FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

Sunday, August 22, 2021:
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

9 a.m. • The Holy Eucharist
in person only

11 a.m.The Holy Eucharist
in person and livestreamed

Additional information about Sunday's liturgies can now be found at the bottom of this email.
Cover photo is a screenshot of the Compline livestream, August 15, 2021—the final livestream-only service.
NEW THIS WEEK

Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces

In-person attendance resumes

Post-Compline Organ Music

Sahar: Education for Afghani girls

Episcopal Relief & Development

September 12, 2021
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
UPDATE: Face Masks Again Required for Everyone

A message was sent out by email on Thursday announcing that, following the most recent directive from the Governor and the Washington State Department of Health, face masks will once again be required for everyone while inside any of the cathedral buildings for worship, meetings, or ministry gatherings. While this official guidance does not technically go into effect until Monday, Saint Mark's will implement this requirement beginning this coming Sunday, August 22—including Sunday morning Eucharists, in-person Compline, and Monday's Cathedral Yoga offering. Please contact Dean Thomason with any questions: sthomason@saintmarks.org
Compline Reopens!

THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 9:30 P.M., and every subsequent Sunday

The Compline Choir and Saint Mark's Cathedral are overjoyed to announce that in-person attendance at the Office of Compline will resume on August 22, 2021. There will be no preregistration or screening required, but everyone will be required to remain masked at all time while inside the cathedral building. A "distanced section" will allow those who wish to remain distanced from others to do so.

Community Labyrinth Walk

Members of the Labyrinth ministry will once again be on hand to chat about the outdoor labyrinth starting at 7 p.m. Sunday night.

20s/30s Pre-Compline Dessert

Let’s meet for dessert before the inaugural return of Compline. Single-serving desserts will be provided. We’ll gather in Leffler Living Room from 89 p.m. and then go over to the nave together. Feel free to drop in for one or both. Questions? Email Adam Conley (aconley@saintmarks.org) or Emily Meeks (emcmeeks@gmail.com). Members of the Saint Mark's 20s/30s Facebook group may RSVP here.
Organ by Night—The Return of the Flentrop after Compline

THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 10 P.M. (right after Compline)

The return of in-person Compline services also marks the return of another favorite late-night musical event: post-Compline organ music! These informal mini-concerts have introduced generations of Seattleites to the power and beauty of a real pipe organ. All are welcome to listen in the nave, or join the organist in the loft to see what playing an instrument of this size is really like. (The radio program, "The Organ Loft," which airs on KING-FM immediately following Compline each week, was inspired by this tradition.) The new iteration of this offering, called Organ by Night, will be offered approximately once a month. Stay tuned for further announcements about the schedule of upcoming organists. For the first Organ by Night this coming Sunday, August 22, Canon Michael Kleinschmidt will offer music on the Flentrop organ from Suites by G.F. Handel, Louis-Nicholas Clerambault, and Florence Price. 
Forum in Response to the Afghanistan Crisis: Sahar—Education for Afghanistan Girls

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021, 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom, registration required.

The distressing reports out of Afghanistan in recent days are horrifying. Twenty years ago Sahar was launched in northern Afghanistan as an NGO serving girls. More than 250,000 girls have been educated in 18 schools in the region, and programs to reduce early marriage and build male allies took root.

Saint Mark’s member Ginna Brelsford led this project until last year, and remains actively engaged with new leaders—two Afghan women here in the U.S. whose families are still in Afghanistan. Join this forum to learn more, to receive updates from the region where the schools, now closed, have had such an impact. While the future remains unclear, and the safety of the Sahar staff is of grave concern, there is hope that the education these women have received will continue to have positive impact, even in such difficult times. Ginna will be joined by Sahar’s Program Manager, Shogofa Amini, a native of Mazar-e-Sharif who has been working with Sahar since 2018. Learn more about Shogofa here.

Registration is required to receive the link. 
Response to the Natural Disasters in Haiti

On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest portion of Haiti. This devastating earthquake was followed by Tropical Storm Grace on Monday night and much of Tuesday. More than 1 million people, including more than half a million children, have been impacted by the back-to-back disasters, and the death toll is close to 2000. Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners are responding immediately with direct assistance to vulnerable households in the region, as partners plan long-term recovery. Your generous gift can provide assistance to help people in the wake of these disasters. To assist in these efforts, visit episcopalrelief.org/haiti-relief.
Homecoming Sunday & Ministry Fair

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

The Sunday after Labor Day is not an official feast of the Church, but for many churches in the United States it marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning a new program year. It is known by many names, but at Saint Mark's has been called "Homecoming Sunday" for many years. This year, that "homecoming" takes on a new significance! On September 12, during both the 9 and 11 a.m. Eucharist services, all the ministries of the cathedral will be acknowledged and commissioned for the new year. The 11 a.m. service that day will feature the return of the Cathedral Choir. Following both the 9 and 11 a.m. services, the in-person Ministry Fair will resume, this year offered in the cathedral nave. (Ministry Leaders should receive a message from Ministry Fair organizer Olivier Santos soon about logistics.) More information will be announced in the coming weeks.

September 12 will also be the date that the two Sunday services offered in Thomsen Chapel will resume: the 8 a.m. Sunday morning Chapel Eucharist, and the 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist.
20s/30s GROUP
Night Prayer at a New Time and Location

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 7:30 P.M., Leffler Sun Room

The 20s/30s Group bimonthly Night Prayer gatherings are moving to a new time. As usual, it is offered over the phone only on the second Monday of the month. On the fourth Monday of the month, the group will gather in person in Leffler Sun Room. The 7:30 start time means that you can attend Cathedral Yoga at 6:30, and go to in-person Night Prayer immediately after. (Calling in is still an option.) The group is now using a new order of service, drawn from the liturgies of the Corrymeela Community. Find the order of service here.
COMING SOON
AUGUST 29
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 7-8:30 P.M., via Zoom

Canon for Cathedral Music Michael Kleinschmidt has returned from his sabbatical, and has some interesting stories to share about his sabbatical excursions! Join using this Zoom link.
SEPTEMBER 1
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1,
6:30-8 P.M. via Zoom

In May and early June of this year, we held several Listening Groups with our Formation Consultant, Jamie Martin Currie, who captured a great deal of information and insights from these groups and the parish survey. All in the Saint Mark’s community are invited to participate in a follow-up conversation. Read the full report here.
SEPTEMBER 3
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021, 6–7:30 P.M., on the front lawn

All are welcome to a back-to-school gathering to reconnect in person, to have some fun together, and to lift up and honor the amazing kids of our community. Bring a blanket and your own picnic dinner. The cathedral will provide dessert for everyone and a variety of fun activities. Bring your backpacks to receive a blessing! Learn more here.

Contact Rebekah Gilmore with questions.
SEPTEMBER 11
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 3 P.M., in the cathedral nave, and livestreamed

Two decades after the 9/11 attacks, and enriched by a newfound appreciation for our first responders, we gather for an opportunity to share grief and gratitude, to offer hope and healing, to forge the scars of conflict and loss into the sacredness of wholeness and peace.

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

Let’s hike together! All ages are welcome on this 3 mile roundtrip hike. We’ll meet at the trailhead at 2 p.m. and finish by 5:30 p.m. Bring your water, snacks and appropriate gear.

Learn more and find the link to sign up here. Questions? Email Emily Meeks.
SEPTEMBER 15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 6:30–8 p.m., in Bloedel Hall OR via Zoom; registration requested

Earlier this year the Vestry unanimously adopted the Statement of Lament and Commitment to Action as a guide for our work as individuals and as a community. In this special parish forum, to which all are invited and encouraged to attend, we will reflect together, unpack the document, and break into groups which will focus on specific areas of work, including homelessness, immigration, reparations, and more. Learn more and register here.
SEPTEMBER 19
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall

The first Sunday Forum of the fall will feature a conversation with Buddhist monk Venerable Nisabho who is seeking to establish a Thai Forest Monastery in the Seattle area and is gathering people at Saint Mark’s for meditation, teachings and breathing practices. Tan Nisabho and Dean Steve are exploring together cross-cultural and interfaith expressions of contemplative practices, including Christian centering prayer. Read more about this branch of Buddhism.
SEPTEMBER 19
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2021, 1 P.M., via Zoom

NOTE: moved to the third Sunday of the month due to Ministry Fair.

Louise Erdrich's The Night Watchman (2020) is the story of one man's determination to defeat a Congressional attempt to abrogate treaties between Native American nations and the U.S. government. Contact Pearl McElheran with questions: pmcelheran@comcast.net
SEPTEMBER 26
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2–5:15 P.M., pre-registration required

The September 26 20s/30s Stairway Walk will explore West Seattle and "Alki from Above," and visit St. John the Baptist Episcopal parish.

Learn more here, and contact Emily Meeks or Michael Perera with questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Canon Nancy Ross' Last Day: This Sunday, August 22

After nearly six years serving at Saint Mark's, Canon Ross will return to her roots in California due to her husband Jim's new job, and to be closer to family. Nancy's last day is this Sunday, August 22, and she will preach and preside at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, where we will celebrate with her and bless her on her new journey. Nancy's generous spirit will be truly missed! If you have questions, concerns, or well wishes to share with Canon Ross, be sure to reach out to her on or before August 22. Read the full announcement here.
The Choir School Returns for In-Person Rehearsals in September!

With great hope and a strong dose of caution, the Choir School looks forward to welcoming choristers back to in-person rehearsals this fall. We hope to again see their faces and hear their voices! Rehearsals begin after labor day and will include a whole host of COVID safety precautions. Learn more on the choir school website.

Junior Choristers (beginners, age 5 and older)
Tuesday rehearsal option 4:45-5:30 p.m. (beginning September 14)
Wednesday rehearsal option 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. (beginning September 15)

Senior Choristers (intermediate level, determined by director)
Wednesdays 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. (beginning September 8)

Schola (High School youth and changed voice boys)
Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. (beginning September 8)
 
Register using the form here, or email choirschool@saintmarks.org with questions. 
Creation Care News

Be sure to check out thoughts written by parishioner Doug Thorpe on the Saint Mark's Creation Care webpage and consider how so many issues facing the world today are interrelated. Doug includes this from Tom Friedman "Afghanistan is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, and one of the least equipped to handle what’s to come."

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently released a new report which described the current state of the planet as "code red for humanity." Does this scare you? Do you want to learn more? Do you want to learn about solutions and take hope from actions available for the world to take now? Saint Mark's parishioner and American Geophysical Union president-elect Lisa Graumlich is uniquely qualified to help us understand the meaning and importance of this report. The date and format of her presentation is TBD—stay tuned for more information.
A Note from Canon Kleinschmidt

At the opening and conclusion of this Sunday's morning services, Canon Michael Kleinschmidt will present movements from from Suite #1 for organ by composer Florence Price:

This music by Florence Price is some of what I learned on sabbatical. Florence was born in Little Rock, studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of Chicago, and built her career mostly in Chicago. She was the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer. Her first symphony was played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She was a virtuoso organist as well as composer. Her compositions for organ are not easy! But they are rewarding to play. The closing voluntary, titled Toccata (Juba), should send Nancy on her way to California with a joyful dance in her step. It may even help to dispel our grief (albeit only briefly) as we say farewell.
Get Your Cathedral Parking Decal

With the resumption of more and more activities on the cathedral campus, both at Saint Mark's and at our neighbors on the property, it's time to enforce the parking policies in the cathedral lot. If you are a member of the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Parish, you must obtain a parking permit to be applied to your lower right windshield. This allows you to park for free in “permit zones” while on campus for cathedral-related activities any day of the week. Without the permit displayed in your vehicle, parking in the “permit zones” runs the risk that your vehicle will be towed. (Note that parking is open to all and free all day Sunday.) You may pick up your decal from the front desk of the cathedral office any time Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or you can pick one up during the Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 12.
Church Phone Numbers Being Spoofed

The Diocese of Olympia reports that several churches in the diocese have had their phone numbers "spoofed" by individuals looking to use those numbers to get people to answer the phone and scam money out of unsuspecting people on the other end of the line. Remember: no one from the cathedral will ever ask you to send money or gift cards directly to a third party. You can find more information about spoofing in the following article: Someone Is Using My Phone Number. How Can I Stop This? 
FUNERALS

The funeral of Sandra Smith will be offered
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, at 2 P.M.

The funeral of Mary Baldwin Kennedy will be offered
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, at 4 P.M.

This service will be livestreamed.
SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday, August 22, 2021: The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

9 A.M. THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in-person only

11 A.M. THE HOLY EUCHARIST
in-person & livestreamed
Download the service leaflets in advance here.
Join the 11 a.m. service via livestream here.

Presider & Preacher:
The Reverend Canon Nancy Ross

Scripture:
1 Kings 8:1, 6, 1011, 2230, 4143
Ephesians 6:1020
John 6:5669

Hymns:
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! [Hymn #460]
How lovely is thy dwelling place [Hymn #517]
Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round [Hymn #617]

Organ:
Florence Price, Fughetta, Andante sostenuto, and Toccata (Juba) from Suite # 1 for organ
9:30 P.M. COMPLINE
This Sunday, August 22, sees the return of an in-person congregation at Compline! More here.

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:
Erin Aas, The shadows of the evening hours
Jacob Handl, Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 12 p.m., and the first Sunday of each month

A special virtual coffee hour just for newcomers, or anyone with questions about Saint Mark's. Find the link to join here.
Note: Sunday Morning Church School will resume Sunday, September 19! Learn more here.
The 20s/30s Group has a new newsletter! Read it here.
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 of the Duwamish Tribe. [Learn more]
Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
206-323-0300
info@saintmarks.org
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