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APRIL 2025

During Lent we have been seeking a better understanding of God's greatest gift to us -- his greatest act of love for us -- the gift of Jesus. Why did God give us this gift? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not persih but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The month of April presents us with an amazing opportunity to accept that gift of love into our lives. We begin the conclusion of the Season of Lent, ending with Paschal Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday). I hope you share community, betrayal, forgiveness and unconditional love.

That is followed by seven weeks of the Easter season, that teaches us that love has the last word. As we go through this season on the way to Pentecost, if we listen, we hear God saying, "I did it just for you."

Jesus calls us to ponder the Scriptures, to accept him as Savior, to be faithful witnesses (even during difficult times) to let our lives reflect our experience of him, and seek the help of the Holy Spirit, and to remember that he is with us at all times.

I look forward to greeting you and sharing these seasons with you.

Shalom,

Pastor Karl

At the current time St. Mark's does not have a full-time pastor. Pastor Kevin's last service with St. Mark's was September 15, 2024. The transition team, consisting of members of both St. Mark's and St. John's, have completed the short profile for a new pastor. The profile has been submitted to the Penn Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ and has been made available online for perspective candidates for pastor. In the meantime, worship services are being conducted by the church's former pastor (1986--2006) Karl W. Jones and lay minister Jennie Strauch.

"Go forth into the world to serve God with gladness; be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all people; love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit."

"TAKE ACTION, FOR IT IS YOUR DUTY, AND WE ARE WITH YOU; BE STRONG, AND DO IT."

EZRA 10:4

Hello! We are excited to describe to you the scope of our outreach ministry. The above commission and scripture embody St. Mark's role in its benevolent mission outreach. More details about our mission outreach can be found on the Ministries Page 0f this website. Without your support of the benevolent ministries of St. Mark's, none of this would be possible. Thank you again for allowing us to serve others!

St. Mark's plays an important role in providing assistance to those in need in the community of Cressona and the surrounding area. In addition, the church is a member of the Schuylkill Haven and Vicinity Council of Churches that provides assistance to residents in the borough of Schuylkill Haven as well as the surrounding areas.

Funds from St. Mark's 2021 Lenten and Easter Offerings support Locust Lake Ministries, the Lancaster Seminary Scholarship Fund, and the Council of Churches Utility Fund.

This year income from St. Mark's Advent/Christmas Offerings was designated for the Pottsville Soup Kitchen.

Through the end of 2021, St. Mark's has contributed over $2,284.00 to these benevolent ministries.

As a member church of the United Church of Christ, St. Mark's supports the work of the national church and its special and emergency offerings to help those in need. Also, the local church provides financial support to a variety of nondenominational assistance efforts.

The ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING Offering is received during the Lenten season. OGHS supports partners in countries with ministries that fund health, education and agricultural development, emergency relief and refugee ministries, both as a domestic and as an international response.

At Pentecost, St. Mark's participates in the STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH Offering.

On World Communion Sunday in October, the church receives the NEIGHBORS IN NEED Offering.

In December, St. Mark's also participates in THE CHRISTMAS FUND, providing financial support to retired clergy. A percentage of the church's Advent/Christmas Offerings is designated for THE CHRISTMAS FUND.

In addition, monies are received for GOD IS STILL SPEAKING as well as other special offerings of the wider church outreach.

Through Church World Service, the church has participated in the Blanket Program and the Emergency Bucket Program.

Through the end of 2021, St. Mark's has contributed over $4,822.00 to these special offerings and programs.

The Worship Ministry of St. Mark's is overseen by the Worship Committee consisting of lay people and the pastor. The committee assists the pastor and the director of music in planning the regular Sunday services as well as special services during Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Encouraging each person to be a part of the worship experience according to their gifts is a priority in St. Mark's family. More details of the Worship Ministry can be found on the Ministries Page of this website.

EDUCATION MINISTRY

MUSIC MINISTRY

WORSHIP MINISTRY

EDUCATION MINISTRY

MUSIC MINISTRY

​​​​​​​WORSHIP MINISTRY

WORSHIP MINISTRY