FAQs

We offer several different services from quiet contemplation to lively and musical. On Sundays, the 8 a.m. service is a simple, spoken service and the 10 a.m. service is lively and full of music.

Enter through the red doors on Hackett. You will receive a worship bulletin as you enter the church. 

At the 8 a.m. Eucharist, you’ll use the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. If this is new to you, don’t worry; we’ll help you through the service until you’re comfortable. 

Our in-person Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. consists of music, praying, listening to scripture, a sermon, and Holy Communion. On most Sundays, September through May, the St. Mark’s choir sings. Our Music Director plays the organ and the piano, and worship services often feature other musicians as well. The worship bulletin includes all readings and congregational responses. The bulletin also contains instructions for when the congregation sits, stands, and kneels. Some of the music will be printed in the worship bulletin. Other music will be in the blue Hymnal 1892 found in the pews. The hymn number is printed in the bulletin.

Some churches have a particular style when it comes to what’s expected on Sunday mornings. On any given Sunday at St. Mark’s, you’ll see a bit of everything. Some people wear jeans and some people dress up a bit. We’ll be glad to welcome you, no matter how you’re dressed.

Children are always welcome to attend worship services at St. Mark’s. During the school year, we have Sunday School for children in grades pre-K through 5, which meets at the same time as the Sunday service. We recommend arriving at St. Mark’s about 10 minutes early if you are dropping children at nursery or Sunday School, that way you will have plenty of time to find your way around. Children join their families for the latter part of the service. We have a room furnished as a nursery and you may use this room for babies and small children.

During the summer months when Sunday School does not meet, children are invited to participate in Summer Stories during the first part of the service.

Older youth (6th grade and higher) are invited to participate in our youth group program. Youth are also welcome to participate in the Sunday morning service.

Please contact the parish office for more details regarding youth programs at St. Mark’s.

St. Mark’s has a small parking lot located just past the church on Hackett Avenue. The lot is open to St. Mark’s guests and members on Sunday mornings. An entrance accessible to strollers and wheelchairs is located at the back right side of the parking lot as one drives in. A bike rack is available in the parking lot. Street parking on the surrounding blocks is free on Sunday, and additional parking can be found for a nominal fee in the lot at the corner of Downer Avenue and Belleview Place. The large red doors on Hackett Avenue serve as the main entrance to the worship space, and you will find a place to hang your coat just inside.

We celebrate Holy Communion each Sunday at St. Mark’s. In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians may receive Holy Communion, no matter your church or denomination. Children, also, are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you are not yet baptized but would like to join the rest of the congregation at the altar rail when it is time to take Communion, simply cross your arms over your chest, and the priest will offer a prayer of blessing. If you are interested in learning more about the sacrament of baptism, please let the priest know. Gluten-free wafers are available; simply let the priest know at the railing.

Following the service, the priest greets people at the rear of the church. In addition, the St. Mark’s community gathers for refreshments and conversation outside or in the Parish Hall, located next to the worship space. All guests are welcome to stay for Coffee Hour; it is a great opportunity to get to know others at St. Mark’s.

When you enter the worship space, one of the St. Mark’s ushers will greet you. The ushers will hand you a worship leaflet that contains the information that you will need in order to participate in the service. The ushers can also assist you with finding the nursery, Sunday School classrooms, and restrooms. The ushers assist worshippers during the service by taking up a collection (don’t worry, there’s no expectation that guests will drop something in the offering plate), and guide people as they receive Holy Communion.