"The Mission of St. Mark's is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
The Church pursues its mission as it prays, worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.
The Church Carries out its mission throught the ministry of its members"
Upcoming Events ·
. Feb. 5 Pancake Breakfast (Sanderson Hall)
· Feb. 6 E. C. W. meeting 10:00 a. m. (Parish Hall)
· Feb. 17 Valentine’s Dinner Dance
· Feb. 21 Shrove Tuesday Service at 6:00 p. m.
· Feb. 22 Ash Wednesday Service at 12:15 and 7:00 p. m.
· Feb. 26 Bishop Howe’s Official Visit to St. Mark’s
· Feb. 29 Lenten teachings on the Holy Spirit begin at 6:00 p.m.
in the Sanderson Hall
August 1, 2011
Things are changing at the little church with the red door. If you are gone for the summer,
you may notice some changes having to do with the altar, organ, and choir. The pictures below
show how the front of the church was rearranged to make for a safer place of worship.
Altar has been moved to the front, choir seating to the rear. Father Chris now faces the congregation at
the smaller altar in the front of the church during communion.
The organ is now in the back of the church.
Another view showing the communion rail.
Altar looking to the back of the church.
"Our Historic Church"
3 October 2010
NEW ROOF, NEW CROSS, NEW PRIEST, NEW START
Isaiah would be excited over the new things our Lord is doing at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, built in 1892, and noted in the historic registries as the oldest church in Haines City.
Years after the chain of hurricanes damaged many of the roof-slates, finally a contractor was willing to tackle the very steep pitch of the roof on the Carpenter Gothic-style church building. Within days of Senior Warden Sheldon Sumner’s signing that contract, lightning in an afternoon rainstorm struck the old lichen-covered cross standing over the east narthex.
With the need for a new cross obvious and timely, Sumner decided to give it in thanks to God for His gift of two wonderful parents, Sheldon Sr. and Ruth Banta Sumner of Tampa. Now when people approach the highest point in Haines City, they see it marked by a sparkling bronze cross atop “the little white church with the red doors.”
More exciting than those new things however, is the calling of a new priest-in-charge. Last Spring the former rector Father Hugh McGlashon was retired yet a third time, on this occasion to the honorific position of “Rector Emeritus.” The Search Committee got to work over the summer, creating a Parish Profile and receiving Personal Profiles for the parish priest-in-charge position with the helpful guidance of Canon Ernie Bennett.
The Committee’s work was not made easier in having four truly excellent prospects from which to choose. After much prayerful consideration, the Reverend Christopher Brathwaite was called by the Vestry and Bishop Howe expressed his approval. Father Chris (as he prefers to be called) preached his first sermon under the contract on September 19th, a message that was received with joyous applause. Sheldon cheerfully observed that not many people get a new priest on their birthday.
Father Chris is a life-long Episcopalian and a native of Barbados. He stood for ordination after retiring from his insurance business in the Virgin Islands. He has been involved in numerous professional organizations and community agencies (United Way, Rotary and Boy Scouts to name but a few) in the Caribbean and in Central Florida. In the US Virgin Islands Diocese he served in several lay leadership positions including advisor to the Bishop for Cultural and Community Involvement. He has recently been involved in the development of an Anti-Racism program here in our Diocese.
His wife Genevieve has been involved in social work such as Catholic Social Services in the Virgin Islands. She is rich in business, social work and educational experience. Several parishioners have already involved her in revitalizing programs for youth at St. Mark’s. Her soprano voice is most welcome in the choir.
The Senior Warden says the Vestry is happy to note that the nave is nearly at capacity at 10:00am on Sunday and the "snow birds" are not even here for the winter.
Father Chris says that he comes to St. Mark’s “to love the people, to listen to the people, to encourage the people, and to proclaim the word of the Lord.” When he pronounces the benediction on Sunday, the air fairly sings with heartfelt “Alleluia, alleluia.”
