St. Mark's Church was founded in 1876.  It began with services being held in Grace Church, which was located close to the intersection of Wilder and Cherry Sreets in Cressona.  St. Mark's began as a German Reformed Church with services being held in German.

 

There is so much history of which to be proud.  Throughout the next couple of months as we prepare for our anniversary, we will be learning about our history.  The anniversary committee met recently, and during the meeting there were stories told of the past along with ideas for the future.  As the committee plans our celebration, I ask you to take time to talk to one another, trade stories of the past, and also think and pray about our future.

 

While I know it is exciting to celebrate our history, it is just as important to focus on the future.  We can only do that by looking back at what has worked and what has not worked, consider what we need/want from our church now, and what our younger generations need and want from their church.

 

What does the future of St. Mark's look like to you?  What is important to you in a church?  Is it outreach and community presence, focusing on the future generations, taking care of the older generations?  How do you see yourself being a part of it?  I challenge you over the next few months to start thinking what your future St. Mark's looks like and how you are going to be a part of it.  I will end with these Bible verses from Acts 2: 42-47 -- The Fellowship of the Believers.

 

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

 

Blessings,

 

Heather Stone, Consistory President

 

A MESSAGE

FROM THE PRESIDENT

OF ST. MARK'S

CONSISTORY

 

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

2026

REFLECTIONS BY KARL JONES

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

 

St Mark's Church is celebrating its 150th birthday this year.  We are doing this amis a pastoral vacancy which is forcing us to take a deep look at our congregation and our sustainability, longevity, and vitality.  We are aware of the research that says religion in America is in a state of decline in this post-pandemic era.  For many years I have been encouraging our church leaders to listen to the stories that you -- the members of St. Mark's and communities we serve -- have to tell.  Why has this church been important to you all these years?  What are your hopes and dreams for the future?  I believe that, as we tell our stories in many settings in the coming months, we will not only hear concern, but also a great sense of hope for the future.  This is time of celebration and yes, there is concern about our future, but we are also called into a future of hope and resurrection.  I encourage you to share your stories, not only of the past, but why you are hopeful for the future.  I believe we have significant gifts to offer our commmunity as we live our hope-filled vision.

 

As we celebrate our past, my hope is that we are also positioning our church for the future.  Many of you have stepped up to help the church move ahead in this time of transition.  You have done this with compassion and love.  And -- there is still much to do.  As people of God, we are called to "Be joyful in hpe, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."

 

I invite you to join me in giving thans for our past and praying for what God seeks to birth smong us.  If you have reflections on how God is resurrecting our church, please share then with our church leadership.

 

Pastor Karl

"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey,

you are always welcome here."

 

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS

INTRODUCTION

As the days grow shorter, we enter a period of waiting and preparation.  This is the season of Advent in which we await the coming birth of Jesus.  Advent is also the first season of the liturgical year and is a joyous and hopeful season in the church year.  The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day.  The actual season of Advent can last from 22-28 days.  When Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, it is the last Sunday of Advent.

 

The word advent comes from the Latin term "adventus" meaning "arrival" or "coming," particularly the coming of something having great importance.  Advent is both a time of joy-filled celebration of the birth of the Lord and a preparatory period for meditation.

 

Although not specifically mentioned in the Bible, Advent is inspired by scripture.  The prophet Isaiah mentioned numerous times the prophecy of the birth of Jesus.

 

ISAIAH 7:14 (NIV)

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

 

ISAIAH 9:6-7 (NIV)

"For unto us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this."

 

ISAIAH 11:1 (NIV)

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit."

 

 

Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus centuries before it occurred.

THE ORIGINS OF ADVENT

It is believed that Advent began sometime after the 4th Century as a time of preparation for Epiphany.  Epiphany celebrates the visit of the wise men.

Later in the 6th Century, Advent came to be associated with the coming of Jesus.

By the Middle Ages, four Sundays had become the standard of the Advent season.

ADVENT SYMBOLS AND CUSTOMS

Perhaps one of the most important Advent symbols and customs is the Advent Wreath.  The Advent Wreath is a common symbol of the liturgical season.  Lighting an Advent Wreath is a custom that began in sixteenth-century Germany.  The Advent Wreath is a circle of evergreen branches or garland with four or five candles arranged on the wreath.  During the season of Advent, a candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday as a part of the Advent service.  The traditional Advent Wreath consists of three dark blue candles and one pink candle set in the wreath.  Often a single, larger white candle is placed in the center of the wreath.

The color of the Advent candles serve as a way to light the way to the birth of Jesus.

THE THEMES OF THE FOUR SUNDAYS OF ADVENT

The first dark blue candle on the Advent Wreath symbolizes HOPE -- the first Sunday of Advent leads us to anticipation of the birth of Jesus.  Sometimes called the "Prophecy Candle" this candle reminds us of Isaiah's foretelling the birth of the Christ Child and that all of the promises God gave us in the Old Testament would be fulfilled the Christ Child's birth.

The second dark blue candle on the Advent Wreath symbolizes PEACE -- the second Sunday of Advent.  It is sometimes referred to as the "Bethlehem Candle" and reminds us of the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem before she gave birth to the Christ Child.  The candle also reminds us that after division, destruction, abd dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might be peace on Earth.

The third candle (pink) of Advent symbolizes JOY -- the third Sunday of Advent.  Sometimes the candle is referred to as the "Shepherd's Candle."  As we approach Christmas, our joys grows and takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who travelled to see the Christ Child inthe town of Bethlehem.

The fourth candle (dark blue) symbolizes LOVE -- the fourth Sunday of Advent.  The candle is sometimes referred to as the "Angel's Candle."  The candle represents the ultimate love of God that he might send his only Son for us and leads us to eagerly await the New Kingdom of God on Earth.  It also reminds us  of the message of the angels on the first Christmas -- "Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men."

The white candle in the middle of the Advent Wreath is lit on Christmas Eve.  It is called the "Christ Candle."  The candle represents the life of Christ and symbolizes purity.