Growing in Grace
St. Mark's is a place of welcome for all people - no exceptions! We've had people ask us what's here for their kids, their parents, their friends. St. Mark's has specific programs for children, youth, and adults to help you explore your "growing edges," try out new ministries and form meaningful bonds with fellow pilgrims in the faith.
Christian Formation
Formation is a life-long journey of faith, including Sunday School, evening and seasonal activities, trips and fellowship. The Church is a place for new ideas, resources and friends to support and challenge us as we "press on in the upward call of Christ Jesus."
Sunday School Classes for all ages are offered at 10 AM September - May. Classes meet in the Parish Hall & Fellowship Center on the lower level.
For Toddler & Elementary Ages
Classes for Toddler-fifth grade are grouped according to age and ability. Children are taught Bible stories, lessons to apply to life and enjoy making new friends.
For Middle Youth
Middle School Youth meet together as they begin to apply lessons of faith to daily life. Students may take part in fun activities, community service and mission trips.
For High School Youth
High School Youth have their own class where they are encouraged to ask questions, explore the edges of faith and take steps to become mature Christians on their own. We provide opportunities for them to attend retreats, diocesan events and mission trips. (See below.)
For Adults
We provide a wide variety of offerings on Sunday mornings at 10 AM. Check "What's happening now" for the latest subjects. The Rector leads a Bible study on Thursday mornings at 11 AM in the McKinley Center, to discuss the Sunday lessons. From time to time we offer an evening Bible study. But there's more! See below...
Sunday School Classes for all ages are offered at 10 AM September - May. Classes meet in the Parish Hall & Fellowship Center on the lower level.
For Toddler & Elementary Ages
Classes for Toddler-fifth grade are grouped according to age and ability. Children are taught Bible stories, lessons to apply to life and enjoy making new friends.
For Middle Youth
Middle School Youth meet together as they begin to apply lessons of faith to daily life. Students may take part in fun activities, community service and mission trips.
For High School Youth
High School Youth have their own class where they are encouraged to ask questions, explore the edges of faith and take steps to become mature Christians on their own. We provide opportunities for them to attend retreats, diocesan events and mission trips. (See below.)
For Adults
We provide a wide variety of offerings on Sunday mornings at 10 AM. Check "What's happening now" for the latest subjects. The Rector leads a Bible study on Thursday mornings at 11 AM in the McKinley Center, to discuss the Sunday lessons. From time to time we offer an evening Bible study. But there's more! See below...
Confirmation/New Member's Class
Confirmation classes (also called Inquirer's Classes) are offered each year. They begin in late Winter and extend 10 weeks into the early spring. Confirmation is for older youth and adults who wish to make a public declaration of their faith, or for newcomers to the Episcopal Church who want to learn about what it means to be an Episcopalian. At the end of the class, confirmands are presented to our Bishop for a special blessing and recognition. Contact the Church office 301-582-0417 for more information.
The Youth Group
St. Mark's Youth Group is comprised of youth from 8th-12th grades. Our focus is on Encountering God, Reaching Out and Having Fun!
"Youth group is more than just a group of friends, it is a support group."
"Youth group is more than just a group of friends, it is a support group."
Encountering God
Our Youth Group uses a variety of methods to focus on God's presence including videos and movies. Conversations include Biblical truths such as forgiveness, compassion, empathy, love and outreach. We open our group meetings with sharing of "God Moments", when we felt or saw God's presence in our lives or witnessed it in the lives of others.
"I have learned that there is nothing you could ever do to make God stop loving you." Annie B.
"I have learned that there is nothing you could ever do to make God stop loving you." Annie B.
Reaching Out
Our Youth Group is also very active with outreach activities which help us share God's love. Each year the youth participate in various activities to raise funds for local charities, and learn to volunteer in the community. The Summer Workcamp trip is a much anticipated highlight of each year.
"Workcamp is the best thing I have ever done in my whole life." -- John L.
"Workcamp is the best thing I have ever done in my whole life." -- John L.
Having Fun
Our youth come from schools all over the County and enjoy being together. Specific "fun activities" include camping trips, white water rafting, and all night lock-ins. We've gone to the Nightwatch lock-in at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, and sent members to our Diocesan Convention.
"Youth Group is awesome!" Elie N.
The Youth Group at St. Mark's is a vital, thriving group of fun-loving, caring, compassionate kids. We encourage you to join us! For more information, contact Jennifer Drake or Tammy Fraser.
"Youth Group is awesome!" Elie N.
The Youth Group at St. Mark's is a vital, thriving group of fun-loving, caring, compassionate kids. We encourage you to join us! For more information, contact Jennifer Drake or Tammy Fraser.
For Adults...
Members of the Lydia Guild display a quilt
We have groups for both men and women at St. Mark's, plus many inter-generational activities
- St. Mark's Men's Group meets monthly for breakfast, study and prayer, and meets for breakfast once a month at a local restaurant.
- Daughters of the King is an international order for women in the Episcopal Church who are dedicated to prayer and service
- The Lydia Guild is a daytime women's group which gathers monthly for fellowship and outreach activities
- Older Adults enjoy the mid-week Eucharist, followed by lunch at a local restaurant, and the weekly Bible study led by the Rector.
- Our Parish Nurses assist us with wellness and health information, including a Senior's Day, and regular blood pressure screenings.