Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and preparation.
Ash Wednesday, February 14, through Easter, March 31
Worship Services
Ash Wednesday
February 14 | 7 PM
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.
In-person and livestream available.
Childcare is available for children ages birth to 5.
Holy Thursday
March 28 | 7PM
Holy Thursday is the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus.
In-person and livestream available.
Good Friday
March 29 | 7 PM
Good Friday services focus upon prayer and reflection on the death of Christ and penance and special devotion for the believer.
In-person and livestream available.
Childcare is available for children ages birth to 5. Please register before March 27 to secure a spot.
Easter Sunday
March 31
7:00, 8:15, 9:40, 11:00 AM
7:00 AM – Sunrise Service- We will gather in the church chapel. In-person only.
8:15 AM – Traditional service
In-person only
9:40 AM – the current service.
In-person and livestream available.
11:00 AM – Traditional service.
In-person and livestream available.
Wings of Hope: Lenten Offering & Easter Card Campaign
Honor someone special this Lenten season with a gift through St. Mark’s Wings of Hope Campaign. Your Lenten offerings this year will benefit Lucille Raines Residence. Lucille Raines Residence houses up to 49 individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, giving people a place to rebuild their lives and relationships with God, all while learning how to function independently day-to-day and working on successful recovery. Make a gift In Honor, In Memory, or In Appreciation of a special person or group. Honorees will receive an Easter Card from St. Mark’s acknowledging your gift and celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. Your donations are given directly to Lucille Raines Residence to help them continue their mission of providing hope for those suffering from addiction!
Contact Amy Adams with questions at mailto:aadams@stmarkscarmel.org.
Children’s Lenten Resources & Activities
Family Devotionals
People often choose to give up something for Lent, but it is also a great time to rest in daily prayer and contemplation. Pick up your copies of devotionals for kids (“Jesus Christ is Risen Today“) and adults (“Lifted Up in LOVE”) from the shelves in the church entrance (Door #2) or table near the Café.
Kidz Lenten Musical “The Donkey’s Tale”
March 24 | 1:30 PM
This year’s Kidz Lenten Musical tells the story of Palm Sunday and Easter in a unique way! Come support the children of the church as they bring this special seasonal message to life and stay after for the Family foodpack at 2PM.* A grab-and-go treat will be available in the narthex at the end of the performance.
If you have questions, please contact Joyce Click at jclick@stmarkscarmel.org.
Kidz Lenten Resources
Lenten activity booklets and pop-up calendars for children will be available in the church narthex beginning Sunday, 2/11. Plan to pick up your family’s copy prior to the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday, 2/14). There will be materials for adults and children to enhance the 40-day season of Lent!
Easter Egg Hunt Brunch
March 23 | 10 AM
Come and enjoy brunch and an egg hunt with the Easter Bunny! The morning will start off with brunch at 10 AM and the egg hunt to follow.
Donations of wrapped candy, small toys, stickers or treats are needed by March 15. Drop off items at door #2.
Lenten Study
Lenten Study: Foolish Love
Fridays, February 23-March 29 | 9:30-11AM | Led by Pastor Karla Elliott and Jennifer Cloud-Buckner
Room B/C and Zoom | PDF study guides available
Did you know that in 2024, Lent begins on Valentine’s Day (February 14) and ends March 31, the day before April Fools’ Day? In that spirit, we will be doing a special Lenten study, “Foolish Love: The Love that Transcends All Understanding,” that digs into scripture and goes along with Pastor Karla’s sermons during Lent in the Current. The group will follow a PDF study guide and short videos. Join us for 6 sessions to explore how Jesus showed how foolish love forgives, breaks the rules, is unfair, is wasteful, is prodigal, is risky, and is the hope of Easter. You’ll need your Bible and a notebook or paper to jot down reflections for the questions.
Daily Lenten Devotional Videos
Ready for a daily moment of rest and reflection during this Lenten season? Join us here daily, Ash Wednesday through Easter, for a short scripture reading and prayer from St. Mark’s pastors, staff, and others throughout our church family.
Foolish Love – Lenten Journey Introduction Video
Daily Reflection
Check back each day for a new Lenten reflection from one of your friends at St. Mark’s.
Order Easter Flowers
Each year, St. Mark’s Chancel is filled with spring flowers in celebration of Easter. The flowers are provided by the congregation. This year we will be offering Easter Lilies, Tulips, and Daffodils for the cost of $8.00 per pot and may be given in honor of, or in memory of a friend, loved one, group, etc. There will be a listing of these gifts.
Please note: Flowers may be picked up after the 11 AM Easter service. Please note Boston Ferns are not available for pickup.