About the Program

Before the busyness of the winter and holiday season begins, let us gather as one community to ground ourselves in the story and gifts of Advent. Join the Ignatian Spirituality Center and Seattle First Baptist for the annual Advent Evening of Prayer – a contemplative evening of ecumenical prayer, poetry, dance, music, reflection, and silence. Co-sponsored with Seattle First Baptist Church.

Presenters John Malcomson and Betsey Beckman will lead the evening embracing the theme “Finding Our Space to Receive”. Open your heart and experience Betsey’s Annunciation Dance with music composed by Laura Ash (Director of Music, St. Joseph Church), and be led on a grace-filled journey through a rich reflection and contemplation led by John. This evening is sure to create a new space within you to receive the gifts of the Advent season!

SFBC has enacted numerous COVID protocols to keep the community as safe as possible. All are strongly encouraged vaccination for those who wish to attend in person, and masks are encouraged but not required. The balconies are mask-required and sitting there is an excellent way to get maximum social distancing if needed.

parking

Free parking is available at Harvard Market Parking Garage (1401 Broadway, Seattle). The lot entrance is on Broadway just north of the Seneca/Broadway intersection. The entrance gate system is currently out of order. Simply park in the lower garage and sign in at the front doors when you get to the church. This will allow us to have a count so we can pay the garage. Parking is in the UNDERGROUND lot only. Once parked, take the elevator to the top floor and walk towards Harvard. For questions, contact darren@seattlefirstbaptist.org

COST

This is a will be a sliding-scale, donation-based program.  Please donate as much or little as you are able. Thank you!

Suggested donation: $10

Spread the Word

Click here for a printable flyer.

About the presenters

John Malcomson was encouraged from a young age to follow his own path to the sacred by his father (an American Baptist minister and academic). Traveling and living in Asia for a number of years helped him integrate the deep wisdom practices of Buddhism and Christianity in order to further develop his understanding, ground his faith, and connect with people of many cultural backgrounds. John was ordained as a Zen Buddhist minister in the tradition of the Vietnamese teacher Thich Nhat Hanh (TNH) in 2017, and has participated in the leadership of his current TNH sangha, the Mindfulness Community of Puget Sound. He has engaged with compassionate end-of-life care, completing a certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy with the Upaya Zen Center, and is pursuing his vocation as an Interfaith Hospital/Hospice Chaplain including studying first with the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University, and now with Claremont School of Theology (MDiv). John's experiences of service in local nonprofits and higher education has helped him understand the importance of practicing humility while finding ways to offer and develop skillful means that create space for empowerment and connection. He is the Coordinator for the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University. John is a longtime member of Seattle First Baptist Church and is pursuing ordination as an American Baptist minister. He lives in Seattle, WA with his partner Heidi.

About the musicians

Laura Ash served as music director at St. Patrick Catholic Church for over 30 years where, with Betsey Beckman, she collaborated in supporting dynamic and artful liturgies for their beloved community. During this time, Laura and her husband, David also composed and published three albums of liturgical music. This summer, at the closing of St. Patrick Parish, Laura published her first CD of original songs uplifting women’s voices through the ages: She is Remembered.  Laura is now living into her new position of Music Director at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  You can find her music at www.lauradavidash.bandcamp.com.

Born in Tacoma, WA, Christian J. Broughton was reluctant for many years to learn the art of organ playing. Though he grew up hearing a number of great pipe organs, he was content to keep his musical training focused on the piano. He began his studies in piano at age 5 in the Suzuki program at the University of Puget Sound, eventually studying in more traditional methods with Annette Klover and later JoAnn Geller in Rome, NY. It was not until he started his studies at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester that he finally gave in to learning a second keyboard instrument. There, he studied organ with Dr. Dianne Maynard-Christensen, piano with Julie Runion, and graduated in 2012 with a B.S. in Graphic Design and Photography with a minor in music. He then went on to become Director of Music at Zion Episcopal Church in Rome, NY, and began what became 7 important years of organ study with Steve Best in Utica. In 2016, he additionally took on the role of organist and choir director at First Baptist, Rome. From 2017 to 2022, he served as Director of Music at Christ Church, Episcopal in Cooperstown, NY. Moving back home to the Pacific Northwest this past August, he has now taken on the dual roles of Organist and Communications Manager at Seattle First Baptist Church.

QUESTIONS?

Call (206) 329-4824 or email Maria Ochoa Vazquez, ISC Program Coordinator. 

Sponsored by Ignatian Spirituality Center and Seattle First Baptist Church.