1020 North Brand Boulevard · Glendale, CA 91202 · 818.240.3860
If this is your first time visiting St. Mark’s, or for that matter, any Episcopal Church, we welcome you. We offer this brief description of what you may expect on your first visit.
As you enter the church, you will likely notice an atmosphere of serenity and reverence. Most Episcopalians try not to talk to one another in church before a service, but instead to use this time for personal meditation and devotions. You may notice that some worshippers bow to the sacrament reserved at the altar on entering and leaving the church as an act of reverence for Christ. Children are welcome at St. Mark’s. We have a wonderful, fun and engaging Sunday School program. Children are also welcome to worship with their families. We have noticed that young children are most likely to follow the actions of the service if they sit up front where they can see.
The seating at St. Mark’s is not reserved and there is always room for visitors. An usher will give you a printed worship bulletin that will list page numbers in the blue Hymnal and the red Prayer Book. Much of the liturgy and the scripture readings are printed in the bulletin, along with additional service music and psalms.
We customarily stand for the Gospel, sit to hear the other lessons, sermon, and announcements, and stand to sing, and kneel or stand to pray. Members of the congregation will be glad to help you follow along, and you may stand, sit, and kneel with the congregation, as you feel comfortable.
Any Christian who has been baptized is welcome to participate in receiving Holy Communion regardless of age. Visitors who are not baptized Christians are warmly invited to the altar rail to receive a blessing.
You will notice that the clergy and lay people serving at the altar wear special garments to signify their different ministries of service. The congregation's dress is quite diverse, with people dressed in everything from blue jeans to business suits. We encourage you to wear what's comfortable for you!
When you visit St. Mark’s, you will be our respected and welcome guest. You will neither be singled out in an embarrassing way, asked to stand before the congregation, nor to come forward.
You may want to check out the national Episcopal Church's online Visitors Center to learn more about worship in the Episcopal Church. Click here.