A Lutheran Congregation at the Heart of Oaklyn
St. Mark's Lutheran Church sits on East Haddon Avenue in the small borough of Oaklyn, Camden County, New Jersey. The congregation has been a steady presence in this community for generations, anchored by a beloved nursery school and a deep commitment to welcome. Members describe St. Mark's as a place where people can talk about what matters most in their lives, share laughter and joy, and grow together in faith.
The church is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, connecting the work in Oaklyn to Lutheran ministry and mission across the country and around the world.
Sunday Worship, Twice Each Morning
Worship at St. Mark's happens twice on Sunday, at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Holy Communion is offered at every service. The 10:30 AM gathering is also livestreamed each week through the Church TV channel on YouTube at 10:00 AM, so people who cannot attend in person can follow along at home.
St. Mark's describes its worship as an experience of the joyous welcome of God, drawing on the best of liturgical tradition while remaining flexible in musical style. The congregation embraces both familiar hymns and contemporary expressions within a liturgical framework.
Sunday School for Children and Adults
From 9:15 to 10:15 AM, between the two services, St. Mark's runs Sunday School for children and adults together. Families can attend the early service, gather for an hour of learning, and then return for the late service, all in one morning. Classes are organized by age so that preschoolers, elementary children, youth, and adults each have a room of their own, while the shared hour keeps the whole congregation learning in rhythm.
A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
St. Mark's has formally committed to being a Reconciling in Christ congregation. That public pledge is rooted in the gospel's welcome and extends to people of every race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status. The congregation also welcomes those dealing with addiction, mental or physical health challenges, imprisonment, or economic hardship.
As part of that welcome, the church engages in ongoing work around anti-racism, justice, and equity. St. Mark's stands with people who have been marginalized and seeks to be a safe and affirming space for anyone seeking God.
What St. Mark's Believes
The congregation worships the triune God: Creator, Savior, and Holy Spirit. They hold the Bible as the inspired Word of God, a living story of grace that speaks across time. At its heart is the good news of God's grace, given freely to all, assuring every person that they are loved, forgiven, and cherished.
Faith, for St. Mark's, is a journey walked with hope, purpose, and a spirit of celebration. The congregation believes laughter and joy are vital expressions of life in Christ. Loving God and loving others is the foundation of a life filled with purpose, and that transformative love has the power to renew individuals, restore relationships, and bring healing to the world.
Two Pastors, Shared Leadership
Two called pastors share the ministry at St. Mark's. Rev. Andrew L. Jones, known as Pastor Andy, completed his M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary in 2023 and was ordained in 2024. Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, he is passionate about the intersections of faith, public life, and God's mercy through Jesus Christ. Pastor Andy also serves Bridge of Peace Community Church in Camden's nearby Fairview neighborhood.
Rev. Jay Berry serves as the other pastor and is available by appointment through the church office. George Akerley directs the music ministry. The church council and other ministry positions are filled each year by members elected from the congregation, and anyone interested in joining leadership is invited to speak with the pastors.
The Nursery School and Childcare
A defining ministry of St. Mark's is its Nursery School and Childcare, housed at 1 East Haddon Avenue. The program has served local families for decades and operates three classes for young children:
- Lambs Class for children 2.5 years old, meeting Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Bunny Class for 3-year-olds, meeting Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Bears Class for Pre-K children, meeting Monday through Friday from 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM
The curriculum blends Creative Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears, with daily Circle Time that covers early reading, math concepts, fine motor skills, and creative projects. Pastor Jay visits each class regularly to read Bible stories and answer questions. Potty training is not required for the Lambs or Bunny classes. Parents stay connected through Brightwheel, an app that tracks each child's day and shares updates with families.
Safety is taken seriously across the school. All doors stay locked at all times, and only approved adults can pick up children. Staff are trained in emergency procedures, with designated evacuation sites at the Oaklyn Municipal Building, Oaklyn Public School, the VFW Hall on Manor Avenue, and the Oaklyn Community Center.
Summer Day Camp Programs
When school lets out, St. Mark's keeps children engaged with two summer day camp programs. The Pre-School Summer Camp serves children 2.5 years old through those entering Kindergarten, with half-day hours from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM or full-day hours from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, requiring at least three days per week. The Kids Summer Camp serves children entering Grade 1 through Grade 5, running 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM with core activities from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Both programs include morning and afternoon snacks and run from early June through late August.
Staying Connected
Beyond Sunday mornings, St. Mark's keeps in touch through a weekly newsletter, an active Facebook presence and Facebook group, a YouTube channel for livestreamed worship, and a Twitter feed. Online giving is available through a dedicated giving portal, and prayer requests can be submitted online. The calendar of events is published online and kept current.
St. Mark's describes itself as a community of faith gathered to share in God's love and live out its purpose: to connect people to God, one another, and the world through worship, service, and authentic relationships. For a first-time visitor, the practical shape of the church is simple: two Sunday morning services, communion every week, Sunday School in between, a nursery school and day camp next door, and a clear, public welcome to anyone who walks through the door.