Pastor Chuck’s Corner: April 2026

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything

I have commanded you.”

Matthew 28:19 NIV

The first Sunday of April brings the culmination of the most important week of the

Christian year. After the shallow joy of a grand entrance, after confusion and

anger move in to attempt to thwart God’s plan, on this first Sunday we celebrate

again the power and love of God that brings salvation to humankind.

The glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of our faith. He

died to bring us forgiveness, he was brought back to life that we may have

abundant life in him.

I know of no better way to describe and give witness to the never failing love of

God than to remember the cross Jesus died on and then to marvel at the death

tomb that could never contain him.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

I hope you will take the time to contemplate on the events of Holy Week. As you

do, open your heart and your mind to God’s Spirit that you might be given a fuller

understanding and appreciation of what this means to you personally.

And as personal as all this is, God’s love is not simply for us to ke

ep to ourselves. As part of a local church, we are to do our best to reflect this heavenly

care and love in the many ministries of St. Mark’s. I thank God daily for all you do

here and in the community as agents of Christ’s love for all.

Of course, we are part of a larger world as well. For the year 2026, St. Mark’s is

blessed to be a part of the ELCA’s ministry in Wittenburg Germany as a sponsor of

Pastor Bridget Gautieri. Pastor Bridget is the Director of the ELCA Wittenberg

Center. She is the ELCA’s voice in Germany and as such coordinates many

activities that invite both ELCA members and other interested people to explore

the rich history of Lutheranism.

A huge blessing to St. Mark’s is that Pastor Bridget will be with us on

Sunday April 19th. She will preside at our 9:30 worship and after service will host a Q&A about

her work and ministry in Germany.

Please mark your calendars for that Sunday and make a special effort to be here to

welcome Pastor Bridget and show your support.

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,

Pastor Chuck