Evangelism Commission

Bert and Sandy Ralston, Commission Heads

The mission of the Evangelism Commission is to empower each other to develop his or her expression of evangelism, both in organization and action, to become effective disciples of Christ. Evangelism is practiced in the following ways.

Cursillo, introduced in 1976, is very active in the Diocese and at St. Mark’s. More than 300 parishioners have participated in a Cursillo weekend. Reunion groups are an active part of Parish life. For more information, call Cameron and Craig Walker, 384-7990.

St. Mary’s, Itabo, Cuba is St. Mark’s companion parish in Cuba. In addition to supporting St. Mary’s financially, St. Mark’s parishioners have provided church furnishings and repairs, medications, clothing, and basic necessities. Join us for our next mission trip. For more information, call Jessica Babcock at 384-1721.

The Alpha Course is one of the most exciting and dynamic programs of Christian formation and renewal in the Christian Church today. Alpha began at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Brompton, England, and has spread to thousands of churches in the world. St. Mark’s has offered six Alpha courses with over 500 participants.

The Newcomer Program reaches out to visitors, guests, seekers and new members at St. Mark's in a variety of ways.

• Greeters personally welcome all visitors to our worship services and special events.
• Freshly-baked bread is delivered to first time visitors and guests on the Monday after their first Sunday visit.
• Our Rector (Senior Pastor) sends a letter of welcome to each new visitor.
• A member of the Newcomer Ministry Team will telephone each new visitor to invite a return visit and to answer any of the visitor's questions.
• A newcomer's class introduces those interested visitors, newcomers and seekers to St. Mark's and the Episcopal Church.
• If requested by the visitor, a member of our clergy staff is available to make a short home-visit for an informal chat.
• Socials held two to three times a year offer the opportunity for newcomers and parishioners to gather for a meal, conversation, fellowship and fun.
• Each newcomer will be given an opportunity to offer their time and talents in the lay ministry programs of the church.
• Each newcomer will be given an opportunity to become a member of St. Mark's by baptism, confirmation, reception, letter transfer or intention.