WELCOME TO ST MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH!
We welcome everyone to our services, whether you are an Episcopalian, a member of another denomination or perhaps have never attended a church before.
MAY I SIT ANYWHERE?
The seating at St. Mark's is not reserved. We always have seats for our visitors. We have, however, noticed that children are most likely to follow the actions of the service if they are close enough to see it. There is a large soft space in the front pew with quiet toys that gives families with small children a place to experience worship together. We are glad you are here to worship with us!
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE SERVICE?
On Sundays, our ushers will give you a printed order of service or bulletin. We follow the service in the Book of Common Prayer, noted in the bulletin as BCP, and participate audibly in the people's responses, including the "Amen" at the end of each prayer. Music is either printed, or the hymn number is listed in the bulletin. The BCP (red book) and 1982 Hymnal (blue book) are in the pew racks. Members of the congregation will be glad to help you follow along, and you may stand, sit, and kneel with the congregation, as you feel comfortable. We stand for the Gospel, sit to hear the other lessons, sermon, and announcements, and stand or kneel to pray.
MAY I TAKE COMMUNION?
Any Christian who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is welcome to take Communion regardless of age. Both the consecrated bread and wine are offered to all. Others are invited to the railing to receive a blessing. We receive the bread in our hands and respond with "Amen". After consuming the bread, we receive the cup, guiding it to our lips for a small taste of consecrated wine. Some prefer to receive the wine by Intinction (dipping). To do this, hold the bread in the palm of your hand and the chalice bearer will intinct the bread and place it on your tongue.
HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT CHRISTIANITY?
You can begin to learn about your Christian faith by becoming involved in our church. As you make friends here, you will experience Christianity in action. You will also have opportunities to ask questions. Small group meetings, Bible Study, and Adult Formation are particularly good ways to understand our faith. As you spend time with us, you will realize that Christianity is more than a religious system of moral rules. It is a spiritual way of living as we are called to represent Christ and his church to the world. Together as a community, we practice our faith by praying and worshipping, proclaiming the Gospel, and promoting justice, peace, and love through our combined ministries. In this way we grow individually and corporately in our spiritual life and our understanding of what it means to be a Christian.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. MARK'S?
When you worship with us, you are encouraged to fill out the visitors' card in your pew and place it in the offering plate or sign the visitors' book in the foyer. After each Sunday Service, there is fellowship in the parish hall and we hope you will join us. We want you to have a chance to meet our priest and members. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. We are glad you are here!
HOW CAN I JOIN ST. MARK'S?
Join us for worship on a regular basis, participate in parish life and ministries as God calls you, and support St. Mark's through your time, talent, and treasure. If you have questions about your faith or transferring your membership, our priest will be glad to talk with you.
WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT ST. MARK'S?
• Nursery care on Sundays from 8:45 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
• Church School for children and Youth
• The Sunday Formation Series for Adults
• Prayer Shawl Ministry
• Adult Education
• Spiritual growth opportunities
• Adult Choir
• Outreach work
• Weekday Bible study
• Worship participants (Acolytes, etc.)
• Special events as announced