Worship with Us
IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!!
This Sunday—Palm Sunday—begins Holy Week.
We will have all Holy Week services online, and we hope you will be able to join your church family in worship.
Palm Sunday/Communion Service — April 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday Communion/Tenebrae Service — April 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday Service — April 12 at 10:00 a.m.
READ MORE as Pastor Joan answers your questions and offers thanks and praise.
Easter Lilies for 2020!
Your St. Mark worship ministry is offering the beauty of Easter lilies for all to see and enjoy on Easter morning.. As Jesus was resurrected for us, Easter lilies give us an outward symbol of new life.
Drive past the church and watch for these flowers clustered together surrounding the cross on Easter morning. Take in the sight, remind yourself of being cleansed, and rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
See The Happenings for more information about this beautiful celebration.
In these difficult times, God is still with us! Let us rejoice and be glad!!!
Worship Ministry
From The Presbyterian Outlook, March 30, 2020 by Jill Duffield
Lord, you came to the world healing, touching those considered dangerous, unsafe and unclean. You entered into suffering, never turning away from those in need of mercy.
We think of you, your compassion and kindness, your stalwart love and your selfless courage, because we see these traits in those on the front lines, combating this pandemic.
We see you in the bruised faces of nurses after hours and hours wearing facemasks and tending to the sick.
We see you in the pain of parents unable to hug their own children for fear of infecting them after working shift after shift with contagious patients.
We see you, tired, putting yourself at risk for the sake of strangers.
We see you in gloves and gowns, not knowing when this scourge will end, but bringing healing, comfort and hope despite your own fears and fatigue.
Lord God, bringer of wholeness, giver of peace, strengthen your servants who are putting themselves on the line, pouring themselves out, looking to the interests of others in order to heal the sick and tend to the suffering. Help them to know they are seen and valued, not only by you, but by all of us who are grateful for their sacrifices and awed by their tenacity, commitment, skill and care.
Grant them rest, give them fortitude, guide our collective will, shape all our actions, unite us in upholding one another in this extraordinary time and always. Amen.
In response to the guidelines in effect for Boerne as of March 24, the Church office is closed and staff are working from home. To contact the church:
1. Call the office (830- 816-3000) for instructions on how to reach staff by phone.
2. Email office@stmarktx.org. Emails are being received and processed ASAP.
2. Email office@stmarktx.org. Emails are being received and processed ASAP.
If you have a need or concern, or want to communicate important information, please email or call. Please continue to pray for one another, and do all you can to engage in healing and helpful efforts. . . and stay well.
Online contributions can now be accepted. Go to Contact Us on this website.
Vacation Bible School is June 22-26. Click on the image to register or volunteer!
Worship Services
Our services are about unity, the Holy Scripture and theology. We extend a special welcome to visitors and hope their experience will lead them back again soon! St. Mark offers two services every Sunday with Sunday School classes each week.
Visit the Adult Christian Education and Children’s Christian Education pages to learn more about those programs. Click here for a copy of the Nursery Policy.
The 1st service begins at 9:00 a.m. and contains all elements of reformed worship. Our praise band and singers lead us in reflective confession and praises to God through their energetic contemporary music.
The 2nd service begins at 11:10 a.m. and contains all elements of reformed worship, offered through a more traditional style. Its music, derived from a litany of time-honored hymns, is lead by our chancel choir.
5th Sunday services begin at 10:45 a.m. and are a blend of both contemporary and traditional styles of worship. They are only held on the 5th Sunday in months with five Sundays and are followed by an all-church luncheon.
St. Mark is a praying church with an active prayer chain. Click here to submit prayer requests or to join the prayer chain.
Stay Connected
To keep up-to-date and engaged with all the ministries and fun activities going on at St. Mark, be sure to read the weekly “Happenings” e-news and the Pastor’s monthly message. The Happenings is emailed every Thursday or Friday, while the Pastor’s message is published and emailed monthly. Content submissions for the weekly Happenings are due by Noon on Tuesday. Please submit all articles, pictures or announcements to the church office.
Please Welcome Our Newest Members
Nona Annette
Crystal and Jay McElhenny
Linda Jerdet
Audio Sermon Archive
- Mar 1, 2020Whatever Became of Sin? – The Mysterious Stranger and Voices in the Wilderness
- Feb 23, 2020With A Vision Glorious
- Feb 18, 2020Ordinary Time: God’s Calling – Remnants & Redemption
- Feb 9, 2020Ordinary Time – God’s Calling: Sacred Place
- Feb 2, 2020Ordinary Time – God’s Calling: Real Presence
- Jan 27, 2020Ordinary Time – God’s Calling: The Way of the Lord
- Jan 19, 2020Ordinary Time – God’s Calling: Unique and Universal
- Jan 12, 2020Ordinary Time – The Song We Are: The Song We Sing
- Jan 5, 2020The Epiphany Journey
- Dec 24, 2019Christmas Eve Meditation
How Can I Serve?
Jesus told us, his disciples, to make disciples of all nations. One of the most important values of this church is our mission to the world. It begins in this community and spreads. Church members and guests are involved in a variety of ministries from things as simple as cleaning up the church grounds to greater commitments like leading classes or serving as officers in the church.
Ready to Serve?
For more information about opportunities listed here, contact the church office – office@stmarktx.org or (830) 816-3000 – and they will connect you with the appropriate elder or deacon.
Adult Connections – Responsible for Christian education activities for adults
- Join an adult Sunday school class or weekday small group.
Children/Youth Christian Education – Responsible for children & youth activities.
- Kids and teens – attend Sunday school classes, youth group, or other activities like First Friday or Vacation Bible School.
- Adults – teach a class, help with events like First Fridays or VBS, provide a meal for Wed. evening youth group meetings.
Communications – The communications team supports all internal and external communication efforts.
- Website maintenance, social media, weekly Happenings & monthly newsletter, signage, etc.
Congregational Life – Plans programs and events for Christian fellowship.
- Attend events such as the Adult Olympics, Chili Cook-Off, 5th Sunday luncheons, Annual All-Church Retreat at Mo Ranch, or Soaking Prayer ministry.
- If tech savvy, help with social media, website, and other communication efforts.
Finance – Responsible for the finances of the church.
- Join the Finance Committee.
Host Ministry – Welcomes all to St. Mark worship, follows up with guests, receives and mentors new members.
- Join the Host Ministry committee and/or volunteer to be a greeter/host or to provide refreshments on Sundays.
Outreach – Focuses on mission and evangelism in Boerne and beyond.
- Participate in mission and evangelism activities such as Habitat builds, Kids Can tutoring, parade floats, Movies in the Park.
- Help the Outreach committee coordinate mission giving and activities.
Personnel – Responsible for the “human resources” function of the church.
- Join the Personnel Committee.
Property – Responsible for the operation & maintenance of church facilities.
- Join the Property Committee, volunteer for all-church work days, or help with sound tech during worship services.
Stewardship – Coordinates a year-round stewardship program emphasizing faithful giving of time, talent and treasure.
- Help plan stewardship activities by joining the Stewardship Committee.
Worship – Responsible for all worship services.
- Join the choir or praise singers, play an instrument, be an usher or liturgist, coordinate communion, help with banners and vestments, be part of the Worship Committee.
Deacons – Responsible for serving those in need in the congregation.
- Help with visiting shut-ins and members in the hospital or nursing homes; call on members who may need assistance; deliver communion to the home bound; pray for one another through the prayer chain; support Stephen Ministry which provides distinctively Christian, one-on-one, confidential care for people who are struggling in some way in their lives.
How Do I Meet People?
Our church is not a place for spectators. It is a place for team members. Whether you are five or ninety-five, a busy parent or a business person with big responsibilities, we want you to be a part of this vibrant church community. Here are some ways you can learn, serve, and grow at St. Mark:
- Sunday School classes for children, youth and adults
- Chronologically Gifted (CG) Fellowship Group
- Compassion in Action Sewing Group
- King’s Kids First Friday parents’ night out
- Small groups for adults that meet throughout the week
- First Monday Lunch Bunch
- Youth Group
- Join a ministry team such as Property, Worship, Communications, Vacation Bible School, Adult Christian Education, Congregational Life, Outreach, etc.
- And More!
Call or visit the church office for more information.
Visitors – Learn More Here
Join Us for Worship!
We offer services each Sunday in two styles and times.
- Contemporary – 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
- Traditional – 11:10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
- 5th Sundays – 10:45 am in the Sanctuary. In months with 5 Sundays, everyone worships together on that 5th Sunday in one blended service, followed by an all church lunch. It’s a wonderful way to experience the entire St. Mark community and both styles of worship.
Connect through Next Step
Next Step is an opportunity for guests to learn more about the church, how to get involved and how to join. Session 1 looks at why we do church and what it means to be Presbyterian. Session 2 is a Joining Day Breakfast. Our guests join staff members and church officers for a relaxed breakfast and to learn about St. Mark’s ministries, opportunities for getting involved and what it means to be a member. You can tour the campus, meet staff and lay leaders, connect with others, and ask questions. Learn More
Grow Your Faith
St. Mark offers classes and opportunities to learn and serve, where you can expand your faith alongside your church family. Christian Education Director Angela Grover would love to help you discover these opportunities.
Become a Member
We welcome you to join our congregation! The only requirement to become a member of a Presbyterian church is to proclaim faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Individuals may join by
- Profession of Faith and Baptism (for those who have never been baptized),
- Reaffirmation of Faith (for those who are not currently active members of another Christian church),
- Transfer of Church Letter (for those on the active roll of another church).
Prospective members meet with the pastor and active elders to be received into the church. This meeting is arranged at your convenience. New members are presented and welcomed into the congregation during a worship service. Let the church office know you want to join and/or attend the Next Step classes to learn more about St. Mark and how to get involved.
Youth striking a pose during the October 2019 All Church Retreat at Mo Ranch.
Worship included a baptism at Chapel on the Hill during St. Mark’s 2019 family retreat at Mo Ranch Presbyterian Church Conference Center in Hunt Texas
This tree is definitely the kids’ favorite . Nursery staff care for preschoolers while parents and children attend classes
Events Calendar
Our Dedicated Staff
Rev. Dr. Joan Watson, Pastor, Head of StaffRev. Dr. Watson began as interim pastor and head of staff at St. Mark in November, 2018, following a 15- year ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. At Covenant, she was Associate Minister for Pastoral Care (7 years) and Associate Minister for Christian Education and Spiritual Formation (8 years). Prior to her tenure at Covenant, Joan served Texas churches for 20 years as a Church Educator and served a year in the Clinical Pastoral Care and Counseling residency program at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. Joan has a deep sense of call to be pastor in all its expressions – preaching, teaching, worship leadership, sacraments and pastoral care, particularly during times of transition. She believes in the redemptive love of God through Jesus Christ and the sacred call to all to receive God’s grace and gifts and to live unique, joyful, purposeful lives for God’s glory. She and her husband, David, have recently relocated to the San Antonio area. They have two married children and one grandchild.
Angela Grover, Director of Christian Education & Youth Director
Angela Grover joined St. Mark in July 2014, along with husband, Scott Grover and two sons, Aidan and Alec. She excitedly accepted the position of Director of Christian Education in September of 2015. Adding to her role, January 2018, she became Youth Director as well, working with the youth of St. Mark as well as adults and children. Angela feels led and equipped by God to support and encourage others, and create exciting ways to study and live out His Word in our church and community. When she is not working, she enjoys time at the gym, crafting, and throwing parties.
Kristine Luisi, Early Learning Center (ELC) DirectorKristine joined the ELC preschool staff in 2007, serving as an assistant teacher, coordinator of programs, and assistant director before being named director in 2016. She is originally from New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers with a degree in Economics. After having children, she earned a Child Development Associate certification at San Antonio College. Kristine and her husband, Jim, live in Fair Oaks Ranch with their three boys. She spends her free time at her sons’ sporting events, and also enjoys reading, cooking and walking.
Marilyn Bonaguro, Nursery/Childcare CoordinatorMarilyn has lived in the Boerne area since 2002 and previously lived in Chicago. She has been married to Jack for over 50 years, and they have six children and six grandchildren. With family in various states, she and Jack travel a lot. Her service includes the St. Mark Early Learning Center, elder of Children’s Christian Education, the Family Life Center Kitchen Crew, Compassion in Action team and as St Mark Trustee. She also volunteers at the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center and enjoys bible studies, reading and walking. Marilyn has over 6 years of service as the St. Mark Nursery Coordinator.
Mary Beth Thomas, Interim Chancel Choir DirectorMary Beth joined the St. Mark team as Interim Chancel Choir Director in July of 2019. Originally from California, she served as musician/choir director for than 30 years in Air Force Chapels as she traveled with her husband, David. They have three children and four grandchildren. She retired from North East ISD in 2018, having worked in elementary and middle schools as well as Central Office. Retirement didn’t last long as she is now working for the vice president of an educational publishing company. She is looking forward to her time with the talented folks in the St. Mark Chancel Choir!
Sarah Hinman, Financial AdministratorSarah joined the staff of St. Mark in January of 2014. Originally from California, moved to Katy, Texas, in 2004 and was a charter member of Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church where Sarah was called to serve as church office administrator and later moved to the Boerne area. She has 2 children and 5 grandchildren. Sarah loves singing with the Chancel Choir, and she enjoys cooking, gardening and hanging out with the deer in her backyard
Naomi Koudouris, Office AdministratorNaomi joined the St. Mark family in April, 2018, and is really enjoying her role as Office Administrator.Naomi brings over 30 years of administrative experience to this position, including five years of office management experience.Before joining St. Mark, she was with WellMed Medical Management in San Antonio where she served as Senior Executive Assistant to multiple senior level leaders for that enterprise for nearly nine years.Naomi recently relocated to Boerne, and when not working, she loves cooking and reading and enjoys anything to do with the arts, especially music.
Alan Reyes, SextonAlan was born in Mexico City, Nationalized in the USA in 2009. Graduated from Northwest Vista Associates in Business (2009), UTSA bachelors in Spanish (2011). Father of a wonderful daughter, seeker of truth, participant in creative environment, fit/ healthy lifestyle enthusiast, and believes that everything that you do should be out of love.
Rev Mary D D’Alessio, Parish Associate “Mary D” serves as Parish Associate for Prayer and Healing. After graduation from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1992, she was ordained a Minister of the Word by Washington Presbytery. Before honorably retiring from active ministry in 2016 she served churches in PA, TX, and SC. She and husband, Dave, also an honorably retired Minister of the Word, moved to the Boerne area in 2016 to be closer to their daughter who lives in Bangs, TX, and they soon became active in the life of St. Mark. Mary D’s heart for ministry is for people to grow in their relationship with God through study, prayer, and fellowship. She enjoys walking the “hills” of Fair Oaks Ranch and cooking gourmet meals with husband Dave.
Duane Manning, Commissioned PastorDuane is a Commissioned Pastor, Parish Associate at St. Mark and is responsible for older adult visitation ministry. He is also serving as Pastor of Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church, a partnership ministry between our two congregations. He conducts monthly vesper services at Menger Springs, Morningside Ministries and Franklin Park on behalf of St. Mark. Duane retired from the Air Force in 1999 and is employed part time at USAA. He and his wife, Jackie, have been married 32 years and live in Fair Oaks Ranch. He is very grateful and blessed by God’s grace and love and enjoys sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Contact Us
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday from 9 am to Noon & 1 to 4 pm. Closed Fridays. Due to current restrictions in Boerne, the Church office is closed. All staff are working from home. Use the phone # and email below to contact staff.
Church Location & Address: 208 West Bandera Road, Boerne, Texas. (map)
Telephone & Email: Tel: (830) 816-3000 | Email: office@stmarktx.org
Resources
Click on links below to access relevant resources and websites.
Mo-Ranch Christian Conference Center