Blessing of the Animals
Held on a Saturday or Sunday nearest the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, parishioners, their guests, and members of the community are encouraged to bring pets of all kinds to be blessed by the priest.
Confirmation Reception
Following the Bishop's annual visit to confirm and receive new members and to reaffirm existing members, a reception is held on the lawn to honor the confirmands, their families, and guests.
God on Tap/Wandering Rector
During the academic year, Rev. Roy gathers with interested parishioners and seekers at various local establishments to discuss questions of faith and spiritual life while breaking bread and enjoying fellowship. During the summer months, conversations with “the Wandering Rector” switch to daytime gatherings at coffee shops in the area.
Foyer Groups
"Foyer" is a French word meaning "hearthside," implying the warmth of a close group of friends sharing a common love and concern for one another. Being part of a Foyer Group at St. Mark's is a great way of strengthening the St. Mark's family and of supporting our mission of loving and serving the world.
St. Mark's Foyer Groups are small groups from our congregation (usually made up of 8-10 adults) that meet to share a simple meal and fellowship on a regular basis, about once a month, often rotating among one another's homes. Foyer Group membership changes in the fall of each year. For further information or to join a foyer group, please contact Debbie Phelps at (770) 596-5328 or daphelps19@gmail.com.
Newcomer Reception
Newcomer receptions are organized in private homes to welcome those who have decided to make St. Mark's their community of faith. These small, casual gatherings provide an opportunity for new St. Markers to get to know others on a more intimate and focused basis.
Oyster Roast
In celebration of the Epiphany season commencing in early January, St. Markers gather in a nearby park for an oyster roast, music and fellowship. After a brief Epiphany service around a bonfire at sunset, parishioners and guests enjoy local roasted oysters, hot dogs and chili.
Fall Picnic
This old-fashioned covered dish lunch gives our St. Mark's family a chance to come together on our shady lot on the corner of Paris Avenue and 11th Street to celebrate each other and the arrival of Fall.
Sunday Coffee Hour/Lemonade on the Lawn
St. Mark's offers coffee, tea (or iced tea and lemonade in warmer weather!) and cookies between the services on Sunday mornings. Generally served in the Center, on nice spring and fall days, we move to our lovely, shady lawn next to the Center. Newcomers especially are encouraged to come for refreshments and conversation. If you would like to serve on the rotating list of hosts for coffee hour, please contact Celeste Nalwasky, chair of the coffee hour ministry, at celestenalwasky@aol.com.
Women of Grace
Mission Statement - Welcoming all sisters to grow through faith and fellowship; to learn and flourish spiritually; and to connect and serve as called.
Women of Grace meets in the Community Room of the church from noon until 1:30 on the 3rd Thursday of each month. For more information, please contact Jo Phelps (jophelpssept9@gmail.com), Sally Domby (swldomby@yahoo.com), or Susan Grimes (susan.lee.grimes@gmail.com).