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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 |
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SUNDAY OFFERINGS
Sunday, December 17, 2023:
The Third Sunday of Advent
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8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist
in Thomsen Chapel
9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist
in the cathedral nave
10:10 a.m. • Godly Play
in the St. Nicholas Bldg, 2nd floor
10:10 a.m. • Forum: Poetry of the Season with Prof. Doug Thorpe
in Bloedel Hall
11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist
in the nave and livestreamed
4:30 p.m. • Candy Cane Lane Walk
meet at Roosevelt Light Rail Station
7 p.m. • Comfort & Peace at Christmas: A Service of Healing for Aching Hearts
in Thomsen Chapel [Note change of location]
9:30 p.m. • Compline
in the nave and livestreamed
10 p.m. • Organ by Night
in the nave and organ loft
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The cover image shows the chancel of the second church of Saint Mark's, Seattle, festooned with evergreen branches, in a photo from around 1920.
This church building was located on Harvard Ave near Madison and Broadway, and occupied by Saint Mark's from 1897 until 1931, when the community moved to the current cathedral building. Elements of the altarpiece and stained glass seeen in the photo have been reused in the cathedral. (Photo from the archives of the Diocese of Olympia)
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NEW THIS WEEK
A Report from COP28
from the Episcopal Church delegation to the U.N. Climate Conference, this afternoon
Winter Solstice Poetry Reading
with Prof. Doug Thorpe
Candy Cane Lane Walk & Holiday Cheer
See the holiday lights this Sunday
Comfort & Peace at Christmas
new details and change of location
Twelfth Night Celebration & Burning of the Greens
a prayerful and festive community gathering, Friday, January 5
Christ of the Celts Book Discussion
begins January 18
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CREATION CARE SUNDAY FORUM
Poetry of the Season with Prof. Doug Thorpe
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 10:10 A.M., Bloedel Hall
Winter solstice brings the first day of winter and a return of more sunlight. Drawing from a selection of poems connected to the season, parishioner and English professor Doug Thorpe will join with members of the 20-30's group to guide us in a time of reading and reflection to discover creation themes. A slideshow of light-inspired photos from Saint Mark's parishioners will also be shared.
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Candy Cane Lane and Holiday Cheer
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 4:30-6 P.M., meet at Roosevelt Light Rail Station
A tradition since 1949, the houses on one section of NE Park Road in Ravenna transform into Candy Cane Lane, a display of lights and decorations representing traditions and themes from around the world. A group will meet at the Roosevelt Light Rail Station (NE 65th and NE12th) and then walk to see the lights, just over a mile away, with a hot chocolate stop to stay warm. This event is hosted by the 20s/30s Group, but all ages are welcome. RSVP (appreciated but not required) to Emily Meeks: emeeks@saintmarks.org
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Comfort & Peace at Christmas: A Service of Healing for Aching Hearts
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 7 P.M., in Thomsen Chapel (Note change of location)
Saint Mark’s has a long-standing tradition of holding space for prayerful care and companionship for those who find the holiday season a difficult time—for many who have experienced loss, grief, or hardship, the "festive season" can in fact be particularly painful and alienating. The liturgy, called "Comfort and Peace at Christmas" (known in previous years as "Blue Christmas"), will be offered this Sunday evening, December 17, at 7 p.m., in lieu of the Contemplative Eucharist.
This special service of scripture, candle lighting, and healing prayer is intended to honor whatever you may be going through, while offering the hope of light and peace. The location has been changed from earlier announcements, and the liturgy will be offered in Thomsen Chapel as in previous years. It is not livestreamed. Dean Steve Thomason will preside, and Rev. Linzi Stahlecker will offer a reflection. Music will be offered by Canon Michael Kleinschmidt, Joey Blundell, alto, and Charles Coldwell, recorders, and will include hymns for the congregation and songs from Taizé during the anointing. All are welcome.
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Organ By Night
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 10 P.M. (following Compline), in the cathedral nave and organ loft
John Stuntebeck will offer this month's Organ by Night music following Compline this Sunday, December 17. John serves as Associate Organist at Saint Mark's Cathedral. He will play works by Paul Manz, Cecilia McDowall, and Jack Oades. On every third Sunday of the month, organists offer 20 minutes of music on the mighty Flentrop organ, and encourage listeners to join them in the gallery to see and hear the organ and organist up close. They are also happy to answer questions about the music and the organ itself.
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Greening of the Cathedral
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 10 A.M.–2 P.M. (or until finished), in the cathedral nave
The parish family of Saint Mark's will come together on Monday, December 18 for The Greening the Cathedral, that is, helping Chris Brown clean and decorate our sacred space with evergreen garland, wreaths, and trees for the celebration of the birth of Christ. The bows won't be added until December 23, but the space will be filled with greenery for the Pageant on December 20. Families with kids and people of all ages are encouraged to participate. Work will continue until it's finished, probably around 2 p.m., but many hands make light work! A lunch of tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches will be served. Questions? Contact Kathy Sodergren at 206-240-3748
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Twelfth Night Eucharist & Burning of the Greens
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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Creation Care/Pilgrimage Book Discussion:
Christ of the Celts by John Philip Newell
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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Christmas Memorials & Thanksgivings
Help underwrite the beautiful flowers and special music of the season by making a special contribution in honor or memory of someone. Please fill out the form here or use the paper form inserted in your bulletin on Sunday. Then you can make your gift online at saintmarks.org/give, or donate by check in the offering plate, to the cathedral office, or by mail. Contributions received by December 19 will be acknowledged in the bulletins on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Contact Erik Donner with questions:edonner@saintmarks.org
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed
Saint Mark's Pageant of the Nativity is unlike any children's pageant you have seen elsewhere. In 2015, the leadership of Saint Mark's Cathedral formulated a vision for a offering that centered Holy Scripture, took full advantage of the inspiring space of the cathedral nave, could be enjoyed by children and adults of every generation, and challenged the choristers of the cathedral to new heights of musical excellence. Video and other material from the pageants of years past can be seen here. This year's choral selections and congregational hymns span the centuries. The instrumentalist vary from year to year—this year's presentation features a delicate ensemble of strings and woodwinds. Don't miss this prayerful and inspirational meditation on Christ's coming into our world—join in person in the cathedral nave, or via livestream.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1–4 P.M., Bloedel Hall
Every year a group of parishioners known as the Holy Folders gather in Bloedel Hall and stuff inserts into the Christmas service bulletins. Knowing that many hands make light work, we invite you to join us on Friday December 22 at 1 p.m., until the work is done. We have been known to have snacks to keep us going. Check out this video from 2019 by David Wild for a taste of the fun! Please email Barbara Erickson at bje46@msn.com for more information or to sign up.
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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.
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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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Creation Care Prayer for the Third 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.
Lord, this Advent, help us "return to that simplicity
which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things."
May our prayer and mindful actions
prepare the way for Christ to be born anew
in our lives and in our world.
Amen.
[source: Catholic Climate Covenant, quoting Laudato Si']
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TODAY! Wrap-up Report from The Episcopal Church Delegation at COP28
THIS AFTERNOON, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 12 P.M., PST, online via Zoom
The 28th United Nations Climate Conference of Parties (COP28), the annual United Nations Climate Summit, ended on Tuesday. All are invited to gather with Episcopal advocates and ecumenical partners for a closing event this afternoon, Friday, December 15, at 12 p.m. Pacific time. The Presiding Bishop’s Delegation (which includes 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) will offer reports from their witness at the conference and summaries from the results of the negotiations. They will finish with a faith-led vision of the future of Episcopal advocacy around climate change. Register to participate using this Zoom link.
More information about the work of The Episcopal Church COP28 delegation can be found here. Also, plan to join the Saint Mark's Creation Care ministry on Tuesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. in person in Room 210 or via Zoom, when The Rev. Lisa Graumlich (former COP delegate, professor of Environmental Science, and recently-ordained Deacon) will provide a debrief about COP28.
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Video now available
A video of Dean Thomason's conversation with The Rev. Fadi Diab in Ramallah, Palestine last Sunday is now available here. As always, these and dozens of other forums and presentations, are collected in a YouTube playlist here.
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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
One of the many exciting elements last Sunday's Alternative Gift Fair was the official public launch of the Saint Mark's Cathedral Merch Store. You can now 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. Makes great gifts! 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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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!
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FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Native Art Market at the Duwamish Longhouse
THIS WEEKEND! DECEMBER 16 & 17, 10 A.M to 5:30 P.M., at the Duwamish Longhouse: 4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle
visit the Duwamish Longhouse this weekend for the Annual November Native Art Market and Holiday Gift Fair. Native artists and vendors will have a variety of work for sale, and food vendors will be present as well. Be aware that parking may be limited.
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Please Note: The Advent Quiet Morning tomorrow, Saturday, December 16, is now at capacity and is no longer accepting reservations. Contact Rev. Linzi with questions. | |
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Godly Play is normally offered the first and third Sunday of each month in the 10 a.m. hour (between the 9 and 11 a.m. services). The next offering will be this Sunday, December 17, when the Weavers Class (ages 3 to grade 2) will explore Exile and Return, and the Fishers Class (grades 3 to 5) will share The Story of Isaiah.
Note that there will be no Godly Play on January 7. The next meeting will be January 21.
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Cathedral Yoga will be offered on Monday, December 18, at 6:30–8 p.m. in the cathedral nave, led by instructor Luna Miller, and including the third-Monday extended 30-minute savasana with Sound Bath artist Andrea Suzuki.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and are locked at 6:45 p.m. It is no longer possible to attend the Sound Bath without first attending the class.
Note that Cathedral Yoga will not meet on December 25 or January 1.
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Earlier this week, 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. | |
The Queer in Christ Ministry recently sent out a new newsletter issue, containing upcoming events as well as interesting links and resources. Check out the new issue here, and contact Sacristan Michael Seewer to be added to the list to receive future issues: mseewer@saintmarks.org | |
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Sunday, December 17, 2023:
The Third 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 61:1–4, 8–11
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
John 1:6–8, 19–28
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8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in Thomsen Chapel
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Presider & Preacher: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason
Hymns:
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding [Hymn #59]
Prepare the way, O Zion [Hymn #65]
Organ:
Jeanne Demessieux, Rorate caeli
Jack Oades, Rorate caeli desuper
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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 Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason
Hymns:
My soul cries out with a joyful shout ["Canticle of the turning"]
Hark! the glad sound! [Hymn #72]
Choir:
Geonyong Lee, Come now, O Prince of Peace
Jacob Handl, arr. Richard Fabian, The Song of Zechariah
Organ:
Anon. from the Lüneberger Orgeltabulatur, chorale-prelude on Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland
Dieterich Buxtehude, chorale-prelude on Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211
Jack Oades, Rorate caeli desuper
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11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in the cathedral nave & livestreamed
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Presider: The Rev. Canon Jennifer King Daugherty
Preacher: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason
Hymns:
Now the heavens start to whisper [Tune: Bleanwern]
Prepare the way, O Zion [Hymn #65]
Come, thou long-expected Jesus [Hymn #66]
Hark! the glad sound! [Hymn #72]
Choir:
Michael Kleinschmidt, Drop down, ye heavens, from above
Grayston Ives, This is the record of John
Organ:
Anon. from the Lüneberger Orgeltabulatur, chorale-prelude on Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland
J. S. Bach, chorale-prelude on Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland, BWV 660
Dieterich Buxtehude, chorale-prelude on Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland, BuxWV 211
Jack Oades, Rorate caeli desuper
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7 P.M. • COMFORT & PEACE AT CHRISTMAS: A SERVICE OF HEALING FOR ACHING HEARTS
in Thomsen Chapel
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Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason
Reflection: The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker
Musicians: Canon Michael Kleinschmidt, piano; Joey Blundell, cantor; Charles Coldwell, recorders
Hymns: O day of God, draw nigh [Hymn #601]
Lord, listen to your children praying
Selections from Taizé
"Go, my children, with my blessing" [Tune: Ar hyd y nos]
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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. Jason Anderson, Angelus emittitur
Basque carol, The angel Gabriel from heaven came
Peter R. Hallock, Nunc dimittis ("Marilyn" setting)
Paul Manz, E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come
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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 that the Contemplative Prayer group will not meet on December 19 or December 26. The next gathering will be 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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