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Greetings from Dean Stephen W. Foote, St. Mark's Interim Rector

It is a challenge to convert website information about St. Mark’s into the reality one will experience as a guest, visitor or new member. This church is a remarkable community of care and faithfulness marked by a deep commitment to live and move and be in God’s Spirit. I smile when I say that if you seek “organized religion” St. Mark’s may not be for you. Our best effort to organize often stands in the way of surprise and spontaneity, which is God’s way. What I love about the Episcopal Church is true at St. Mark’s – that there is a lot of room for believers to be in different places. Like-mindedness is not required as folks bring a rich diversity of spiritual tradition and expression which finds a place around the table of celebration and mutual ministry in Christ.

St. Mark’s people are passionate about fine choral music and Eucharistic liturgy, deep care for one another, the care and nurture of children and young people, the people from the wider community who meet regularly for support and healing, and the fellowship of a meal together. This interim time of parish discernment is not a time for waiting, but an intentional time for parish renewal and growth. Your visit to St. Mark’s, however long or short, will contribute to the zeal which marks the vitality of our life and journey together. Cyberspace does not convey faithfulness, zeal or spirit very well. Just know, when you arrive at St. Mark’s a place is already set for you around the table.

More about our Interim Rector

The Very Rev. Stephen Foote was called to be the Interim Rector at St. Mark’s Church in the fall of 2008. The Rev.Foote is from Bremen, Maine, and has served in the Diocese of Maine since 1969, first as Assistant Rector and then as Rector of St. Mary's in Falmouth Maine, as Archdeacon for Mission Churches, covering all of the small parishes across the State of Maine, and finally as Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland until his retirement in 2003. Since that time he has served as Interim Rector at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Yarmouth and as a consultant to the discernment process at St. Matthew’s, Hallowell. The Very Rev. Foote brings a wealth of experience in church architectural design and has helped design and revise many church liturgical spaces. He has also been involved in a number of organ reconstruction and/or replacement projects and will provide valuable knowledge in that regard to us at St. Mark’s.

Dean Foote loves to preach and teach and has a strong commitment to pastoral ministry. He will challenge us during our discernment process to discover who we are and where we want to be. Dean Foote will generally be with us for Sunday mornings and Wednesdays.

St. Mark's Discernment Process