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."

 

BLUE CHRISTMAS

Blue Christmas, also referred to as "The Longest Night," is a day in the Advent season when Christian denominations hold a quiet and contemplative worship service as an alternative to the the more traditional holiday gatherings.  For those experiencing grief and struggling with loss, the service is a recognition of the stress, sadness and loneliness experienced by those who have loss loved ones -- family and/or friends.

The service is traditionally held on or around the longest night of the year, falling on or around December 21st, the Winter Solstice.  Opportunities for expression of grief, pain, and heartbreak are often included in the worship service as well as the opportunity to focus on the promise of hope found in Christ during the Christmas season.

Amid many of their Christmas services, many United Church of Christ congregations are honoring those mourning the loss of a loved one.

"Advent, Christmas and the New Year create opportunities for us to minister to people's spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being," said reverend Sarah Lund, U.C.C. Minister for Disabilities and mental Health Justice in December 2022.  "It's a time of the yeare where we are vulnerable to additional stress, anxieties, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness and feelings of sadness.  We may turn to coping mechanisms that are harmful to us and others.  Some people are triggered this time of year as they navigate personal histories of trauma and unresolved grief.  It's a season that calls forth the faithful witness of the church to share  messages of hope and love for people experiencing mental health challenges and their loved ones."

While congregations are preparing for the upcoming Christmas season, many are also mindful of pain in their communities and are making space in their spiritual practices for those who may be struggling.  One of the ways that UCC churches support grieving members is through the Blue Christmas Service.

"UCC Congregations are providing meaningful worship and connection by offering Blue Christmas gatherings, a time of authentic worship during Advent and Christmas that acknowledges the complex feelings this time of years brings," Lund said.  "At a Blue Christmas Service, it is OK to not be OK.  It is OK to not feel happy, jolly, or bright.  It's OK if it is not the most wonderful time of the year."

Here at St. Mark's the opportunity exists for those experiencing grief and struggling with loss.  St. Mark's worship service usually draws small, inimate groups of those mourning the loss of a loved one.