This Advent season, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 1007 First Ave. S., will celebrate the Christmas season with the Anglican tradition of evening vespers beginning at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday of Advent. A long-time religious tradition, the vespers, or “praying the hours” is a gentle reminder that God walks with us throughout each day. Participants find comfort in coming together in one place for a quiet moment of meditation and prayer. The vesper services will incorporate readings from Psalms, Isaiah, Luke, Revelation, Samuel and John interspersed with various instrumental and vocal solos. This season’s singers include Austin Sorenson and Sean O’Connor. Bill Sergeant will be featured on violin and Cari Hepperle on oboe on the various Wednesdays. Kathleen Schreier serves as organist and director of music for St. Mark’s. The Rev. Kristine Leaman, rector at St. Mark’s, will be the officiant for the Vesper services.

As the church adheres to the mandates of COVID-19, liturgies have also been recorded and available on Facebook. Sunday services will be available on the St. Mark’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. and anytime thereafter for your convenience. Please feel free to join us in-person or virtually during this season of preparation knowing that all are welcome at St. Mark’s.