WELCOME TO sT. mARK THE EVANGELIST - WE ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU!
As restrictions caused by the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases loosen once more, St. Mark the Evangelist has been given the go-ahead by our Diocese to reopen for in-person worship services with some restrictions, including a limit on attendance to 50 percent, which for St. Mark is 35 people. See the restrictions and our response to them below:
REGISTRATION: Due to the limited number of worshippers who can be accommodated at the 10 a.m. service, it will be necessary for those who wish to attend to “register” in advance every week. Currently, registration may be done only by phone:
REGISTRATION BY PHONE:
Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(Please make sure to speak directly to the Parish Administrator; do not leave a message on the answering machine as this is being done on a first-come, first-serve basis and messages on the machine make that difficult.)
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING ARRIVAL: Because we will continue to live stream our service for our YouTube channel during the in-person worship, attendees are asked to be in their seats no later than 9:45 a.m. so we can begin the live stream promptly at 10 a.m.
FOR YOUR SAFETY & COMFORT: Those who attend must wear a face covering (mask) and be free of symptoms for Covid-19. While in the building, you will be expected to maintain safe distancing as marked and comply with any other instruction given. There will be no social gatherings before, or after, the services. Restrooms are available (Undercroft bathrooms and upstairs hallway bathroom only) and are clearly marked.
COMMUNION: Out of an abundance of caution, Holy Communion will be received at each service in only one kind (Host/bread). This is an unusual and temporary practice that is possible because we believe that our Lord is fully present in both elements usually distributed. Instructions on how to receive communion will be given by the celebrant.
ENTRY: Those attending the 10 a.m. service may enter through the parking lot door, the Genesee Street Door with ramp or the garden door facing St. Mark’s Street. Entry for the service is clearly indicated by signage on the doors.
For those who are not able to attend in-person or who are just not comfortable attending in-person yet, we will be streaming the service live on our YouTube channel each Sunday. The link to the service and bulletin will be emailed to parishioners and will also be available on our home page each week. Each week’s service will still be available for viewing on YouTube and on our homepage after the live stream if you are unable to join us at 10 a.m.
Other updates:
The Office is now open its normal hours, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
The Food Pantry, which never shut down, is still open for those our 13204 neighbors in need on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Food $en$e program has been in action once more since September and all the monthly information can be found on our Food $en$e page. If you are not on our mailing list for Food Sense but would like to be, please visit our Food $en$e page to learn more and to sign up!
Here is an updated list of virtual services other churches in the Diocese are providing: