FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

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

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