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 celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary by letting Oprah Winfrey fly them to Australia, with 300 of her other "ultimate viewers." (If you're a fan, you would have seen the two of them, right behind Oprah, as they climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge.) 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. Jackson likes baseball, basketball and football, and doesn't understand why he can't be a fan of both the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. Max likes Buzz Lightyear, the family dog, Stella, and has serious potential for developing every characteristic of the stereotypical "Pastor's Kid."

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. In his spare time, he likes to read, add music to his iPod and watch television and movies. Some good books he's read lately are The Deep End of the Ocean, by Jacquelyn Mitchard, Love Wins, by Rob Bell, and Foreskin's Lament, by Shalom Auslander. His iPod is loaded with music from the Indigo Girls, Bruce Springsteen, Mumford and Sons, and KISS.

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!

Linda came to Cross of Grace in August of 2005. Previously she spent most of her days taking care of her family and substitute teaching for Southern Hancock County. Linda married Dave in the spring of 1975, and they have made their home in Hancock County. 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.

Their oldest son, Cory, married to Cassie, teaches for IPS. They, along with daughter Isia, welcomed baby brother Billy in August of 2011. Linda's youngest son, Brad, his wife Heather, and daughters Natalie and Kelly reside in Jacksonville, Florida. Brad teaches for Duval County Public Schools. Linda's daughter, Kara, and her husband, John, live on the northeast side of Indianapolis. Kara is the Executive Director for Mental Health of America, Hancock County.

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 with all who pass through the doors of our Mission Center.