Worship

What is Worship at St. Marks?

Sundays are when we regularly join together as a church community to share in The Eucharist together. In the Book of Common Prayer, the whole service is entitled the Holy Eucharist. The first part of the service is designated the Word of God. It usually includes the entrance rite, the lessons and gradual psalm, the gospel, the sermon, the Nicene Creed, the prayers of the people, the confession of sin and absolution, and the peace. The second portion of the service is designated the Holy Communion. It includes the offertory, the consecration of the bread and wine in the Great Thanksgiving, the communion of the people, and the concluding prayers of thanksgiving and dismissal. A blessing may be given prior to the dismissal.


Under this ministry is included the important work of the Chancel Choir, organist, hand bells, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, prayer leaders, visiting Eucharistic ministers, Vergers, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Linen Guild, Flower Guild, and ushers. Traditionally two services are offered each Sunday, Rite I at 8 am and Rite II at 10:30 and a short Wednesday afternoon Prayer and Healing service. Special services have been offered to include Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, Evening Prayer during Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Blessing of the Animals.

Music

Chancel Choir
The purpose of the St. Mark's Choir is to lead music in worship, to develop worship and music skills, to teach a love of singing the music of the church, and above all, to glorify God and encourage and inspire the church family through our corporate worship. The choir sings a wide range of repertoire, ranging from Anglican chant to 21st century anthems.

Regular rehearsals are held from late August through May, 7:30-9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings

Canterbury Ringers
Ringing handbells is a team sport! Enjoy great fun and fellowship while developing the art of ringing handbells. Music reading is necessary, but not prior ringing experience. The Canterbury Ringers play for special services, normally Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve, and Lessons and Carols in December. They typically play one or two additional Sundays in the year.

Regular rehearsals are held from late August through May, 5:15-6:15 pm on Wednesdays. 

Children's Choir
The St. Mark's Children's Choir is an exuberant group of our youngest singers. The goal of the children's choir program is to guide young singers in learning many of the basics of singing together in a choir and learning musical concepts and skills, all while having a lot of fun! An additional benefit of the program is the building of community among our young families.

Rehearsals are held after the 10:30 am service, with a simple lunch being served, two Sundays each month from late August through May. The children's choir currently sings during the 10:30 am service once in December and once in the late spring. 

If you are interested in or would like more information about the music offerings at St.Mark's contact our music director, Beth Nichols, by clicking the link below.

Brass wall-mounted bell with a floral cloth hanging in a room
Church sanctuary with brick walls, wooden pews, altar, and large organ pipes under a cross.

Service

Acolyte

Acolytes are responsible for assisting  our Priest during our Sunday services. They act as our alter servers and assist with tasks such as handling alter candles, carrying the processional cross, and assisting in preparing the altar and communion elements like bread and water.
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Eucharistic Ministers

 Eucharistic Ministers are present to assist our Priest in the distribution of the Eucharist during our services.


Altar Guild

 Altar Guild members work in pairs and are responsible for setting the Altar for Sunday and Wednesday services as well as any other special service. In addition to setting the Altar for Holy Eucharist, Altar Guild members are responsible to care for the various Altar furnishings.

Linen Guild

 The work of the Linen Guild is behind the scene, but is an essential part to the sacred celebrations of the church. Members of the guild are responsible for the cleaning, care and repair of our Eucharistic linens.


Flower Guild

 Members of or Flower Guild are on teams that rotate weekly and all members participate at Christmas and Easter. Many of our Guild members have gone through training at the week long course provided by The National Cathedral in Washington. The Guild's ministry is to make our worship space inviting by using natural elements of God's great creation.​

Vergers

 The Office of Vergers organizes the acolytes and checks to be sure Eucharistic Ministers and lectors are all present. The Verger may also act as crucifer, gospeler , Eucharistic Minister or lector. The Verger takes care of the details so that the service flows smoothly. They also carry a ceremonial rod called a verge.  Twenty years ago vergers were found only at the cathedral or in larger churches. Today there are over 275 vergers in the Diocese of Atlanta. 


If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about how you could get involved at St. Mark's, contact our worship organizer by clicking the link below.


Welcoming

Be the Face of St Mark's on Sunday mornings.

This ministry oversees greeting on Sunday mornings, provision of coffee and donuts on Sundays, newcomer parties (which provide an opportunity for visitors and newer members to meet more established parishioners), as well as signage.