Spiritual Care
The pastoral staff tends to the spiritual needs of St. Mark’s families during Christian milestones such as baptism, marriage and funerals. They also attend to home- and hospital-bound members, and care for people experiencing hardship, grief, or illness. However, spiritual care is not given by the pastors alone – it’s part of our call as people of faith to tend to one another - offering hope, a word of encouragement, and a warm and loving presence in the lives of others.
Mental Health Ministry
This relatively new ministry launched in February 2023 at the encouragement of the St. Paul Area Synod and growing concern for mental health. The guiding principle is to carry forward St. Mark’s mission to “Love God, Love Others” by creating a welcoming, caring faith community for everyone. The objectives of this group include: increasing awareness of mental illness through education; empowering individuals to manage and maintain good mental health; and advocating for ways to decrease stigma associated with mental illness.
A recent survey identified several areas of interest: book club, Bible study, adult education-focused groups, special youth events, and researching mental health-related initiatives to incorporate into St. Mark’s existing programming. The individuals participating in this ministry are not mental health professionals.
Caring Ministry Team
St. Mark’s is blessed by a group of faithful volunteers who provide monthly worship services, fellowship opportunities, and home visits (often with communion) to our members who are no longer able to attend worship at church. They also host the Annual Spring Homecoming Luncheon, which includes a brief worship service and hot lunch for our homebound members and their caregivers. These members have been deeply connected to St. Mark’s over the years, and it is so good for them to know that they are valued and remembered.
Caring Hands
This team provides refreshments and basic meals for the gathered community immediately following a funeral/memorial. As part of the celebration of life, the team orders, prepares, and serves the funeral luncheon so that the family can be present with friends and each other. Volunteers are asked to bring baked goods to share.
Weekly Community Prays
Each week, an email list of prayers for our community and people within it is sent to help guide our prayer times and encourage us to hold one another in prayer. On the prayer list are joys and challenges along with long term needs, and our military personnel. If email isn’t for you, we also can send out a hard copy through the mail so you can participate. If you would like to receive the Community Prays email, or if you have a prayer request to be added to the list, contact a pastor or call the church office at 651-777-7451.
For More Information
If you would like more information about this ministry, please contact the church office at 651-777-7451 or stmarks@stmarks-nsp.org.