September 12 is Startup Sunday and marks the beginning of the program year in which Christian education, group ministries, and parish life activities will resume at Saint Mark’s. Some activities will begin in modified format, others will look very familiar at first, but over time will change as we continue our work to gather information and re-develop 2021/22 programming.
Read below for activities being planned.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Bring your backpacks and briefcases on Sunday, Sept. 12, as we kick off the program year with a Blessing of the Backpacks. This is a way that we can recognize both teachers and students of all ages by having them bring their backpacks/ briefcases to be blessed for the coming school year.
Ministry Fair
Plan to stay after the 10:30 worship service for an extended Fellowship Hour on the patio with Ministry Fair in the parish hall where you can discover all the many opportunities there are to participate in the life of Saint Mark’s.
An online option will be available as well. Watch this space for more details coming soon.
Formation – Adult
- Sept.12 – Judith Grant. St. Paul’s conversion
- Sept. 19 – Dan Morton: When did St Paul live and how do we know?
- Sept. 26 – Dan Morton: Who are those people in St Paul’s letters?
Formation – Children and Youth
Formation for Children ages 3 through 5th grade (sometimes called Church School) will resume in-person classes beginning Sept. 19. We anticipate holding classes outside as much as possible, weather permitting. We welcome children from 9:30-10:15 a.m. for social play and sing-a-long activities. In addition, we welcome children during the 10:30 worship service, for activities in Godly Play (ages 3-kindergarten) and Children’s Chapel (grades 1-5). More information is available at www.saintmarkscolumbus/children-and-youth-formation/
Nursery
The nursery is open for children under age 3 during worship services and church activities, however, at this time the nursery will not be staffed with volunteers and children must be accompanied by a parent. We are hopeful this will change as the pandemic continues to evolve.
*Note that masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2.