Questions Visitors Might Have
About St. Mark's Church

We've tried to think of questions you might have. If you have others, just ask anybody. Ours is a close church family. If one person doesn't have your answer, he or she can find someone else who does.

• What entrance should I use?
• Is there an entrance that doesn't have stairs?
• Where does the Sunday School meet?
• Where are the rest rooms?

• What time should I come?
• What goes on during the service?
• What happens after the service?
• When is Communion?
• Who can participate in Communion?
• How is Communion served?

• May my children stay in the Sanctuary during the service?
• What if my child is restless?
• What if my child is too young to sit through the service?
• What youth activities do you have?

• How do I get in touch with the Pastor?
• How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?

• How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?
• Are there ways to be of service through the church?
• Are there Bible study opportunities?

• How do I become a member?
• What if I'm not a Methodist?
• Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?

The Church Building

What entrance should I use?

The double doors facing the street is the main entrance. Some people prefer this entrance because if gives them more of a feeling of entering a house of worship. There are also smaller doors on each side near the front. Most people prefer to use the North door, facing the street on the north side near the parking lot. As you enter this door you go up a short flight of stairs. You will see the kitchen ahead. If you turn left you will pass the Parlor and the Parish Hall (gym/auditorium) is straight ahead. Before you reach the parish hall turn left again to enter the Sanctuary. There will be ushers at both the main entrance and this "back" (or front, depending how you look at it) entrance to greet you.

Is there an entrance that doesn't have stairs?

Yes. Closer to the street on the north side is a short ramp that leads directly into the sanctuary. If you are coming to the Parlor, Kitchen, or Parish Hall, there is a long wooden ramp from the parking lot to the hallway on that level.

Where does the Sunday School meet?

When you enter the North door, if you go downstairs instead of upstairs, you will be in the Sunday School level. About halfway down the hallway, turn left to the Sunday School rooms. However, the children come to the Sanctuary first with their parents, and they go down to Sunday School together after the Children's Sermon. Parents usually go down to the Sunday School rooms to pick up their children after the worship service.

Where are the rest rooms?

There is a ladies room in the hallway just before you get to the Sanctuary (from the North door) and two unisex bathrooms in the hallways outside the kitchen and the Parlor. There are also restrooms on the lower level.

Sunday Morning Service

What time should I come?

The worship services starts at 10:00 AM, however it is a good idea to come a few minutes early so that you will not feel rushed, but in a mood to worship. The service begins at 10:00 with the organ Prelude. However, if you are running late, don't stay away because of that. You are always welcome at any time.

What goes on during the service?

Our service is rather informal. The printed bulletin will guide you, and the leaders will announce the hymns and prayers that the congregation joins in saying. We generally stand (those who are able) for the singing of the hymns and for the reading of the Gospel (the reading about the life and teachings of Jesus). A member of the congregation reads one of the Bible readings. We have a Seminary student who participates in the service. The youth of the church usually lead the service on the second Sunday of the month. If you have a special prayer request, one of the ushers will have a clipboard on which you can make your request to have a prayer included in the pastor's prayer after the sermon.

What happens after the service?

Please join us for refreshments and fellowship in the Parlor. Follow everyone out the right hand door at the front of the Sanctuary to the Parlor. That is when we share what's been going on in our lives and just enjoy each others' company. It's an ideal time for you to learn more about our church and for us to get to know you.

When is Communion?

A service of Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the Month and sometimes at other special Sundays and other services.

Who can participate in Communion?

Everyone who is baptised, including children, are welcome at the Lord's table.

How is Communion served?

We usually celebrate Communion by "intinction". The ushers direct people up the center aisle, where the Pastor and another person hold the bread and "wine" (grape juice). Each person breaks off a piece of the bread and dips it in the grape juice and eats it. Then they return to their seats by the side aisle.

Children's Participation and Activities

May my children stay in the sanctuary during the service?

You and your children should do whatever makes you most comfortable. Usually, children attend the beginning portions of the service. They are then invited (but not required) to come to the front of the sanctuary and sit on the steps for the Children's Sermon. Afterwards children may go back to their parents or go together with the teachers to their Sunday School classes downstairs. On Communion Sundays there is usually not a Children's Sermon, but they go to classes after the Bible readings, and then come back with their teachers in time to participate in the Communion Service.

What if my child is restless?

If you speak to an usher, they can provide a cloth bag of quiet things that will interest your child. Otherwise you may ask the usher to direct you to the nursery where child care is provided.

What if my child is too young to sit through the service?

Please feel free to leave your child in the nursery downstairs. There is a well-equiped nursery, with cribs and toys, and tended by a dedicated and caring young woman. Please ask someone to show you where it is.

What youth activities do you have?

We have an active youth group, lead by a seminary student. They plan and lead the worship service on the second Sunday of each month. They meet for study, service, and fun at 4:00 on most Sunday afternoons, and plan special activities.

Making Contact

How do I get in touch with the Pastor?

There are several ways:

• Sign the attendance sheet during the worship service. If you give your address and phone number, the pastor will get in touch with you, and we will add you to our mailing list.
• Introduce yourself to the Pastor after the service, and come to the fellowship hour to meet some of the members.
• You can leave a message at the church office 766-2080.
• You can e-mail the Pastor DRDJohns@aol.com

How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?

If you have given us your address you will receive the monthly newsletter, The Messenger, which will tell about what is happening in the next month or so. The Sunday bulletin has announcements, and the Lay Leader makes announcements during the service.

Getting Involved

How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?

We are delighted to have many people take an active role on Sunday mornings. If you want to know more about how to do that, ask anyone after the service. Some of the roles are:

• Usher
• Lector (read one of the Scripture lessons)
• Sing in the choir
• Help with the Fellowship Hour
• Help teach Sunday School
• Help tend the Nursery

Are there ways to be of service through the church?

Yes, there are several ways you can make a difference in the Community:

• You can bring non-perishable food and/or clothes and put it in the baskets in the hall just outside the front of the Sanctuary on the way to the Fellowship Hour. This is taken to either the INN in Hempstead or the Far Rockaway Mission.
• You can help other members of the church prepare a dinner once a month for the St. Mark's Supper Club, which provides a simple home-style meal and fellowship, for anyone, regardless of ability to pay.
• At Christmas time we "adopt" a family (or two) and fulfill their wish list.
• The United Methodist Women meet once a month after church and are active in a number of mission projects. You can make soup for them to sell on selected Sundays. You can save labels and box tops (the list is usually printed in the Messenger), and bring your old magazines to recycle and buy others.
• You can donate generously to the second collection on each Communion Sunday to various local and world missions.

Are there Bible study opportunities?

Short-term Bible studies are scheduled occasionally, especially during Lent. If you think you might be interested in joining such a group or if you have questions, please call Pastor Johns at 516-766-2080 or e-mail him at DRDJohns@aol.com.

The Prayer Team meets at 4:00 PM every Sunday in the Church Parlor. This is open to anyone who would like to deepen their prayer life or learn more about how to pray. This group is led by David Czeisel, Asst. Pastor.

Membership

How do I become a member?

Speak to the Pastor. He would be happy to discuss moving your membership from another United Methodist Church.

What if I'm not a Methodist?

Several of the most active people at St. Marks are not members, and some are not even Methodists. Non-members are welcome to participate on committees and other activities. Speak to the Pastor about what it means to be a Methodist, and then he will discuss with you about becoming a member.

Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?

You are always welcome to worship with us and participate regardless of whether you contribute money. However, we would like everyone who considers St. Marks their church (whether a formal member or not) to make a commitment (a "pledge") to contribute some amount, either weekly or monthly. It is entirely up to you to decide how much you can afford to give and how important the church is to you. The pledge isn't binding and we know everyone's circumstances differ and can change at any time. What you give is kept confidential by the financial secretary and the treasurer. If you would like help in deciding how much to give, we have some guidelines and facts about our financial needs. We like to think about giving in terms of percentage of one's income. Tithing is the ultimate goal (10%), but the important thing is to do whatever you can. You will be given envelopes to use.

What Other Things Might Be Helpful to Know?

• The Communion is non-alcoholic.
• The coffee served during refreshments is sometimes decaffeinated and sometimes regular, depending on who is serving; you'll have to ask. There is also cold punch (non-alcoholic) and cookies or other snack.
• People who smoke cigarettes step outside when they wish to smoke.
• Wear whatever you please. Some people like to dress up; others don't. We welcome those in three piece suits and those in jeans.
• The St. Mark's Korean congregation shares our facilities. Their services are conducted mostly in the Korean language. They worship at 12 noon on Sundays. Their congregation welcomes you as well.