Many new and updated changes this year so be sure and check out all of our programs and services.

St. Mark’s Thrift Shop One of St. Mark’s historic ministries is the operation of a small thrift shop for our community. We have a reputation of a well run shop, full of opportunities and a helpful volunteer staff. With the economy continuing to offer challenges, we are pleased to offer great bargains in clothing and household goods.  We step forward to offer aid to those in the community that have fire, flood  or any other emergencies. We also embrace the concept of being “green”; we like recycling.  Our little shop is located in the basement of the rectory at 180 South Washington Street.  Open the 2nd Friday and Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.  Donations and volunteers are always appreciated. If you have questions or wish to make a donation, contact Margaret Place.

Meal Preparation     Starting Points Ministry Volunteers from St. Mark’s prepare and serve a free hot meal on the third Friday of each month throughout the year at the Starting Point Resource Center's community kitchen in downtown Berkeley Springs. This is the only program of its kind in Morgan County started in 2006.  The current average of meals being served is 125.  Meals are served on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 3:00-6:00 pm. Volunteers are always welcome. Coordinators - Arlene & Tony Verge.

MORGAN COUNTY INTERFAITH EMERGENCY CARE (MCIEF) Those in need in Morgan County turn to the Food Pantry at MCIEC for bags of groceries when times are tough.  The interfaith group also provides help with utilities, transportation and other essential needs.  St. Mark's parishioners donate food throughout the year-not just at Thanksgiving.  Church members also make financial contributions twice each year to help with the vital service to the community.

12 Step Goups Public meeting space is a rare commodity in our little town. St. Mark’s has a solid tradition of sharing its Undercroft meeting room with those who need space.  Today, Alcoholics Anonymous uses the Undercroft for meetings three nights a week - 7:30 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights.  Narcotics Anonymous uses the Undercroft for meetings every Sunday night at 7:00 pm and Monday night at 8:00 pm.

Adult Education The goal of our adult education program is to help deepen the spirituality that is the center of all life.  For example, a special Lent program offers insights into the path from darkness to Resurrection and new life celebrated on Easter.    We also offer short four to six week courses which include study of the Baptismal Covenant that binds all Christians as well as courses that examine the historic roots of Judaism and Christianity and what we have in common with other faiths.  The program aims to ground adults in our own trandition while challenging us to respect and see the beauty in other paths.

An array of prayer shawls for distribution. Click to enlarge Photo PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The Prayer Shawl ministry is a recent addition to St. Mark's outreach.  Shawls are made with loving prayerful care by St. Mark's parishioners, blessed by the priest and distributed to those persons for whom requests have been made.  Those requests may be made for someone in need, someone who is ill or anticipating surgery, the birth of a child, a celebration in one's life.  The goal of the Ministry is to present every member of St. Mark's with a shawl at some point in time.

Nuture Committee This committee looks out for the well-being of parishioners who are experiencing an illness, the loss of a family member or some other serious difficulty.  The group keeps the rector informed of those in need, sends supportive cards and maintains a prayer list.

Fellowship The centerpiece of fellowship at St. Mark's is the coffee hour after church on Sunday when we greet friends and visitors.  On the second Sunday of each month, all are invited to a full breakfast prepared by volunteers (the men of the Church host the May breakfast in honor of Mother's Day).  The organizer of this event is Beth Curtin.  Several times a year we worship together with our sister parish, Mt. Zion.