Who We Are

Our Congregation

Our Congregation

Our congregation is passionate about Jesus Christ, glorifies God through Christ-centered worship which is central to our corporate life, and grows the Kingdom of God through opportunities for education, service, mission, fellowship, and witness 

Members build on St. Mark’s strengths in order to serve each other, the growing Boerne community, and communities beyond our usual borders. These strengths include: a welcoming atmosphere for visitors; a feeling of fellowship and family for members; both contemporary and traditional worship services with a Biblically-based message; a strong Christian Education program for children, youth, and adults, where spiritual growth is nurtured; an on-campus Early Learning Center that provides a Christian-based education for Boerne preschoolers; an uplifting and diverse music program; an active local mission program; and a compassionate pastoral care program.

St. Mark members are hard-working individuals devoted to sharing the love of Christ and the Word of our Lord within the congregation and in the community. We are a body of generous, faithful, and engaged followers of Christ. We have a strong commitment to serving the community with significant, purposeful and meaningful missionary efforts that help others and bring the Gospel of our Lord to those in need.

To glorify God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, provide opportunities for all people to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ 

Our Mission

We pray we live this mission through the following Vision for Ministry:

We pray we live this mission through the following Vision for Ministry:

  • to gather as a community of believers who are passionate about Jesus Christ;
  • to glorify God through Christ-centered worship, which is central to our corporate life; and 
  • to grow the Kingdom of God through opportunities for education, service, mission, fellowship and witness as the life-renewing Spirit leads us.

St. Mark is a church . . .

  • which stands firmly in the heart of Reformed Tradition;
  • where spiritual growth is abundantly nurtured, bringing members closer to God; and 
  • with members embracing each other and those in need through genuine acts of kindness, support, sharing and caring.

St. Mark is part of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. denomination (PC-USA). We are a member church of Mission Presbytery, in the Synod of the Sun. Click here to learn more about what Presbyterian’s believe.

Elders

Elders of the Presbyterian church, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, exercise leadership, government and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of the church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They faithfully serve 3-year terms as members of the session.

Moderator of Session is Pastor/Head of Staff Rev. Ann Marie Quigley-Swanson
Clerk of Session is Julie McCarty
Elders are
  • Class of 2025: Wally Doppenberg, Rick Eckersley, Sally West, & Dave Thomas 
  • Class of 2026: Gina Klein, Woody Paul, Karen Ragsdale, & Kathleen Ramey
  • Class of 2027: Kim Heinze, Lynn Manzini, Crystal McElhenney & E-J Warren

Elder Ministries – Each elder chairs or co-chairs a ministry team at St. Mark. Current Ministry Teams & assignments are as follows 

  • Christian Education – Faith Cleary 
  • Communications – David Thomas
  • Congregational Life – Gina Klein & Sally West
  • Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) – Dave Thomas & Kathleen Ramey
  • Finance/Stewardship – Wally Doppenberg & Kim Heinze
  • Outreach – Crystal McElhenney & Woody Paul
  • Human Resources- Lynn Manzini
  • Property – Rick Eckersley
  • Worship – E.J. Warren & Kathleen Ramey
  • Deacon Liaison – Lynn Bellow
  • ELC Liaison – Dave Thomas
  • Trustees – Gina Klein, Andy Phillips & Dave Thomas 

    • Members of the congregation serve on each ministry team. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact the respective elder or the church office for more information 

    Deacons

    Diaconate Mission

    To serve God by serving others, both within and beyond this community of faith, through ministries that provide support, care, love, compassion and prayer, following the example of Jesus Christ.

    St. Mark Deacons

    Class of 2025: Pat Anderson, Monica Phillips, Wanda Pounders, Betty Robertson  

    Class of 2026: Nona Annett, Paula Witt, Melanie Doppenberg  

    Class of 2027: Tonya Beilstein, Lisa Paul, Kim Hodge

    2024 Deacons include (front left to right): Pat Anderson, Christina Meeker, Wanda Pounders, Monica Phillips, Sarah Hinman, and Crystal McElhenney; (back l to r) Ruben Trono, Nona Annett, Melanie Doppenberg, Paula Witt, Pastor Ann Marie Quigley-Swanson, and Elder Liaison Lynn Bellow 

    The Diaconate strives to serve the needs of St. Mark members and visitors through these ministries:

    Purpose: Cards are sent out to church members expressing care and concern on behalf of the church for birthdays and also expressing sympathy.

    Purpose: Provides administrative support by taking minutes at meetings, sending out notices, and maintaining reports. Checks with Office Manager in office concerning chancel flowers as they may need to be delivered to provider or to a local senior center.

    Purpose: To maintain a list of volunteer drivers and coordinate driving services as needed for congregational members who require assistance with transportation for appointments, attending church services, or other identified needs. These rides are within the immediate Boerne area.

    Purpose: St. Mark Church accommodates communion requests from members who are unable to attend church. Deacons and Elders have been trained to perform the sacrament. Member Care Ministry provides names of those requesting In-Home Communion. Ruben coordinates dates, materials, and communion servers with those desiring communion. The service is an extension of our communion service at St. Mark.

    Purpose: To provide physical nourishment for church families during times of need and stress. Meal Train shares information of a specific need and gives church members opportunity to provide and deliver meals. Referral requests may come from pastor, prayer chain, moderator, or other deacons. Liaison will have a copy of the e-mail distribution list of the prayer chain and be a backup for the prayer chain leader. She will also serve as the point of contact for communication between the prayer chain leader and the deacons to give updates and convey if any difficulties or concerns arise.

    Purpose: To make visits by phone, in person, or write notes to members who are home-bound, who have limited mobility or other needs, and who can benefit from ongoing extra care and attention. Most visits are brief and include an offer of prayer. It shows that the church family is thinking of them and to note if they have any needs. Referrals for care are provided by Pastor, other Deacons, and church members. Our pastor is updated often.

    Purpose: To coordinate with the office administrator to identify and contact by phone those who have not attended church recently. The purpose is to ascertain whether they need any help, to encourage them to return to church, and answer any questions they might have. As needed, this person will make referrals to other Deacons for follow-up support.

    Purpose: To work closely with the pastor to provide support to members. This could include making calls/visits to those in the hospital and following up with those who have been released from the hospital as well as those who might need extra are and attention. Most visits are brief and include an offer of prayer.

    Purpose: To prepare or facilitate memorial, baptism and other receptions as requested by members of the congregation or Pastor. They coordinate with the Memorial/Wedding coordinator 

    Purpose: To encourage individuals interested in joining the church. Ann Marie is the first contact and then Melanie continues with follow up via phone, email, and letter. The Next Step Program provides follow-up activities, ultimately leading to them becoming members. The welcome table continues to be a viable part of this ministry. A first-time visitor receives a St. Mark coffee cup filled with cookies, candy and a note from Ann Marie. Deacons take turns manning the table after church each Sunday.

    Trustees

    The St. Mark Board of Trustees has responsibility in three major areas&nbsp;<br><ul><li>Protection of the church’s real and personal property interests</li><li>Ensuring the books and records are properly maintained, and</li><li>Ensuring the financial health of the church is sound&nbsp;</li></ul>
    The St. Mark Board of Trustees has responsibility in three major areas 
    • Protection of the church’s real and personal property interests
    • Ensuring the books and records are properly maintained, and
    • Ensuring the financial health of the church is sound 

    Trustees also have the exclusive authority to bind the corporation (church) to contracts, open and close bank and investment accounts, and execute deeds and mortgage instruments whenever called upon to do so by the Session. 

    Current Trustees

    Class of 2024: Lynn Manzini
    Class of 2025: Dave Thomas
    Class of 2026: Gina Klein

    What We Believe

    The following is from the Brief Statement of Faith.

    The Presbyterian denomination shares many beliefs with other protestant denominations in that we affirm the Scriptures to be the written Word of God and the Trinitarian understanding of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But it is distinctive in two major ways.

    The Reformed faith has essential beliefs that are reflected in our creeds and confessions. The first two beliefs are shared with Christians in all times and in all places:

    • Trinity – God the Father, who is over us, God the Son, who is with us and for us, and God the Holy Spirit, who is in us and among us 
    • Incarnation – In Jesus Christ, the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. In Jesus Christ, the Triune God is revealed 

    The next two are shared with those who took part in the Reformation of the Church in the 16th century in their re-affirmation of God’s grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture:

    • Salvation by grace through faith 
    • Scripture is the Word of God, and our only rule of faith and obedience 

    The mission of the Church is expressed in these Six Great Ends:

    • The proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of mankind 
    • The shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God 
    • The maintenance of divine worship 
    • The preservation of the Truth 
    • The promotion of social righteousness 
    • The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world 

    The Presbyterian Church has two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which are understood to be instituted by God and commended by Christ. Sacraments are signs of the real presence and power of Christ in the Church and symbols of God’s action.

    In Baptism, the Holy Spirit binds the Church in covenant to its Lord. Baptism is the sign and seal of God’s grace and covenant in Christ and is received only once. Baptism of infants and children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith as the congregation commits itself to nurture the child in faith.

    The Lord’s Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. The invitation to the Lord’s Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love.

    In Life and death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one true God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.

    History of St Mark

    St. Mark Presbyterian Church has a rich history rooted in the faith and community of Boerne, Texas. Established in 1965, the church has been a cornerstone of the community, providing spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service for generations.

    St. Mark Presbyterian Church has a rich history rooted in the faith and community of Boerne, Texas. Established in 1965, the church has been a cornerstone of the community, providing spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service for generations.

    Over the years, St. Mark has witnessed significant growth and change. From humble beginnings to a thriving congregation, the church has adapted to the evolving needs of its members and the community. Despite these changes, St. Mark's has remained steadfast in its commitment to the Gospel and its mission to serve others.

    Today, St. Mark continues to be a vibrant and welcoming community. We are proud of our history and look forward to continuing our legacy of faith, service, and love. Join us as we celebrate our past and embrace the future together.