Trinity by the Sea, Port Aransas and St. Mark’s San Marcos
Amphitheater
Amidst the vast Port Aransas development lies a green cloister, a sacred space for prayer, play, contemplation and conversation. In 2022, Trinity by the Sea, Port Aransas, began work on the amphitheater as a space to strengthen their church community, as well as the wider community. People of all ages use the basketball court for recreation, as well as parishioners and strangers enjoying the pathway and grounds.
A Pavilion and Backyard completion celebration Eucharist will be held at Trinity on June 15 at 10am, followed by a potluck lunch and live music.
River & Beach Baptisms
Since 2012 Trinity has offered beach baptisms. The baptismal rite is offered one Sunday a month, as well as during a Tuesday after-school service. Individuals of all ages have opted for the beach baptism.
St Mark's first held services on the banks of the San Marcos River in 1874, and ever since, this parish has enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the town and the river with whom they share a name. Most recently, the annual parish picnic and vacation bible school have been held at the Pauline Espinoza Community Hall on the east bank of the river with local singer-songwriters and the general public participating in a river blessing, full immersion baptisms, holy eucharist, and a potluck luncheon. In the last three years, 30 people (21 kids and 9 adults as old as 70) have descended into the depths of this spring-fed river and risen with Christ and rivers of living water flowing within them.
Both of these venues offer a deep spiritual connection to Christ’s baptism in the river Jordan. Affirming one’s faith and being sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism in the beauty of God’s creation is a powerful testament to new life of the Holy Spirit and being one of Christ’s own eternally.
Labyrinth
Nested in a beautiful courtyard, adjacent to St. Mark’s in San Marcos is a labyrinth. St. Mark’s offers the space to members and the public for spiritual reflection and prayer, keeping silence as they explore the labyrinth.
