In this Issue
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Opening Reflection - Emily Meeks
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Upcoming Events - Summer 2023
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What We’re Reading Lately - Carrie Kahler
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Spotlight: Spiritual Practices - Molly Bosch
- Snapshots
- Quick Links
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After a gnarly TSA line at SeaTac, I put in my AirPods to walk laps in between concourses. It’s a favorite activity while waiting for a flight to walk and people watch – to ponder the stories each departure and arrival brings.
I was listening to the Daily Office as I turned the corner to see two people who looked familiar in the central terminal. As I got closer, it became clear – it was 20s/30s members Dawn and Meshach. This made perfect sense – they were on their way to the wedding that they had been planning after all these months. Seeing their joy and hearing bits of what they hoped for in the week ahead made all of the movement and sounds in the airport stand still. It was a similar feeling to just earlier this spring when discovering 20s/30s member Ruth and her kids on the same connecting flight in Istanbul as me and other returning Saint Mark’s pilgrims. In these encounters, I felt the surprise and delight of shared presence and the deep power of how community extends beyond Sunday mornings in moments we might not know we needed.
There are many opportunities listed below to share in formal and informal connections this summer in fellowship, worship and service. Take a look and see what interests you – we welcome your ideas for new events.
Lastly, as we turn toward summer, I want to acknowledge the ministry and leadership of 20s/30s staff lead Luke Abdow who will be departing at the end of June for Chicago. This week, we’ll host a special TGIF at Saint Bread to celebrate his ministry among us. Please consider joining on Friday, May 26 from 8-9 am as we enjoy coffee, pastries and fellowship and give thanks for all the ways we have experienced Luke’s presence, leadership and baking skills.
With gratitude,
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20s/30s EVENTS: JUNE/JULY/AUGUST |
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Check out the events below and also consider joining our 20s/30s Slack channel for informal happenings, news, prayer requests, reading recommendations and more. Email Betsy (betsy.heimburger@gmail.com) to get connected to the 20s/30s Slack channel.
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Picnic and Yard Games
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 6–8 P.M., meet at Volunteer Park by the amphitheater
Gather for a picnic and games in the park. Bring a hearty side to share. Plates, napkins and utensils will be provided. We’ll have yard game options, but you are welcome to bring your favorite. Questions? Email Julia (julia7cooper@gmail.com).
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A Mobile Feast
SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 12:30–5 P.M., meet on the labyrinth
Join for an afternoon of festivity to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Barnabas. We’ll begin at Saint Mark’s on the labyrinth with a brief liturgy and then start our mobile feast with stops at several Capitol Hill restaurants for refreshment. At each stop, we’ll learn more about the life of Barnabas—an early Christian who was one of the first to welcome Paul and accompanied him on his missionary journeys. Interested in attending? Sign up here. Questions? Email Bryan Pansing (bpansing@gmail.com) or Rose Hazard (pinuprose90@gmail.com).
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Dinner with the Bishop
THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 6 P.M. at Diocesan House
Join the Most Reverend Melissa Skelton for dinner, poetry, live music, and tours of the historic Leary mansion with other young adults in the diocese. Our Dig Deeper partner, Nurturing Roots Farm, will provide the meal – tacos with all the fixings. Free! Register here.
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Serve Breakfast at Edible Hope
MONDAY, JULY 3, 8–10 A.M., at St. Luke's in Ballard, 5710 22nd Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107
We’re teaming up with young adults from St. Luke’s and Mother Hillary Kimsey to serve breakfast to our unsheltered neighbors in Ballard. Email Emily (emcmeeks@gmail.com) if interested in volunteering for a shift. Learn more about Edible Hope or consider purchasing an item from their Amazon Wish List.
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Let’s Hike Together
Hit the trail with a 20s/30s hike. Meet at Saint Mark’s to carpool to the trailhead (45 minutes). Please be comfortable with hiking for 6 miles. Pack snacks/lunch and appropriate gear (hiking shoes, water bottle, rain jacket and layers, sunscreen, hat). RSVP encouraged. Questions? Email Adrienne (adriennehub@gmail.com).
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20s/30s Parent Connect
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2–3:30 P.M., cathedral lawn
What's it like to be a young adult and parent of faith? Join for a gathering to connect and share in fellowship together. Snacks, juice and lawn activities for children of all ages will be available. Bring a snack and/or camp chair if you would like. Drop in or out as your schedule allows. Questions? Email Emily (emcmeeks@gmail.com).
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Tent City and 20s/30s Meal Night
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 3:30–7 P.M., Bloedel Hall
Again this summer Saint Mark’s will host Tent City on campus and provide a warm meal on Sunday evenings. On July 9, join 20s/30s member and Tent City Captain Connor Harrison to prepare and serve a meal for our Tent City friends. We’ll have the opportunity to share dinner together. Shift hours depend on the volunteer task, but range from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Email Emily (emcmeeks@gmail.com) to sign up for a shift.
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Hymn Sing
SUNDAY, JULY 16, 12:30–2 P.M., in the organ loft
Hosted by the 20s/30s Group; All are welcome
Back by popular request! Join Canon Michael Kleinschmidt for a fabulous “back-stage” pass experience of Saint Mark’s famous Flentrop Organ. We’ll gather for snacks and fellowship in the nave at 12:30 p.m. and then head up to the organ loft at 1 p.m. for a brief tour followed by a hymn sing along. Email Bryan (bpansing@gmail.com) for questions or to request your favorite hymn title from The Hymnal 1982.
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Questioning Together + Compline
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 7:30-10 P.M., Leffler House
We’ll explore a question of faith together with the Rev. Canon Elise Johnstone, the Rector of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle (question topic TBA). Then we'll head over to Compline around 9:15 pm.
NTOE: Starting in September, Questioning Together and Compline will be held on the second Sunday of each month.
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Summer Backpacking Adventure
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10–SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, Goat Rocks Wilderness
There are a few spots remaining for a multi-day trek in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Email Justin (Justin.shelley@gmail.com) for more information.
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A Holy Waste of Time Retreat
FRIDAY–SUNDAY, AUGUST 18–20, at Saint Andrew’s House, Union, WA
Enjoy beautiful St. Andrew’s House overlooking the Hood Canal for a weekend of retreat with young adults in the Diocese of Olympia. This is a wonderful way to celebrate summer with friends, new and old. $95/person covers 2 nights lodging, all meals, and activities including kayaking and paddleboarding. Adrienne Hubbard is planning to attend, and you can email her with questions (adriennehub@gmail.com). Register here.
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Resources posted from recent "Questioning Together" 20s/30s conversations
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT SAINT MARK'S |
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Pentecost Polar Plunge
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 7 A.M., meet at Madison Park Beach
Let's gather for an early morning dip in Lake Washington that promises to wake up the senses and have us feeling fully alive and ready to celebrate Pentecost. We'll meet at the Bathhouse, at Madison Park Beach at 7 a.m., pray then plunge, then head over to Leffler House for a shared breakfast. We'll be dried-off and well-fed in plenty of time for the 9 a.m. liturgy. Dip in whatever you're happy getting wet (doesn't have to be a swimsuit) and bring a towel. Be in touch with Rev. Linzi if you have questions or would like to bring something to share for breakfast.
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Mothered by God: Divine Feminine and the Black Madonna
SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023, 9 A.M.–2:30 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom; registration required for either option.
Join Dr. Christena Cleveland as she explores the Divine Feminine, especially in the context of her 400-mile walking pilgrimage across central France in search of ancient Black Madonna statues. Learn more and register here.
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A special connection to SMC Parishioner and 20s/30s member Matthew Briggs, shared by Victoria Szydlowski. “Matthew Briggs left behind few assets to distribute in his last will and testament, but he made clear his wishes that we establish a memorial fund that would honor his intention to 1) serve marginalized youth and 2) lovingly challenge privileged youth to consider how they may more equitably share their power. In interpreting ways to honor Matthew's wishes, he, and those who know and love him, donated generous funds to Saint Mark's in his memory. Consistent with his wishes, a portion of these funds provided for Dr. Christena Cleveland's presence, scholarship, and leadership at Saint Mark’s on June 3, 2023.”
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Pride Month Events
June is Pride month. From cheering on the Mariners at Pride Night to helping with trash pickup in Capitol Hill, there are many ways to get connected to cathedral and diocesan events happening. Highlights include a cathedral table at the Capitol Hill PrideFest on Saturday, June 24, the Diocese of Olympia table at the Seattle Center PrideFest on Sunday, June 25, and an invitation to participate in the Pride Parade, also on Sunday June 25. Learn more on the cathedral website here or on the diocesan website here. Sign up to participate on June 24 & 25 here. Email Rose (pinuprose90@gmail.com) or Michael (mseewer@saintmarks.org) with questions or for more information.
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Seattle Service Corps Celebration
TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 7–8:30 P.M., cathedral nave
All are invited to gather together for an evening of gratitude, celebration, memories, and dessert for the Seattle Service corps ministry at Saint Mark’s. Please RSVP to Luke Abdow using the form found here. Questions? Email Luke (labdow@saintmarks.org).
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Bike to Alki After Church
SUNDAY, JULY 30, 12:30–3:30 P.M.
A bike ride for all ages and paces from Saint Mark’s to Alki with a post-ride picnic and gathering on the beach. More information to come. Email Emily if interested (emcmeeks@gmail.com).
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Jefferson Park Lawn Bowling Club Night
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 6–9 P.M., 4103 Beacon Avenue S., Free but $5 donation appreciated
Enjoy the sunset, great views of the city, food and community while learning the basics of lawn bowling from parishioner Tom Sunderland. All ages welcome but no pets. All equipment needed provided. Learn about the Jefferson Park Lawn Bowling club here. Please wear soft-soled shoes without a heel (flip flops are just fine). Bring a snack or side dish to share for a potluck picnic (tables, chairs and utensils/plates will be provided). If you are interested in carpooling, please email Kristen Kelly (klk87@hotmail.com).
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Climate Conversation on Fashion: Stay Stylish with Climate-friendly Clothing Choices
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, via Zoom only
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New Ministry Opportunity: AV Ministry Team
From sound to livestreaming, there are many ways to support audio/video needs for cathedral services and forums. This ministry will include opportunities for sound technician and livestream training. It's helpful to have an attention to detail and enjoy working with technology but no formal experience is required. If you feel called to serve in a ministry that supports the worship and formation experiences for many, email Chris Brown (cbrown@saintmarks.org) or Michael Seewer (mseewer@saintmarks.org).
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WHAT WE'RE READING LATELY |
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God is a Black Woman by Dr. Christena Cleveland
In preparation for her upcoming workshop, I recently finished Dr. Christena Cleveland’s God Is a Black Woman. The book is part deconstruction memoir, part pilgrimage story, part theological treatise. Dr. Cleveland examines many of the ways white, male supremacy infects Christianity and how that infection manifests both in her own life from earliest childhood, in the Christian church more broadly, and in Anglo-American society at large. She offers readers a window both to her pain and to the loving strength of the Sacred Black Feminine she encounters during a walking pilgrimage in France. With each Black Madonna she visits, she discards another lie about who God is and learns to re-see the sacred in her own black body—a body her family, church, and culture have treated as less than. As I work to know God better, Dr. Cleveland’s personal journey of healing, anchored in her own experience and a broader theological conversation, helped me widen my gaze, to notice when I see myself treating people as things, to nurture instead of exploit. I highly recommend the book and book study.
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SPOTLIGHT: SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF POETRY |
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The beloved late poet Mary Oliver states that poetry “arrives in an historical context; almost everything, in the end, passes. But the desire to make a poem, and the world's willingness to receive it—indeed the world's need of it—these never pass" (Oliver, The Poetry Handbook). Perhaps it is this well-stated sentiment that creates a spiritual stir within me as I ponder the timelessness and power of poetry. A practice that I routinely return to in my spiritual journey is exploring the world of poems. For me, God is found most tangibly in the mundane and ordinary aspects of our daily lives that, when examined closer, are actually a multitude of small miracles. I do not think anything captures these ordinary, abundant miracles as well as poetry. When I have moments that take my breath away with joy, grief, belonging, anger, or comfort, I find myself turning to prayer through reading and writing poetry. It is here that I experience conversations with God most clearly. Below, I have included a poem I wrote about prayer and how we experience it in our own unique ways based on the indwelling God residing within each of us.
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Prayer
Prayer is not
the rote recital of words—empty, unmoving
unable to touch who you really are
Prayer is not
the structure that is taught to you by a condemning teacher—
their spite ready to thwack! you if you mess up
Prayer is not
how my Grandma held beads, how my mother kneels,
how my sister reflects, how my dad begs
Yes, it is all of these things.
And no, it doesn't have to be
any of these things.
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Prayer is
moments of this lived body, moving through Earth,
collecting pieces of wisdom as if they are
antiques at each rowdy, unruly, confusing,
beautiful, loving, challenging stop in this journey
Prayer is
the sweaty man hugging me under the Zambia sun,
the one I love fighting with another begging for help with unseen wounds,
being held by friends when my knees go weak
Prayer is
The music that plays when I thought the world was silent,
the mother waving goodbye to her child on the bus,
the drunk man losing his wig during the last hymn while sitting in the back pew,
the jail cell
the waterfall
the exam room
the kitchen
my Grandma's hands
the dirt caked under fingernails after gardening
the scrapes
the soothing balms
the dinners
the laughter
the shaking with grief
Oh!
It is all of it.
It is not one thing.
It is all of these and it is none of these.
Don't search for the definition anywhere—you will simply find yourself farther from the answer.
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Connor Harrison baptized at the Easter Vigil. |
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We removed 13,000 square feet of invasive Himalayan blackberry in just over two hours at Pigeon Point as part of Duwamish Alive! |
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Adam and Laurel Oberstadt-Petrik at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston as they wrap up an academic year of study in Boston. |
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Agape Meal - A group gathered to share a simple meal and liturgy in The Book of Occasional Services
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Easter Brunch - Celebrating Easter joy at Leffler House.
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20s/30s channels: stay connected on Slack (Email Betsy) and Facebook.
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The Hive - wellness, spirituality and growth resources developed by The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining who also served this year as theologian-in-residence for Saint Mark’s
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Many videos of past forums and presentations at Saint Mark’s —virtual, in person, or hybrid—are now gathered into a YouTube playlist here.
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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 of all the Coast Salish tribes. [Learn more]
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