Saint Mark United Methodist Church has stood on West Henderson Street in Cleburne, Texas for nearly a hundred years. The congregation is known throughout Johnson County for its traditional Sunday worship, its Breadbasket food pantry, and the Pumpkin Patch that fills the church grounds each fall.
Nearly a Century on West Henderson Street
Saint Mark Methodist Church was founded in Cleburne close to a century ago. Through the decades the congregation has poured itself into ministries that have reached across the city and into Johnson County. Among the longest-running are the Snack Sack program for children, the Breadbasket food pantry, the Academic Excellence program that honors scholars at Cleburne High School, and the annual Pumpkin Patch that draws families from across the area each fall. The church's stated mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by reaching up to God and by reaching out to God's people.
Sunday Worship at 10:30
Worship at Saint Mark is traditional and the preaching is biblical. The congregation gathers each Sunday morning at 10:30, with Sunday School for all ages beginning at 9:30. The Chancel Choir leads singing each week, accompanied by pianist Diane Stewart. Every service is livestreamed on YouTube, and recordings remain available to watch at any time. The congregation proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Breadbasket Food Pantry
The Breadbasket is one of Saint Mark's signature outreach efforts. Located in the Parish House and church office at 1111 W. Chambers Street, the pantry serves neighbors in need on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. and on the second and fourth Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. The ministry depends on continued support from the Johnson County Food Bank.
Music in the Sanctuary
Music is a weekly offering at Saint Mark. The Chancel Choir sings anthems and calls to worship each Sunday and presents a Christmas Cantata in December. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, and anyone who likes to sing is welcome to join. Pianist Diane Stewart holds degrees in piano performance from the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, she has more than thirty years of experience as a professional church accompanist and has been serving at Saint Mark since 2016. Choir Director Chris McCormick spent his career as a fund development officer at United Methodist agencies including Wesleyan Homes, the Upper Room Daily Devotional Magazine, and the Texas Wesley Campus Ministry at the University of Texas in Austin, but has long been drawn to directing church choirs. He especially enjoys leading the Chancel Choir at Saint Mark and invites anyone who likes to sing to come and join the fun.
Wednesday Bible Study and Agape Groups
A prayer group meets on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall, working through the Bible verse by verse. They are currently making their way through Genesis. Agape Groups offer a different kind of gathering, spirituality groups designed to transform rather than inform. One open group meets on Mondays at noon at the Sunrise Cafe at 100 Williams Avenue. A second, women's group meets at 9:30 a.m. at varying locations.
Miriam Circle and the Academic Excellence Scholarship
Miriam Circle is Saint Mark's unit of United Women in Faith. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall and welcomes women of all backgrounds and beliefs. For more than forty years, Miriam Circle has recognized students at Cleburne High School who achieve academic excellence. Honorees receive an afghan the first time they are recognized and are eligible for a scholarship by demonstrating excellence throughout all four years of high school. The circle also supports the Children's Advocacy Center of Johnson County and Cleburne High School's Project Celebration, along with many other nonprofits.
Children, Staff, and Connection
Teresa Everett serves as Nursery Director, caring for the youngest members during worship and church activities. Pastor Wayne Walters leads the congregation. Saint Mark is part of the Horizon Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Visiting Saint Mark
Saint Mark is at 1109 W. Henderson Street, Cleburne, Texas 76033. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are livestreamed on YouTube, and online giving is available through Givelify. A monthly newsletter and calendar are posted on the church's page, and a prayer request form is available for those who would like the congregation to pray for them.