Saint Mark's Cathedral Newsletter: The First Sunday in Lent

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025

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SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, March 9, 2025:

The First Sunday in Lent

8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) with Decalogue

in Thomsen Chapel

9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist with Great Litany in Procession

in the cathedral nave

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist with Great Litany in Procession

in the nave and livestreamed

12:30 p.m. • Second Sunday Book Group

Cathedral House Room 210

7 p.m. • Contemplative Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

7:30 p.m. • 20s/30s Questioning Together

in Leffler House

9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed

Photo of the nave in Lent (closed reredos doors; purple altar frontal) by Kevin Johnson

NEW THIS WEEK

Daylight Savings

Spring Forward This Sunday

Living Stones II Home Gatherings

beginning this week

Mystery of Winter Skies

the premiere of James Falzone's new composition tonight

Liturgical Changes in Lent

new language for this season

Greenbelt Liturgical Hikes

praying with the forest next door on Sunday morning

Pádraig Ó Tuama

an evening with the acclaimed Irish poet and theologian

The Radix Project

the 14th series begins April 29

An Evening with Poet Ellen Bass

save the date—May 1

Life Planning in Lent

an invitation into a spiritual practice from Dean Thomason

A schedule of the many liturgies, events, and special offerings at the cathedral from Lent, Holy Week, and Easter can be found at: saintmarks.org/lent

QUICK LINKS: LEAFLETS | CATHEDRAL PRAYER LIST | VIDEO ARCHIVE | SERMONS | CALENDAR

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

LIVING STONES II CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Home Gatherings Begin This Week

Almost half the total available spots are now taken for the Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future Home Gatherings, which begin next week. These get-togethers, offered in parishioners' homes as well as on the cathedral campus, are scheduled through April 12, but don't wait to sign up! In addition to conversation and refreshments, attendees will see preliminary designs for the building renovations and watch a new video by parishioner and filmmaker David Wild.

The Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future capital campaign addresses three main missional goals:

1. Meeting Saint Mark's commitment to become net carbon zero by 2030 through replacing extremely outdated and inefficient heating and cooling systems

2. Enhancing the cathedral's welcome and worship experience through a new radiant-heated slate floor in the nave and renovated narthex and restrooms

3. Making lasting investments in music at Saint Mark's through endowments for music ministries and funding the installation of a custom Renaissance organ donated by its builder

Each Home Gathering will be about 90 minutes; there will be light refreshments and ample time for questions. No financial commitments will be asked for or received. Sign up today at saintmarks.org/CapitalCampaignRSVP

Exact addresses and other follow-up information will be sent as the date of each event approaches. If you prefer an event to which you could bring your children, please contact Canon Wendy Barrie at wbarrie@saintmarks.org Other questions about signing up? Contact Deborah Person at deborah.person@gmail.com, call Canon Barrie at 206-323-0300 x253, or stop by a table in the rear of of the nave after the 9 or 11 a.m. Sunday services on March 9 and 16.

THE SAINT MARK'S MUSIC SERIES

Mystery of Winter Skies with James Falzone

TONIGHT, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed. Tickets ($20–25) here.

"Eternal God, Mystery of winter skies, we thank you in the darkening hour for opening our eyes to your starlit beauty; for parting the wide heavens with your persistent light..."

The next offering of the Saint Mark's Music Series is Mystery of Winter Skies with acclaimed composer, improvisor, multi-instrumentalist, and Saint Mark's community member James Falzone. The title is taken from a phrase in the expansive-language Eucharistic Prayer used at 9 a.m. Sunday service during Advent.

James will share a sonic exploration of the expansive beauty of creation, through James' own new musical compositions for penny whistles and string quartet. Many of James' compositions have grown out of ideas developed in his solo improvisations during the Sunday 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist in Thomsen Chapel, and seem to express the combination of the intimate and the sublime that characterizes that liturgy. The string quartet is comprised of Luke Fitzpatrick & Alex Guy on violin, Erin Wight on viola, and Rose Bellini on cello. Reserve your tickets here.

Daylight Savings Begins This Sunday!

Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour before Sunday morning.

Liturgical Changes in the Season of Lent

As is our custom, each season of the church year, we change up aspects of the Sunday morning worship services, guided by (1) a commitment to retaining a breadth of liturgical expressions provided in the Book of Common Prayer and other authorized resources, and (2) to ensure the cathedral offers a well-curated range of liturgical experiences offering a balance of traditional rites, expansive language rites, and experimental rites. Each service bears a particular character in this regard. In Lent, with the invitation to the penitential aspects of this particular season, we will use the following rites:

8 a.m. Eucharist—Rite I, Eucharistic Prayer II (p. 340 in the Book of Common Prayer), employing traditional Elizabeth English and drawing heavily on the ancient apostolic rite of St. Hippolytus (c. 220 CE). The language is florid, poetic, and penitential in nature.

9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Eucharists—This year, we are using a new version of the BCP’s Eucharistic Prayer C (BCP p. 369)—revised with expansive language and different congregational responses—which was authorized for "trial use" by General Convention 2024. It is known for its cosmic references to “the vast expanses of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile Earth, our island home.”

As always, the liturgical planning team welcomes feedback based on your experience of these rites—email the relevant clergy or staff member. Also, consider joining the next Worship and Prayer Committee meeting to share your views—all are welcome to attend these online-only meetings, offered quarterly, usually on a Sunday afternoon. (Watch this space for the next opportunity.)

Sunday Morning Greenbelt Liturgical Hikes

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 10:15–10:45 A.M., meet in the lower parking lot

Saint Mark's Greenbelt Ministry leader Elli Howard is leading a 30-minute "Liturgical Hike" through the Greenbelt on the last Sunday of every month in the 10 a.m. hour. Meet up at the Greenbelt sign in the lower parking lot immediately following the conclusion of the 9 a.m. service, and walk the parking lot trail loop while accompanied by a simple hymn and a psalm. The trail is improved, so no hiking gear is needed, but there are two short sections of stairs.

THE WISDOM SCHOOL AT SAINT MARK'S

Pádraig Ó Tuama: The Better Angels of Our Nature

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 7–8:30 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall and livestreamed; registration required

A special Thursday evening Wisdom School forum with the acclaimed poet, theologian, and scholar of peace and conflict

We live in fraught times when violence seems to be the common denominator in a calculus based in mistrust and misanthropic othering. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind… Drawing on inspiration from his work with language and religion, conflict and peacemaking, this truth-teller of our time will draw us into an orbit of soulful wisdom and poetic grace. Learn more here. Fee: $15 (for in-person and livestream participation). Register using this link.

Radix 14: Stories of Healing

OPENING PLENARY: SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 7–8 P.M., via Zoom. Open to all; no registration required.

SMALL GROUPS MEET: ONCE A WEEK FOR SIX WEEKS, STARTING THE WEEK OF APRIL 29, in person OR online via Zoom, registration required

Started in January of 2020, The Radix Project was created at Saint Mark's as an opportunity for individuals to gather in small groups, share their stories, reflect on Holy Scripture and sacred art, and pray for one another with intention. This popular program has been offered 13 times over the last five years. Radix 14, coming in Eastertide 2025, will be on the theme of Healing in Holy Scripture and in our own lives.

A fuller description and Zoom link for the opening plenary will be posted here soon, but registration is open now. Deadline: Tuesday, April 22. Register using this form.

SAVE THE DATE

Ellen Bass: The Intimate Web of Humanity, Healing, and Hope

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 7–8:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed; registration required.

The Wisdom School at Saint Mark’s presents bestselling writer, poet, and educator Ellen Bass for an evening of poetic exploration of themes of healing, hope, life and intimacy. With a disarmingly deft touch and piercingly intimate voice, this sage offers poetic balm and a buoying lightness amidst the vagaries of life, connecting the humble to the luminous. She will share selected poems and thoughts as manna for the journey with good humor and much grace before engaging those present for Q&A and book signing. Fee: $10 fee for in-person, $15 for livestream access. Register using this link.

COMING SOON

MARCH 8

Godly-Play-Core-Training-Square-2025 image

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 9 A.M.– 5 P.M., in the St. Nicholas Bldg, 2nd floor.

Subsequent trainings on April 5 and May 10. Registration required.

The most comprehensive training on Godly Play practices and theology, Core Training is recommended for every adult leading Godly Play sessions, or anyone who is interested in learning more.

Over the course of three monthly sessions, participants experience all aspects of the Godly Play method and begin to become fluent in the Godly Play core stories and fundamental practices. Additionally, Godly Play’s guiding “Theology of Childhood” is introduced, so participants become more deeply connected to their work. The training will be led by Saint Mark's own Canon Vicar, the Rev. Canon Emily Griffin, who, in addition to her role at the cathedral, has also been a Godly Play Trainer since 2007 and serves as President of the Board of the Godly Play Foundation.

Participants are encouraged to attend all three trainings, but are welcome to attend whichever their schedule allows. Each session is $50, but the promo code SMC unlocks a 50% discount for cathedral community members. Scholarships are available—email faithformation@ecww.org

Find more information and register here. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks.

MARCH 8

Garden Ministry March Work Party

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 9 A.M.–12 P.M.,

The Saint Mark's Garden Ministry volunteers meet to work on the second Saturday of the month 9 a.m.–noon, from February through November, planting, weeding, composting and making our campus beautiful. Prior gardening experience is not required, only enthusiasm! Bring a water bottle and gloves if you have them.

Questions? Contact: gardening@saintmarks.org

MARCH 9

THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 12:30–2 P.M., in Cathedral House Room 210

The Saint Mark's Second Sunday Book Group is reading Crossing Waiyaki Way: A True Story of Poverty, Prayer, and Politics in Kenya, an inspiring story about a young Kenyan boy who grew up impoverished and alone after his mother died. Through determination, hard work, the kindness of some Catholic clergy and, of course, innate intelligence, he was able to get an education, enter politics, and ultimately find refuge in the U.S. when he feared for his life in Kenya because of his politics.

He is aided in telling his story by his wife Robin Zimmerman Okumu, who once attended Saint Mark's and sang in the cathedral choir. She and her husband, Gordon Okumu now live in Tacoma and attend Christ Episcopal Church there. The Okumus will come to our discussion.

MARCH 9

Digging Deeper into Lent with Canon Griffin

THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 7:30 P.M., Leffler House

What roles should confession and forgiveness play in the messiness of our lives? What is self-denial meant to teach us? How can giving up something or adding a spiritual practice during Lent shape us as people? Gather on Sunday evening, March 9, in Leffler House for Questioning Together as the Rev. Canon Emily Griffin leads an exploration of this vital season in our spiritual lives. At 9:15, there is an option to head over to Compline together. Questions? Email 20s30s@saintmarks.org

MARCH 10

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 7–8:30 P.M., via Zoom

In 2025, meetings of the Intergenerational Council will largely be held over Zoom on Monday evenings, every other month, open to all members of the Saint Mark's community. We hope you'll join us on Monday, March 10 from 7-8:30 pm as we plan and discuss opportunities to foster spiritual growth and nourishing relationships across the age spectrum and to broaden and deepen intergenerational perspectives, participation, and leadership in Holy Week, Eastertide, Cathedral Day, Ministry Fair, Convene, and the ongoing work of the Accessibility Task Force.

Please email Canon Barrie to add to or receive the meeting agenda in advance. Join using this Zoom link.

MARCH 12

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 6:45–8:15 P.M., (rescheduled from February due to weather), 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)

What does theology have to say about environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change? Ecotheology is a form of constructive theology that focuses on the interrelationship between religion and nature, particularly in the light of environmental concerns. In this session, we will explore classical theological notions of Creation, our neglect of these concepts in Western Christianity, and their restoration in the Triune God of love. This presentation will be given by The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls, Canon for Community Life and Senior Associate Rector. Canon Rich is also the staff support person for Saint Mark's Creation Care Ministry. Join online using this Zoom link.

MARCH 19 & 26

TWO WEDNESDAYS IN LENT, MARCH 19 & 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)

“From anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again” (Luke 6:29b–30).

Jesus proclaimed a message of extravagant generosity—a generosity responsive to God’s overwhelming generosity to us as the one who creates, sustains, and redeems us. But today there are voices in our nation and in the Christian Church who seek to restrict generosity to those deemed “worthy.” How are we to live out Jesus’ call in these times? How do we develop a counterculture of abundance in the face of a culture that operates out of scarcity? Join us on March 19 and 26 to reflect together on these questions. Led by Peter Snyder, James Davidson, and Greg Simon.

MARCH 22

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 10 A.M.–2 P.M. RSVP required.

The Green Seattle Partnership work parties in the Saint Mark's Greenbelt to remove non-native plants and care for the trails have resumed. You must register to participate, as these work parties are limited to 12 people. Register for the March 22 event here.

Three additional events are scheduled through June—April 19, May 17, and June 14. Registration links for future events can be found here. Direct questions to Forest Steward Joey Baumgartner at: StMarksGreenbelt@gmail.com

MARCH 2

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 7 P.M., in Bloedel Hall; advance tickets required.

Tickets are now on sale for Choir Unvested, a evening of brilliant entertainment and a silent auction by the Evensong Choir. Enjoy delicious desserts and refreshing beverages as you listen to the choir sing songs from Monty Python's Spamalot, The Band's Visit, Les Misérables, Sweet Charity, Toy Story, and other musicals. The Evensong Choir is comprised of advanced choristers with unchanged voices, and skilled teen and adult singers. Choir Unvested is a fundraiser for their upcoming pilgrimage to Lincoln and Durham Cathedrals, England, where they will serve as choir-in-residence for one week each in August. Tickets are $100, $65 of which is tax deductible. Purchase tickets here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Life Planning During Lent

On Ash Wednesday, Dean Thomason sent a message to the community with an invitation to considering important life planning decisions as Lenten spiritual practices—specifically, planning your funeral, making or updating your will, and making end-of-life decisions. He writes, "Death is a mystery to be contemplated while we live, and always by the light of resurrection hope. This important “life planning” work is holy work to which we are all called." Please contact any cathedral clergy if you need assistance in any of these areas. The Dean recommends the resource Five Wishes and has a few copies to give out. Please see the complete message here.

In-Person Morning and Evening Prayer, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Lent

TUESDAYS IN LENT (March 11–April 15), 8:15–8:45 A.M., in Thomsen Chapel

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT (March 12–April 9), 5:30–6 P.M., in McCaw Chapel (behind the altar in the cathedral nave)

Hosted by 20s/30s Group—All are welcome

During Lent, the 20s/30s Group invites all who are interested in deepening their experience of the Daily Office by joining them for morning or evening prayer together in person. Gather in Thomsen Chapel on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m. for Morning Prayer and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. for Evening Prayer in McCaw Chapel. Questions? Email julia7cooper@gmail.com

2025 Lenten Devotional

Coming Back to Life: Devotions and Activities for Lent from our friends at Salt Project is full of meaningful suggestions that "help us wake up, preparing our hearts, minds, and communities for Easter’s great celebration."

Each week, biblical texts and creation’s wonders inspire practices you can try as an individual, as a household, or with friends at your kitchen or dining room table. The beautiful printed booklets are now available in the back of the nave. (For copyright reasons, we cannot share the booklet electronically.)

The Great Vigil of Easter (Saturday, April 19, 2025) is sometimes called the Queen of liturgies and the jewel of the church year, and it's an especially meaningful occasion for youth and adult baptisms. At Saint Mark's, the service also includes a Rite of Enrollment for those who will be confirmed or received on Cathedral Day a few weeks later, in which candidates for confirmation are presented to the community and to the Bishop and blessed.

At the Great Vigil of Easter, the congregation gathers in the darkness of the cathedral nave. The Bishop kindles new fire, from which the Paschal candle is lit. We hear the stories of God's saving deeds through history, and the baptisms take place by candlelight just before the alleluias ring out, the Great Doors swing open, and the Easter Gospel is proclaimed.

Use this form if you wish to be confirmed, received into the Episcopal Church, or reaffirmed in your baptismal vows in on Cathedral Day (Saturday, May 3, 2025). Those who plan to be confirmed on Cathedral Day are invited to participate in the Rite of Enrollment during the Easter Vigil, but this is not required. You can indicate your preference on the form.

The 2025 Saint Mark’s Women’s Retreat

FRIDAY–SUNDAY, MAY 30–JUNE 1, 2025, at Sacred Waters Center for Restoration and Retreat in Union, WA (also known as St. Andrew’s House). Registration required.

Join Canon Griffin and other cathedral community members for the 2025 Women's Retreat, a weekend of play, rest, and spiritual reflection. We’ll base our reflections on Bishop Mariann Budde’s 2023 book How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith. As always, there will be plenty of time for connecting with new people and deepening existing friendships, as well as exploring the beautiful setting.

Registration is now open on a first-come, first-served basis. Now that St. Andrew’s House and Harmony Hill have combined to form the Sacred Waters Center, more space is available for our use. We can now accommodate up to 35 people. Register using this form.

Fee: $295 double occupancy, $325 single; includes two nights lodging and all meals Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Partial scholarships are available. A $100 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold your place. Questions, contact Canon Emily Griffin: egriffin@saintmarks.org

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.

FROM THE CHURCH COUNCIL

Weaving Our Strengths: A Day of Workshops and Discussions

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 9 A.M-4:30 P.M., at University Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle; registration required

Join the Church Council of Greater Seattle for a day of workshops and reflection on the community organizing principles and anti-racism values that ground us in transformational change for liberation & justice. Workshops will include: and introduction to the Faith Land Initiative, a Sanctuary Q&A, a rapid response training, a panel discussion titled "Budgets are a moral document!" and more. The keynote address will be by the Rev. Shalom Agtarap, pastor of First UMC of Tacoma. Learn more and find the registration link at: thechurchcouncil.org/wos

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Town Hall with State Senator Jamie Pedersen, Rep. Nicole Macri, and Rep. Shaun Scott

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1–2:30 P.M., in Bloedel Hall

Note: This event is only hosted by, and not produced or endorsed by, Saint Mark's Cathedral.

The three Washington State legislators who represent the 43rd legislative district ,which includes downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill—State Senator Jamie Pedersen, State Rep. Nicole Macri, and State Rep. Shaun Scott—will be present in Bloedel Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, March 15, for a town hall meeting. (Senator Pedersen also servers as Senate Majority Leader.) They will discuss legislative priorities and provide an update on the current legislative session. Learn more here.

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

The Seattle Choral Company presents—Mozart's Requiem

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 8 P.M., in the Saint Mark's Cathedral nave

Pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. by director Freddie Coleman; tickets $5–27.

Saint Mark's Artist-in-residence choir The Seattle Choral Company will present the Requiem in D Minor, K. 626 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, along with the world premiere of Epoch of Hughes by Jasmine Barnes in the cathedral nave on March 15. Mozart’s Requiem is one of choral music’s undisputed masterpieces. It will be paired with a groundbreaking new work created specifically for the Seattle Choral Company. Jasmine Barnes’ Epoch of Hughes is inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes, one of America’s most celebrated Black poets, and uses Hughes’ reflections on the four seasons as its foundation. This premiere represents an exciting addition to the contemporary choral repertoire, and audiences will have the rare opportunity to hear Barnes’ work brought to life for the first time. Jasmine Barnes herself will be in attendance for this historic performance, making the evening even more memorable. Learn more and find the link purchase tickets ($5–27) here.

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Opus 7 presents—Grant Us Peace

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 8 P.M., at St. James Cathedral (804 9th Ave, Seattle); tickets $15–60.

The Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble and the Opus 7 Chamber Orchestra present Grant Us Peace, a Lenten concert of profound music for choir and orchestra by Ukrainian, Baltic, and Scandinavian composers as a musical prayer for hope and perseverance; comfort for those who grieve and those who are fearful; and peace and justice in Ukraine. This concert is dedicated to the people of Ukraine and donations will be collected to support continued relief efforts. The concert will feature the Northwest premiere of Requiem by Ukrainian composer Alexander Shchetynsky and For Ukraine by Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür. The program also includes works by Dmitry Bortniansky, Kim André Arnesen, Einojuhani Rautavaara, Urmas Sisask, and Pēteris Vasks. Learn more here and purchase tickets here.

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Choral Arts Northwest presents—This Sacred Earth: Reverberations of Land and Place

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 3 P.M., in the Saint Mark's Cathedral nave

Pre-concert talk at 2:30 p.m.; tickets $15–30.

Inspired by nature’s splendor, Choral Arts NW presents Alex Berko’s Grammy-nominated Sacred Place, featuring poetry by Wendell Berry, John Muir, and William Stafford. Stafford’s verse reminds us we belong to the earth: “Have a place, be what that place requires.” Joined by piano, cello, and violin, this program invites us to “listen to the land” through expansive soundscapes and tone poems, and includes works by Indigenous composers Sherryl Sewepagaham and Alex Vollant which amplify reverence for land and place. Surround yourself with beauty as Choral Arts NW sings of the ancient-and-ever-present majesty of This Sacred Earth. Learn more and find a link to purchase tickets ($15–30 in advance; $45 at the door) here.

BISHOP'S COMMITTEE FOR JUSTICE & PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND

Mideast Focus Film Series presents: The Law and the Prophets

ONLINE DISCUSSION: THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 7 P.M., via Zoom

The third film in the current Mideast Focus Film Series is The Law and the Prophets, a documentary that amplifies the voices of determined individuals exposing the destructive, unjust ways Palestinians are exploited. The special guest for the online discussion will be the film's director, speaker/writer/activist Joshua Vis. Email seattlemideastfocus@gmail.com to get on the mailing list to receive the Zoom link. (If you are already on the mailing list, the link will be sent to you; no need to email again.)

Learn more about upcoming events in the series here.

FROM THE DIOCESE OF OLYMPIA

Talking about Israel and Palestine: A Gathering for Clergy and Lay Leaders

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025, 9 A.M.–2 P.M., Bloedel Hall

Preaching and discussing the question of Palestine raises a range of concerns for church leaders. These include the issues of antisemitism and the meaning of the biblical promises to the Jewish people in today’s world. On Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., we invite you to join us for a half-day gathering where you will hear from a range of voices, including Palestinian clergy, members of the Seattle Jewish community and interdenominational leaders working for a just peace in the Holy Land. You also will have the opportunity engage in “table” conversation with your colleagues and learn about resources for ongoing learning and discussion. Find more information here, and please contact Doug Thorpe with questions dthorpe@spu.edu

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Mini-concert and Choral Evensong by ICantori of Walla Walla University

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2025, 4–5:15 P.M., cathedral nave

ICantori, the select choir of Walla Walla University, an auditioned group chosen from the 1,500-member student body, enjoys a history of touring that began in 1929. Renamed ICantori (Italian for "the singers") in 1979, the ensemble has traveled extensively in the Pacific Northwest, Honolulu, Atlanta, New York City, and in Canada, Russia and Romania. Conducted by Dr. Kraig Scott, the choir specializes in sacred repertoire spanning at least five centuries, including new works by living composers. Singing Evensong at Saint Mark's is a highlight of the choir's biennial trips to Seattle. It is always a beautiful offering of sung prayer and praise. The Evensong liturgy will be preceded by a brief recital. There is no charge and all are welcome. Don't miss it!

Cathedral Yoga will be offered as usual on Monday, March 10, led by instructor Tami Hafzalla.

The Queer in Christ online Lenten discussion series, Clearing Space for God, will continue to meet each Monday through April 7, and QuiC folks are welcome to join at any time, even they missed the earlier discussions. Next gathering: March 10, 7:30 p.m. Write to queerinchrist@saintmarks.org for the link.

In 2025, the Saint Mark's Taizé Ministry moved to a once-a-month schedule, usually on the second Tuesday of each month. However, due to a prior conflict in the nave, There will be no Taizé Prayer on March 11, due to a private event in the nave.

The next Taizé Prayer liturgy will be on April 8 as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn more here.

The Contemplative Prayer group meets most Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.

The meeting would typically be suspended on the second Tuesday of the month. However, since there is no Taizé service in March, Contemplative Prayer will meet on March 11, relocated to Thomsen Chapel.