St. Mark's Episcopal Church

09/01/2026

Exciting news from St. Mark's Music Ministries! Our 2026 Fall Concert Series kicks off Monday, September 28 at noon with pianist Sara Su Jones and violinist Tatyana Stepanova—and it's the fifth year we've been able to offer this series free and open to all. Bring a friend, a neighbor, or the whole family and join us in St. Mark's beautiful sanctuary.

And if you've ever thought about singing, now's the time. Our parish choir starts its season the Thursday after Labor Day, rehearsing Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and singing at the 10 a.m. Sunday service. No audition required—just come with a willingness to join in. Interested in our first rehearsal on Thursday, September 10? Send Westley an email ([email protected]).

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As summer draws to a close, we turn our attention to the season ahead—one that promises both music and community in equal measure.

08/26/2026

Dolly Parton brought us so much music in her life. She left us yesterday at 80 years old, and taught us that love is truly the answer. This morning, our Director of Music Ministries played "I Will Always Love You" on the chimes as a tribute to Dolly. Dolly, we will always love you. Thank you for the music—thank you for the kindness.

08/03/2026

Join us for a Choir Room Open House at St. Mark's on Thursday, September 10, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Come see what choir life is really like—sit in on our regular rehearsal, then stay for a short service of compline and a reception afterward, where you can chat with current members, ask questions, and get a feel for the community. No experience or audition required, just curiosity and a love of singing.

Want a preview of what we sound like? Watch us here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW_d6iw4F0k

Whether you've sung in choirs before or have never read a note of music, we'd love to have you. Come see what we're about, and maybe find your new Thursday night home.

Interested? Let us know you're coming by filling out this short form: https://forms.gle/EcPmpsuuJ5HYrMHp7

Questions? Reach out anytime to our Director of Music Ministries, Westley, at [email protected].

07/03/2026

Blessings to all on this 250th celebration of Independence Day! We hope to greet many St. Marker's and friends at Rachel's home tomorrow for the annual Potluck & Parade! Details in our eLion newsletter, coming to your inboxes momentarily....

06/19/2026

Blessings this Juneteenth from St. Mark’s to your families! Peace and love to all on this special holiday, and enjoy this special prayer from the Episcopal Church:

❤️💛💚

+ Almighty God, you rescued your people from slavery in Egypt, and throughout the ages you have never failed to hear the cries of the captives; We remember before you our sisters and brothers in Galveston, Texas who on this day received the glad tidings of their emancipation; Forgive us for the many grave sins that delayed that liberating word; Anoint us with your Spirit to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. +

(Collect for Juneteenth, from Juneteenth Liturgy, compiled by the Vivian Traylor Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians)

06/14/2026

MULCH…MULCH…MULCH!

Many hands make light work! Thank you to everyone who stuck around for our annual mulching party! Our grounds are even more beautiful because of your offerings today.

As we journey through the Summer and Fall, we pray for all the hands that will tend our grounds and garden. We are grateful for your gifts to St. Mark’s!

06/13/2026

MULCH • MULCH • MULCH • TOMORROW JUNE 14!

The mulch has arrived, the weather is looking great for tomorrow, and we will have another beautiful outdoor coffee-hour after the summer 9:30 eucharist -- so remember to wear your gardenening clothes and bring gloves for the annual Mulching Party after church (the more who help, the faster it gets done!).

05/19/2026

Our garden is beginning to bloom at St. Mark’s. The peonies are in full bloom, and the beauty they bring to our grounds is a gift to everyone who passes.

We give thanks for all the hands that tend and nurture our garden throughout the year. Walk by anytime—come sit on a bench, breathe it in, and let the beauty wash over you.

Lord, we thank you for the wonder of growing things—for color and fragrance, for the slow miracle of seed and soil, and for the faithful hands that care for this little corner of your creation. May all who pass through find a moment of peace and your presence here. Amen.

05/06/2026

Join us on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 7pm for a concert featuring a ca****la choir Coriolis. The concert is free and open to the public, and an offering will be collected, with 50% going to the performer and the other half supporting St. Mark’s Piano and Organ Fund. For more information, please get in touch with Westley at [email protected].

Details: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (1509 Ridge Ave, Evanston). Parking is limited to street parking, but plenty is within walking distance.

The concert will last approximately an hour, with a festive reception to follow in our parlor. The reception is sponsored by St. Mark’s Music Ministries in honor of Coriolis and their commitment to music and community.

05/04/2026

May the Fourth be with you.

Our Director of Music Ministries, Westley visited our chimestand today for their annual playing of the Star Wars Theme. If you are in the area, yes, the church bells were indeed playing the Star Wars Theme at 11:55am today!

Happy May 4!