Upcoming dates for your calendar:

• Saturdays: Calming the Waters - @10 AM
• Sunday, September 13: Return to two services and Discernment launch!
• Saturday, September 19 - 10th Annual Walk for Water

FROM THE INTERIM TREASURER

Reimbursements and Check Requests

We are grateful to the many faithful volunteers who make expenditures or engage services on behalf of St. Mark’s and you deserve a process that makes it easy for you know what information is needed and to submit requests for checks and reimbursement utilizing either electronic or traditional methods as you prefer. You can find the details by clicking HERE.

Rest assured we will tweak the process as we see a need for improvement.

In all that we do, we honor our commitment to be good stewards of the financial gifts you have entrusted to St. Mark’s. So that we have a clear line of sight on our expenses.

We are asking that going forward requests for reimbursements be submitted within 30 days of the event or expenditure as appropriate. If you’ve been holding some for a while, we totally understand and just ask that you submit them as soon as possible.

Before you make an expenditure, please talk with the appropriate ministry leader to confirm it is an item that falls within our operating budget. It may be a committee chair, vestry liaison, warden or treasurer and we’ll work with you to identify the right person and equip those individuals with the information they need to respond. You can email me with any questions at treasurer@stmarksportroyal.org.

Blessings,

Cheri Thayer

DISCERNMENT PROCESS LAUNCH 



Sunday, September 13, will be an important day in the life of St. Mark’s! Not only will we return to our regular schedule of two Sunday services, but we will also officially launch our parish-wide Discernment Process. This journey will invite all of us to listen deeply—to God, to one another, and to the hopes and possibilities unfolding for our parish.An information session will be offered after each service, where you can learn more about the process, what to expect, and the many ways you can participate. We hope everyone will join us as we begin imagining and discerning together what God may be calling St. Mark’s to become in the years ahead!

DISCERNMENT PROCESS FOCUS GROUPS

Focus Groups are a critical part of St. Mark’s discernment journey, offering space for deeper conversation, prayerful reflection, and shared listening as we seek God’s direction together. Please take a moment to complete this brief 2 minute survey so the Facilitation Team can gauge interest, understand availability, and invite broad participation in the conversations ahead. Use the link below to sign up.

GREAT CYCLE CHALLENGE



GREAT CYCLE CHALLENGE from Merilyn Smith This September, I’m taking on the Great Cycle Challenge, with a goal of riding 300+ miles to fight kids’ cancer! My challenge begins September 1, and while I’m saying “trying” because I’m a little older than last year, I’m confident I can reach my goal with your support! Please consider making a donation through my fundraising page: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/MJSmith.

All funds raised will support the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and its work to develop treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer. Thank you for helping me ride toward a cancer-free future for kids!

WOMEN OF GRACE



Women of Grace will begin a new season on Thursday, September 17, at noon with a “get acquainted” gathering at the church. All St. Mark’s women are invited to join us, bring a lunch, and enjoy fellowship with friends while making new ones. Drinks and cookies will be provided. Come learn about the speakers, activities, and opportunities planned for the year ahead. For more information or with questions, contact Barbara Berry at bberry409@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

JOIN THE FLOWER GUILD

If you have ever paused to admire the altar flowers, you have witnessed the quiet and creative ministry of the Flower Guild. The Guild is a dedicated team of volunteers who arrange flowers for our Sunday services, Easter and Christmas

floral arrays and special services.

Currently the Guild is welcoming new members. You do not need to be a master gardener or florist to participate, you simply need a love for nature and a desire to serve. The members serve on a rotating weekly schedule. We each gather our own flowers and prepare two arrangements for Sunday service. The volunteer usually arranges at the church on Saturday, and places them on the pedestals in the sanctuary. We will help you with basic floral design, so no fear. Our materials come from gardens, greenery from our yards, local markets and, on occasion, roadside finds. The ministry continues after each service as volunteers rearrange the flowers and deliver them to members of our church community as a reminder of our love.

You are invited to consider sharing your time and creativity with this essential ministry. It is a wonderful way to connect with fellow parishioners while creating something beautiful for God and our neighbors. We will schedule an introductory meeting to offer further details and answer your questions in September. If this ministry interests you. Please contact Paula Miller: paulajmiller44@gmail.com.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Flowers are placed on the altar each week in memory or honor of loved ones by their family or friends. The suggested donation will increase to $45.00. When making a reservation, please include the date requested and recipient of your gift of flowers. The donation can be made using envelopes provided at church, a check in the plate or online via the St. Mark’s website.

FOYER GROUPS  

Our 2026-27 Foyer Groups Kickoff will be held Sunday, September 20th , 5-7 PM at the home of Jane and Michael Frederick on Lady’s Island. For those of you not familiar with the origin of Foyer Groups, “Foyer” is a French word meaning “hearthside”, implying the warmth of a close group of friends sharing a common love and concern for one another. Being part of a Foyer Group at St. Mark’s is a great way of strengthening the St. Mark’s family and supporting our mission of loving and serving the world.  

A Foyer Group is a monthly gathering of parishioners (7-9) generally in individual homes for the sharing of a simple meal and fellowship. Groups will be randomly assigned and will determine their own plan for meetings on a rotating monthly basis between November 2026 and May 2027. Depending on the group preference, meals can be potluck, appetizer-focused or very simple meals provided by the hosts. Some groups have also gathered in parks and restaurants.    

Foyer Groups are open to all St. Mark’s adults - singles, couples, and families. If you are interested in participating in a St. Mark’s Foyer Group please email Barbara Berry at bberry409@gmail.com. In return, I’ll send you a short electronic registration form that will capture both your RSVP to the Kickoff and a few key details (like food allergies and contact information). Don’t despair if you are unable to attend the Kickoff as you will still be included in one of our Foyer Groups. If you have a question or two you would like answered before deciding on Foyer Group participation, just email me at bberry409@gmail.com .

SERVERS NEEDED

If you are looking for a way to serve St. Mark's but can't make a big commitment of time, we have an opportunity for you! We are building a team of 4 people who will, once a month, serve as sacristan (altar guild member) for the noon Hope & Healing service. Training is provided and all instructions are in writing, including pictures. If interested or for further information, please contact Carter Hoyt at carterhoyt@comcast.net.

SOUTHERN DEANERY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GATHERING:

Join Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley and the Rising Together campaign team on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:30–7:00 PM at All Saints Episcopal Church in Hilton Head Island for an evening reception and presentation about the Diocese of South Carolina’s 2026 capital campaign. All are welcome to attend this special celebration for the Southern Deanery. No ticket is required, but please register if you plan to attend. Use the link below to sign up.

SIGN UP HERE for Hilton Head

ST. MARK'S BOOK CLUB



The Book Club will be on summer break in August! Throughout August we'll be reading a very short introduction to Celtic Spirituality: Listening for the Heartbeat of God: A Celtic Spirituality by J. Philip Newell. As we bump into each other in church, we'll share what jumps out to us in the book. 

Book Club will resume on Saturday, September 5th at 3pm at Jane's Abram’s house (902 Madrid Ave, Port Royal). We'll cover Chapter 6 of The Tears of Things by Richard Rohr. RJ Gaines will send out another briefing in the weeks ahead. Please contact RJ if you are interested in joining the Book Club or have any questions - rjgaines11@pm.me.

WALK FOR WATER!

The 10th Annual Beaufort County Walk for Water will take place on Saturday, September 19 at Live Oak Park in Port Royal, and St. Mark's is once again a sponsor. This event raises funds for Water Mission, a non-profit headquartered in North Charleston which "builds sustainable safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas." Charity Navigator has awarded its top rating to Water Mission for 19 consecutive years.

Registration is now open at walkforwater.com/beaufort. There’s no fee to walk this year. This creates an opportunity for even more participants to learn about the global water crisis, engage with Water Mission work, and raise funds to support safe water solutions around the world. Walkers who register before August 18 and raise or donate $25 will receive a free t-shirt. When registering, be sure to join the St. Mark's Saints team. Feel free to encourage others - neighbors, family, friends - to join our team or to support you as a walker by making a donation. Not walking, but want to support the Saints and the wonderful work of Water Mission? You too are invited to make a donation to the team or any individual participating. 

As Water Mission says, “We Walk So They Don’t Have To.” Questions? Contact Carter Hoyt at carterhoyt@comcast.net.

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS FOR: Mary Bryan, Bonnie Connolly, Molly Wolford, Linda Jones, Duane and Jane Twenge, Mike Domby, Jim Sweeney, Hollis, Christian Buchmann, Ann Frias, Amy Christian, Patty Crower, Clydette McDaniel, Catherine Guerrero, Steven Sonders, Charlie Hart, Gary MacNew, Molly Ferguson, Lisa Westbrook, Debbie Dawsey-Davis, Nicolas Nehf, Bill Crower and Palmer Jones.

PLEASE PRAY ALSO for friends of St. Mark’s parishioners: Rhonda Adams, Nadija Peterson and Selia Fields (our two St. Mark’s scholarship recipients), Dan Snook, Marete Myhre, Adam, Barbara Atkins, Tom Tull, Gary Mc Graw, Rev Brian Pearson, Will Guerrero, Jeff Drake and Glenda Jones.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: We pray a special blessing on these members of our St. Mark’s family as they celebrate their birthdays this month: Carol Hyde (1), Tim Saxton (3), Rusty Boltz (3), Bob Prochnow (6), Genie Barth (6), Gale Mull (8), Mike White (8), Susan Balkite (9), Lynda Clarke (9), Jo Phelps (9), Linda Hawes (10), Jane Frederick (12), Amy Whitehouse (16), Rich Isome (17), Carmen Hopkins (20), Kristy Edwards (21), Kate Prochnow (25), Martine Marshall (27), Maureen Kroncke (27), and Jayne Krebs (30).

ONLINE GIVING - NEW LINK

It's easy and convenient to keep up with your pledge online.

Just click the red box below and follow the prompts.

Sunday Worship

Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m.

(Livestream available at www.stmarksportroyal.org)

Children’s Sunday School and nursery care (for ages 3 and under) are offered in the St. Mark’s Center during the 10:00 a.m. service.

Midweek Worship

Join us for a Hope and Healing Service each Wednesday at noon.

Click the icons below to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or get to our website!

Parish Office

phone: 843 379-1020 email: office@stmarksportroyal.org

Office Hours

Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Mailing address:

PO Box 761

Port Royal, SC 29935