CHURCH MINISTRIES
LEARN MORE &
GET INVOLVED
Learn more about any of the church ministries and service opportunities at St. Marks listed below by filling out the contact form online!
CARD MINISTRY
Create cards and letters for sick and inbound parishioners.
GREETERS MINISTRY
We welcome all to worship on Sunday mornings! We are always in need of friendly faces to help.
HOSTING SOCIAL HOUR
After both Sunday services we like to provide snacks and beverages in our Parish Hall.
NEWCOMERS MINISTRY
We welcome newcomers to our congregation through email communication and also occasional welcome dinners or other special events. If you love meeting new people and hosting gatherings, we always appreciate more help with this ministry!
PARISH LIFE MINISTRY
We organize and plan parish socials, dinners and special events. We would love new participants and volunteers to help us.
ACOLYTES (CHILDREN & YOUTH)
Participate in Sunday services by lighting candles and serving at the altar. You get to wear a robe! This is a fun way to be involved in the service.
ALTAR GUILD
This crucial ministry ensures the “table” of the altar is set every Sunday and Communion is prepared for both services. Routines are easy to learn and family friendly. We would love new volunteers to help us before each service!
ASSISTING MINISTRIES
(Vergers, Cross Bearers, Chalicers, Thurifers, Bell Ringers): Serve at the altar during the service! This ministry is available to adults and interested youth.
LECTORS & INTERCESSORS
Readers during Sunday worship provide a warm welcome to the congregation, read from the scriptures, and lead the Prayers of the People. Confident readers are always welcome!
MUSIC MINISTRIES (CHOIR & BELL CHOIR)
Traditional music is the lifeblood of our services. Join the adult choir or bell choir and be a part of this tradition.
USHERS
Our jobs include welcoming parishioners and visitors, distributing bulletins, bringing forth Communion elements and orchestrating the flow of people during Communion on Sunday mornings. We always welcome more volunteers.
CREATION CARE MINISTRY
We are passionate about the environment and doing our part to turn the tide of climate change. We are engaged in hands-on service, but also education about environmental issues. We would like to steer the church toward a more sustainable future. We meet monthly and always welcome new members.
HISTORY & ARCHIVES
Our historian organizes and maintains our substantial historical archives. Our historian also provides tours and educational events about our beautiful, historic space. If you would like to participate in a tour or learn more about the church’s history, contact the church office for more information.
LUNCH BUNCH
Once a month the church provides childcare so that parents and adults can go out to lunch following the service. This is a wonderful time to meet other people in the congregation in an informal setting, laugh together and have fun. Look for announcements in e-news and Sunday bulletins to participate.
PRAYER MINISTRY
We pray for those in need. If you like to pray or would like to incorporate this spiritual practice into your daily life, join us.
SACRED SOUNDS
This is a free concert series held throughout the year on certain Sunday evenings. Sacred Sounds is funded by generous donors. We hope you will attend!
VISITING EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY
Volunteers visit the sick and inbound, and bring them the blessed sacrament. Volunteers pray for and with those they visit. Special training is required for this ministry, but it is deeply meaningful.
DISMANTLING RACISM MINISTRY
Our mission is to equip members of St. Mark’s community with skills and opportunities to identify and respond to the sin of racism through appropriate action. We facilitate book studies and provide other opportunities to learn about racism. We are in active partnership with St. Mark’s Together West Michigan Ministry (TWM).
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
EfM is a four year adult education program. Participants read the entire Bible, learn about Christian church history, and the foundations of theology. Additional readings include historical and philosophical texts. Weekly meetings during the academic year are discussion based and serve to deepen and broaden faith.
ADULT EDUCATION
St. Mark’s offers a wide variety of Adult Education courses including an Inquirer’s Class (to learn more about our traditions), a Confirmation Class, Wednesday night series throughout the academic year, and several retreats. Look for announcements in e-news and Sunday bulletins to participate, or contact the front office for more information.
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES
We offer children’s (K-5) and youth formation (grades 6-12), from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., including Make a Joyful Noise with Mr. Alex. Nursery care for children under kindergarten is available from 9:15 a.m. through the 10:30 a.m. Service.
During the 10:30 Service, after the Gospel reading, children of any age are welcome to join us in St. Mary's Chapel for a special message and activity time. We return to the service at The Peace.
Our youth ministry for 6-12th graders, in addition to Sunday School, includes Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth (GREY), a joint offering in partnership with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
For more information please contact Jeff Brown, Director of Faith Formation, at jeffb@stmarksgr.org.
COMMUNICATION MINISTRIES
We maintain a website, social media channels, and a YouTube account. We would like to expand our advertising and outreach to the community, but need help to do so! If you are interested or have experience, please join us.
ENDOWMENT BOARD
Our board provides oversight and management of the church’s Endowment Fund.
FINANCE MINISTRY
This ministry ensures the financial stability of the church.
GRANTS MINISTRY
We write grants to a variety of local and national organizations to solicit funding for a variety of church programs.
HUMAN RESOURCES MINISTRY
We serve as an advisory group to the Rector, staff, and Vestry regarding paid staff. HR sources new candidates, provides counsel for existing employees and maintains the Employee Handbook and policies. It ensures compliance with Federal, State, and Local employment laws and Diocesan rules. Ministry members collaborate with the Finance Ministry regarding salaries, benefits, payroll, and budgets. If you are an HR professional, we could always use more help!
PROPERTY MINISTRY
Caring for our beautiful, historical property is the goal of this ministry. We carefully plan for building upkeep and larger projects to ensure the safety, security, and beauty of our sacred space.
STEWARDSHIP
We plan yearly fundraising and giving for the life of the parish. We work to ensure the budgetary needs of our congregation are met.
WORSHIP PLANNING MINISTRY
This team helps to plan our weekly worship services and special services (particularly for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost). If you are passionate about liturgy, join us!
VESTRY
The Vestry is the elected body of members who set direction and oversight for the mission and ministry of the church. Each vestry person serves for three years. The Vestry meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month.