St. Mark is located in Metairie (click here for a map) in the area which was once referred to as “Bucktown.”  The congregation has deep roots in the fishing community providing us with the catch of the day and preservation of essentials for our gumbo pot: shrimp, oysters, gumbo crabs; crawfish, redfish, catfish, flounder and trout. 

The ministry of the first disciples centered on the lives of people who lived or made their way to the Lake. It is the same for those gathered as the community of Christ at St. Mark.  The waters of Lake Pontchartrain a short distance away remind us of the waters of baptism where Jesus cleansed us from our sins and raised us up to new life and faith; given freely to all who come to receive. 

The gifts of our faith will be the anchor that holds us firm when we are tossed by storms of questions, doubt , pain and suffering.  The anchor of God’s love will keep us safe and hold us firm in God’s promises.

Hurricane Katrina took the last shrimp boat that moored on the 17th Street Canal and changed the history for Bucktown.  We all have been changed by Katrina. We ponder how the storm has affected our lives as well as what the storm has “taught us.”

We have learned the value of friends, family and even strangers to raise us up during hard times. We have seen the value of community and we extend our hand more readily to one another. We have come to understand the importance of our faith to give us hope for a new future.

If you, your friends and family, are seeking direction and meaning in your life; if you seek healing and hope; we invite you to join us as we do the same. For we are certain that God: hears the prayers of our hearts, loves us, forgives us, and desires us to be made whole again.