Your first Sunday at St. Mark’s
Coming to a church for the first time can feel a little awkward. We get it. Here’s what you need to know before you walk through the door.
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Sunday Worship
10:00 AM
Our Sunday service usually lasts about an hour. Come a few minutes early if you’d like, but don’t worry if you’re running late. Come in.
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You don’t need to be Episcopalian, or even know much about the Episcopal Church, to worship with us.
Our worship is rooted in an ancient Christian tradition, so there may be things that are unfamiliar at first. We stand, sit, kneel, pray, sing, listen to Scripture, and gather around Communion.
Don’t worry about getting it right. A bulletin will guide you through the service, and you’re always free simply to watch and take it in.
Your Questions, Answered
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There is public parking throughout downtown Newark. Some people park along South Main Street, while others use nearby public parking and walk a short distance to the church.
Parking immediately beside the church is limited, so you may want to allow a few extra minutes on your first visit.
Please use public parking rather than the private lots near the church.
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Coming for Sunday worship? Use the large wooden double doors facing South Main Street. A wide walkway leads from the sidewalk directly to the entrance and into the worship space, which Episcopalians traditionally call the nave.
Coming for Children’s Church? Use the glass doors set back from the street. They are the closest entrance to the Children’s Church area.
You may also notice a smaller set of wooden doors facing Williams Street. Those doors are not normally used for Sunday entry.
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Both our worship space and Coffee Hour are wheelchair accessible, but our historic building has some limitations.
For Sunday worship, use the large wooden doors facing South Main Street. The nave (worship space) is wheelchair accessible.
Coffee Hour and an accessible restroom can be reached through the glass doors set back from the street.
There is currently no wheelchair-accessible route inside the building between these areas. To move from the worship space to Coffee Hour or the accessible restroom, you will need to exit through the main worship doors and follow the outside walkway to the glass-door entrance.
The building does not have an elevator or a hearing-assistance system.
If you have questions about access before visiting, please contact us. We’ll be glad to help you plan your visit.
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Whatever you normally wear. Really. You’ll see jeans, work clothes, sweaters, dresses, jackets, and plenty in between. There is no dress code.
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Children are welcome here, noise and all. Babies and toddlers are welcome to stay with you throughout worship. We don’t expect young children to sit perfectly still or remain perfectly quiet.
Crayons and coloring pages are available at the back of the church, and there is a nursery with toys and a changing table if you or your child need a break.
Sunday School is open to children from preschool through fifth grade and meets from 10:00–10:30 AM, from the Sunday after Labor Day through the second Sunday in June. There are always two adults present, and parents and families are welcome to stay, too.
Older children and teens are welcome in worship, and older kids who would like to help with Sunday School are welcome, too. There are also opportunities for children and youth to take part in the service.
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No. We’ll be glad you’re here, but we won’t ask you to stand up, introduce yourself, or put you on the spot. Come in, find a seat, and participate as much or as little as you’re comfortable.
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We pray, sing, hear readings from the Bible and a sermon or reflection. When a priest is with us, we celebrate Holy Communion. At other services, we may pray Morning Prayer together.
Most Sundays last about an hour.
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Not at all. A printed bulletin guides you through the service. You can follow along with the people around you, or simply sit and take things in. Nobody is keeping score.
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When we celebrate Holy Communion, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive, regardless of denomination. If you don’t want to receive Communion, you may come forward for a blessing or simply remain in your seat. Either is completely fine.
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Then you won’t be the only one. Some people at St. Mark’s have been here for years. Others have returned to church after being away, come from other traditions, or are still figuring out what they believe. You don’t have to have your faith sorted out before you come.
Still Wondering About Something? Ask us.
If there’s something that would make your first visit easier, send us a message or give the church office a call. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.