Formation / Intergenerational
Christian Formation is a critical and integral part of being an Episcopalian, as it embodies the lifelong journey of deepening one's faith, understanding, and relationship with God and the Church. The Episcopal Church places great emphasis on spiritual growth and continuous learning, recognizing that the process of formation enables individuals to become more faithful disciples of Christ.
Formation encompasses various aspects, including biblical study, theology, prayer practices, worship, and engagement with the community. Through these diverse elements, Saint Mark’s congregation develops a strong foundation of knowledge and experience that enriches their spiritual lives and empowers them to live out their faith in the world.
Saint Mark’s formation opportunities also foster a sense of belonging and unity within the larger Episcopal community. They promote an understanding of the Church's traditions, history, and sacraments, instilling a shared identity and purpose among members.
Episcopalians believe that formation is not limited to a specific age or stage of life but is ongoing and dynamic. It encourages individuals of all ages to seek wisdom, discernment, and transformation through continual exploration of faith.
At Saint Mark’s, formation is more than just acquiring knowledge; it is about spiritual growth and personal encounter with God. By nurturing the formation of its members, our programs at Saint Mark’s equip them to be agents of compassion, justice, and love in the world, reflecting the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
End-of-Life Series
Saint Mark's hosts an occasional end-of-life series that encourages participants to explore how they can prepare for death in a way that honors the integrity of dying. Our program prompts them to think about the variety of topics they need to consider, ranging from bank account passwords and security to understanding hospice. Key topics include the Five Wishes program, creating a…
Read More »Grub Theology
Our Grub Theology group (formerly known as Pub Bible Study with the Original Sinners) engagingly explores theology and spirituality while sharing a meal. These gatherings offer a warm and welcoming environment for lively conversations, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and building strong bonds among participants. We meet every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. The location varies; p…
Read More »Rector's Bible Study
Our bible study practices emphasize thoughtful exploration of scripture through prayer, reflection, and discussion. Participants engage in open dialogue, respecting diverse perspectives, and seeking deeper understanding of God's word, and fostering spiritual growth and community connection.
Each Wednesday at 11 a.m., a group gathers in the upstairs conference room to explore the u…
Read More »ReMARKable Readers
Our ReMARKable Readers study group delves into various forms of media with spiritual themes (mainly books and videos), promoting meaningful conversations and reflection on a diverse spread of topics. These groups create a space for open dialogue, encouraging participants to explore faith, theology, and life's complexities, fostering personal and communal growth.
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Read More »Acceptance, Belonging, and Community: LGBTQ+ Issues
ABC: LGBTQ+ Issues is an education-forward discussion series centered around the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. Co-hosted by Saint Mark's, Keuka Compass, and the Finger Lakes Justice Partnership, ABC explores themes of LGBTQ+ life, such as coming out, legal concerns, and the role of intersectionality in LGBTQ+ identity, among other topics. All are welcome to listen, learn, a…
Read More »Penn Yan Action Coalition
An affiliate organization of Saint Mark's, Penn Yan Action Coalition was founded in response to the unjust deportation of a local migrant worker. Since then, they have advocated for and educated our community about issues related to immigrants' rights through lectures and an annual community read, held a successful refugee bedding drive, and championed a "rescue" of Penn Yan's ne…
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