St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Share a story
In 2010, St. Mark’s began a period of discernment and reorganization. As part of an intentional re-development project in cooperation with the diocese, we looked at worship, ministries, leadership, structure, property and long-term mission strategy.
Through the work of a talented and diverse staff, involvement by the bishop, consultants and the commitment of the congregation, St. Mark’s has strategically reinvented themselves and continues to see significant growth and development. This is the first project of its kind in the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Bishop Sean Rowe believes that St. Mark’s is perfectly poised for this next chapter in their history.
Currently, St. Mark’s is home to more than 200 parishioners and provides a number of vital ministries. We are proud of an active adult education program that presents opportunities for the nurturing and renewal of our Christian faith. A committed weekday Bible study group continues to expand on an already enthusiastic ministry. Exciting opportunities are evolving for our young people including a collaborative youth group, vacation bible school and Sunday morning education programs.
In addition, St. Mark’s has initiated Newcomers' Classes and Newcomers' Dinners. Our Outreach efforts reflect the generosity of our people and are recognized throughout the area. We have also successfully launched a Sunday evening Taize service, a collaborative youth ministry, and expanded our Sunday morning to include a second service in September 2014.
By growing into its full potential, St. Mark’s can reach many in the Erie area who currently have no church home. It is an exciting time at St. Mark’s and one that will hopefully become an amazing part of our story.
St. Mark's has welcomed over 90 new people since August 2011. St. Mark's is pleased to continue to welcome new people through the doors each week and continues to be renewed through the incorporation of so many. Come and see what we are all about!
Worship times
Ministries
Worship
The liturgy at St. Mark’s is according to the use of the Book of Common Prayer (1979). This book allows us to celebrate the sacraments and mark the times and seasons according to the ancient patterns. We use traditional rites and still make use of the full breadth of authorized materials of the Church.
Music Ministry
The music ministry of St. Mark's is vital to the life and liturgy of the community. The music ministry includes various soloists, vocal choir, and handbell choir.
Christian Formation
St. Mark's focuses a large amount of energy on Christian formation for people of all ages. Currently, St. Mark's offers education for all ages on Sunday mornings: nursery, church school, and adult forum. There is also a highly active weekly Bible Study at St. Mark's. St. Mark's is involved in two collaborative Episcopal formation/fellowship groups: The Vine (An Episcopal community for young people) and Brewing Faith (a formation/fellowship group for younger adults ages 20-39). Finally, St. Mark's is launching its first round of small group and house group ministries in Fall 2015. These small groups in addition to the other formation/fellowship offerings will provide various points of entry for newcomers and deepen the faith lives of established members.
Outreach
St. Mark's has always been an extremely generous congregation. Outreach has been and continues to be a central part of our life together. As our congregation begins to grow and our programs begin to expand, one of the places where we will become even more focused is in our outreach efforts.
The First Sunday of Each Month:
The Haven is a local outreach located on East 12th Street that has served Erie for 27 years. Every night, 21 men with no place to go find a place to stay at the Haven. Meals are only provided on the weekends. We pack “bag lunches” of sandwiches and other items to be taken to them.
Everything is provided, we simply need help to make sandwiches and pack the bags! If you are interested in helping, please join us in the Parish Hall following the service on the first Sunday of the month!
The Last Wednesday of Each Month:
All are welcome at Emmaus Soup Kitchen - no questions asked. They serve a nutritious,hot meal 6 days a week to over 200 guests who range in age from infants to seniors. Some are homeless, many live in single rooms with no cooking facilities. All who come need something Emmaus has tooffer – nourishment for the body – care for the soul.
The Second Saturday of Each Month:
Starting in September 2015, members of St. Mark's, Erie and St. Stephen's, Fairview will work together to prepare and serve dinner to the 100-125 guests of the Erie City Mission. There are very few options for homeless/impoverished people to find a meal on Saturdays in Erie. This is a new partnership for St. Mark's and we are excited to continue to live into the call of Jesus to feed the hungry.
4701 Old French Rd
Erie, PA 16509-3631
United States
