St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Islip, NY

08/19/2026

08/16/2026

08/15/2026

The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical season dedicated to God as creator and sustainer of all life. Christians around the world use this time for prayer, worship and action to care for and protect creation.

From 1 September to 4 October, Anglican churches join Christians from other traditions in marking the Season of Creation, also called Creationtide, through prayer, reflection and action to protect and restore God's gift of creation.

The Season of Creation begins on 1 September, which is observed as the Day of Prayer for Creation and, in many churches, as the Feast of Creation. The Feast can also be celebrated on the first Sunday in September. The season continues until 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology.

This year's Season of Creation theme is 'Living Water'.

Find out how Anglicans around the world are marking the Season of Creation and explore resources for churches:
anglicancommunion.org/campaign/season-of-creation

Find out more about the theme, explore resources and discover how you can get involved at seasonofcreation.org


Season of Creation GREEN Anglicans

08/15/2026

August 15 is the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, pray for us!

“He that is mighty has magnified me, and holy is his name.” - The Blessed Virgin Mary

In Luke chapter 1, Mary is described as a virgin of Nazareth, pledged to be married to Joseph, a descendant of David. This humble young girl was visited by an angel of the Lord and greeted with high honor. “Do not be afraid, Mary;” The angel said. “You have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Mary’s response has been a model for all Christians, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.” Mary conceived, just as the angel foretold. Bearing God within her womb, Mary has been called “Blessed” and “the Theotokos” (God-bearer) by Christians of subsequent generations. She was present with Jesus in his earthly ministry and witnessed his suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. She was present with the Apostles at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fell upon the church and empowered them to obey the Great Commission. Some church traditions say that Mary, like Elijah and Enoch, never died but was taken (or “assumed”) into heaven. Others say that she died (“dormition”), and that her body was received into heaven. In either case, Christians of all traditions have given her highest honor, among all of God’s creatures.

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Art & history by Ben Lansing

PREORDER the NEW book 📚 and listen to the podcast 🎙️ at www.ourchurchspeaks.com

08/13/2026

ST. MARK'S | News & Notices, Aug. 13 - https://mailchi.mp/f166521333e8/stmarksnewsnotices-9306350

08/10/2026

It was a glorious thing to witness. Proud of our Bishop & diocese for what it took to get to this day of celebration!

08/10/2026

Delighted to represent us and the Atlantic Deanery at a Mass of Rededication Sunday afternoon in Riverhead (and sorry no photos of the SRO nave behind me during the service!)

What a beautiful thing WE have supported, as God's people in this diocese, as this parish has been brought back to life as a bi-lingual parish. The Spirit has been at work in downtown Riverhead and the congregation - if their enthusiastic singing and smiles were any indication - is thrilled to be moving ahead, together, as a place of refuge, peace, and ministry to the vulnerable.