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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023 |
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SUNDAY OFFERINGS
Sunday, December 31, 2023:
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
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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
6 p.m. to midnight • New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk
in the cathedral nave
9:30 p.m. • Compline
in the nave and livestreamed
12 a.m. • Midnight Eucharist
at the center of the labyrinth, cathedral nave
| Photo from the 2019 New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk by Kevin Johnson. | |
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NEW THIS WEEK
NYE Labyrinth Walk
Volunteers are needed to help out at this beloved annual tradition
Parking Lot Theft and Vandalism Alert
Twelfth Night Chilly Dip Postponed
postponed to the start of Lent
Queer Conversations
series resumes January 7
Christmas Liturgies and Sermons Available
video, audio, and transcripts
Flentrop Organ Recital
By up-and-coming young organist James Kealey
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New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk with Compline and Midnight Eucharist
THIS SUNDAY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 6 P.M. to 12 A.M., in the cathedral nave
Since 1999, Seattle's most peaceful New Year's tradition. As the old year passes and a new one begins, take time in the quiet, candle-lit space of the cathedral nave to pause, look inward, and experience a large indoor labyrinth laid out in the nave. Invitations to other contemplative practices will be offered, and musical accompaniment will be provided by guest musicians throughout the evening. Drop by any time between 6 p.m. and midnight; stay for a few minutes or a few hours. Activities especially appropriate for younger children will also be available. Tea and cookies will be served. More details, including musician line-up, will be announced here when they are available. All are welcome; freewill donations gratefully received.
Since December 31 falls on a Sunday this year, at 9:30 p.m. The Compline Choir will chant the office as usual. At the stroke of midnight, a special, intimate service of Holy Eucharist is offered in the center of the labyrinth, observing the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus—a beautiful way to begin 2024. Dean Thomason will preside.
New Year's Eve Volunteers Needed
Several hundred people are expected to enter the cathedral over the course of this six-hour event, and volunteers are needed to serve a one-hour shift being present at the entrance to welcome people as they arrive, accept donations, direct guests to the restrooms, etc. A simple smiling face can make a huge difference for visitors, so please consider spending an hour serving in this important role. Shifts are available throughout the night. If you're able to help, please email Michael Seewer, and he will send you the sign-up link: mseewer@saintmarks.org
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Parking Lot Theft and Vandalism Alert
In recent weeks there have been multiple instances of vandalism and theft of vehicles in the cathedral parking lot. These thefts have taken place both at night and in broad daylight in the middle of the day. The incidents have been reported to the police, and have been caught on the cathedral's security cameras, but everyone who uses the lot is reminded to take common sense precautions. Park in well lit areas, as close to the cathedral building (and to the cameras) as possible. Do not leave anything visible in the seats of your car when you park. Even if it is of no value, any item visible in a parked car can be a prompt for these activities. Thank you for your attention to this unfortunate situation.
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12th Night Chilly Dip Postponed
The cold plunge into Lake Washington planned for January 5 has been postponed due to unsafe water conditions in the lake. The experienced will instead next be offered on the first Saturday in Lent, February 17, with specific time and location to be announced later.
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Queer Conversations
SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 5:40 P.M. (following evensong), Leffler House
Join Queer in Christ on Sunday, January 7, at 5:30 p.m. in Leffler Living Room (immediately after Choral Evensong) for the next in the series of Queer Conversations. We will be joined by Canon Daugherty, and Rachel & Russ Crosbie as co-facilitators of the conversation, discussing how queer people can find meaning in religious expression while also honoring their gender, gender identity, and orientation, and how the church's theology affirms and nurtures this integration. We will have refreshments starting at 5:30, and the conversation will start about 5:45. At this time, an in-person-only event is planned, but please email mseewer@saintmarks.org if you would prefer to join remotely so we can accommodate if needed.
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The Saint Mark's Music Series presents:
James Kealey on the Mighty Flentrop
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2024, 7:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed; tickets $20–$25
In July of 2022, the five finalists of that year's National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance performed the final round on the Flentrop organ at Saint Mark’s, competing for over $20,000 in prize money. The winner of that competition was organist James Kealey. At the next offering of the Saint Mark's Music Series, on Friday, February 2, James will return to play the Flentrop Organ once again. Previous engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey UK; Methuen Memorial Music Hall, MA; St John the Divine, NYC; and recitals for many AGO chapters around the country. Upcoming engagements include concerts across the U.S.A., including a solo organ recital at the 2024 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in San Francisco. Currently, James serves as full time Associate Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, and is a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music. You won't want to miss this outstanding up-and-coming performer.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave and parking lot
In our tradition, the celebration of the Feast of Christmas lasts twelve days, beginning December 25 and ending on January 5 (that is, the day before the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6). The evening of the last day of Christmas is known as “Twelfth Night,” and is an opportunity for festivity and reflection.
All ages are invited to celebrate the end of the Christmas season on Friday, January 5 at 7 p.m. We’ll gather in the nave for a simple, intimate, and brief Eucharist with the Epiphany gospel. Following the liturgy, we’ll process with the Advent wreath to the bonfire in the lower parking lot. You are most welcome to bring your greens from home to toss into the fire. Then, we’ll toast marshmallows, enjoy s’mores, hot cider, and good cheer.
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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
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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 This little light of mine.
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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
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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.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 12:30–2 P.M., Cathedral House Room 210
Next up for discussion in the Second Sunday Book Group is Barbara Kingsolver’s 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Demon Copperhead. Set in the Appalachian hills of Kentucky, it’s Kingsolver’s version of Dickens’ David Copperfield. Institutional poverty is still with us, Kingsolver says, and she shares the outrage Dickens felt as she tells her story of a trailer park kid, born to an unwed mother, who ended up in a foster care system that repeatedly failed to serve the children it was supposed to protect. Her book is dedicated to “the kids who wake up hungry in those dark places every day, who’ve lost their family to poverty and pain pills, whose caseworkers keep losing their files, who feel invisible, or wish they were.” Kingsolver always has a message, but she also knows how to tell a good story. The Saint Mark's Bo0k Group meets the second Sunday of odd-numbered months. Contact Pearl McElheran with questions.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 7:30-10 P.M., meet in Leffler House
Join in on a discussion led by The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty on the topic of Exploring the Mystics, 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
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THREE THURSDAYS: JANUARY 18, JANUARY 25 and FEBRUARY 1, 6:30–8 P.M., via Zoom
The Creation Care Ministry offers a journey into the heart of Christ's presence in the natural world, and in our own human nature, with John Philip Newell's Christ of the Celts. Facilitator Elizabeth Clark-Stern will draw on her experience in pilgrimage to Scotland in 2022 to bring forth the poetry and depth of Newell’s book. In addition to a having a wonderful connection to Care for Creation, Christ of the Celts is on the reading list for those going on pilgrimage to Ireland in the summer of 2024. The discussion will be on three consecutive Thursday evenings on Zoom, 6:30–8 p.m., January 18 and 25, and February 1, 2024. If you are interested in participating, please contact Elizabeth at: ecstern@yahoo.com
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 10:10-10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Come take part in a Sunday Forum 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).
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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.
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The Strategic Planning Committee will offer two forums at the end of January, one on Sunday morning, and one on Wednesday evening, to update the community on the progress of their work.
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.
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.
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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?
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Video and Sermons Available
All of the livestreamed liturgies at Saint Mark's can be seen again on demand, either on the cathedral website's livestream video archive, or at Saint Mark's YouTube channel. (Note that liturgy videos are found under the "Live" tab of the channel's page, and not under the "Videos" tab.) Recent Advent and Christmas services can be found collected in a playlist here. In addition, sermons preached at Saint Mark's are available on the website's sermon archive page, where you can find audio (often better quality than the livestream audio) and a written transcript when available. Note that transcripts for Christmas Eve sermons that are not currently available in the archive may become available in the future.
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Clothing Donations Requested for Unsheltered Neighbors
The cathedral's meal sharing ministry works with First Covenant Church on Capitol Hill to provide breakfasts on Saturdays for food insecure neighbors. Many guests at these breakfasts do not have proper access to shelter and are vulnerable to exposure. We keep various hygiene and clothing supplies, but there is always unsatisfied demand. The ministry volunteers are requesting donations of warm clothing from the Saint Mark's community. At these breakfasts, volunteers meet our neighbors where they are, and this encounter is a particularly good opportunity to help meet their immediate survival needs. Winter coats, or outdoor gear that goes unused or would be otherwise disposed of are ideal, as well as undergarments and clothing (for all body shapes). Contact Conor Harrison if you can help: c.harrisonunf@gmail.com
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New Saint Mark's Cathedral Merch Store
Even though the day of Christmas has past, the Saint Mark's Cathedral Merch Store will remain available. You can 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. 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
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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!
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Note that Cathedral Yoga will not meet on January 1. The next offering will be Monday, January 8, in the cathedral nave. | |
Godly Play is normally offered the first and third Sunday of each month in the 10 a.m. hour. Note that there will be no Godly Play on January 7. The next meeting will be January 21. | |
This Wednesday, January 3, there will be no Cathedral Commons forum or presentation, however, the community dinner will be served as usual. All are welcome! Suggested donation $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family. Forums resume January 10 (see above). | |
The Third Act-ers Retirees Group will meet for an in-person potluck in Leffler House, Saturday, January 13, 12 p.m. Contact Kathy Minsch (kminsch@gmail.com) or Elizabeth Clark-Stern (ecstern@yahoo.com) to learn more. | |
Recently the Creation Care ministry sent out the most recent issue of their newsletter, containing upcoming offerings, recent highlights, season reflections, recommendations, and more. Check out the issue here, and sign up for this and other cathedral email lists here. | |
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Sunday, December 31, 2023:
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
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 61:10–62:3
Psalm 147
Galatians 3:23–25; 4:4–7
John 1:1–18
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8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in Thomsen Chapel
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Presider: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty
Preacher: The Rev. Earl Grout
Hymns:
Angels, from the realms of glory [Hymn #93]
Good Christian friends, rejoice [Hymn #107]
Organ:
Anon., from the Lüneburger Orgeltabulatur, Prelude on Resonet in laudibus
Alfred Fedak, Meditation on Divinum mysterium
J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on In dulci jubilo, BWV 608
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9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in the cathedral nave
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Presider: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker
Preacher: The Rev. Earl Grout
Hymns:
Angels, from the realms of glory [Hymn #93]
Angels we have heard on high [Hymn #96]
Of the Father's love begotten [Hymn #82]
In the bleak midwinter [Hymn #112]
Good Christian friends, rejoice [Hymn #107]
Soloist*:
J.S. Bach, "Quia respexit" from Magnificat in D, BWV 243
Peter Warlock, Balulalow, A Cradle-song
*Note: The choirs are taking a well-deserved week off following Christmas. Music at the Offertory and at Communion this Sunday will be offered by Associate Musician Rebekah Gilmore, soprano.
Organ:
Anon., from the Lüneburger Orgeltabulatur, Prelude on Resonet in laudibus
Alfred Fedak, Meditation on Divinum mysterium
J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
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11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in the cathedral nave & livestreamed
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Presider: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker
Preacher: The Rev. Earl Grout
Hymns:
Angels, from the realms of glory [Hymn #93]
Angels we have heard on high [Hymn #96]
Of the Father's love begotten [Hymn #82]
In the bleak midwinter [Hymn #112]
Good Christian friends, rejoice [Hymn #107]
Soloist*:
J.S. Bach, "Quia respexit" from Magnificat in D, BWV 243
Peter Warlock, Balulalow, A Cradle-song
*Note: The choirs are taking a well-deserved week off following Christmas. Music at the Offertory and at Communion this Sunday will be offered by Associate Musician Rebekah Gilmore, soprano.
Organ:
Anon., from the Lüneburger Orgeltabulatur, Prelude on Resonet in laudibus
Alfred Fedak, Meditation on Divinum mysterium
J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
| Please Note: The 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist will not be offered on Sunday, January 31, due to the New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk at that time. It will resume on January 7. | |
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:
arr. Peter R. Hallock, Puer nobis nascitur
Peter R. Hallock, Nunc dimittis ("Marilyn" setting)
Peter R. Hallock, Lullay my liking
John Joubert, When Christ was born of Mary free
| 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.
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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.
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EVERY SUNDAY, DURING THE 9 A.M. SERVICE
Children's Chapel is offered on Sunday during the 9 a.m. Sunday service. All children are invited to join the Gospel procession and gather around the Deacon as the Gospel is proclaimed. Then children pre-school through 2nd grade will process to Thomsen Chapel for storytelling, singing, and prayer. Parents are welcome to join their children. They return to their families in the nave at the Peace. If you have any questions or would like to help out, please contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie at: wbarrie@saintmarks.org
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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.
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Contemplative Prayer
MOST TUESDAYS, 7–8 P.M., in the cathedral nave
NOTE: Contemplative Prayer will meet on January 2.
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
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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 all the Coast Salish tribes. [Learn more]
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Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
206.323.0300
info@saintmarks.org
www.saintmarks.org
Pastoral Care Emergency Line: 206.323.0300 x100
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