We are a downtown Church; committed to the Gospel, accountable to each other, loving Christ and making him known.
themessenger Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church NOVEMBER 2012
VOLUME 101
ISSUE 10
From the Rector The Rev. Michael D. Chalk
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Junior Warden’s Report -page 2 A Note from Tina -page 3 Youth News -page 6
The Nones
A
ccording to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released October 9, the number of Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has hit an all-time high—about one in five adults. A group labeled “nones,” is now the nation’s second-largest category after Catholics. The shift is a significant religious and cultural change. Claiming no religious identity does not mean an absence of religious beliefs, the report found. The majority of “nones” say they believe in God or some form of higher being and 20 percent say they pray every day.
ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 315 E. Pecan St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 226-2426 www.stmarks-sa.org stmarks@stmarks-sa.org Office hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Emergency Pastoral Care: 210-507-0251
well? Is worship an experience that strengthens people to serve Christ? In addition to addressing the spiritual life, people expect a church to make a difference to the life of the community. Does the church have a mission to serve the disenfranchised? Is mission to the homeless and hungry part of the budget and work of the parish?
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The trend could be due to a growing distrust of all institutions or an unwillingness to commit to any group. No doubt some have been part of a church and been disappointed. Whatever the reason that people chose not to be part of a church, this new reality serves as a challenge to the church in general and St. Mark’s in particular. Whether a church draws people or not revolves around authenticity. Does the church address the spiritual life and enable people to grow in their faith? Is scripture taken seriously and taught
The church in this age surely cannot be turned in on itself but must have an outward thrust of serving others. This is the very nature and purpose of the church. The church’s mission is not its own. Because God has a mission, a church arises.
Perhaps you know someone who is spiritual but not religious. You might ask them what would draw them to a church. As you talk about St. Mark’s, such a conversation could make for a shift in attitude. While the latest research on church affiliation could serve as a threat, I believe St. Mark’s is well positioned to respond to those who are searching and looking for a community they can (Continued on page 2)