MINISTRIES
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:40
St. Mark’s ministries strive to make a direct impact on the everyday lives of people in need, especially families and children. We invite you to join our efforts where the impact is often immeasurable to the givers, the doers and the receivers.
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
Due to the ongoing need and increased food insecurity on Marco Island, St. Mark’s stepped up annual support to help feed our neighbors with monthly food drives, adapting our shed to be a food storage facility and hosting Mobile Pantry distributions monthly. To get involved, email Doug Eichten.
St. Mark’s Hurricane Pantry
Due to our unique location on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, St. Mark’s works diligently to prepare for storms affecting our neighbors. In the event of an emergency, it is the goal of this ministry to provide one hot meal a day for parishioners, first responders, hurricane helpers and any resident of Marco Island and the surrounding area affected by a hurricane causing power outages or displacement. Any questions, please contact Joann Moe.
Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
Habitat for Humanity is one of St. Mark’s long-standing ministries, now in our 22nd year of God’s people working to help families break the cycle of poverty and toward that vision of a world without poverty housing. We pound nails, spread paint, raise walls and funds, interview prospective Habitat families, teach ESL and homeownership classes, advocate for affordable housing, assist in the ReStore, and serve cookies on the job site. Get involved and make a difference in the lives of hard-working families in Collier County. Contact Lauri Shafer.
Laundry Love
The Laundry Love initiative helps people who are struggling financially by assisting them with their laundry. We see the laundromat as a place where strangers become friends, people are known by name, and the worth of every human being is acknowledged and celebrated. Once a month our team is greeted with cheers as we insert coins into the washers and dryers as we strive to raise the dignity of low-income families through the simple act of clean clothes. If you would like to join the fun, email Marian Risch.
Pastoral Care
At St. Mark’s, loving and caring for one another is uppermost in the hearts and minds of our parishioners and clergy. In the business world, they’d say it’s job number one. In the spiritual world, we strive to act with grace. Through Hospital Visitations, Prayer Chains, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, Pastoral Care Visitors, and the Mourners Path, we will walk beside you. Contact Elaine Cole, Janet DeAnna, or Reverend Jessica Babcock.
Manatee Middle School Media Center
We support reading and readers in a variety of ways at St. Mark’s, from our emphasis in the Preschool to this community ministry that supports Manatee Middle School Media Center Director, Babette Poteet and her work to prioritize books and reading. Donations from St. Mark’s purchase books for the book fair and raffle which raises more to buy even more books. In addition, parishioners help mentor and spend time with the kids. To join the fun contact Wendy Happney.
ECW Education & Scholarship Program
The Episcopal Church Women fund college scholarships for our youth through fundraising supported by the St. Mark’s family and community. Please contact Durell Buzzini or Kim Hansell.
Adopt A Preschool Teacher
St. Mark’s is blessed to have a renowned Pre-K education program thanks to a group of exceptional teachers who work hard to care for and teach a class of 4-year-olds each year. Parish volunteers adopt a teacher for the school year, delivering dinner to them once a month, and sending cards and small tokens of appreciation on occasion.