St. Mark's Episcopal Church Troy

06/25/2026

This week we pause to remember the Nativity of St. John the Baptist or Birth of John the Baptist. It is also known as the Nativity of the Forerunner, or colloquially Johnmas or St. John's Day (in German) and is a high-ranking liturgical feast. The sole biblical account of the birth of John the Baptist comes from the Gospel of Luke.

06/22/2026

We are so thankful that the Rev. Dr. Antwon Lewis was with us this morning on this the fourth Sunday after Pentecost to celebrate Holy Eucharist Rite Two.

His wonderful homily showcased our Gospel lesson of Matthew 10: 24 - 39 as we were reminded that we worship a God who is with us even in the darkness and urges us not to be afraid as He assures us that He hears us even in the wilderness. Jesus teaches us not to fear as He carries our burdens and is with us right now … today.

Father Lewis also reminded of a beautiful truth: the Cross is not a decoration but is rather a place of sacrifice. When hope is fading we can recall God heals, and God hears us … even in the wilderness of our lives. We can also remember with certainty that God hears the voice that seems to be unheard. It is a beautiful promise that is given to us urging us to remember not that life is easy, but that God is faithful. We can rest in that promise as we move forward without fear knowing with certainty that God is with us.

06/21/2026

06/18/2026

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health, comfort and relieve your servants who need the power of Your healing touch and minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

06/16/2026

In June we pause to remember St. Barnabas as his history appears in the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul mentions him in some of his epistles. Tertullian named him as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Christian tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, Cyprus. He is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. The feast day of Barnabas is celebrated in June.

Barnabas is usually identified as the cousin of Mark the Evangelist on the basis of the term "anepsios" used in Colossians 4, which carries the connotation of "cousin".

06/14/2026

Joel Williams delivered such a beautiful homily this morning on this the Third Sunday after Pentecost based on our Gospel reading in Matthew: 9:35-10:8 which he called “monumental.” The disciples were learning the way of love by watching Jesus, and conversely, we too like the disciples are just average people but given the commission to do all the same good works and more.

We are special wherever we are and we were encouraged in this powerful homily never to discredit that. Jesus can use us right here - right now. We are empowered to seek and serve Christ in all people and we need to embrace that authority. We are never alone and we should always remember that hope replaces despair! What a comfort to know that as we are called, empowered and equipped, we can go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

06/12/2026

Today at St. Mark’s Episcopal Vacation Bible school, one of our Art students wanted to share a special heartfelt message about what Jesus means to him and for all of us. Thank you so much Eli!

06/12/2026

Our very last day of St. Mark’s Episcopal Vacation Bible school fun started off with our very favorite “here we go” song for our “time lab discovery” from alpha and omega - from beginning to end and on to eternity!

We wrapped up our week of fun activities and the last project we did in Art was finish our passports and thoughts about what Jesus means to us and for the whole world.

We are so thankful and grateful for everyone who came, helped with the groups, taught the classes with such interesting lessons everyday and a very special thank you to those who helped with and supplied our wonderful snacks!

Since today was our last day, we had cool water slide fun, delicious pizza and everyone’s favorite summer treat - freezy yummy refreshing popsicles!

Fun fact: What color popsicle do you think was the most popular and the first to go?

(It was BLUE! 🩵)

See you all next year!