SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, March 3, 2024:

The Third Sunday in Lent

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

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed

12:30 p.m. • Newcomers' Coffee

meet in the rear of the nave

4:30 p.m. • Choral Evensong

in the nave and livestreamed

5:30 p.m. • Queer Conversations

in Leffler House and via Zoom

7 p.m. • Contemplative Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed

Cover photo by Michael Perera

NEW THIS WEEK

Bishop Candidates Announced

a slate of four nominees, including a familiar face

Lenten Quiet Morning/Not-So-Quiet Afternoon

complete schedule for tomorrow now available

Run Group 

all runners welcome, first Saturdays

Celebrate with Reverence... with Dean Thomason

an instructed eucharist at the next session of Contours of the Christian Life

Taizé Prayer 

on the Feast of St. Joseph

Quartet for the End of Time 

the Music Series presents Messiaen's masterpiece on Palm Sunday

The Rev. Erin Jean Warde 

author of Sober Spirituality to visit in May

Saint Mark's offers a spectrum of liturgies, performances, forums, and other offerings throughout the season, including dinners, forums, concerts, and more, culminating in the great liturgies of Holy Week and Easter themselves. Check out a complete listing here. (This page will be updated as new information is announced).

A Lenten Quiet Morning and Not-So-Quiet Afternoon

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 9 A.M.–3 P.M., throughout the cathedral campus

All are invited to enter into this sacred season through a self-curated day of spiritual and contemplative practices. Stay for an hour or all day; join in the scheduled group activities or engage in solitude. The nave will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as a space for prayer and contemplation. Labyrinths will be available indoors and outdoors. Art materials for all ages, including play-dough and other contemplative activities, will be available throughout the day.

Note: The afternoon activities are particularly kid-friendly. The child care space will be unstaffed but available all day. Freewill donations gratefully accepted ($10–$15 suggested). No RSVP necessary. Email Canon Linzi Stahlecker for more information about the morning activities: For questions about afternoon activities, please contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie.

In addition to the open activities available all day, the following offerings are scheduled:

9:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer*

10:30 a.m. - Breathwork

11:30 a.m. - Centering Prayer

Lunch (tomato soup and grilled cheese) served in Bloedel Hall 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

12:30 p.m. - Drum & Rhythm Circle

1 p.m. - Collage, Praying in Color, Quilt Ministry Activities

2 p.m. - Sound Bath

3 p.m. - conclusion

*A Note from Canon Linzi: The response to the Zoom-only offering of Morning Prayer weekdays in Lent has been terrific. For those who have been participating, or for those who have been curious, be aware that the in-person Morning Prayer which begins the Quiet Morning (9:30 a.m.) will follow the same order of service, and the lectionary readings will continue on directly from Friday's Office. This is a great opportunity to experience the liturgy together in the cathedral nave.

First Saturday Run Group

Hosted by the 20s/30s Group— all are welcome to participate!

FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, STARTING TOMORROW, MARCH 2, 7:30 A.M., meet on the outdoor labyrinth 

 All ages are welcome to meet on the outdoor labyrinth in front of the cathedral for a three-mile morning run through Volunteer Park. All paces welcome. Afterward, there will be a chance for fellowship over coffee. The Lenten Quiet Morning then begins with Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. Email Adrienne (adriennehub@gmail.com) or Emily (emeeks@saintmarks.org) with questions. 

Newcomers' Coffee with Clergy

THIS SUNDAY. MARCH 3, AND THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12:30 P.M., meet in the rear of the nave following the 11 a.m. service.

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.

20s/30 GROUP

First Tuesday Tacos & Contemplative Prayer

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 6 P.M., Leffler House

Let's Taco 'bout it! 20s/30s, join in a taco dinner at 6 p.m. in Leffler House—tortillas, beans and chips and salsa provided, just bring a favorite side—and conversation to start the week. After dinner, the group will take part in Contemplative Prayer from 7–8 p.m. (relocated to Leffler House for March 5). RSVPs to the dinner host encouraged but not required; this month's host is Adrienne Hubbard: adriennehub@gmail.com

Contours of the Christian Life Topic for Week 3: Celebrate with Reverence... with Dean Thomason

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Optional community dinner at 6 p.m. 

All are welcome to attend any of the Wednesday evening presentations of Contours of the Christian Life, either in person or online, whether or not they have registered for the full series.

In corporate worship we unite ourselves with others to acknowledge the holiness of God, to hear God’s Word, to offer prayer, and to celebrate the sacraments. Dean Steve Thomason will lead an Instructed Eucharist in Bloedel Hall as we consider the meaning and purpose of different parts of the liturgy and its flow that invites sacred engagement and spiritual renewal. Join in person in Bloedel hall or online using this Zoom link.

40s/50s Spiritual Conversations

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 12:30 P.M. (after the 11 am service), Leffler Living Room

Join in for the first 40s/50s Spiritual Conversation with the Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker. We will be using the book Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler as the basis of our discussion. Written in 1993, it takes place in a post-apocalyptic 2024 where a young girl who suffers from hyper-empathy must protect her family and loved ones from the breakdown of society around them, ultimately resulting in the founding of a new faith and community. It explores such currently relevant topics as global climate change, economic crises, belief in God, and how we live together as a society. Please feel welcome to attend even if you are not able to read the book as we will be using it as a jumping off point for a more general discussion about how we might approach these issues through the lens of our faith and spirituality. Please bring a snack to share if you are able. Questions? Please contact Kate Halamay at khalamay@gmail.com

Prayer in the Style of Taizé on the Feast of St. Joseph

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

The second offering by the Taizé ministry in 2024 is offered on the Feast of St. Joseph, with readings and prayers reflecting on Jesus’ earthly father. Taizé prayer services are comprised of silence and song, candlelight and stillness, scripture, prayer and contemplation. The meditative music is unique and distinctive. Upcoming 2024 dates include May 21, October 1, and November 19. More information can be found here.

THE SAINT MARK'S MUSIC SERIES PRESENTS

Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 4:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed. Tickets $20–$25

This masterwork examining the spirituality of the Book of Revelation, composed by Olivier Messiaen while imprisoned in a German prisoner-of-war camp during WWII, will be performed in the nave in contemplation of Palm Sunday and the coming Holy Week. Featuring Rachel Yoder, clarinet, Luke Fitzpatrick, violin, Rose Bellini, cello, & Jesse Myers, piano. Purchase tickets here.

THE WISDOM SCHOOL AT SAINT MARK'S

The Rev. Erin Jean Warde—Heal Thyself: Spiritual Practices that Lead Us into Joy

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024, 9:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and via Zoom. Registration required. 

Author of Sober Spirituality, spiritual director and life coach, The Rev. Erin Jean Warde will guide this day retreat exploring spiritual healing in mind, body, and soul. She offers: “Together we will learn how community, creativity, rest, and joy can care for us when we are struggling, whether that's with mental health challenges, the inevitabilities of being alive, or with habits that don't serve us.” The day will explore barriers to feeling joy and fulfillment and how to make small, accessible life changes to care for ourselves, even in overwhelming times.

Fee for the Saturday Workshop: $15 (for both online and in-person participants). Partial scholarships available. Register using this link.

NOTE: Rev. Warde will also preach at Saint Mark’s on Sunday, May 5, at the 9 and 11 a.m. Eucharists, and lead a discussion for 20s/30s in Diocesan House at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday evening (registration required).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Slate of Candidates for Bishop of Olympia Announced

The Joint Board for Bishop Transition in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia is pleased to announce that, after receiving the recommendations of the Bishop Search Committee, it has approved a preliminary slate of nominees for the Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia. The four candidates include a familiar face: Saint Mark's 2022 Theologian-in-Residence, the Rev. Hillary D. Raining, Ph.D. The other candidates are The Rev. Phil LaBelle, the Ven. Jordan Haynie Ware, and the Rev. Kate E. Wesch More information about each finalist, including full resumes and essays written by the candidates in response to questions posed by the committee, can be found at: olympiabishopsearch.ecww.org

Volunteer Opportunity: Website Analytics Support Needed

Do you have expertise with Google Analytics and interest to volunteer 1–2 hours of time to review trends for the cathedral's website alongside the Cathedral's Communications Director? This is part of an opportunity for a potential grant that will support website content development. Email Emily Meeks if you can help: emeeks@saintmarks.org

Lenten Devotions and Activities from Intergenerational Ministries

Saint Mark's Intergenerational Ministries is pleased to make available Floriography: A Lenten "Flower Power" Calendar, a resource for weekly prayer and reflection by saltproject.org. Here is a taste of the content for Week 3. You can download the complete set here.

“Floriography” is the secret language of flowers. It bloomed first in eighteenth-century northern Europe, drawing on the fascination with flowers that cuts across cultures, times, and places. These cards accompany the Lenten journey through the lens of flowers, seeds, plants, and gardens. It can be used by all ages. Download this resource here, or pick up a hard copy in Coffee Corner on Sunday.

Pádraig Ó Tuama Visit Postponed

In May of 2024, the Wisdom School at Saint Mark's planned to welcome acclaimed Irish poet and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama for a reading and lecture. Unfortunately, due to a family health matter in Ireland, Pádraig has asked to postpone his visit to Seattle. He looks forward to his visit at a later date, and will share details when we have a new date for him to visit, likely in 2025.

A World Premiere Anthem at 11 a.m. This Sunday

At the time of Offertory at 11 a.m. service this Sunday, March 3, the Cathedral Choir will present the world premiere of Hymn to God the Father, composed by Prof. Micah Hayes, professor of music technology and composition at Seattle Pacific University and Saint Mark's Cathedral parishioner. The piece sets a text by John Donne: "Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun" (the text of #141 in The Hymnal 1982). This is the third sacred choral work he has composed on words by Donne—the Cathedral Choir presented his setting of Hear Us in Lent of 2022. Micah moved to Seattle in 2020 and began participating in cathedral offerings while the building was still closed. Since then he has generously offered his expertise to the A/V Committee, assisting with many improvements to the cathedral's sound system. Hymn to God the Father is a unique and dramatic anthem that takes full advantage of the resources of the mighty Flentrop, and the Cathedral Choir is proud present it for the first time.

A Lenten Invitation from Dean Steve Thomason

On Ash Wednesday, Dean Thomason send a message to the congregation inviting everyone into the spiritual practice of planning your funeral as a gift to your loved ones, and to prepare (or review) your will and estate plans. Lent is an especially appropriate time for this. Resources for funeral are available here, and you are encouraged to reach out to any member of the clergy if you need guidance. If you have not made a will, the Cathedral Foundation and the Diocese of Olympia have partnered with Freewill.com to provide a powerful online resource designed to help guide your decisions around estate planning and will preparation. This service is free when you use the diocese’s link: freewill.com/dioceseofolympia

New Strategic Plan Adopted

On Saturday, February 10, the Vestry adopted the 2024 Strategic Plan at its annual working retreat. The content is shaped by parishioner feedback gathered in many ways over the course of last seven months, including the All-Parish Survey, engagement activities, and over seventy ministry outreach conversations. The plan is designed around six themes that were first introduced at a recent forum:

1. Being Rooted in Spiritual Practices
2. Empowering the Call to Action and Service
3. Cultivating Diverse Community
4. Stewarding Our Resources
5. Expanding Regional Reach and Welcome
6. Connecting and Telling Our Stories

The Vestry invites you take time to read the Strategic Plan, reflect on the content and prayerfully discern how ministries may be called to respond in participating in this shared work together. Check out the plan here. Printed copies are now available in the narthex. If you have comments or questions, we would be delighted to hear from you—email strategicplanning@saintmarks.org

FROM THE DIOCESE OF OLYMPIA

2024 Civil Rights Pilgrimage: An Invitation from The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson

SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 9, 2024. Registration deadline: June 30

In this video, the Rev. Canon Carla Robinson extends an invitation to join the 10-day Civil Rights Pilgrimage from Atlanta to Memphis. “There will be time, time to reflect, time to enjoy the uniqueness of the places we visit. Time to share, for sharing our stories and our insights is critical to what will make this pilgrimage transformative. And there will be time for prayer.” More information and registration can be found here.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENT CHOIR

Kauge Maa: Ester Mägi 102 Estonian Tour Homecoming Concert

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 7 P.M., Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church, 3201 Hunter Blvd S, Seattle

The Mägi Ensemble (a Saint Mark's Cathedral choir-in-residence) presents their Estonian Tour Concert program in Seattle! Repertoire includes four pieces by our namesake, Ester Mägi, in honor of what would have been here 102nd birthday, along with selections by Arvo Pärt, Katherine Pukinskis, Laura Jēkabsone and founding Mägi Ensemble member and current board president, Ailisa Newhall. Purchase tickets here.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENT CHOIR

The Choir of the Sound presents: The Book of Hours: A Choral Reflection on Time

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed, purchase tickets here—see the discount code below

Minutes, hours, years, seasons, moon phases, birthdays, prayers… join cathedral Artists-in-residence Choir of the Sound in the timeless space of Saint Mark’s Cathedral as we explore the different ways we mark and measure the passage of time throughout our lives. The program features an array of art songs spanning centuries and continents, with texts by a host of revered poets. Through the poetic verse of Langston Hughes, Sara Teasdale, Edgar Allan Poe, and others, we will connect the cycle of the year to the cycle of life, beginning with the childlike wonder of springtime and moving through the youthful energy of summer and the mature wisdom of the harvest toward the midwinter lull that allows for memory and reflection. This concert will also be offered on Sunday March 10 at 3 p.m. at the Bastyr University Chapel in Kenmore.

UPDATE! CotS has created a special discount code for members of the cathedral community. Use the code STMK at checkout to get 15% off in-person tickets.

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Environmental Storytelling by ACT's Young Core Company  

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2 P.M., in the Allen Theater at ACT, reserve tickets here.

Saint Mark's members are invited to see a one hour long play at ACT. The play the Sunless Scar explores an environmentally damaged post apocalyptic world. ACT commissioned Maggie Lee to writ this play.  Maggie Lee and director Shana Bestock worked with youth theater artists to explore climate change through performance art. Following the play there will an opportunity for questions for Maggie Lee and the young core company members. ACT is able to provide a space for members of our Saint Mark's community to socialize following the show. Our Schola choir members Fish and Tessa are involved in this production. Please get your tickets ahead of time. Tickets are free or pay what you choose—reserve tickets here.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENT CHOIR

The Seattle Choral Company presents: Eternal Light 

SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 8 P.M., in the cathedral nave (pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. by director Freddie Coleman), purchase tickets here.

The Seattle Choral Company’s mid-season concert brings back to the repertory a true masterpiece of the 20th century—Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light). The SCC presented the first Seattle performance of this beloved contemporary work in May of 2000, with the composer (a Washington native) in attendance. This concert will also feature two choral works from the 18th and 19th centuries: Misericordias Domini, K. 222, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; and the Mass No. 2 in G Major, by Franz Schubert. Joining the Seattle Choral Company for the performance of Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G Major will a trio of accomplished Seattle soloists: Ellaina Lewis, soprano; Brendan Tuohy, tenor; and Darrell Jordan, baritone. Once again, members of the North Corner Chamber Orchestra will complete the roster of guest artists for this concert of choral masterworks spanning three centuries.

Choral Arts NW & Northwest Boychoir Apprentices present: The Lost Birds

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 3 P.M., in the cathedral nave. Purchase tickets here (sliding scale).

Join Choral Arts Northwest, Birds Connect Seattle, and the Northwest Boychoir Apprentices on March 17, 3 p.m. in a musical contemplation of the beauty and fragility of birds, and how the loss of bird species impacts our communities. After a short first half of choral favorites by Choral Arts and the NW Boychoir Apprentices highlighting birds, birdsong, and the inspiration of birds in flight—including works by C.V. Stanford, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sarah Quartel, Caroline Shaw, and Paul McCartney—Choral Arts will present the Northwest premiere of Christopher Tin’s The Lost Birds. First premiered and recorded by VOCES8, The Lost Birds is a haunting tribute to extinct and endangered birds, employing texts by Emily Dickinson, Christina Rossetti, and Edna St. Vincent Millay to reflect and warn about the future of the ecosystems we enjoy today. This concert is presented in collaboration with Birds Connect Seattle to raise awareness regarding protecting birds by expanding our tree canopy, eliminating bird-window and building collisions, and reducing the use of toxic pesticides in our region. More information and tickets here.

Volunteer at Lowell Elementary:

Cooking Classes for 4th and 5th Graders

UPDATED! CHANGE OF DATES: TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, BEGINNING MARCH 5 THROUGH MARCH 28; 12:15–1:15 P.M.

Our neighbors at Lowell Elementary are seeking volunteers to help with cooking classes for 4th/5th graders. The class meets eight times on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but the dates have changed from the earlier announcement: the class will begin this Tuesday, March 5, and meet each Tuesday and Thursday for the next four weeks, until March 28. For more details about what helping out involves, contact Cherie Bradshaw. All volunteers need to register with the School District; if you have registered to volunteer in the past, you will need to renew your registration. Learn more here.

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Novena of Grace: I Am The Beloved!

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 to FRIDAY, MARCH 15: weekdays, 12:30–1:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. , in the Chapel of St. Ignatius, Seattle University, and livestreamed

Journey with the Ignatian Spirituality Center this Lent for a nine-day retreat amid daily life. Join daily for one hour a day, in person or online, and be uplifted by beautiful music, inspired preaching, and heartfelt prayer and reflection. Let us pray together as a faith-filled community for God’s healing and mercy in our lives. The Novena’s origins date to 1633, when tradition says St. Francis Xavier appeared to a priest in a healing vision and promised that all who would earnestly ask his intercession with God for nine consecutive days would experience profound grace. The Novena survives today as an annual tradition which is continually updated to remain relevant to the daily lives of retreat-goers. This year’s theme, I am the Beloved!, is a proclamation that claims and names our identity as the Beloved of God. Learn more here.

FUNERALS

A funeral for Doreen Tudor will be offered

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2 P.M., in the cathedral nave

A funeral for Roger Leed will be offered

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2 P.M., in the cathedral nave

Sunday, March 3, 2024:

The Third Sunday in Lent

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:

Exodus 20:1–17

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18–25

John 2:13–22

8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider & Preacher: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Hymns:

Eternal Lord of love, behold your Church [Hymn #149 ]

We sing the praise of him who died [Hymn # 471]

Organ:

John Bull, Voluntary

Orlando Gibbons, Fantasia of Four Parts

9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker

Preacher: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Hymns:

Eternal Lord of love, behold your Church [Hymn #149 ]

Let us break bread together [LEVAS II #152]

O love, how deep, how broad, how high [Hymn #449]

Choir:

Kayron Lee Scott, Write your blessed Name

Organ:

Nicolas de Grigny, Tierce en taille

Orlando Gibbons, Fantasia of Four Parts

11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Rev. Canon Richard C. Weyls

Preacher: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Hymns:

Eternal Lord of love, behold your Church [Hymn #149 ]

O love, how deep, how broad, how high [Hymn #449]

Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face [Hymn #318]

We sing the praise of him who died [Hymn # 471]

Choir:

Anon. French Carol, Kind maker of the world, O hear

Micah Hayes, Hymn to God the Father [World Premiere]

Organ:

Nicolas de Grigny, Tierce en taille

Orlando Gibbons, Fantasia of Four Parts

4:30 P.M. • CHORAL EVENSONG

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Officiant: The Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker

Choir:

Plainsong Magnificat & Nunc dimittis

Herbert Howells, Like as the hart

Office Hymn:

Our God to whom we turn [Hymn #681]

Organ:

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Echo Fantasy in C

Rebecca Groom te Velde, Paean

7 P.M. • CONTEMPLATIVE EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider: The Rev. Canon Richard C. Weyls

Musician: Rebekah Gilmore

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.

Highlights:

Gregorian Introit, He shall call upon me

arr. Kevin Siegfried, Christe, qui lux es et dies

Thomas Tallis, Lamentations I

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.

Weekday Prayer Services

Special Lenten Morning Prayer with Canon Linzi, Monday–Friday at 7:30 a.m.

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.