St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Specific Need

This year we are focusing on the natural world — in particular, the front garden and areas that need landscaping at St. Mark's. A few years ago we had foundation work done which required the removal of shrubery. We also have removed dying trees and bushes in the yard. In Genesis, we are told of God's creation of the earth and all that is upon it. Genesis 2:15: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden to till it and keep it." We feel that as part of our mission on earth as God's creation, we need to restore the beauty of nature that God has given us.

Derek deBoer, who is a landscape designer and member of the Blue Rapids Tree Board, has drawn up a plan for shrubs and flowers on the north side of the church and at the front of the church and parish hall. We are excited about the plan and will do the work in phases, starting with the area near the front door and to the south.

Mission

St. Mark's Episcopal Church members strive to be faithful, to love justice, to do mercy and to walk humbly with God. (Book of Common Prayer)

As Episcopalians we believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death and resurrection saved the world.

And most important we believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

Profile

Dear friend,

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Blue Rapids, was organized as a mission church in 1871, according to the Blue Rapids Centennial 1870-1970 book. The book noted that St. Mark’s underwent “many of the tribulations of small churches.”

In 1901, after having services in Olmstead Hall, above the public library. St. Mark’s obtained a home in the former Congregational Church, at Sixth and Lincoln streets. St. Mark’s members rented the church, and in 1904 purchased it. A parish hall was added in 1953.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is a small parish that values its heritage of sacramental worship and community service by welcoming all and giving of our time and treasure to God’s work.

St Mark’s has been in the Blue Rapids community for over 130 years and has seen and been a part of a changing world. The longevity of St. Mark’s is a testament to our faith in God and commitment to helping others and ourselves grow into the love God has for us all.

Donations will be used to continue our efforts to expand our community outreach projects and make needed repairs to our church. We are grateful for any support and invite you to join us for worship in person and in spirit.