The Episcopal Church of St. Mark the Evangelist is a unique parish located in the Diocese of Central New York in Syracuse. It is a destination church for both urban and suburban people. It has active parishioners involved in spiritual growth, pastoral ministries and outreach to the community. We are twenty-five-year’s young, formed from four Episcopal churches of the Episcopal Syracuse Urban Cluster.

The result is an energetic, outward-looking, faith-filled and diverse body of individuals who make this church their spiritual home. We strive to
reflect the teachings of Christ in our actions as well as the spoken word. Because we attract a rich blend of people, we have a variety of programs including a vibrant youth group, an emerging Sunday School, social groups that focus on mission, a wonderful music program, and vigorous outreach programs to the neighborhood. In our 25-year partnership with neighboring Porter Elementary School, we work with staff and parents to provide support for the students and their families. Our church building is open daily to many outside organizations for community activities.

PARISH GOALS & CHALLENGES:

1. TO PROMOTE SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN OUR PARISH AND THE COMMUNITY

• By providing the food necessary for the spiritual journeys for all
• By extending an invitation to our neighboring community

2. TO ENRICH OUR FOCUS ON OUR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND YOUNG ADULTS

• By making known to our young people Christ’s love for us
• Equipping our young people to walk their life journeys with God through age-appropriate programs
• By making our faith community one in which young adults feel at home and wish to participate

3. TO ATTRACT, INCORPORATE, AND ENGAGE NEW PARISHIONERS

• By being a warm and welcoming parish
• Being a parish for anyone seeking God
• By becoming a meaningful spiritual home for young families

4. TO EXPAND NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT

• By making known and promoting our presence on the west side of Syracuse
• By continuing our outreach to Porter School
• Always seeking new ways & opportunities to serve our community

5. TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STEWARDSHIP, ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP TO SUPPORT
OUR PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES.

Qualities We Seek in a New Rector:

Evangelism
Our new Rector is committed to growth of a vibrant parish with programs designed to attract and retain new members with continued support of our neighborhood outreach which is an important part of our identity. Our new Rector is someone who understands issues of race, gender, and culture as well as urban challenges.

Liturgical Leadership:
The new Rector is knowledgeable of Episcopal worship tradition and music, making the liturgy the centerpiece of our worship services but adapting as needed to serve people with less Christian background. He/she will work with the Worship Committee to learn current practices and to offer new ideas for continuing engaging, meaningful liturgies each week. Sermons are strong, reflecting the richness of the work of God and connecting it to the everyday lives of our parishioners, feeding us for the week ahead. We seek a Rector who is a strong spiritual and worship leader and who is knowledgeable in regard to counseling resources and general ministerial activities. He/she spiritually feeds the flock and is welcoming to members and newcomers.

Pastoral Leadership:
Our new Rector recognizes that young people are the present and the future of the church and is committed to a strong youth ministry. The needs of children, adolescents, and young adults are met with age-appropriate programs & opportunities. Christian education is an important aspect of a youth ministry as well as a vital component of the Christian growth of our adults. The new Rector believes in the importance of Christian education, and actively fosters education programs for people of all ages. The varied committees of our parish are committed to supporting the new Rector in his/her role of enriching our Pastoral Outreach both within and outside of the parish family. Our Rector will enjoy relationships with our at-home parishioners and gain personal satisfaction through visitations with our more senior members in nursing care facilities, hospitals, and in their homes- sharing with them the Gospel, the Eucharist, and Christ’s love. He/she will console our dying members, bringing Christ’s peace.

Administrative Leadership:
Our new Rector will employ management skills to empower a team of strong lay leaders. The laity will carry out a large part of the parish ministry so that the Rector is not overloaded or overwhelmed. He/she will set long-term goals and help the parish to achieve them. Assessment and review of programs is necessary to recognize necessary changes and redirection. The new Rector will practice good self-care and stewardship of their personal resources. He/she will also work closely with paid staff, which includes the Parish Administrator and Sexton, who both work 20 hours per week, and a bookkeeper/ treasurer who receives a small stipend. Our organist/choir director also receives a salary.

To apply to discern with St. Mark the Evangelist in Syracuse, please your resume/CV, OTM profile, and letter of interest to:

The Rev. Canon Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, Canon for Transition and Church Development, Episcopal Diocese of Central New York  carriesb@cnyepiscopal.org