FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024

SUNDAY OFFERINGS


Sunday, December 22, 2024:

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel


9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the cathedral nave



11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed


7 p.m. • The Longest Night: A Service for All Who Grieve*

in the cathedral nave


9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed


* Note that The Longest Night takes the place of the 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist this Sunday.

Cover photo of acolyte torches taken during the 2023 Christmas Eve Midnight Mass by Kevin Johnson.

The 2024 Advent/Christmas Schedule of Events is now available here.

NEW THIS WEEK

The Longest Night

new details of Sunday evening's service


2024 New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk & Midnight Eucharist

a space to look inward as 2025 begins


Enneagram Workshop

a two-day wisdom school offering, January 10 & 11


Taizé Update

liturgy to be offered monthly in 2025


Iconographer Peter Pearson

offering a workshop and forums at Saint Mark's, February 2025


Stewardship Update

an interim report of the community's generosity


Women's Shelter Donation Requests

help prepare Donna Jean's Place to launch January 15


New MealTrain

support a community member in need


A Message from Dean Thomason

gratitude for this community

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

The Longest Night: A Service for All Who Grieve in These Days


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave (takes the place of the Contemplative Eucharist this Sunday.)


Each year Saint Mark's offers a service for those for whom the holiday season brings a mix of emotions, and for anyone for whom grief is a companion in life. The service (formerly known as "Blue Christmas") is held near the winter solstice, marking time with intention in the candlelit cathedral while holding space for those present to pray, remember loved ones, and (if desired) have anointing by the priests before we share Holy Communion.


Although the Christmas season is claimed by our culture as festive and happy, for many people it is a painful time of year. Memories of loved ones who have passed away or other losses can stir up grief and exacerbate loneliness. For those who are grappling with the loss of health or happier times, the expectation to be joyful can be difficult.


This service is offered in the nave, but is not livestreamed. Dean Steve Thomason will preside, Canon Rich Weyls will offer a brief reflection, and they, along with Canon Emily Griffin will be on hand to offering anointing and prayers individually for any who would like that. All are welcome at this service, wherever you are on your spiritual journey or whatever concerns you bring.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Saint Mark's


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, cathedral nave and livestreamed


4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service with Holy Eucharist (3:45 p.m. – Musical Prelude and Carol Sing)

A service particularly appropriate for families with young children. Music by the choristers of the Choir School


7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist with Carols (7:10 p.m. – Musical Prelude and Carol Sing)

Music by the Evensong Choir with brass and percussion.


11 p.m. Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist with Carols ("Midnight Mass") (10:30 p.m. – Musical Prelude and Carol Sing)

Music by the Cathedral Choir with brass and percussion. Incense will be used.


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, cathedral nave and livestreamed


10 a.m. Christmas Day Festal Eucharist with Carols

Music by The Saint Mark's Singers

2024 New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk with Midnight Eucharist


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 6 P.M. to 12 A.M. (Holy Eucharist at the stroke of midnight)


Since 1999, Seattle's most peaceful New Year's tradition.


As the old year passes and a new one begins, take time in the quiet, candle-lit space of the cathedral nave to pause, look inward, and experience a large indoor labyrinth laid out in the nave.


Invitations to other contemplative practices will be offered, and musical accompaniment will be provided by guest musicians throughout the evening. Drop by any time between 6 p.m. and midnight; stay for a few minutes or a few hours. Activities especially appropriate for younger children will also be available. Tea and cookies will be served. More details, including musician line-up, will be announced on this page when they are available. All are welcome; freewill donations gratefully received. 2024 Musician line-up will be posted here when it is available.


At the stroke of midnight, a special, intimate service of Holy Eucharist is offered in the center of the labyrinth, observing the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus—a beautiful way to begin 2025. Canon Rich Weyls will preside.

Thursday Morning Chapel Eucharist to Move to 7:30 a.m.


The longstanding service of Holy Eucharist on Thursday mornings will continue to be offered on the first and third Thursday of the month in 2025, with a community breakfast to follow. However, starting January 2, this service will be moving from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. This start time will match the online service of Morning Prayer offered via Zoom every weekday at 7:30 a.m.

"Braiding Sweetgrass" Monthly Book Group  


FIRST SUNDAYS, JANUARY–APRIL, STARTING SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 12:30–1:30 P.M., Leffler House 2nd floor (except for February which is in the St. Nicholas Bldg)


Gather to read and learn from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants. A group will meet once per month to discuss select chapters of this collection of essays. This book group is hosted by the 20s/30s Group, but all are welcome to join. Contact Julia at julia7cooper@gmail.com to RSVP and to get updates on which chapters we are discussing each month. For the January 5 meeting, we will focus on the Preface through chpater 4, "The Gift of Strawberries." 

THE WISDOM SCHOOL AT SAINT MARK'S

The Spiritual Approach to the Enneagram: A Map to Inner Wisdom


FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025, 6:30–8:30 P.M.

and SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2025, 9:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M., in person and via Zoom. Registration required.


A weekend workshop led by Joseph Benton Howell, Ph.D.


This two-part workshop will approach the Spirituality of the Enneagram in ways we have not previously considered in the Wisdom School. Friday evening’s session will use the foundational concept of the soul child to describe the nine types with specific egoic reactions that come when disconnected from our original goodness. We will explore each type’s pride, virtue, avoidance, trap, and passion as portals into the spiritual journey of life. Saturday morning will explore inner dynamic flow, wings, and levels of consciousness, and we will delve into experiential exercises with our respective personality types. After lunch, participants will explore the soul’s essential qualities for spiritual development through guided meditations and interactive exercises. This last part is highlighted in Dr. Howell’s latest book, Know Your Soul. Fee: $65, includes light snacks, breakfast items, and lunch. Partial scholarships are available. Learn more about the workshop and Dr. Benton Howell here. Register using this form.

Taizé at Saint Mark's in 2025


NEXT SERVICE: JANUARY 14, 7 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed


Liturgies of prayer in the style of Taizé began at Saint Mark's in April of 2022, and since then they have become a valued part of the liturgical offerings of the cathedral. The Taizé ministry leaders are pleased to announce that, starting in January 2025, the service will now be offered monthly, on the second Tuesday of each month. The next service will be on Tuesday, January 14. Visit saintmarks.org/taize for the schedule through May 2025 (note: no liturgy in March), as well as leaflets and video of past services, and general information. If you'd like to get more involved in any way—as a musician, reader, or organizer—email David Poortinga and the other Taizé leaders at taize@saintmarks.org

THE WISDOM SCHOOL AT SAINT MARK'S

Icon Workshop and Forums with Priest, Author, and Iconographer Peter Pearson


Cathedral Commons Forum: WEDNESDAY, FEBRAURY 12, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in Bloedel Hall and on Zoom


Icon Writing Workshop: THURSDAY–SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13–15


Guest Sermon and "Friends Talking" Forum, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16


Byzantine iconography is an ancient and deeply prayerful art form in the Christian tradition, dating back nearly to the apostolic times. Over the centuries, it has evolved and developed as the faith spread throughout the world. Iconography follows a highly systematic and disciplined process which has been handed from teacher to student for centuries.


Fr. Peter Pearson, a Franciscan who has been studying and painting icons for more than fifty years and has published several books on the spirituality of icons, will be present at Saint Mark's the week of February 12 to offer a Wednesday evening Cathedral Commons forum (free and open to all, in person of via Zoom), and a practical workshop over three days, Thursday through Saturday, in which participants will be invited to envision and paint an icon image of Christ (registration required and total participants limited; cost $450). On Sunday, February 16, Fr. Pearson will preach at the 9 and 11 a.m. morning services and participate in an information "Friends Talking" forum in the 10 a.m. hour. Find more information about all of these offerings, including registration information for the three-day workshop, here.

COMING SOON

DECEMBER 20

TODAY! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1–4 P.M., Bloedel Hall


Every year a group of parishioners known as the Holy Folders gather in Bloedel Hall and stuff inserts into the Christmas service bulletins. Knowing that many hands make light work, we invite you to join us on Friday December 20 at 1 p.m., until the work is done. We have been known to have snacks to keep us going. Check out this video from 2019 by David Wild for a taste of the fun! Please email Barbara Erickson at bje46@msn.com for more information or to sign up.


UPDATE:

During or following the bulletin stuffing on Friday, December 20, Cathedral Sacristan Michael Seewer is also requesting help preparing the "Silent Night" candles for the Christmas Eve Services. Preparing the candles is as simple as placing a cardboard ring (called a "bobeche") around each candle, but the cathedral prepares around 2,000 candles for Christmas Eve, so help is appreciated. Questions, email Michael Seewer: mseewer@saintmarks.org

DECEMBER 29

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 12:30 P.M., meet in the rear of the nave


The next docent-led tour of the cathedral building will be Sunday, December 29, at 12:30 p.m. Meet under the clock in the rear of the nave following the conclusion of the 11 a.m. service. The tour will get underway in Thomsen Chapel at 12:30 p.m. These tours are offered on the last Sunday of each month.

JANUARY 4

VAM to SAM!



SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 10 A.M.–12:30 P.M., meet in the Seattle Art Museum lobby. (Rescheduled from December 7)


On Saturday, January 4, join a group from the Visual Arts Ministry (VAM) and the Second Sunday Book Group to see the recently-opened retrospective of Joyce J. Scott’s work, Walk a Mile in My Dreamsat the Seattle Art Museum. The Scott exhibit “celebrates one of the most prolific and boundary-breaking artists of our time,” the SAM newsletter recently said. A native of Baltimore, Joyce J. Scott’s work addresses issues of classism, racism, and classism. This retrospective has over 125 of her sculptures, prints, jewelry and mixed-media pieces on display. The group will meet at 10 a.m. in the SAM lobby, tour the exhibit together, and then have coffee and food at the Market Eatery. Each person will need to purchase their own museum admission ticket and food and drink. Questions or ideas? 


This Please contact Wayne Duncan from the Visual Arts Ministry at: duncan.sw@gmail.com

JANUARY 5

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 4:30 P.M. (Evensong), 5:30 P.M. (Burning of the Greens and Chili Supper, registration requested)


Since January 5 falls on a Sunday in 2025, the traditional Twelfth Night outdoor bonfire of Christmas greenery will follow first-Sunday Choral Evensong this year. Bring greens from home to burn as well. A community potluck chili supper will follow. (Chili toppings, salad, s'mores fixings, and hot cider will be provided—chili and cornbread requested!) Register to participate in the dinner here.

JANUARY 8

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 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)


The historic Creeds of the Church—most importantly the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed—are an essential and obligatory part of our liturgical tradition, and also a potential stumbling block for many. In this Wednesday Cathedral Commons forum led by Canon Wendy Claire Barrie, participants will explore what the Creeds are (and what they are not), ask where they come from and how they came to be central to our worship practice, look at some alternative creeds, and finally try crafting our own.

JANUARY 12

In-person discussion of Evicted:

THREE SUNDAYS: JANUARY 12 & 19 and FEBRUARY 2, 12:30–2 P.M.


Zoom discussion of Evicted:

THREE THURSDAYS: JANUARY 16 & 23 and FEBRUARY 6, 7–8:30 P.M.


In-person discussion of Poverty, by America:

THREE SUNDAYS: FEBRUARY 9, 16, and 23, 12:30–2 P.M.


Zoom discussion of Poverty, by America:

THREE THURSDAYS: FEBRUARY 13, 20, and 27, 7–8:30 P.M.


Registration requiredregister using this form.


The Intergenerational Council, the Restorative Justice Council, and the Affordable Housing Committee invite the entire community of Saint Mark's to participate in a book study this winter to help us better understand issues of housing insecurity and houselessness. We've chosen two books by Matthew Desmond, Evicted from 2016 and Poverty, by Americapublished in 2023. Learn more here. Register using this form.

JANUARY 12

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2025


While the bishop of our diocese is always present at the cathedral a few times each year (e.g. Christmas Eve, Easter Vigil and Easter Day, Cathedral Day, Ordinations), an official "Episcopal Visitation" is a rarer and more special occurrence. Canon law requires every diocesan bishop to visit every congregation in their diocese at least once every three years. When this happens here, the bishop is visiting Saint Mark's as a parish community, rather than as a diocesan cathedral.


Our newly consecrated bishop, The Rt. Rev. Phil LaBelle, will preside and preach at all three morning services on Sunday, January 12—8, 9, and 11 a.m. It is customary for the bishop to offer Baptisms and Confirmations/Receptions on this day, and January 12 happens to be the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, one of the four Baptismal Feasts of the church year! If you’d like to consider being baptized, confirmed, or received on this day, please contact Canon Wendy Barrie soon so we can began the process: wbarrie@saintmarks.org


JANUARY 12

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 10:10 A.M., gather in the St. Nicholas Building, 1st floor


Bishop Phil LaBelle will be at Saint Mark's on Sunday, January 12, for his official visitation (see details below), and between the 9 and 11 a.m. services he will join with Dean Thomason, 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, which will begin operating on January 15, is a partnership between Saint Mark's and Operation Nightwatch—street ministry in Seattle in which cathedral members also serve as volunteers—and will be called Donna Jean’s Place at Saint Mark’s, 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.

JANUARY 15

CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Saint Mark's and Sanctuary—Responding to the Needs of Our Time


led by Dean Steve Thomason and Canon Emily Griffin


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)


The Saint Mark's Vestry has once again authorized Saint Mark’s serving as a Sanctuary Hub, if called upon by the Sanctuary Network in our region. Join Dean Thomason and Canon Emily Griffin as we explore ways to respond compassionately and with intention, guided by our mandate to respect the dignity of every human being. Key to this effort will be a cohort of volunteers to serve in various ways, and we hope to engage in conversation during this evening about how we responsibly do that together. All are welcome—please invite friends who may be similarly inclined.

JANUARY 18

GROUP MEETS SIX SATURDAYS BEGINNING JANUARY 18, 2025, AND ENDING APRIL 26, 2025, 10 A.M.–3 P.M., location TBA. Registration required.


Sacred Ground is a place to study racism in our country and to share our personal stories about race. The facilitators think that now is a particularly important time in our history to uncover these truths about our institutions and our own experiences as we search for healing and strive for justice and peace among all people. Sacred Ground is an offering of The Episcopal Church Office of Racial Reconciliation, and the curriculum continues to be updated with new videos and readings. The participants' support for each other will deepen as we enjoy learning together in community over six Saturdays—January through April—in the new year. Find more details and register here. You are also welcome to contact the organizers with any questions you may have by emailing: sacredground@saintmarks.org

JANUARY 22

TWO WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 22 & 29, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Optional Community Dinner at 6 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family)


A two-part Cathedral Commons forum led by Dean Steve Thomason


Our world is seemingly on fire, and the uncertainties of our time translate to a sense of chaos and upheaval. Anxiety and anger run amok. Under threat of change, the human impulse is to conservative inertia or even regression, which invariably leads to injustice and oppression. We are seeing that; we are living in this crucible moment when the paradigms that have historically made sense in the social fabric will not hold, and tweaks to them will not suffice. Paradigm shifts (revolutionary insights) are needed as we find our way. We are on the cusp of something as significant as Newtonian cosmology or modern Cognitive Psychology, but we will only breakthrough to new paradigms if we let go of the basic assumptions of the prevailing theories of social constructs built on a misguided transactional calculus. Hint: Jesus was on to something big!

FEBRAURY 2

NEXT SERIES: FOUR SUNDAYS, STARTING FEBRUARY 2, 2025, 12:30–2 P.M., Leffler Living Room OR online via Zoom. Registration required.


Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, consider attending this four-class series, facilitated by clergy and staff, where we explore the basics of the Christian faith through an Episcopal lens. Whether you are new to Saint Mark’s, or simply interested in sharing and learning more, you are welcome. Those who are interested in baptism at the Easter Vigil (April 2025) or who would like to prepare for confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church, or reaffirmation of faith on Cathedral Day (May 2025) are strongly encouraged to attend the Inquirers' Class. More information and registration link here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

One Body, Many Gifts: An Interim report from the Stewardship Ministry


Thanks be to God and the people of St. Mark’s Cathedral for the response to this year’s fall Commitment Campaign! As of December 13, we have received 419 commitments for a total of $1,837,524. This already represents approximately a 3% increase in giving over last year, and we anticipate that additional commitments will be coming in by year’s end. The results include 40 new commitments for 2025, and 175 households who increased their commitment over 2024.


Income from commitments is the single largest source for our operations budget, and enables us to do the work that we are called to do together. Thank you for your contribution to making this possible! It is not too late to make a commitment for 2025. If you have not yet sent in yours, please do so as soon as possible.

Donation Requests for the New Women's Shelter at Saint Mark's


Last week Dean Thomason sent a message to the parish requesting year-end donations to support the new women's shelter in the St. Nicholas Building in collaboration with Operation Nightwatch, Donna Jean's Place at Saint Mark's, which will begin operations on January 15. (See the invitation to the January 12 dedication above.) To get the facility ready to open, your help is needed in one of three ways: (1) Make special cash contribution toward the purchase of furnishings and appliances by going to saintmarks.org/give and selecting "New Emergency Women's Shelter" from the list of options, or by giving via Venmo or check with "Women's Shelter" in the memo. (2) Drop off hygiene supplies directly to the cathedral, such as soap, deodorant, razors, lotion, feminine hygiene production, and hair care, including products for Black hair. Bring items to the cathedral office, or leave them in the basket in Coffee Corner on Sunday morning. (3) As an alternative to purchasing items and delivering them yourself, you can order items using this Amazon wishlist. (The wishlist can also serve as a guide to recommended brands of haircare products, etc. if you prefer to purchase them elsewhere.) As Dean Steve reminded the community in his message, "your support means that these women will have a safe, warm place to sleep each night, and we have the opportunity to 'seek and serve Christ' in them."

MealTrain Request


The cathedral Community Meal Delivery Ministry seeks to provide food and comfort to parishioners recovering from illness, surgery, or a new baby. There are times in our lives when friends and family ask, "What can I do to help out?"... and the answer is usually to help them with a meal. When many friends all want to provide support in this way, MealTrain keeps everyone organized. 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 (If you know of someone who would appreciate the gift of some meals, please contact Canon Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org)

A Note from Dean Thomason


"Thanks to all who have held Kathy and me, and my family, in your prayerful concerns in recent days. My dad, Robert Thomason, died peacefully early on Sunday December 15, after languishing with dementia and other health issues that necessitated hospice care in his last days. He is at peace now, and we will travel to Arkansas after Christmas to bury him. Worshipping with you in the hours that followed his death was balm for my soul, and the fact that this community commended him in our prayers with intention was deeply meaningful. You are our spiritual family, and we are deeply grateful for YOU!"

—Dean Steve Thomason

Videos now Available


The 2024 Pageant of the Nativity can be seen here.


Video of last Sunday's Winter Solstice Poetry Forum can be seen here.


Hundreds of other forums and presentations can be found collected in a YouTube playlist here. Other playlists on the cathedral's YouTube channel include Sunday morning liturgies, Compline, special services, and anthem videos.

Ministry Leaders: Please Submit Your 2024 Annual Ministry Report


Ministry leaders, you should have either recently received, or are about to receive, an email soliciting your ministry's written report of its activities in 2024, to be published in the cathedral's Annual Report. Submissions are accepted via web form, rather than emailed directly. (A link to the form will be found in the email.) The deadline for submissions will be December 31, slightly earlier than previous years. Thank you for your contribution to telling the story of all the exciting work happening in the place. If you have not received an email and think you should have, or if you have any questions, email Greg Bloch: gbloch@saintmarks.org

Invitation to Participate in a Small Group Study on Neurodiversity


What can neurodiversity teach us about youth ministry? Alongside neurodivergent young people, parents, and youth workers, the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary developed Cultivating God's Brainforest: Neurodiversity and Youth Ministry, a digital course to help leaders better understand and engage the gifts of neurodiversity within the context of Christian congregations. The course aims to equip leaders to shape congregations in which young people of all neurotypes flourish. Learn more about the course here. This project is being offered to all in conjunction with the Diocese of Olympia's Faith Formation ministry. Please email or text Alexandra Thompson at alexandra.thompson62@yahoo.com or (206) 518-7546 if you are interested in participating. The current plan is to focus on one session per month and we will "graduate" together in June with some type of fellowship celebration.

Yule-2024-square-C image

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Yule: Poetry, Music, Light at St. Luke's, Renton


THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 5 P.M., at St. Luke's, Renton (99 Wells Ave S., Renton)


St. Luke Church’s seasonal liturgies are celebrated on the solstices and equinoxes through the year. Through music and poetry, ritual and movement, we acknowledge the beauty of the natural world and the interweave of the seasons with our own spiritual lives. Curation by the Rev. Kevin Pearson; Music with Ann Stickland & the Mystics. Learn more here.

Seattle Bach Festival: Celebratory Inaugural Concert


SUNDAY, JANUARY, 12, 2025, 3 P.M., in the Saint Mark's cathedral nave


Get your New Year with off to a great start with the Celebratory Inaugural Concert of the Seattle Bach Festival with all the bells and whistles: a full baroque orchestra with trumpets, timpani and winds. Bach’s Cantata 29 was written for the 1731 “Ratswechsel” in Leipzig, a lavish ceremony celebrating the inauguration of the new Leipzig Town Council and a fitting and joyful start for our Seattle Bach Festival. We are honored to welcome Dr. Michael Maul, the Director of the Bach Archiv Leipzig and the Leipzig Bach Festival as our Guest of Honor for the opening weekend of the Seattle Bach Festival. Find details and ticket link here.

Godly Play will next be offered on Sunday morning on January 5 in the 10 a.m. hour, when both age groups will explore Baptism in preparation for the Baptismal liturgy the following week.


Godly Play is offered for kids age 3 through fifth grade on the first and third Sundays of each month.

Cathedral Yoga will be offered on Monday, December 23 and Monday, December 30 (not suspended as previously announced).

Tuesday Noon Bible Study gathers on Tuesdays, 12–1:30 p.m. on Zoom for study and prayer over the lectionary, but not meet on December 24 or 31. To learn more or participate, email: biblestudy@saintmarks.org



The Contemplative Prayer group meets most Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Read more here. The group will not meet on the following Tuesdays, December 24 and 31.

The next concert of the Saint Mark's Music Series will be the Organ Plus recital, a program of rarely-heard Scandinavian church music with Laura Loge, soprano, and John Stuntebeck, organ, on Friday evening January 17 OR Sunday afternoon, January 19. This event was rescheduled from October due to illness. Find a link for tickets ( $20-25) here.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sunday, December 22, 2024:

The Fourth Sunday of Advent


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:

Micah 5:2–5a

Canticle 15 (The Song of Mary)

Hebrews 10:5–10

Luke 1:39–55

8 A.M. THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Canon Emily Griffin 


Solo: Gregorian Chant: Ave, Maria, gratia plena


Hymns:

O come, O come, Emmanuel [Hymn #56]

Come, thou long-expected Jesus [Hymn #66]


Organ:

Cecilia McDowall, O Clavis David and O Emmanuel from O Antiphon Sequence

9 A.M. THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Emily Griffin  



Hymns:

O come, O come, Emmanuel [Hymn #56]

My soul cries out (Canticle of the Turning) [ELW #723]

Come, thou long-expected Jesus [Hymn #66]

The angel Gabriel from heaven came [Hymn #265]


Choir:

arr. Martin Shaw, Joys Seven


Organ:

Marcel Dupré, He Hath Put Down the Mighty from Their Seat (Cantilena), No. 13 from Fifteen Pieces for Vespers of the Holy Mother, Op. 18

Cecilia McDowall, O Clavis David from O Antiphon Sequence

11 A.M. THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Emily Griffin  


Hymns:

O come, O come, Emmanuel [Hymn #56]

Unexpected and mysterious [ELW #258]

Creator of the stars of night [Hymn #60]

The angel Gabriel from heaven came [Hymn #265]


Choir:

Healey Willan , O Rex gentium

B.E. Boykin, In the Stillness 

Lennox Berkeley, I sing of a maiden


Organ:

Cecilia McDowall, O Oriens, O Rex Gentium, and O Emmanuel from O Antiphon Sequence

Andrew Carter, Toccata on Veni Emmanuel

7 P.M. THE LONGEST NIGHT

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason


Preacher: The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls


Music:

Songs from Taizé (Wait for the Lord; O Lord, hear my prayer; Bless the Lord, my soul)

Selections by J.S. Bach

O gracious Light [Hymn #25]

Go, my children, with my blessing [ELW #543]

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:

O come, O Wisdom from above (new translation of O come, O come Emmanuel by Jason A. Anderson)

arr. Praetorius & Carl Orff, Lo, how a rose e'er blooming

Richard Proulx, Nunc dimittis

arr. Philip Lawson, Maria durch ein Dornwald ging

Liturgy and repertoire information subject to change.

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.

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 on the 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of the month only. Starting in January 2025, this service will move to 7:30 a.m.

Saint Mark’s Cathedral acknowledges that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People, who are still here, and we honor with gratitude the land itself and the life all the Coast Salish tribes. [Learn more]

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral

206.323.0300

info@saintmarks.org

www.saintmarks.org

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