Our Mission: "We Serve"
The pitcher-and-water symbol and the texts beneath it is a metaphor for a number of things.
We remember that Jesus, on the night of His betrayal as recorded by the Gospel of John, took a towel, wrapped it around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet, saying that this was how we who follow Him must serve: humbly, usefully.
The symbol reminds us of our baptisms, by which we are reborn washed and clean and newly-determined, and of our solemn baptismal promise to "serve all people, following the example of Jesus."
"And we draw the circle wide" comes from the refrain of the internationally famous worship-song by Canadian Anglican Bishop Gordon Light, which commands us to draw the circle "wider still," so our hearts can touch "far horizons," and "our loving know no borders."
We remember that Jesus, on the night of His betrayal as recorded by the Gospel of John, took a towel, wrapped it around His waist, and washed His disciples' feet, saying that this was how we who follow Him must serve: humbly, usefully.
The symbol reminds us of our baptisms, by which we are reborn washed and clean and newly-determined, and of our solemn baptismal promise to "serve all people, following the example of Jesus."
"And we draw the circle wide" comes from the refrain of the internationally famous worship-song by Canadian Anglican Bishop Gordon Light, which commands us to draw the circle "wider still," so our hearts can touch "far horizons," and "our loving know no borders."
The Shepherd Program
Begun in 2010, growing out of a decade-long St Mark's Christmas Food Hamper ministry, the Shepherd Program reaches out to local families and children in the name of Christ.
Its primary fundraiser is the Great Chesley Hearty Stew Dinner and Auction, held in late October or early November. Each year the dinner and auction raises about $5000; all of it is distributed.
St Mark's Shepherd Program still funds the Christmas Hamper distribution, now in co-operation with the Hanover Salvation Army. At least 65 families are blessed with food, clothing and desirable toys, and every year the number of families we serve grows.
The Program is not just a Christmas ministry. Throughout the year, it helps fund Chesley Food Pantry, Chesley Ministerial Vacation Bible School, fees for children attending Christian summer camps, bursaries for High School students, and relief of all kinds for local families in financial, emotional and spiritual distress.
Music
Since the completion of the J&S Tite Lange Memorial Pipe organ in the Spring of 2014, St Mark's has begun a new music series, featuring not only the organ, but singers and instrumentalists as well.
Organ Dedication Weekend in early June 2014 attracted over 300 people to three concerts and a day of workshops for church musicians. Artists included Dr Gregg Redner from London, Ontario, members of the Grey Bruce Centre of the RCCO, Bells of the Bruce conducted by Patricia Spencer and the Saugeen Bach Choir conducted by Robert Tite. Workshop leaders included Dr Redner, Mrs Spencer and Regan McNay of the Georgian Bay Concert Choir and Children's Chorus.
Beginning in October of 2014, St Mark's presents Third Friday Music, six concerts in October, November, December, March, April and May convened by Ted Filsinger and Fr Ed. All concerts feature a delightful variety of music and performers.
St Mark's thus gratefully and joyously continues the ancient association of music and the Church!
Organ Dedication Weekend in early June 2014 attracted over 300 people to three concerts and a day of workshops for church musicians. Artists included Dr Gregg Redner from London, Ontario, members of the Grey Bruce Centre of the RCCO, Bells of the Bruce conducted by Patricia Spencer and the Saugeen Bach Choir conducted by Robert Tite. Workshop leaders included Dr Redner, Mrs Spencer and Regan McNay of the Georgian Bay Concert Choir and Children's Chorus.
Beginning in October of 2014, St Mark's presents Third Friday Music, six concerts in October, November, December, March, April and May convened by Ted Filsinger and Fr Ed. All concerts feature a delightful variety of music and performers.
St Mark's thus gratefully and joyously continues the ancient association of music and the Church!