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NOVEMBER 2023

Hello St. Mark's Community and Friends,

"Come, Ye Thankful People Come" rang out during worship as we celebrated Harvest Home. Now we journey into November, and the decorations remind us that the Thanksgiving holiday is coming.

It seems diffiocult to give thanks. Our country is struggling with social, racial, and political divisions. Our press and media and social media seem to believe that the more sensational and hate-filled the content becomes, the better it is.

We crave change. I know that seems strange, as most of the time we crave stability. But, deep down, I pray that we recognize that this world can be better. As individuals, it feels overwhelming. But when we unite under the gospel of good news of our Saviour Jesus Christ, we can show our communities and the world that there is a better way. A most excellent way.

"I am the way" Jesus says to us. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." The "truth" is not coming to you from the news, or the internet, or at the breakfast table with your friends.

Jesus challenges us to respond to hate not with hate but with love. Jesus challenges us to love our neighbor as much as ourselves. Jesus challenges us to see all of God's children as beloved and worthy of God's love and of ours.

Our country right now is feeding on anger, and violence, and misinformation that is disguised as the truth. Be awake. Be careful about what you read, and what you believe. Respond in love. Make this world kinder. And remember that "Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

Blessings,

Pastor Kevin

I am always available by phone or text at 610-334-5130. My email is kevin24@ptd.net. My two amazing office administrators Jean Maffeo and Brenda Ellex usually know where I am before I do. If you would like a visit or would like to share some time together, just tell me and I will be there for you.

"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