The Project
Located just half a block south of St. Marcus Church at 2127 N. Palmer Street and spanning nearly half an acre, the Elim Urban Oasis will transform a long-vacant lot into a welcoming community gathering space. Inspired by the biblical Elim, where God's people found an oasis of refreshment and renewal during their journey, the Oasis is designed to be a place of healing, connection, and presence for church members, school scholars, families, and neighborhood residents.
It will feature walking paths, native gardens, outdoor seating, a pavilion, prayer spaces, and areas for worship, gathering, and outdoor learning.
Significant foundation support helped transform the Oasis from a dream into a real project. The investment affirmed a larger vision for community building, connection, outdoor classroom space, and neighborhood engagement, allowing St. Marcus to take the first visible step toward a broader future of ministry and impact.
More than a physical space, the Urban Oasis is a visible reminder that St. Marcus is committed to being faithfully present in our neighborhood for generations to come.
Tentative Schedule
• June 2026: Construction Begins
• October 2026: Oasis Opens
The First Step in a Larger Vision
The Urban Oasis is the first visible expression of a broader vision for St. Marcus’ future. A vision centered on:
Community & Hospitality
Creating spaces and opportunities that foster connection, belonging, healing, and outreach.
Ministry Expansion
Growing opportunities for discipleship, youth, teen, and family ministry, outreach, and member care.
Campus Stewardship
Faithfully caring for and improving the facilities God has entrusted to us now and for years to come.
Future Mission Investment
Preparing today for the ministry opportunities God may place before us.
The Urban Oasis is just the beginning. As the project takes shape, there will be opportunities to volunteer and participate in the life of the Oasis. More importantly, we look forward to sharing how God is using this project as the first step in a larger vision to continue being faithfully present for generations to come.
