Stories of ministry. Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Winter 2015, Vol. 72, No. 1 Seattle, WA
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 Sloat, Editor Photos by Kevin C. Johnson and Liz Sloat (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.
As I write this, in early January, already I can tell the days are lengthening again. After the winter solstice, we turn into a new year, resolve to embrace new ways of living, and lean into the days ahead, with anticipation. It is rich work when done in a community like Saint Mark’s. So many good things are happening, so much good energy, so many palpable experiences of the Holy Spirit blessing us along the way. The Church in its traditional flow of life picks up these elements as well, as the liturgical season turns to Ordinary Time—that is, time ordered after the Feast of the Epiphany, when we talk of such things as the “light of the world come among us,” and the “fullness of ministry”—Jesus’ ministry and ours. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” says Jesus, as he begins his ministry (Luke 4:18), which emboldens him to speak and act prophetically. It is a model for all of us who would follow him, and these days, against the backdrop of lengthening days and the hope they bear for us, we hear the invitation into that way of life week by week. If we really believe the Spirit of God is among us, is being poured upon us, as the Body of Christ in this locale, in this time, (and for the record I believe with all my
heart that this is taking place), then how are we emboldened to respond—as we proclaim good news, and work for justice and peace, and reveal the reconciling love of God in Christ in our lives? It is exciting to see how we are living faithfully, even courageously. Saint Mark’s is growing in an era when churches are supposed to be declining, and that is no accident. I believe we are living into the “fullness of ministry” to which God is calling us, and we do so we resolve and anticipation, trusting that we are guided by the Spirit and blessed by God along the way. It is a privilege to be a part of this community at this time. The pages that follow offer a few glimpses into the narrative of the people of God who call Saint Mark’s Cathedral their spiritual home. I commend these people and their stories to you; I give thanks for all who exercise their ministries in this place; and I ask God’s blessings upon us as we continue on the way, together. Blessings and peace,
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 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
Four services offered people a chance to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity- three on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day. Nearly 3000 people came together to worship, pray, and celebrate.
CONTENTS Living Stones Building for Ministry: Capital Campaign 4 Ken Peterson celebrates 50 years singing Compline 6
WEEKDAY SERVICE TIMES Monday through Friday 6:30pm Evening Prayer in McCaw or Thomsen Chapel 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: www.saintmarks.org/ Worship/worship.php
Centerpiece: Time 10 New Altar Coverings & Vestments 11 Alan Davidson: the History of Saint Mark’s 13 Celebrating the Ministry of Canon Musician Mel Butler 14 Gift of Live: Interfaith Bone Marrow Registration Drive 17 Walter Brueggeman: Sabbath as Resistance 17 Christmas Pageant 17 Camille Jarvis: Arts at Saint Mark’s Asisstant 18 The Rev. Michael “Corky” Carlisle at the Cathedral 18 Gala Farewell Reception for El McFarland 18 Choices in an Occupied Land: Mideast Focus Film Series 18 Heidi Kim, DFMS Multiracial Issues 19 It was quite the Melebration back cover
On the cover: The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop of Olympia, speaking to members of the parish as part of the All Parish Banquet in December.
Living Stones: Building for Ministry, our capital campaign to preserve and renew Saint Mark’s Cathedral, was officially launched on September 14.
“not as an end in itself, but as one of the essential tools for building a strong cathedral community in service to each other, to the broader community, and to God. ”
Our goal for the campaign is to raise sufficient funds to renovate and enhance our Cathedral. By improving our building, we will preserve the legacy we have inherited from previous generations of worshippers, while creating a space that supports a sustainable future for our parish, nurtures our many ministries, and proclaims a joyous welcome to the city of Seattle and the Northwest.
The impetus behind this campaign is compelling: our building is in urgent need of repairs. Beyond this, we will implement energy-efficient building enhancements, and ultimately create a more welcoming entrance to our Cathedral that mirrors the welcome we extend to all who approach our doors.
“Living Stones: Building for Ministry beautifully expresses that we love the Holy Box,” said John and Carol Hoerster,
There are three priorities for our campaign, each with its own fundraising goals. For now, we are focused on the challenge of raising the estimated $7.6 million required
to fund the Priority 1 improvements to our cathedral’s structural integrity After establishing strong support for Living Stones: Building for Ministry in our parish, we will reach out to our diocese and the broader community in 2015. This fall, we have taken time to think and pray about what stewardship of the Cathedral means. Parishioners were invited to attend “Next Steps Parties” to learn in a small group setting more about the campaign and ask questions. People who were able attend the parties and hear the stories have been wonderful ambassadors, able to share their knowledge with others while viewing the drawings and the model in the Nave. In early November, a 24 hour Prayer Vigil (with a bonus hour for daylight savings!) gathered many in the community together to pray in different ways: from Eucharist to lectio divina, labyrinth walking, yoga and more. The Faith Formation ministry created a series of Sunday morning forums designed to help us discern what stewardship, sacrifice, and generosity means to us. We welcomed a special guest, the Rev. Corky Carlisle, a nationally known speaker, as a preacher and facilitator of a forum on Stewardship. Our clergy, our youth, and others in the parish have shared their stories on different aspects of this theme.
Campaign Co-Chairs Carol & John Hoerster share their story at the Parish Banquet.
On the morning of November 2nd, between the 9am and 11am service, our children and youth gathered around the font to the song “We are the Church” to begin an exploration of how “we share our gifts” with the Saint Mark’s community. As each child dropped a stone into the font, they named a gift that they share with the greater community of Saint Mark’s, and talked about how our church community is a gift to them. As each stone sank to the bottom, a ripple moved to the outer edges of the font. As the children watched the ripple move, they could see how our community moves out into the world, sometimes spilling over to places we do not know.
MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TODAY Pledge forms (electronic and downloadable forms) available on our website at
www.saintmarks.org/LivingStones/ pledging.php, in the back of the nave and by calling Erik Donner, at 206.323.0300, x 217
The capital campaign dovetailed with our annual stewardship program. In December, we asked people to make both a one-year annual pledge in support of mission and ministry and a special threeyear pledge for the capital campaign. But before we made our pledges, we celebrated the parish of Saint Mark’s with a banquet in the nave and a children’s party in Bloedel Hall. Over 250 people attended! Campaign totals will be announced and celebrated on Celebration Sunday, February 8 at the morning services.
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A love story at day’s end: Ken Peterson speaks about his 50 years with Compline by Jason Anderson, Director of Compline Choir thecomplinechoir@gmail.com
Jason Anderson: Could you describe your book Prayer as Night Falls: Experiencing Compline in four sentences or less for those who might not know about it? Why might one want to read your book? Ken Peterson: One review of the book was titled “a love story at day’s end,” and I thought that was very apt; the reviewer went on to describe it as “equal parts history, memoir, travelogue, theology, and music history.” There are several strands that I weave together: the story of Compline within the greater narrative of Christian fixed hour prayer; themes relevant to the spiritual journey; my own experiences; and musical examples for listening and reflection. I think that anyone on their own inner pilgrimage would enjoy this book. JA: You masterfully weave multiple, distinct story lines in your book. Talk about the early history of the book and how you came to write it as published. When did the idea of authoring a book about Compline first come into your mind? KP: About fifteen years ago, a fascination with Compline led me to create a new version of our Order of Compline, in modern, inclusive language; this led to my wanting to tell both the story of Compline, and of my own spiritual journey, as a preface to a collection of prayers, hymns, psalms, and anthems, selected from our service. JA: Can you retell the story of your first Compline experience? When did you first hear about Compline and from whom? How did you come to join the choir in 1964? KP: I had just started my freshman year as a music major at the University of Puget Sound, when David Calhoun, a UPS alum, invited me to sing in the Compline Choir in Seattle. The first chapter of my book describes this experience, but it is interesting that from my very first contact with Compline I sang in the choir, rather than first coming to hear the service (which is more typical). JA: You have a love for early music, medieval and Renaissance music in particular. Is this a result of your Compline experience or another influence? KP: Yes, Compline gave me my initial contact with chant and Renaissance music. And from Peter Hallock I received a connection and fascination with the Early Music movement.
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In 1965 the Flentrop organ was installed, and in the fall of that year I attended a concert of Renaissance and Baroque music where Alfred Deller (Early Music pioneer) was soloist and conductor with groups from the University of Washington School of Music. At the same time I took my first music history course, which really implanted a passion I have had for early music ever since. JA: Of all current singers in the Compline Choir, you have the longest history of working with and learning from Peter Hallock. Would you share some favorite stories, events, and/or pearls of wisdom from him? KP: I’ll try to pare this down to just three anecdotes about rehearsals, communication, and humor. One quote about taking notes was really from his teacher Eva Heinitz (another pioneer of the Early Music renaissance): “If I can use a pencil, YOU can use a pencil!” At the end of every summer the choir got Peter’s “August letter,” which was not only a call to renewal of our commitment to sing Compline over the following year, but often an essay about something that he was passionate about at the time – for instance, the Buddhist concept of “attention.” His humorous side came out especially in the musical skits (one was a parody of “Blazing Saddles”) for several performances at the Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth. Each “musical” always found a way to give Harriet Bullitt, the owner, an opportunity to dance the flamenco. JA: How has Compline changed since you joined in 1964? How has it remained the same? What are your best hopes, dreams, and wishes for Compline in the next 5, 10, and 50 years? What role might choir alumni have in helping realize these hopes, dreams, and wishes? KP: Compline went through a process since I joined that
I would call “changing with Peter.” We were a reflection of his passions and purposes at any given time. After the trip in 2000 we didn’t take any excursions outside of Saint Mark’s, mainly because Peter was “done with traveling.” One thing that has never changed is the fact that the choir has never been www.prayerasnightfalls.com paid as professional musicians (we always pay instrumentalists who assist us however), while at the same time the quality of the group has always been of a high professional standard. That’s just the way it is, when we have to rehearse the five changing pieces of a typical Compline service at 7:30, then sing them on live radio at 9:30. Since Jason has been our director for the last five years, we have begun to do more performances, such as in the premiere of John Muhleisen’s Pietà, or our appearance in the movie Nothing Against Life. One of the roles that alumni can play now is to support and further the work of the Hallock Institute, which is currently in its formative stages. I would hope that Compline continues for at least another 50 years, and have the great GREAT grandchildren of the Hippie generation coming to experience the Numinous every Sunday! JA: God always seems to be calling you in new, different ways. Would you write about your faith journey? Who and/ or what were the greatest influences along your journey? What role did Compline play along the way? KP: My journey has been one of a deepening Christian faith, while becoming ever more open to what insights the other great faiths of the world offer. I agree with the writer Alan Watts that faith is much more important than belief, which seems to me more a source for discord than unity among the various denominations. Compline, in its sacred “spaciousness” has been a constant in my journey – ever the encounter with the Numinous in sacred time, every Sunday with a “cloud of witnesses” of saints, composers, poets, and choir members. As to people who have influenced me -- two that I met in
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The Cathedral was full for the annual O Antiphon service of lessons and carols on the first Sunday of Advent. The Compline Choir sang along with the Cathedral Choir and the Boys and Girls Choir the early ‘60s, Peter Hallock, and Fr. Ralph Carskadden, were mentors of mine almost the whole of my five decades. Recently Srs. Sharon McDonald and Lucy Wynkoop have become mentors to me in my journey as a Benedictine Oblate at St. Placid Priory, in Lacey, WA. They both celebrated the 50th anniversary of their profession in 2013. JA: Fixed, daily prayer is something about which you have spoken or wrote extensively. Do you have thoughts, suggestions, or best practices for someone contemplating intentional daily prayer? How has daily prayer shaped, changed, or formed your spiritual life? KP: I have a list of resources for fixed-hour prayer at the end of my book, and very soon I will be putting the list on the book’s website, www.prayerasnightfalls.com, so anyone can access it without having to buy the book (likewise the 25 musical examples from the book are there for listening). If one wants to explore the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, there are several online sites that make it very easy to go through a particular office, like Morning Prayer or Compline (Night Prayer) – so wherever you are, you can just call it up on your smartphone, and be tuned in to whatever day’s prayers are appropriate. It is also good to have a physical book in case there is no internet available! As to how daily prayer has formed me – I have found, along with others, that even when it seems like “going through
the motions,” a few moments of silence and prayer can be very calming and centering. JA: Saint Mark’s is embarking on a capital campaign entitled Living Stones: Building for Ministry—a theme taken from 1 Peter 2:5. How do you interpret being a living stone? Who were the living stones in your own life--those persons who have had such a positive, formative impact on your life? How have you been a living stone to others? KP: “Living stones” always reminds me of the hymn Blessed city, heavenly Salem, with its verse: “Many a blow and biting sculpture polished well those stones elect.” A stone is not alive in the sense that we are, but it is not without change over time. We are all both stone and sculptor – “polishing each other” in community. Our immediate family, our teachers, authors, and friends all have influence (positive and negative) on the “sculpture” that we become. Sometimes an adversary even engenders an ultimately positive impact on our lives. For me personally, there have been many living stones that have contributed to my own spiritual framework – especially Peter Hallock and Fr. Ralph Carskadden. As for me -- I have been a living stone in the sense of giving my time, voice, and words to the Compline service -- to this wonderful prayer at the end of the day.
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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Our Christian tradition holds dear the practice of making pilgrimages as holy experiences of learning, conversion and transformation, and none is more significant than walking the ways of Jesus. To honor this tradition, the Dean and Rector, The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, will be leading a pilgrimage with local guide and instructor, Canon Iyad Qumri.
COMMUNITY OF HOPE
“creat[ing] Christian Communities of lay volunteer pastoral care givers united in prayer, shaped by Benedictine spirituality and equipped for and serving in pastoral care ministries.” Training Dates:
January 31, February 28, March 28 Saturdays, 9am - 3 pm, Skinner Auditorium, Saint Mark’s Cathedral $35 to defray costs Required text: The Rule of Benedict: A Spirituality for the 21st Century by Joan Chittester available at the Cathedral Shop.
Online registration & payment details: www.saintmarks.org/ Community/CommunityofHope.php Itinerary includes Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Jordan River, and much more. Dates: January 10-22, 2016. Cost: $2300 per person, based on double occupancy, airfare not included. The tour will include up to 40 people.
For more information contact Nancee Martin at nmartin@saintmarks.org.
The Cathedral Foundation of the Diocese of Olympia Honoring the past by remembering the future of buildings and grounds at Saint Mark’s Cathedral.
Interested? Contact The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason at sthomason@saintmarks.org Full itinerary and details at: www.saintmarks.org/ Education/2016HolyLandPilgrimage.php
1551 10th Avenue East Seattle, WA 98102. cathedralfoundation@ecww.org The Cathedral Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization; contributions to it are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
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CENTERPIECE
Time Sermon preached by The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, Dean and Rector Sunday, November 2, All Saints’ Sunday sthomason@saintmarks.org Time is a perplexing thing for most of us—on the one hand it lends order to our lives and yet on the other it harries us in our lives, at times, doesn’t it? GK Chesterton once wrote that the only way he could ever catch a train was to miss the one that came before it. Mahatma Ghandi said that there is more to life than increasing its speed. And it was Groucho Marx who declared that “no man goes before his time—unless the boss leaves early.” The truth is that time has an interesting history, and because I think it has special pertinence for us on this feast day of All Saints’, I want to unpack it a bit. We can trace the record of time across the ages of human history, from hieroglyphics to solar wheels to sundials, small and large. Many have grappled with the nature of time— wanting to measure it, quantify it, somehow control it. But the question still lingers, is time an integral aspect encoded into the nature of the universe, or is it a fabrication of the human mind? What is time? The closest to a consensus definition that the scientific community has come up with is that time “is what clocks measure.” Some have extrapolated that a bit further to say that “time is that which keeps everything from happening at once.” But you see how both of those definitions are terribly
reductionist, descriptive rather than definitive, and ultimately they espouse a certain egocentric perspective that suggests that everything happens around the one who is observing and marking the time. Time is oriented to the one attempting to measure it. But of course science doesn’t want to leave it there, nor do philosophers nor do religious people. It was Sir Isaac Newton who argued that time is indeed a fundamental element in the structure of the universe— that it is essential to its order which is linear and forever expanding. Past, present and future are on a continuum that cannot be broken. In the last century, the relativity theory suggests that, even if time can’t be broken, it can be bent, and often is. And then in recent years string theory wants to try to take it a step further and suggests that time really does not have to be linear. So there are some, like Newton, who say it is a fundamental construct of the universe, but then others, like Immanuel Kant, counter that the position that time has is not as a “container” in the universe, but rather a way in which we make sense of the universe. It enables us to order the world around us. But the measurement of time is not really possible in any empiric way precisely because it is not an empirical element of the universe. Now is your mind hurting yet? Mine does with this stuff, but yet you can see that it’s fascinating to me so let’s keep going, shall we? I promise there’s a point to it all.
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On All Saints’ Sunday, we blessed our new festal set of vestments and altar candlesticks. The vestments were designed and made by Clifford Chally, a noted vestment maker based in Los Angeles. The central cross features a lion, which is known as a symbol of St. Mark as well various Pacific Northwest flora and is a design created specifically for St. Mark’s. This new set was made possible by generous donations by Janet McCully in honor of her mother Alice McCully, and by Nick Jones in memory of his parents Phil and Lesley Jones. The candlesticks are a gift from Mary Coon and Mel Butler. We also thank Pat Taylor for sewing a new fair linen for the new altar table top.
Let’s overlay religious notions on to this as well. You have probably heard at some point or another, the distinction between Chronos time and Kairos time. Those are actually terms originating in ancient Greek philosophy, but the early Christian Church picked those up immediately to distinguish between linear time (Chronos), in which we live here in this mortal existence, and Kairos (God’s time) which is not bound by the confines of our mortality. But even that Chronos and Kairos is an artificial distinction because they are both occurring at the same “time.” Chronos is linear, finite, grounded in our earthy awareness. Kairos literally just means “the right or opportune moment for that which is supposed to happen, to happen.” It is like a portal though which we can step into some new awareness, new
beauty, new life, but it is not linear or finite, and it always transcends our earthly tethers. In that way, it is “God’s time,” Kairos. We can go even further back into our story, about a thousand years before Christ, to the age of King Solomon, and when we now hear the words, the famous words that we all know from the book of Ecclesiastes. “To everything there is a season, a time to be born, a time to die… a time to weep, a time to laugh”… and so forth. There is a weighty truth about them that transcends time. To everything there is a season and that which we translate as “season” (literarily the Hebrew word, zman) intends a cosmic scope that is unconcerned with linearity or even of human origin—it will happen when
Full text of sermon and podcast available on our website at www.saintmarks.org/Sermons/sermons.php
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it is supposed to happen. To everything there is a season, and our human ways cannot always understand that or even see it when it unfolds right before us. Which brings me back around to string theory. And its attempt to unleash time from the constraints of particularity or even linearity. Scientists who are working in the field of string theory are really just trying to discover ways of understanding the universe not unlike philosophers and religious people have been exploring it for the generations as well. Think of those as tandem efforts— science and religion; neither will figure it all out, but each has something to offer the other. So in your one hand, hold this notion of Kairos—that the world is designed with portals through which we might experience the metaphysics of God’s design, such mysteries as Christ’s resurrection, such mysteries as the connection that we share with all that has gone before and all that is yet to come—and that we somehow are able to step into that portal and recognize and experience that here and now, in this opportune moment. In the other hand you are holding some of these notions of string theory and science. And here let me just say I am trying to simplify things, the only way I can get my head around it, so for those who know this stuff better than me, I apologize right now. You can take me down later. Drawing on these concepts of string theories, what if time is not particular (that is present), or even linear (past, present, future), but what if it is always looping on itself? And what if while it is looping it is also vibrating? And what if it is coiled up like a spring too? And is uncoiling while it is looping and vibrating? And what if there is a
membranous character to this string of time, such that it loops and vibrates and uncoils and opens all at the same time so that, if we are aware of it, the “opportune time” to glimpse into the depths of the universe presents itself right before us? Friends, that’s what this Feast of All Saints’ is really all about. It’s holding those two tandem elements together, the Kairos opportune moment and the sense of time that science is trying to break through. I think this Feast Day in its ancient, mystical, and mysterious ways holds that all together brilliantly, because you see this day in particular is inviting us into the mysterious depths of time and space, into the beautiful designs of the universe, and beyond it even into the cosmic hope and love of God who has created it all, and claimed us all, here and now, in a way that we might just experience that hope and love more fully. That’s what this day is about. That’s why we put it all together. That is why we baptize babies today. In this moment in time, but trust that there is something more global, more cosmic happening. That’s why while we are baptizing into new birth, we are also remembering those who have died, because they are connected with us outside of the bounds of time. We gather around a table and trust that the whole communion of saints, the great cloud of witnesses—past, present and yet to be—joins us for this feast in a way that we can’t begin to understand. Except that this is the opportune time. The opportune time right here, right now, to step into God’s story, that’s the invitation and know that if you do, nothing will ever be the same again. Amen.
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New member Alan Davidson takes on the history of Saint Mark’s
The story of this parish is part of the story of Seattle, an Alan, a new member at Saint Mark’s, decided it was interesting human success story that Davidson plans to time to research the history of Saint Mark’s and tell the recount and illustrate within the context of a growing and diversifying city. whole story. Meet Alan Davidson.
Davidson retired to the northwest with his wife Janet in 1988 settling on Orcas Island where he attended St. David’s in Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island. You might notice that these are on different islands, requiring Alan to pilot his boat to attend church in sun, rain or fog! More recently, however, they decided that it was time to move to Seattle. Shortly after Dean Thomason arrived, Davidson made “what amounted to a “cold call”, told him of his “unrequited curiosity, background, and made a pledge of honest (and diplomatic) reporting.” When asked why he would want to take on this project, he said “I simply had to find an answer to a persistent question: Why does this place look like a work in progress?” The Dean readily accepted the offer. In the ensuing nine months, he has researched the 1889 origin of Saint Mark’s from Trinity Parish, the first parish church in “North Seattle” (1890-1897), its clergy, lay leadership, parish life and congregation, and its struggles.
He has been methodically going through files of old photos, newsletters (The Rubric was first issued in 1891), and articles in the diocesan and city archives. While reading Rubrics from the summer of 1895 he was reading about the trek the boy choristers planned made to the summit of Mt. Rainier- a expedition that took a great deal of effort to plan and required assistance from across the congregation. The articles noted that a Seattle photographer made the journey. Davidson followed the breadcrumbs to the photographer’s archives now at the University of Washington and found the pictures from that adventure, though the photos are not currently identified as being of the Saint Mark’s group. As he further connected the dots, he confirmed that the male to female and age ranges fit exactly with our group. (Despite referring to the “boys” throughout the articles, we know the expedition included women.) Go to our website to see some of the Rubrics and links to other photographs currently at the University of Washington. Image used with permission: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections, negative number UW 36455.
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�elebrating the �inistry of �anon �usician �el �utler
After 23 years at Saint Mark’s, Canon Musician Mel Butler retired at the end 2014. His joy, humor, and welcoming spirit has defined the music program at Saint Mark’s, continuing the legacy of Peter Hallock and others who have gone before. We have been blessed with Mel’s ministry being more than the sum of its parts. For Mel, music and religion are intertwined. “I think that music is in the service to enhance the spoken word,” he said recently, “to make the words mean even more than they would if they were just spoken. Music is one of my primary journeys to experience God.” As a child he spent hours listening to his mother’s classical music collection on 78 RPM records, prompting his mother to start him on piano lessons at the age of 4. He was raised in a Southern Baptist church in a small town in North Carolina. “A wonderful experience,” he notes. “I loved going to church. I loved going to Sunday School.” In elementary school, he became the Sunday School pianist playing all the old gospel songs--a skill, he notes, that has come in handy at the 9 AM service through the years! As he got older, he “found a room way up in the church. It was actually a dressing room for baptisms which occurred several times a year. Of course, these were baptisms by immersion so there had to be a changing room. And I realized one day, that if I sat very quietly in that room, before the evening service, I could really hear the organ well because the pipes were right next to this room. You could hear the pipes of the organ in there much better than out in the main sanctuary. And so I was totally intrigued at the sound of the organ.” Mel began organ lessons when he was 16 with perhaps a bit of trepidation about “getting the pedals going”. While a student at Oberlin College, his professor brought a recording to class of the brand new Flentrop in Seattle and told a story of having met a young musician in Europe by the name of Peter Hallock. Mel also became an Episcopalian in college, singing in the choir in a little church with a small, 2 manual Flentrop organ. Following college Mel served his country for four years in the Navy as a violist in the US Navy String Quartet in Washington, DC. At the same time, he served part time at a Congregational Church as an organist. Subsequently, he moved to Rochester, NY to study at the Eastman School of Music with aspirations of becoming an organ professor and concert performer. But his life and career took a different turn when, as a student, he got a job as the organist/choirmaster at a Presbyterian church in town, a position he held for twenty years. He also taught at Eastman, leading a course on being a successful church musician. Among his six goals for a church musician (see box on next page) were two intentions which
he has notably lived out at Saint Mark’s: to discover and develop the hidden musical resources of a congregation and for total church involvement, from singing in choirs, to singing hymns “lustily”, to simply the act of listening. Mel was thrilled to become part of the Saint Mark’s music program in 1992, with its rich musical traditions and the opportunity to continue presenting Peter Hallock’s music. He remembered that as part of his organ audition with Dean Northup and the committee, he was asked only to play hymns including interludes and improvisations to extend the hymns. At Saint Mark’s, Mel sang with Dr. Hallock in the Compline Choir to have the chance to meet and work with a musician he so admired, and also to learn more about chant. Mel also remembered the Saint Mark’s Girls Choir trip to Nicaragua in 1999 as a transformative and spiritual experience. And, he said, he looks forward every year to the O Antiphons service which affords a time to feel the spiritual mystery and beauty of this building. Mel has met many people at Saint Mark’s over the years who have meant so much to him, but perhaps none so important as Mary Coon, a
Mel’s Six Goals for the church musician: To uphold a worshipful, spiritual, and prayerful approach to all tasks. To maintain the highest standards of excellence in all areas of my profession To discover & develop hidden resources within my congregation. To keep the music program varied, original and creative To aim for total church involvement by participating as a member of a choir or ensemble, by singing lustily congregational hymns and songs, or simply by active listening and being uplifted by the musical offerings. To develop the skill of creative compromise.
member of the congregation and staff, who became his wife. They have purchased and will retire to Peter Hallock’s former home in Fall City. As Mel prepares to move on to new experiences (he will be focusing on piano, harpsichord, viola and jazz, plus hiking and gardening), he is honored to have been part of a music program that is fully supported by the dean and the administration, has such an amazing collection of organs, and a music program in which anyone can find a place. At Saint Mark’s, “one doesn’t have to be in the choir to experience the glory of God through music.” And a choir program that is entirely volunteer, rare among churches with music programs of this size. He is especially grateful for all his colleagues now and in the past years who have helped to develop this wonderful ministry. --by Liz Sloat, editor The Rubric
New Canon Musician Called In December, the Dean announced the calling of Michael Kleinschmidt as Canon Musician. Kleinschmidt, who is currently Canon Musician at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, OR, will join us at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in March 2015.
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Gift of Life: interfaith Bone Marrow Registration Drive On October 4, thirteen Saint Mark’s volunteers participated in a Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registration Drive at Temple De Hirsch Sinai campuses in Seattle and Bellevue. At total of 190 persons were entered into the Gift of Life Registry, and we look forward to the possibility of some of those potential donors becoming a match for a patient needing bone marrow or blood stem cells in order to survive leukemia and related disorders.
The Well
at Queen Anne United Methodist Church
WALTER BRUEGGEMANN One of the most influential Old Testament scholars of our time and author of over one hundred books and numerous scholarly articles.
by Steve Moen, steve@pax-jus.us Volunteers included Amelia Canaday, Rachel Christofferson, Jacqueline Farwell, Jim Green, Becky Haley, Roberta Kanive, Mary Baldwin Kennedy, Ruth McRee, Steve Moen, Rob Reid, Oliver Santos, Mary Weston and Lisa Verner (from Church of the Ascension). On the first Sunday in Lent (Feb. 22, 2015), volunteers from Temple De Hirsh Sinai will visit SaintMark’s to register persons, age 18 to 60, for a chance to literally save the life of a person needing a transplant. This is the latest chapter in a series of joint efforts between Saint. Mark’s and our neighboring synagogue going back more than sixty years.
Some of the volunteers from Saint Mark’s.
Christmas Pageant
Friday, March 13, 7-8:30 pm—lecture SABBATH JUSTICE: BEYOND PHAROAH at The Well (1606 5th Ave W, Seattle 98119) Saturday, March 14, 9 am to noon 2 workshops SABBATH: THE RHYTHM OF CREATION SABBATH: THE MIRACLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Sunday, March 15, Morning Services (Forum @ 10:10 am) GUEST PREACHER + FORUM WITH BOOK SIGNING at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Tickets, prices, and other information at www.brueggemann.bpt.me
We introduced a new Christmas pageant this year- based on the Madeleine L’Engle book The Glorious Impossible. The children & youth gave us an opportunity to listen to a familiar story in a new way.
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New assistant for Arts at Saint Mark’s
This fall, we welcomed Camille Jarvis to assist in the Music, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, and Drama ministries of Arts at Saint Mark’s.
Camille, a 2013 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College (B.A. in Music, Magna Cum Laude), comes to us after serving in AmericCorps NCCCFEMA Corps (Logistics Specialist), and several other service organizations. Her extensive resume includes skills in such diverse areas as youth ministry, music, athletics, and even driving a fork lift! Camille has also served in Loaves and Fishes Ministry, has been a leader for Episcopal youth programs, and has refereed youth soccer teams. She hails from Cottage Grove, Minnesota.
The Rev. Michael “Corky” Carlisle, Guest Preacher As part of the Living Stones: Building for Ministry campaign, we welcomed the Rev. Carlisle as preacher and facilitator of a forum on giving. He is highly regarded throughout the Episcopal Church as a preacher and teacher. Originally from Kentucky, the Rev. Carlisle studied at the University of Mississippi and received his M.Div at The University of the South. Dean Thomason, the Rev. Cannon Nancee Martin, and long-time parishioner Joe Running are also alumnae of the south.
Gala Festive Reception for El McFarland After 13 years as manager of the Shop at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, El McFarland will retire at the end of January. El’s gifts in retail business and her delightful spirit welcoming all who enter the Shop are a source of rich blessing for this community, and she will be missed, even as we celebrate with her as she enters this new chapter in life. El has been instrumental in developing the Cathedral Shop into the “front door” ministry of hospitality it has come to be, and we are deeply grateful for her work of ministry among us. She is retiring long with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Peter Strimer, and we wish them both well in their new endeavors. All are invited to extend appreciation and good wishes during this festive gathering on SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 10 AM to 2 PM in Leffler Living Room - right next to the shop.
Choices in an Occupied Land Mideast Focus Film Series II This year’s Mideast Focus Ministry Film Series focuses on choices that Israelis and Palestinians make at personal, family, and community levels as they endure the struggle in the Holy Land. Our concern is to help balance the limited and confusing media coverage of the Holy Land. We use compelling films as an entry point for reflection and discussion. Series introduction: Sunday, January 18, 10:10 am, Bloedel Hall Film presentations: Wednesdays, January 28 - March 4*, 7 pm Skinner Hall Special event for youth: Saturday, February 7, Dancing in Jaffa Read more. Admission is free & all are welcome. Full schedule on our website at www.saintmarks.org/ ComingEvents/FeaturedEvents.php For questions or more information contact: ruth. mcree@gmail.com 18
Love one anotherListen to one another by Heidi Kim, Saint Mark’s member and Missioner for Racial Reconciliation for the Episcopal Church hkim@episcopalchurch.org ignorant, or even worse “racebaiter,” or “racist.”
In July of this year, I assumed the role of Missioner for Racial Reconciliation for the Episcopal Church, a newly created position. Officially, my ministry involves “… facilitating the establishment and growth of networks in the Church that confront structural issues of racism in society and the church…” but what does that mean on the ground? For me, what is compelling about my new ministry is described in the Book of Common Prayer; as a lay person, I feel called to carry out the holy work of reconciliation. As we have seen in news over the past several months, our country is deeply divided about issues of race and racism, and we often view the same events completely differently depending on our own cultural, economic, political, and racial contexts. As Christians, we are called to love one another, and part of that means listening to one another with open minds and hearts. But when it comes to racism, that ability to listen tends to break down very quickly. While we might have a civil conversation about global warming in which we did not agree with one another, I have witnessed loving, thoughtful people who immediately dismiss or insult one another about how they feel about what’s happening in Ferguson, MO, calling one another naïve, misguided,
Why is it so hard for us to have these conversations with one another? What is it about race and racism in particular that move us from listening and to loving, to judging and accusing?
Q. What is the ministry of the laity? A. The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church. The Book of Common Prayer
My ministry is really about holding all of us accountable to our Baptismal Covenant, while also creating safe spaces within which we can be vulnerable with one another, share our joy and our pain, and learn to love one another as Christ loves us. Deep listening is the first step in that process. To that end, if you have a story to share about your own experiences of racial reconciliation, I would be happy to listen. You can also share it on the Church’s resource page, A Way Forward (http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/ episcopal/AWayForward). With the coming of Christ, let us also open our hearts to one another with a spirit of reconciliation. Additional resources on this topic: sunday forum: January 25, 10:10 am Bloedel Hall webpage: www.episcopalchurch.org/page/ racial-reconciliation blog: www.episcopalchurch.org/blogcategory/Racial%20Reconciliation/ RacialReconciliation
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It was quite the Melebration!
Celebrating the Ministry of Canon Musician Mel Butler
On December 30, 2014, a special Choral Evensong was held, featuring offerings by multiple choirs and guest musicians and followed by a gala reception. A special hymn was composed by Cathedral member Hanna Benn in Mel’s honor. We celebrated, shared stories, and expressed our thanks for Mel's extraordinary 23 years as director of music at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. (Read more about Mel on p. 14.)
Mardi Gras Party!
Tuesday, February 17, 6:00-8:00 pm, Bloedel Hall Join us for our annual celebration with masks, food, dessert auction, and live music. Bring your old palm branches for the burning of the palms, get ready to bury your alleluias and join us for a night of fun for all!
1245 10th Ave East Seattle, WA 98102
In 2015, we will celebrate 50 years of beautiful organ music on our Flentrop. Watch for more information!