|
Be sure to grab a copy of the newly updated Ministry Directory, now available in the cathedral narthex!
| | Why Intergenerational Ministries? | |
Saint Mark's Canon for Intergenerational Ministries Wendy Barrie co-wrote this brief article for Building Faith (a publication of Virginia Theological Seminary) about the advantages and limitation of church activities for specific age groups vs. church activities to which all ages are welcomed with intention. These ideas underlay much of what we do together as a cathedral community.
Check out the article here, and mark your calendar now for the intergenerational events and offerings below!
| |
Gratitude for a Terrific Parish Picnic!
A resounding and hearty thank you to everyone who helped set up, grill, serve and clean up at the Parish Picnic! More than 200 people celebrated the beginning of the program year at this now annual event, and we couldn't have done it without you!
| |
Thank You from our Neighbors at Lowell Elementary School
Lowell teachers and staff send their deep gratitude to the Saint Mark's community, not only for fulfilling so many wishes on their Back-to-School Amazon list but for the delicious brunch we provided for their teacher training day.
| |
Register Now for Godly Play
FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF MOST MONTHS, 10:10 A.M., St. Nicholas Bldg, 2nd floor classrooms
Godly Play, which has a more than twenty-year history at Saint Mark's, has been strengthened by the addition of six new teachers this year, three as storytellers (Jen Dobrovolny, Adam Reiser, and Donna Way) and three as door people (Alice Herz, Jascha Little, and Taylor Moss). They join experienced teachers Alicia Goodwin, Hailey Lamb Nielubowicz, Cherie Bradshaw, and Heather Millar. We are so grateful for them all, and for Canon Emily Griffin, our resident trainer!
Canon Griffin and Canon Barrie spent time over the summer significantly updating the Godly Play room for older children, to complement the refreshing of the Godly Play room for younger children that was completed in October 2024 through the efforts of Canon Valerie Reinke and the Diocesan Office of Christian Formation. See photos below!
Godly Play is offered for kids age 3 through fifth grade on the first and third Sundays of each month. Godly Play will next be offered Sunday, September 21, in the 10 a.m. hour. The younger children (age 3 to grade 2) will hear the story of Creation, and the older kids (grades 3 to 5) will engage with The Ten Best Ways (about the Ten Commandments).
Register your child to participate here.
| |
Parents & Toddlers Room Available
FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF MOST MONTHS, 10:10 A.M., St. Nicholas Bldg, first floor (Room 102)
On the Sunday mornings that Godly Play is offered (first & third Sundays), parents and guardians with babies and toddlers are welcome to be together in Room 102 on the first floor of the Saint Nicholas building. A room host (with Safe Church training) will be on hand to welcome you and your little one. There is a low shelf unit with age appropriate toys and books, a carpet for crawlers, and a table and chairs We hope you'll enjoy getting to know other families during the 10:10 to 10:50 time.
Please contact Canon Barrie for more information or to help support this new ministry: wbarrie@saintmarks.org
| | |
Survey for Parents of Younger Children
The Children and Family Ministries Committee (CFM) is in the process of reforming and reimagining how best to support and engage our youngest congregants and their adults in the post-pandemic church. Alice Herz has created a brief survey to help us learn more. Iftake a few minutes to respond—we are eager to hear from you!
Interested in being on the committee? Please email Alice: alice.puccio@gmail.com
| |
Youth Confirmation Info Meeting
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 10:10–10:50 A.M., in Cathedral House Room 210
Teenagers (13–18) who want to dig deeper into their own spirituality and beliefs are encouraged to join the 2025–26 Youth Confirmation cohort. All interested teens and their parents are invited to a Confirmation Informational Meeting to learn more about class schedule, commitment, and curriculum. Parents welcomed as well. Just as you don't need to be sure you want to participate in the class to attend the meeting, you don't need to be sure you want to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church to enroll in the class! Asking those questions is the work we do together. Contact Rebekah Gilmore with questions: rgilmore@saintmarks.org
| |
Alternative Gift Market Planning Meeting
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 4:30 P.M., via Zoom
Many hands—and heads—make light work, and this work benefits so many! Let’s begin planning this year’s Alternative Gift Market, which will be on Sunday, November 23 in Bloedel Hall following both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. This year, we're going for simplicity and sustainability.
Please bring your ideas to a Zoom brainstorming chat on Thursday September 25, 4:30–5:30 p.m, or email Canon Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org
Join using this Zoom link
| | Radix 15: “I have called you by name, and you are mine”—Stories of Recognition in Scripture
| |
OPENING PLENARY: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025, 7 P.M., via Zoom, no registration required
SMALL GROUPS MEET: ONCE A WEEK FOR SIX WEEKS, STARTING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 6, in person OR online via Zoom; registration required
Since January 2020, The Radix Project has invited Saint Mark’s community members into small groups to share their stories, reflect on Holy Scripture and sacred art, and pray for one another with intention. Offered 14 times in the past five years, this beloved program continues to nurture deep connection and spiritual growth.
This fall, Radix 15 takes up the theme “Stories of Recognition in Scripture.”
The theme could not be more timely or essential: we are called to recognize in everyone we meet both our common humanity and the spark of divinity within—a recognition that grounds our shared identity as beloved children of God. Within the Radix small group format, participants practice active listening and respectful communication as they form and deepen relationships with one another.
Join the plenary using this Zoom link
Register for small group using this form. Deadline to register: October 1, 2025.
| |
St. Francis Day Celebration and Blessing of the Animals 2025!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 4:30 P.M., on the front lawn and labyrinth
On Saturday, October 4, Saint Mark’s will once again offer its beloved Saint Francis Day tradition. This Saturday afternoon outdoor offering has a truly festive community atmosphere. The cathedral extends a special invitation to folks in the neighborhood who may not usually attend Saint Mark's. Dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, ponies, chickens, and all creatures great and small are welcome.
The service at 4:30 p.m. includes prayers for healing humanity’s relationship with the earth, and for all the creatures who share the earth with us. Music will be offered by choristers of the Choir School. After the service, animals can receive an individual blessing from a priest if desired. A festive reception with treats for pets and people will conclude the afternoon.
All are invited to attend, with or without their animal companions. Stuffed animals are also welcome to be blessed, as are photographs of pets who would not find attending the event a blessed experience. Animals should remain leashed or kenneled. You are welcome to bring your own chair to use on the lawn, although chairs will also be provided.
Find more information, including photos from previous years, here.
| |
Intergenerational Hike to the Oxbow Loop Trail
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 3 P.M., at Oxbow Loop Trailhead
Enjoy an easy, scenic 2-mile out-and-back on a well-surfaced, mostly level trail (<60 ft gain) with access to the Snoqualmie River—perfect for young children and anyone who prefers an unhurried pace. Dogs on leash are welcome. Rain or shine!
- Trail info: WTA’s Oxbow Loop page.
- Optional early supper in North Bend afterward at a casual restaurant.
- Want more challenge? Hike the nearby Pratt Balcony trail earlier in the afternoon and meet the group at 3 p.m.
RSVP: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie — wbarrie@saintmarks.org
| |
Intergenerational Council Meeting
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 7–8:30 P.M., via Zoom
You've already done the prereading (Canon Barrie's article at the beginning of this newsletter), so please join the next meeting of the Intergenerational Council! Monday, October 20 from 7-8:30 pm. Join using this Zoom link.
| |
A Liturgy for All Hallows’ Eve
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person only
Come in costume, or come as you are on Wednesday, October 29 for the evocative and brief liturgy of All Hallows Eve from the Book of Occasional Services. By candlelight we'll sing and pray and hear the ancient stories of Saul and the Witch of Endor and Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones and reflect on the deeper meaning of the Triduum of All Hallows, All Saints, and All Souls. Afterwards, enjoy hot cider and a sweet treat.
The liturgy will be led by Rev. Conley and Canon Barrie. Please email Canon Barrie if you are interested in telling one of the stories at this service: wbarrie@saintmarks.org
| |
Register Now for Baptism on All Saints' Sunday: November 2, 2025 | | |
November 2 is the closest Sunday to All Saints' Day, and is one of four dates on the Church calendar set aside as particularly appropriate for Baptism. Baptisms will occur at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. There will be no Sunday Forum or Godly Play in the 10 a.m. hour. Everyone is invited to sign the baptismal certificates in the coffee corner following the services.
Learn more here. If you are ready to register yourself or your child for Baptism on this day, please submit the form here.
| |
Registration Open for the High School Youth Retreat
FRIDAY–SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14–16,
Camp Huston, Gold Bar, WA. $175/person; Register HERE
Take the weekend to get away with each other, walk in the woods, stay up late, talk about deep things and not so deep things.
| | Calendar of Upcoming Events | |
NOVEMBER
- Wednesday 11/5 — Interfaith Prayer Vigil, 7 p.m.
- Friday 11/7 — Terra Ball Opening Event
- Tuesday 11/11, 1–3:30 p.m. — Crafternoon in Bloedel Hall and Kitchen in preparation for the Alternative Gift Market
3:30–4:30 p.m. Special introduction to the Terra Ball exhibition, followed by Intergenerational Song Circle with Elizabeth Antley
- Wednesday 11/12 — Cathedral Commons: Reflections on the Evensong Pilgrimage with Michael Kleinschmidt, Rebekah Gilmore, and Members of the Evensong Choir
- Wednesday 11/19, 6:45 p.m. — Cathedral Commons: Simple Gifts—James Davidson and Molly Bosch on the holiday spirit in books, movies, and life
- Sunday 11/23 — Alternative Gift Market at 10–11 a.m. and 12:30–2 p.m.
- Thursday 11/27 — Thanksgiving Day (Eucharist at 10 a.m. & Community Dinner 11:30 a.m.)
DECEMBER
- Wednesday 12/17, 7 p.m. — The Pageant of the Nativity
- Thursday 12/31, 6 p.m.–12:30 a.m. — New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk with Midnight Eucharist
JANUARY 2026
- Sunday 1/4
- 4:30 p.m. — Evensong observing the Feast of the Epiphany
- 5:30 p.m. — Burning of the Greens and Parish Supper
- Sunday 1/18, 12:30–2:30 p.m. — MLK Afternoon of Service in Bloedel Hall and throughout the neighborhood
- Saturday 1/24, 9–11 a.m. — Children and Family Ministries Playdate with Clothing and Toy Swap
| | 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] | | | | |
