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SUNDAY OFFERINGS
Sunday, November 8, 2026: The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
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8 a.m. • Holy Eucharist
Thomsen Chapel
9 a.m. • Holy Eucharist
cathedral nave
10:10 a.m. • Sunday Forum
Bloedel Hall
10:10 a.m. • Godly Play
St. Nicholas Building, floor 2
11 a.m. • Holy Eucharist
cathedral nave & livestreamed
12:30 p.m. • Newcomers' Gathering
gather at the back of the nave
12:30 p.m. • 20s & 30s Brunch
Leffler House
12:30 p.m. • Second Sunday Book Group
Room 210
7 p.m. • Contemplative Eucharist
Thomsen Chapel
9:30 p.m. • Compline
cathedral nave & broadcast on KING FM
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The bishops of the dioceses in Washington state issued a joint statement lamenting the passage of this initiative
The 24-foot diameter globe will be on display in the nave November 8-22
Canon Wendy will discuss this phenomenon with Frank White, who coined the term, this Sunday
Join for a service of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m., followed by a community lunch
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Cover photo shows the Terra globe in the cathdral nave in November 2025. | |
From Bishop LaBelle: Response to Washington Initiative 638
This week, the bishops of the dioceses in our state, the Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle and the Rt. Rev. Gretchen Rehberg, issued a joint statement in response to Washington Initiative 638.
"On Tuesday, Washington voters chose to approve Initiative 638, the Sex Verification Requirements for Female School Sports Initiative. As the Episcopal Bishops in the state of Washington, we lament the passing of this initiative and its impact on our transgender and non-binary siblings, in addition to its impact on all female student athletes." Read the bishops' full statement here.
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Visual Arts Ministry: Visit to Frye Art Museum
THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 11 A.M. at the Frye Museum
The Visual Arts Ministry is hosting a visit to the Frye Art Museum. Meet in the museum lobby at 11 a.m. to view the new exhibits by indigenous artists and to explore the ongoing collection in the Salon. Afterwards, the VAM group will gather for sharing time and lunch in the cafe.
Admission to the Frye is free. Contact VAM Co-Chair Deborah Brown with questions.
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Concert by Canon Kleinschmidt
on the organ of First Lutheran Church, West Seattle
THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 3 P.M. at First Lutheran Church, West Seattle
In celebration of the 509th anniversary of Martin Luther's launch of the Protestant Reformation, the 50th anniversary of the beautiful pipe organ built by Fritz Noack in the First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, and to honor the legacy of Andrew King who served as organist/cantor at this church for 50 years, Canon Kleinschmidt will offer a program of works by 17th and 18th century German Lutheran composers such as Michael Praetorius, Nikolaus Bruhns, Dieterich Buxtehude, and J. S. Bach. It will include settings for organ of melodies associated with hymns authored by Martin Luther and Elisabeth Cruciger, as well as dazzling free compositions. All are welcome. Free-will offering.
This offering is part of the Soli Deo Gloria Concert Series. The First Lutheran Church of West Seattle is located at 4105 California Ave SW, Seattle.
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Cozy Compline
THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 7 P.M. in the nave
Come in your pajamas for cocoa and cookies and get cozy in the nave for the Church's bedtime prayers sung by the high school Schola of Saint Mark's Choir School. The 40-foot diameter Terra globe will be suspended from our 80-foot ceiling, casting a gentle light. With that guiding our theme, we're sharing Sophie Blacknell's picture book guide to our planet, If You Come to Earth, immediately before the liturgy. This service of Compline is beautiful, brief, and especially child-friendly, but meaningful for all ages. Pillows and stuffed animals are welcome!
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Terra at Saint Mark's Cathedral
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 22
The huge 24-foot diameter Terra globe returns to Saint Mark's this November. Featuring NASA's Blue Marble satellite imagery, Terra will be suspended in the center of the cathedral nave, brightly illuminated from within and slowly revolving on its tilted axis.
View upcoming visiting hours and offerings under the globe.
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Hunger Offering
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
The Hunger Offering supports six food programs doing critical work to reduce hunger in our local area: Ballard Food Bank, Food Bank at St. Mary's, Immanuel Community Services, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Pike Market Food Bank, and Saint Mark's Meal Sharing Ministry. A special offering is collected the second Sunday of every month; make a contribution online or via Venmo (@SaintMarksCathedralSeattle). Stop by the table in the coffee corner on Sunday to learn more.
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SUNDAY FORUM
The Overview Effect
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 10:10 A.M. in Bloedel Hall
With Terra in the cathedral nave, we have the chance to experience something akin to the “overview effect”—something astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space. Join Canon Wendy Claire Barrie and author, philosopher and Episcopalian Frank White (participating remotely) who coined the term in his 1987 book of the same name for a conversation about the phenomenon and how this perspective shift can transform the way we see ourselves and others in positive and profound ways.
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Newcomers' Gathering
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 12:30 P.M. meet at the back of the nave
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 at the conclusion of the 11 a.m. service. Email newcomers@saintmarks.org if you cannot attend in person, or with any other questions.
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20s & 30s Fall Brunch
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 12:30 P.M. in Leffler House
All in their 20s & 30s are welcome to gather for good food, tea, coffee, and conversation at Leffler House following the 11 a.m. service. Bagels, fruit, yogurt, and beverages will be provided; please feel free to bring a dish or side to share! Contact the 20s & 30s minsitry leaders with questions.
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Second Sunday Book Group
THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 12:30 P.M. in Room 210
The Second Sunday Book Group is discussing The Gospel Engine (2025) by Samuel Thawley. Thawley's novel is about a woman who, after a decade at Google's AI lab, leaves her job to do a doctorate in theology using her AI expertise to discover the process by which Gospel texts emerged and what alternative texts or wording may have been circulating at that time. This is a novel that takes both theology and technology seriously.
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Third Acters (60+) Zoom Gathering
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 3 P.M. on Zoom
The Third Acters (60+) will gather on Zoom to build community with a check-in, during which time we exchange stories, inspiration and often, joy. Each gathering is focused on a question such as, “How are you increasing your intimacy with God as you age?” Or “What is your experience of downsizing your home?,” and attendees are invited to share. All who are 60+ are welcome to join.
To get the Zoom link, contact Kathy Minsch or Elizabeth Clark-Stern.
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Crafternoon and Intergenerational Song Circle
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Help make handmade gifts for the Alternative Gift Market! The kitchen will be open beginning at noon, and crafting will take place in Bloedel Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your own project or take part in one of ours! We’ll be making gift wrap, Christmas ornaments, hot cocoa mix, herbed nuts, and if you have suggestions for other projects, please email Canon Wendy.
At 4 p.m., we’ll gather under the Terra globe in the nave with Saint Mark’s own Elizabeth Antley to sing songs of creation, connection, and peace.
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Midway Gathering: Silent Connection in a World of Noisy Isolation
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 12:30 P.M. in Room 210
In a world that seems ever busy and trying to capture our attention through multiple modalities (TikTok videos, Insta reels, podcasts, etc) it all can feel overwhelming and sometimes even more isolating. How can we find peace and silence amidst all the noise while maintaining a social and spiritual connection? Is it even possible? The group will discuss these questions and try out some contemplative practices such as centering prayer that can be done in a group as well as on your own. A potluck brunch will be offered.
Midway is the cathedral’s affinity group for those in middle adulthood—after young adulthood but before retirement. All who see themselves in this description are welcome. Contact Kate Halamay with any questions.
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Third Acters (60+) Potluck
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 12:30 P.M. in Leffler House
The Third Acters Potluck is an opportunity for anyone age 60 and above to join in community with one another, exchange stories, give and receive support, and know joy! Bring a dish or snack to share if you can.
Contact Elizabeth Clark-Stern or Kathy Minsch with questions.
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Organ by Night
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 10 P.M. in the nave & organ loft
Tyleen Stults will offer the Organ by Night music following Compline on Sunday, November 15. Tyleen presently serves music director at Zion Lutheran Church, Snohomish.
For our Organ by Night series, 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.
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WISDOM SCHOOL & CATHEDRAL COMMONS
On Spiritual Darkness
with Susan Pitchford
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 6:45 P.M. in Bloedel Hall & on Zoom
It’s easy to rejoice when we feel God’s presence: a moving service, a beautiful vista, an answered prayer. But when God feels absent, it’s another story. We can easily assume that we’ve failed God somehow, that God is disappointed in us or even angry. Yet the witness of Teresa of Calcutta, John of the Cross, and countless other saints tells us that the spiritual journey leads through dark places at times. Far from being a sign of failure, spiritual darkness can be a hopeful sign that we are growing closer to God and more deeply connected to our neighbors.
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Interfaith Shabbat Service & Panel
Saint Mark’s community is invited to join Temple DeHirsch’s Shabbat service on November 20. The Shabbat service will afford Saint Mark's members a wonderful opportunity to join in sung prayer, Torah reading, and teaching with our Jewish neighbors.
This service is offered in collaboration with Building Together, a Chicago-based non-profit focused on peace and reconciliation through working with Palestinian and Jewish date farmers producing honey in the West Bank. Following the service, Rabbi Daniel Weiner and Dean Steve Thomason will join in a panel conversation with Dima, a young Muslim-American woman from Building Together.
Temple DeHirsch and Saint Mark’s are supporting the work of Building Together’s Date Honey Project. This initiative connects Palestinian and Israeli date farmers who collaborate to produce silan (date honey) and work together to strengthen sustainable livelihoods for their farming communities. Saint Mark’s will sell this honey at the Alternative Gift Market on Sunday, November 22.
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Alternative Gift Market
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 10 A.M. - 2 P.M., in Bloedel Hall
special access will follow the 8 a.m. service
The Alternative Gift Market is an annual event to support the Threshold Fund and benefit some of our community partners. In 2025, the Market and Giving Tree raised an amazing combined total of over $12,900 in cash, gifts, and gift cards. In 2026, the Market will benefit the Threshold Fund, Lowell Elementary School, Casa Latina, Operation Nightwatch, L'Arche Seattle, Seattle Seafarers Center, and Building Together. Mark your calendars now and invite your friends to support this event!
A team of more than forty people contributed to last year’s huge success. There are a number of ways you can be involved:
1. Donate items for our community partners: men's socks and full-sized toiletries (body wash, toothpaste, men's deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner).
2. Donate a handmade item: knitted, quilted, sewn, painted, crafted.
3. Participate in our Crafternoon: On Wednesday, November 11, the kitchen will be open beginning at noon and crafting will take place in Bloedel Hall from 2-4 pm. Bring your own, or take part in ours!
4. Sign up to support before, during or after the event.
5. Sign up to bring edible gifts.
6. Look out in the newsletter for additional opportunities to support the Alternative Gift Market.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 7 P.M. in the nave
The annual "O" Antiphons liturgy is a highlight of the liturgical year at Saint Mark's. Save the date for the first Sunday in Advent for this cathedral tradition.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 9 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. in Bloedel Hall
Canon Emily will lead a conversation and reflection of W.H. Auden's poem In For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio. Bring a copy of the poem with you; a 2013 Critical Edition is in print and available where books are sold.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1 P.M. in the nave
Saint Mark’s Pageant of the Nativity is a children’s Christmas pageant like no other. This pageant centers Holy Scripture, taking full advantage of the inspiring space of the cathedral nave and challenging the choristers of the cathedral to new heights of musical excellence.
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Celebrate Thanksgiving with Saint Mark's
Following our Thanksgiving service of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 26, all are warmly invited to gather in Bloedel Hall for a festive and abundant community celebration. Turkey and a vegetarian alternative main dish will be provided; bring a side dish, bread, or dessert if you can. No worries if not—just come and be a part as we give thanks together in this place. Register to join in this community meal by Monday, November 23 at 10 a.m.
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Saint Mark's Has Participated in Real Rent Duwamish Since 2020
Did you know that Saint Mark’s Cathedral has included in its annual operating budget an annual Real Rent payment to the Duwamish Tribe since 2020? This is a tangible commitment to acknowledging that we gather on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish and to honoring the dignity and sovereignty of the Duwamish Tribe who is still here. Dean Thomason has also written amicus letters of support at the request of Tribal Chair Cecile Hansen in their ongoing efforts to obtain federal recognition while also honoring with gratitude “the land itself and all the Coast Salish tribes.” Learn more here.
Save the date for a viewing of the documentary film Unrecognized: The Duwamish Tribe on Wednesday, December 9 at 6:45 p.m. A discussion will follow with documentary producer BJ Bullert and the film's central figure, Ken Workman, Duwamish Council Member and descendant of Chief Seattle.
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Discernment Circles are Available
Is God moving in your life in a new and different way? Are you grappling with a life question? We often use the word “discernment” to describe a process of listening to the Holy Spirit to make decisions and navigate life with insight and intention. This is not merely intellectual reasoning, but a holistic perception that integrates heart, mind, and spirit. This perception emerges within a context of prayer.
You and God can certainly do this work together, but some people wish to engage this process in community. Discernment Circles offer this opportunity and are available throughout the year. Each circle consists of one discerner and three trained compassionate listeners. The groups meet two or three times in person to explore a discerner’s question(s).
Appropriate life questions might be, “Should I make a career change? When should I retire? Am I being called to marriage? Is God calling me to ministry in the church?”
If you are interested in doing some discernment in community through this process, please contact Canon Rich Weyls to learn more.
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Online Constitutional Observer Trainings Available
For those who weren’t able to attend our recent Constitutional Observer training on what to do if you witness (and how best to document) ICE enforcement activity, there are other in person and online opportunities available through Indivisible Eastside and their counterparts here. For other ways to support our migrant neighbors, contact the Rev. Canon Emily Griffin.
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Forward Day by Day New Issue Available
Forward Day by Day is a daily devotional published quarterly by Forward Movement, containing scripture, reflections, and prompts to prayer for each day of the year. The new issue is now available just inside the office entrance on the table beneath the community bulletin board. This resource is made available to the community through the generosity of anonymous parishioners.
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Call for Entries: Quilt Exhibit at Saint Mark's Cathedral
presented by the Visual Arts and Quilt Ministries
We invite quilters from across the Episcopal Church in Western Washington to submit their original works reflecting our theme: “The Joy of Creating.” Quilts will be hung in the cathedral nave, January 3 -31, 2027.
The submission deadline is November 21, 2026. More information and the entry form is here.
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FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Bring Christmas to a Seafarer
Every year, the Seattle Seafarers Center provides over 1,000 ditty bags stuffed with basic personal necessities to merchant seafarers. These bags are one way we give thanks for these essential and often hidden workers and help seafarers celebrate the holidays while they are far from home. Please consider making drawstring bags or knit hats or purchasing basic supplies to fill the ditty bags. Learn more on the Seattle Seafarers Center website and contact the center with any questions.
Ditty Bag Stuffing Day
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Join other volunteers from around Puget Sound at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle in stuffing ditty bags for seafarers. Learn more here.
| | A funeral service for Heather Millar will be held in the nave on Saturday, November 14 at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in Bloedel Hall. | |
To submit a prayer request for the Prayer Chain or to be added to the spoken Prayers of the People on Sunday, send an email to prayers@saintmarks.org or call 206.323.0300 x314.
We also invite your prayers as informed by:
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| THIS WEEK'S RECURRING OFFERINGS | | Below are recurring offerings at Saint Mark's this week. Click the photo to learn more, or visit our cathedral calendar. | | |
Sunday, November 8
during the 9 a.m. service
in Thomsen Chapel
All children are invited to join the Gospel procession and gather around the Deacon as the Gospel is proclaimed. Parents are welcome to join; otherwise they will return to their families in the nave at the Peace.
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Sunday, November 8
10:10 a.m., St. Nicholas Building
Godly Play is a Montessori-based curriculum that recognizes that children are already in relationship with God. The younger class will hear about The Ten Best Ways while the older class will learn about The Prophet Ezekiel.
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Sunday, November 8
12:30 p.m., meet at the back of the nave
This coffee hour is offered especially for newcomers, guests, or anyone who has questions about the cathedral community and liturgies.
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Monday through Friday
on Zoom
Daily Morning Prayer is offered online via Zoom, Monday through Friday at 7:30 a.m.
Daily Evening Prayer is offered via Zoom, Monday through Friday at 6 p.m.
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Monday, November 9
6:30 p.m. in the cathedral nave
Cathedral Yoga will be led by Marissa Grasmick under the Terra Globe. Doors open to welcome participants at 6 p.m. and close at 6:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, November 10
12 p.m. on Zoom
This group provides a weekly conversation around the scripture readings for the following Sunday.
Email Bible Study leaders for the Zoom link.
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Tuesday, November 10
6:30 p.m. in Thomsen Chapel
Contemplative Prayer gatherings begin with a time of silent meditation, followed by a discussion of contemplative experience and practices.
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Wednesday, November 11
5:30 p.m.,
in McCaw Chapel
Each Wednesday, a group gathers to pray in McCaw Chapel—the space in the cathedral nave behind the altar platform. All are welcome. There will be no community dinner or Cathedral Commons forum following the service this week.
| | 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 all the Coast Salish tribes. [Learn more] | | |
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Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
206.323.0300
info@saintmarks.org
www.saintmarks.org
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| Connect with Saint Mark's | | | | |
