Following our hospital levels and the covid.cdc.gov website regarding Jefferson County has shown a steady and significant decline in COVID cases in our county. If you are not readily familiar with the CDC website, it categorizes the community spread in counties in four levels: blue (low), yellow (moderate), orange (substantial), and red (high).

Because of where we are right now, beginning this Sunday, November 7, masks will be optional inside for anyone that is vaccinated. Following the CDC guidelines as well, masks are still expected for those that are unvaccinated. Our social distancing protocols have been relaxed as well. As long as our county remains in the moderate to low levels, we will proceed in this way.

As our parish moves forward, please continue to do what is best and safest for you and your family. We will continue to livestream our 10 AM service. If you wish to wear a mask, please do so. We will continue to provide masks for anyone who did not bring one but wishes to have one. Thank you to everyone as we walk together during this time.

Fr. James Pevehouse

St. Mark’s will offer Christian Formation opportunities for kids and adults. Lauren Johnsen will oversee a time for kids and Fr. James will offer a series for adults called, “Walking with the Saints.” Each Sunday, we will be introduced to a different person on our Episcopal Church calendar. We will begin with a discussion as to how someone is added to the Episcopal calendar. We will look at their faith journey where they were challenged to grow and then reflect together as to how the examples of the different “saints” can impact our own faith journey.

It’s Chili Time! November 11^th will be our 80th Annual Chili Supper and Bazaar. Serving Christ, Community and Chili is an important part of the mission of St. Mark’s. An old family recipe, dating further back than the chili supper itself, is the secret to our success. That success enables us to give back to our neighbors in Southeast Texas and the surrounding areas.

Due to Covid concerns, on October 15^th we will make the decision to serve in person or do drive thru only as we did in 2020.

Our famous Frozen Chili in now on sale! You can get yours at The Treasure House Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Amelia Farm and Market Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Order online and pick it up at St. Mark’s Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or Friday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Visit St. Mark’s Chili Store at https://store.stmarkschili.com.