UPDATE: Franklin County currently is at Level 3 (Red) in the state of Ohio’s public health alert system. Saint Mark’s is in Phase One of its regathering plan, which permits a limited return to the Main Sanctuary by select worship leaders to facilitate live-streaming of services.
We will continue to livestream our 10:30 a.m., online-only worship service (Liturgy of the Word, Rite II), which streams on our website and on our Facebook page. We also stream the audio of the service via Zoom.
Most other in-person activities are suspended until further notice as we seek to do our part to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. See below for additional information about our phased regathering plan.
We ask you to keep in your prayers all who have been affected by the current pandemic, those who care for them, and support relief efforts throughout the world.
This page offers updates and plans as we look toward more personal reconnection as a parish.
Click HERE for the most recent update from the Open Hearts Open Doors Committee
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding,
be present with those who take counsel
for the renewal and mission of your Church.
Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory.
Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to
pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(Book of Common Prayer, page 118)
This will be a long process, as a great deal of uncertainty exists and plans need constant modification and interpretation. Saint Mark’s commitment is to safety, inclusivity, and unrelenting witness to the Gospel.
Phase One
Limited return to Main Sanctuary by select worship leaders to facilitate live-streaming of services.
Vestry discussion of a Task Force to keep updated on Diocesan and Ohio Guidelines, evaluate best practices and facilities procedures.
Phase Two
Worship leaders return to Main Sanctuary with select congregational limitations.
Task Force develops plan for a “re-opening”.
Vestry plans ongoing enhanced role of technology and leadership in innovative practices.
Phase Three
Saint Mark’s opens for in-personal worship by general public with established guidelines.
TASK FORCE MEMBERS Include:
Dot Yeager, chair
Mark Drew, Technology & Microbiology
Matt Bester, Worship & Technology
Anne Getz, (consulting), Lay Liturgical Participation
Phil Glandon, Treasurer
Jim Keyes, Communications & Technology
William Mayr, Communications and Campus Environment
Bill Silliman, Worship & Lay Liturgical Participation
Laura Skoracki, Formation & Lay Liturgical Participation
Sam Slee, Worship & Technology
Gloria Wylie, Lay Liturgical Participation
George Reed, Parish Life
Please feel free to contact any member with suggestions or concerns you may have, or to volunteer as we facilitate our new common environments.
Official Guidelines from the Diocese of Southern Ohio and The Diocese of Ohio are found HERE: COVID-19-Response_Information.
“Separation is not isolation”. We are all united by the love of God.
Stay connected and get involved! Each virtual platform we use offers opportunities and characteristic ways to stay connected even as we look forward to gathering in person. Zoom (Worship and Ministries), Facebook (Community and Dialogue), Instagram (New Images of Parish Life), and YouTube (Archived Services and Musical Events).
Find Diocesan Resources to the Covid Pandemic HERE.
Support Saint Mark’s
Now, more than ever, the parish looks to the support of its members financially to maintain its current ministry, support its staff, and look ahead to be a leading presence during uncertain times.
Continue or make new contributions HERE.
Donate to the Pandemic Response through Episcopal Relief and Development HERE.