OUR MINISTRIES
Ministry is at the very heart of our faith. We believe that God calls us all to ministry, and
ordains us to do it through our Baptism. Here are some of the many ministries that we are called to do here at St. Mark’s
Church.
WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Our regular Sunday worship is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with
sermon at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Choir and organ provide musical leadership for the later service. A nursery is
available for young children at the late service.
SOCIAL MINISTRIES
This committee meets regularly to plan and implement various social ministries in the community.
Ongoing activities include Habitat for Humanity, Food for the Needy, Thanksgiving dinner for
residents of St. Mark’s Terrace, The Closet of Hope,
Thanksgiving and Christmas for the Needy. We are also involved in political advocacy as needed, especially in the areas
of migrant worker’s rights, health care for the poor, mental health care and advocacy in support of the gay and lesbian
community.
St. Mark’s founded St. Mark’s Terrace, a low income independent senior living community with buildings
in Penn Yan and Dundee. Our Pastor is Chair of the Board of St. Mark’s Terrace and members of the congregation
also serve on the board.
Network of Spiritual Progressives – The local chapter of this organization
was founded by members of St. Mark’s and now includes people from a variety of religious denominations as well as those
who consider themselves “spiritual but not religious.” The NSP works to change the way politics and religion
interact in our modern American culture, bringing a progressive/liberal religious and spiritual perspective to political and
social issues.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
MINISTRIES
A weekly Study Group meets every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30-5:00. The Study Group engages
in a variety of learning activities including book studies, and DVD and video presentations on a variety of topics.
Adult Forums are held periodically throughout the year on issues
of interest to the congregation.
Periodically, we offer an Inquirer’s Class
for those new to St. Mark’s and/or the Episcopal Church, and for those seeking confirmation or reception into the Episcopal
church.
HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
One of the many ways that we live out the Good News of God in Christ is to extend welcome and hospitality to those
who are gathered. Each Sunday our Hospitality Committee provides a coffee hour time for us to visit with each other
after worship. We also provide hospitality to visitors, to special events, and in times of need.
PASTORAL
CARE MINISTRY
When people aren’t able to be connected to the Church on a regular basis, the Pastoral
Care Committee helps to make that connection stay vital. We provide phone calls, visits and cards for those who are
not able to leave their homes. We take Communion to those unable to come to Church. And we help keep our community
stay informed about how each other is doing. Our priest also takes time to assist in providing this kind of care to
parishioners and those in the community who would like it.
STEWARDSHIP
MINISTRY
Believing that all that we have is a gift from God is central to our faith journey at St. Mark’s
Church. To that end, our Stewardship Committee helps remind us of the need to continually offer our thanks to God, and
to give back to God a portion of our time, our energies, and our resources. At St. Mark’s Church we like to be
honest about the fact that it takes a great deal of time, talent and money to keep our ministries going, so from time to time
we remind each other of that reality, and always give thanks to God for all the gifts of life that we enjoy.
YOUTH MINISTRY
St. Mark’s runs a diocesan youth camp every year during the last week of June. Creation Week Camp serves approximately
65 young people each year providing an experience of spiritual community and arts education. The young people who attend
Creation Camp sing its praises and return year after year.
Gay Straight Alliance – The young people of St. Mark’s
organized a Gay Straight Alliance which is made up of young people from the middle and high schools in Penn Yan. They
meet monthly for support and organize social events for teens in the community, reaching out particularly to GLBT teens.
They have also marched in the Rochester Gay Pride Parade for several years with the contingent from the Diocese of Rochester
that marches each year.
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WHAT IS YOUR MINISTRY?
We welcome you to join us in any of these ministries, and to work with us in other ministries to which you feel you are
called. Won’t you consider St. Mark’s Church as your spiritual home? We want you to feel welcomed
here, and we want to share with you in the Baptismal work of ministry.
