February at St. Mark's
A Letter from the Rector
Dear St. Mark’s Family,
The Church Year is a gift.
In a world that moves quickly and rarely pauses to listen, Lent and Easter call us back to what is of first importance: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the way his saving work meets us in our lives today. We return to prayer, worship, Scripture, and to one another, drawn again to the Lord himself. This forty-day journey leads us through the cross and into the joy of Easter and the Great Fifty Days.
The Church Year is a gift.
In a world that moves quickly and rarely pauses to listen, Lent and Easter call us back to what is of first importance: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the way his saving work meets us in our lives today. We return to prayer, worship, Scripture, and to one another, drawn again to the Lord himself. This forty-day journey leads us through the cross and into the joy of Easter and the Great Fifty Days.
Our focus this season is reconciliation. Everything we are doing points in that direction. On Sunday mornings during the Christian Education hour, the Peacemaker study will help us learn how the gospel forms us into people who pursue peace in our marriages, friendships, workplaces, and church. The Better Together marriage class strengthens covenant life at home. On Wednesday evenings, the Healing Ministry of Jesus course invites us to encounter Christ’s restoring power in heart, body, and soul. And in our Lunch and Learn study of Romans, we will explore the gospel itself, the good news of God’s righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ that reconciles sinners and creates a new people by grace.
All of this flows from the same source. Through the price of peace paid on the cross, God restores us to himself and to one another. Week by week, in Word and Sacrament, we are formed into a reconciled and reconciling people. This guide is more than a schedule. It is an invitation to enter that work together.
At the heart of our journey stands Holy Week, March 29 through April 5. Set aside that week now and walk with Christ through his Passion and into the joy of the Resurrection. This is the center of our faith and the heart of our life together.
My prayer for you is simple. Draw near to Christ. As you draw near, may he shape you into his likeness. May repentance lead to freedom, confession to joy, and the cross form us into a reconciled and reconciling people who live in the power of his resurrection.
Let us keep a holy Lent and celebrate a joyful Easter as a reconciled and reconciling people.
Faithfully yours,
The Rev. Charlie Holt+
All of this flows from the same source. Through the price of peace paid on the cross, God restores us to himself and to one another. Week by week, in Word and Sacrament, we are formed into a reconciled and reconciling people. This guide is more than a schedule. It is an invitation to enter that work together.
At the heart of our journey stands Holy Week, March 29 through April 5. Set aside that week now and walk with Christ through his Passion and into the joy of the Resurrection. This is the center of our faith and the heart of our life together.
My prayer for you is simple. Draw near to Christ. As you draw near, may he shape you into his likeness. May repentance lead to freedom, confession to joy, and the cross form us into a reconciled and reconciling people who live in the power of his resurrection.
Let us keep a holy Lent and celebrate a joyful Easter as a reconciled and reconciling people.
Faithfully yours,
The Rev. Charlie Holt+
Ash Wednesday Schedule – February 18
7 a.m.
Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes (chapel)
Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes (chapel)
Special Events
Meet Mallory Douglas – February 8, 3 p.m. in the Youth Center
Join us Sunday, February 8, at 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center to meet our new Youth Director, Mallory Douglas. Want to help or get involved, parent or not? Let her know!
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Join us Sunday, February 8, at 3:00 p.m. in the Youth Center to meet our new Youth Director, Mallory Douglas. Want to help or get involved, parent or not? Let her know!
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Epiphany Concert Series – Mondays through Epiphany, 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel
Join us Mondays throughout the Epiphany season at 11:30 a.m. in our lovely chapel for our popular Epiphany Concert Series. The concerts are short (about 30 to 40 minutes) and offer a variety of incredibly talented musicians and musical groups.
February 9 – Simon Shiao, violin w/ James Holyer, piano
February 16 – Classical Guitar and Flute Duo featuring Chuck and Laura Rogers
Contact: James Holyer
Join us Mondays throughout the Epiphany season at 11:30 a.m. in our lovely chapel for our popular Epiphany Concert Series. The concerts are short (about 30 to 40 minutes) and offer a variety of incredibly talented musicians and musical groups.
February 9 – Simon Shiao, violin w/ James Holyer, piano
February 16 – Classical Guitar and Flute Duo featuring Chuck and Laura Rogers
Contact: James Holyer
EYC Super Bowl Party – February 8, 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Center
Middle and High School students (parents too!) are invited to a Super Bowl Party Sunday, February 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. Enjoy two spaces: a Watching Zone for the game and a Hangout Zone for fellowship. Bring chips or a favorite appetizer to share and join us for a fun night of food and football.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Middle and High School students (parents too!) are invited to a Super Bowl Party Sunday, February 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. Enjoy two spaces: a Watching Zone for the game and a Hangout Zone for fellowship. Bring chips or a favorite appetizer to share and join us for a fun night of food and football.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Burying Alleluias – Sunday, February 15
Join us during Children’s Chapel to honor our tradition of burying the alleluias to prepare for the season of Lent.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Join us during Children’s Chapel to honor our tradition of burying the alleluias to prepare for the season of Lent.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Shrove Tuesday – Tuesday, February 17, 5:30-7 p.m. in Leatherbury Hall
Join us this Shrove Tuesday for our annual Pancake Supper hosted by the MOMCO ministry at St. Mark’s! Bring the whole family for a delicious breakfast-for-dinner, great fellowship, and plenty of fun. Kids will love the special craft tables, and everyone can enjoy a night of food, laughter, and community together.
Ticket pricing:
$30 for families
$5 for kids
$10 for adults
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Join us this Shrove Tuesday for our annual Pancake Supper hosted by the MOMCO ministry at St. Mark’s! Bring the whole family for a delicious breakfast-for-dinner, great fellowship, and plenty of fun. Kids will love the special craft tables, and everyone can enjoy a night of food, laughter, and community together.
Ticket pricing:
$30 for families
$5 for kids
$10 for adults
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Ortega River Run – Saturday, February 21, 8 a.m. at Episcopal School of Jacksonville
St. Mark’s is proud to support the Ortega River Run on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s Campus. This beloved community tradition benefits financial aid for ESJ students and will feature live music from The Rev. Billy Cerveny and his band, bringing energy, joy, and fellowship to race day. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a wonderful way to come together in support of our wider community.
Contact: griffithl@esj.org
St. Mark’s is proud to support the Ortega River Run on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, St. Mark’s Campus. This beloved community tradition benefits financial aid for ESJ students and will feature live music from The Rev. Billy Cerveny and his band, bringing energy, joy, and fellowship to race day. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a wonderful way to come together in support of our wider community.
Contact: griffithl@esj.org
Better Together – Sundays through March 22, 10 a.m. in the Chapel
What is marriage about? Why did God create it in the first place? How do we learn to communicate better, love better, laugh more, and grow closer? Whether you’ve been married for 5 months or 50 years, this is the class for you. Join Rev. Billy and Charla Cerveny (and special guests) at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings to dive into these questions. We’ll laugh, look at scripture, learn, and connect with other couples. See you soon!
Contact: Heather Cassidy
What is marriage about? Why did God create it in the first place? How do we learn to communicate better, love better, laugh more, and grow closer? Whether you’ve been married for 5 months or 50 years, this is the class for you. Join Rev. Billy and Charla Cerveny (and special guests) at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings to dive into these questions. We’ll laugh, look at scripture, learn, and connect with other couples. See you soon!
Contact: Heather Cassidy
ABCs – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the Library
ABCs is a space for all of your questions: What’s a narthex? Why do we cross ourselves? What’s a Feast Day? In what sense is the Bible the Word of God? Whether you’re new to The Episcopal Church or a Cradle Episcopalian, join us on a fun and informative journey through the basics of Anglican faith and spiritual life. No preparation required.
Contact: The Rev. Ben Jones
ABCs is a space for all of your questions: What’s a narthex? Why do we cross ourselves? What’s a Feast Day? In what sense is the Bible the Word of God? Whether you’re new to The Episcopal Church or a Cradle Episcopalian, join us on a fun and informative journey through the basics of Anglican faith and spiritual life. No preparation required.
Contact: The Rev. Ben Jones
The Peacemaking Church – Sundays through March 22, 10 a.m. in Leatherbury Hall
Whenever two or more people are gathered, conflict will inevitably happen. But when God’s people share a common vocabulary and common practices of peacemaking, our families, friendships, and community life can become all that God desires them to be. Join us for a hope-filled, real-life conversation about how the Gospel transforms everyday conflict into an opportunity to glorify God, love others well, and grow in maturity.
Contact: Heather Cassidy
Whenever two or more people are gathered, conflict will inevitably happen. But when God’s people share a common vocabulary and common practices of peacemaking, our families, friendships, and community life can become all that God desires them to be. Join us for a hope-filled, real-life conversation about how the Gospel transforms everyday conflict into an opportunity to glorify God, love others well, and grow in maturity.
Contact: Heather Cassidy
Christianity Today – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the Grace House
For more than 35 years, this discussion-based class has brought people together to explore faith, history, and theology in a welcoming, conversational setting. Topics are often shaped by participant interest and have included the Life of Christ, Comparative World Religions, the Reformation, the Renaissance and Enlightenment, Protestantism, and perspectives on faith from C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Billy Graham. The class is now beginning a study of the Book of Romans. Participation is available both in person and via Zoom for out-of-town members or those who are homebound. All are welcome, and no preparation is required.
Contact: Doug Milne
For more than 35 years, this discussion-based class has brought people together to explore faith, history, and theology in a welcoming, conversational setting. Topics are often shaped by participant interest and have included the Life of Christ, Comparative World Religions, the Reformation, the Renaissance and Enlightenment, Protestantism, and perspectives on faith from C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Billy Graham. The class is now beginning a study of the Book of Romans. Participation is available both in person and via Zoom for out-of-town members or those who are homebound. All are welcome, and no preparation is required.
Contact: Doug Milne
MOMCO – Every other Monday during the school year, 9 a.m. in the Youth Center
The MOMCO mission is to create a global, transformational community where moms can find encouragement, support, and friendship, while growing in their faith and realizing their potential as mothers, women, and leaders, grounded in relationship with Jesus Christ and the local church. Childcare is available upon sign-up. Sign-ups for Fall 2026 open this spring.
Contact: Amanda Cagan
The MOMCO mission is to create a global, transformational community where moms can find encouragement, support, and friendship, while growing in their faith and realizing their potential as mothers, women, and leaders, grounded in relationship with Jesus Christ and the local church. Childcare is available upon sign-up. Sign-ups for Fall 2026 open this spring.
Contact: Amanda Cagan
Mahjong Mondays – Mondays, 4-6 p.m. (sharp) in Leatherbury Hall
Join us for Mahjong Mondays at St. Mark’s! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the ropes, come enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, laughter, and tile-clicking goodness.
Contact: engage@smjax.org
Join us for Mahjong Mondays at St. Mark’s! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the ropes, come enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, laughter, and tile-clicking goodness.
Contact: engage@smjax.org
Man Enough Bible Study – Wednesdays through April 15, 7:45 a.m. in the Youth Center
Led by the Rev. Billy Cerveny, this group provides a space for men to grow in faith, character, and leadership through Scripture, prayer, and community. Breakfast provided. The seasons study will focus on 1 Samuel.
Contact: The Rev. Billy Cerveny
Led by the Rev. Billy Cerveny, this group provides a space for men to grow in faith, character, and leadership through Scripture, prayer, and community. Breakfast provided. The seasons study will focus on 1 Samuel.
Contact: The Rev. Billy Cerveny
Lunch & Learn: The Gospel of God — A Study of Romans – Wednesdays, February 25–April 29, 12 p.m. in Leatherbury Hall
Join us for a nine-session Lunch & Learn through the book of Romans, Paul’s most comprehensive presentation of the gospel. Together, we will explore how God’s saving righteousness in Jesus Christ transforms lives, communities, and the world. Each session examines core themes such as sin and grace, faith and obedience, law and freedom, and what it means to live a Spirit-filled life in Christ. This class is designed to deepen biblical understanding, strengthen faith, and shape everyday discipleship. Come hungry for lunch and for the Word as we hear anew the good news that has shaped the Church for centuries and still speaks powerfully today. All are welcome. No prior study required.
Contact: Heather Cassidy
Join us for a nine-session Lunch & Learn through the book of Romans, Paul’s most comprehensive presentation of the gospel. Together, we will explore how God’s saving righteousness in Jesus Christ transforms lives, communities, and the world. Each session examines core themes such as sin and grace, faith and obedience, law and freedom, and what it means to live a Spirit-filled life in Christ. This class is designed to deepen biblical understanding, strengthen faith, and shape everyday discipleship. Come hungry for lunch and for the Word as we hear anew the good news that has shaped the Church for centuries and still speaks powerfully today. All are welcome. No prior study required.
Contact: Heather Cassidy
Healing Prayer Course – Wednesdays, February 25–May 27, 6:30 p.m. in Leatherbury Hall
Explore the healing ministry of Jesus in community and through the study of gospel passages. Our primary text will be the gospel healing accounts of Jesus’ call, mission, and ministry rooted in his saving life, death, and resurrection through which he pours out forgiveness, new life, and empowerment to be his hands, his feet, and his heart of compassion in this world. We will also become a community of practice as we study how Jesus imparted wholeness and engage in the practice of Christian healing prayer with one another. There will be a small soup dinner provided. Registration is required.
Contact: The Rev. Dr. Sandi Kerner
Explore the healing ministry of Jesus in community and through the study of gospel passages. Our primary text will be the gospel healing accounts of Jesus’ call, mission, and ministry rooted in his saving life, death, and resurrection through which he pours out forgiveness, new life, and empowerment to be his hands, his feet, and his heart of compassion in this world. We will also become a community of practice as we study how Jesus imparted wholeness and engage in the practice of Christian healing prayer with one another. There will be a small soup dinner provided. Registration is required.
Contact: The Rev. Dr. Sandi Kerner
St. Mark's Stitchers – Thursdays, 11 a.m. at the Red Lion Upstairs
Love to needlepoint? Join us for our needlepoint group at the Red Lion upstairs, on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned stitcher, all are welcome to attend for fellowship and stitching. Bring any stitching project!
Contact: engage@smjax.org
Love to needlepoint? Join us for our needlepoint group at the Red Lion upstairs, on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Whether you are brand new or a seasoned stitcher, all are welcome to attend for fellowship and stitching. Bring any stitching project!
Contact: engage@smjax.org
Safari Lions – Thursday, February 19, 5:30 p.m. at the home of Jack and Jane Lockwood
Safari Lions is a fellowship group for parishioners aged 60 and older, gathering on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in various homes beginning in September. Each evening includes a potluck meal and warm conversation.
Contact: engage@smjax.org or The Rev. Ben Jones
Safari Lions is a fellowship group for parishioners aged 60 and older, gathering on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in various homes beginning in September. Each evening includes a potluck meal and warm conversation.
Contact: engage@smjax.org or The Rev. Ben Jones
Friday Men's Bible Study – Fridays, 7 a.m. in the Youth Center
Led by The Rev. Ben Jones, this group is a casual gathering for men to fellowship before doing some deep dives into Scripture, discovering what passages likely meant by the human authors who wrote them and then asking what they mean to our lives today. Breakfast and lots of coffee provided.
Contact: The Rev. Ben Jones
Led by The Rev. Ben Jones, this group is a casual gathering for men to fellowship before doing some deep dives into Scripture, discovering what passages likely meant by the human authors who wrote them and then asking what they mean to our lives today. Breakfast and lots of coffee provided.
Contact: The Rev. Ben Jones
Middle School & High School Formation – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the Youth Center
Join us for Middle School and High School Formation as we explore the Psalms! We’ll learn what the Psalms are, how they help us pray honestly, and why prayer matters in our everyday lives. Expect a time filled with community, fun, and opportunities to grow closer to God and one another.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Join us for Middle School and High School Formation as we explore the Psalms! We’ll learn what the Psalms are, how they help us pray honestly, and why prayer matters in our everyday lives. Expect a time filled with community, fun, and opportunities to grow closer to God and one another.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Youth Confirmation Class – Sundays through April 19, 10 a.m. in the Red Lion Upstairs
Confirmation Rehearsal – April 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Confirmation – April 26 at the 5:00 p.m. River service
For current 8th graders and up – Come learn what confirmation is all about and be strengthened in your faith. We’ll explore what it means to take ownership of your faith and how the Holy Spirit brings us into community with one another.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Confirmation Rehearsal – April 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Confirmation – April 26 at the 5:00 p.m. River service
For current 8th graders and up – Come learn what confirmation is all about and be strengthened in your faith. We’ll explore what it means to take ownership of your faith and how the Holy Spirit brings us into community with one another.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Middle School EYC – Sundays through May 17, 4-4:45 p.m. in the Youth Center
Join us for a fun and meaningful time each week with the Middle School EYC. We play awesome games, share snacks, and dive into engaging lessons that help us grow in faith and friendship. Whether you’re looking to connect, explore your beliefs, or just have a great time, there’s a place for you here.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Join us for a fun and meaningful time each week with the Middle School EYC. We play awesome games, share snacks, and dive into engaging lessons that help us grow in faith and friendship. Whether you’re looking to connect, explore your beliefs, or just have a great time, there’s a place for you here.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
High School EYC – Sundays through May 17, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Youth Center
Join us for a fun and meaningful time each week with the High School EYC. We kick things off with exciting games, share a delicious dinner, and dive into engaging lessons that help us grow in faith and friendship. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, explore your beliefs, or just have a great time, there’s a place for you here.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Join us for a fun and meaningful time each week with the High School EYC. We kick things off with exciting games, share a delicious dinner, and dive into engaging lessons that help us grow in faith and friendship. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, explore your beliefs, or just have a great time, there’s a place for you here.
Contact: Mallory Douglas
Venture Crew (Scouting America – coed program for older youth) – One or two Tuesdays a month, 7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center
Venturing is a co-ed program within Scouting America for older youth/young adults aged 14-20 focused on adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service with a focus on High Adventure Activities and Challenges like Hiking, Backpacking, Scuba, Shooting Sports, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Rafting and more. The Crew will focus on an annual trip to one of Scouting America’s High Adventure Bases (Philmont, SeaBase, Northern Tier, Summit, Swamp Base) along with other high adventure activities and whatever else the Crew would like to plan.
Contact: Mike Maszy (Crew Advisor) or James Holyer
Venturing is a co-ed program within Scouting America for older youth/young adults aged 14-20 focused on adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service with a focus on High Adventure Activities and Challenges like Hiking, Backpacking, Scuba, Shooting Sports, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Rafting and more. The Crew will focus on an annual trip to one of Scouting America’s High Adventure Bases (Philmont, SeaBase, Northern Tier, Summit, Swamp Base) along with other high adventure activities and whatever else the Crew would like to plan.
Contact: Mike Maszy (Crew Advisor) or James Holyer
Boy Scouts (Scouting America – Scouts BSA Troop for boys) – Tuesdays, 7 p.m. in the Youth Center
St. Mark’s has chartered scouting groups for over 100 years! Come see what it’s all about! Boys age 10/in 5th grade up through age 18 are invited to come check out this amazing program that fosters leadership, good citizenship, lifelong skill-building, and love of the outdoors through a program of rank advancement and camping and other outdoor activities.
Contact: Angel Maszy (Committee Chair) or James Holyer
St. Mark’s has chartered scouting groups for over 100 years! Come see what it’s all about! Boys age 10/in 5th grade up through age 18 are invited to come check out this amazing program that fosters leadership, good citizenship, lifelong skill-building, and love of the outdoors through a program of rank advancement and camping and other outdoor activities.
Contact: Angel Maszy (Committee Chair) or James Holyer
Infants & Toddlers – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the McCarty Early Learning Center
Located in the front rooms of the McCarty Early Learning Center, our youngest children will enjoy a loving environment filled with worship music and Bible stories—helping them begin to absorb the joy of God’s Word.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Located in the front rooms of the McCarty Early Learning Center, our youngest children will enjoy a loving environment filled with worship music and Bible stories—helping them begin to absorb the joy of God’s Word.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Little Lions (Potty-Trained Toddlers–Pre-K) – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the McCarty Early Learning Center
Once potty trained, children join the Little Lions class next to Dempsey Chapel in the McCarty Early Learning Center. Enter through the nursery—our team will walk your child to their classroom. This class includes a structured lesson, music, and a craft using The Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Once potty trained, children join the Little Lions class next to Dempsey Chapel in the McCarty Early Learning Center. Enter through the nursery—our team will walk your child to their classroom. This class includes a structured lesson, music, and a craft using The Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Kindergarten–1st Grade – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the Faith House
Meeting at the Faith House, this class uses the Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum adapted for young learners, featuring stories, music, and interactive activities.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Meeting at the Faith House, this class uses the Jesus Storybook Bible curriculum adapted for young learners, featuring stories, music, and interactive activities.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
2nd–5th Grade – Sundays through May 17, 10 a.m. in the Hope House
Held in the front room of the Hope House, this group explores God’s Word through the Hearts Alive curriculum, with thoughtful, age-appropriate lessons.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Held in the front room of the Hope House, this group explores God’s Word through the Hearts Alive curriculum, with thoughtful, age-appropriate lessons.
Contact: Kaitlyn Nott
Cub Scouts (Scouting America – Cub Scout Pack for boys) – Every other Monday, 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Center
St. Mark’s has chartered scouting groups for over 100 years! Come see what it’s all about! Boys in 1st though 5th grades are invited to come check out this amazing program geared towards younger boys who will learn through teamwork in a “den” with other boys competing in games and other activities both indoor and outdoor, putting them on a good footing to become Boy Scouts as they get older.
Contact: Mark Schnitzius (Cubmaster) or James Holyer
St. Mark’s has chartered scouting groups for over 100 years! Come see what it’s all about! Boys in 1st though 5th grades are invited to come check out this amazing program geared towards younger boys who will learn through teamwork in a “den” with other boys competing in games and other activities both indoor and outdoor, putting them on a good footing to become Boy Scouts as they get older.
Contact: Mark Schnitzius (Cubmaster) or James Holyer
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