About Us
St. Mark’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church (SMSJ) is a mission-driven spiritual home located in the Beechwood neighborhood of Rochester, NY.
Who We Are -- An Invitation
Who We Are -- An Invitation
In 2012 the people of SMSJ took a risk by building twelve 8'x4' raised garden beds next to the church hoping we would be able to grow some vegetables for the neighborhood. We could have never imagined that leap of faith would have resulted in a cascading number of events that opened our hearts, minds, spirits and hands. Our story is a story of resurrection and hope. We are a traditional church in that we offer some of the same opportunities to connect to God through worship, prayer, and fellowship. We are different from your grandparent's church because we are deeply committed to being transformative agents of change in our neighborhood through service.
The Church
Our church is so much more than just a place for worship! In addition to the sanctuary, accessible by our front doors, we have many community spaces including an industrial kitchen, classrooms, and a food pantry. Access to our food pantry and kitchen can be found on Rosewood Terrace. Access our administrative offices and classrooms can be found at the back of the church garden on Culver Road.
The Gardens
We currently operate seven different community gardens throughout the Beechwood neighborhood! To find out more about their locations, check our garden page.
Parking
The church does not have a dedicated parking lot but there is ample street parking on Rosewood Terrace and Culver Road. Please make sure to read the street parking signs to ensure you are parked on the correct side of the street.
Our Team
The Rev'd
Cindy Rasmussen, Ph.D.
Rector
Andrew Lacey
Music Director
The Rev'd
Mike Finn
Deacon
The Rev'd
Julie Cicora
Retired Priest Associate
Maria Hartz
Operations and Missions Director
Robert Thornton
Audio and Video Producer
Vestry
Members
Paula Valeri
Robert Caruso
Ginnie Schindler
Samantha Glarner
Tom Flood
Walt Snyder
Nancy Ramsay
Wardens
Michele Holmes
Terri Censak
Core Volunteers
EDEN Garden Captains
Mary Ellen Forzst
Mary Estey
Melanie Popick
Judy White
Deacon Mike Finn
Aisha DaCosta
Becky Efigenio
Deb Snyder
Nick Greco
Food Bagging
Farm Stand
Food Shelf
Linda Casolari
Mary Ellen Forszt
Sharon Kowalski
Paula Valeri
Bob Valeri
The Rev'd Mike Finn
Mary Ann Brody
Nancy Ramsay
Joseph Casper
The Rev'd Mike Finn
Mary Ellen Forszt
Sharon Kowalski
Jesse Peers & Family
The Bornemann Family
Terri Censak
Linda Casolari
Mary Estey
The Rev'd Mike Finn
Michele Holmes
Mary Keller
April Laskey
Ginnie Schindler
Deb & Walt Snyder
Our Statement of Faith
Our Guiding Values
Access
We believe that no one should be denied access to necessary health services because of location or inability to pay
Faith
We believe Jesus calls on us to accompany our neighbors, especially those who live in extreme poverty
Impact
We believe in regular evaluation and quality improvement so that we are always adjusting to and meeting the needs of our neighbors
Inclusion
We are committed to serving all members of the Beechwood neighborhood regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability status
Community Engagement
We believe in working with our community to foster neighborhood growth and supporting local leaders in affecting positive change
Health Equity
We are committed to providing quality, culturally-responsive health care programs and education that help address the public health issues of racial injustice and health inequity
St. Mark’s and St. John’s (SMSJ) is a center for mission where everyone is embraced exactly as they are. Together we share God's love by living out a Benedictine Spirituality where we work with, listen to and love all those we encounter.
We are committed to accompanying our neighbors, especially those living in extreme poverty, because we believe that's what Jesus would do.
We pray for humility recognizing that "church" has not always been a safe and healing place for people over the past 125+ years of our history particularly for people of color, those in the LGBTQ+ community and women. And for this we earnestly pray for forgiveness.
If you are looking to be part of a community that's eager to love, that will challenge you, and pray with and for you, come check us out!
Our Partners
The work we do at SMSJ would not be possible without all of our partnerships,
formal and informal.
If you are interested in partnering with us, please send an email to admin@stmarksandstjohs.org.
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