The Facts

Pastor Mark is the Pastor at Cross of Grace, but the people here call themselves "Partners in Mission," because every one of us is called to be a minister of the Church, just the same.

Before moving to Indiana, in 2001, Pastor Mark lived between Ohio and Michigan at various times in his life. He graduated from Midland High School, in Midland, Michigan, before moving to Columbus, Ohio, to attend Capital University. After graduating with degrees in Psychology and Criminology from Capital, in 1996, he attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary, also in Columbus, where he graduated in 2001 with a Masters of Divinity, before accepting the call to lead Cross of Grace Lutheran Church as a Pastor/Mission Developer.

The Family

Mark married Christa in October, 2000. (They met several years before, at Capital University, but she had no interest in dating him until he got his act together - by cutting his hair, among other things.) Christa is a Registered Nurse and currently works at the Indiana Surgery Center at Community North Hospital, in Indianapolis. They have two sons. Jackson was born in March, 2004, and Maxwell was born in May, 2007. Except for things like "artwork" etched into the passenger-side door of the car and some pretty serious sleep deprivation, Jackson and Max keep Pastor Mark and Christa smiling most of the time.

The Fun Stuff

Mark ran track for fun in high school. Now you'll see him running at the gym or around New Palestine to keep his weight and cholesterol low, thanks to bad genes he inherited from his father. He also just got a bike, which he rides to and from church for the sake of his health, the environment and rising gas prices. In his spare time, he likes to read, add music to his iPod and watch television and movies. The best book he's read lately, is The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. His iPod is loaded with music from the Indigo Girls, Bruce Springsteen and KISS, and he never misses Oprah, "The Office" or "Lost," thanks to digital video recording.

The Faith and Life of it All

What Mark likes best about being the Pastor at Cross of Grace is the chance to get people in the Church to try new things when it comes to worship, learning and service. He's best at this when it comes to preaching and creating worship experiences that are fun, meaningful and connected in relevant ways to what's happening in the lives of those who show up to be part of it. Most of all, Pastor Mark feels blessed to share grace in ways that too many people don't find when they come to church, that is, the unconditional love of God with no pre-requisites, no questions asked and no strings attached.

If you're still reading, Pastor Mark and the people of Cross of Grace look forward to getting to know you. Give us a call, drop us a note and please join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 3519 South 600 West (Mt. Comfort Road) just north of New Palestine. You're always welcome!

Scott is trained as a graphic designer and combines those skills with his enthusiasm for ministry in this newly-created position.

A Little Background Information

Scott is passionate about seeker-engaging ministry. Some of his hobbies include designing graphics on his Mac, reading Relevant magazine and catching up with friends on Facebook. He is married to Mary Nellis, who is a Registered Nurse in Greenfield. They have a daughter, Lydia, that shares Scott's birthday-March 17th. Their world now happily revolves around her. Scott's hometown is Stephens City, Virginia, where his family still live. If you don't see him on Sunday, chances are he's there enjoying the Shenandoah Valley. Scott is a huge Colts fan and tries not to miss a game all season. In his free time, he enjoys writing Web logs (blogs), watching old TV shows like The Fugitive or The Incredible Hulk, and taking walks with Mary, Lydia and their dog, Lucy.

Vision for the Ministries at Cross of Grace

Scott is fervent about his faith and looks forward to building upon the foundation of ministries already in place at Cross of Grace. One of his goals as Ministry Coordinator is to get as many people as possible plugged-in to the life of the church. So how does that happen? Scott's a big believer in the importance of small groups. Small groups are just that-small groups where people can find community, practical help and intensive spiritual interaction. He personally believes that it's in small groups that true spirituality is experienced. Small groups don't simply have to be a bunch of people, sitting in a circle, talking about a chapter of the Bible. That's the stereotype he fears keep some people from joining. Small groups can be a softball team, a dinner group, even a choir. If you have any ideas or questions about the small groups that we offer, Scott would love to sit down and talk over some lunch at Panera Bread.

Most recently Linda worked as a substitute teacher in many of the schools in the county, but has found her true vocation in life at Cross of Grace.

Linda married Dave in the spring of 1975, and they have made their home in Hancock County raising 3 children. Dave is the Safety Director for Long Electric as well as a team leader on the Indy Racing League Safety Team. Together they own Ladco Engraving, manufacturing a variety of items from small plastic tags to large vehicle signs. When not working, they enjoy remodeling their old home in the country.

Their oldest son, Cory, married to Cassie, can be found teaching at Key Learning Center, an IPS school. They are eagerly expecting their first child this summer. Brad, wife Heather, and baby Natalie reside in Jacksonville, Florida. Brad and Heather teach in Duval County. Linda's youngest child, Kara, graduates in May from Indiana University and the following week will marry John Paul Harrison. They plan to reside on the northeast side of Indy while Kara serves an internship with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and as John completes his degree in Infomatics at IUPUI.

In addition to her family, Linda's passion is travel. Dave's work has allowed her to visit much of the country with newly acquired friends along the way, or even on her own.

When they are home their house is usually filled with family and friends, playing cards and games in the winter or outside in the pool during the warmer months.

Linda's personal goal for Cross of Grace is to share the good news of the Cross and the blessings that can be found in grace, touching if only in a small way, all who pass through the doors of our congregation.