St Mark Lutheran Church — Attraction in Charlottesville

Having joined St. Mark's two years ago, I have really fallen in love with this church. It has a lot of good opportunities for everyone to get engaged (Incl. a young adult like myself), even over the pandemic w/ online gatherings and social-distanced ministries. For example, just this past winter, we voted to put up a 63.7kW solar array, which has been an exciting part of our mission to care for creation. We also are active with PACEM, Habitat for Humanity, Loaves and Fishes, and so much more - lots of good ways to get involved with the community. I am also extremely appreciative of the fact that we are committed to being LGBTQIA+ affirming (and have what I believe is the only LGBTQIA+ affirming student ministry on UVA campus), and we are fully gender egalitarian. If you are looking for a new church home, or haven't historically been a 'church guy' (like I was a few years ago), this is a wonderful, love-filled and Christ-centered community...

St. Mark Lutheran Church is the first place I felt comfortable being and wanted my family to go after having some bad religious experiences. I also have liberal perspectives and thought that I would find offense from the pulpit. That was far from the truth at SMLC, where the Pastor speaks just as Jesus did with love, acceptance and encouragement. She YES she! Is inspiring. There is a large rainbow flag when you arrive that says all are welcome. And they really mean ALL. It’s not just for looks. There is a culture of kindness that speaks we are just here to love God and be there for each other. As a new person coming back into a church after 20 years away, I felt completely comfortable and part...

St. Mark is a loving, inclusive Lutheran church, solidly grounded on scripture but also committed to the radical love of the Gospel. Here you can be who you are (politically, racially, sexual orientation, etc.) and you're included and accepted. Pastor Viktoria is a wonderful pastor, and our music director Kristi and our choir give us fine, inspiring music. We also believe that we are called to mission, and have an active social ministry committee (disclosure: I am a St. Mark member and serve on the committee and sing...