Please plan to attend this meeting on January 29 so that you can be better informed of ongoing changes as we continue our period of transition.

During this time of pastoral transition, St. Mark's mission to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ continues to flourish. St. Mark is currently enjoying Pastor Arden Krych's leadership as our bridge pastor. Pastor Krych is not new to St. Mark. He previously preached here for Pastor Chris on several occasions and was well received. He also served as Delaware Conference Dean before Pastor Chris. Having someone with a familiar face providing pastoral leadership for St. Mark is greatly appreciated, especially because Pastor Krych and his wife, Margaret, live right around the corner in Springfield. It is anticipated that he will serve St. Mark through the end of February. At press time, our church council was preparing to interview the candidate appointed by the synod to serve as St. Mark's interim pastor. If approved by council, the interim is expected to begin on March 1. The interim will work with the council and a transition team, selected by the council and the interim, to help the congregation discern its future mission and assess pastoral needs. Complete details on that process will follow. Your participation will be crucial. Near the end of the interim's time with us, a call committee will be appointed and the Synod will forward the names of pastoral candidates. Those submitted will be interviewed by the call committee and they will hear them preach. After selecting a candidate, who then meets with church council for approval, the entire congregation will be introduced to the person who will hopefully be St. Mark's next pastor. After hearing the candidate preach and lead worship, the congregation will be asked to vote to approve the person as our next pastor. (A two thirds majority vote is required.) Updates will be provided in the weekly bulletin insert and future newsletters. Throughout this time of transition, your continued presence in worship and continued prayers are needed to assure that St. Mark stays strong and will be ready to embrace a new pastor for the future God has planned for us. Please be willing to step up and serve your church when asked and please make every effort to participate in future events scheduled as part of the interim process.

Whether you have been married for a short time or a long time, renewing your wedding vows is a wonderful way to affirm that commitment you made when you were first married. All married couples are invited to renew their wedding vows on Sunday, February 12, at 10 am. While the service only lasts about 15 minutes, the impression it makes may well be the best part of your observance of Valentine's Day.

DEDICATION OF ALTAR FLOWERS, CELEBRATE AND CHILDREN’S BULLETINS

Please sign up in the Narthex to dedicate altar flowers ($30 a week) and our Celebrate and children’s bulletins ($15 a week for both). The dedication information is printed in our weekly Bulletin Insert.

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP

St. Mark's observance of Lent begins with a 7 pm service on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Each of us has been marked with the cross of Christ in our baptism. During the service, which includes a message and Holy Communion, those who wish to do so may also receive ashes. Ash Wednesday reminds all of us that we are dust and that to dust we shall return. Yet, thankfully, our faith promises that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God's love. Won't you gather for this powerful service at St. Mark? Consider inviting a friend or relative who may not have a church home. Lent is a 40 day period, observed by Christians ever since the 4th century, focusing on Christ's journey to the cross. Instead of giving up something for Lent, why not add to your devotional and worship life by taking advantage of this additional opportunity for worship and those which follow. This year, our Director of Music, Faith Woodward, choir and guest instrumentalists/soloists will enrich our Ash Wednesday worship.

A Meal Before the Ashes

While we are not celebrating Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday") at St. Mark this year, we are offering an opportunity for you to break bread with your brothers and sisters in Christ before our Ash Wednesday service on February 22. The dinner will be hoagies, salad and chips at a cost of $5 for adults and $3 for kids ($2 more at the door). Please sign up in the Narthex if you will attend. We will gather for fellowship/set-up beginning at 5:30 pm with the meal being served from 6:00 to 6:30 pm. At approximately 6:50 pm, after everyone has helped to clean up, a fire will be created to burn the sins which have been written privately by attendees on slips of paper. This will serve as a wonderful preparation for a deeply meaningful Ash Wednesday worship experience.

Lenten Services

Information about Lenten mid-week services will be included in our March newsletter.

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Christian School for Ages 2 through Kindergarten!

Our in-house registration for the 2012-2013 school year is going well and we will hold open registration for the public on Saturday, February 4 from 10 am to noon. The Christian School staff continues to be thankful for all of the support and prayers that are given to us by the congregation. They are a big part of our success.

Congratulations to Kathy Cosentino and our entire school staff for once again having a successful, deficiency-free inspection by the State.

Art Judges Needed

Come check out the art show, presented by the Kindergarten Class of St. Mark's Christian School, right in our social hall at St. Mark and have something to say that will be appreciated! Our fourth annual Kindergarten Art Show is scheduled for Friday, February 24 from 6:30 to 8 pm. We need your help to select the best works in over ten categories. Judging will take place on Sunday, February 12, following/before all services. This is also your chance to beat the crowds (we are not exaggerating) of proud parents, grandparents and relatives. Can't get downstairs? Winning art work will be presented in the Narthex on February 26. Come see why so many parents continually rave about, and recommend, our Christian School!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND PRAYER

New Bible Study Opportunities

Pastor Krych is continuing his Bible study series on St. Paul’s favorite church, the church of Philippi. Join us on Sunday morning at 9:30 am in the conference room for a thought-provoking and conversation filled study. Starting on February 12, Pastor Krych will be offering a Bible Study on Sunday afternoons following the 11 am service at Cocco’s on Oak Avenue, across from the Giant. The study will present next week’s service readings and give participants an opportunity to help guide the sermon through their thoughts and questions. We will gather in Cocco’s spacious private room, behind the kitchen area, following the 11 am service, at 12:30, ordering lunch off of their extensive menu, followed by the study beginning at 1 pm. The study lasts an hour. All are welcome. Consider inviting a friend to share lunch and the Word of God!

Additionally, a weekly Bible study continues to be offered on Fridays at Holy Spirit Lutheran, Secane. The study begins at 12:30, with several participants gathering at noon, bringing their lunch with them. Our new interim pastor will surely also offer Bible study opportunities, based on interest. Information will follow.

You Can Experience the Power of Prayer at St. Mark.

YOUTH

Fun Party Night with DJ for Kids in Elementary School

Our monthly Fun Party Night with DJ, for all elementary aged kids (grades 1 to 6) will be held on Friday, February 10 from 7 to 10 pm. Proceeds from the dance help pay the mortgage on the property, immediately adjacent to the church, which we purchased in 2005.

Souper Bowl Donations for World Hunger (ELCA)

On Sunday, February 5, our youth will be at the entrance to the Sanctuary with large soup kettles. This will be a special opportunity for all to donate to the ELCA World Hunger program.

A Message of Introduction From St. Mark's New Youth Leader

Youth Group Meeting

At press time, a date for a February Youth Group gathering had not yet been determined. It will be announced at morning services, placed in the weekly bulletin insert and noted on our website. Stay tuned!

FOOD, FELLOWSHIP AND FUN

Adults Only Dinner

The Adults Only Dinner will be held on Friday, February 3 at 6 pm. The cost of the dinner is $8. Please join in the fun.

Oh Yarn It! And Oh Bead It!

Our crocheting/knitting and beading groups will meet at their regular time on Sunday, February 19 at noon. Join one of the groups for some fun, learning and creating.

Any questions about instructions or the yarn group, call Michelle Oaster at 484-953-3753 or Cris Crabtree at 610-800-0898. Any questions about the bead group, call Marjorie Miller at 610-789-4730.

AROUND ST. MARK

Senior Social Group

The Senior Social Group will meet, at St. Mark, at noon on Thursday, February 16. Many thanks to Jeanne Kampmeyer, who made delicious tea sandwiches for the group’s December meeting which attracted over 25 from St. Mark and Holy Spirit. Everyone had a great time.

Christmas Tree

Thank you to all who put up, and took down, our Christmas tree. It was one of our prettiest in years.

New Members

At the end of 2011, we were pleased to welcome the following new members to St. Mark:

Chuck and Lori Chase

Tricia Mucemeci and her daughter, Dawn Mucemeci

In 2011 we received 45 new members, slightly less than the number we need to attract to maintain our size. Who can you invite to St. Mark?

Average Worship Attendance

In 2011, our average worship attendance was 163. This is up from 154 the previous year.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR