Dear St. Mark Family,
It seems that much has transpired over the last 24 hours concerning the COVID-19, coronavirus. Not the least of which, was a statement from our Bishop, Mary Virginia Taylor urging churches to suspend worship in the coming weeks to offset the spread of this disease. You may read the entirety of the Bishops message here:
https://www.holston.org/article/a-message-from-bishop-taylor-13441713.
Due to the growing concern, and out of an abundance of caution and care, we will not be holding live services on Sunday, March 15, 2020. In addition, we will be cancelling all other activities including Bible Study, and music rehearsals for the coming week (March 15-20). The Trustees and Staff are utilizing this time to sanitize our building and prepare for when we are able to come together again. SMEEP is on spring break this week, so aside from staff, the church building will be closed. If you need anything please email or call and someone will be attentive to your needs.
I hold a heavy heart at coming to this decision, as I have enjoyed the momentum we are building in worship, and serving God with our prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness. We have seen our church come together, and things are in a very positive place. It is hard to let go of such a wonderful time in this season we are growing together towards the cross, and in the kingdom of God.
While we may not be able to meet together as the body of Christ, we can still grow together in Spirit, and so the following will be offered as an alternative to our normal worship together.
On Sunday morning a shortened Worship Service of Prayer, Scripture, and Sermon will be posted to the church website, and shared via Facebook, please watch and share with as many as you are able.
To continue to support the church financially, please consider setting up online giving through the church website: https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/stmarkknox or if you prefer, you are welcomed to mail your checks to the church.
Please note our new mailing address: PO BOX 11007 Knoxville, TN 37939-1007
Pray. Please continue to pray for our church, it’s people, and especially for those who may be infected or most at risk. We cannot emphasize enough the need for prayer for in times such as these.
Witness to the glory of God that is with us, no matter where we are. God is not in the church building, but God is the love that binds us as a one.
Serve one another. Use this time to call on one another to make sure everyone is well, if you able, offer to grocery shop for those who do not need to get out, encourage one another in these troubling time. Please call those who may not receive this message, and let them know that we care for them.
Though we may not meet together, God is still with us, and I hope that this time will help all of us draw closer to God, stronger in our faith, and help us to build a stronger community when we can gather together again as the Church of St. Mark.
God’s blessings of health, comfort, and peace to you all.
Pastor Sam