SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, December 3, 2023:

The First Sunday of Advent

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 a.m. • Alternative Gift Market

in Bloedel Hall

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed

12 p.m. • Alternative Gift Market

in Bloedel Hall

7 p.m. • The "O" Antiphons Advent Procession

in the nave and livestreamed

9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed

Note: There will be no first-Sunday Newcomers' Coffee in December. The next offering will be January 7.

The 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist is suspended this Sunday due to the "O" Antiphons service.

Photo from "O" Antiphons Liturgy by Kevin Johnson.

NEW THIS WEEK

Sunday's Guest Preacher

The Rev. Wil Gafney, PhD

Alternative Gift Market This Sunday

Please bring a donation for our partner organizations

"O" Antiphons Liturgy

the beloved Advent tradition with elements both familiar and new

Life in Palestine in This Time of War

a very special Sunday forum with The Rev. Fadi Diab, December 10

Climate Conversation for December

exploring food choices

The Episcopal Church at COP28

participating in the global conversation on Climate Change

The Ornaments of Advent

vestments and decorations for a special season

Paul's Letters to the Early Church (and Us)

a Wednesday evening series led by Dean Steve Thomason

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

Welcome Sunday's Guest Preacher: The Rev. Wil Gafney, PhD

Saint Mark's welcomes womanist biblical scholar, The Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D. as guest preacher at the 9 and 11 a.m. services this Sunday, following her workshop Saturday (see below). She is The Rt. Rev. Sam B. Hulsey Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. She is the author of A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church and translator of its biblical selections. She is the author of Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to Women of the Torah and of the Throne, a commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah in the Wisdom series; Daughters of Miriam: Women Prophets in Ancient Israel; and co-editor of The Peoples’ Bible and The Peoples’ Companion to the Bible. She has completed the second volume of Womanist Midrash, focusing on women in the Former Prophets.

She is an Episcopal priest and a former Army chaplain and congregational pastor in the AME Zion Church. A former member of the Dorshei Derekh Reconstructionist Minyan of the Germantown Jewish Center in Philadelphia, she has co-taught courses with and for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Seminary in Wyncote, PA. She is a preacher, teacher, activist, and amateur watercolorist.

Alternative Gift Market—This Sunday!

THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, following the 9 and 11 a.m. services, Bloedel Hall

All are encouraged to visit this year's Alternative Gift Market which will be open after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services in Bloedel Hall. As we enter the gift-giving season, consider supporting Saint Mark's and a variety of local organizations supporting children, families, and those most in need at this time of year. BRING, BUY, and ENJOY!

Please check this webpage for all the items most needed by the organizations who will be present at the Market. In particular, Operation Nightwatch will be collecting warm hats, scarves, socks, etc., and Casa Latina is hoping to collect food and hygiene items for their Posada boxes this Sunday. You are also welcome to bring your gift from the Giving Tree (due Dec. 10) to Bloedel if you wish.

Gifts for sale from Saint Mark's ministries include baby blankets, cut flower arrangements, fresh baked bread, books from Saint Mark's authors, baked treats, and bagged mulch from the cathedral garden! Event volunteers are still needed, please be in touch with Rev. Linzi if you're able to help.

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

THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023, 7 P.M., in the cathedral 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 will present an anthem by William Byrd and the Senior Choristers of the Choir School will present a cantata movement by J.S. Bach. The Cathedral Choir will share Herbert Howell's beguiling carol A Spotless Rose, as well as Annunciation by Kevin Siegfried (a composer with longstanding connections to Saint Mark's), which was first sung at this service in 2018. Hymns to be sung by the entire congregation include both beloved favorites and new compositions. Incense will be used. Learn more about the liturgy and see material from previous years here.

20s/30s GROUP

First Tuesday Tacos & Contemplative Prayer

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

Come share a meal with us and practice sacred stillness with the wider cathedral community. Join in for 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 participate in the weekly Contemplative Prayer gathering from 7–8 p.m., which this week will also occur in Leffler Living Room. No prior experience with Contemplative Prayer or meditation is required. The December 5 gathering will be hosted by Rose Hazard.

SPECIAL SUNDAY MORNING FORUM

Friends Talking: Life in Palestine in This Time of War—Dean Thomason and Palestinian Priest Fr. Fadi Diab in Conversation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 10:10 A.M.–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall and on Zoom

Fr. Fadi Diab serves as rector of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Ramallah in the West Bank. He and Dean Thomason have forged a friendship since Fr. Fadi preached at Saint Mark’s last July, and their email exchanges of prayerful support and mutual affection have deepened since October 7 and the start of the war in Gaza. Fallout from the war and ongoing hardship for Palestinians in the West Bank have only intensified, and Fr. Fadi reports that violence and suffering in his church community and in the city he loves is heart-breaking. At this special Sunday forum Fr. Fadi will join Dean Steve from Ramallah over Zoom to discuss the current situation on the ground, how the war is impacting our Christian siblings in the Holy Land, and how the prospect of peace can still be held in the face of such challenges. Join online using this Zoom link.

Climate Conversation for December

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 6:30–7:30 P.M., via Zoom

Join us for December's Climate Conversation, when the topic will be Food that is Better for the Planet and your Pocketbook. These monthly conversations have been a good time of sharing and discussion. Please register here to join on Zoom. And watch for descriptions of 2024 Climate Conversations to be announced soon!

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Paul’s Letters to the Early Church (and Us): What Are We to Make of Them?

A Wednesday evening series with Dean Steve Thomason

TWO WEDNESDAYS: JANUARY 10 & 17, 2024, 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)

Dean Thomason will teach this series and offers this preview: Paul’s writings are probative and problematic, extensive and in need of editing, deeply mystical and at times misogynistic. And yet his writings give rise to eloquent hymns and treatises that form much of the Christology we share and the theological foundations of our faith—forgiveness, sin, love, servanthood, kenosis, salvation, and much more. What can we glean from these ancient letters; how might they serve as catalyst to transformation on the Christian journey even today? We will wrestle with their inconsistencies while considering Paul’s invitation to enter into mystical solidarity with the Risen Christ. Register to join online using the Zoom link.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Creation Care Prayer for the First 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. Watch out for new prayers in the coming weeks.

God of all creation,

as we enter with joy into the season of Advent,

anticipating your coming in the humbleness of a child, your Son Jesus,

let us honor the goodness of all your gifts in the natural world.

In a season too often marked by overconsumption and excess,

let us give thanks for all the good things throughout nature.

Each day, let us ponder their goodness as signs of your love.

May the light of Advent grow daily together with our love for your creation,

redeemed by your Son, whose coming we will celebrate soon.

Amen.

[source: Laudato Si’ Movement]

The Episcopal Church at COP28

The Episcopal Church has sent a delegation to the annual United Nations Climate Conference of Parties (COP), the annual United Nations Climate Summit, for the past 9 years. This year’s event is being held November 30–December 12 in Dubai. The delegation is made up of representatives from around the world, including two from our own Diocese of Olympia: John Kydd, Diocesan Missioner for Climate Care and Climate Justice, and The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, Rector of Trinity Parish, Everett. The members ask for our prayers, support, and participation. Please follow the work of the Episcopal Church delegation here—that page also includes invitations to participate in "Climate Justice Compline" liturgies on Mondays and Thursdays during the Conference, as well as a wrap-up session on December 15 (all via Zoom). The Episcopal Church is doing important work at COP28—They are encouraging all of us not just to “think globally and act locally” as the old saying goes, but rather to Think and Act: Globally and Locally.

2023 Giving Tree

This year's Giving Tree is now on display in the nave, re-filled with additional to tags to take. 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. 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

SAINT MARK'S REFUGEE MINISTRY

Home-cooked Afghan Food Delivered to You!

Fareda Popal and her family have been cosponsored by Saint Mark’s since their arrival in this country from Afghanistan. Fareda is a superb cook and seeks to supplement the family income by offering to prepare an authentic Afghan meal for you! For details and to arrange for this, please contact Fareda at 206-531-6262. You can expect a treat!

2023 Advent and Christmas at Saint Mark's

The complete schedule of cathedral events, offerings, and liturgies for Advent and Christmas is now available. Upcoming highlights include:

• An Advent Quiet Morning at Saint Mark's on Saturday December 16
• "Comfort and Peace at Christmas" (the service formerly known as "Blue Christmas"), this year offered at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 17
• The Pageant of the Nativity on Wednesday, December 20

Note that 2023 is a special year when December 24 falls on a Sunday. When this happens (once every 5–11 years) December 24 is both the Fourth Sunday of Advent and 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 (at 3:45, 7:10, or 10:30 p.m.) for the musical prelude and carol sing! The 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist and 9:30 p.m. Compline are suspended on the 24th. (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.)

The schedule of events also includes offering in Christmastide, through Twelfth Night and the Feast of the Epiphany, including the popular New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk. As December 31 also falls on a Sunday, this year the Office of Compline will be chanted at 9:30 during the Labyrinth walk event.

Check out the complete schedule here, and stay tuned for more details about many of these offering as they approach!

QuiC Advent Devotional Writing Series—Making Manifest

First group meeting is TOMORROW, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 3–4 p.m., Leffler Living Room and via Zoom.

Subsequent meetings each Saturday in December, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Find the complete schedule here.

Join the Queer in Christ ministry for an Advent devotional writing series using the book Making Manifest by Dave Harrity. All are invited, you do not have to identify as queer or be a part of the Queer in Christ ministry to join this series! All you need is a desire to write and reflect, and share the experience with others. Find much more information, including the complete schedule of meetings, here. To join and to receive a copy of the workbook, email Michael Seewer: mseewer@saintmarks.org

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. 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

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. The class will meet February 11–April 17, 2024. More information, including session topics and an introductory video from Dean Thomason, 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. Register for Contours of the Christian Life here.

Questions? Email Canon Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

Subscribe to Diocesan Newsletters

Did you know that, in addition to the cathedral newsletters, both regular and occasional, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia also has several email lists that you can add yourself to? Everyone is particularly encouraged to sign up for Across the Diocese, the main weekly newsletter that is emailed every Friday in the evening. The same list is used for occasional special messages from the bishop. It's a great way to learn about diocesan offerings, see important announcements, learn about what other parishes are doing, and just stay connected to larger community of the Episcopal Church in Western Washington. Sign up here (and unsubscribe any time!).

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

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!

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Lowell School Tutta Bella Fundraiser

DECEMBER 3–7

The PTA of our neighbors at Lowell School are launching their first major fundraising effort since 2020, and have asked the community of Saint Mark's to participate—and all you have to do is order some pizza or pasta! Tutta Bella Italian restaurant, with locations around Seattle and the East Side, will donate 20% of your order total, December 3–7, when you use the code EasyAsPieLowell. Dine in or order online, and use the code when you check out. The Lowell PTA really appreciates your involvement!

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Seattle Choral Company presents A Baroque Christmas at Saint Mark's

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 8 P.M., in the cathedral nave. Pre-concert talk with Director Freddie Coleman at 7 p.m. Tickets ($5–27) here.

The Seattle Choral Company kicks off their 42nd season with a holiday concert devoted to Baroque choral masterworks from Italy. Italy, long regarded as the birthplace of Baroque music, led the way during the 17th century with a style of music that was known for its grandiose, dramatic, and energetic spirit. Four Italian cities will be represented, beginning with Milan, where Chiara Margarita Cozzolani published and performed works for the convent at Santa Radegonda, drawing attention from the outside world. Then, on to Naples, where Francesco Durante (1684-1755) premiered his Magnificat in B Flat Major. In Rome, a young George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) composed his brilliant cantata, Nisi Dominus. Finally, in Venice, Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) produced an astonishing range and quantity of music, including his choral masterpiece, Gloria in D Major. The SCC will be joined by a talented quintet of Northwest regional soloists: Jocelyn Claire Thomas and Jennifer Bromagen, sopranos; Sarah Mattox, mezzo-soprano; Zach Finkelstein, tenor; and Zachary Lenox, baritone. Members of the North Corner Chamber Orchestra will also take part in this festive holiday evening.

For tickets and information visit www.seattlechoralcompany.org

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Northwest Boychoir presents A Festival of Lessons & Carols at Saint Mark's

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave; reserve your tickets ($15–60) here

The Northwest Boychoir celebrates its 45th annual presentation of A Festival of Lessons & Carols this December with eight regional performances. A Festival of Lessons & Carols is a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region. These traditional Christmas concerts showcase the 80-member combined chorus of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle. Patterned after the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England, This 90-minute classical performance consists of nine readings leading up to the Nativity, each followed by traditional carols performed by the choir and audience. There is only one performance at Saint Mark's this year, and this event always sell out. For tickets and more information: www.nwboychoir.org

Sunday, December 3, 2023:

The First 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:

Isaiah 64:1–9

1 Corinthians 1:3–9

Mark 13:24–37

Psalm 80:1–7, 16–18

8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Edie Weller

Hymns:

“Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us [Hymn #61]

Lo, he comes with clouds descending [Hymn #57]

Organ:

J.S. Bach, Chorale prelude on Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645

Emma Lou Diemer, Toccata on Helmsley (“Lo! He comes, with clouds descending”)

9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty

Preacher: The Rev. Wil Gafney, PhD

Hymns:

My soul cries out with a joyful shout ["Canticle of the turning"]

“Thy kingdom come!” on bended knee [Hymn #615]

Lo, he comes with clouds descending [Hymn #57]

Choir:

Negro Spiritual, My Lord, what a morning!

Organ:

Richard Billingham, Meditation on Burleigh (“My Lord, what a morning!”)

Emma Lou Diemer, Toccata on Helmsley (“Lo! He comes, with clouds descending”)

11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Wil Gafney, PhD

Hymns:

Rejoice! rejoice, believers [Hymn #68]

Jesus came, adored by angels [Hymn #454]

“Thy kingdom come!” on bended knee [Hymn #615]

Lo, he comes with clouds descending [Hymn #57]

Choir:

Benjamin Britten, A Hymn of Saint Columba

Organ:

Richard Billingham, Meditation on Burleigh (“My Lord, what a morning!”)

Flor Peeters, Prelude on Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme

Emma Lou Diemer, Toccata on Helmsley (“Lo! He comes, with clouds descending”)

7 P.M. • THE "O" ANTIPHONS: ADVENT PROCESSION WITH LESSONS & CAROLS

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Officiant: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Hymns:

Now the heavens start to whisper [tune: Blaenwern]

O day of peace that dimly shines [Hymn #597]

The King shall come when morning dawns [tune: Merton Frye]

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

Highlights:

Healey Willan, The Great "O" Antiphons

William Byrd, Ecce advenit dominator Dominus

Herbert Howells, A Spotless Rose

J.S. Bach, Zion hört die Wächter singen

Kevin Siegfried, Annunciation

Cecilia McDowall, O Rex Gentium for organ

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:

Jason Anderson, Advent Responsary

Peter R. Hallock, Nunc dimittis ("Marilyn" setting)

William Byrd, Ecce advent dominator Dominus

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.

*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