Saint Mark’s is blessed to have a community filled with many skills, talents and interests. As volunteers and lay ministers, we are central to the mission of the church and the Saint Mark’s community. Any time one puts a skill, talent or interest in the service of God, they are exercising a spiritual gift. As members of the Body of Christ, each individual has their own unique spiritual gifts, and each a something they can bring to the table. As we seek and discover our gifts, and minister to our brothers and sisters in Christ, we receive God’s grace and love. The sharing of these gifts enables us, as one body, to minister to ourselves, our community and our world. You are needed, wanted and gifted to give of your time and talent.

Click on the cover image to download the current print version of The Ministry Directory.

In 2022 the Vestry has been discussing ways to engage in ministry at Saint Mark’s even when you can’t make it to campus. Click here to learn more.

Click the cover to download a pdf.

Worship & Prayer Committee

The Worship and Prayer Standing Committee of the Saint Mark’s Vestry meets several times a year to discuss liturgy and prayer at the cathedral, as part of a strategy driven by the community’s Mutual Ministry Goals. All are welcome to participate. There are frequently articles and resources distributed in advance to be discussed during the meeting. These meetings are held on Zoom. To learn when the next meeting is scheduled, contact:

Michael Seewer, Cathedral Sacristan & Head Verger, mseewer@saintmarks.org


Acolytes

Acolytes assist during worship by carrying the cross, torches, and banners in processions, bearing the thurible in which incense is burned, and more. Open to children and adults.

Erik Donner, edonner@saintmarks.org


Altar Guild

Altar guild members help prepare the community’s Eucharistic meal by setting up bread, wine, vessels, linens and the altar table, assisting the presiding team during the service and caring for the vessels and linens following the service.

Walter Stuteville, altarguild@saintmarks.org


Greeters

We are here to say “hello!” and “welcome!” to newcomers, long-timers and all who come through our doors on Sunday mornings, before and after services. Teams serve once a month at one Sunday morning service.

John Selberg, jaselberg@aol.com


Ushers

Ushers are indispensable at cathedral liturgies, having the some of the most direct contact with worshipers. They serve many roles during Sunday and Special services, ensuring liturgies run smoothly and that hospitality is extended to all who are present for worship.

9 a.m.: Don Sutkus; 11 a.m.: Michael Seewer, ushers@saintmarks.org


Compline Hospitality Ministers

For many, Compline is the first time they have entered the doors of Saint Mark’s, and the Compline Greeters are the first representatives of the cathedral they will encounter. They play a crucial role in making the experience welcoming and comfortable for all.

Michael Seewer, mseewer@saintmarks.org


Evensong Ushers

The monthly service of Choral Evensong attracts many guests and first-time vistors, and ushers are needed to welcome and orient them. You do not need to be a Sunday morning usher to serve in this important role at Evensong.

Michael Seewer, mseewer@saintmarks.org


Vergers

Vergers are ministers who escort the choir and liturgical participants in processions of all kinds, from guiding a lector to the ambo, to leading the entire congregation on Palm Sunday, and everything in between. They are also ministers of hospitality, identifying people in the congregation who need special assistance.

Michael Seewer, Head Verger, mseewer@saintmarks.org


Lectors

Lectors proclaim God’s word at our various liturgies by reading lessons from scripture, and they lead the assembly’s prayers and intercessions at Sunday morning and other services. Open to adults as well as to teenagers and younger children, all of whom receive training.

Emily Meeks, emeeks@saintmarks.org


Oblation Bearers

During Sunday morning Eucharists, members of the community or an entire family assist the ushers by bringing forward the gifts of bread and wine that we offer to God at the Offertory. Even very young children can help with this important liturgical role.

Michael Perera, perera.michael@gmail.com


Chalice Bearers

Chalice bearers are licensed ministers who offer the hospitality of God’s Table as they serve the wine during services of Holy Communion. Open to those 16 years or older.

Hannah Hochkeppel, hannah.hochkeppel@gmail.com


Sunday Evening Chalice Bearers

Sunday evening sacristans, as trained chalice bearers, support the 7 p.m. contemplative Eucharist service by setting up, hosting, and serving during the liturgy, and cleaning up afterwards.

Hannah Hochkeppel, hannah.hochkeppel@gmail.com

 

All Saints Guild

Members of the All Saints Guild help support families who are planning funerals at Saint Mark’s. They provide help with the logistics of liturgies and receptions, serve as ushers for funeral liturgies, and accompany families through this difficult time.

Kathy Sodergren, dksodergren69@gmail.com

 

Hospitality/Newcomers Ministry

Newcomers Ministry acts as an initial point of contact both online and in person for those seeking information about Saint Mark’s and the Episcopal Church or connection with a faith community. Volunteers help host a monthly newcomers’ coffee, respond to online inquiries, process membership applications, and meet in person with newcomers.

The Rev. Earl Grout, newcomers@saintmarks.org

 

Eucharistic Visitors

Consecrated bread and wine are entrusted to lay Eucharistic visitors to be shared with sick or shut-in members of the community. If you would like Holy Communion brought to you, please leave a message at 206.755.2076. If you’d like to learn more about this licensed ministry, or accompany an E.V. on a visit, please contact

Kevin Johnson, kevincjohnson@comcast.net

 

Bread Baker Guild

A community of people gathers once a month, usually early on a Sunday morning, to bake the bread for all of our Eucharistic services. Open to all ages. Contact:

René Marceau, marceau_rene@comcast.net

 

Flower Ministry

Members of the Flower Ministry create the nave and chapel arrangements, and in doing so, give back a gift of beauty to the One who created us. The ministry works in teams that serve monthly—all skill/experience levels are welcome.

Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm, flowers@saintmarks.org

Restorative Justice & Systemic Change Council

The work of the Restorative Justice & Systemic Change Council is formed out of a prayerful reflection of Saint Mark’s Statement of Lament and Commitment to Action. The Council supports specific justice ministry programs but also seeks to nurture a culture in the Parish where all are encouraged and equipped to live out the call to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God in their specific lives. Guided by a commitment to be in relationship with rather than simply supply needs for we seek to heal what is broken, restore what is lost, and foster the possibility of transformation for those we serve and ourselves as well.

Scott Hulet, Senior Warden, rshjourney2@gmail.com


Intergenerational Council

The Intergenerational Council consists of Saint Mark’s community members ranging from youth to elders who gather to examine the cathedral’s activities and policies from a range of generational perspectives, and to envision ways of being Church in today’s world. Through intentionally intergenerational programming, small group gatherings, and innovative ways to incorporate those new to Saint Mark’s, the council aims to foster spiritual growth and nourishing relationships among members of the cathedral, as we seek to become Beloved Community.

Wendy Claire Barrie, Canon for Intergenerational Ministries, wbarrie@saintmarks.org


Creation Care Ministry

The Creation Care Ministry at Saint Mark’s Cathedral strives to faithfully address the crisis of climate change. As stewards of the life-giving goodness of God’s creation, we work with the Saint Mark’s and broader world communities to educate ourselves and take action together to preserve our shared planet and sustain life for the generations to come. We recognize our commitment as a unique opportunity and responsibility in our time to address the many social justice issues tied to the climate crisis. And through engaging in collective action that makes an effective impact, we will grow into the joy of transcending our fears and sense of powerlessness around the issue of climate change. Saint Mark’s is a member of Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light (see below). If you are interested in being a part of this work at Saint Mark’s, please contact:

Kathy Minsch & Marjorie Ringness, creationcare@saintmarks.org


Meal Sharing Ministry

The congregation of Saint Mark’s has a long history of engaging with our unsheltered neighbors and addressing the issue of homeless through education, advocacy, and service. We seek to support programs, such as the Threshold Fund move-in assistance program, that have a direct impact on the lives of homeless adults, children and families. We host Tent City 3 on the cathedral property when possible. While Tent City 3 is in residence, cathedral volunteers prepare, serve, and share a meal with the residents once a week.

Saint Brigid’s Banquet is committed to providing hot, nutritious meals and hospitality to those in Seattle who are homeless/hungry. Our volunteers cook and serve meals monthly for men aged 50+ who are currently living at St. Martin de Porres shelter, and bi-monthly for teens and young adults served by Teen Feed in the U District. Please consider joining this heart-warming and fun ministry! We welcome all adult volunteers. For times and locations, please contact:

Chris Rigos, crigos33@gmail.com


Hunger Offering

On the second Sunday of every month, the cathedral collects a special offering to support several food programs in the Seattle area. This ministry is currently supporting the following hunger programs: Ballard Food Bank, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Pike Market Food Bank, Immanuel Community Services, Food Bank @ St. Mary’s, and St. Brigid’s Banquet.

Vicky Greenbaum, vgreenbaum1@gmail.com


Lowell Elementary Volunteers

Saint Mark’s has a longstanding partnership with Lowell Elementary School, the nearest public school to the cathedral. Lowell serves Seattle families who are unhoused and has a significant number of medically fragile students. Volunteers serve in a variety of ways depending on the season and stated needs of the school, including tutoring, gardening projects, and after school cooking classes, and the congregation as a whole has generously responded to requests for donations of needed supplies.

Cherie Bradshaw, bradshawcherie@msn.com

Vestry

The Vestry oversees and stewards the cathedral’s finances, facilities and grounds. Membership is comprised of the Dean, the Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia, elected lay parishioners, and Diocesan members who serve from other parishes. Together, they strive to model faithful leadership to prayerfully respond and connect to the ministries of the cathedral community. Elected lay members serve three-year terms. Wardens work alongside the Dean to provide leadership to the Vestry and parish.

Scott Hulet, Senior Warden, seniorwarden@saintmarks.org


Finance Committee

The Finance Committee meets monthly to review the financial statements, monitor the budget, review investments and receive the findings of the annual audit.

Greg Hamm, Junior Warden for Finance, greghamm50@gmail.com


Facilities Committee

The Committee works with Cathedral staff on matters of repair, restoration and preservation of the Cathedral, Cathedral House, Leffler House, the Carriage House, the Deanery and the Cathedral grounds. When necessary, it makes recommendations to the Vestry on project funding.

Scott Kovacs, Junior Warden for Facilities, facilities@saintmarks.org


Stewardship Ministry

The Stewardship Ministry at Saint Mark’s is a faith-based ministry with the core belief that God has gifted us abundantly in every aspect of life. Our mission is to provide opportunities for our community to share experiences and communicate stories in ways that invite each parishioner to cultivate a sacramental relationship between following Jesus Christ and sharing generously of their time, talent, and treasure. We do so with our annual stewardship campaign in the fall and with increased attention throughout the year to reflect upon our gratitude and to celebrate the numerous and imaginative ways we give of our time and spirit.

Chris Rigos, Junior Warden for Stewardship, stewardship@saintmarks.org


20s/30s Group

The 20s/30s group is a vibrant community and vital to the life of Saint Mark’s. Young adults gather regularly to share in food, fellowship, prayer, and conversation. Events and activities integrate community, formation, justice, and play. Look for more information about upcoming gatherings on Sundays and beyond or saintmarks.org/20s30s. For more information, contact:

Emily Meeks, emeeks@saintmarks.org


40s/50s Group

This ministry group offers opportunities to gather in fellowship and community with adults in their 40s/50s. To learn more about future offerings, please contact:

Kristine Ekman, krisekman@aol.com


Queer in Christ (QuiC)

Launched in the spring of 2023, QuiC seeks (1) to connect queer people, allies, and families at Saint Mark’s with each other and with resources both inside and outside the church, (2) to increase the visibility of queer people in all areas of ministry at the cathedral, (3) to create opportunities to explore and learn together in ways that are intergenerational, intersectional, and theologically grounded, including special liturgical offerings, and (4) to honor the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ in the hope of continuing to heal its wounds.

Rose Hazard, queerinchrist@saintmarks.org


Beekeeping Ministry

For several years, Saint Mark’s has kept hives of honeybees on the rooftop of the Cathedral House and elsewhere on the cathedral grounds. Leaders have obtained apprentice certification from the Washington State Master Beekeepers Association, and we are ready to educate any interested community members who wish to participate!

Rob Reid, robreid62@gmail.com


Gardening Ministry

The garden volunteers meet to work on the second Saturday of the month 9 a.m.–noon, from February through November, planting, weeding, composting and making our campus beautiful. Prior gardening experience is not required, only enthusiasm! Bring a water bottle and gloves if you have them.

Norva Osborn, gardening@saintmarks.org


Habitat for Humanity team

Saint Mark’s Volunteers have been working with the local Seattle/King County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity and participating in national and international building projects for over 25 years. Recently, the Saint Mark’s Habitat crew has also been assisting in projects on the cathedral grounds.

Gordon & Jacquelyn Miller, jcmiller31@gmail.com


Saint Mark’s Quilt Ministry

The Saint Mark’s Quilt Ministry is part of the Pastoral Care network. We make quilts for parishioners in times of illness or transition, blessing quilts for staff or parish family departures, quilts to welcome refugee families or other guests, small blankets for parish families welcoming newborns, and other occasions as determined by clergy. We meet in the Carriage House on the third Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. to sew, to be in community and to share a potluck lunch. If you don’t quilt or sew, we have machines and we can teach you. We can also teach you how to tie quilt layers to finish them for giving away.

Sandra Piscitello, quilting@saintmarks.org


Ministry of Worsted Wool

The Ministry of Worsted Wool is a ministry of faith enrichment as your knitting and crocheting talents contribute to our parish and the wider community. Our needlework emphasis has been on the creation of baby blankets for the Refugee Resettlement Office and watch caps for the Seafarers Ministry, and we have recently added a new dimension—prayer shawls to bring comfort to those in need. Bring a brown bag lunch and join us on the first Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-Ins and all skill levels are welcome!

Barbara Erickson, bje46@msn.com


Visual Arts Ministry

The Visual Arts Ministry seeks to create ongoing opportunities for members of our larger community to engage with the visual arts as a medium to explore our diverse relationships to the divine and to one another. Recent exhibits have included Peter Boome’s paintings and lithographs, Virginia Maksymowicz’s stunning Stations of the Cross, the landmark exhibition of work by 31 female artists from the Middle East titled I AM, and several shows in the intimate Hallway Gallery in Cathedral House. Learn more at saintmarks.org/visual-arts, or contact:

Deborah Brown, visualarts@saintmarks.org


Labyrinth Ministry

On New Year’s Eve each year, and on other special occasions, we lay down a giant labyrinth in the nave to give individuals the space to experience the peace, the quiet and the balance that the labyrinth path can bring. And, of course, the cathedral’s outdoor labyrinth is available at any time for a prayerful meditation walk.

Judy Andrews, judy@judithandrewslaw.com


Communications

The Communications Ministry Team oversees the cathedral’s website, social media presence, email communications, livestreamed liturgies and events, videos, print publications (such as informational brochures and The Rubric), signage, and overall visual identity and branding strategy. The committee is always seeking volunteers to help expand this important work.

Gregory Bloch, gbloch@saintmarks.org


A/V Ministry

Volunteers in the A/V Ministry oversee and operate the sound system and the livestream cameras in both the cathedral nave and Bloedel Hall. Anyone with an ear for sound mixing, an eye for camera work, or an interest in in audiovisual technology is encouraged to get involved.

Chris Brown & Michael Seewer, avministry@saintmarks.org


Office Volunteers

Office volunteers spend a few hours each week at the reception desk of the cathedral offices. They are often the first welcome that visitors to the cathedral receive. Other responsibilities include answering the main phone line and directing calls, and other office tasks as needed.

Erik Donner, edonner@saintmarks.org


Counters

The Counters meet weekly to verify the gifts from the offering plate and other donations to the cathedral. The group shares fellowship while providing an important service to the cathedral’s functioning.

Erik Donner, edonner@saintmarks.org


Medical Equipment Resource Center

The Medical Equipment Resource Center has items such as wheelchairs, walkers (two- and four-wheeled), crutches, canes, etc., available for use at no cost. We welcome donations of clean equipment in good working order. The group also restocks first aid boxes located throughout the campus.

Nancy Cleminshaw, ncleminshaw@comcast.net


Pastoral Care Team

Saint Mark’s clergy are glad to offer individual pastoral appointments in person, by phone or over Zoom, whatever life issues or questions are on your mind. We are available to visit and pray with you in the hospital and when desired, administer sacraments including anointing and confession. Call the Pastoral Care Hotline by dialing the main cathedral number at 206.323.0300 and then requesting or dialing extension 100. Leave a message, and the on-call chaplain will respond.

The Rev. Linzi Stahlecker, lstahlecker@saintmarks.org


Senior Living Center Eucharists

Saint Mark’s priests partner with clergy from Epiphany, St. Clement’s, St. Paul’s, and Trinity to offer monthly Eucharists at Skyline, Horizon House, and Mirabella. These services draw both Saint Mark’s members who live in these senior living communities as well as other Episcopalians and spiritual seekers. This nurtures bonds of affection and community with members who find it difficult to attend church on Sunday morning.

The Rev. Canon Linzi Stahlecker, lstahlecker@saintmarks.org


PARTNER & AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS

Alcoholics Anonymous & Al-Anon

Weekly 12-step meetings at the cathedral occur Monday afternoon (Al-Anon) and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings (A.A.). Check the cathedral calendar to learn more: saintmarks.org/events


Bishop's Committee for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land of the Diocese of Olympia

The Episcopal Bishop’s Committee for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land (formerly the Episcopal Bishop’s Committee for Israel/Palestine, or EBCIP) was established in 2000 to support the Episcopal parishes, hospitals, schools and other human service missions in the Diocese of Jerusalem.

By means of education, advocacy and prayer, we are committed to supporting our Christian brothers and sisters in their struggle to survive the social, cultural and economic effects of nearly 50 years of military occupation in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, and to assisting them in their efforts to bring about a just and peaceful resolution of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

As Christians called to fulfill the promise made in our Baptismal Covenant “to strive for justice and peace,” we commit ourselves to join our Jewish, Muslim and Christian sisters and brothers to gain a better understanding of the struggles and hopes for a just peace in Israel/Palestine. We will continue to support the witness and survival of the Anglican and other Christian communities in the Holy Land.

To further our mission we focus on education within the Episcopal Church and public advocacy for the independence of the Palestinian people and the adoption of a viable democratic state, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. In addition, we sponsor youth and adult visitations and exchanges and promote sister-parish relationships between the Dioceses of Olympia and Jerusalem.

Doug Thorpe, Steve Moen, Randy Urmston, holylandjustice@gmail.com


Cathedral Foundation of the Diocese of Olympia

The Cathedral Foundation of the Diocese of Olympia was established in September 1995 as an independent, tax-exempt organization, and became affiliated with the Bishop’s Office of the Diocese of Olympia in 2011. Its mission is to raise and manage capital and endowment funds to preserve and enhance the buildings and grounds of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral. For more information about the Foundation, visit saintmarks.org/foundation

Julia Logan, foundation@saintmarks.org


The Church Council of Greater Seattle

Saint Mark’s Cathedral is an active member of The Church Council of Greater Seattle, which convenes and catalyzes communities and people of faith to bring spiritual commitments of love and reconciliation, peace and justice into the public square. The Church Council is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. With an active and engaged board and a small professional staff, augmented by interns, they bring faith communities and individuals together for the common good of humanity in order to know and understand each other and to eradicate the barriers and boundaries that divide and marginalize. Learn more at: thechurchcouncil.org


Episcopal Relief & Development

ERD is The Episcopal Church’s organization that responds to human suffering around the world. We provide emergency assistance after disasters, rebuild communities, and help children and families move out of poverty. More information can be found at: episcopalrelief.org


Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light

For 30 years, Earth Ministry/WAIPL has been a national leader in engaging the faith community in environmental stewardship and advocacy. The organization was founded in the 1980s at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Earth Ministry/WAIPL transforms faith into action for the well-being of communities and the environment, organizing people of faith to advocate for strong environmental policies and provide strategic guidance to religious communities working toward environmental justice: earthministry.org


Faith Action Network

Saint Mark’s Cathedral is a FAN advocating faith community. FAN is a statewide interfaith advocacy organization through which thousands of people and over 100 faith communities across Washington State partner for the common good, believing that justice work is part of our religious calling. FAN communicates with elected officials about critical social issues and advocates for a more just and sustainable world. fanwa.org

Tom Sunderland, tsunderland@mail.com

Greenbelt Group

The Greenbelt slope to the south and west of the cathedral is an asset to the entire community that has been entrusted to the cathedral. Friends of Saint Mark’s Greenbelt is a unit of the Green Seattle Partnership, which helps maintain and restore the land by removing invasive plants, maintaining the trails and replanting with native vegetation. For information about work parties contact:

Kathy Minsch, kminsch@gmail.com


Mission to Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers locally serves cargo and cruise ship sailors in the Port of Seattle. During cruise ship season, trained volunteers shuttle crew from Pier 91 to and from downtown Seattle so that they can shop for essentials and enjoy being off the ship for a short time. Throughout the year, trained Seafarer chaplains visit cargo ships to provide companionship and spiritual support as well as practical help. Occasionally, Seafarer Missioners conduct church services aboard ship, but always serve as chaplains to sailors of all faiths.

Julia Cooper, office@mts-seattle.org


Northwest Community Bail Fund

The current system of bail is among the most inequitable and unjust aspects of our justice system. Being unable to post bail prior to trial can leave people with a tough choice—either plead guilty to a crime that they may not have committed, or stay in jail for weeks or months. Either choice can impact their job, their shelter/housing and even custody of children.

The Northwest Community Bail Fund began as a ministry of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, but is now an independent 501(c)3, part of the National Bail Fund Network. It provides cash bail for people who are charged with low-level crimes in King and Snohomish Counties and who are unable to pay due to poverty. This allows them to get out of jail during their trial period and defend themselves from a position of freedom. NCBF also collaborates with the Pre-Trial Justice Institute, the ACLU, and stakeholders in Washington State on bail reform to reduce/eliminate the use of bail. nwcombailfund.org


Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center

Based in Carnation, Washington, Oxbow Farm is a non-profit organization that researches and practices regenerative agriculture, grows food and native plants, restores habitats for wildlife, and educates people of all ages about why this is important. Saint Mark’s is partnering with Oxbow’s Farm Share Program by serving as a pick-up point for weekly deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, choristers in the summer choir camp made a field trip to Oxbow to learn about the importance of “good soil” in growing food. Our partnership with Oxbow provides opportunities for youth and adults to explore their roles in the care of creation. oxbow.org


Peter R. Hallock Institute

The Peter R. Hallock Institute, a ministry of the Diocese of Olympia, oversees an archive of the music and papers of Peter R. Hallock and manages the assets of the Institute. The Institute creates editions of Hallock’s unpublished works; advocates, publicizes, and broadens the audience for Hallock’s music; makes small grants to support the performance of his vmusic; and presents workshops and educational symposia focused on Hallock’s music and liturgical innovations and the Compline Choir. hallockinstitute.org

Dr. Jason Anderson, director@hallockinstitute.org


The Threshold Fund

The Saint Mark’s Cathedral Threshold Fund began as an initiative of Saint Mark’s Homeless Advocacy Ministry. It helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing financial assistance with rental deposits and move-in costs, lowering the financial barrier to safe, permanent housing. Qualified recipients receive first and last month’s rent and security deposit— half as an outright gift, half as a loan to be repaid when they are able. Saint Mark’s partners with Catholic Community Services (CCS) to administer the program, which includes case management to ensure those in need obtain the support services from which they will benefit.

The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, sthomason@saintmarks.org