Programs
Education
At St. Mark there is always room for questions and imagination. Children, youth, and adults continue to grow in their faith and in their understanding of what it means to live as followers of Christ as they learn about faith stories and experiences in a context that is safe, open, and adventuresome.
At present our children ages 4-12 gather together in a “One Room School House” environment with adult teachers during the second half of worship to read stories about God and Jesus and wonder together about how we are to care for each other in this world. Children and youth are an integral part of our opening worship time and are then given the option of remaining in worship or attending children’s activities.
After worship there are occasional opportunities for adults to gather and learn from a guest scholar about subjects such as environmentalism, biblical studies, or justice and political issues. Adult workshops lasting four to six weeks are scheduled two or three times each year. We are especially inspired and enlightened when we join with our Jewish friends from P’nai Or to study a topic and explore how the “Roots and Branches” of our two faith traditions are entwined.
Music
St. Mark has a strong music tradition that adds to our experience of worship. Our choir is open to all levels of singers and even those who would like to learn to sing. We sing a wide variety of music carefully chosen to suit the voicing of the choir. We always welcome new members. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:30, then the choir gathers at 9:30 Sundays for final preparation of the anthem. Our Choir Director, Carol Stewart-Smith, makes learning and singing together fun and inspiring.
Our worship experience begins at 10:00 am each Sunday. A wonderful baby grand piano accompanies our singing together and our choral anthems. Congregational members participate actively in our worship reading scripture and often presenting inspirational messages. Our pastor’s reflections always include time for congregational participation and responses to her non-rhetorical questions.
