What we believe

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church is part of a wider faith community called the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with about 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For us, as the ELCA, this faith comes through the good news of Jesus Christ and gives us the freedom and the courage to wonder, discover and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world.

We're deeply rooted in Scripture, Lutheran theology and Lutheran confessions. We are also rooted in the vibrant, diverse communities and rich histories of our congregations. It's through these roots that the Holy Spirit guides and nourishes us so that we can be a church that is both resilient and always new.

The arms of Jesus are always spread wide in welcome. In keeping with Jesus' call to welcome the stranger, St. Mark's wants the community to know:

  • We welcome those of diverse economic backgrounds. Those of means and those who are in the need are welcome to worship.
  • We welcome those of diverse family backgrounds. Single parent families, "traditional" families, blended families and those to whom family is one person are welcome to worship.
  • We welcome those of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds. We honor God's gift of diversity through a commitment to racial equity.
  • We welcome those of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. The Body of Christ is inclusive of diversity of identities, including but not limited to straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and those identities beyond naming. These various ways of being are no barrier.
  • We welcome those with disabilities, physical, mental and emotional. Our church building is wheelchair accessible, we have a hearing loop and we strive to implement other accommodations as needed.
  • We welcome those who seek spiritual growth and enrichment regardless of where they are on their faith journey. We welcome lifelong Lutherans, those from other traditions and those just beginning to explore. All who are drawn to the communion table are welcome.

We recognize that not everyone will want to stay, but we offer this welcome as a way of introducing ourselves as part of the body of Christ.