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We strive to give all parishioners opportunities to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts by giving of their time, talent, and treasure. For those willing to embrace this call, we offer a Liturgy of Commitment.

All are welcome to participate, no matter how long you have been at St. Mark’s.

This liturgy will take place before the passing of the peace at the October 13th services (9 am, 11:15 am, 5 pm). In order for you to make an informed decision to commit, the text of the liturgy is below.:

Liturgy

Presider: People of God, when you attend St. Mark’s, we ask you to join in an exploration of our values, choices, and beliefs through worship, classes, and service.

We now invite all those who wish to affirm or reaffirm their commitment to St. Mark’s to join us around the altar or stand at your seat.

[Pause for gathering]

Do you affirm your commitment to this community with your time, talent, and ongoing financial support?

Parishioner: I do.

Presider: Will you seek to live a life of justice, compassion, and love in the world, in your communities, at your work, and at home?

Parishioner: I will, with God’s help.

Presider: Will you make known to the appropriate persons in this community your praises and complaints, by speaking your truth in love?

Parishioner: I will.

Presider: Will you, if you decide to leave, declare your reasons for doing so as part of a Liturgy of Departure?

Parishioner: I will

Presider: To all here gathered, will you support these persons in fulfilling the promises they make today, sustaining them in their lives, and welcoming them as your siblings?

All: We will.

The presider greets those who have made or renewed their commitment to the St. Mark’s community.

Presider: The peace of Christ be always with you.

All: And also with you.

More details on the Liturgy of Commitment

This Liturgy is open to all and invites people to affirm their commitment to one another and to St. Mark’s as a community and church. It is a way for new parishioners to declare their desire to become more involved with St. Mark’s, and for more tenured parishioners to reaffirm their commitment to the St. Mark’s community.

Q. What happens if someone doesn’t participate?

A. Nothing! It’s optional, available if someone wants to participate.

Q. Where did this Liturgy come from?

A. This liturgy was inspired by parishioners who wanted to take a step closer to St. Mark’s and by the liturgy of confirmation, and available to anyone that wants to take it. The liturgy gives anyone – whether a member of the church or not – a chance to profess their desire to be part of the St. Mark’s community.

Q. Does taking the Liturgy of Commitment make someone a member of St. Mark’s? Can they vote in elections during the Annual Meeting?

A. Participating in this liturgy gives parishioners a chance to make a public commitment to one another and to St. Mark’s. It does NOT make someone a member.

To become a member of St. Mark’s, one needs to be a committed, ongoing donor.

It also is not the same thing as being confirmed – that is a rite that is conferred by the Bishop.

Q. What is a Liturgy of Departure?

A. A Liturgy of Departure has two parts: The person or family leaving briefly reflects on their experiences at St. Mark’s and explains in a short message to the parish why they are leaving. Then, the parish gives them prayers and wishes them on their way. The person or family may do the liturgy at one, two, or all three services.