Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010 Visit – St. Mark’s
January 20, 2010 by George · 7 Comments 
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On January 24, 2010, The Holy Apostles will be visiting:
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
311 Ontario Street
Buffalo, NY 14207
Phone: 716-875-8374
Clergy: The Rev. Harry Grace
The service begins at 10:30AM.
About George
Do we know anything about this church? They have no website. Do they have music, a choir, more than one service?
I called the phone number and got a recording as to the times of services. I believe they also have a Eucharist at 8:00am. The voice on their answering machine seemed friendly.
I don’t know about anyone else but, I get a little nervouse when I’m visiting a church for the first time. It can be especially intimidating if you’re going by yourself. As you walk down the aisle, all eyes are upon you…..you’re an outsider, a stranger walking into one hugh clique. Will I sit in someone’s favorite seat? Will I be questioned in front of God and everyone about my baptism before I receive communion? When do I stand, sit. or kneel? Whew…. so much anxiety.
So, if you’re like me, your days of suffering are over. There’s a church out there called St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Buffalo that will make you feel welcome right from the get go. You will be embraced, immediately, by fellow Epicopalians and made to feel like you’ve been going there since forever. Such genuinely good people. The Rev. Harry Grace looks, talks and acts like every really nice pastor you’ve ever seen on TV. His sermon was pretty good too and, according to his parishioners, they always are.
Even though the service guide was a breeze to follow, Rev. Grace offered guidance through the trickier parts…like how to get back to your seat after you received communion.
Coffee was served after the service complete with delicious cake to celebrate all birthdays oand anniversaries occuring in January. And I think our group was asked almost a dozen times by as many people to come and join in.
Speaking for myself, I felt completely relaxed and comfortable at all times I heard myself saying over and over, this church is THE church for nervous newcomers.
I don’t know where to begin. Bell, Guitars, Pipe Organ, GREAT sermon, wonderful and friendly parishioners. I could go on and on… Father Grace presented not a scripted sermon, but a lesson and reflection on hearing the Good Word, reaching out to help others and to proclaim the law of God with JOY. We ALL have something to offer.
harper has pretty much summed it up in her comment. This parish is a joy, plain and simple.
I’ll comment in more detail at a later date. This small church deserves more attention than I’m able to give at this time.
One more thing…and there may be more later. If I were looking for a church to belong to, this would be it. Anyone reading these posts and feels like they need to try something new, go to this church. I doubt there will be any regrets.
Sunday at St. Mark’s was delightful… I was in no hurry for the sermon or the service to end. It was filled with welcome, clarity, music and rich images of thought provoking history. In their style of worship there was just the right blend of happiness and reverence, old and new, casual and formal, and short and long, all gracefully interwoven. And, there was a clear reminder of what we are called to do and how that translates locally and in foreign lands to do God’s work.
It was a pleasure to meet and listen to Father Grace. He surely seems to enjoy his ministry and clearly yearns to inspire. This is a community that should grow and grow and continue their history of many good works. I will look forward to returning to worship with them again.
It figures that I would miss what sounds like the best experience the group has had so far… darn!