The Season of Advent
During the season of Advent, we step outside the usual pace to be renewed by community. We gather each Sunday at 9:00 am for intergenerational events that help us watch and wait for the advent of Christ among us. We'll worship together in a combined service following at 10:00 am; early birds can still come at 7:45 am, except on 12/24 and 12/31. These events culminate with our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services. The first Sunday after Christmas will be our last combined worship service at 10:00 am before we return to our regular service times: 7:45, 9:00, and 11:15 am on January 7th.
December 2 | 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Hopeful Expectation: Advent Quiet Day
Advent is a time to intentionally prepare for the gift of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a time of year that is often filled with extra activity. Give yourself the gift of time set apart to reflect on where you are on your spiritual journey. We will gather in the beautiful setting of the Chapel House at the Bishop Jones Center for a time of shared reflection. There will be times for silence, journaling, and exploring together how to be people of hope in a world that could easily cause us to despair. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge, but please register and make sure to let us know of any dietary restrictions.
December 3
Advent I: Wreath Making
At 9:00 am, Make an advent wreath with your family and friends. All the supplies are provided. You bring the creativity, we bring the greenery and candles! Breakfast will be provided. The combined worship service will follow at 10:00 am. We will not have a 7:45 am Eucharist on this day
Crockett Holiday Gift Drive and Party
Our annual holiday gift drive for Crockett Academy students is here! Our goal is to provide gifts for children at the holiday party at Crockett on December 6th. With the help of some holiday elves, we know of a wish for each child on the list. Shop for a particular child, then wrap and bring your gift to St. Mark’s by Sunday, December 3rd. We’re also looking for volunteers to help deliver gifts to Crockett on December 4th, and to come to the on campus party on December 6th to help hand out snacks and gifts, and spread some holiday cheer. Sign up online. Please email Amy Ickes with any questions.
December 5 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Women's Christmas Luncheon
All women of the parish are invited to enjoy fellowship and conversation with other St. Mark’s women at this come-and-go gathering. This year’s luncheon is hosted by Kait Gish. Valet parking will be available for the event. Please RSVP by Friday, December 1.
December 9 | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Christmas to the Street
Christmas to the Street began in 2004 with a simple goal: provide a generous, home-cooked meal to our unhoused neighbors in downtown San Antonio. The response and support from the community has continued to grow each year. This year C2S will take place on Saturday, December 9th. We will prepare the meal at the church and serve it to our neighbors at Haven for Hope. Altogether, Christmas to the Street 2023 will serve over 1,200 meals to hungry men, women, and children. Sign up for a shift today. Open to students and adults Grade 6 and older.
December 10
Advent II: Las Posadas
At 9:00 am, participate with us in this 400-year-old Mexican Tradition as we reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for search for "posada" (lodging or accommodation) - a place to rest and to birth the coming baby Jesus. A mariachi band will accompany us from floor to floor in the Parish House; we "peregrinos"(pilgrims) will find our journey's end in Gosnell Hall. Breakfast will be provided.
Christmas Pops Concert
Music from St. Mark’s presents its annual Christmas Pops celebration at 4:00 pm with a brass and percussion ensemble conducted by Matthew Mireles. All are invited to journey to the lighter side of the Advent season with highlights for the whole family and an extra-large dose of holiday joy.
December 13 | 5:30 pm
A Light in the Darkness: A Service for Grief During the Holidays
Holiday rituals can be comforting, celebratory reminders of the hope and joy God gives us in our lives, but grief may also arise this time of year—especially when we have experienced loss. This quiet liturgy is meant for those who long for the solace and hope of the Lord without the pressure to be merry. Join us for this simple service in Bethlehem Chapel as we recall how the light of Christ shines in the darkness.
December 17
At 9:00 am, this annual St. Mark’s tradition takes place in Gish Hall as the children remind us of the true story of Christmas. Following the pageant, there will be a petting zoo in Tucker Courtyard, with breakfast in Gosnell Hall. The Greening of the Church will also occur at 11:00 am today, to prepare for Lessons and Carols and for Christmas Eve. We hope you’ll join us for this fun, hands-on opportunity to beautify our sacred spaces.
Advent III: Christmas Pageant
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
At 4:00 pm, join the St. Mark’s choirs in the enduring and beloved Anglican tradition of King’s College Cambridge shared by millions around the world since 1918—readings, carols, hymns, and anthems telling of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus. A reception will follow the service, and nursery care will be available.
December 24 | 10:00 am
Advent IV Service
We will not have a 7:45 am Eucharist on this day, but will gather at 10:00 am for an Advent 4 Eucharist. Since this day is also Christmas Eve (this happens once every seven years!), please see the Christmas Eve afternoon and evening service times below. If you cannot attend in person, join us on the Worship Live page, Facebook page, and YouTube.
December 24 | 4:00, 8:00, 10:30 PM
Christmas Eve Services
3:45 pm Prelude | 4:00 pm Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist and Children’s Choirs (Nursery and Children's Chapel)
7:45 pm Brass Prelude | 8:00 pm Holy Eucharist
With Brass and St. Mark’s Choir (Nursery and Children's Chapel)
10:00 pm Choral Prelude | 10:30 pm Holy Eucharist
With Brass, St. Mark’s Choir, and Incense
December 25 | 10:00 am
Christmas Day Service
Gather at 10:00 am for a Christmas Day Holy Eucharist.
Christmas Flowers
Consider making a contribution to the Altar Flowers Fund for Christmas flowers in memory of, in honor of, and in thanksgiving for family and friends. The Christmas floral display will be in the church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Include a $25 donation for each memorial or honorarium. Thank you for adding to the seasonal beauty of St. Mark’s. Deadline for forms with donation is December 8th.