As a congregation, Saint Mark's vitality springs from the diversity of its members. While many are lifelong Lutherans, others of us come from varying backgrounds and, from these, bring many gifts and talents to enrich our life together as the people of God.

We are one of nearly 200 congregations making up the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In addition to our involvement with other Lutherans, we also seek ecumenical relationships with other denominations as well as community organizations.

We rejoice in the Good News that is ours to share with the world about us, and we seek to be most faithful in our calling as present day disciples. We hope that you will explore our church through these web pages and plan to join us for worship soon.

The Rev. Dale W. Dusman

Join Us for Worship

Sundays
Holy Communion
11:00 a.m.

Thursdays
Holy Communion
in the Chapel 6:30 p.m.

Events Calendar

What is the call of the Gospel?
Jesus said to his followers, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15)

What is St. Mark's Church response to this call?
At a meeting of the congregation in 1985, we declared our congregation to be a Reconciling in Christ church, articulating to the general public a ministry that was already taking place with gay and lesbian people, who are part of "the whole creation." Gay and lesbian people have felt welcome at St. Mark's Lutheran Church for many years through the ministry and care of our pastors, as well as the love and concern for justice by our lay and pastoral leaders.

What is "Reconciling in Christ"?
Lutherans Concerned / North America started the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program in 1984 to recognize Lutheran congregations that welcome lesbian and gay believers. During the 2002 LC/NA Assembly, members took action to include people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the RIC program. The Reconciling in Christ roster now exceeds 300 settings, including congregations, synods and organizations. St. Mark's was the first congregation in the Delaware-Maryland Synod to gain this distinction and has maintained the same since 1985.

What is St. Mark's statement of welcome?
First, all persons -- regardless of race, color, age, economic condition, marital status, social class, physical or mental handicap, or affectional orientation -- are welcome at St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

Second, we affirm with the apostle Paul that in Christ "there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female." (Galatians 2:38) Christ Jesus has made us one. We emphasize that this reconciliation extends also to those whose affectional orientation is toward a person of the same gender.

All people are welcome here -- why should we single out gay and lesbian people?
The RIC program doesn't seek special treatment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) folks. However, we live in a time when the voices of fear are frequently all that are heard. In fact, some Lutheran churches shun GLBT people; sometimes even their parents and family are vilified by church members. As a result, most gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered folks assume they are not welcome in any church unless told otherwise. Reconciling in Christ seeks to make clear the policy of congregations that welcome all people as full members, regardless of their sexual orientation -- or that of their children.

What has our experience been?
Gay men and lesbian women have, over recent decades, chosen to integrate themselves into the life of our congregation like all other members. No special and separate group for GLBT people exists in the congregation. Instead we encourage continued integration of all in congregational life.

To learn more about the Reconciling in Christ program, visit the web site of Lutherans Concerned.