Ministries
Education Ministries
We are learning constantly. Here at St. Mark’s, we strive to have learning opportunities for all ages, preschool through adult. Through the school year, our calendar consists of Sunday and mid-week options – and are always open to new ideas! We also offer multiple summer camp experiences. Contact Director of Christian Education Traci Billman for more information
Sunday Learning for Preschool – 12th Grade
- Preschool thru 5th grade
- Each Sunday, kids will meet in Room 6 for Godly Play, a new curriculum that encourages hands-on learning and a lot of questions!
- Confirmation (6 – 8th grade)
- Our program is expanding to include sixth graders, shifting to a three-year program. This allows us to teach two years of Bible – one year for Old Testament, one year for New; and one year for the Small Catechism.
- Sr. High (9th -12th grade)
- Youth will meet in the youth room for a myriad of activities based on wants and attendance, e.g. devotions, service projects, aides to Godly Play, etc.
Adult Learning Opportunities:
- Sunday Learning:
- Faith & Discovery: A traditional class that includes book studies and group discussions.
- Donuts: A discussion-based class that meets to talk about topics ranging from Bible trivia to everyday politics and current events. And of course, there are donuts!
- Hidden Scriptures: The Writings of the Apocrypha: More than 400 years separate the prophet Malachi from John the Baptizer. In the time between, a number of important writings were produced, which influenced the world in which Jesus lived. Some of these writings, referred to as the Apocrypha (from the Greek for “hidden”) remain influential in both Jewish and Christian traditions today. Martin Luther said that these books are “useful and good to read.” In that spirit, join Pastor Will in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings from November 3 through December 8 to learn more about these writings and the way they shaped the Jewish world of Jesus.
- Mid-Week Opportunities
- Thursday Reading Group: A book study that meets for multiple weeks to read and discuss popular and thought-provoking Christian books. They are currently reading Radical Lutherans/Lutheran Radicals by Jason A. Mahn. This group meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm via Zoom. Call the church office for the Zoom link
We’re a joyful and musical congregation! We celebrate and grow musical talent at all levels through a wide variety of music ministries. Our ministries include both members and guests. Contact Minister of Music Patrick Marchant for more information.
- Contemporary Praise Team
- Wind Ensemble
- St. Mark’s Handbell Choir
- St. Mark’s Choir
Food Ministries
St. Mark’s feeds hundreds in the Huntsville area each year. Help is always needed and there are many opportunities to nourish others through our food ministries. If you would like more information, or would like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you!
In partnership with Manna House, St. Mark’s provides a prepared meal for the residents of Johnson Towers on the first Thursday of each month. Meals are served from Manna House’s mobile kitchen in front of the Towers and through delivery for less mobile residents.
This nationwide program mobilizes communities, individuals and groups to provide food on weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry. For some children in our community, the only consistent meals they receive come from their school. We help by providing 75 bags of food for kiddos at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary.
Take what you need. Give what you can. Located on the Franklin St. side of St. Mark’s, our free pantry is available without qualification or judgment for anyone in our community. Primarily used for non-perishable food stuffs, we also occasionally stock hygiene items and devotionals.
One of our oldest outreach ministries, our food pantry provides groceries, enough for three days, to those who call. Calls come from the community, HSV Hospital, the HSV Assistance Program, and school counselors. We also provide 10 food orders per week for ENABLE (formerly CASA).
In collaboration with All Saints Lutheran and funded by Thrivent Action Team Project Kits, the Kitchen Ministry prepares ~230 meals one Saturday per month, typically on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday. Hot bulk meals are prepared and delivered to Manna House and the 305 8th Street Group Home. Freezer meals are packaged for pickup by ENABLE and for St. Mark’s members and neighbors in need.
Working with “Meals on Wheels,” St. Mark’s is currently responsible for 8 routes on the third and fifth Tuesdays, and fifth Thursdays of each month. Usually working in pairs (one to deliver, one to drive), food is picked up at Madison County Senior Center.
Hospital Ministry
Once a month, our hospital hospitality team meets to bake and provide baked goods for different departments at Huntsville Hospital. It is an opportunity for us to give back to the hardworking healthcare workers in our community. Quarterly, we lead art projects with patients from Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, ages ranging from 3-19 and on occasion, also create craft kits for children who are part of the Child Life program.
God’s Work. Our Hands.
“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday is an annual event in September where churches throughout the ELCA go out into their communities for a day of service. St. Mark’s has participated in GWOH since its inception in 2009. Projects over the years included visits to homeless camps, CASA Gardens, Happy Trails Therapeutic Riding Center, Downtown Rescue Mission, and many more.
Holiday Drives
Our Holiday Food Drive, in partnership with other local Lutheran congregations, serves holiday meals to over 100 families each year. Additional holiday drives collect critical supplies and gifts for “Mom Bags” for single mothers as well as mittens, scarves, hats, and other winter gear for our Mitten Tree.
Adults will find many opportunities to learn and serve together throughout the community.
- Serving at St. Marks: Service opportunities include Church Council & Boards of Ministry, Stewardship Committee, Care Team, A/V volunteers, Altar Guild, and worship assistants.
- Fellowship Groups: Many formal and informal fellowship groups meet throughout the year including Supper Club, Quilt Guild, Tai Chi class, Free Spirits Senior Ministry, Faith & Fiction Book Group, and many more.
- Women’s Circles: Women of the ELCA (WELCA) meet regularly in small groups for bible studies, fellowship, and service activities. Each year, our circles also sponsor a local charity. Our WELCA program includes Deborah, Martha, Rachel, and Ruth Circles.
Children’s faith formation and education is brought to life through many ministries and programs throughout the year. Contact Director of Christian Education Traci Billman for more information.
- Sunday Learning (see Education Ministries above)
- Senior High Youth Group
- Confirmation Youth Group (7th & 8th grade)
- Tweeners (5th & 6th grade)
- Quarters (3rd & 4th grade)
- Summer Day Camps
- AFFIRM Southeastern Synod Youth Gathering
- ELCA Youth Gathering