Pride Month is gearing up, as we make plans for the big festival at the end of the month. You can get involved in our Pride activities in these ways:

* Help Paint Our Steps! With the rainy weather we've had, we're still looking for a nice, dry day to transform our Cathedral steps to reflect the colorful progress Pride flag. If you can help, please let us know! Send an email to Dave Burke at burke.davidallan@gmail.com to add your name to our painting crew and to tell us when you're available. We will finalize a painting date based on volunteer availability.

* Be a Part of Our Outdoor Hospitality Team! During Pride Weekend, June 28th and 29th, thousands of people from the Twin Cities will be visiting, passing by, or parking their cars at Saint Mark's. It's a great opportunity to provide a welcome, assist with questions, share information about the cathedral, or to simply be present as a listener. Our Outdoor Hospitality would love your help, and you can choose the date and time that works best for you. Signing up is quick and easy with our online form: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080844ADAA2AA5FE3-57126190-pride#/). We hope you'll be a part of it!

* March with EMCN in the Pride Parade! Members of EMCN parish churches across the Twin Cities will gather together to represent the Episcopal Church in a powerful way on Sunday morning, June 29th. To be part of this important demonstration of love and support in action, please email Dave Burke at burke.davidallan@gmail.com to reserve your spot. It promises to be an amazing day!

* Visit the Love is Love - A Queer Collective exhibit in the Saint Mark's gallery. This year's Pride exhibit celebrates and upholds five artists from the LGBTQIA community: Mikhayl Aleman, Venus de Mars, Jim Dryden, CL Martin and Jay Nuhring.

This body of artwork challenges the metaphorical collision of faith, gender, and resilience – finding identity, purpose and acceptance through the process of creating and discovering beauty that comes from the struggles of existing in a body and mind that challenges norms.

Some of the art carries weight, while other pieces are weightless. Some of the art is boldly organized and colorful, while other pieces inhabit a kind of suspended stillness. All speak to survival, recognition, protection for their community and above all - love.

Love is Love – A Queer Collective is on display now through August 15, with an artist reception June 29 at 5 pm immediately following the 4 pm Pride Service. Please plan to attend and meet the artists!

*Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra

MPO is joining us again on Friday night at 7:30pm with Love Letters!

A prince's love breaks a sorcerer's curse. A Vietnamese son writes letters to his mother, who cannot read, exploring their fraught family history and unfolding the relationship with his first love. A Finnish composer protests censorship of the press through what would become a second national anthem for his liberated nation. The MPO's Pride concert shares stories about courageous love for person and country.

Tickets are valued at $25, but are sold on a pay-what-you-can basis. Whether that is $5 or $35, your donation at checkout enables us to share in the music together, and your generosity makes this important source of connection available to all.

Tickets available online at https://www.aplos.com/aws/events/minnesota_philharmonic_pride_event

*Parking

Please remember that parking is available first come, first serve on Saturday and Sunday (after 11am) for $20/vehicle.  Proceeds will support our Youth Groups and will help to fund upcoming pilgrimages.  Please come and support our youth!