Special combined service

As 2018 draws to a close, we will worship together in one combined 10 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 30.

The congregation of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant will join us for a service of lessons and carols, worship and Holy Communion.

All are welcome to join in as we worship our Lord, giving thanks for his provision and looking to the new year with hope and confidence in him.

‘Compass Team’ starts work on strategic plan

Compass

A new team at St. Mark’s has started work on a strategic plan for our congregation, which has served the north Wilmington area for more than 75 years.

The team is working with Pastor Scott Maxwell and Jim LaDoux of the Vibrant Faith initiative to evaluate the church’s mission and provide detailed information to church leaders as we all plan for our future and our impact in the community.

The work starts with a fact-finding phase, an assessment of the church and its community context. Your voice and views will be essential and valuable during this process. Much more information on this fact-finding effort will be coming soon.

The team chose “Compass Team” as its name, reflecting the desire to pursue our True North – Jesus.

“The goal of the Compass Team is to work with the people of St Mark’s to discern God’s plan for our future and reflect it in strategic goals and actions that we hope the entire congregation can get excited about,” said Nancy Wilkerson, team convener. “Obviously, we can’t be successful without you. Over the coming weeks we will be reaching out to everyone at St Mark’s through surveys, focus groups and other activities to help us in the data-gathering phase of the process. Look for more information on this phase of the process in mid-January.”

The team chose Isaiah 6:8 as a guiding Scripture: “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”

Also on the team are Nichole Bishop, Peg Bradley, Dwight Novotny, Mike Patterson and Beth Miller.

Women’s brunch: Goodness on so many levels!

The women of St. Mark’s gather periodically to share a wonderful brunch, provide for a need in the community and enjoy a time of fellowship, prayer and reflection.

For this brunch, we ask all to bring warm, heavy socks. They can be for men or women. We will share all of these with Friendship House, which provides for the needs of homeless men and women in Wilmington.

We usually collect a freewill offering to defray the cost of the meal.

We hope you’ll join us for our first meeting of 2019!

Family Fun Night – Advent

Advent family

Did you know St. Mark’s is part of the Brandywine Collaborative Ministries Group? It is a group of area churches who have linked up to strengthen the community of faith in our area.

Specifically, this group gathers for monthly activities — Family Fun Nights. These events, typically on Friday nights, bring kids and adults together for dinner, followed by a brief worship service, crafts for the kids and a time of discussion for parents. Families are the focus of these gatherings, but singles and all ages are welcome to participate.

This month’s Family Fun Night will have an Advent theme and will be held at Calvary Hillcrest Episcopal Church at 304 Lore Ave. in Hillcrest, near Penny Hill.

There is no cost to attend. The evening typically goes from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to St. Mark’s and Calvary Episcopal, the collaborative includes Grace Episcopal Church, 4900 Concord Pike, and Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 3717 Philadelphia Pike.

The Longest Night Service

For many, the holiday season holds sorrow, loss and grief. A loved one who has died is mourned. Losses and other unwanted changes can make normal holiday celebrations too painful for many.

The “Longest Night Service” is meant for all — families, individuals, friends — who have suffered loss. It is a time of reflection and contemplative respite. Its name refers to the time it usually is scheduled — on or near the longest night of the year.

The service will be held at Chester Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 2619 Foulk Rd. in Brandywine Hundred, north of Wilmington. All are welcome.

Caroling on the Square

St. Mark’s worship band — Souls on Fire — will sing and accompany carolers during the City of Wilmington’s annual Caroling on the Square event.

This is a joyous community gathering held at Rodney Square in the heart of Delaware’s largest city. Come join us as we celebrate the season with our community.

During the event, organizers will collect donations of canned goods, blankets, coats, socks and new toys for kids.