Pastor Mark Sandell was honored for his 25 years of ministry at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, MD on September 24, 2017. The celebration began with a special worship service followed by a luncheon provided by Leiter’s Catering.
Pastor Mark and his wife, Annette, the Director of Christian Education, were honored with specially selected music that included “Here I Am, Lord”, “All Good Things” from Godspell, and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” a nod to Pastor Mark’s passion for baseball. Testimonies from the following children and adults acknowledged how God has blessed their lives and their faith through Pastor Mark and Annette’s ministry: Jeremy Hemphill, Will McKinley, Owen Woods, Garrett Woods, Dave Long, Susan Fearnow, Darin Coyle, Shirley Fox, and Margie Reed. Kevin Sandell, Mark and Annette’s son, also shared what it was like growing up as a Pastor’s Kid. Kevin also shared email reflections from his brothers, Keith Sandell and Brian Sandell, who were unable to attend. Other Sandell family members from out of town were in attendance.
A variety of gifts from organizations within the church were presented to Pastor Mark and Annette. These gifts included a decorated cake, flower and fruit arrangements, ceramic tiles designed by the Sunday school children, a blanket depicting photos of youth events over the past 25 years from the youth group, and a unique hand- crafted display using a shield, a shepherd’s crook, and a Bible. The congregation presented Pastor Mark and Annette with a monetary gift to help with expenses for their upcoming trip to the Holy Land.
During Pastor Mark’s reflection, he mentioned that it is very unusual to have a minister stay at the same church for longer than 7 years. He mentioned the diversity of our congregation is a strength since we all share the love of Jesus. Through the past 25 years, the congregation and the Sandell family have walked together through many of life’s events. They have shared in celebratory moments and also supported each other during difficult, life changing events. Pastor Mark and Annette and the St. Andrew congregation look forward to walking through life’s journey together for the next 25 years.
