There is a small and dedicated group of parishioners who make the wheels turn and ministry happen at Saint Mark’s. They are the LEMs, the members of the Altar Guild, the Choir, the Acolytes, the Ushers, the Vestry, the Love in a Dish volunteers, the Community Gardeners, the Coffee Hour volunteers, the Sunday School and Youth Group leaders (when possible), etc. We encourage people to join our ministry groups by invitation with face to face conversation. Additionally we incorporate information about the ministries through Constant Contact announcements, our parish newsletter (Lionstale) and Annual Report.

We have a long standing history of being involved in outreach. Our outreach opportunities include our food pantry, community garden, donations to The Retreat, (a domestic violence shelter in East Hampton), Communio Franciscano, (an Hispanic Episcopal community in Riverhead). We have gathered and distributed coats for kids, supplies for veterans, school supplies and food to the local schools and answered the call in times of disaster ie: Hurricane Sandy.        

We have a pre-school with 142 children and 31 in staff. Our school is involved in our outreach activities and hosted a Breakfast with Santa in 2019.

Additionally we have beautiful facilities that afford plenty of space for worship and social activities.  

Throughout our period of discernment we have discussed both our strengths and   challenges. Rather than just thinking towards filling the pews we know that we need to look outwards into the community. How do we connect communially and spiritually?  How do we present a welcoming vision to others? How can we expand our outreach? 

With our beautiful facilities comes the challenge of meeting the expenses. Though our vestry manages the church’s  assets diligently, cutting expenses wherever possible and looking for revenue opportunities, the outflow continues to outpace the inflow. 

Marjorie Kulesa: marjkulesa@gmail.com

Canon Claire Woodley: cwoodley@dioceseli.org