I am filled with gratitude; I claim the
beautiful words of the apostle Paul as my own, “I thank my God every time I
remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of
you.” Since the Summer of 2005 when I started my service as Executive Presbyter
I have been abundantly blessed. My particular work within our common ministry
has been meaningful and challenging. I have grown and learned so much. I will
forever carry in my heart the abiding relationships that blossomed over these
years. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve our
Church in this unique and special way, in this very special and gifted
Presbytery. These years have deepened my love and commitment to our Presbyterian
Church. Thank you!
While I am convinced the future is bright and
there are exciting, new opportunities coming for our Presbytery, it is time for
me to step away from my position as the Executive Presbyter. I am delighted to
announce that I will be serving as the transitional pastor of our Lower Marsh
Creek Presbyterian Church in Gettysburg. My last day of active service as the
Executive Presbyter will be March 15, 2018.
There are countless reasons why, at this time,
this is a good and appropriate change for me. I hope, also, this creates a good
opportunity for the Presbytery. Indeed, I am earnestly praying that my feeling
that this is a calling from our Lord is accurate and true.
Obviously, since I am not leaving our
Presbytery, this creates a bit of a complicated situation. Thus, while the
Lower Marsh Creek congregation will continue to be involved in and abundantly
supportive of our Presbytery, I personally will not be involved, in any way, in
the ministry of the Presbytery for at least two years after the installation of
your next Executive Presbyter.
Grace and Peace in Christ!
Mark
