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FEBRUARY 2026

All the Christmas and New Year's decorations are down. We are only reminded that those holidays were only a few weeks ago by the left-over decorations now 50-80% off. The same shelves that held Christmas decorations in October now give way to hearts, flowers, cards and gifts we might give to those we love.

As Christians we know, or should know, all about love. After all, that is what Jesus taught those with whom he came into contact. The two gretest Commandments He gave us are built around love:

LOVE GOD: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and mind. (Matthew 22:37-38)

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)

Did you know that word "Love" is found in the four Gospels around 150-200 times depending on the translation? But did you also know that when we get to the book of Acts, Acts of the Apostles, the word "Love" does not appear at all, not once! Maybe it is because the word "Love" is nothing without a corresponding action.

Today, we many times hear people using the word "Love" bery frequently but struggle to believe it because of their actions. I must admit that at times I struggle only to find that my actions don't always express my love for my neighbor as I am commanded. It is much easier to say a word than to live ther meaning of a word through our actions. But we as Christians are not only called to "Talk the Talk" but also "Walk the Walk" and have our actiobns reflect our words.

So, as we are buying Valentine's Day cards or buying gifts for those we love, let us remember that Jesus did not say "Love" for one day or one month, but commanded us to Love God and Our Neighbor all year long! May it be so!

Blessings,

Pastor Jennie

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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 long 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 Pastor 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