Our liturgies are led by both clergy and dedicated laity. The Rector serves as celebrant and preacher for most services, assisted by priests and a deacon. Saint Mark’s offers a variety of Episcopal worship on Sunday mornings and all three services have a distinctive “flavor.”
The early morning service (7:45AM) is in “traditional” language without music.
The second service (9:00AM) is “child friendly,” promoting participation from all ages and using contemporary language. Music at this service alternates between contemporary Christian music with guitar accompaniment and music from our Episcopal Hymnal, using organ accompaniment.
Our late morning service (11:00AM, 10:30AM in summer months) rotates between the use of “traditional” and “contemporary” language, as well as Morning Prayer.
A Wednesday morning
healing service is offered each week at
Snow Policy: Saint Mark’s snow policy goes into effect each winter. All parish-sponsored activities and worship services are cancelled when an official “snow emergency” is in effect. The “snow emergency” is determined by the Hagerstown Barrack of the Maryland State Police and is announced on most radio and television stations. A call is made to local radio and TV stations to announce Saint Mark’s cancellations, but you may also call the Maryland State Highway Administration hotline at 1-800-327-3125, which is usually updated when a snow emergency is in effect.
Saint Mark’s Welcomes Volunteers for the Following
Liturgical Ministries:
(While we try to ask you what you would like to do, please know that Saint Mark’s is a parish that welcomes participation on all levels. You do not have to “wait” until you have been here for a while, nor do you need to go through extensive training. Should you be interested in any of the ministries listed, you may always speak to the persons you see performing them, speak to the Rector or contact the Church Office.)
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)-Chalicists assist with the chalice at the altar during the worship services and assist the Acolytes and Acolytes Master. They may take the reserved sacrament to the sick and shut-ins of the parish.
Lectors read the lessons from both the Old and the New Testaments and from the Psalms for the appropriate Sunday of the church year. They also lead the Prayers of the People.
Oblations Bearers carry the unconsecrated bread and wine from the back of the Church to the Clergy at the altar.
Ushers serve as greeters, seating coordinators and a willing set of hands for the regularly scheduled services. They hand out bulletins and are ready to help answer any questions you might have. When needed, the Ushers also serve at funerals and special liturgies.
Tellers count the offering after the Sunday morning services and make the deposits. Vestry members are asked to serve in this capacity, along with other volunteers.
The Acolytes Guild assists with worship. They are organized into three categories: Senior Acolytes, Server and Torch Acolytes. The categories are based upon age and degree of responsibility. Senior Acolytes wear the white hooded alb and have responsibility for processing with the large gold cross. There is a formal training program for these youth, ages 8 and older.
The Altar Guild prepares the Church for services. This group performs the important tasks of maintaining all of the altar ware of the Church; managing the placement of flowers, and maintaining vestments and memorials. The Guild is also responsible for clearing the altar after each service. The members take turns with delivering the altar flowers to the sick and shut-ins of the parish following the services.
The Adult Choir sings at the late morning service and is led by the Music Director. They practice weekly and present sacred music for services at Saint Mark’s. They are always looking for dedicated people who love music.
The Children’s Choir sings at the middle service on a regular basis. The goal of this choir is to incorporate as many of the children as possible to participate in this important ministry.
The Folk Choir leads singing at the middle service two Sundays each month. Guitarists and willing voices are always welcome.