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2024 Commitment to Saint Mark's

It is time for all of us who love Saint Mark’s to make a financial commitment. Your support is crucial this year.

To make a financial commitment, click here.

Each and every gift is appreciated.

Message from the Interim Dean,

Rev. Lane Hensley

Dear Friends,

Whether you’re brand new to Saint Mark’s or a life-long pillar of the Cathedral, I am eager to know you. So I’m writing to share my contact information, and offer an easy way to schedule time with me. My office phone number is 612-400-1205, and my email address is laneh@ourcathedral.org. And you can schedule a conversation with me by phone, Zoom, in-person meeting at the Cathedral or elsewhere, or over a meal together by visiting https://lanehensley.org/meet.

It’s a privilege to be with you as your Interim Dean. You are my priority, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead together.

Blessings and peace to you and those you love.

Lane+

Interfaith Thanksgiving Services

Let's come together in unity and gratitude! Join a broad coalition of religious leaders, houses of worship, and practitioners of multiple faith communities for these interfaith services of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Monday, Nov. 20 | 7 p.m.

Temple of Aaron Synagogue

616 S. Mississippi Blvd., St. Paul | 651-698-8874

This event is being co-sponsored by Temple of Aaron Synagogue, Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul, and the Minnesota Multifaith Network.

Learn more here. Registration is NOT required but encouraged, to assist with planning. Register through this form.

Thursday, Nov. 23 | 10 a.m.

Plymouth Congregational Church

1900 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis (enter through Door 1, close to LaSalle Ave)

Join us, along with a number of our member faith congegrations, for dialogue sermons from Imam Makram El-Amin and Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman. Parking is available onsite. You can also watch the service online at plymouth.org/worship.

Heat Pump Chiller Replacement Update

As many of you know, an overall audit of our facilities showed one of our two AC chillers was likely to fail soon. While we had the option to simply replace the chiller with another AC unit for nearly $200,000, we have instead opted to switch to a heat pump (which provides both heating and cooling) at a small marginal cost.

As part of Saint Mark’s Climate Action Plan and our 5th Mark of Mission, the Climate Justice & Property Committees focused on the benefits of heat pumps, which are 3-5 times more efficient than heating with natural gas (or other fossil fuels).

Saint Marks has been granted $88,000 from Mpls Green Share, Mpls Chamber of Commerce, and Xcel Energy, which almost entirely cover the extra cost for the 60-ton heat pump. The Saint Mark’s Foundation has graciously provided a loan to cover the cash flow gap during our upcoming Capital Funds drive – a contribution that will also fund other important Cathedral projects. Climate Justice Task Force members have committed to support this fundraising effort.  

Replacing our AC system with a heat pump adds heating capacity, which displaces natural gas and fuel oil and allows Saint Marks to make our own significant contribution to mitigating climate change and safeguarding the integrity of God’s Creation at a very low net cost. 

GOOD NEWS: The failing chiller has been removed, and the new heat pump is being installed on the roof of our administration wing. The new system will be operational before the end of December.

On behalf of the Property Committee and the Saint Mark’s Climate Justice Task force, thank you to all who have helped and supported us with this project. Joe Ward, Chris Kirwan, and Rev. Tim Kingsley can answer most questions.

Fall Goods Drive: Groveland Food Shelf

Thanksgiving Food & Personal Care Items Needed!

As noted by ALIGN, “many people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity also experience food insecurity and struggle to meet their basic needs with limited income and rising costs. See the list below for items needed or make a monetary donation here.

Items can be dropped off at Groveland Emergency Food Shelf (9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday–Friday) or at entrance to Plymouth Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. 



Boxed Goods: Cornbread Mix, Cake Mix, Stuffing Mix, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Boxed Mac & Cheese

Canned Goods: Cranberry Sauce, Applesauce, Canned Vegetables (Green Beans, Corn, Carrots, Yams, Mixed Vegetables), Red or Black Beans, Canned Gravy or Gravy Packets, Canned Soups (Chicken Noodle, Tomato, Cream of Mushroom, Celery & Chicken, Vegetable)

Toiletries: Toilet Paper, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Bar Soap, Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioner, Feminine Hygiene Products, Laundry Detergent, Dish Soap

World AIDS Day Eucharist and Remembrance

Friday, December 1 | 12 p.m.

Each year on December 1, the world unites to commemorate World AIDS Day. This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to continue working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. In 2023, we mark the 35th commemoration of this important day with the theme “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.”

Join us in our Nave at 12 p.m. to honor World AIDS Day again this year with prayer, scripture and Eucharist for all.

Advent Wreath Making and

Holiday Craft Market

Sunday, December 3 | 9:15 a.m.

During the 9:15 a.m. hour on Advent 1, we will be hosting an Advent Wreath-making gathering. We’ll have everything you need—greens, forms, candles, clips—or you can bring your own materials if you have them at home. Join us for hot cider, snacks, and a great way of introducing and interacting with the Advent season at Saint Mark’s Cathedral.

The Holiday Craft Market during the Advent event will feature handmade items crafted by Cathedral Choir members to help fund our residency at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland in July 2025. Handmade items include jewelry, crocheted holiday decorations, knitted washcloths and potholders, felted bowls, gift tags, candles, greeting cards, bags, and more. We will also be holding a raffle for a queen-sized quilt.

Questions? Contact Bryan Bliss or Mary Lusk.

Advent Compline by Candlelight

Thursday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 | 7 p.m.

Advent is a spiritual season of quiet anticipation as we contemplate the already-but-not-yet of the coming of Christ. This Advent, our marking and praying this season together will include weekly Compline in the Nave each Thursday evening. Compline is one of the ancient prayer "offices" of the Church, and the last set of prayers said before retiring for the night. It is simple, comforting, and beautiful. This will be a spoken service with silence, prayer, and candlelight. Come and join us.

Morning Prayer (Tuesday, 8 a.m.) and Evening Prayer (Wednesday, 5 p.m.) will also continue throughout this season with their Advent scripture readings and prayers.

For all of these worship services, please use the Welcome Center door for entry.

Scandinavian St. Lucia Celebration

Wednesday, December 13 | 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend Saint Mark’s Scandinavian St. Lucia Celebration on December 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room. Enjoy music, a Lucia procession, and traditional Lucia treats. There is no charge for this event, but we would appreciate reservations for planning purposes.

Välkomna alla! 

Carol Services at Saint Mark's Cathedral

Each year we offer two services of Lessons and Carols. The Cathedral Choir will sing carols and anthems and also lead the congregation on the singing of our Advent and Christmas hymns.

Advent Carol Service

Sunday, December 3 | 5 p.m.

We will hear the prophecies and stories of the events surrounding the birth of Christ and enjoy singing the familiar carols which are such an indelible part of our Christmas tradition.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 24 | 4 p.m.

We will hear readings prophesying the coming of Christ, not only as an infant in Bethlehem but also looking forward to a second coming and the final consummation of all things.

Nursery Now Available

Every Sunday | 9:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The nursery is open and available for children 3 months to 5 years old. Each Sunday, it will be staffed with two paid attendants for any families who would like to have a safe, fun place for their children to visit during formation or the worship service. The nursery is located off the art hallway (just before you enter the nave) to the left—just past the AV room.

Questions? Please contact Rev. Bryan Bliss, Cradle to Career Ministries at the Cathedral.

Children's Chapel

Begins Sunday, December 3

Through Advent, we’re going to try something a little different! Some families have asked for an opportunity for children-focused worship experiences. We are going to try a Children’s Chapel Model, which will meet in Whipple Chapel right before the Gospel is read and will return in time for Communion (or kids can go to the nursery, if they’re of age) at the Peace.

Questions? Want to help out? Let Rev. Bryan Bliss know!

Every Sunday at 9:15 a.m.

First Sunday:

Intergenerational Gathering in Banquet Room

Second Sunday:

Godly Play, Youth Gathering, Fellowship in Community Room

Third Sunday:

Godly Play, Youth Gathering, Timely Topics in Banquet Room

Fourth Sunday:

Youth Gathering, Gather/Transform/Send in Banquet Room

Saint Mark's Art Gallery

Uncaged Art: Tornillo Children's Detention Camp

Beginning November 7 through the end of the month, ECMN will premiere the Uncaged Art Exhibit at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral. The exhibit is available during all open hours.