The opportunity for new life, a second chance so to speak, is not given to everyone. Sometimes the mistakes and struggles of the past tend to overwhelm to the point of no return. Thankfully this is not the case for the Anglican Church at St. Mark's.

The new priest-in-charge, Father Peter Green has a mission to rebuild the congregation, which has been in flux for some time. His wife Doreen and their two children Luke and Emily come to the island from England and have settled in over the last couple of months. Having moved to Bermuda in August, Father Green smiles: "I've never sweated so much in my life!" but he's glad to have experienced the traditional friendliness of the people here.

"I'm still finding out what the needs of the parish and people are," he says, "And of course I want to help the church to grow. I want to be here for the church people and the people of Smith's Parish."

He'll have his work cut out for him as it seems that he's been thrown in the deep end work-wise. Tomorrow is a special occasion. The "Blessing of Pets", in honour of St. Francis (the patron saint of animals,) will be held at 10.30 a.m. in the Parish Hall and everyone is invited to bring their pet of any kind to receive a special blessing.

Also on the agenda this month is the "All Souls Service" on October 31 at 5.30 p.m. All are welcome to come and remember a loved one who has died, light a candle for them and have them mentioned in the prayers. The Anglican church also recently had its "Faith Venture 2009" during which, by teaming up with the Bermuda Bible Society, they gave out booklets of Bible promises along with MP3's of the New Testament.

These events are seasonal , but they are not the only plans that St. Mark's has to better serve the community. Their regular services are held at 8 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. on Sundays. Sunday School is held at the 10.30 service. A uniquely "Family Service" will be held on the second Sunday of every month starting in December, and there are plans to start a youth group on Sunday afternoons.

The present demographic consists of mostly 50-60 year olds, but Father Green hopes to build up the 30's age bracket. He has a lot of help from the church wardens, Colin Campbell and Allan Rance as well as from Peter Nash.

"I've got the support of the Vestry as well," explains Green, "St. Mark's is experiencing a new beginning. It's had it problems in the past, but there's a new person at the helm and new things are happening."

Find out what else is happening at St. Mark's by coming for a visit on any Sunday, or call the new priest-in-charge, Father Peter Green at 236-8360.