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SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, February 2, 2025:

The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the cathedral nave

10 a.m. • Godly Play

in the St Nicholas Bldg, 2nd floor

10:10 a.m. • Blessing & Dedication of Donna Jean's Place Women's Shelter

in the St Nicholas Bldg, 1st floor

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed

12:30 p.m. • Newcomers' Coffee

meet in the rear of the nave

12:30 p.m. • 20s/30s Book Group

in the St Nicholas Bldg

12:30 p.m. • Community Book Study

in Room 210

4:30 p.m. • Choral Evensong

in the nave and livestreamed

5:30 p.m. • Queer Conversations

in Leffler House

7 p.m. • Contemplative Eucharist

in the cathedral nave

9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed

Cover photo taken on January 29, 2025, bu Mark Garcia.

NEW THIS WEEK

Vestry Updates

and new Vestry commissioning this Sunday

Women’s Shelter Dedication and Open House 

welcoming Donna Jean's Place, this Sunday

Choir School Pilgrimage to Portland

Youth Choir Festival West this weekend

Taizé Prayer

honoring Brigid of Kildare, February 11

Middle East Film Series

opening reception and screening February 20

Forum on the Liturgical Calendar

marking the transitions of the year

A New Date for the 2025 Ministry Fair

an annual celebration moving to the spring

Intergenerational Prayer Partners

fostering connection in Lent and Eastertide

Social Media Survey

from the Communications Committee

Afghan Family Seeks Housing

A request from the Popal family, once guests on the cathedral property

Vestry Commissioning this Sunday

At last Sunday's Annual Parish Meeting & Elections, the new Vestry members elected to three-year terms were: Deborah Person, Hannah Hochkeppel, Sam Herring, and Mark Lundquist. In addition, Sarah McCord was elected to a one-year term (to serve the remainder of resigningVestry member Doug Thorpe's term.) The Dean re-appointed Greg Hamm as Senior Warden. The Pro Christo et Ecclesia medal was awarded to Greg Hamm and Canon Michael Kleinschmidt. The Cathedral Cross was awarded to Maria Coldwell.

The new election procedures this year resulted in a substantial increase in the total number of votes cast: about 40% higher than any year in the previous decade! The Dean, Vestry, and Nominating Committee invite feedback on the new election procedures. A complete video of the meeting is now available here.

This Sunday, February 2, the entire 2025–26 Vestry will be blessed and commissioned during the 9 and 11 a.m. morning services. Their work begins with the annual Vestry retreat tomorrow, Saturday, February 1. The first regular meeting of the new Vestry will be Tuesday, March 25.

Donna Jean's Place Women's Shelter: Open House and Blessing/Dedication This Sunday

THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

OPEN HOUSE: 9 A.M.–1 P.M.

BLESSING & DEDICATION: 10:10–10:40 A.M.

Between the 9 and 11 a.m. services on February 2, Dean Thomason will join representatives from Operation Nightwatch and lay leaders to formally bless the new Emergency Women’s Shelter on the Saint Mark’s Cathedral campus. The shelter is a partnership between Saint Mark's and Operation Nightwatch—street ministry in Seattle in which cathedral members also serve as volunteers. It is named in honor of Donna Jean Palmberg, whose late husband, Pastor Bud, founded Operation Nightwatch nearly 57 years ago. The shelter will serve up to twenty women nightly, and provide not only beds to sleep in, but showers, laundry, and lockers to store their belongings. There will also be a small clinical room for the women to receive medical and mental health care services. Gather in the space on the first floor of the St Nicholas Building following the 9 a.m. service—signage will guide you.

The Blessing and Dedication will occur during an Open House at the shelter running 9 a.m.–1 p.m. All are welcome!

More About Donna Jean's Place

When the shelter is fully open, residents will be present on the Saint Mark's property only from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Each night, shelter residents will have dinner at the main Operation Nightwatch facility in the International District. They will then be shuttled to Saint Mark's in vans, arriving at 9 p.m. Residents will vacate the shelter space in the morning by 7 a.m.

Beginning later this month, volunteers will be needed to support the paid staff in the daily operation of the shelter. Volunteers are needed to work in the shelter space at Saint Mark's for three-hour shifts in the evening, 8:30–11:30 p.m., or two-hour shifts in the morning, 5:30–7:30 a.m. In addition, volunteer shuttle van drivers are needed 8:45–9:45 p.m.

For more details about these jobs, or if you are interested in attending the rescheduled work party, or would like to get involved in other ways, contact Operation Nightwatch Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Aguilar Ramirez at: michelle@seattlenightwatch.org

Newcomers' Coffee with Clergy

THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 (AND THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH), 12:30 P.M., meet in the rear of the nave following the 11 a.m. service.

A newcomers' coffee with clergy is offered on the first Sunday of each month immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday service. This coffee hour is offered especially for newcomers, guests, or anyone who has questions about the cathedral community and liturgies. Gather in the back of the nave. Email newcomers@saintmarks.org if you cannot attend in person, or with any other questions. And as always, please spread the word to anyone you know who may be interested.

Choir School on Pilgrimage to Portland this weekend

The Senior Choristers and Schola of the cathedral Choir School will be joining with the choristers of Trinity Cathedral, Portland and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Burlingame, CA for the second annual Chorister Festival West. They are departing for Portland late afternoon on Friday, January 31 and will return Sunday evening. Last year the choristers traveled to California for the first iteration of this weekend of singing, learning, connection, and fun. This year over fifty participants age 10–18 will gather at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, OR, to rehearse and worship together. The participants will offer music at the 10 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist, and then present a special Three Choirs’ Evensong at 5 p.m. The Evensong liturgy will include the world premiere of an anthem commissioned especially for the occasion from the prominent British composer Roxana Panufnik. The liturgies will be livestreamed here.

Worship/Prayer Committee Meeting

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1:30–3 P.M., via Zoom

All invited to join the the next Worship & Prayer Committee meeting (a part of the cathedral’s Mutual Ministry Goals) on a Sunday afternoon every other month at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. The conversation will include a reflection on recent liturgies, a discussion of upcoming liturgies, and a theological reflection. To get the Zoom link, along with an article to be read in preparation for the meeting, ahead of time for discussion and reflection, email Sacristan Michael Seewer: mseewer@saintmarks.org

20s/30s GROUP

Questioning Together for February: Discernment & Vocation

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 7:30 P.M., Leffler House

Please join Saint Mark's 20s/30s Group on February 9 at 7:30 in Leffler house for February's installment of Questioning Together. This month's gathering will be a discussion on Discernment and Vocation led by former Jesuit Volunteer and Saint Mark's member Molly Bosch, who will be hosting and facilitating Erin Beary-Andersen and Ross Hays, who both have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of Jesuit Ignatian Spirituality and theology. We will be overviewing Ignatian spirituality and the ways that it supports moments of discernment and calls to vocation in our daily lives. Following the discussion, there is the option to attend Compline together. For questions, please email Molly at molly.bosch@outlook.com

Taizé Prayer honoring Brigid of Kildare

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 7 P.M., in the nave and livestreamed

A service of prayer in the style of Taizé is now offered monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. (Note: There will be no service in March.) The liturgy on Tuesday, February 11 will observe the 1,500th anniversary of the Irish Saint Brigid of Kildare, who died in the year 525. All are welcome, in the nave or via livestream. Learn more about Taizé at Siant Mark's here. If you'd like to get involved as a musician, reader, or in other ways, email taize@saintmarks.org

Restorative Justice Council

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025, 3–4:30 P.M., via Zoom

All members of the community of Saint Mark’s are encouraged to attend the next gathering of the Restorative Justice Council. At the meeting on February 16, there will updates and reports on the ongoing Matthew Desmond Community Book Study, Donna Jean's Women Shelter, and the Sanctuary & Immigrant Ministry. These meetings typically occur on the third Sunday of the month, every other month. Questions, or to get the Zoom link, email Scott Hulet at: rshjourney2@gmail.com

FROM THE DIOCESE OF OLYMPIA

Bishop’s Committee Film Series: Opening Reception & Screening in Bloedel Hall

THURSDAY, FBRUARY 20, 6 P.M. (reception), 7 P.M. (screening), Bloedel Hall (in person only)

The Mideast Focus Film Series that has been offered annually for the last 12 years will be offered this year by the Bishop’s Committee for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land. The 2025 series will launch with an in-person reception screening of the 2024 documentary No Other Land in Bloedel Hall on Thursday, February 20, with a discussion to follow. Subsequent screenings in the series will be online or hybrid, and as in previous years, each film will be followed by an informative discussion with special guests—often the filmmakers themselves, or an expert in the topic of the film. Further details of the 2025 series will be announced soon.

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Thresholds and Transitions Across the Liturgical Year

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, no registration required. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)

Hannah Hochkeppel and 20s/30s members will lead this forum on the final Wednesday before Lent to explore the liturgical calendar. What are our seasons? What do the colors and traditions of each season invoke in our spiritual life? Together we will uncover the ways in which the cyclical nature of the liturgical year invites us regularly into the experience of transition and reflection. This is a follow-up to a previous forum exploring the liturgical traditions of The Episcopal Church offered in April 2024.

SAVE THE DATE

The Saint Mark's Ministry Fair is Moving to the Spring!

For many years, the Ministry Fair—when all the many ministry groups of the cathedral celebrate their activities and accomplishments and invite new members to get involved—has been in the fall, on "Homecoming Sunday" after Labor Day, just as the new program year is starting. Last year, Homecoming Sunday also featured an All-Parish Picnic, which included a back-to-school Blessing of Backpacks and Briefcases. The picnic was a joyous community occasion, and many felt it was an ideal way to mark the end of summer, look forward to the new beginnings of the Fall season, and celebrate this Spirit-filled community.

To allow everyone to fully participate in the Homecoming Sunday Picnic, this year the Ministry Fair will be moving to Sunday, May 4, following the 9 and 11 a.m. services. This new date in Eastertide has several advantages. It is also the day after Cathedral Day (Saturday, May 3), so cathedral ministries who would like to have a presence at our great annual diocesan celebration can re-use their table display and promotional materials at the Ministry Fair the following day. More details will be announced as the event approaches. Please save the date!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Intergenerational Prayer Partners for Lent and Eastertide

All members of the community of Saint Mark's are warmly invited to become an Intergenerational Prayer Partner, as part of special program lasting from Shrove Tuesday, March 4, through the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, June 8.

What does this mean? 

If you register to participate, you’ll be matched with a prayer partner of another generation, with whom you’ll regularly check in so you’ll better know their prayer needs. Perhaps you’ll sit together on Sunday mornings, and meet up occasionally at Saint Mark’s events, such as the Pancake Supper and the Pentecost Run/Ride/Roll.

How will this work? 

You’ll fill out a brief form telling us which service you attend and what some of your interests are, we’ll do some match-making and put you in touch with your prayer partner by email. We hope you and your assigned prayer partner will meet up at the Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, get to know each other a bit, and begin praying for each other. Participants will be given prayer ideas and a list of Saint Mark’s events you might choose to attend together over the three-month period.

Can children and youth participate?  

Yes! Parents can sign up on behalf of children and youth can sign up with parental permission. In all emails, parents will be copied, and we are only meeting up during church events, so prayer partners of children and youth will never be meeting privately, following Safe Church policies.

Can I be matched with another adult?

Yes! Intergenerational simply means you’ll be paired with someone of another generation, and you can let us know if that’s your preference.

Why are we doing this?

We want to help cultivate and strengthen intergenerational relationships among Saint Mark’s parishioners, and we know from other congregations who have adopted this model that it’s a great way for people to meaningfully connect and engage with each other.

Icon Installation in the Nave—Updates

The Visual Arts Ministry is presenting an exhibition of a selection of sacred icons by Peter Pearson to coincide with Fr. Pearson's residency at Saint Mark's the week of February 12 (see above). There are 18 icons in total, each painted with acrylic paint on wooden panels using traditional Byzantine methods and varnished to protect the surface. A page identifying the title of each icon is available on the bench by the exhibition, and can also be viewed online here.

UPDATE: Almost all of the icons displayed are available for sale. A price list can be found on the bench by the exhibition in Compline Corner. Icons may be purchased from Fr. Pearson directly. If you are interested in purchasing one, email visualarts@saintmarks.org and they will put you in touch with him.

Social Media Survey

The Communications Committee of the Saint Mark’s Vestry is collecting data to inform the cathedral’s social media strategy and where to focus its energy and resources in the future. 

Please complete the survey online at: saintmarks.org/socialmediasurvey 

The survey will stay open until February 23. Questions, email communications@saintmarks.org

Videos now Available

Video, slides, and the handout from both sessions of Dean Thomason's two-part Cathedral Commons forum, "What Do We Do Now?" can now be found here.

The 2025 Annual Parish Meeting & Elections can be seen on video here.

Hundreds of other forums and presentations can be found collected in a YouTube playlist here here.

Afghan Family Seeking More Affordable Housing

The Popal family of four, which Saint Mark’s housed when they first arrived in the U.S. more than two years ago, have seen their rent for a small apartment in Shoreline increase from $1067/month to now $2000/month, which is beyond their means with the father’s income as a maintenance technician at a Senior Living Center. You may recall that they had to flee Afghanistan because Fareda, now mother to two children, served as an administrative law judge in her home country, a position untenable when the Taliban returned. She is now in school to become a paralegal. If you know of an apartment or small house for a family of four with some outdoor area for the small children to play, for $1500-$1800/month, please contact Dean Thomason: sthomason@saintmarks.org

Greenbelt Work Parties

SATURDAYS STARTING FEBRUARY 1, 10 A.M.–2 P.M., meet in the lower parking lot. RSVP required. February 1 event is at capacity. Find other upcoming dates here.

The Seattle Green Partnership has scheduled the work days for the Greenbelt for the first half of the year. Work parties to remove non-native plants and care for the trails resume February 1. You must register to participate, as these work parties are limited to 12 people. The February 1 work party is full, but five more events are scheduled through June. Registration links for future events can be found here. Direct questions to Forest Steward Joey Baumgartner at: StMarksGreenbelt@gmail.com

Forward Day by Day New Issue Available

Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional published quarterly by Forward Movement, containing scripture, reflections, and prompts to prayer for each day of the year. The new issue (covering February, March, and April), is now available just inside the office entrance, on the table beneath the community bulletin board. This resource is made available to the community through the generosity of anonymous parishioners.

Saint Mark's Now Hiring for Two Positions

Saint Mark's Cathedral is accepting applications for the position of Buildings & Grounds Specialist (full-time, hourly). In addition, the cathedral Choir School is accepting applications for the position of Music Teacher for Early Childhood Music (part-time).

Find complete job descriptions and application instructions at saintmarks.org/employment. Please share these announcements with anyone you think may be interested.

Volunteer Opportunities

At this time there is a particular need for volunteers interested in operating the cameras for livestreamed liturgies in the nave and/or hybrid events in Bloedel Hall. Prior experience is not required, although an interest in video production is helpful. The job requires quick thinking and can be stressful, but it's also creative and fun. Contact Greg Bloch to learn more: gbloch@saintmarks.org

There is also a need for Compline Hospitality Ministers, volunteers who are a friendly face and welcoming presence for all those attending Compline each Sunday night. (This position is called "Hospitality Minister" because it combines the distinct roles of Usher and Greeter into one.) This role is simple but important—for many people, Compline is the first time they have come through the cathedral's doors, so you may be the first cathedral community member they will ever encounter. This role is open to all, and is a particularly good opportunity for couples to volunteer together. Ministers serve once a month or less. Contact Michael Seewer to learn more: mseewer@saintmarks.org

MealTrain Requests—The Nelson-Brown Family, Heather Millar

The cathedral Community Meal Delivery Ministry uses the online tool MealTrain to organize and simplify the donation of food to members of our community going throguh difficult times.

Chris Brown, beloved cathedral staff member, began chemotherapy on December 24. Donations of meals would be greatly appreciated by Chris, his wife Sandy Nelson, and their daughter Elsie Nelson Brown. Sign up at: mealtrain.com/27kl2e

Heather Millar is currently recovering from injuries relating to a fall. If you can help out while her mobility is limited, please sign up at this link: mealtrain.com/3voy6w

PLEASE NOTE: Heather's home is in Ballard, and the Nelson-Browns live in Greenwood/Phinney Ridge. If you would like to contribute a meal, but transportation is an issue for you, contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie and we will work out delivery. Please also contact Canon Barrie if you know of someone else in the community who would appreciate the gift of some meals: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Genocide in Gaza and Palestinians’ Struggle Under Israeli Occupation: What Can We Do?

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 12:30 P.M., in person at First United Methodist Church in Belltown or online via Zoom

On Sunday, February 23 at 12:30 p.m., hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Seattle, hear from Amin Odeh with Voices for Palestine and Kayla Blau with Jewish Voice for Peace about their experiences in Gaza and the West Bank, challenges faced by Palestinians, American media bias, and what we can do to help. 

To register, go to this registration link. You can attend in person or via Zoom. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a Zoom link. For more information, visit: Meaningful Movies: The Occupation of the American Mind.

The backdrop for this event is the film The Occupation of the American Mind that shows how the Israeli government and pro-Israel lobby groups have influenced the American media for over 50 years to shape the views of American people on Israel’s control of the West Bank and Gaza. Before the event, at your convenience, you can watch the 49-minute film directed by Loretta Alper and Jeremy Earp. Here is a link to see the film at no cost. Although it is not necessary to see the film to attend the February 23 event, the film is well worth watching.

FUNERALS

A funeral for Scott Cochrane will be offered

TOMORROW SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 11 A.M., in the cathedral nave

A funeral for Carol Wright will be offered

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

A funeral for Jonie Pritchard will be offered

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1:30 P.M. in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

Sunday, February 2, 2025:

The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple

Download the service leaflets in advance here.

Join the 11 a.m. service via livestream here.

Read the Scriptures appointed for this Sunday here.

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1–4

Psalm 24:7–10

Hebrews 2:14–18

Luke 2:22–40

8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Canon Richard C. Weyls

Hymns:

How bright appears the Morning Star [Hymn #497]

Lord God, you now have set your servant free [Hymn #499]

Organ:

J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731

Johann Pachelbel, Chorale-prelude on Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 

9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Richard C. Weyls

Hymns:

How bright appears the Morning Star [Hymn #497]

How lovely is thy dwelling-place [Hymn #517]

Lord God, you now have set your servant free [Hymn #499]

Choir:

arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, All in the morning

Organ:

Paul Manz, Chorale Improvisation on How lovely shines the morning star, Op. 7 No. 9

Johann Pachelbel, Chorale-prelude on Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 

11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Richard C. Weyls

Hymns:

How bright appears the Morning Star [Hymn #497]

Through north and south [WLP #822]

Hail to the Lord who comes [Hymn #259]

Sing we of the blessed Mother [Hymn #278]

Choir:

J.V. Lee, O Zion, tune thy voice

Johannes Brahms, Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen from Ein Deutches Requiem

Organ:

Nicolas de Grigny, Hymn d’orgue: A solis ortus cardine

Johann Pachelbel, Chorale-prelude on Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 

4:30 P.M. • CHORAL EVENSONG

in Thomsen Chapel

Officiant: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Hymns: TBA

Choir:

William Smith, Preces & Responses

Charles Villiers Stanford, Evening Service in B-flat

Johann Eccard, Maria wallt zum Heiligtum

Organ:  TBA

7 P.M. • CONTEMPLATIVE EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider: The Rev. Canon Edie Weller

Musician: Canon Michael Kleinschmidt

9:30 P.M. • COMPLINE

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

A beloved Seattle tradition since 1956. Broadcast live on KING 98.1 FM, and king.org; livestreamed on saintmarks.org and Facebook and YouTube; and available as a podcast. Learn more here.

Highlights:

Gregorian antiphon, Behold, our Lord will come with power

Plainchant, Procession for Candlemas (Psalm 48)

Peter R. Hallock, Psalm 84

Claude Goudimel, Virgin-born, we bow before thee

Thomas Tomkins, Almighty and everlasting God (verse anthem)

Liturgy and repertoire information subject to change.

EVERY SUNDAY, DURING THE 9 A.M. SERVICE

Children's Chapel is offered on Sunday during the 9 a.m. Sunday service. All children are invited to join the Gospel procession and gather around the Deacon as the Gospel is proclaimed. Then children pre-school through 2nd grade will process to Thomsen Chapel for storytelling, singing, and prayer. Parents are welcome to join their children. They return to their families in the nave at the Peace. If you have any questions or would like to help out, please contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie at: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

Each week, those for whom the community has been asked to pray are published each Friday afternoon in the Cathedral Prayer List, found as a PDF at saintmarks.org/prayer

On that same page, find information about joining the cathedral's Prayer Chain, to receive emails about individual prayer requests as they are submitted. The prayer list is also available in printed form in the back of the nave.

Weekday Services

Daily Morning Prayer is offered online via Zoom, Monday–Friday at 7:30 a.m.

Daily Evening Prayer is offered via Zoom, Monday–Friday at 6 p.m.

Thursday Morning Chapel Eucharist: A service of Holy Eucharist is offered in person in Thomsen Chapel at 7:30 a.m. on the 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of the month only.