Frequently Asked Questions
What are services like at St. Mark’s?
What kind of church is St. Mark’s?
Can I take communion?
Are children welcome at Sunday services?
What kind of Sunday school and religious education do you offer?
Where do I learn more about baptisms, weddings, and funerals?
How do I become a member?
Who’s in charge around here?
Where are you located?
Where do I park?
What should I wear?
What are services like at St. Mark’s?
While there is a lot of tradition in our worship services and liturgy, there is also some uniqueness that may take some people by surprise. Our worship uses liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, and we often incorporate a variety of traditional and modern prayers from a variety of sources. Our Nave – the sanctuary – is set up in the round with the altar at the center. That means chairs, no pews. And that flexibility allows for St. Mark’s to be used for a variety of things besides worship – from music performances to the St. Mark’s players (links?).
We enjoy music and we sing a lot – both traditional and more contemporary tunes. We are fortunate to have a wonderful choir with talented soloists and musicians, a handbell choir, and a youth choir.
We love and celebrate children at St. Mark’s. During our 9am service, children are invited to Children’s Chapel in the parish hall, beginning early in the service and ending just before communion. Those who may be looking for a worship experience with a little less family spontaneity may find that the 11:15am service better fits the bill. While children are again welcome to attend with their parents/adults, this service generally is a little lower-key.
Sermon Seminar has been a St. Mark’s tradition for over 30 years. Immediately following the 9am service – which includes no sermon – there is a short break for people to help themselves to coffee in Baxter Hall, and bring it back to the Nave for Sermon Seminar. After a few minutes of announcements by parishioners, the sermon is delivered and then it is open mike time for anyone who wishes to share a reflection or response to the theme of the sermon. The sermon (without “seminar”) is delivered during the worship service at 11:15am and at 5pm.
The 5pm worship service is called Contemplative Worship, but also tends to attract families with toddlers. Learn more about Children’s Chapel is available at the 5:00 service on the first Sunday of the month. This service has proved to be a wonderful point of connection for many newcomers to St. Mark’s, as well as long-time parishioners who just prefer the later time of day.
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What kind of church is St. Mark’s?
St. Mark’s is an Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Washington and part of the Anglican Communion. Learn more about the Episcopal Church here.
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Can I take communion?
Yes, all are welcome to receive communion. Everyone is invited to the table, for we consider it God’s table, not ours. That means that no one is left out.
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Are children welcome at Sunday services?
Children are welcome in all services, even when they are a bit noisy. An optional “quiet activity rug” is available with toys and activity bags on one side of the Nave. Shortly after the start of the 9am service, children 3 – 9 years old are invited to gather for Children’s Chapel, a special worship time just for them. They return to the Nave before the Eucharist so that families can celebrate (take communion) together. For the youngest, we have Nursery care at the 9am and 11:15am services. While there is no nursery care available at the 5pm service, there is Children’s Chapel on the first Sunday of the month.
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What kind of Sunday school and religious education do you offer?
There are a number of shared learning experiences at St. Mark’s for all ages, including adult Christian education, Sunday school, and a library. Learn more here.
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Where do I learn more about baptisms, weddings, and funerals?
Click the links to learn more about baptisms, weddings, and funeral services at St. Mark’s.
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How do I become a member?
We ask all members to make a financial donation; the amount is up to you. We have several Christian education classes designed to bring you into our community. You can find more information here. Membership is not required to participate in parish activities.
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Who’s in charge around here?
St. Marks’ has a dedicated team of clergy and staff, as well as active lay leadership. The Vestry, the elected governing board of the church, meets monthly. Learn more about our leadership here.
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Where are you located?
St. Mark’s is located at the corner of 3rd and A Streets, SE, two blocks from Pennsylvania Avenue and near I-395 and the SE-SW Freeway, and just a few blocks from the Capitol South Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines). We are also within a 15-minute walk from the Eastern Market (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) and Union Station (Red Line) stations. You can check the WMATA website to learn more about how to travel here via rail or bus.
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Where do I park?
We are located in a residential neighborhood and street parking is limited. Please carefully read and observe the signs outlining parking regulations as parking is enforced aggressively. Cars without residential stickers may park on adjacent blocks for a maximum of two hours on weekdays and there is also metered parking nearby. Parking is free and there are no time restrictions on Sundays.
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What should I wear?
Some of our members dress in their “Sunday best” but you’ll also find others wearing jeans and some in shorts and t-shirts during the summer. We’ll be happy to have you no matter what you wear.
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