OCTOBER 2025

Fall is a time for changes.  A time for transition.  A while ago I saw a video by Jack Beck entitled "Life is Full of Transitions." (http://youtu.be/M-YUnIUn)0cw?si=-O1TRLBjrH-Tku_L).  In this video Jack talks about the river Jordan where much transition occurred.  Some is transition in leadership such as from Moses to Joshua or Elijah to Elisha.  Some transition is through mission.  The Israelites crossed the river Jordan to enter a new phase of their life and minsitry and it is where Jesus was baptized and entered a phase of His ministry.

St. Mark's has been through many transitions is past years.  Different spiritual leaders; changes within out congregation.  This year alone we have seen the stained glass windows removed and replaced with clear windows mostly covered with brown "Paper" and yet I think I wish the covering was not there.  While the sun would shine through and, during the summer the heat would increase, I think if we had the clear windows, we would be reminded that the real work of the church is outside in the community and beyond.  Sometimes stained glass windows, though beautiful and a wonderful part of worship, can keep us from looking outside of the church.  St. Mark's has always been a very involved and giving church and we need to continue that practice.  With each transition we can sometimes experience a feeling that we don't need to make changes, we are comfortable in our present state and when we are forced to change, those chanes may be scary.  But God will always bring us from one side of the river to another; to change us and use us in a way he could not before.  As we continue through this time of transition, remember God is with us, but we also need the difts of each one of you.  Below are opportunities where you may be able to serve the church.

Please consider your role in out transition and volunteer your gifts in one or more of the following areas:

Inviting a friend to church -- Consistory member leading the church -- Assistance in technology: assistance in providing worship to the community and Beyond -- Assistance in Christian education: both youth and adult -- Stewardship -- Lay Fellowship  -- Worship music

As God leads us from one side of the river to the other:  "Maybe it's time to get our feet wet!"

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 short 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 lay minister Jennie Strauch.