St. Mark’s has two direct avenues for outreach outside the United States. Read more about these programs and how you can get involved below. Also, learn about the Refugee Resettlement Program.

The Mid-East Working Group (MEWG) supports a broad range of programs related to the Middle East, particularly the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  MEWG sponsors speakers and panel discussions; raises funds for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s schools and hospitals, and leads dual narrative tours to the Holy Land.   

MEWG has helped St. Mark’s be a key partner in the Good Neighbor Capitol Hill program aiding area Afghan refugee families. Learn more about St. Mark’s activities with Refugee Resettlement.

MEWG was founded in June 2009 and is guided by a coordinating committee from the congregation.  It is responsible for bimonthly e-mail alerts about relevant events and links to articles of interest.  MEWG often partners with other groups in all faith communities seeking an end to the conflict.

Read the Mid-East Working Group’s charter, which includes an addendum on the “Scriptural and Ecclesiastical Context” for our work.

To sign up for the MEWG e-mail list, contact Mandy Paust.
For other questions about MEWG, contact Maureen Shea.

Upcoming events

Olivewood Ornament and Olive Oil Sale in December

The Mid-East Working Group is again selling olivewood and olive oil during Advent. This year the proceeds will benefit St. Luke’s Hospital in Nablus. Located in the West Bank, it is the only charitable hospital in Nablus, serving a community of 350,000, including a large Palestinian refugee camp. Travel restrictions and checkpoints make everyday life difficult for the people of Nablus and surrounding communities so ready access to comprehensive, quality health care at a local hospital is crucial. St. Mark’s is joining St. John’s Episcopal Church Norwood to help pay salaries for nurses.

Products will be available in Baxter Hall on Sundays in December. To learn more, contact Maureen Shea.

Related links

Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Jerusalem Partnership

Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

Churches for Middle East Peace

Since 1989, St Mark’s has forged significant links with people in Honduras. Through youth and adult trips, friendships have flourished as St Mark’s parishioners worked side by side with farmers, helping them establish sustainable agriculture techniques. Read a brief history of this program.

We are happy to announce that as of April 2018, these important connections and work will continue under the aegis of Sustainable Villages Honduras.

Point of contact: Betsy Agle