Twelfth Night Concert

Wilmington Handbell Ensemble

Our friends and neighbors at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant are hosting the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble for a “Twelfth Night” concert.

According to WHE’s website, the ensemble is celebrating its 19th season. It has performed at Longwood Gardens, First Night Wilmington, Christmas in Old New Castle, Christmas Open Houses in Salem and Woodstown, N.J., Brandywine River Museum and the Delaware Art Museum. The ensemble also has been featured with the Newark Symphony, the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware and the Wilmington Madrigal Singers.

All are welcome. A $15 donation is suggested.

PCOC is at 503 Duncan Road, just across Villa Place from St. Mark’s.

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.

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.

More than 100 connect in Covenant Bible Study

What began as a mission to nurture the faith of one church has developed into something more meaningful for the greater community. The Covenant Bible Study – a community-driven exploration of the Bible – started Sept. 9. Eight groups now are meeting in six locations across New Castle County, reading the Scriptures and connecting with God and each other through discussion and prayerful study.

About 130 people are participating, including 19 group leaders and nine clergy from six congregations. Leaders facilitate group discussions and all contribute to the group’s growing understanding of the biblical concept of the covenant God established with his people.

Continue reading “More than 100 connect in Covenant Bible Study”

Christmas season services

The altar with poinsettias

Gather with us as we celebrate Christmas! We have three special services planned for Christmas Eve (Monday, December 24):

  • 4 p.m. Kid-friendly worship service in the sanctuary
  • 7 p.m. Family worship service
  • 10 p.m. Traditional worship service

We will have one combined service on Sunday, December 30, starting at 10 a.m. It will include lessons, carols and holy communion.

St. Mark’s Christmas Bazaar

Gail F at Christmas Bazaar

Join us for an event beloved by all — the 16th annual St. Mark’s Christmas Bazaar — a joyous gathering of our congregation’s gifted artisans and the community. On the first Saturday of December, many have made it a traditional stop in their holiday preparations, stocking up on beautiful handmade gifts and crafts, fresh greens, yummy baked goods, homemade soups — even a “Pet Corner” for our special friends. (You can see a few samples in the photo gallery below). All of these things are crafted and provided by St. Mark’s congregants. We do not use outside vendors.A craftsman at the bazaar For $15 the night before, you can get in on something quite wonderful — the Bazaar Preview lasagna dinner. This begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and includes music and early-bird shopping after dinner. Of course, the wildly popular White Elephant Sale returns, too, with gently used household items, random bargains and surprises in just about every corner. You just never know what you’ll find there! Parking is onsite and the building is wheelchair accessible. Proceeds this year support St. Mark’s capital campaign, which supports much-needed renovations to our church building. Women laughing during the Christmas Bazaar Volunteers have spent countless hours preparing for this event and it’s a wonderful time to mingle with friends and family, browse and find something unique for someone you love. Organizers say this is the last Bazaar for St. Mark’s — so don’t miss it!