July 2022 Newsletter
A Message from Canon Barrie
Reflection on Water

On her blog, Canon Wendy Claire Barrie offers thoughts on the sacredness of water, which is the theme of this year's Eat Play Love gatherings. This theme will also be carried through to the upcoming Neighborhood Eucharists. Water is also the subject of the Climate Conversation (on Tuesday August 2, via Zoom).

Water is the very essence of life, the most common substance on earth. It covers nearly 80% of the earth’s surface and makes up more than half of our bodies. Humans can live for a month without food, but for less than a week without water. Scientists think that life itself began in water.

The Book of Genesis begins like this:

"When God began to create the heavens and the earth–the earth was without shape or form, it was dark over the deep sea, and God’s wind swept over the waters" —Genesis 1:1-2

Water stories and imagery fill the Bible. Over and over again in the Hebrew scriptures, we are shown that water is not only for cleansing, it is a symbol of renewal and refreshment for God’s people, especially in the Psalms and the books of the prophets. In the New Testament, from Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan River to his turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana to his stilling the storm-tossed waves, these water stories are never about the obvious or the expected...

UPCOMING EVENTS
Monthly Neighborhood Eucharists 

NEXT OFFERING: SATURDAY, JULY 30, 4 P.M., at "Mercy House" of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps on First Hill. Hosted by Laurel Petrik. The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker will preside.

Each month from May to October, Saint Mark's parishioners are taking turns hosting a simple Neighborhood Eucharist in a backyard or park on a late Saturday afternoon. The first two, in May and June, were moving and meaningful experiences.

July's gathering will be hosted by Saint Mark's member Laurel Petrik and her housemates, who are currently serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, and will occur at "Mercy House," the Jesuit Volunteer Corps residence on First Hill. (RSVP for address and directions.) The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker will preside. All ages are welcome.

Looking ahead to August 27, a gathering will be hosted by the Gavin family—Neil, Sonjia, Alex, and Eli—at their home in Lynnwood. Canon Rosario-Cruz will preside.

RSVP by emailing Canon Barrie: [email protected] 
TWO MORE WEDNESDAYS: JULY 27, and AUGUST 24, 58 p.m., in Bloedel Hall and throughout the cathedral gounds

The first of this year's Eat, Play, Love gathering on June 22 was a fun evening for all involved. Each of the three gatherings stand alone, and all ages are welcome for the next installment whether or not you attended the previous.

Like all of the evenings, the July 27 gathering will begin with a delicious dinner prepared by our own Chef Marc Aubertin, followed by a reflection on Jesus's baptism by The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker, and a variety of activities such as a sound bath, crayon resist water color painting, and an opportunity to remember our own baptisms and the promises we made and renew together in community. As always, you have the option of attending in-person Evening Prayer 6–6:30 p.m., and the evening will end with a brief service of Compline in the Cathedral Nave.

Fee, when paid in advance: $10 per person/per night, maximum of $90 per family. Inability to pay should not be a barrier to participation; email Canon Barrie for a scholarship: [email protected]

To participate, complete the registration form here, then follow the instructions to submit your payment using  saintmarks.org/give. Alternatively, you may pay at the door, at the rate of $12 per person.
Education for Ministry (EfM) Registration Now Open

Information table in the back of the nave: SUNDAYS, JULY 17 & AUGUST 7, following the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services

Education for Ministry (EfM) registration is now open for 2022-23! Are you interested in a deeper study of scripture, reflecting on its meaning for your life? This four-year program has been active at Saint Mark’s for decades and has enriched the lives of many in this community. This year classes will be offered on Monday morning and evening. An information table will be available after both the 9:00 and 11:00 services on July 17 and August 7. Email communication with mentors is fine too: contact Julia Logan for the morning class at [email protected] and Tom Hayton at [email protected] or Wayne Duncan at [email protected] for the evening class.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Saint Mark's Community Meal Delivery

Would you like to be part of a new endeavor to provide and/or deliver meals to parishioners with a new baby or who are recovering from illness or surgery? We'd love to gather names and contact information from folks who are willing and then will let you know specifics (who, what, where) when the need arises. We have three families with new babies right now who would be the first to benefit from this coordinated effort! A homemade meal is wonderful, but so is a Trader Joe's run or a GrubHub gift card. If this is something you can help organize, or if you'd like to sign up to provide food now or in the future, please contact Canon Barrie.
Jump on the Service Corps Welcome Wagon!

The 2022–23 Seattle Service Corps cohort arrives Saturday, August 27, and we'd love your help in welcoming them! If you would like to help next month as we put the finishing touches on their living space at Leffler House, or if you would like to be part of providing some homey hospitality throughout the year, especially around the holidays, please email Canon Barrie: [email protected]
SAVE THE DATE
Blessing of Backpacks, Community Picnic and Lunchbox Dessert Dash

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 6 P.M.

All are welcome. Details to come!
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.