Advent

Advent is a season of hope & preparation as we watch and wait expectantly for the coming of Jesus Christ. Blue paraments and vestments, advent wreaths, readings and music will help guide us on our path toward Christmas.

 
 

Second Annual Dec. 1st Holiday Kickoff Event

This year St. Mark’s Square will again host an interfaith holiday kickoff event! We invite you to join us on December 1st from 6–8 p.m. for this very special celebration. This family-friendly event will include live music performances, holiday card making, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, delicious food, apple cider, Christmas cookies & more! RSVP for the holiday kickoff here.

Advent Midweek Worship

During the season of Advent, we are offering our traditional Wednesday evening vespers services (12/6, 12/13, 12/20). A 7:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer service (Sanctuary) follows a simple meal starting at 6:00 in Heritage Hall. These services are also livestreamed at smlc.live/vespers. The 12/6 service will be a special one featuring the choir of St. Mary’s Cathedral! And of course, Sunday morning services continue as normal throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas, both in-person and online.

 
 

Christmas

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with St. Mark’s Lutheran church! All services will be available for experiencing in-person as well as via YouTube livestream, so it’s never been easier (or cozier) to join us for these holy day festivities. Even if you can’t join us live or in-person, you can still watch the recordings on our YouTube channel.

 
 

Organ concert (Wednesday, 12/20)

Please join us on Wednesday, December 20, at 2 p.m. for an afternoon of musical magic featuring the extraordinary talents of Dr. Timothy Zerlang, our Director of Music. Dr. Zerlang will be performing a repertoire of traditional holiday music on the magnificent Taylor & Boody organ, promising a truly special experience. Following the concert, please join us in Heritage Hall for light refreshments and the opportunity to mingle. Feel free to extend the invitation to your friends and family; this event is open to all, and there's no need to RSVP. Let's come together and celebrate the season with joyous melodies and warm camaraderie!

 

Christmas Eve (Sunday, 12/24)

  • 9 & 11 am | Fourth Sunday of Advent Services (Sanctuary, YouTube at 11)
    Our usual Sunday morning worship, with festive flair.

  • 5:00 pm | Family Christmas Pageant (Sanctuary only)
    St. Mark's annual Sunday School Christmas pageant is a warm, festive, and family-friendly tradition—the perfect way to share the joy of Christmas with children in a welcoming and inclusive community. All are welcome! As always, the pageant will provide you an opportunity to relive the stories and sing some favorite carols.

  • 7:00 pm - Lessons & Carols (Sanctuary, YouTube)
    Restore your spirit with sacred readings and beloved music during this special candlelight Communion service.

  • 8:00 pm - Light refreshments available in the narthex

  • 10:00 pm - Special Choral Christmas Music (Sanctuary, YouTube)
    Seasonal selections from Director of Music Dr. Timothy Zerlang, including works by Bach, Brahms, and Victoria.

  • 10:30 pm - Festive Choral Eucharist (Sanctuary, YouTube)
    A festive eucharist service celebrating the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. “Joy to the World!”

Christmas Day (Monday, 12/25)

  • 10 am - Christmas Day Eucharist (Sanctuary, YouTube)
    Rejoice—the light of the world is here! Join us as we celebrate the incarnation.

  • Light refreshments will follow the service.

First Sunday of Christmas (Sunday, 12/31)

Sunday services as normal:

  • Note: no childcare or Sunday School this Sunday

  • 9:00 am - Holy Communion (Sanctuary)

  • 10:00 am - Coffee Hour

  • 11:00 am - Choral Eucharist with Children’s Time (Sanctuary, YouTube)

  • 12:15 pm - Coffee Hour