Yes, it’s really hard to talk about the crucifixion with children. Adults have enough trouble with it. Please don’t skip over the hard parts, though. We do know how the story ends. We call Good Friday ‘good’ because we are an Easter people. Even in the name we give it, we do not look at this day alone for the terrible thing that happened, that Jesus died on the cross. We look all the way to Sunday, when Jesus rose again. We pause on Friday to remember that Jesus, whom we love, died on a dark day when soldiers shamed him, nearly all his friends left his side, and he wasn’t even sure that God was with him. We tell the story of what happened that day because it is vital for our children to hear: Jesus was afraid, he suffered, he died . . . and God turned his fear, his suffering, and his dying into hope, wholeness, and new life...

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 5:15 P.M., in the cathedral nave

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 10:30–11 a.m., on the front patio

Please join us on Saturday, April 9, on the cathedral’s front porch to hear the stories of Holy Week and make a Resurrection Garden (one per family) to take home. You are most welcome to come early or stay after to join the garden ministry who will be at work that day. We are happily accepting donations of planter trays or saucers and shallow pots.

All ages are always welcome to participate fully in all liturgies at Saint Mark's, but especially in the sacred rituals of Holy Week. In particular, services that engage all our senses and immerse us in sacred story include:

While the Easter Vigil service extends well past some worshippers' bedtimes, many families begin by coming for the first half, and work their way up over the years to the whole Vigil.

Both services will feature music by the Cathedral Choir with organ, brass, percussion, and handbells. Incense will be used at 11 a.m. only.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn Sunday, April 17 between the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Meet on the labyrinth after the conclusion of the 8:30 a.m. liturgy.

For the next intergenerational hike, we will be exploring Discovery Park!

We’ll meet at the far end of the North Parking Lot. Park there, or take King County Metro bus #33.

We will be hiking the Wolf Creek Nature Trail which is accessed from the parking lot. From the Nature Trail we will proceed around the Ceremonial Ponds, then to the Daybreak Star Cultural Center grounds. There we find a lookout over the Sound, high on a bluff. We’ll have our brief liturgy there.

Next, we’ll walk back toward the Cultural Center. From here we will walk the Pow Wow circle, turn right to follow the paved road to the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the field at the top of the stairs that lead down to the North Beach, Intrepid hikers may want to take the long steep staircase down to the beach or access the Hidden Valley trail.

At this point we’ll goodbye to them and retrace our steps, crossing the paved road on the loop trail (cross another paved road) through the forest to the trail down to the North Parking lot.

The Nature Trail/Daybreak Star/North Bluff/ section of the loop trail is about 2 1/2 miles total and includes a paved staircase up to the Daybreak Star center.

APRIL 24–JUNE 5, in the cathedral nave

Saint Mark’s Visual Arts Ministry is delighted to host an exhibition of works by Peter Boome, Coast Salish Artist and member of the Upper Skagit Tribe, April 24–June 5 in the cathedral nave. He works in a variety of media but is best known for his graphic work and hand-pulled serigraphs. Each of his works tells a story, and his exhibition at Saint Mark’s will explore, among other themes, the idea of creation and its connection to spirituality. Works on display will include a new eight-foot canvas he is painting especially for this exhibition, a template for a mural on the Settle waterfront, along with smaller works. Learn more about Peter Boome here.

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave

When you hear the words "Beyoncé Mass," what do you picture? This groundbreaking Christian worship event, hosted and co-sponsored by Saint Mark's, will probably defy your initial expectations. Created in 2018 by a team led by The Rev. Yolanda M. Norton (Disciples of Christ), Beyoncé Mass is a worship service rooted in womanist theology that uses the music and personal life of Beyoncé as a tool to foster an empowering conversation about Black women—their lives, their bodies, and their voices.

Beyoncé Mass is a womanist worship service. Womanism recognizes and celebrates the lives, beauty, culture, spirituality, and experiences of Black women and is committed to the survival, well-being, and wholeness of all people. The event explores how Black women find their voice, represent the image of God, and create spaces for liberation. Learn more here.

 

Cathedral Day is a celebration of the community of the Diocese of Olympia—a "family reunion" for Episcopalians from across western Washington. Both Cathedral Day 2020 and Cathedral Day 2021 were cancelled due to the pandemic, but Cathedral Day will be back in May 2022, with all the fun and fellowship of this beloved tradition. This is a time for connecting across communities, experiencing your cathedral in a new light... and a lot of fun. There’s something for everyone—no matter your age!

Come together on Saturday, May 7—either in person at Saint Mark’s or via the livestream. A liturgy of Holy Eucharist with the rites of confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation for candidates from parishes near and far will begin at 10:30 a.m., opening with a grand, colorful procession of parish banners. Following the service, all are invited to have lunch from our food trucks and participate in activities for all ages. This year's festivities will include Jerusalem Greer from the office of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, who will lead a workshop and a prayer walk. 

Food truck lunch is free with registration. Members of the Saint Mark's community are especially encouraged to attend, both to see the cathedral in a new light, and to help extend hospitality as we welcome hundreds of our siblings to THEIR cathedral, many for the first time.

Eat, Play, Love is back in a new form for Summer 2022!  

The creative, engaging intergenerational offering featuring food, fellowship, and fun through sacred story will take place over three Wednesday evenings: June 22, July 27, and August 24.

Sunday, April 3: Sr. Choristers and Jr. Choristers (8:05 a.m. call, 9 a.m. liturgy)

Sunday, April 3: Evensong Choir (3:30 p.m. call, 4:30 p.m. liturgy)

Sunday, April 10: PALM SUNDAY—Jr., Sr., and Schola choristers (8:05 a.m. call, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. liturgies with 11:15 a.m. release)

Wednesday, April 13: No Jr. or Sr. Chorister rehearsals, Schola special rehearsal 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday, April 14: MAUNDY THURSDAY—Sr. Chorister (6 p.m. call, 7 p.m. liturgy)

Friday, April 15: GOOD FRIDAY—Schola (6 p.m. call, 7 p.m. liturgy)

Saturday, April 16: EASTER VIGIL—Sr. Choristers and Schola (7:30 p.m. call, 8:30 p.m. liturgy)

Wednesday, April 20: Normal rehearsals

Remember to keep an eye on our weekly Sundays & Beyond email, the Online Community page of the cathedral website, and the Facebook Group. Each week there are new offerings and ways to stay connected at Saint Mark's.