Pastor West On January 29, 2017 we welcomed Pastor James West to lead us in worship. He was to be our interim pastor, to lead us through the process of calling a new pastor. Of course interim means temporary, so we never thought we would get to know him so well.

Now, some 33 months later we finally say farewell. The most pessimistic of our congregation never would have predicted that the call process would go on for nearly 3 years. While the call committee worked diligently with the Holy Spirit to find a good fit for St. Mark's, Pastor West plodded on, with few complaints about the extended stay in Williamsport, far from his Colorado family.

And we were very happy to have him here. He quickly learned the ins and outs of every aspect of the Church operation and the nuances of our worship services.

We will miss Pastor West. His informality, wry sense of humor and modesty were endearing qualities that allowed us to talk to him, to relate to him and to know him. Yet his faith and commitment to God and the Lutheran Church was always visible. He said he came "pre-fired." That doesn't make his departure any easier for us to accept.

St. Mark's said farewell to Pastor West at a dinner on October 6. We wish him all the best. St. Mark's doors will always be open for a visit!