St Mark’s Anglican Church

Dear St. Mark’s Church Family, 

Last night I was inducted as the new Rector of St. Mark’s Ocean Park. I am so delighted that what began ten months ago as a two year interim appointment, has so quickly morphed into a long term commitment to mutual ministry. This is the work of God. Who would have thought that the Anglican Church could move so quickly!

In the last ten months we have seen the Lord do some wonderful things in our church. There is a renewal of life and ministry coupled with growth that is a joy to see and privilege to experience. Now that I am your Rector, what does that mean? Am I going to change into something different than what you have seen? The answer is, no. The leader you have seen for the last ten months is the leader you have got. Some people might fear the authority implied by the title. To me, the title speaks of commitment to one another. Last night was a kind of marriage where vows were exchanged. They were vows of mutual service and shared ministry. They were vows to walk together in the life of God and the work that God has given us to do. 

It is lovely to have this service on the edge of spring. Like you, I am longing for the new life of spring followed by the warmth and beauty of summer. It has been a long and cold winter in more ways than one. These have been tough times. But the promise of spring is teasing us like the flowers that are peaking up through the soil. Easter is coming! And with it comes all the hope and joy that Easter will bring. Hope for St. Mark’s Church. Hope for you and your family. Hope for the work of God that we are called to do together. 

I warmly encourage you to be a part of this Easter season. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on April 5th. Our children will launch our morning, worship with singing and we will process together waving our palms. 

There are four services leading up to Easter beginning with a beautiful Compline service of prayer on Wednesday at 7:30 pm. The Maundy Thursday service also starts at 7:30 pm with the celebration of the Eucharist and the symbolic washing of a few chosen feet.

Good Friday begins with The Journey of the Cross. This is a change from previous years. We will meet at 9:30 am on top of the knoll at the west end of Laronde Park for a service of preparation. This is a location much nearer the church. From there we will process the cross through our neighborhood to the church. It is a ten minute easy walk on level ground and we are hoping that many more people including our families and children will be able to join us. At the church there will be hot cross buns and warm drinks to refresh us. The Good Friday service this year will also offer a special program for our children. 

Holy Saturday is a combined service at Holy Trinity White Rock starting at 8:00 pm. It is an ancient and wonderful service - the first service of Easter where we light the Easter fire. Then comes Sunday and all the promise of resurrection that Easter will bring! With all my heart I am looking forward to sharing this season with you and I am so grateful that it will be the first of many to come. 

The Lord Bless you and see you on Sunday! 

The Rev. Craig D. Tanksley 
Rector