Morning Prayer
2026-06-16 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-17 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-18 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-22 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-23 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-24 08:00 - 08:30, 2026-06-25 08:00 - 08:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
All are welcome for morning prayers in the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Scripture Discussion: Revelation for Normal People
2026-06-16 19:00 - 20:30
Starting in November, the Scripture Discussion group will be reading and discussing Revelation.
We read aloud passages of Scripture and then have discussions following Study Guide materials. All are welcome; no prior Scripture background is needed,
The group meets every-other week in the Kennedy Room (or the Library) on Tuesday Evenings 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Contact Ken Bencala [kenbnc@hotmail.com] for more information.
For our discussions we will be using the Study Guide Revelation for Normal People: A Guide to the Strangest and Most Dangerous Book in the Bible by Robyn J. Whitaker
It has never been more important to read Revelation well. Whether you love it, hate it, or avoid it like the plague, the last book of the Bible’s influence permeates our cultural, political, and religious landscapes. From the so-bad-they’re…still bad actually…Left Behind series, to conspiracy theories about microchips and barcodes, to all-too-real political discourse and actions, John’s visions in Revelation reach far beyond anything their ancient author could have imagined. But what did John imagine? Who was he writing for and why? And what’s the deal with all the hideous horned beasts? Join New Testament scholar Robyn Whitaker as she uncovers the real-world contexts behind this ancient apocalyptic text. A world occupied by an oppressive empire, a marginalized people, and a God committed to justice. Where a beast overthrown was a declaration of authority and a falling star was a statement of evil’s demise. Where symbols gave voice to resistance and visions provided a glimpse of hope. A world utterly and entirely ancient. Only when we understand Revelation’s ancient contexts can we begin to find meaning from it for our own.

Men's Breakfast
2026-06-17 07:00 - 08:00
The Men’s Breakfast is open to all men of St. Mark’s. We meet every other Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. in the Parish Library. We typically choose a book to discuss based on a consensus of what’s on the minds of our members. Breakfast is truly spirit driven with folks bringing what they like, or nothing but themselves…all are welcome! Lively and open discussion are always on the menu.

Centering Prayer
2026-06-17 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-19 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-06-24 08:30 - 09:30, 2026-06-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Kennedy Room – St. Marks, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, California, 94306
Gather to spend time with God in quiet communion and Centering Prayer

Palo Alto Kendo Dojo
2026-06-17 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-06-24 19:00 - 21:30
Kendo is a Japanese martial art descended from kenjutsu, the traditional sword practice of the samurai. Centuries ago, practitioners developed the shinai (training sword) and kendo-gu (protective equipment) to allow for full-speed practice without the risk of injury. Modern kendo continues this tradition while incorporating a competitive sporting aspect.

If you are interested in joining, we encourage you to observe one of our practices. This will provide an opportunity to learn more about kendo and our dojo’s specific approach to training.

Please contact us ahead of time to schedule your visit at info@paloaltokendo.org. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Choir Rehearsal
2026-06-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-06-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Sanctuary, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Taoist Tai Chi
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00
Taoist Tai Chi introductory sessions are held at St. Mark’s Palo Alto in the Parish Hall every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Beginners are welcome to join a Taoist Tai Chi™ arts introductory sessions at any time. Group leaders will guide you through the practice which is part of an ancient tradition dating back to the 13th century. Read their Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.

Justice Vanguard’s 7th Annual Juneteenth Festival
2026-06-20 11:30 - 17:00 | Hillview Park in Los Altos, 97 Hillview Avenue, Los Altos, CA, 94022
Justice Vanguard’s Kenan Moos will have joined us once again at St. Mark’s on Sunday, June 14 at the 10:00 liturgy – and St. Markers are invited to enjoy, and celebrate, and show St. Mark’s support for Juneteenth at Hillview Park in Los Altos, on Saturday June 20th from 11:30 AM 5:00 PM It’s a day of art, music, food, speeches, dancers, and vendors. The event is free for everyone to celebrate progress, joy, and connections between communities.
Click here for more information

8 a.m. Liturgy in Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene
2026-06-21 08:00 - 09:30, 2026-06-28 08:00 - 09:30 | Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
Join us for a spoken 8:00 a.m. service from the Book of Common Prayer held in the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene.

10 a.m. Liturgy
2026-06-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Sanctuary, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Episcopal Impact Fund Forum
2026-06-21 11:00 - 12:00
The June 21 Forum will be offered by Canon for Social Ministries Christina Alvarez, who is Executive Director of Episcopal Impact Fund with Peter Kidder (former Board member of EIF). Come learn about EIF’s work throughout the Bay Area and the impact that this important ministry is having. Contribute to EIF’s work here.

Good Reads Book Club
2026-06-25 16:00 - 17:00
Starting this spring and into the summer, the St. Mark’s Good Reads group will be reading and discussing Fatal Discord: Erasmus, Luther, and the Fight for the Western Mind by Michael Massing. The group meets every-other week via Zoom on Thursday afternoons. 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Contact Marie Highby [ mhighby@gmail.com ] for more information and Zoom link!

About the book:

A deeply textured dual biography and fascinating intellectual history that examines two of the greatest minds of European history—Desiderius Erasmus and Martin Luther—whose heated rivalry gave rise to two enduring, fundamental, and often colliding traditions of philosophical and religious thought.

“A masterly work. Massing manages to juggle the complicated biographies and life work of both Erasmus and Luther while giving the reader a well-written, comprehensive background of pre-Reformation theology.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An impressive, powerful intellectual history. . . A riveting dual biography [that] reveals the social, political, and religious tensions roiling 16th-century Europe. Massing focuses on the well-known rivalry between the Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus and the German reformer Martin Luther to create a majestic, deeply informed portrait of their tempestuous times.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

James Welch Organ Recital
2026-06-26 19:30 - 21:30
Friday, June 26, 7:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Organist Emeritus James Welch will perform a recital of masterworks by Johann Sebastian Bach, featuring several of Bach’s most famous organ compositions, including the Prelude in C major (9/8), Jig Fugue in G major, Trio Sonata in E-flat major, Concerto in G major, and Komm heiliger Geist from the 18 Leipzig Chorales, as well as the six Schübler Chorales. Admission is free (donations gratefully received); a reception follows.

Special “Spread the Chips” B&G Workday
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Labyrinth Patio, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
Saturday June 27 is the Building and Grounds Commission special workday, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will focus on spreading wood chips, especially in the Memorial Garden and the Courtyard. Any amount of time you can give is appreciated. Many thanks in advance for your help from the Building and Grounds Commission. Questions? Contact Mary Murphy (mkemur@yahoo.com) or Marius Milner (mariusm@gmail.com)

Pride Parish Read Book Discussion
2026-06-28 11:30 - 12:30
During the forum hour on June 28, we will discuss our parish read for Pride month, From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ by Patrick Cheng. Join us for a discussion of the book on June 28th at our regular forum hour.

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve Hike
2026-06-28 12:00 - 15:00 | St. Mark’s Parking Lot, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
St. Mark’s is planning a tour of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (‘Ootchamin ‘Ooyakma) on Sunday, June 28. We will leave from St. Mark’s as a group at noon and return about 3pm. Our tour of Jasper Ridge will last 2.0-2.5 hours, covering 1.0 to 2.5 miles on trails and gravel roads. Folks with limited mobility are welcome to join – there is quite a bit to learn and see at the field station and you are welcome to do art, play cards, or take time for contemplative practice while others hike. (Just a heads up: we may encounter ticks, rattlesnakes, poison oak, and other things most people in the Bay Area don’t worry about on a daily basis.)
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