Outside Our Doors
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:17-18)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Opportunitites to serve will grow and change as community needs alter and our partnerships mature. Leadership opportunities are available for people who want to guide and direct these efforts and opportunities for direct service are offered to all throughout the year in newsletters and announcements.
St. Mark’s partners with other other organizations ministering to people in need. Our current ministry partners are Doorways Interfaith Housing, Kennard Elementary, Episcopal City Mission, and Kasey Paige Assisted Living. See more.
Outreach
At St. Mark’s we reach out beyond the confines of our parish doors! We are passionate about social justice and as a congregation, we participate in several programs. If you would like to learn more and explore these outreach opportunities, contact Karen Watts, Vestry Liaison for External Outreach.
Episcopal City Mission (ECM)
Meal-a-Month
St. Mark’s is one of seven OASIS congregations in the Episcopal Diocese Missouri. In 2001, St. Mark’s undertook a time of study, prayer and discernment about what it means to offer intentional welcome to LGBTQ people and their families and friends. We encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people to fully participate in our life, worship and governance and all aspects of our ministries. For more information on OASIS Missouri go to http://theoasismissouri.weebly.com. St. Mark’s is often a presence at PrideFest and also a “Proud Parish Partner of Integrity, USA”. For more information go to their website at www.integrityusa.org.
For several years, St. Mark’s has contributed to Feed My People’s Meal-A-Month program which helps St. Louis Country families in need. Each month, members pick up a shopping list and bag to fill with food and personal care items. We collect the bags at church and transport them to Feed My People.
Community Garden
Kasey Paige Assisted Living
The first growing season for the “Garden of Eatin” was in 2009. Our garden fosters the development of community identity and spirit in our neighborhood. People from the neighborhood and St. Marks can plant a 4’ X 10’ raised bed for a nominal fee. To request more information click here.
St. Mark’s sponsors twice yearly visits to Kasey Paige, an assisted living facility in St. Louis located on near-by Jamieson Road. We provide food, decorations, and music for parties at Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. We enjoy singing, playing games, having snacks and distributing small gifts like toiletries and stationery to the residents.