|
20s/30s GROUP NEWSLETTER
SAINT MARK'S CATHEDRAL, SEATTLE
WINTER 2024
| |
|
Stay connected on Slack—email 20s30s@saintmarks.org for the link.
photo above: A group of 20s/30s from around Seattle enjoying a bonfire before a Taizé prayer
| |
|
Alternative Gift Market
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 10 A.M.–1 P.M., Bloedel Hall
Looking to support our ministries, AND get great gifts for friends and family? Join us at the Alternative Gift Market! Several 20s/30s members will be supporting the Seafarers and Lowell ministries, and David will be providing a piano serenade from 10 to 11 a.m., so stop by and say hello! You can learn more here, or email Canon Barrie for more information. Volunteers are still needed, especially for the 10–11 a.m. time slot. Sign up here if you can help out!
| |
|
FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Sock it to Homelessness
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 12:30–2 P.M., at the Operation Nightwatch Shelter Dispatch Center, 302 14th Ave S, Seattle
Imagine you've been walking on the soaked concrete of Seattle sidewalks all day. It's a cold winter night. Maybe you're out waiting for a 7 p.m. meal, and the sun set two and a half hours ago. Maybe you don't have somewhere warm to go at all. Your feet are utterly freezing, the painful-to-the-bone kind of cold.
If you can imagine what that's like, or if you've ever been out on the Operation Nightwatch street ministry, then you can imagine what kind of blessing a fresh, clean pair of socks can be. Operation Nightwatch will be hosting a Sock It To Homelessness drive to restock its socks. If you have a pair to spare, put your best foot forward to help make this a sock-cessful event! You can email Stone Fennell for more information!
| |
|
Thanksgiving Eucharist & Meal
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 10 A.M., Bloedel Hall
A Thanksgiving Eucharist will be given at 10 a.m., followed by a potluck meal at 11:30 a.m.
Please register here no later than 10 a.m. on Monday November 25!
| |
|
CATHEDRAL COMMONS
Housing & Hunger Ministries Summit
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 6:45 P.M., Bloedel Hall
The Housing & Hunger Summit will bring together many of the groups doing restorative justice at Saint Mark’s. After the Wednesday dinner, a series of ministries will give five-minute presentations on their work. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the ministries at Saint Mark’s. You can email Stone Fennell for more information!
| |
|
Ordinations to the Transitional Diaconate
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 10 A.M., cathedral nave
A new cohort of Deacons will be ordained, including our own Adam Conley! Please join us in celebrating their effort and welcoming them into the next chapter of their journey.
| |
|
Hallmark & Hygge Night
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 7 P.M., Leffler House
Cozy into your big city career abandonment dreams and step into a world where tree lighting ceremonies save towns and long-lost love letters are found in snow globes!
Join the 20s/30s Group for a cozy Christmas season celebration, featuring a Hallmark movie showing, Hallmark movie bingo cards, snacks, and hot cocoa. You are welcome to bring your favorite Christmas treat or non-alcoholic drink to share, cozy blankets, pillows, or a craft to work on during the movie. The movie will start at 7:20 p.m. Please park offsite to accommodate a concert in the nave that evening. Free street parking is available in the neighborhood. Contact julia7cooper@gmail.com or kellie9511@gmail.com with any questions.
| |
|
SUNDAY MORNING FORUM
Dark Into Light: A Celebration of Poetry for the Solstice
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 10:10 A.M., Bloedel Hall
The birth of Christ, celebrated at the time of the Winter Solstice here in the north, announces the return of light to the world but also the birthing of the Word, the Logos, into the world. That Word brings consciousness, brings truth, brings love, and yes brings light, which we celebrate this morning with a reading of relevant poems that speak into this darkness and affirm that it does not and will not silence us. Hosted by Professor Emeritus Doug Thorpe along with the Creation Care Committee and the Cathedral’s vibrant and light-bearing 20s/30s Group. For information contact dthorpe@spu.edu
| |
|
FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Yule: Poetry, Music, Light
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 5 P.M., at Saint Luke’s Renton
On Sunday Dec. 22, join for a collaborative, festive musical celebration of the Winter Solstice featuring Ann Strickland & The Mystics at St. Luke's Renton. This will be an innovative liturgy of music, poetry, and prayer. Learn more here.
| |
|
The Pageant of the Nativity
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 7 P.M., cathedral nave
The Pageant of the Nativity is a reflection and meditation on a sacred story which has spoken to people around the world and across the ages. Expect gorgeous visual artwork, adorable costumes, and enchanting music. You can email David Poortinga for more information.
NOTE: The Pageant still needs adult volunteers with a background in theater, lighting, stage design, costuming—or those just interested in lending a hand or helping to feed the cast. Find a sign-up link here, and please contact Rebekah Gilmore with questions.
| |
|
The Longest Night
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 7 P.M., cathedral nave
On the longest night of the year, at a time when we may feel our losses most acutely, there is little which warms us better than being together. This is a service for those facing pain or difficulty this holiday season.
| |
|
FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Evensong at Epiphany
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 5:30 P.M., Epiphany Parish of Seattle
Choral Evensong is a service of Evening Prayer, derived from the ancient offices of Vespers and Compline. The choir sings the traditional evening prayers of the church that have been offered for centuries, while the congregation listens, joins in the hymns, and adds their own prayers to those of the choir. Several members of Saint Mark’s will attend on January 12th. You can email David Portinga for more information!
| |
|
SAVE THE DATE
Contemplative Retreat
FEBRUARY 14–16, Rainbow Lodge
Get away from it all and experience a weekend of peace, prayer, and self-care with young adults from across the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia…
Holy Quiet is a casual retreat designed for adults in their 20s and 30s who are seeking to experience an array of contemplative practices from a Taizé service to lectio divina to centering prayer. We’ll practice intervals of silence interspersed with activities like music, hiking, yoga, baking and art.
This year we’re at a new (for us!) venue: Rainbow Lodge in North Bend, WA, just 30 miles out of Seattle. This gorgeous retreat center is situated on 40 acres at the base of Mount Si. Reach out to youngadults@ecww.org to be alerted when reservations open up!
| |
|
Questioning Together + Compline
SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 7:30 P.M., Leffler House
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8:
Christian Identity in Secular Institutions
with Sarah Elwood
Longtime Saint Mark's parishioner and professor of geography at the University of Washington Sarah Elwood will lead a discussion about holding and embracing Christian identity within largely secular spaces. Seattle is one of the least religiously affiliated major cities in the country; how does this influence our identities as practicing Christians? We will discuss how Christian values can be embodied in irreligious institutions such as school and work. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email Adrienne at adriennehub@gmail.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12:
Accompanying Others in Suffering and Pain
with Canon Rich
What does it mean to accompany others through spiritual suffering and pain? What is our call as Christians to show up in care for others while also tending to our own souls in the discomfort of entering the suffering of others? Join us for Questioning Together as we host the Rev. Canon Rich Weyls, who has had a long career as a hospital chaplain. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email Hilary or email 20s30s@saintmarks.org.
| |
|
Dinner & Contemplative Prayer (Taco Tuesday!)
THE FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH), 6 P.M., St. Nicholas Building 2nd floor
20s/30s members are invited to this monthly opportunity to connect and practice sacred stillness with the wider cathedral community. Join in for a taco dinner at 6 p.m. in the St. Nicholas Building (tortillas, beans and chips and salsa provided, just bring a favorite side), and conversation to start the week. After dinner, the group will head over to the cathedral nave to take part in Contemplative Prayer from 7–8 p.m. No prior experience with Contemplative Prayer or meditation is required. Contact Julia julia7cooper@gmail.com to RSVP.
Note: On March 4, we will not have our taco dinner due to the Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner in the Nave that night.
| |
20s/30s Post Church Brunches
FOLLOWING THE 11 A.M. EUCHARIST ON THE FOURTH SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH
The 20s/30s community gathers for lunch every fourth Sunday following the 11 a.m. service. Meet at the baptismal font to walk to a nearby restaurant or farmer’s market for great food and company. Everyone is welcome! Questions? Email Kellie Roberts: kellie9511@gmail.com
| |
|
Braiding Sweetgrass Book Club
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 AND FIRST SUNDAYS IN JANUARY–APRIL, 12:30–1:30 P.M.,
all meetings are at Leffler House except for Feb 2nd, which is in St. Nicholas Building
Gather to read and learn from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants. We will meet once per month from January to April to discuss select chapters of this collection of essays. This book group is hosted by the 20s/30s Group, but all are welcome to join. "As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on 'a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise'" (Elizabeth Gilbert). Contact Julia at julia7cooper@gmail.com to RSVP. Even if you cannot make every meeting, you are welcome to join! Stay tuned for a schedule of chapters which we will focus on for each meeting.
| |
|
Operation Nightwatch Street Ministry
TUESDAY EVENINGS
We are excited to announce our brand new homeless outreach ministry. In partnership with Operation Nightwatch, we will be offering for two rotating volunteers to join the street ministry efforts on Tuesday evenings on Broadway. This is an opportunity to learn about chaplaincy and pastoral care and to build relationships with those living unhoused in our neighborhood.
A recording of the recent information session with Molly Bosch and Rev. Michael Cox from Operation Nightwatch can be found here.
Additional questions, or interested in signing up? Email Molly Bosch: molly.bosch@outlook.com
| |
|
Camping Trip
Several members of the 20s/30s proved their Seattleite status by venturing out for a camping trip in the face of a rainy forecast. By luck and preparation, they managed to stay dry and enjoy a weekend in the woods.
| |
Top: Julia and Adam staying dry during the camping trip; Bottom: A group of Saint Mark's 20s/30s playing a card game while camping | |
Left: The Cooper and Company Bluegrass Band playing at the "back-to-school" Parish Picnic; Right: A group of Saint Mark's 20s/30s on a hike | |
|
Saint Demetrios Festival
Every year, the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church hosts a Greek Festival featuring food, dances, nave tours, a Greek deli, and more! Several of us attended, getting a taste of excellent food, orthodox spiritual life, and several delicious wines.
| |
Top: Photo from the nave of Saint Demetrios; Bottom: Adrienne, Collin, and Stone getting food at the Saint Demetrios Greek Festival | |
A group of Saint Mark's 20s/30s enjoying a brunch | |
|
Bagel Brunch
Our October 20 bagel brunch was a smashing success. It was great to see so many new faces, and it’s always lovely to share hole-y food with holy people.
| |
|
Light the Path
Several members of the 20s/30s attended a fundraiser for Operation Nightwatch. It was an evening of good food and great conversation! It’s incredible to see the breadth of community support, and it’s exciting to look forwards to how Saint Mark’s will be working more closely with Operation Nightwatch in the near future.
| |
Adrienne, Julia, and Molly at the Light Up the Night fundraiser | |
Michael and Adrienne of Saint Mark's with Sally and Heidi from Trinity and Blake from St. Clement’s at Diocesan Convention | |
|
Gaza and Israel with Prof. Doug Thorpe
Saint Mark's parishioner Prof. Doug Thorpe led a discussion about unfolding events in Israel and Gaza. Doug is a member of the Bishop's Committee and has long been involved in activism work for justice in Israel and Palestine. As someone with personal relationship to individuals and locations in the areas impacted by the current conflict, he gave insight into the dynamic of what is currently happening and how we can engage with the information we are receiving about the Middle East in light of our own lens of faith. Prof. Thorpe shared a bibliography and a poem after the event, find both here.
| |
Lara, Julia, Kellie, Molly, Adrienne, and Molly making an autumnal color palette | |
|
BY ADRIENNE HUBBARD
2024 has undoubtedly been a stressful and eventful year for many of us in 20s/30s and within the cathedral community at large. I have certainly felt major stressors this year and uncertainty about what is to come in the future. In these challenging moments, I am reminded of the necessity of faith in my life and how my faith has become so relational. The friendships and community building at Saint Mark's have certainly been an intentional effort on my part, but I am reminded constantly how much support and trust I have received in return.
Faith and resilience cannot be practiced in isolation; we need the warmth and response of trusted friends and siblings in Christ to remind us that we are moving in the right direction, even if the steps feel shaky and difficult. There have been many weeks when I have had my spirits lifted by a shared meal, run through Volunteer Park, or simply being able to smile and connect with familiar faces on Sunday morning. I am looking forward to a new year with more confidence, time spent with dear friends, and intentional faith without reliance on certain outcomes.
| |
|
The Episcopal Church Leadership Project Survey
The Department of Faith Formation of the Episcopal Church is currently in Phase 3 of The Episcopal Church Leadership Project, a multi-phased study designed to answer the question, “How is the Episcopal Church training young adults for leadership?” The Phase 3 survey is for anyone 18–32 who is connected to The Episcopal Church. The survey can be found at www.research.net/r/EpiscopalYAMinistry and is offered in both English and Spanish.
| |
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] | | | | |
