St. Mark is a progressive, spiritual, socially liberal community which honors its mainline Presbyterian heritage, We believe scripture must be interpreted contextually and not literally, and we hold to the conviction that the church must constantly be reforming and reformed in its theology and polity. Our mission is to empower the gifts of each person within our community, so that, individually and together, we can “help the suffering, support the weak, and strengthen the fainthearted.”
St. Mark is a small, creative Christian community of faith with a long history of mission, social activism and progressive theology. Our community values inquiry, study and exploring new ideas. The congregation thrives in active partnership with the pastor while offering a supportive, welcoming environment for visitors, friends, and members alike.
Community
At St. Mark We have a strong sense of being on a journey together. We live out our faith as a community, whether we’re sitting in the pew or living as disciples “out there” in the world. We see ourselves as experiencing God collectively as an unknowable mystery. We evolve and grow, individually, and as a community, by stretching our understanding and search together.
What we believe
We believe in a triune God — experienced as God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and Holy Spirit, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, Wisdom, Word, and Wind. We are aware of many faces of Jesus: The expression of God in human form – fully human and knowing God fully; The Spiritual Leader who challenged and challenges the church’s authority to mediate the relationship between humanity and God; The Savior and Redeemer; Teacher and mentor; Healer; God-With-Us; Friend and companion on our journey. We believe and practice the sacraments of communion and baptism.
How we worship.
In worship we believe that we must confess our sins, privately and corporately, trust in God’s grace and forgiveness, thank and praise God for the good gifts and bounty of life, listen for God’s word and wisdom for the church today, and be equipped to go out and serve as Christ’s disciples.
Worship at St. Mark has a traditional form with ample room for creative expression. Whether following the lectionary or not, our worship is based in Scripture, and is central to our church life. Music, especially the choir, has always been very significant in enhancing the worship experience. Some St. Markers value the communal aspect of sharing prayer concerns openly in the Prayers of the People while others prefer to pray privately. Inclusive language is used in reference to God, but we encourage everyone to use language that best reflects their faith experience.
Our special gifts.
St. Markers are generous, having a deep sense of mission that flows from stewardship and a commitment to social justice. We are a friendly, caring community who enjoy one another; a small congregation which accomplishes much. St. Mark is blessed with a congregation that actively participates in many areas of church life — worship, leadership, education, music, mission and stewardship.
How we live out our faith.
St. Mark is deeply rooted in the Reformed Tradition, and at the same time we see ourselves as progressive. We are affiliated with “More Light Presbyterians,” a body of Presbyterians that works for the full inclusion and leadership of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and trans-gendered persons within our faith communities.
St Mark is proud to announce its participation in The Covenant Network of Presbyterians. The Covenant Network is a broad-based, national group of clergy and lay leaders working for a church that is simultaneously faithful, just, and whole, seeking to support the mission and unity of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in a time of potentially divisive controversy.
Our commitment to “More Light” comes from our understanding of God’s grace and unconditional love for all, and God’s ability to speak through whomever God wishes. We seek enrichment for our community through diversity. St. Mark has been on the cutting edge of Presbyterianism in support of liberal thought and social action.
As we continue our journey …
- St. Markers see our church experience continuing to inspire us to apply the radical teachings of Jesus. We expect the same degree of spirited inquiry, exploration and mentoring that we have known in the past. We expect that God will continue to shed more light from Scripture in revealing God’s self, what is righteousness and what that requires of us.
- St. Markers expect to participate in thanksgiving, confession, and healing in the faith community, and to pass along those things through mission and outreach, as well as hope and celebrations of joy! Qualities we want to keep include maintaining a sense of wonder, creativity, staying “on the edge,” and being enriched by diversity. We expect to be challenged, refreshed, and imperfect.
- St. Markers recognize our need for worship that has vitality, healing, and meaning in itself. We seek sermons that challenge and teach.
- We recognize our need to reach out through evangelism, to continue to reach out through mission, and very importantly, to continue the integration of children of all ages into worship, study, and participation in the community that is St. Mark.
- St. Mark would like to see expanded programs for children and youth, as well as strong adult education classes. We hope to inspire growth and increase diversity. Open communication between the pastor, lay leadership and the congregation as a whole is vital, as is a sense of joy. We struggle to balance our big-hearted and ambitious agenda with the goal of sustaining our energy and enthusiasm.
Source: St. Mark Presbyterian Church.org