One of the reasons we join a church is to learn to be more like Christ. Our parish home is a place where we can truly give ourselves away in service to others. Servanthood at St. Mark's is not just a good idea. Servanthood is a God idea and therefore an expectation. We ask that everyone in the parish take on a ministry both inside and outside the church. The ministries outside the parish can be found in the Community Ministry.

Acolytes

The word ”acolyte” comes from the Greek word “akolouthos” which means a servant or attendant who waits on another. Our Acolytes help the clergy serve during the worship service.  Youth (age 6 through high school senior) lead the processions, assist the Clergy at the Lord’s Table, and ensure all services proceed with simple dignity. They also assist at special services such as weddings and funerals. Training sessions are held periodically to recruit new acolytes.

Acolytes must attend church regularly and be in 1st grade or turning 6. They are expected to participate on a regular basis. The ministry is open to both girls and boys.

Acolyte functions include the Crucifer, who processes with the cross, directs the other acolytes in the preparation of the altar at offertory, and acts as chief acolyte for the team serving that day; Torch-bearers (Lucifers), who process with the torches and assist the crucifer at offertory and help during communion, and the Gospel Bearer, who processes with the Gospel and ensures that the correct books for worship are properly positioned on the altar.

The Acolyte Ministry vision includes:
      Training young men and women to develop a strong spiritual walk with the Lord
      Cultivating servant hearts in serving our Lord and His Church
      Gaining a thorough knowledge and confidence of the Acolyte role, eventually including faithful and responsible leadership of an Acolyte team
      Reaching out to other youth and introducing Christ to them through the Acolyte ministry. 
 
Some events for Acolytes include:
       Acolyte Training
       Annual Diocesan Acolyte Festival
       Annual National Acolyte Festival at the Washington Cathedral
       Participation in the Christmas and Easter Service Celebrations

For more information contact: Greg Dill

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Altar Guild

Altar Guild work is a privilege and honor and we work with humility and reverence. We are the “arm of the priest” (or perhaps more like the stage crew). The Altar Guild exists to assist the clergy behind the scenes. Through our work at the Altar, in the Sanctuary, and with the Holy Communion, we come to feel the real presence of God more strongly, and this sets our duties apart from our busy lives. The symbolism and meaning of the vestments, linens, and vessels are helpful to us as in prayer we prepare ourselves and the altar for our worship service.

At St. Mark’s, Altar Guild members work on teams, setting up on Saturday and cleaning up on Sunday. Our duties include insuring proper liturgical colors for all vestments and hangings on the pulpit and lectern, preparing the Communion vessels for all services and for the shut-in visitation kits, setting up the altar, and laundering and ironing all linens. There are also special tasks associated with holidays, baptisms, weddings, funerals and memorial services.

The Holy Table is set with linens and vessels and decorated with flowers and greens from His creation to honor God, our Guest of Honor. The joy of the Lord is our strength and the fellowship of our members is a special blessing. Newcomers are treasured! 

For more information contact: Carol Hoerning

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Building and Grounds

The Building and Grounds Committee is responsible for maintaining the church building, property and grounds in the best possible condition.  The committee makes recommendations to the vestry on major repair or capital improvements for the purpose of carrying out the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s congregation.  Traditionally the Junior Warden is the vestry liaison for the Building and Grounds Committee.

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Church Development Committee

The Church Development Committee (CDC) was formed to promote St. Mark’s Church within the local community, to welcome all new faces gracing our doors, and to help new members find their niche within the St. Mark’s Family.  The CDC is comprised of three subcommittees, each tasked with growing the St. Mark’s Family.  We will welcome all who are interested in sharing the Love at St. Mark’s.

Marketing/Evangelism – This group identifies “gateways” at St. Mark’s to draw visitors through the doors.  In addition, we market St. Mark’s to the community in the form of signage, newspaper ads, etc.

Newcomers – This subcommittee is tasked with welcoming all visitors and guests to St. Mark’s Church.  We will seek out new faces in the pews and make sure they feel welcome.  New guests will find brochures, bulletin boards, etc. with information to answer all of their questions. 

Shepherding – We make sure the recent members of St. Mark’s have all of the information they need to join into “the church life”.  A member of the committee is paired with each new Church member/family to make sure they are aware of services, classes, and other events that they may be interested in.

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Communication Committee

 "Spread the Gospel always and if necessary,  use words"
                                                                                                            [St. Francis]

Communicating with mind, body, heart & soul

     ~ with mind, we read and study the Bible, we exercise open-mindedness to new ideas, we continue the dialog to become better stewards of our parish, our community and the world while encouraging one another to be still and listen to what God has in mind for us.

     ~ with body, we make it top priority to attend our worship services, Christian education programs and parish events. We volunteer to help those less fortunate as participants in our Outreach Programs. 

     ~ with heart & soul, we pray for one another, our rector and for God’s guidance and strength to be the best we can be.  With compassion, we extend the peace with a handshake or hug. We’re committed to lend loving support to those dealing with the death of a loved one, an illness, or set back.

Our Communication Committee assists with
      ~ a monthly newsletter
      ~ keeping an updated website (www.stmarksgastonia.org)
      ~ informing our members of upcoming activities through email, bulletin announcements, bulletin boards, as well as a master calendar
      ~ maintaining a pictorial directory

Communication Committee members
      ~ Jeanne Anderson, bulletin boards
      ~ Trish Anderson, Business Administrator/newsletter editor
      ~ Shawn Griffith, website
      ~ Nancy Brewbaker, news media
      ~ Merryman Cleveland, graphic designer
      ~ Jean Eaddy, Office Manager
      ~ Juddie Penegar, bulletin boards
      ~ Louise Ridgeway, pictorial directory
      ~ Charles Stribling, signage
                                                                                   
  ~ bidding you an invitation to become a part of our parish family ~
 Judy Hobbs, Vestry/Communication Chair.

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Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs)

Have you ever wondered who are those men and women who process into the church on Sunday mornings, following the choir and dressed in long white robes?  They are members of St. Mark's Lay Eucharistic Ministry (LEM). 

They are baptized and confirmed members of the parish, licensed by the Bishop to assist our ordained clergy in serving the Eucharist (the Chalice) on Sunday mornings, as well as other services that include the Eucharist.  You will see LEMs serving at weddings, funerals, and other special services. 

In addition, Lay Eucharistic Ministers serve as Eucharistic Visitors as part of our Pastoral Care Team. They are trained to bring the Eucharist to shut-ins, those who are in nursing homes or the hospital and in other special situations, and to pray with those who seek prayer at the communion rail following the Sunday services.

For more information on the LEM ministry, you may contact Dale Ward.

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Lectors (Lay Readers)

Lectors read the Old Testament and Epistle lessons during services. They also may lead Morning Prayer in the absence of the Priest. They are all volunteers, trained in the public reading of scripture, who have been license by the Bishop through the Rector to read the lessons or lead the Prayers of the People. 

The ministry of the lector is an intensely public one, and it is not for everyone! However, if you are at least 14 years old, baptized, able to clearly, audibly, and publicly read scripture in English, and feel called to serve our parish in this important ministry, you should consider becoming a lector.

For more information, please visit these links:

 The Lectionary
  Sunday and daily Bible readings

The Lectionary Page
  Liturgical calendar and corresponding readings

Lector's Notes
  Preparation for becoming a lector

Resources for Lectors
  Tips on pronounciation and preparation

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Music and Worship

Music at St. Mark’s is an important part of worship. Our congregation sings from the 1982 Hymnal, and Lift Every Voice and Sing (LEVAS), with supplemental materials from time to time. 

The Adult choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 and sings an anthem at the weekly 10:30 service. They also prepare for Lessons and Carols, Christmas, and Holy Week services.

 The Handbell choir meets to prepare for special occasions as does the Handbell Quartet.

The Children’s choir meets weekly and performs on a regular basis during the school year. The choir consists of Cherubs (4 years to Kindergarten) and Angels (1^st grade to 3^rd grade). Orff Schulwerk technique is used to teach the basics of steady beat, melody, pitch, and rhythm and The Royal School of Church Music program is used for the children to earn levels of musical achievement.

The Music and Worship Committee meets monthly to address any issues regarding the worship services at St. Mark's.  We, along with our rector, plan a variety of music programs including Adult Choir, Children's Choirs, Youth music, Handbell Choir, and the Handbell Quartet.  The committee also helps to coordinate special services such as  Music Sunday,  Lessons and Carols,  Christmas Eve services,  and Holy Week.  The acolyte program is also coordinated under this committee.  We are always looking for  fresh ideas.  Please contact Rachel Varriale, if you would like to join us or have questions/concerns.

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 Pastoral Care

I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. . . . .just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Matthew 25-36, 40

WHAT ARE PASTORAL MINISTRIES?

At St. Mark's there is a growing involvement of trained lay people in pastoral care. In the Book of Common Prayer it states that "The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.

For parishioners who are ill or unable to be present with the St. Mark's community at the Sunday Eucharist, Eucharistic Visitors help fill the physical gap between home and church. Chosen and trained by the clergy to administer the elements following the liturgy, these lay ministers receive the consecrated elements and distribute them to our parishioners in homes, hospitals, and nursing homes in the community.

If you or someone you know would like to receive Communion at home, contact Dale Ward to be placed on the list.

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Ushers and Greeters

Ushers and Greeters are an important part of our worship. They provide our worshipers with bulletins and announcements that assist in their worship experience. Ushers participate during the service with the offering and oblations. Together they greet visitors and provide them with the first impression of St. Mark's Church. Ushers and Greeters seek to make worshipers feel welcome and provide information regarding the service, facilities and aides available to visitors to St. Mark's.

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