New to St. Mark's?
Sunday
8:30 am Service
1st Sunday: Celtic Eucharist
2nd Sunday: Traditional Eucharist
3rd Sunday: Traditional Eucharist
4th Sunday: Traditional Eucharist
10:00 am Service
1st Sunday: Celtic Eucharist
2nd Sunday: Contemporary Eucharist
3rd Sunday: Contemporary Eucharist
4th Sunday: Contemporary Eucharist
Sunday School to Grade Eight (September – June); Nursery throughout the year
10:00 a.m. Service – Sunday School to Grade Eight (September – June); Nursery throughout the year
Thursday
10:00 a.m. – Eucharist
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Bible Study (September – May).
The liturgies we use
The Celtic Communion Liturgy used is that of Saint Columba from the Iona community in Scotland.
The traditional liturgy used on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. is from the Book of Alternative Services (BAS), pg. 230.
The contemporary liturgy used on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. is from the Book of Alternative Services (BAS), pg. 185
What to Expect
You'll be welcome!
Coming and Going
- Greeters, also called sidespeople, are there to assist you before and throughout the service
- Pews are not reserved; you can sit anywhere you like
- There are three individual restrooms downstairs, off the parish hall
- Following the service, the clergy greet the people at the door as they leave
- You are invited to the church hall downstairs for coffee and conversation following the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service
- We offer free wifi
- Service podcasts are posted on our website
The Bulletin
- The day’s order of service, including prayer book page numbers, hymns, and Bible passages
- Announces opportunities for involvement in our events and programs
The Books in your Pew
- The green “Book of Alternative Services” (BAS) is our basic text for worship and the bulletin will help you find the right places in it
- The blue “Common Praise” is our hymn book
Worship at St. Mark's
- Worship is at the heart of the Anglican tradition and is the focus of the life of St. Mark’s
- The central act of each service is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion; in this offering of prayer and praise we recall our Lord’s life, death and resurrection through word and sacrament
- We would like you to feel welcome, and will not single you out as guests or visitors
Sunday School and Nursery
- Children are warmly welcomed at St. Mark’s! Our screened volunteer team is here to help.
- Our Nursery supports babies and toddlers and their families, with change table, rocking chair, lots of great toys, and a Bible story time
- Our Lion’s Program starts at 10:00 in the Education Wing, downstairs through the Parish Hall and is held in three classrooms by grade group. We use the “Spark: Activate Faith” curriculum that uses Bible readings, discussion, art, music and games to learn how to serve God and others.
- Children come up to take Communion and remain for the weekly talk, The Lion’s Tale
- For more information, click the “Children” tab on the home page
Receiving Holy Communion
- All baptised persons, including children over the age of 7, are invited to receive Communion
- Children between the ages of 5 and 7 may also receive Communion provided they have attended the necessary instruction classes (offered annually before Easter)
- Anglicans go forward to the Communion rail; the greeters will let you know when it’s your turn, but if you prefer to remain where you are that is okay, too!
- If you prefer not to take Communion, you are invited to the Communion rail if you wish for a blessing; fold your arms across your chest and you will be blessed in God’s name.
Music
- Music has a very important place in worship here and is centred on our choir, under the direction of our Music Ministry Coordinator
Sit, Stand, or Kneel?
- Most members of the congregation kneel to pray; please feel free to sit if you are more comfortable doing so; there are no “rules” about this
Vestments
- Vestments are worn by the clergy, lay ministers, and choir, adding to the beauty and festivity of the services
- The colours of these vestments change with the seasons and holy days of the Church Year
Through the Week
- Sunday worship at St. Mark’s renews us as members of the Body of Christ. We are then sent as Christ’s followers to minister in every area of life. The opportunities to share, to grow and to serve are limitless. We invite you to share the wider life of our church family (which includes over 70 million Anglicans worldwide!) St. Mark’s hosts or sponsors numerous groups and programs that:
- Help us to know God better
- Support those in need in our community
- Let us get to know each other
- Make our community
Donations
- Are tax-deductible and can be made in honour of a loved one, or to support a specific program
- Paper offering envelopes are found in the pews
- Pre-approved payment (auto-withdrawal) is available through the church office (519) 941-0640
- You can also give online
— Membership
Interested in becoming part of a vibrant community making a difference as we follow Jesus? Join us! We invite you to make St. Mark’s your church home. Questions? Please see a greeter or a clergy member, or contact us.