We're glad you asked!
​If you've never been to church, or it's been a while, or you haven't been to our church, then this page is just for you. We've compiled a list of questions that you may have thought about but didn't know who to ask. If we have missed your question, just send us a note to ask it!

Where is St. Mark's Lutheran Church?
​St. Mark's is an urban, renewing, and welcoming Lutheran (ELCA) congregation in Jacksonville, Florida. We are known for our social outreach and our attention to worship and music. We are located on Hendricks Avenue three blocks south of Emerson St. and about 3/4 mile north of University Blvd. W. 

​What should I wear?
​At St. Mark's, we wear whatever is comfortable, and you can, too. Some people come in jeans, some in shorts, some in dress clothes. The clothes are not the important part, you are.

Do I have to stand up and sing?
​Lutherans are known for our singing, so singing is a big part part of our worship. You will see some people standing, as they are able, and some people sitting. Our only goal during our services is for you to hear and receive God's Word as it comes to us through Scripture sung, prayed, and preached.

How do other people describe St. Mark's Lutheran Church?
Traditional not stuffy or rigid;
​Contemporary not trendy;
Challenging not preachy;
Welcoming and always forgiving.

Are kids welcome?
Of course! And we hope you bring them. We welcome children of every age and our members are very kid-friendly. For young children who are having difficulty keeping quiet enough or for moms who want to find a private place for nursing or childcare, we have a nursery. Just ask an usher for assistance.

What can I expect in the service?
From September through May, we have two worship services, each with its own flavor. Both services have choirs to lead the music and occasionally one of our bell choirs performs. Holy Communion is served at all worship services.

• Sunday at 9:30 am: Lutheran liturgical service — liturgy and congregational singing are led by the Festival Choir and organ, generally using a more traditional liturgy. But that doesn't mean we are stiff and boring!
• Saturday at 5:30 pm: Contemporary and casual service — held on the first and third Saturday of each month in the nave, the main worship center. It's a lively, yet relaxed and very family-friendly service. We use modern and upbeat liturgies and songs to keep the service always new and interesting. 

What's a Lutheran?
​“Faith active in love” is the best summary of what we believe it is to be a Lutheran. Specifically, a Lutheran is a Christian who has faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and who lives that faith in love toward our neighbors and all of God's creation. Lutherans share the Bible and a common faith with other Christians.
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​In 1517 in Germany, Dr. Martin Luther, a priest and university professor, started the Reformation in response to false teachings he saw in the Roman Catholic Church. Although he is the founder the Lutheran church, he always wanted to call it The Evangelical Church, which means, "The Good News Church." He is respected but not worshiped among Lutherans.

What about Holy Communion (The Lord's Supper)?
​Holy Communion is celebrated at all worship services. Lutherans believe that Christ is present in this meal to give us forgiveness, life, and salvation. All baptized Christians who believe in the presence of Christ in his Supper for the forgiveness of sin are invited to receive the Lord's Supper. Children not yet instructed are invited to come forward to the altar for a blessing. This is the Lord's Table — all are welcome.

How do I become a member?
​We're glad you asked! We are always pleased to welcome new members into our community. The first thing to do is introduce yourself to the pastor who will put you in touch with our Welcoming Committee. Generally, we receive new members three times a year.

What is an "ELCA" Lutheran?
​The ELCA, or Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a denomination of more than 10,300 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It has over 4.5 million members. The ELCA is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God as made known to us in Jesus Christ.

What is the Florida-Bahamas Synod?
​We are also partners with the Florida-Bahamas Synod. It is one of 65 synods (or districts) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The territory of the synod includes the entire state of Florida and all of the islands of the Bahamas. The 206 Congregations of the synod are grouped into three Mission Districts (North, Southwest, Southeast) for education, leadership development, and mission.