunday, February 12, due to the Annual Meeting and Elections.

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!

On the second Sunday of the month a special offering is collected to support several food programs in the Seattle area. Please give generously in the boxes in the rear of the nave, or electronically. Choose “Hunger offering” on saintmarks.org/give, or use Venmo (information on the back page of the leaflet) and write “Hunger Offering” in the memo line. Contact Vicky Greenbaum to learn more or to get involved: vgreenbaum1@gmail.com

Gareth Higgins: How Not To be Afraid

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

Gareth Higgins is a writer, broadcaster, academic and activist originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. In his new book, How Not to Be Afraid, he delves into the mechanisms of fear, as well as the quiet, immense strength of individuals and communities that refuse to let it reign. Grounded in personal experience and expert reflection on violence, conflict transformation, and trauma recovery, Higgins traces vulnerability as strength to address seven common fears that plague each of us at some point in our lives. By examining such topics as the fear of being alone, the fear of not having enough, and the fear of violence and death, he invites readers into habits of hope rooted in Celtic spirituality and the mysteries of love. Watch the 2-minute book trailer below, and learn more here.

Program is free; join online using this Zoom link; no need to register for in-person attendance. Optional community dinner served at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family).

2023 Film Series Launch: My Tree

RECEPTION: 6 P.M., Bloedel Hall

FILM AND PROGRAM: 7 P.M., Bloedel Hall and via Zoom

The Tenth Annual Saint Mark's Mideast Focus Film Series has begins with My Tree (2021). It takes us to a world of secrets hidden by silence—and reminds us that, often, we "know not what (we) do." Gifted with "a tree in Israel" at his bar mitzvah, a young Canadian sets out to find his tree and enters a labyrinth of dead ends. What he learns is life-changing, and raises questions for all of us. The special guest for the post-film discussion will be clinical psychologist Mark Braverman. There will be a reception celebrating our 10th year of this series, beginning at 6 p.m. in Bloedel Hall. The film will follow at 7 p.m., and discussion will follow the film. If you are not ready to attend in person, the film and discussion will be available via Zoom, as in recent years. To join, request the link for the film series by sending an email to: seattlemideastfocus@gmail.com

Lent begins this year on February 22, and as usual, the Ash Wednesday liturgy with Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes will be offered three times that day: at 7 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m. The noon and 7 p.m. services will be livestreamed. There will be no Evening Prayer, community dinner, or Cathedral Commons program on that day.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

For several years we’ve invited every adult at Saint Mark’s, regardless of age, to engage in the Lenten spiritual practice of planning your funeral as a gift to your loved ones, and to prepare (or review) your will and estate plans. As Christians, we do not deny death as a reality of life, but we deal honestly with the stark truth that we all die. Lent is an especially appropriate time for this, and all are welcome to attend. Resources are available at saintmarks/funeral and will be posted here as the event approaches,. Contact Dean Thomason for more information: sthomason@saintmarks.org

Volunteers are needed to help with cooking classes for 4th/5th graders on Mondays and Tuesdays in March. Shifts are available in the morning and afternoon. Classes are under the direction of Solid Ground and roles include helping prep food and managing the classroom during cooking instruction. Last spring, an outdoor garden began taking shape, including vegetables and berries, with the help of Saint Mark's volunteers. This is another opportunity for students to learn about healthy foods. If you are interested, please contact the volunteer coordinator, Sara Jo Pietraszewski, who can guide you through the volunteer sign-up process: sjpietraszew@seattleschools.org

A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey and northern Syria Monday. The reported death toll is over 11,000 and climbing after thousands of buildings crumbled, burying civilians beneath the rubble. At least 78 massive aftershocks have already been reported, and more are expected in the coming days. Episcopal Relief and Development is already on the ground helping affected communities, and Saint Mark's encourage everyone to make a special donation in support of their efforts. Donate using this link.

Saint Mark's also encourages donations to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. (The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem extend to northern Syria.) They will be rebuilding in affected communities over the long term.

If you missed last Sunday's Annual Meeting, materials and information distributed at the meeting are available here. Read the 2022 Annual Report here. The slate of candidates for diocesan convention delegate and the bylaws revision were approved by acclamation. The new Vestry members elected were: Greg Hamm, Peter Snyder, Doug Thorpe, and Alexandra Thompson. The Dean appointed Scott Hulet as Senior Warden. Pro Christo et Ecclesia medals were awarded to Emily Meeks and Marc Aubertin. The Cathedral Cross was awarded to Walter Stuteville. Watch a complete video of the meeting here.

In 2022, the Washington legislature revised the Non-Profit Corporations Act (RCW 24.03A) which applies to St. Mark’s. The Vestry undertook to revise the St. Mark’s Bylaws to comply with the new statute. The most significant revisions relate to rights of transparency and participation by members in a non-profit. While The Vestry usually votes on any Bylaws revisions, because the revisions under the new statute impact member rights they were voted on by Parish Communicants in Good Standing at the Annual Meeting on February 5, 2023. The proposal to amend the bylaws was approved unanimously. A copy of the revisions to the Bylaws can be found at this link. 

Videos are now available of recent events and discussions, which you can watch on-demand at your convenience. Recent videos include The 2023 Annual Parish Meeting and Elections, last week's popular Cathedral Commons offering with Jeremy Crawford of Wizards of the Coast, The Hero's Journey and the Liturgy, and the most recent Climate Conversation. These videos and many more can also be found gathered in a YouTube playlist here .

The beautiful video on planned giving to the Cathedral, featuring Re Knack, Rob & Penny Reid, and The Rev. Josh Hosler which was presented at the Annual Meeting can be seen below or here.

Did you miss the last monthly Climate Conversation? No worries. A video recording, slide presentation, and additional resources from the recent conversation about reducing consumption are available to view and download here. Register for the Zoom link for future Conversations here, and plan to join us for the next Climate Conversation on March 14 at 6:30 p.m.when we will discuss Recycling. PLEASE NOTE: the time for these conversation has changed to 6:30, and beginning in March they will be offered on the second Tuesday of the month rather than the first.

How can we be better listeners, learners, and activists in the work of seeking and serving Christ in all persons? The Restorative Justice Council seeks to help provide opportunities for parishioners to engage in this work together and consider the connections with the Statement of Lament and Commitment to Action. Each month there will be resources and links that can be a step into the work of restorative justice.

On February 4, 2023, the Meals Sharing Ministry enjoyed preparing and serving breakfast to the guests of First Covenant Church on Capitol Hill for the second month in its new relationship with First Covenant Church. Volunteers Cinda Madonna, Connor Harrison, Peter Snyder, Emily Austin, Jay Quarterman, and Sandy Piscatello cooked and served an egg and cheese casserole, apple granola, salsa accompaniment, orange juice and coffee. Over 25 guests ate a hearty and healthy breakfast thanks to the contributions of time and talent from our volunteers.

The Saint Mark’s Meals Sharing Ministry continues to build relationships with other venues in Seattle to help combat hunger. Meanwhile, the Ministry continues to offer volunteer spots with Teen Feed to feed homeless youth in the University area. To volunteer and join in the fun, please contact Deborah Person at Deborah.person@gmail.com, Maris Olsen at maris.olsen@gmail.com, or Chris Rigos at crigos33@gmail.com

Saint Mark’s Singers wants YOU. Saint Mark’s Singers, the adult choir which sings in the 9 a.m. Eucharist on Sundays, has several openings for new members. Do you feel God calling you to offer your time to a cathedral ministry, enjoy singing, want to learn more about the music of the church, seek a friendly community to join? Any or all of these are great reasons to contact Michael Kleinschmidt, Canon for Cathedral Music: mkleinschmidt@saintmarks.org No audition is required, just a brief, in-person meeting with Canon Kleinschmidt to discuss how your hopes and dreams intersect with Saint Mark’s musical ministries.

The cathedral's front office needs friendly faces to answer the phone, let visitors in through the office doors, and to help with occasional office duties. Opportunities are available on Wednesdays and Fridays This is a critical role at the cathedral—often the first face visitors to Saint Mark's see—and it can also be a lot of fun! If interested, please contact Erik Donner: edonner@saintmarks.org

A message from Cathedral Sacristan Michael Seewer: "We are looking for ushers at the 11 a.m. liturgy on Sundays! Being an usher is awesome. You get to welcome people as they arrive for the liturgy and help them find a seat, walk around during the service, count people, help people, collect money, be a part of the campus safety team and live out your Baptismal Covenant by 'seeking and serving Christ in ALL persons!' You might be called to this ministry if you like order, enjoy counting, and enjoy physical activity. Want to learn more? Speak to Wayne Duncan, Kathy Sodergren, or me: mseewer@saintmarks.org "

Ash Wednesday this year falls on February 22—there are just three Sundays remaining before Lent begins. The ashes used in the Ash Wednesday liturgy are made by burning palm leaves distributes at last year's Palm Sunday service, so please bring any palms you may have in your home to church on February 12 or 19. Place palms in the baskets located near the entrance to the nave. The palms will be burned at the conclusion of the Shrove Tuesday celebration on February 21. Contact Sacristan Michael Seewer with questions: mseewer@saintmarks.org

Forward Day by Day: New Issue Available

Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional published quarterly by Forward Movement, containing scripture, reflections, and prompts to prayer for each day of the year. For many years at Saint Mark's issues were made available (in both pocket-size and large-print version) to anyone who wanted one, in the rear of the nave. At this time there is no longer a place for them in the nave, so the new issue (covering February, March, and April), is now available just inside the office entrance, on the table beneath the community bulletin board. This resource is made available to the community through the generosity of anonymous parishioners.

SEVEN THURSDAYS BEGINNING FEBRUARY 16, 9 A.M. Pacific, streaming online, or watch on demand. Registration and fee required.

The Rev. Dr. Hilary Raining's memorable turn as Saint Mark's Theologian-in-residence has concluded, but Dean Thomason would like to alert the congregation to a very special 7-part workshop led by Dr. Raining that begins on February 16.

Transform fear and spiritual trauma with wisdom from the great mystics, Indigenous spirituality, and trauma-informed research—as you cultivate your own sustaining practice for joy, peace, and lifelong spiritual growth. Explore the next evolution of Christianity, and connect with a more fulfilling, experiential, and grounded relationship with the Divine. In today’s world, why are even the most devoted spiritual seekers feeling anxiety about the future? Join Hillary for a brand-new 7-week live video course as she guides you to understand the chaotic transitions of the world in a whole new light, as a necessary birth into a more sacred way of being. You’ll learn from great mystics and Indigenous traditions—including Native American and Celtic—to cultivate peace and a deep awareness of where Spirit has been speaking to you in your life. You’ll explore where you need support to heal and use your gifts as you respond to this era of spiritual transformation and growth.

Read much more, see an endorsement from a familiar face, and find out how to register here

Are you looking for a new discipline for a holy Lent to prepare for Easter? Deepening your listening skills might be just that discipline. Consider attending Listener Training at Underhill House, a quiet place to pause for prayer. Our Listeners come 1–2 times per month, on a Thursday, to sit in sacred silence and pray. Roles include greeting guests and, if desired, listening to what brings them in that day and offering a prayer. The next Listener Training is Wednesday, February 15 from 12–2:30 p.m. at Underhill House, on Capitol Hill near Broadway and Republican. Come and discern—no commitment necessary to attend training. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please contact Susan Dean at susan@underhillhouse.org. To learn more please visit our web site at www.underhillhouse.org/partners. 

The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace in the Cathedral Nave

SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 3 P.M., in the cathedral nave

Choir of the Sound (A Saint Mark's Cathedral Artist-in-residence choir) and Thalia Symphony present Karl Jenkins’ powerful The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. Using the structure of the Latin mass, various secular and other religious texts, and the ancient tune "L’homme armé," Jenkins confronts the horrors of war before demanding a recommitment to peace. 

Tickets $27 at the door; advance tickets at: choirofthesound.org/shows —discounts for seniors and youth. Questions and box office help is available at info@choirofthesound.org or 206.528.9990

The Seattle Choral Company presents: The Fruit of Silence featuring John Rutter’s Requiem

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 8 P.M., in the cathedral nave; Pre-concert talk with director Freddie Coleman at 7 p.m.

The Seattle Choral Company (A Saint Mark's Cathedral Artist-in-residence choir) presents their mid-season concert featuring three works on a theme of darkness giving way to light. Widely recognized by musicians worldwide, John Rutter is beloved for his lush melodies and orchestrations. Rutter’s Requiem is unmistakably optimistic in its message of hope and solace, expressed through uplifting musical themes and beautiful texts in both Latin and English. Bob Chilcott’s Canticles of Light exudes comfort, and the texts, sung at the service of Compline in the evening and Matins in the morning, ask for God’s light to protect us through the night and to allay our fears. In 2013 Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks set Mother Teresa’s universal prayer of peace to music, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that has become a staple for choirs around the world. More information and tickets are available here.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 12 P.M., in the cathedral nave

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2 P.M., in the cathedral nave

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave

Daily Evening Prayer meets in person at 6 p.m. in Thomsen Chapel on Wednesday only, and is offered online via zoom at 6 p.m. on Monday–Tuesday and Thursday–Friday.

Morning Prayer is offered on Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., via Zoom. This offering has been discontinued as of January 2023.

Thursday Morning: At 7 a.m. on on the first, third, and fifth Thursdays of the month only, a service of Holy Eucharist is offered in person in Thomsen Chapel. On the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, an online-only prayer service is offered via Zoom at 7 a.m. instead.

Saint Mark’s Cathedral acknowledges that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, who are still here, and we honor with gratitude the land itself and the life all the Coast Salish tribes. [Learn more]

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