St. Mark's mission is to be a beacon of racial justice and compassion. We celebrate each of the heritage month and provide educational opportunities and activities to further our mission.
Learn more about how you can stand against racism below.
Vision Statement
St. Mark’s is a beacon of racial justice and compassion.
Mission Statement
To open our hearts and minds to listen, learn and take actions to foster racial justice and social equity.
Monthly Devotional
As we celebrate this Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, we are grateful for family, friends, church family and neighbors who have and who share their rich Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. One of many things they have taught us is how to show respect and honor. May we show them the respect and honor that they deserve.
During this time of uncertainty, many of our Asian and Pacific Islander brother and sisters fear for their safety. Many international students and DACA recipients fear deportation. May we stand with them and support them during this difficult time.
Our prayer today is adapted from a pray by the Reverend Ronnie Mago, a Filipina pastor:
As we celebrate this Asian American and Pacific Islander Month receive our thanksgiving, O God, for the abundance of diverse cultures from Asians living in the United States.
We pray for those who have come from various places in Asia and the Pacific, that they may be accepted and the values they contribute to society be honored.
May we learn from one another and grow in respect and understanding.
We pray, O God, for your guidance and strength as we face the challenges of racial discrimination that affect the diverse Asian communities in this country and other parts of the world.
May we be one in building a colorful and just society, where all people are honored and respected. We also ask your Spirit for the healing of the wounds of those who experienced hatred and violence. May they find support, safety, and shelter here in our communities.
We ask for your blessing for those who continue to build connections between different cultures and communities. May their efforts, O God, contribute richly toward harmony, compassion and justice.
In this celebration month, may we learn from one another and grow as we celebrate the contribution of people of Asian-descent living in this country.
Amen
Adapted from a prayer by Rev. Ronnie Magno. Originally from Cebu Conference, Inc., of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, The Rev. Magno currently serves at Grace- St. Andrew’s United Church in Arnprior, ON, Canada.
Our initial focus as a church is deepening our understanding through education.
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Statement on Racial Justice from the United Methodist Church Constitution (Article V):
The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons. The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places.