Spiritual Growth
“…that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord,
fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work
and as you grow in the knowledge of God.”
Colossians 1:9b-10
Joining with the angels and the saints of all times and places, we raise our hearts and minds to the Lord in praise, prayer and study. All so that we may mature in our faith journey and grow in our relationship with God.
We do this ministry of spiritual growth by:
- Worshipping the Lord with liturgy and music that is both traditional and varied.
- Offering and supporting prayers for each other, for the church and for all that are in need.
- Learning and developing the faith in classes and study for children through adults.
Worship & Music
Worship at St. Mark
The church is the assembly of all believers gathered in spiritual worship of our Lord and Savior. It is where the gospel is purely preached and the Holy Sacraments are administered according to the gospel.
Here at St. Mark we generally follow a liturgy that flows from gathering to greeting, from confession to praise; from scripture to prayer; from offering to communion, from blessing to sending. This liturgy is listed in the bulletins that are sitting in the pews for a season of the church year. Additional handouts are given each week that list the chosen scripture and music for the week along with any other needed announcements.
The Lutheran church has a library of published worship materials. We routinely use the green hymnals of the Lutheran Book of Worship and the blue With One Voice hymnal supplement. We also may include in the handouts or bulletins parts of the red Evangelical Lutheran Worship or other materials as needed.
Hymns for December
December 4 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
LBW 35 Hark, the Glad Sound!
LBW 34 Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel vs 2
WOV 762 O Day of Peace
ELW 272 Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
LBW 25 Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
December 11- 3rd Sunday of Advent
LBW 23 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
LBW 34 Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel vs 3
LBW 26 Prepare the Royal Highway
LBW 87 Hail to the Lord's Anointed
December 18 - 4th Sunday of Advent
LBW 28 Savior of the Nations, Come
LBW 34 Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel vs 4
WOV 632 The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came vs 1
LBW 42 Of the Father's Love Begotten vs 1
LBW 41 O Little Town of Bethlehem vs 1
LBW 67 Away in a Manager
LBW 60 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing vs 1
LBW 71 Angels We Have Heard on High vs 1
WOV 646 We Three Kings vs 1-4
WOV 646 We Three Kings vs 5
LBW 39 Joy to the World vs 1 & 2
LBW 33 The King Shall Come
December 25 - Christmas Day
LBW 39 Joy to the World
LBW 60 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Handbell Choir
Learn to ring and share in the music of melody. Handbells are a simple instrument to learn and we have a fun group that meets each Sunday following worship to learn and have fellowship.
Callof DIrector of Music, Melinda Elnaggar at the church for more information
Trinity Choir
Through group practices and individual instrustions Melinda Elnaggar leads our adult choir in singing new and uplifting songs throughout the year. We even have been known to have special soloists and duets join in the fun. All are welcome to come and sing along. See Melinda for more information.
Sunday School Choir
Martha Lobaugh, our organist, has gathered our youth to create an awesome choir, with beautiful singing as well as saxophone, cello, and trumpet accompaniments.
We look forward to including more youth music in our Sunday worship as the children progress.
Christian Education and Learning
Vacation Bible School - VBS
Each Summer, near the end of July or beginning of August St. Mark and St. Paul (York St.) Lutheran churches hold a week long Vacation Bible School for children nursery to 5th grade.
Each year's theme is picked and centered on a topic that will interest the kids and teadch them the Bible stories of God.
There is story time, music time, craft time, games and lots of fun each year.
F.I.S.H.
What is FISH?
-- Calling All Parents and Calling All Youth --
“Fun In Serving Him” Youth Club… All you young fish, please spread the word and plan to jump into the tank and have fun!
Events and ideas are always welcome inf interested please talk with Karen Feeser, 717-698-3535.
Please Join Us for Sunday School
Sunday School
Nursery 10:20-11:00
Elementary 10:20-11:20
Middle School class 10:20-11:20
Confirmation Class with Pastor
Bible Study - Gospel of Luke
From 11:00am to 12 noon on Fridays. we are studying the Gospel of Luke. Bibles and study materials are provided.
No experience is necessary!
All Are Welcome!
St. Mark
Coloring Book
Group
A Coloring Group
Interested in a Coloring Book Group for all ages. There is no charge and the events are open to the public. Please join us for fun, conversation, and creativity!
Benefits of Coloring for Adults:
* Builds concentration
* Builds visual perception skills
* Relaxing/relieves stress
* Encourages creativity
* Develops fine eye-hand coordination
Call for more information and the next event.
A Book Club
Many of us enjoy reading so why not start a book club here at St. Mark?
We are hoping to start the club soon, but need to know exactly who is interested and what books the group would like to read and discuss. Please call the church for suggestions and information.