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.