St John and St Mark’s Episcopal Church was formed following the flood of 1994, when St. John’s Church, a predominantly African-American congregation, was destroyed; and St. Mark’s Church in Radium Springs was severely damaged, but could be repaired/rebuilt. The merged congregation continues as an ethnically diverse and welcoming church community. Membership is small but has a big heart for ministry and outreach in the community.
Outreach Ministries include:
Radium Springs Block Party. Held quarterly, the neighborhood is invited to spend time with members and features a meal of hot dogs and all the trimmings, as well as games, a water slide (weather permitting), lawn games, music and dancing.
Cyber Café. Currently open on Thursday afternoon (3-6 p.m.), and Saturday (12 noon to 2 p.m.), computers with Internet access are available for students at Radium Springs Elementary, Morningside Elementary, and Radium Springs Middle School to complete school projects. Adults are also able to use the computers for such as completing resumes and to apply for jobs. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Neighbors in Need. An outreach ministry under the umbrella of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, and housed in the St. Clare’s Mission on Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Neighbors in Need provides a food pantry and thrift store to many Albany residents. St. John and St. Mark’s collects staple food items, as well as hygiene items, and gently used clothing, linens, blankets, etc., which are then donated to Neighbors in Need.
Partner in Excellence with Radium Springs Elementary School.
Trunk or Treat. Every year near Halloween, costumed members and friends gather to decorate car trunks and trucks – filled with candy and treats for neighborhood children. Face painting, freshly popped popcorn, hot dogs and chips, and music contribute to the festivities, as does the fire truck (and firemen) from the community fire station.
St Nicholas Party. Near Christmas, children are invited to the church to select gifts (contributed by church members) for their parent or guardian. Members and friends are on hand to either wrap the gifts or assist the child with wrapping. Children also make an ornament for themselves. A highlight during the party is the visit from St. Nicholas.
We are located at 2425 Cherry Laurel Lane (one block East of Radium Springs Road, at Radium Springs Butterfly Garden – where Casino was located). Worship begins at 11 a.m. each Sunday – you are invited!
