May the true light, which enlightens everyone, bring you peace and joy this Christmas! 

Christmas blessings from Saint Mark’s, Locust Street.

The Christmas card art was painted by parishioner Max Woolley, and depicts the animals of the nativity celebrating the Incarnation in the holy Eucharist. Above, on the rood beam, the Virgin Mary holds the baby Jesus at the foot of what is at once the cross, the tree of life, and the branch of Jesse. The tree bares for us mysterious but not unfamiliar fruit. And as usual, a few of the parish’s favorite pets join the feast.

Parish Office and Mass Schedule for Christmastide,

December 26 through January 5

The Parish Office will operate on a reduced schedule in observance of Christmas. During Christmastide, there will be 10 a.m. Low Mass each weekday and on Saturday during this period, with the observances of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr on December 26, Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist on December 27, and the Holy Innocents on December 28. All regularly scheduled programming, including Morning and Evening Prayer, will not take place. Sunday, December 29 is the First Sunday after Christmas and we will keep the regular Sunday morning schedule of 8, 9, and 11 a.m. Sunday, January 5 is the Second Sunday of Christmas with the regular Mass schedule in the morning and Solemn Evensong & Benediction for the Eve of the Epiphany with Blessing of Chalk at 4 p.m. The full liturgical schedule and office hours will resume on Monday, January 6.

Advent at Saint Mark's

We hope that you will plan to join us through out Advent for liturgies and events during this season of preparation.

Advent 1, December 1

Advent Wreath Making for Families with children, December 1 at 10 a.m.
Families and children will gather during the 10 a.m. formation time to create your very own family Advent wreath with fresh greens.

Choral Evensong & Benediction, December 1 at 4 p.m.
Join us for a sung liturgy of prayers, scripture, and music sung by the Parish Choir and the Saint Mark’s Singers. The Canticles will be the Evening Service in D by George Dyson, the anthem will How Lovely are the Messengers by Felix Mendelssohn, along with music of Richard Shephard and Malcolm Archer.

Advent 2, December 8

Advent Procession of Lessons & Carols, December 8 at 4 p.m.
A service of scripture, carols, and hymns, the Procession of Advent Lessons & Carols provides an opportunity for stillness and calm through music, prayer, and candlelight, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Sung by the Parish Choir and Boy & Girl Choristers, the service includes music of Richard Marlow, Judith Bingham, Benjamin Britten, Joanna Forbes L’estrange, Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Parsons, William McKie, and Paul Manz. All are invited to an Open House immediately following in the Rectory.

Advent Clean-up Day, Saturday, December 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join fellow parishioners for a time of cleaning and sprucing up the church in preparation for the Christmas season. Come and roll your sleeves up as we bring tidings of tidiness! Lunch will be provided.

Advent 3, December 15

An Advent Pageant presented by the children of the parish at 4 p.m.

The children of the parish will perform in a pageant telling the story of Advent (not Christmas)! This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family to witness the theatrical talents of the youngest members of the parish. This year’s pageant will feature a new script!

Messiah Sing-Along, Saturday, December 21 at 2 p.m.
This is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. You will get the chance to sing favorite choruses from Handel’s Messiah, as well as hear the talents of our choirs’ singers in some of the oratorio’s most famous arias. A festive reception will follow for fellowship! Entrance: $20 suggested donation, $10 printed choral score for purchase. 

Advent 4, December 22 

Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, December 22 at 1 p.m.
Come and hear the Boys & Girls Choir, accompanied by harp, sing this treasure of the Christmas choral repertoire following High Mass.

Messiah Sing-Along

Come and Sing Messiah, Saturday, December 21 at 2 p.m.

This is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. You will get the chance to sing favorite choruses from Handel’s Messiah, as well as hear the talents of our choirs’ singers in some of the oratorio’s most famous arias. A festive reception will follow for fellowship! Entrance: $20 suggested donation, $10 printed choral score for purchase. 

Season of Stewardship 2024

Saint Mark’s Stewardship Committee is thrilled to invite you to embark on a unique and meaningful pilgrimage of faith this stewardship season. The pilgrimage will center around intentional prayers for Saint Mark’s: its place in our lives, our neighborhood, the church, and the world, and how we can be good stewards of its legacy and future. 

Plan to join us on Commitment Sunday, November 17, when we will celebrate the annual renewal of our financial commitment to Saint Mark’s.

Saint Mark's Summer Camp

Choir & Music Camp - July 22-26, 2024

Schola - Ages 3-7

Daily from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Spend a week with professional musicians, teachers, and faithful volunteers, exploring the wonders of music. The week includes voice lessons, Bible stories, games, craft projects, and more. Lunch and snacks provided. Extended care 8-9:30 a.m. for additional fee.

Early registration by July 1: $60
Regular registration after July 1: $75

Choir Camp - Ages 7 +

Daily from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Experience award-winning choral training in the English cathedral tradition for girls & boys with unchanged voices along with other fun children’s activities. Lunch and snacks provided. Extended care from 8-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m. for additional fee.

Early registration by July 1: $175
Regular registration after July 1: $225