A Blended Sunday Service on South Main
St. Mark's Church sits at 200 South Main Street in Washington, Illinois. Sunday service begins at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary off the upper-level lobby, and the congregation describes its worship as a blended service that draws on both traditional and contemporary music. The church extends a warm welcome to anyone who would like to experience it. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and the parish phone is (309) 444-4618.
Mission and Core Values
The congregation's mission is "to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the help of God, through a loving and caring ministry to each other, our communities and the world," offering the full ministry of Word and Sacrament. The vision is "to be a dynamic and loving church growing in faith and discipleship." Five core values shape that work: Welcoming people of every age and stage of faith; Caring Congregation, walking with one another in need, celebration, sickness, and joy; Discipleship, following the journey of becoming committed followers of Christ; Mission Oriented, seeking to serve God in the community and the world; and Purposeful decisions unified around the priorities set by the congregation.
A Lutheran Congregation in the ELCA
St. Mark's is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The congregation shares its beliefs with the wider Lutheran tradition through Word and Sacrament and is part of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod. The synod's newsletter is available through a sign-up form for those who want to keep up with area events and studies.
Kids Clubhouse, Cross Trainers, and Senior High
Children ages five through sixth grade are invited to Kids Clubhouse after the children's sermon each Sunday. The Clubhouse is a decorated space just for children, where they learn about Jesus through crafts, games, snacks, and relationship-building. Older students join Cross Trainers for confirmation and gather as Senior High Ministry. Shannon Hermanson serves as Director of Children and Family Ministries, and Jill Goldhammer directs Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Childcare and Preschool on Site
St. Mark's Childcare and Preschool, led by Director Miss Amanda, operates year-round from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM for children ages two through five. Three classrooms serve the program: Discoverers for 2 and 3 year olds, Explorers for 3 year-old preschoolers, and Investigators for 4 year-old preschoolers. A typical day includes breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, centers and small group discussion, circle time, art, music and movement, free play, gross motor skills, a nap, Bible verses or songs, and story time.
Half-day preschool runs from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Three year olds meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, and four year olds meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, each from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The preschool phone is (309) 444-4686, Ext. 120, and tours can be requested through an online form.
A Caring Congregation
Kirsten Tharp serves as the congregation's Faith Community Nurse, supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness of the parish and the broader community. St. Mark's is on Facebook and YouTube, and an online member directory is available through the Instant Church Directory app. Online giving is available as well.
Ministry Team
Pastor Jen Beamsley leads the parish as Senior Pastor. The team includes Shannon Hermanson (Director of Children and Family Ministries), Kirsten Tharp (Faith Community Nurse), Jill Goldhammer (Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries), Nate Fleming (IT & AV Director), Samantha Reatherford (Administrative Office Manager), Yvonne Shields (Bookkeeper), and Randy Flex (Custodian).