August 2021 Newsletter
A Message to Saint Mark's Families
Dear friends,

We know the last year and a half have been hard, especially for families with school-age children, and challenges remain as school resumes in the coming weeks. To mark the turn with hopefulness and to reconnect our families and kids, you are invited to a Back-to-School Picnic on the Cathedral Lawn, Friday evening September 3rd! If you’re in town, bring a blanket, some food for your family, and smiles to greet one another outdoors. We’ll hang out from 6-7:30 pm, with fun games like a people scavenger hunt and decorating a parking space with sidewalk chalk. The Cathedral will provide a delicious dessert for everyone (single-serving style). All are welcome—bring your backpacks for a blessing, too!  
Rebekah Gilmore
Choir School Director & Interim Youth Minister
Andrea Gradinaru
Interim Sunday CFM Coordinator
Steve Thomason
Dean & Rector
Events for All Ages
Back-to-School Picnic on the Cathedral Lawn with Backpack Blessing

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 6-7:30 P.M.

As families with children approach the new school year, let’s gather together to reconnect and encourage each other. All are invited to a back-to-school picnic on the Cathedral Lawn on Friday evening, September 3 from 6-7:30 pm. We’ll reconnect in person, have some fun together, and lift up and honor the amazing kids of our community. Bring a blanket and your own picnic dinner. The cathedral will provide dessert for everyone and a variety of fun activities. Bring your backpacks to receive a blessing! Contact Rebekah Gilmore with questions.
Intergenerational Hike to Twin Falls

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2 P.M., registration encouraged

Let’s hike together! All ages are welcome on this 3 mile roundtrip hike. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 2 p.m. and finish by 5:30 p.m. Bring your water, snacks and appropriate gear. Learn more and find the link to sign up here. Questions? Email Emily Meeks.
Children's Formation
Sunday School Resumes September 19!

EVERY SUNDAY, 10–10:50 A.M., St. Nicholas Building, 2nd Floor
Pre-K—2nd grade
Godly Play, led by Alicia Goodwin
Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to spiritual formation designed especially for young children and based on a Montessori foundation.
3rd–5th grade
Building Faith Brick by Brick, led by Kristen Kelly and Sonjia Gavin
Children will explore stories from the Bible and respond through their own creative engagement with LEGO bricks.
Monthly Gathering of Families with Babies

DAY & TIME TBA

This Fall, we will launch a monthly gathering of parents and children under three. We’ll have time for the children to socialize in a safe way and explore the ways parents can nurture their children’s spiritual lives. The community of faith begins at birth! Stay tuned for more information . . .
Youth Formation
Youth Service Project with Nurturing Roots Community Farm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 12:45–3 P.M.
Mt. Baker, 6218 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle

Youth will offer their elbow grease to assist with the fall chores on this special farm. Nurturing Roots is a thriving urban farm and community farming program that values community, self-sufficiency, food empowerment, social justice, and education. Come get your hands dirty for a good cause. We will meet onsite at the farm at 12:45 p.m. on October 10 after church.
Choir School Updates
We are pleased to welcome choristers back in person this fall! Singers will be masked and rehearsal spaces altered to allow for adequate air circulation and social distancing. We will be able to again make music together. 
Questions? Email the Choir School at choirschool@saintmarks.org
Jr. Choristers
(beginners, age 5 and older)
  • Tuesday rehearsal option: 4:45–5:30 p.m.; Begins Sept. 14
  • Wednesday rehearsal option: 3:30–4:15; Begins Sept. 15.

Sr. Choristers
(intermediate level, determined by director)
  • Wednesdays 4:30–6 p.m.; Begins Sept. 8.

Schola
(High School youth and changed voice boys)
  • Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m.; Begins Sept. 8.
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.