We work hard to provide a wide-range of opportunities to meet the diverse interests and needs of our congregation. Both staff and lay members create and lead activities for building relationships, sharing gifts and talents, having fun, contributing to society and growing in our faith. Members of the congregation and of the wider Peterborough community are welcome to participate.

Small Group Ministry

The ongoing development of faith throughout our lives is important at Mark Street. Small group ministry is just one of the ways we can learn and grow in faith.  Each of us has God-given gifts, and sharing that personal interest, talent, or just something we love to do with others is a great way of expressing our faith.

Mark Street offers opportunities for every sort of interest.  We’ve had discussion groups to learn more about a Song of Faith, the new Statement of Faith for the United Church of Canada, and to chat about how it speaks to us in the 21st. century.  Through slide presentations, we’ve spent an Evening in Kenya, shared a pilgrimage to Ireland With a Walking Stick in Hand, and had a Taste and Tour of Normandy.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets monthly to knit or crochet shawls for those in need of comfort or a reminder that they are surrounded by the love and care of our congregation.
Our Celtic Worship Circle, based on a model of the Iona Community in Scotland, is a quiet, reflective evening service once a month which inspires stillness and a sense of inner peace.
Book Club meets monthly to enjoy and chat about the latest novels, while another group met to discuss the ideas of Carl Jung, in the book titled The Middle Passage: from Misery to Meaning in Midlife.  Now we are planning a follow-up on What Dreams Have to Tell Us.
The workshop, When Men Tell Their Stories, was an opportunity to explore what our lives tell us about what we believe … and we’re still talking!  Follow up sessions are scheduled.
There are Bible studies, community outings, and dinners.  At Mark Street, any excuse is good enough for a potluck!  

Small group ministry is not only a channel for exploring spirituality and trying something new.  It’s also a great way to meet people, and cultivate new and meaningful relationships.   If you’d like to participate, or have an idea about something you’d like to offer, contact Ann Keys, Small Group Ministry Facilitator, through the church office.

United Church Women (UCW)

Mark Street has two groups of United Church Women. Their purpose is to unite the women of the congregation for the total mission of the church and to provide a medium through which they may express their loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship and service.

Each group meets monthly, in the afternoon, either on the second or third Tuesdays. Meeting agendas include prayer, fellowship, guest speakers and the planning of a wide variety of activities to support the work of the church. Both groups are very active and welcome visitors and new members. Through the UCW, members enjoy the support and friendship of each other, and make important contributions to the church, its members, and to the community. For further information, contact the church office.

Mission and Service/Outreach

Mission and Service is a vital ministry at our church – with financial support solely through donations from members and friends, we put our faith into action and our love is made known. The Mission & Service Fund supports the ministry and service of The United Church of Canada throughout Canada and around the world, with projects like the “Beads of Hope”, which supports AIDS work.

To raise money for Mission and Service, Mark Street has sponsored a variety of activities, including the “Birthday Bash” celebrated on our church’s anniversary, the third Sunday in January, and the Mardi Gras, held in February. These activities enable our Outreach ministry to provide groceries and space for two “Collective Kitchen” projects monthly.

The Mission and Service Fund enables the United Church of Canada to make global short and long-term commitments.  Individuals and groups may give through their own congregation, or can bequeath a gift directly to the United Church of Canada.

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Team provides a caring outreach to the shut-ins, elderly, bereaved and hospitalized members of Mark Street. The team members extend the friendship of the congregation to these individuals through personal visits, phone calls, and by bringing them to the church to participate in worship, communion, and other church activities. In addition, a twice-yearly social event is held for these individuals. The Pastoral Care Team is committed to maintaining the community of the church family with those who are unable to attend regularly.

Other Valuable Activities

There are other Mark Street groups which provide valuable activities in support of the congregation and the work of the church. These include: the Prayer Chain; Tuesday Quilters; and the Carpet bowlers. The church also has boys’ and girls’ teams of all ages that play in the Peterborough Church Softball League, as well as men’s teams in the Sunday night slow-pitch league. The church’s Athletic Association raises funds to support sports through activities like the annual Christmas tree sale.

Support for the Community

The church makes its facilities available to community groups and organizations, including a nursery school, yoga, VON, and Gamblers Anonymous. It also sponsors groups like Beavers, Cubs, TREX, Pathfinders and Sparks, and rents its facilities for receptions and meetings. Individuals and groups interested in using the church’s facilities are invited to call the church office.