A Word from Our Interim Pastor – The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh

Happy Fourth of July 2025. This past week, I was in California visiting my Dad, having several doctor appointments, and spending time with the first pastor I sat under and served with as a colleague in my first call after leaving Princeton Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Bob Schwenck shaped me as a human and pastor. I have had no greater mentor than Bob. But I have six others who have also invested in me over the decades.

So much of my social justice commitment began to be uncovered and nurtured with Bob. I’m sharing a section of a recent blog I received, following the recent death of his beloved wife, Bernie.

“Many years ago, Bernie and I visited our nation’s capital. My desire was to spend time in the national museums, especially the museum of art. But as it turned out the biggest impression that stayed with us was Arlington National Cemetery. I wept as we stood on the hill overlooking the rows and rows of crosses that curved with the hills as far we could see. I became more aware of the sacrifices that so many have made for my freedom and security.

I am not naive about every person killed in battle knowing exactly what they were fighting for or that our government’s motives were pure as the driven snow. But I am profoundly thankful that these men and women, whose lives were cut short, gave me and my family and all of us the safety and opportunity that we have had and hopefully will continue to have.

Bernie and I took in an abundance of beauty from our visit to Washington, and there was a sweet aroma from this experience in Arlington. It made our love for one another and deep thankfulness to God more rich and spiritually meaningful. We felt like an angel had brought us more light and insight into the instinctual, strong, and spiritual desire in the United States to be standing for what is right for all peoples. And that we as a nation were willing to sacrifice and even die to keep ours and other’s freedom safe.

However, I am afraid that this pride in our national agenda is waning in these last few years for me. I pray that what will continue to make us great again and again is our compassion and our valuing of all people whom God loves so deeply.

‘Lord, help the church remind all of us of the calling we have to be Christ’s servants in world history even if it means sacrifice.’”

On our Interim Pastor journey with you, I remain faithfully yours,

Steve

The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh

Interim Pastor