Click here to view this email as a webpage.

SUNDAY OFFERINGS

Sunday, March 16, 2025:

The Second Sunday in Lent

8 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist (Rite I)

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

11 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist

in the nave and livestreamed

12:30 p.m. • Third Acter Potluck

in Leffler House

3 p.m. • Choral Arts Northwest Concert: This Sacred Earth

in the cathedral nave

7 p.m. • Contemplative Eucharist

in Thomsen Chapel

9:30 p.m. • Compline

in the nave and livestreamed

10:00 p.m. • Organ by Night

in the nave and organ loft

Cover photo shows sculptor Virginia Maksymowicz giving a presentation about her Stations of the Cross, in 2018 when they were first installed at Saint Mark's. Photo by Kevin Johnson.

NEW THIS WEEK

Third Acter Potluck

This Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in Leffler Living Room

Organ By Night

This Sunday after Compline in the Cathedral Nave

Contemplative Prayer Lenten Series

The next three Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave

Joyous Generosity

A Sunday morning forum with Living Stones II consultant Marc Rieke

20s/30s Tacos & Prayer

Tuesday, April 1, 6 p.m.

Taizé Prayer celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave

Palm Saturday Event

A Godly Play story for all ages; Saturday, April 12, 4 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave

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

Third Acter Potluck

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 12:30-2 p.m., Leffler Living Room

Come one, come all, to our spring Third Acter potluck. We are back in Leffler House! Anyone 60 or older and their caregivers, are welcome. Bring a snack or dish to share. We will engage in community, sharing of the beauties of spring, and everything else! For information contact Kathy Minsch kminsch@gmail.com or Elizabeth Clark-Stern ecstern@yahoo.com.

Organ By Night

SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 10-10:45 p.m., Cathedral Nave

Kyle Haugen will offer this month's Organ by Night music following Compline this Sunday, February 16. He serves as Music Director & organist at Queen Anne Lutheran Church, Seattle. He will play works by J. S. Bach.

On every third Sunday of the month, organists offer 20 minutes of music on the mighty Flentrop organ, and encourage listeners to join them in the gallery to see and hear the organ and organist up close. They are also happy to answer questions about the music and the organ itself.

Contemplative Prayer Group Lenten Series: Centering prayer back-to-basics

THE NEXT THREE TUESDAYS, 7-8 p.m., Cathedral Nave

For the next 3 Tuesdays in Lent, join the regular weekly 7pm Contemplative Prayer group for a back-to-basics series. Each week will include a twenty-minute period of contemplative prayer as usual, but instead of our usual readings, we will discuss the roots and basic themes of centering prayer, and we’ll incorporate more instruction in the method than usual. If you looking for a contemplative practice this Lent or if you’ve been meaning to learn more about centering prayer, consider joining us on 3/18, 3/25 and 4/1. Each week will address different concepts, but all three will include the expanded instruction if needed. So if you can’t come for all three weeks, do whatever works for you. Learn more about Contemplative Prayer at Saint Mark's here.

Joyous Generosity: A Sunday Morning Forum with Consultant Marc Rieke

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 10:10–10:50 a.m., Bloedel Hall

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a “cheerful giver?” Have you ever thought, “Why is that even important?” Sharing his perspective and experiences of having served 150 churches across denominations in capital campaigns, our Living Stones II consultant, Marc Rieke, will use scripture and story to help us explore what impels us in our giving, and the ways in which the dynamic of joyous generosity is vital in our spiritual lives.

20s/30s First Tuesday Contemplative Prayer and Dinner

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 6 P.M., in the St. Nicholas Building, 2nd floor

Come share a meal and practice sacred stillness with the wider cathedral community.

Join in for a taco dinner at 6 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the St. Nicholas Building—tortillas, beans and chips and salsa provided, just bring a favorite side—and conversation to start the week. After dinner, the group will head over to the cathedral nave to take part in Contemplative Prayer from 7–8 p.m. No prior experience with Contemplative Prayer or meditation is required. RSVPs encouraged but not required.

Contact Julia julia7cooper@gmail.com to RSVP.

Taizé Prayer celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 7 p.m., Cathedral Nave

The next offering of Taizé Prayer at Saint Mark's is Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Nave. Join us for this contemplative prayer service, which includes scripture readings and chant, meditative silence and candlelight. This evening we will celebrate the life and witness of Martin Luther King, Jr., whose feast day falls on April 4. Click here to learn more about Taizé Prayer at Saint Mark's. And if you might be interested in joining us as a member of our team of Taizé musicians, email taize@saintmarks.org (all are welcome to join our team of musicans...singers and instrumentalists...regardless of your background).

The Questions Easter Asks Us: A Palm Saturday Event for All Ages

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 4 P.M., in the cathedral nave

Canon Emily Griffin and pianist David Poortinga will lead us using art, story, and song through the life of Jesus as we prepare to enter Holy Week.

The Godly Play story usually shared over the weeks of Lent, The Faces of Easter, will be told in large scale, and familiar hymns and tunes will be woven throughout with opportunities to sing, wonder, and pray together as we reflect on the journey to the cross and the mystery of the Resurrection.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIVING STONES II CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Home Gatherings Continue

The Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future Home Gatherings are now underway. (Photo above is from the gathering at the home of Nancy & Gerard van Wesep on March 11.) 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 16.

The Rev. Adam Conley Appointed Curate at Saint Mark's

A parish-wide announcement was distributed on Thursday announcing that Bishop LaBelle has appointed Adam Conley to serve a two-year curacy-in-training program at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. His first day will be July 14, 2025.

To read the full announcement from Dean Thomason, click here.

MealTrain Requests—Wagner/Bloch family; McLaughlin/Krikorian family

There are two opportunities for the Saint Mark's community to support families among us with meals during difficult times.

Wagner/Bloch family: Former Facility Manager (and partner of Saint Mark's Communications Director Greg Bloch) David Wagner had surgery on Thursday and has begun chemotherapy treatments for the foreseeable future. David and Greg would be grateful to have some meals or gift cards provided, and we have created a Meal Train sign up here for those interested in helping out.

McLaughlin/Krikorian family: Parishioner John McLaughlin and his family are going through a period of suddenly losing John's father, simultaneously while John recovers from surgery and his wife Kathy deals with chronic illness. The family (2 adults and 1 child) would be grateful for meals or gift cards during this time; please use this Meal Train sign up to support their family.

PLEASE NOTE: Greg and David's home is in Queen Anne, and John and Kathy's home is in Columbia City. 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

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.

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.)

Register Now for Easter Vigil Baptisms and Cathedral Day Confirmations

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.

Register here if you wish to be baptized at the Easter Vigil.

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.

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Complete Surrender: A Lenten Evening of Reflection & Prayer for Young Adults (20s & 30s)

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025, 6:30-8 P.M.,

St. Joseph Catholic Church, 732 18th Ave E (registration required by March 17)

Lent is a sacred season of self-reflection, renewal, and rediscovery—a time to quiet our souls and embrace the call to deeper intimacy with Christ. As young adults navigating the many paths of life, we are called to a profound trust in God—one that invites us into the grace of “Ignatian indifference,” where our hearts become free to desire only what leads us closer to God. But how do we truly surrender? How do we allow this Lent to be a time of transformation, where we unite our wounds with Jesus and walk in the freedom of His love?

Together, let us step into a Lenten journey of surrender, learning to find strength in vulnerability, freedom in trust, and renewal in the embrace of Christ crucified. This evening of reflection and prayer includes a brief reflection on “Ignatian indifference” by Kevin Lee, S.J. and a prayer service in the style of Taizé. A Young Adult social to follow. Click here for more info and to register by March 17 (cost is $25 with partial scholarships available).

FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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

TOMORROW, 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

TOMORROW, 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

TOMORROW, 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

THIS 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!

Protecting Your Neighbor During Flu Season

King County Health Department has noted a surge in influenza in recent weeks, with the first pediatric deaths reported last week. Read the full CDC report here about influenza and precautions to take, but here is a summary of things we can do to care for one another, and especially those who are at highest risk of complications from such respiratory illnesses:

1. Get vaccinated! (This is the single most important thing you can do).
2. Stay home if you are sick.
3. Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
4. Wash hands frequently.
5. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
6. Adopt good cleaning of frequently-touched surfaces, and adopt healthy habits (rest, nutrition, plenty of fluids, etc.).
7. Consider wearing a mask if you’ve been exposed, may not be feeling well, or just want to be cautious.

Saint Mark's has improved ventilation in the cathedral nave and Thomsen chapel since COVID, which also helps. Thank you for doing your part, too!

FUNERALS

A funeral for Charlie Calvert will be offered SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2 P.M., in the cathedral nave

Sunday, March 16, 2025:

The Second Sunday in Lent

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:

Genesis 15:1–12,17–18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17–4:1

Luke 13:31–35

8 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider & Preacher: The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls

Hymns:

Now let us all with one accord [Hymn #147]

The God of Abraham praise [Hymn #410]

Organ:

Clara Schumann, Prelude in G Minor

Pamela Decker, Postlude on Leoni

9 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave

Presider: The Very Rev. Steve Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls

Hymns:

The God of Abraham praise [Hymn #410]

Be thou my vision [Hymn #488]

Choir:

Alexander Kopylov, Hear my cry, O Lord

C.H.H. Parry, Dear Lord and Father of mankind

Organ:

J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV 653a

Pamela Decker, Postlude on Leoni

11 A.M. • THE HOLY EUCHARIST

in the cathedral nave & livestreamed

Presider: The Very Rev. Steve Thomason

Preacher: The Rev. Canon Rich Weyls

Hymns:

The God of Abraham praise [Hymn #410]

O Love of God, how strong and true [Hymn # 456]

O Jesus Christ, may grateful hymns be rising [Hymn #590]

Lord Christ, when first thou cam’st to earth [Hymn #598]

Choir:

J. S. Bach, Our God, to whom we turn

Phillip McIntyre, That’s how good God is

Organ:

J.S. Bach, Chorale-prelude on An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV 653a

Pamela Decke, Postlude on Leoni

7 P.M. • CONTEMPLATIVE EUCHARIST

in Thomsen Chapel

Presider: The Very Rev. Steve Thomason

Musician: James Falzone, woodwinds

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 introit, You speak within my heart

Jane Manton Marshall, Eternal light, shine in my heart

Juan de Lienas, Lamentations of Jeremiah

Liturgy and repertoire information subject to change.

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 at 7:30 a.m. on the 1st/3rd/5th Thursdays of the month only.