Rubric summer 2015

THE RUBRIC

STO R I E S O F M I N I ST RY

SAINT MARK’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, SEATTLE, WA SUMMER 2015, VOL. 72, NO. 2

GREETINGS from the DEAN

WELCOME INSPIRE TRANSFORM SERVE Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.

THE VERY REV. STEVEN L. THOMASON, DEAN & RECTOR; LIZ BARTENSTEIN, EDITOR PHOTOS BY KEVIN C. JOHNSON AND LIZ BARTENSTEIN (UNLESS NOTED)

The Rubric is a publication of Saint Mark’s Cathedral that looks at who we are as a community: as a parish, as a cathedral for the Diocese of Olympia, as Episcopalians, and as Christians.

We take time to look at and celebrate all aspects of who we are.

Please send an email to info@ saintmarks.org or call 206.323. 0300 if you have an idea for an article or are interested in volunteering.

Subscribe by email at www. saintmarks.org- click on the link “Join Our Email Lists”. To subscribe by mail: send your address by email to info@saintmarks.org.

One of the great privileges we have as the cathedral for the diocese is hosting ordination services, as we did once more recently (see page 13 for photos.) The excitement and joy are palpable, and the sense of deep connection across the broader church is readily seen. It is one of the great celebrations of the Church.

convinced it is the most significant thing we can do, individually and collectively. Pray to God for ourselves and one another and the world. Pray fervently, earnestly, and regularly.

Evelyn Underhill, on whose feast we ordained these new priests, made that case as clearly as any. But it is not about the prayer itself; it’s about the One of the questions asked of the relationships with God and others person to be ordained is “Will you that are nurtured through prayer. persevere in prayer, both in public and Underhill wrote: in private, asking God’s grace, both “That measureless Love which is God for yourself and for others, offering … dwells in the pure deeps of our all your labors to God, through the spirit, like a burning brazier of coal. mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the And it throws forth brilliant and fiery sanctification of the Holy Spirit?” It sparks which stir and enkindle heart is a weighty question, but this is the and senses, will and desire, and all heart of our ministry here, ordained the powers of the soul, with a fire of or not. As baptized people, we all love…”[Ruysbroeck, 1914]. share in this work of prayer, in public Those embers are set deep within and in private. each of us, ready to be stoked by As I approach my third anniversary as dean here, I have discovered that nothing is more important in the course of any given day than the space for prayer—saying prayers for you, for me, for the Church and the world—first thing in the morning, and at bedtime each night. It frames all that develops between; it colors every encounter I have with those I meet. But the converse is true as well—that those I meet and all that develops in the course of the day find their place in my prayers, asking God’s grace for you and for me, and offering all our labors to God. The daily prayer comes together in the corporate prayers we say together in worship, and I am grateful for that rhythm.

I know many of you have similar devotion to your practice of prayer, and we are the richer for it. I am

prayer and mutual affection, and a fervent trust that God is with us in the world. It is by the light of such a fire that we will find our way, with God. So thank you—thank you for your presence, your prayers, your place in the community that gathers in the name of God.

The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason Dean and Rector

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES 8am Eucharist in Thomsen Chapel 9am Eucharist in the Nave 11am Eucharist in the Nave 5pm Choral Evensong in the Nave (October-May) 7pm Contemplative Eucharist in Thomsen Chapel 9:30pm Compline in the Nave,

chanted by the Compline Choir and broadcast live on King 98.1 fm

WEEKDAY SERVICE TIMES

Parents and children fill the baptismal font on the Day of Pentecost at Saint Mark’s.

Monday through Friday 6:30pm Evening Prayer in McCaw or Thomsen Chapel

CONTENTS

Mondays, 7:15pm Centering Prayer in Thomsen Chapel Tuesdays, 9:30 am Morning Prayer in Thomsen Chapel Wednesdays, 12noon Holy Eucharist in Thomsen Chapel Thursdays, 7am Holy Eucharist in Thomsen Chapel For more information about Worship and Prayer at Saint Mark's: saintmarks.org/worship

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

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ROWAN WILLIAMS AT SAINT MARK’S

5

YOUTH SUMMIT, SAINT MARK’S SUNDAY

6

GENERAL CONVENTION 2015

7

CENTERPIECE: APOSTOLIC CONNECTIONS AND CATHEDRAL DAY

8, 9

A NEW ERA FOR MUSIC AT SAINT MARK’S

10, 11

SPRING 2015 AT SAINT MARK’S

12, 13

UNDERHILL HOUSE

14

CHILDREN IN CHURCH

15

THE CATHEDRAL SHOP AT SAINT MARK’S

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THE GATHERING 2015: ANNE LAMOTT & BECCA STEVENS

back cover

ON THE COVER: Children play at the baptismal font on the occasion of Lord Rowan William’s visit to Saint Mark’s.

LIVING STONES Saint Mark’s capital campaign update

by Maria Coldwell Canon for Operations mcoldwell@saintmarks.org

On Sunday, February 8, the St. Mark’s Cathedral community celebrated all of the gifts pledged and received in the parish phase of the Living Stones: Building for Ministry capital campaign. To date, we have received 393 pledges, totaling $4.164 million. When we add in funds from the Joshua Green and various Century II accounts, our total is just about $5 million.

Praise and thanks be to God and to all those who have given so generously to this campaign!

We continue to focus on the challenge of raising the additional funds needed to make all of the Priority 1 improvements to the cathedral’s structural integrity: cladding the walls, replacing the windows, and repairing the roof and soffits. We have hired Spectrum Development Solutions as Project Manager— principals Jake McKinstry and Kiki Gram are serving as “owners’ reps” for St. Mark’s as we move toward actual construction. We continue to work on planning and design with Olson Kundig Architects, and we are receiving concept cost estimates from Sellen Construction. The plan is for construction to begin in the summer of 2016.

on an expanded capital campaign, testing the readiness and generosity of other potential donors toward the revitalization of the cathedral.

If you have not already pledged, it is not too late to do so! Pledge forms (electronic and downloadable forms) are available on the Saint Mark’s website at saintmarks. org/pledge or by calling Erik Donner at 206-323-0300, Ext. 217.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TODAY

Fill out the pledge form on Saint Mark’s website at www.saintmarks.org/pledge, or call Erik Donner, at 206.323.0300, x 217.

With the support of Bishop Rickel, we are planning to conduct diocesan and community phases of the capital campaign beginning later this year. The first step is a Feasibility Study, currently being conducted by our wonderful consultant, Marc Rieke of the Enrichment Group, with support from Virginia Lenker and Erik Donner at the cathedral. Based on the results of this study, the Enrichment Group will work with diocesan and cathedral leaders to craft and execute this part of the campaign. Because of the importance of the cathedral in the life of the Diocese of Olympia and the critical role it plays in the greater community, it is appropriate to seek additional gifts and donations on an expanded scale.

The Feasibility Study is inviting input and perspective

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Lord Rowan Williams at SAINT MARK’S

by Liz Bartenstein Communications Director lbartenstein@saintmarks.org

Saint Mark’s was honored on Sunday, April 12, to host The Right Revd. and Right Hon. the Lord Williams of Oystermouth. Lord Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, preached at Saint Mark’s at the 9 a.m. liturgy.

Lord Williams is acknowledged internationally as an outstanding theological writer, scholar and teacher. He has been involved in many theological, ecumenical and educational commissions. Lord Williams has written extensively on philosophy, theology (especially early and patristic Christianity), spirituality and religious aesthetics. He has also written throughout his career on moral, ethical and social topics and, after becoming archbishop, turned his attention increasingly on contemporary cultural and interfaith issues. He is the author of Being Christian; Meeting God in Mark: Reflections for the Season of Lord Williams is presented with a gift from the Lent; The Lion’s World: A Journey into the Heart of Narnia; and Ponder children’s choirs at the 9 a.m. liturgy.

These Things: Praying with Icons of the Virgin, among many other titles.

A festive reception followed the 9 a.m. liturgy.

You can listen to the full audio of Lord Williams’ sermon at: saintmarks.org/sermons.

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Saint Mark’s Sunday by the Rev. Canon Dr. Nancee Martin Associate to the Rector nmartin@saintmarks.org

With God’s Help: Youth Summit on Race

by Canon Malcolm McLaurin Youth and Young Adults mmclaurin@saintmarks.org

During the weekend of May 29, something very important happened at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. We gathered, all 15 of us in Bloedel Hall to talk about race. What is it? How does it look?

Why are we even talking about it?

This Youth Summit was set up as a time for youth from across the Diocese to have an open conversation about the issue of “race” in their many communities and to empower them to be agents of healing and change. Centering the journey around “I will, with God’s help,” they wrestled with ways they encounter “racism” overt and systemic, but instead of just naming instances, this was a time to name concrete and personal ways we have the tools to combat racism.

While it would be great to name what they learned during our time together, I will instead, share what I learned. I learned that the youth have a lot to contribute to this conversation.

We all bring our experiences to the table when having these discussions. But more “experience” does not always equate to a “bigger voice” in the conversation. Keeping this in mind, I learned that sometimes, we with more “experience” need to learn to sit down and listen. Listen to the youth’s experience with racism and the other -isms we all face. I learned that many youth are hungry for change and need the space to continue this hard work and what we, as the church, can provide is this safe space and the naming of tools at their disposal. I was reminded that our Baptismal Covenant calls us to actively do the work of justice, service and reconciliation, but we do it with God’s help.

Many parishes in the Episcopal Church honor their patron or matron saint, and so it was for us on 26 April. That was the Sunday we remembered our namesake’s life and faith in Christ in multiple ways.

To kick things off earlier in the week, Canadian Angus Stuart, an Anglican priest, dramatically “performed” the gospel of Mark. On Saint Mark Sunday, Dean Thomason preached a rousing sermon (saintmarks.org/sermons) that included how we were named for this saint. Our youth group provided a grand all-parish pancake breakfast with placards about our saint.

Our art intern, Camille Jarvis, created a lovely art gallery in Bloedel. We welcomed twelve new members into our community. Not only that, but Mark himself (played by Dan Niven) did some time travel and showed up to greet folks in beautiful and historically-accurate attire made by Jo Ann Bailey. The Cathedral Shop started selling items related to Mark. Additionally, everyone who visited the Shop that day received a St. Mark bookmark with a prayer (included at the end of this article.)

Ministries involved in honoring our patron saint were Adult Faith Formation, Art and Drama at SMC, Arts at Saint Mark’s, Children, Family, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Cathedral Shop, and historians Alan Davidson and Herb Williams.

Looking ahead to next year, we will honor our patron saint on 24 April 2016 and hope to have a historical presentation scanning the centuries. We may even open a former rector and dean’s photo gallery!

Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Many thanks to the people who helped this weekend happen.

Thanks to the Diocese of Olympia and parishioners of Saint Mark’s Cathedral for providing meals, snacks and supplies.

Thank you to Bishop Greg Rickel for spending Saturday with us and sharing his story and time with us. Thank you Rebecca Kirkpatrick for keeping us fed and logistically sound. And thank you Heidi Kim for the dinner where we dreamt this vision and for being a driving force in making this weekend come to fruition.

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GENERAL CONVENTION 2015

Report from General Convention featuring excerpts from Saint Mark’s General Convention blog, saintmarks.org/gc78, entries by Dean Steve Thomason The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church which meets every three years. The Convention is a legislature that includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. The work at Convention is carried out by deputies and bishops representing each diocese. The 78th General Convention was held from June 25-July 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Diocesan deputies from St. Mark’s Cathedral were Dean Steve Thomason, Judy Andrews and Hisako Beasley.

Dean Steve wrote several blog entries from Convention, excerpted here.

June 24, 2015 My committee, the Special Legislative Committee on Alcohol and Other Drug Use, is a large group—39 people in all, including 10 bishops. A good group with a clear sense of passion on the challenges of alcohol use in the Church, and guided with a clear sense of compassion for those who battle addiction in all its forms. We are all touched by this disease in one way or another, and the Church has a responsibility to hold leaders accountable but more importantly, to care for one another as a family, in community.

The whole convention is now in plenary session—a room holding thousands, and we are listening to opening remarks by the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies. Bishop Katherine is challenging us to the community of the whole creation and how the Church might further develop its role in the context of a globe in crisis. All our work here, in Convention and in our local congregations, is about mission—how we are the Body of Christ proclaiming resurrection and good news of peace and justice.

June 30, 2015 A lot has transpired since my last post…the highlight, of course, being that we elected a new Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry of North Carolina. He will be the first African American Presiding Bishop, and he is renowned for

his prophetic ministry and dynamic preaching.

Worship is a remarkable thing at General Convention–with thousands of Episcopalians joining together with great energy. Sunday’s worship is the United Thank-offering Eucharist. UTO is a wonderful entity which awards grants throughout the Church and around the world. The UTO collection this year, which included offerings brought from each diocese, exceeded $4 million!

The various committees are honing their resolutions which are making their way through the legislative process in the bicameral body of General Convention. The committee which I chair, on alcohol and other drug use, has presented all its resolutions to the House of Deputies, and they each were adopted with modest amendments. They now go to the House of Bishops, which can concur, revise, or discharge.

Tonight is the evening for each seminary to host dinners for alums. It is a homecoming of sorts, a chance to see old friends and meet new ones, and support our seminaries.

July 2, 2015 A remarkable day in the life of the Church yesterday! On a vote by orders (clergy and lay) the House of Deputies overwhelmingly concurred with the Bishops as our Church revised its language regarding marriage as a sacramental act available to two people, regardless of gender, so long as the various canonical requirements for marriage are met.

We are working our way through various resolutions that guide a restructuring of the Episcopal Church’s headquarters and senior staffing, from the Presiding Bishop’s office and down. It is unclear just what will be adopted, especially with a new Presiding Bishop being elected at this Convention.

Tomorrow is the final day of GC 78. The tenor of the Convention has been remarkably positive, with a generous grace filling the air, allowing us to hold one another in esteem even when we disagree on certain policies. I am grateful to have been elected to be a part of it, and am delighted with the opportunity to work with others from Saint Mark’s, including Judy Andrews, Hisako Beasley, and Marda Steedman Sanborn.

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CENTERPIECE APOSTOLIC CONNECTIONS AND CATHEDRAL DAY Sermon preached by The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, Dean and Rector Saturday, April 18, 2015, Cathedral Day sthomason@saintmarks.org

Photo: Meredith Dodd

Last week, on the 9th of April, this country observed the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, a conflict that left some 650,000 people dead, countless more maimed, and all traumatized by the horrors of a war that pitted brother against brother, and the soil still groans under the weight of the blood spilled upon it.

Where I am from, that war is still known as “the war” despite several more that have intervened since. For some, sadly, that historical reference point suggests that more insidious motives still lurk in the hearts of humans whose fear inclines to “isms” of hatred today. For others, like myself, that historical reference point represents a darkness by which light might be seen in contrast. If we forget how to see the darkness, how can we see the light?

There is a part of the story of the Episcopal Church that runs parallel to the dark annals of Civil War history, and it seems relevant for our purposes today.

When the southern states seceded from the Union, many of the Episcopal dioceses in those states did as well, led by Louisiana and their bishop Leonidas Polk, an ancestor of

mine, who set aside his episcopal vestments for a general’s uniform in which he would die on a battlefield near Chattanooga. He was a bellicose man whose darkness led him to affiliate with evil.

Meanwhile, the Episcopal Church continued to meet in General Convention during the war, and never expelled or acknowledged the secession of those church mates who had left. They continued to call the roll. Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and so forth. They simply marked them absent, signifying their hope that what separated them would not prevail over the apostolic connection they shared in common.

When the war was over, a convention was held in Philadelphia, and the roll was called. The southern dioceses were invited by their brothers once more; some attended.

One by one, resolutions seeking to chastise or censure the southern dioceses for their perfidy were defeated by the northern majority. One resolution, reaffirming the common mission of the Church was adopted, and signaled a new day for the Episcopal Church. Light seen in contrast 8 to the darkness.

dd

While other denominations remained divided for more than century in the wake of “the war,” the Episcopal Church set aside its divisions and found a way to be together, even though they did not agree on many things.

Somehow the gospel, their apostolic connection and their common mission with hearts set on Christ prevailed against lesser things, and they moved forward together, one flesh, one blood.

“There is one Body and one Spirit; one hope in God’s call to us. One Lord, one Faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” Those words from Ephesians frame our work today in this place.

Did you know, for example, that there are some 25 trillion red blood cells coursing through your arteries and veins right this second, and each one must pass through a capillary, single file, to do the work it does, delivering oxygen to cells in your pinky finger, and pancreas, and pituitary gland.

The analogy is there, and the temptation to make the connection is just too great for me to pass on it, so here goes: We share a common set of stem cells, churning deep in the marrow of Church history—apostles whose hands have lighted upon the heads of many, whose prayers for us have lofted up to heaven. The Acts of the Apostles, and down through history, into our own time, into this place, with those hands that represent our connection to one another, and all those who have gone before and those yet to come.

And in a few moments those who will be confirmed or received will be asked two questions by the bishop, whose hands, by the way, are our bridge to that apostolic connection as well. The two questions are: THIS CATHEDRAL Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil?

And, do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?

Will you turn to the light seen in contrast to the darkness that lurks about you?

EXISTS TO BE A BEACON OF GOSPEL HOPE IN A WORLD THAT MIRES IN DARKNESS ALL TOO MUCH.

And all of us here will be asked if we will support them in that work, and when we answer, we are essentially saying that we resolve to be the Church, one flesh, one blood, from Forks and Bellingham and Longview…

We each have our distinctive calling to particular work, like the seven who were singled out in the passage from Acts. The apostles laid hands on them, and prayed for them, and sent them into their work.

Do you see the parallel for us today? Bishop’s hands; people full of wisdom and the Spirit presenting for confirmation of their ministries taking root in particular locales, but gathering here, as one Body, that we might know more fully the wisdom and grace of God that unfolds when we are together.

Some of you may know I am a physician by training, and well, I love the playful metaphors of the Body offered to the Body…the apostle Paul loved them, too, so I am thinking today of blood.

Yes, blood.

We are one blood.

A brief recap of hematopoiesis. You may recall that bone marrow is the site for blood cells to be born—red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, platelets—each arising from their stem cells with particular work to do.

My friends, this Cathedral exists for occasions such as this, to remind us of our apostolic connection to one another and of our common mission with hearts set on Christ; this Cathedral exists to be a beacon of gospel hope in a world that mires in darkness all too much.

You know, this cathedral was designed in the 1920s to be a great Victory Cathedral in the wake of World War I, to memorialize yet another dark war that hemorrhaged human life and still scars the landscape of modern history.

As you may know, that grand gothic cathedral was begun in 1928 but was never completed, and from my vantage point, four score and seven years later, that is a good thing.

It serves as a reminder that the work of the Church is not finished. The work of the Church is never finished. The apostolic tradition continues, and you and I take our place in it, with work to do, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, each of us given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

We come today to celebrate those gifts, given to you and to me, to see the light of Christ that burns brightly within each other, and to know that God has greater things in store for us than we could ever ask for imagine.

And for that may God’s holy name be praised. Amen.

DOWNLOAD SERMONS Full text and audio of this and all other sermons are available on the website at www.saintmarks.org/sermons.

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A new era for

music at Saint Mark’s Canon for Music, Michael Kleinschmidt and his spouse, Marc Aubertin, are welomed to Saint Mark’s

By Maria Coldwell Canon for Operations mcoldwell@saintmarks.org Saint Mark’s has a new Canon Musician, Michael Kleinschmidt, who began his service at the cathedral in March 2015. Michael is just the third organist/choirmaster in 63 years at Saint Mark’s, after Peter Hallock (who served for 40 years) and Mel Butler (23 years).

Michael’s father was a Lutheran missionary, and Michael spent part of his childhood in Japan. It was there, at the age of 6 that he heard a pipe organ for the first time, at the Tokyo Lutheran Center. He absolutely loved the sound of that organ, and the seeds were planted for a life in church music. He began studying the organ formally at age 11 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and by the time he was in high school, he had pretty much decided he would become a professional musician. In college at Oberlin Conservatory, he refined that goal to becoming a professional church musician. He met Gerre Hancock at Oberlin in the context of a master class, and went on to spend some time at Saint Thomas Church in New York, observing and learning from Hancock (a great master of organ improvisation, among other things). After receiving a master’s degree in organ performance at Eastman, Michael held positions at Saint Thomas Church in NY, All Saints Parish (Ashmont, Boston), Trinity Church (Copley Square, Boston), and most recently as Canon for Cathedral Music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR. “All of my professional experiences to date really led me to Saint Mark’s,” says Michael, “but I had a very strong

sense of “call” to this place at this time. Steve Thomason’s articulation of what was needed at Saint Mark’s was very persuasive, and the Holy Spirit just said to me “I need you to be at Saint Mark’s now,” so I said “Yes.” And here I am.”

Asked what the most surprising or important thing that has happened to him so far at Saint Mark’s, Michael brought up a moment at the Easter Vigil that for him encapsulated all of his feelings about Saint Mark’s, the moment when Bishop Rickel poured copious amounts of oil over the heads of the adults being baptized. “It was incredibly extravagant, but absolutely essential, something that also describes the love of God,” said Michael. Late on Easter morning the next day, Michael texted a friend in Boston that “I’m surrounded by generous and exceedingly competent people” describing his experience at the cathedral.

Since Michael’s arrival, the whole music staff at the cathedral has changed. After Brian Fairbanks made a decision to move on from Saint Mark’s late in the spring, Michael began talking seriously with Rebekah Gilmore about increasing her hours at the cathedral. Rebekah, who had been doing an outstanding job as Assistant Director of the Saint Mark’s Choir School, was delighted, and as of July 1, she has been promoted to Associate Musician and Director of the Choir School. Michael has high hopes that she will take the Choir School to the next level. Rebekah is a fine choral director, also, and will assist Michael in directing the various adult choirs at the cathedral. Also, John Stuntebeck (former organist at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on Capitol Hill, and a member of Saint

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From left to right: Michael Kleinschmidt, Canon for Music; Rebekah Gilmore, Associate Musician & Choir School Director; John Stuntebeck, Associate Organist

Mark’s Cathedral Choir) has been hired to serve as Assistant Organist, starting Sept. 1. So Saint Mark’s has a whole new team in the music department.

Asked what some of his musical hopes and dreams are for the cathedral over the next few years, Michael said “I want to build on the tremendous strengths that already exist in the choir program, most especially in the Choir School.”

He’d like to see more leadership and participation by the children’s choirs, particularly at the 9am service. Michael says he’s not as much a “big event” person as one who prefers cultivating discipleship through regular musicmaking in the cathedral liturgies. However, he does dream about a possible Messiaen festival one of these days, and about taking the cathedral choir to England to sing daily services in one of the great cathedrals there. He would also like to develop, with Rebekah, an inter-generational choir of highly-skilled children and adult singers. And, of course, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Flentrop organ. The Arts at Saint Mark’s is planning a special 3-concert series of organ recitals on the Flentrop, plus a special service on Sunday, Oct. 11 (with the Bishop), to commemorate the 50th anniversary (more in the box on this page). Also on The Arts at Saint Mark’s series is a special concert in January by the Nordic Choir of Luther College, and the Organ Plus concert series will feature talented performers from the Saint Mark’s music family, including sopranos Heidi Kim and Gakyung Chung, harpsichordist Jillon Dupree, and the Cathedral Trio (Brian Fairbanks, Joyce Ramee, and Naomi Kato).

As Associate Musician and Director of the Choir School, Rebekah Gilmore looks forward to full-time ministry with the outstanding team of musicians and staff that has collected at Saint Mark’s. Rebekah first experienced Saint Mark’s as a college singer with the Luther College Nordic Choir on tour in 2001. “I was a Kansas-raised, Lutheran pastor’s kid that was awestruck by the cathedral building, the Flentrop, and a palpable sense of the sacred while Nordic sang in the cathedral nave,” says Rebekah. “All I could think was that I wanted to work here someday.”

Serving as a full-time church musician in Wenatchee from 2001 - 2008, Rebekah also traveled over the mountains to sing with the Tudor Choir at Saint Mark’s. Moving to Seattle in 2008, she joined the music staff at St. James’ Cathedral and then in 2010 joined the Saint Mark’s Choir School staff. “Serving both Saint James’ Cathedral and Saint Mark’s Cathedral allowed me to observe outstanding musicians and leaders in both places while honing my

Celebrating the

50th Anniversary of the

FLENTROP ORGAN

Friday evening organ recital series October 2, 2015—Michael Kleinschmidt, a mixed recital featuring some of the works performed at the inaugural concert of the Flentrop organ by E. Power Biggs in September 1965 February 5, 2016—Bill Porter, a hymn festival with lots of improvisation on the Flentrop May 6, 2016—David Higgs (organ professor at Eastman), all-Bach concert Special service Sunday, October 11, 2015 — Special 11 a.m. Sunday service commemorating the 50th anniversary. Bishop Rickel will preside, and the service will include a new anthem commissioned from Tom Joyce (Jubilate Deo for chorus and organ).

own work as a conductor and soprano soloist. With those experiences feeding me, I’m pleased to focus my energy on the music program and Choir School at Saint Mark’s.

My hope is to encourage our children to own our musical and liturgical tradition with an expectation of excellence while also fostering identity as needed members in the Body of Christ.”

Of his new role at Saint Mark’s, John Stuntebeck said, “My husband Chris and I began worshiping at Saint Mark’s this past fall, and were both received into the Episcopal church at the Easter Vigil this year. It has been inspirational (and a whole lot of fun) to have the opportunity to make music under Michael’s direction. I am very excited to join the music staff and look forward to serving this faith community in this ministry.”

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Spring & Summer 2015 at S CHOIR CAMP 2015

Over a week’s time, 21 choristers filled the cathedral campus with singing, drumming, piano and organ, worship, a scavenger hunt, a service project, art, and total joy. The week included a field trip to the Paul Fritts Organ Workshop in Tacoma, a performance for the residents of Fred Lind Manor here on Capitol Hill, a concert recital given by flutist Sho Kato, a visit from Bishop Greg Rickel, and a demonstration and organ crawl of the Flentrop Organ. Save the date for next year’s Choir Camp: July 11-17, 2016!

VISIT FROM THE DIOCESE OF THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

Below, right: Friends from the Diocese of the Southern Philippines visited Saint Mark’s on Sunday April 19, 2015. Representatives from our partner diocese included Bishop Danilo Bustamante, who preached, and Dean Johnny Labasan. Bishop Bustamante, Dean Steve Thomason, and Dean Johnny Labasan led a forum on environmental and social justice challenges, and how both dioceses are keeping the covenant which Bishop Rickel signed three years ago. This link is made possible through the Diocesan Carbon Offset program, a carbon-offset cooperative mission.

CATHEDRAL DAY

Above left: On Saturday, April 18, Saint Mark’s hosted the annual Cathedral Day. At this diocesan-wide gathering, Bishop Greg Rickel confirmed and received people into the Episcopal Church. The celebration afterward included games and projects for all ages, as well as a dunk tank competition. Parishes competed to see whose priest could raise the most funds during their turn in the dunk tank. Cathedral Day is a unique opportunity to meet friends from other congregations and to learn about the Diocese.

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t SAINT MARK’S CATHEDRAL DIOCESAN ORDINATIONS

On Tuesday, June 16, 2015, three deacons in the Diocese of Olympia were ordained into the priesthood by Bishop Greg Rickel: Eliacín Rosario-Cruz, Jeffrey Sharp and Michael Wright. Congratulations to the newly ordained! Photos by Terry Bonet.

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Tu Pl C R

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT

At right: Brian Sellers Petersen, Bishop Greg Rickel, Dean Thomason, and Rob Radtke, Executive Director of ERD. Saint Mark’s was proud to host a beautiful photo exhibit honoring the 75th anniversary of Episcopal Relief and Development. For 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development’s faithful community has responded compassionately to the suffering in our world. ERD works to strengthen local churches and empower communities to fight poverty, hunger and disease. The travelling exhibition was a centerpiece of 75 weeks of celebration in key cities across the country, and included iconic organizational photographs collected over the years.

WALTER BRUEGGEMAN

One of the most influential Old Testament scholars of our time and author of over one hundred books and numerous scholarly articles, Walter Brueggemann came to Saint Mark’s in March for a book talk on his latest publication, Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now. Brueggemann also led Saturday workshops and preached on Sunday, March 15.

SEATTLE PRIDE

A group of Episcopalians, sponsored by Integrity USA, walked in the Seattle Pride Parade. The group included members of Saint Mark’s as well as many other Episcopal Churches from around the Diocese of Olympia.

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UNDERHILL HOUSE

stillness & quiet is found in the bustling city Much has been written about the power of meditation, mindfulness and stillness in recent years. Though the concept has taken on many forms and gone by various names, the central meaning remains the same. Our attention spans are shortening and we’re consuming more media in a day than ever before. This state of overstimulation can leave many of us passing through a whole day, week or life without stopping long enough to sit in silence and hear our own inner thoughts and longings; to listen with God. When it comes to stillness and quiet, we are a culture running a severe defecit. It is a blessing, then, that a new place for quiet has emerged right here in Capitol Hill, Seattle.

Fifteen years ago, the Rev. Susan Dean called a friend in Colorado seeking a silent retreat. Her friend happily obliged, and what followed was, for Susan, a spiritual awakening.

Much of the retreat was simply spent in welcomed, pleasant silence. Susan sat in a hammock and rested. In one of the few instances of that silence being broken, the spiritual director at this retreat instructed Susan to pray about what she wanted.

Toward the end, on praying this prayer, two thoughts came to Susan: “I want to be a priest,” and, “I want to build a house of prayer.”

In her words, “God put it in my heart.”

Susan went to seminary and was ordained into the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in 2003.

Amidst much listening and praying, a house of prayer emerged. In 2012, Underhill House incorporated as a nonprofit in the State of Washington. A board of directors was assembled.

Susan worked closely with Bishop Greg Rickel and the The Rev. Susan Dean and Meghan Diocese of Olympia; having Mullarkey outside Underhill House. a sense of accountability to the greater church was an important aspect of the mission of Underhill House. As such, this house of prayer is a Diocesan ministry, serving the churches in the Seattle area. Dean Steve Thomason, The Rev. Jeff Gill at Trinity and The Rev. Lance Ousely at the Diocese of Olympia have all provided instrumental support. Underhill House is under the 501(c)3 umbrella of the Episcopal Church of the United States.

Underhill House invites not just Episcopalians, but offers quiet hospitality for people of all faiths and those of no faith, for people with resources and those of low and no income, for people who are home-blessed and people who are homeless.

Meghan Mullarkey, an intern at Underhill House and a

by Liz Bartenstein Communications Director lbartenstein@saintmarks.org postulant for priesthood, and her husband, Luke Abernathy, have trained three small groups of Listeners, whose purpose is to invite people into the sacred silence, and if desired, spend a few minutes listening to the guest and offer a prayer. Another training session will be offered this fall.

Hosted by All Pilgrims Christian Church on Broadway at Republican, Underhill House is uniquely positioned to be connected to Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Besides availing themselves of the opportunity to quiet the chatter of their minds and return to the Holy, parishioners are invited to consider becoming a Listener.

Underhill House opened in mid-July and is open each Thursday from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. You can visit the website at www.underhillhouse.org.

SAINT MARK’S MINISTRY FAIR Come for an opportunity to learn about the many, diverse, and wonderful ministries that are the fabric of Saint Mark’s. Join us in Bloedel Hall on Sunday, September 13 in between each worship service and enjoy lively displays from each ministry, snacks and a chance to connect with something you may feel called to.

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The Cathedral Shop at Saint Mark’s

Exciting changes are underway at The Cathedral Shop. In the past few months, the shop has hired a new employee, developed a new layout, and acquired new merchandise, new services, and a new plan for the future.

After the departure of George Treusch, Gregory Bloch was hired to join Christopher Jennings as Shop Associate. Chris and Greg are supervised

by Cathedral Accountant Mark Jacobs and by an active advisory committee consisting of longtime Shop volunteers and other stakeholders. The Shop itself has been rearranged, moving the counter back to create a more open feeling in the front of the store. This has allowed for the creation of a new, dramatic display of the work of Seattle icon writer Deborah Anderson.

A most exciting addition to the shop has been a new refrigerator, packed with refreshing cold beverages. The decision to begin selling sodas, iced tea, and iced coffee drinks has proven extremely popular in the recent summer heat wave!

A particularly well-received item in the cooler has been “Boxed Water,” a more environmentally responsible alternative to bottled water.

Just a few of the other additions to the store include: beeswax tealights and votives by Quiet Light Candles (handmade by Orthodox nuns in their convent in Stanwood, WA), jams and preserves by Ayako & Family (manufactured just a few blocks from the cathedral on Capitol Hill), and a refreshed selection of CDs focusing on recordings made in Saint Mark’s Cathedral or by local Seattle musicians.

There are ambitious plans for the future of your Cathedral Shop! Following the success of Dean Steve’s lattes during our summer clearance, we want to make coffee, tea, and espresso a permanent offering, in an expanded café space. We will be offering a larger selection of the work of local craftspeople, more gifts featuring the Saint Mark’s logo and images of the Holy Box, and of course a selection of new and unusual items in the hotly-anticipated Christmas Boutique.

The Cathedral Shop exists as a ministry of service and hospitality to Cathedral members and to all of Seattle and beyond, so please drop into the shop to see all these changes, and let us know what you think!

The gift of the table: The Eucharist and children

by Steve Moen, Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mark’s

Called up from the “reserve squad,” I served this morning, Palm Sunday, as a Chalice Bearer. Having done this many times over the last thirty or so years, I didn’t expect things to be any different. But there was a significant part of the Eucharist that was decidedly different for me—it involved children, from about age six to twelve, I’d guess.

By my recollection, when I “came of age” in the church, during the 1950s, one had to be confirmed in order to receive communion. It was suggested during my confirmation class that, at age twelve or thirteen, my brain had reached its growth capacity to enable me to “understand” all that was involved in membership in the Christian faith. My initial reaction to this statement was that it was somewhere between unconvincing and absurd. As I grew older, and went through an “unchurched” period, my opinion remained pretty much the same. It was my good fortune to find a way back to the church in my thirties; and I no longer feel that I must understand everything in order to be welcomed at the table. I’ve comfortably concluded that there is no amount of Bible Study or Adult Education that can explain away all the uncertainties of Christianity—nor should they be expected to do so! In fact, this makes Bible study and adult ed more meaningful!

Several children this morning, when I offered “the blood [or body and blood] of Christ… [to] keep you in everlasting life,” exhibited a clear acceptance of the mystery of the Eucharist— many with a firm “Amen” after receiving the elements. They appeared to genuinely embrace the gift of the table, not just trying to please their parents or demonstrate something to their peers. It was an extraordinary experience; and I thank all who are working toward bringing young people into a mature faith—even as I now must question my previous views about one’s maturity at such an early age. I suspect that, if some these children encounter a “time in the wilderness” (especially during their twenties) they’ll be just fine; because they’ll think back about another time of knowing that they are loved by a God who remembers them.

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SAINT MARK’S CATHEDRAL presents THE GATHERING 2015

A national conference of Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church OCTOBER 29-31

Featuring an Evening with Becca Stevens (a Saint Mark’s event separate of The Gathering) on the evening of October 28, and an Evening with Anne Lamott on October 29, 2015 - 7 p.m.

With workshops led by REV. BECCA STEVENS STEVENS LAMOTT Becca Stevens is one of the premiere speakers in the United States proclaiming love as the most powerful force for social change. She is an author, Episcopal priest and founder of Thistle Farms-Magdalene, a community of women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction.

New York Times bestselling author ANNE LAMOTT writes and speaks about subjects that begin with capital letters: Alcoholism, Motherhood, Jesus. But armed with self-effacing humor - she is laugh-out-loud funny - and ruthless honesty, Lamott converts her subjects into enchantment. This is an event you will not want to miss!

Full conference registration includes the Anne Lamott event. Single Tickets for the Anne Lamott event are also available. Read more and register at episcopalrecovery.org.