August 2025

Our Voice
Sharon Molino

A Year of Growth
Celebrating One Year with Pastor Kunwoo Park From the perspective of the Leadership Team, this past year has been one of incredible growth, faith, and blessing. As we reflect on the journey, we are reminded God is good, and by His grace, we made it through. 

The summer of 2024 brought both excitement and challenge to St. Mark’s. We welcomed a new pastor, Kunwoo Park, along with his lovely family—Miyeon, Somi, and Yina. Their arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter, even as we faced a significant transition. With the parsonage undergoing extensive renovations, we had to act quickly to secure temporary housing, furnish a safe and welcoming home, and support a young family adjusting to life in a new country with countless logistical needs. 

Our Leadership Team asked, “How can we possibly do so much in so little time?” We had just retired our long-serving pastor, were without a church secretary, and still needed to keep Sunday services running smoothly. The answer came with faith: one step at a time, God will provide. And He did. 
With the tireless efforts of the Leadership Team, the generosity of our congregation, and the guidance of the Park family, we were able to meet their needs one by one. From finding gently used furniture, helping with food shopping, healthcare, and childcare, God moved through each act of kindness. 
As the year unfolded, we were blessed to welcome the beautiful voice of Miyeon into the choir along with her accomplished piano talents and Rosalind, our wonderful administrative assistant. We’ve grown spiritually through Pastor Kunwoo’s thoughtful, Scripture-rooted sermons, infused with meaningful storytelling and a touch of humor that uplifts us all. 

Above all, it has been a joy to get to know the Park family. Their presence has brought new energy, warmth, and hope to our church community. As we celebrate this first year together, we give thanks for the many blessings and look forward to the continued journey ahead. Thanks be to God—for growth, for grace, and for each step forward. 

Greetings, Rev.

I can't believe I've already been here one year! As I write, I tried to think about everything that transpired this past year. But any deep reflections were cut short because of a multi-day power outage on June 19th. As I outline what transpired at St. Mark's this past month, follow along with the images.

1. We had 4 members (immediate family included) pass away in the past month: Patricia Coleman, Leonard Blum, Bill Kynett, and Howard Ruoff. Though our grief may still be unsettled, there was this glimmer of positive energy at our memorial garden. Here is Vincent DelVacchio, with his father, Vince Jr., digging a hole for an urn! Personally, it was great to see this father-son duo, the older teaching the younger the tips and tricks to such a physically challenging task. We are so grateful for these volunteers.

2. Leonard Blum passed away July 3, and these were the flowers presented at his memorial service. They were arranged through our new florist; many have commented on how full these flowers have been since the change.

3. Our family went to our first Philly’s game! There was a 40-min rain delay (and the Phillies lost), but it was great just being at the ballpark. You can't see it, but I'm wearing my SF Giants hat. Just putting it out there.

4. The storm on 6/19 caused a multiday power outage, affecting our church so much that we had to cancel Sunday service. A huge tree fell by the intersection of Sproul and Cedar Grove, probably the biggest factor causing our outage.

5. The calm after the storm. A bright rainbow shown over Delaware County to remind us that we made it. I hope we all felt that way, despite what losses we suffered.

6. The first Sunday since our cancelled service, we started off our Sunday gathering by recapping each of our storm experiences on a sticky note. And the notes ranged from "What storm?" to "Thousands of dollars in damage" and "Glad to be back to civilization!"

7. Bill Kynett passed away July 14, and he is pictured on one of my last moments with him. Every time that we met at his home, he never forgot to ask me for prayer. I'm sure he—as well as all those who God has called into his arms—is interceding for St. Mark's in heaven right now!

8. On July 13, our very own Ruth Kolva performed a tribute in memory of her parents, Rev. Kenneth and Mrs. Muriel Kolva. It came from Hymn 367, the chorus of which reads in part, "The hand of Jesus touched me and now I am no longer the same. ... Something happened, and now I know, He touched me and made me whole."

9. This past month was surely eventful. The leadership team celebrated my birthday during one of our meetings, but in the dark because of another (but brief) power outage!