And there are varieties of service,
but the same Lord.

(Please contact the church office for further information)

Rite 13

Gives support and guidance to young parishioners as they enter puberty and begin to define themselves as young men and women. The curriculum provides an opportunity to explore the realms of self, spirituality, sexuality, and society within the context of the Christian faith. Rite 13’ers meets weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:05 a.m. Volunteers are needed to assist with outreach projects and fellowship events.

Journey to Adulthood (J2A)

Offers an opportunity for young adults to blend action and contemplation in learning how to live a life which is faithful to our baptismal covenant. The curriculum for the program focuses on teaching six basic life skills: active listening, negotiation, assertion, research and information management, partnership, and leadership. J2A’ers meets weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:05 a.m. Volunteers are needed to assist leaders with outreach projects, fellowship events and training.

Adult Formation

Meets during the Education Hour beginning at 9:05 each Sunday morning to consider themes, biblical texts, church history or liturgy. Also meets for special occasions with guest speakers equipped to facilitate conversations about the church and the modern world.

Couple’s Workshop

The Couple’s Workshop is a Friday-Saturday activity in May and October for married couples and couples contemplating marriage.

Men’s Group – Noon Edition

We gather on 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. during the academic year to do a close reading of a gospel; after an hour we celebrate the Holy Eucharist. One Tuesday a month, we extend our time in order to have lunch together and to participate in another learning activity. A few times a year, we field trip to expand our horizons.

Mysteries of Faith

We meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month, also staring at 10 a.m., but are apt to go on talking well beyond our scheduled hour. We tend to alternate reading and discussion a provocative book with the study of a biblical text. Generally we conclude our time with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Nursery

Provides child care each Sunday morning from 7:30 – 11:15 a.m. Volunteers are needed in the nursery to assist nursery attendant, Brenda McGowan, one Sunday per month and on holidays.

St. Mark’s Day School

Offers an excellent education for 3-6 year olds. Accredited by NAEYC, licensed, and affiliated with the IL State Board of Education. Named “Hottest Pre-school in the North and Northwest Suburbs by North Shore Magazine. Volunteers needed for fundraising, computer assistance, and special events.

Women’s Spirituality Group

Participants seek to grow spiritually through informal discussion and fellowship. The group supports the parish through intercessory prayer and meets on the 4th Monday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Care ‘N Share

Meets the 3rd Saturday of the month for a member-led reading and discussion of a book or topic selected by group consensus. Gatherings begin with a potluck meal held in a member’s home.

Foyer Groups

Foyer groups consist of 6-10 people who get together periodically for dinner at a group member’s house. The host supplies the main course and the rest of the members bring a side dish, dessert or appetizer. The end result is a good meal and a great opportunity to get to know other people in the church.

Men’s Group – Evening Edition

The group provides opportunities for worship, study, fellowship and service. Quarterly gatherings begin with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist and are followed by an informal meal and a program or planning meeting. The group sponsors a number of service projects, Grubby Sunday workdays at the church and fellowship events, including an annual parish picnic and a Lenten breakfast.

The Messenger

A monthly publication with notices of upcoming events, news items and a message from the rector and director of Christian Formation. Volunteers are needed to assist with writing and editing, and photography projects.

Acolytes

Adults and youth assist clergy with worship services by serving as crucifer, torch bearers, and bearer of the Book of Gospels. Volunteers needed.

Altar Guild

Prepares the church for all worship services, and maintains linens and items used for services. The Altar guild gathers as a group each October for a fellowship/business luncheon. Volunteers are needed to serve on teams that meet on Saturday and Sunday mornings to clean and prepare the church, and to assist with weddings and funerals. All members help with Christmas and Easter preparations.

Flower Guild

Procures and arranges flowers for weekly worship services and festival occasions. Volunteers are needed with floral arranging skills to serve on a rotating basis with other guild members.

Governors Park Ministry

A Sunday morning worship service is offered for residents and their families at this continuing care facility in Barrington. Volunteers are needed to conduct worship, provide musical accompaniment for hymns by piano or other instrument, and offer assistance for residents attending service. Training is provided.

Hospitality

Each Sunday morning, after the 10:15 a.m. service, coffee and refreshments are served in Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are needed each week to host Hospitality Hour as well as a few special events throughout the year.

Lake Barrington Woods Ministry

A Sunday morning worship service is offered for residents and their families at this continuing care facility in Barrington. Volunteers are needed to conduct worship, provide musical accompaniment for hymns by piano or other instrument, and offer assistance for residents attending service. Training is provided.

Eucharistic Ministers

Administers the chalice at Holy Communion and serve on a rotating basis. Eucharistic ministers are licensed by the Bishop.

Lectors

Read the first and/or second lesson for Sunday morning worship. Lectors serve on a rotating basis, preparing to read the lessons through study and prayer.

Music Ministry

Adult Choir

Adult Choir of mixed voices supports the liturgy by singing during the 10 a.m. service from September through May and for special seasonal services. Rehearsals are conducted on Wednesday, 7:30 – 9 p.m., and Sunday mornings, 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.

Youth Choir

Youth Choir children learn music, voice and teamwork while singing during the 10:15 a.m. services monthly, from October – May. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings, 10-10:40 a.m. Choir members may choose to attend the Diocesan Youth Choir Festival each February at the Cathedral of St. James in Chicago. Adult volunteers are needed to assist with maintenance of choir robes, helping choristers robe, and providing snacks for rehearsals.

Eucharistic Visitors

Commissioned health care chaplains are trained at the Bishop Anderson Institute or at another clinical pastoral educational site. Chaplains are licensed by the Bishop to take Holy Communion to persons who are in hospital or home bound. Chaplains regularly visit shut-in members of St. Mark’s who cannot attend Sunday services.

Prayer Leaders

Lead the Prayers of the People during 8 and 10 o’clock Sunday morning worship services.

Ushers

Ushers greet worshippers attending Sunday liturgies, distribute service leaflets, ring the church bell, take-up the collection, direct communicants to the altar rail, recruit persons to present the bread and wine for Holy Eucharist, provide information and assist in case of emergencies. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join this ministry.

Visit the OUTREACH PROGRAMS PAGE