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Frequently asked questions
We're glad you asked!
If you've never been to church, or it's been a while, or you haven't been to our church, then this page is just for you. We've compiled a list of questions that you may have thought about but didn't know who to ask. If we have missed your question, just send us a note to ask it!
Where is St. Mark's?
St. Mark's is an urban, renewing, and welcoming Lutheran (ELCA) congregation in Jacksonville, Florida. We are known for our social outreach and our attention to worship and music. We are located on Hendricks Avenue three blocks south of Emerson St. and about 3/4 mile north of University Blvd. W. [Link to: Google maps.
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What's a Lutheran?
“Faith active in love” is the best summary of what we believe it is to be a Lutheran. Specifically, a Lutheran is a Christian who has faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and who lives that faith in love toward our neighbors and all of God's creation. Lutherans share the Bible and a common faith with other Christians.
In 1517 in Germany, Dr. Martin Luther, a priest and university professor, started the Reformation in response to false teachings he saw in the Roman Catholic Church. Although he is the founder the Lutheran church, he always wanted to call it The Evangelical Church, which means, "The Good News Church" He is respected but not worshipped among Lutherans.
Read more: About Lutherans
What should I wear?
At St. Mark's, we wear whatever is comfortable, and you can, too. Some people come in jeans, some in shorts, some in dress clothes. The clothes are not the important part, you are.
Do I have to stand up and sing?
Lutherans are known for our singing, so singing is a big part part of our worship. You will see some people standing and some people sitting as they are able. Our only goal during our services is for you to hear and receive God's Word as it comes to us through scripture sung, prayed and preached.
Are kids welcome?
Of course! And we hope you bring them. We welcome children of every age and our members are very kid-friendly. During the service, Pastor Hanson and his friend, “Chuck the Moose” (pictured at the left), share the gospel and a prayer with the children.
For young children who are having difficulty keeping quiet enough or for moms who want to find a private place for nursing or childcare, we have a nursery. Just ask an usher for assistance.
What can I expect in the service?
From September through May, we have two worship services, each with its own flavor. Both services have choirs to lead the music and occassionally one of our bell choirs performs. Holy Communion is served at all worship services.
- Sunday at 8:30am: Blended service — a lively, yet relaxed and very family-friendly service. We use some long-term Lutheran favorites mixed with modern and upbeat liturgies and songs to keep the service always new and interesting. Congregational singing is led by a small choir, piano, and guitars.
- Sunday at 11:00am: Lutheran liturgical service — liturgy and congregational singing are led by the Festival Choir and organ, generally using a more traditional liturgy. But that doesn't mean we are stiff and boring!
- Saturday at 5:30pm: Contemporary and casual service — held on the first and third Saturday of each month in Fellowship Hall (our gym). It's a lively, yet relaxed and very family-friendly service. We use modern and upbeat liturgies and songs to keep the service always new and interesting. Holy Communion is served at each service.
What about Holy Communion (The Lord's Supper)?
Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at all worship services. Lutherans believe that Christ is present in this meal to give us forgiveness, life, and salvation. All baptized Christians who believe in the presence of Christ in his Supper for the forgiveness of sin are invited to receive the Lord's Supper. Children not yet instructed are invited to come forward to the altar for a blessing. This is the Lord's Table — all are welcome.
If you have questions about communing with us, send an email to Pastor Hanson, call him at (904) 386-9608. Better yet, talk to him before the service.
How do I become a member?
We're glad you asked! We are always pleased to welcome new members into our community. The first thing to do is introduce yourself to the pastor who will put you in touch with our Welcoming committee. Generally, we receive new members three times a year. Visit our New Member page for more information.
How do other people describe St. Mark's Church?
- Traditional not stuffy or rigid;
- Contemporary not trendy;
- Challenging not preachy;
- Welcoming and always forgiving.
What is an "ELCA" Lutheran?
The ELCA, or Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a denomination of more than 10,300 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It has over 4.5 million members. The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. For more information about our denomination's world-wide ministries, click ELCA. (Opens in a new window.)
What is the Florida-Bahamas Synod?
We are also partners with the Florida-Bahamas Synod. It is one of 65 synods (or districts) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The territory of the synod includes the entire state of Florida and all of the islands of the Bahamas. The 206 Congregations of the synod are grouped into three Mission Districts (North, Southwest, Southeast) for education, leadership development, and mission. For more information about the varied ministries of our synod, click FB Synod. (Opens in a new window.)
Privacy policy
Member contact information (telephone number or email address) is only provided to other active members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. We do not distribute our congregation directory. If you are not a member and want to contact one of our members, call the church office at (904) 396-9608. We will pass on your message together with your email address or telephone number to our member who may then choose to contact you. Staff contact information is provided on the Contact us page.
page created: 17 JUN 2011
page updated: 08 NOV 2011
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