Monthly Message | May

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

That piece of scripture comes from the book of Acts and is read each Pentecost Sunday, which this year falls on May 19. The festival of Pentecost is considered to be the birthday of the church. It is when God’s Holy Spirit equipped and sent out the disciples to bring the good news of Jesus to all people.

The birth of the church came so dramatically that day. The birth, or beginnings, of St. Mark Lutheran Church in the Nittany Valley didn’t come as thunderous as the birth of the church, but still became part of the history of the body of Christ. And now, nearly 200 years later, St. Mark continues to be part of that story that is being written by churches everywhere.

According to history that has been written about St. Mark, St. Mark Lutheran became a congregation in 1825, after it had been aligned with a Reformed congregation for 13 years. That means next year St. Mark will be celebrating its bicentennial as a congregation! I see this as a time to celebrate the past, the present, and look forward to the future for where the Holy Spirit will continue to guide St. Mark. We have much to celebrate and be excited about when it comes to this community.

In thinking of how we would like to mark this special anniversary year, we are looking to put together a committee of people who can help plan ideas for what we would like to do. If you are interested in being part of that group, let me know. Of course, we would like to have as many people as possible involved, so as things are planned out and announced, if there is something you would like to help with, you can reach out to me or contact the church.

Finally, as most of you know, surgery for my prostate cancer is scheduled for May 29. Although I am not surprised, I am still so grateful and moved by the amount of prayers and support my family and I have received. In the relatively brief history I have had at St. Mark, that just exemplifies the people who are part of this community and congregation. My family and I are so thankful to be part of this greater St. Mark family. Information about my schedule and when I hope to be good enough to return can be found on page 3 of this month’s newsletter.

I am thankful for fellow pastors Kevin Shock and Elisa Osman, who will be with you while I am recovering.

Thank you so much again for all of your support and prayers as we continue to walk this life of faith together and continue to be part of the story of the body of Christ!

Go in peace. Jesus loves you!

Pastor David