SAINT MARK'S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
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March 11, 2020—
A Message from Dean Thomason:
Cathedral to Close
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As I reported in my message to you a week ago, when I met with Governor Inslee on March 3, he alluded to stricter interventions to come. As of today, March 11, 2020, those interventions have now been implemented.
The directives delivered to us all this morning now necessitate the closure of the cathedral campus as a public gathering place. We do so with a deep sense of concern for the well-being of those most at risk by COVID-19, and we echo the governor’s compassionate petition to please be mindful of these directives in all aspects of your lives, for the sake of all people, but especially the most vulnerable among us. (See the official news release
here.)
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This public closure necessarily includes the dozen services we hold in the cathedral and its chapels each week and is effective today. There are ways you can still engage worship here, via our livestream ministry, which we will work to expand in this unusual time. For this coming Sunday, March 15, here’s what is on tap:
- 11 a.m.: Livestream of the Holy Eucharist with Hymns and Anthems of the Lenten Season
- 9:30 p.m.: Livestream of the Office of Compline led by members of the Compline Choir
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The prevailing message delivered by elected leaders today is grounded in sound science—that in order for these interventions to be effective in slowing the virus, we all must embrace the directives which are designed to be “vigorous, comprehensive, and aggressive,” to use the Governor’s words. Mayor Durkan said they, as civic leaders, speak in one voice as they enact these emergency requirements, and Saint Mark’s Cathedral adds our voice to theirs, in solidarity and support, doing so with utmost concern for those at greatest risk. We will comply with the directives promulgated today, which are in effect through the end of March, with likely extensions to be made as needed.
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Anticipating this development, your staff leaders have already begun work to develop creative ways we can be community, even if not present together for a time. We will share more about those in the coming days, but let me reiterate a few things here we’ve already shared:
- If your ministry group or committee needs to meet, please know you can use the cathedral’s Zoom account for videoconferencing. Contact your staff liaison for assistance.
- Participate in worship weekly. Even if you cannot be present in the flesh, your spiritual presence is palpable and important as we strive to be the Body of Christ in this place.
- Many of you responded to the inquiry about assisting others who become homebound and isolated. The clergy will coordinate those encounters as the needs arise. Thank you!
- Consider reading the book Sabbath as Resistance: Saying NO to the Culture of Now, by Walter Brueggemann. We will launch book groups via Zoom in a couple of weeks for those who opt in.
- If you haven't already, consider following Saint Mark's on Facebook and Instagram—other places where we can experience community during this time.
- Check in with one another, and hold each other and this community in your prayers.
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In the fall of 1918, Saint Mark’s closed its doors during a similar epidemic that saw Seattle largely locked down for about six weeks, but the letters and reports we have are that it actually brought families and communities closer together. Trying times and great challenges have a way of doing that—serving as catalysts for transformation. I believe we are in just such a crucible, and I am looking for the transformational opportunities for this wonderful community, as we press on. I hope you will join me in that effort to see what good comes from all this. I am,
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Your companion on the journey,
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The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason
Dean and Rector
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