What do worship services look like at St. Mark’s?
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 musician 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.
What do I wear?
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.
What do kids do on Sunday Mornings at St. Mark’s?
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, that way you will have plenty of time to find your way around. Children join their families for the latter part of the service.
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 with other area Episcopal churches. 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.
Where do I park?
Parking is available on the street or in the municipal parking lot at the northwest corner of Downer and Park. Street parking on the surrounding blocks is free on Sundays.
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. An entrance accessible to strollers and wheelchairs is located just to the left of the main doors.
Who may receive Holy Communion at St. Mark’s?
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.
After the Worship Service
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 at the back of the church. All guests are welcome to stay for Coffee Hour; it is a great opportunity to get to know others at St. Mark’s.
What if I have questions when I arrive?
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 Sunday School classroom and restroom. 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.