Mission & Beliefs

Mission

“To be creative, compelling, and compassionate witnesses to Jesus Christ, in our part of the Palouse."

Values

We blend the rich traditions of Episcopal liturgy with a commitment to emulate Christ’s words and actions in the world today. An open, affirming, multi-generational congregation, we are called from every walk of life to grow in God’s transformative love. All who seek to walk the Way of Love are welcome, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or disability. God loves everyone. No exceptions!

Vision

Extending hope to the outsider, the skeptic, the hurt and the hungry is critical to our mission. Lessons from Scripture guide our reflections on the past; inquiring minds help us engage with the present and offer guidance for our future. Our work for compassion and justice extends beyond the four walls of our church. The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve the community, regardless of our ability to meet regularly face to face.

Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer is the framework for our worship. Our bishop has given St. Mark’s the freedom to create liturgies from a wide range of approved sources. That’s what we do, from our regular Saturday and Sunday Holy Eucharist to our evening Taizé services, to daybreak’s daily Morning Prayer in the chancel, and more recently, online via Zoom.

Centering Prayer and Slow Church Communion energize our participants in ongoing conversations and weekly services. Seasonally, we offer a Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of St. Francis, Blue Christmas, Lenten Ashes-to-Go and a dramatized Passion Gospel. Gospel Masses rock the rafters during services for Pentecost and All Saints Sunday. Late summer, we celebrate outdoors during our annual Mass on the Grass in a local park.

1. Holy Eucharist

"Eucharist" means thanksgiving, 
and It is the event in which we are grounded weekly in a grateful approach to life, rooted in "an attitude of gratitude."

2. Daily Office

The Daily Office is the Church’s daily act of prayer. Whether we say it in a group at a church or as an individual with morning coffee, the Office is our participation in the Church’s daily praise of God. Different psalms, readings and prayers are appointed for each day. At St. Mark's we offer Morning Prayer every day at 8:00 am (Monday through Saturday). To participate, come to the church, or follow the Zoom link directions (click on the calendar entry for Morning Prayer).

3. Personal Prayer

Through personal devotions, we each can experiment with forms of prayer that deepen intimacy with God, further illuminate our faith experience, and expand the scope of our relationship with Christ. Some make use of contemplation or meditation, or Centering Prayer; others may be attracted to intercession (praying for others such as using our Prayer Request link); some may be drawn to printed devotionals such as "Forward Day by Day" or "Jesus Calling"; still others may be drawn to "body prayer" engaged through walking or yoga. 

Baptismal Vows

Q: Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
A: I do.

Q: Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
A: I do.

Q: Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
A: I do.     

Baptismal Promises

At least five times a year, we renew our Baptismal promises:

Q: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
A: I will, with God's help.

Q: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
A: I will with God's help.

Q: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
A: I will with God's help.

Q: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
A: I will with God's help.

Q: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
A: I will with God's help.    

But not everyone is there yet, and that's alright. We are here to share our stories and companion one another right where we are in our journey along the Jesus Way.