How we are adapting during the pandemic

We are committed to make all “in-person” activities at St Mark as safe as possible.  A number of adaptations have been made to our “life together” as a community. In addition to this webpage, we have a handout entitled LIFE TOGETHER DURING A PANDEMIC that is also available in the information center.  These two resources have been created to inform you of the adaptations we are making. We will continuously monitor local conditions and adapt our practices in order to keep all persons as safe as possible during the pandemic. May God’s peace be with each of us.

What we are doing to make

"life together" as safe as we can

  • One service will be offered in the Sanctuary on Sundays at 9:00 AM as long as local conditions allow.
  • Hand sanitizer stations are located at all entrances, and we ask all persons to wash and/or sanitize their hands upon entering the building.
  • High touch areas are cleaned before and after each use.
  • Out of care and concern for others, we request that everyone bring and wear a mask when you are in the church building. We will have masks available for those who need one. 
  • When participating in worship, we ask everyone to remain at least six feet away from those not in your household. 
  • We will broadcast worship simultaneously via a low powered FM transmitter with a range of @200’.  The current frequency we are using is FM 93.1. We invite all persons who choose to remain in their autos to park on the west side of the building for the best reception.
  • We will try to create a safe touch-free environment for everyone by greeting one another with waves and words. 
  • Ushers will seat all worshippers to help provide as much seating as possible. 
  • We will not pass items in worship such as Bibles or hymnals during worship. 
  • We will not pass the offering plates. Alternative offering opportunities are listed below.
  • Bulletins will be available and are to be taken home or placed in the blue recycling bins following the service.
  • We will offer Holy Communion each Sunday. Communion will be the final element of the worship service.
  • All communion servers will wear gloves and masks. 
  • Pre-filled, individual cups will be used. 
  • Communion will be available to those who remain in their cars to listen to the service on FM 88.3
  • We will not be singing in worship at this time, and responses are to be spoken quietly. 
  • No coffee or other refreshments will be served. 
  • Pastor, staff, and volunteer leaders will wear masks. 
  • Sunday worship services will be streamed each Sunday morning via Facebook Live.
  • In order to help reduce traffic in the entryways, please feel free to use the west and east doors. 
  • If you’re not feeling well, have known exposure to Covid-19 or are at high risk, please stay home and view our online and recorded services. These are available at 9:00 on Sundays
  • https://www.facebook.com/stmarkstormlake/
  • Service recordings are also available on our website
  • http://stmarkstormlake.com/stuff/sermons
  • Proclaim Radio Broadcast- 7:30 AM on Sundays on FM 101.7

Financially supporting St Mark during the pandemic

  • By placing your offering into the offering boxes located at the Welcome Center and in the office.
  • By going online at http://stmarkstormlake.com/give
  • By mailing your gift to the church office – 1614 West 5th Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588
  • By texting 833-643-0608
  • By using the free GIVE+ Mobile App by going to https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com  It is also available at the Apple App Store, and for Android phones