Our Community Partners

We love our community by sharing our space with our local community partners. St. Mark’s also loves the world by continuing to support The United Church of Canada’s Mission & Service fund through annual donations in excess of $30,000. To explore some of the programs we support globally, see the United Church of Canada “Stories of our Mission” page.

Footprints4Autism

FOOTPRINTS is a local, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit program dedicated to providing respite care for families with children 13 years of age and under who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Children are provided with a safe and happy environment in which to play, learn and interact with other children and volunteers.  Spaces will be provided on a first-come, first -served basis.

Established in 2004, FOOTPRINTS offers respite services under the supervision of  trained and qualified Program Coordinator.  The program offers, respite, not therapy, in a safe and happy environment.  It is designed solely for the benefit of the children and for the relief of their families. For further information please visit www.footprints4autism.org

413th Whitby Scouting

There is a long and storied tradition of Scouting at St. Mark’s. For more than 60 years, St. Mark’s was the host and home of 4th Whitby Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. In 2021, 4th Whitby merged with 13th Whitby to form 413th Whitby. 13th Whitby also had a longstanding affiliation with the Whitby Scouting community for 30 years. The amalgamated group is still welcome in its home at St. Mark’s.

In addition to the new 413th Whitby Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meeting weekly at St. Mark’s, the church also hosts Scouts Canada area meetings, training, and special events.

Scouting provides youth with the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and skills. More than that, the youth learn to grow in service, respect and trust, not only with other youth, but with themselves, their community and the natural world.

Scouting has a range of programs for young people from 5 to 26 years old (both male and female) and lots of fun for adult volunteers, too! Consider joining Scouts today and start the adventure!

Scouting provides youth with the opportunity to develop friendships, and to grow in respect and trust, not only with other youth, but with themselves.

  • Beavers (age 5-7) meet Monday nights at 6:30-7:30pm
  • Cubs (age 8-10) meet Wednesday nights at 6:30-8pm

For more information and to register online, visit www.myscouts.ca.

You may also contact 413th Whitby Scout Group by email at 413th WhitbyScouts@gmail.com.

You can also learn more about the adventures of 413th Whitby Scout Group and Scouts Canada on our Facebook pages.

 

Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario

Therapeutic Touch clinics (St. Mark’s TT clinics) are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month at 1 pm in the sanctuary at St. Mark’s. Even though in-person have been cancelled, TTNO will offer distance Therapeutic Touch sessions on the regular clinic dates to those who are interested, until otherwise stated. Get the full details here.

Clinic dates for 2023 Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, Apr. 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, no clinic in Aug., Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5

We also collect specific items for the following agencies. Donations can be left in the clearly marked plastic bins in the northwest corner of the Upper Hall.

  • sample-sized toiletry items — Destiny Manor Treatment Centre
  • cancelled stamps — Canadian Bible Society (Did you know one pound of stamps equals the value of one bible?)
  • eyeglasses and sunglasses — Lion’s Club and Lenscrafters (No cases, please; prescriptions are marked and then the glasses are redistributed, locally and worldwide.)
  • hearing aids and usable batteries — Canadian Hearing Society (Donated items are refurbished and distributed to those in need.)
  • devotional books and magazines — Christian Salvage Mission
  • pop can tabs — March of Dimes (Recycled into aluminum parts for wheelchairs and assistive devices)
  • shoes – Soles for Souls

Consider if you could make a habit of collecting and donating the above items.

We also would be happy to receive donations of Canadian Tire Money for St. Mark’s, which we can use to help defray the cost of supplies and minor ongoing maintenance for the church building.