We're over halfway through exploring the Gospel of Mark, and in episode 5, Ben and Mitch go into power dynamics, how Jesus treats children, and one of Mitch's favorite topics, play.

GO DEEPER IN MARK

+ ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠

+ ⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠

RESOURCES 

+ National Institute for Play 

+ Theology of Play by Jurgen Moltmann 

CONNECT

+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠website⁠

+ ⁠Watch⁠ our services online every Sunday at 9 AM

+ Follow us on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠

When we truly see Jesus, we then follow Jesus.

Mark 10:46-52 (EtK)

Reverend Matthew Lake

October 5, 2025 (World Communion Sunday)

Ben and Mitch are joined by our Lead Pastor, Rev Matt Lake, in episode 4 our podcast mini-series exploring Mark. The trio goes through these two chapters and talk about topics around the power of Jesus' cleansing, the Syrophoenician woman, and boldness.

GO DEEPER IN MARK

+ ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠

+ ⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠

RESOURCES 

+ Healing Like Jesus (Boldly), Sermon by Caroline Glazier 

CONNECT

+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠website⁠

+ ⁠Watch⁠ our services online every Sunday at 9 AM

+ Follow us on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠

When we see Jesus for who He is, rather than who we want Him to be, we realize the truth that denying ourselves and picking up our crosses is good news.

Mark 8:27-37

Reverend Matt Lake

September 28, 2025

In episode 3 of our podcast mini-series exploring Mark, Ben and Mitch discuss themes in chapters 5 and 6, including the Biblical framework, embracing mystery, and what faith actually looks like.

GO DEEPER IN MARK

+ ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠

+ ⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠

RESOURCES 

+ The Art of Letting Go: Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis by Richard Rohr 

+ Commodity Culture, The Center for Action and Contemplation 

+ The Story and Message of the Bible, The Gospel Coalition

+ The Source of Life By Jürgen Moltmann 

+ Theology of Play by Jürgen Moltmann 

+ Gospel Allegiance by Matthew Bates 

CONNECT

+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠website⁠

+ ⁠Watch⁠ our services online every Sunday at 9 AM

+ Follow us on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Mark 6:45-52

Reverend Janet Durrwachter

September 21, 2025

In our second episode going deeper into the Gospel of Mark, Ben and Mitch sit down with Dr. Tim Gombis, a Markan scholar and author, to discuss themes of complacency in the Christian faith, contestation with the Pharisees, and the power of metaphor throughout Mark chapters 3 and 4.

GO DEEPER IN MARK

+ ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠

+ ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠

+ ⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠

RESOURCES 

+ Mark: The Story of God Bible Commentary 

+ Power in Weakness

+ The Drama of Ephesians 

+ Faith Improvised | Podcast hosted by Dr. Gombis 

+ Faith Improved | Blog by Dr. Gombis 

CONNECT

+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠website⁠

+ ⁠Watch⁠ our services online every Sunday at 9 AM

+ Follow us on social media: ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠

Living with the mind of Christ allows us to see the true nature of the Kingdom of God.

Mark 3:13-22 (EtK)

Reverend Matthew Lake

September 14, 2025

The Gospel of Mark tells a radical story of Good vs. Evil, political intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, tragedy, and ultimately, hope. It begins the proclamation of the good news about Jesus: the Anointed One, the Son of God.

In our first episode going deeper into the Gospel of Mark, hosts Ben Conrad and Mitch Marcello reflect on Mark chapters 1 and 2, wrestling with questions surrounding healing, risk, and how Jesus always presents a third way forward.

GO DEEPER IN MARK

+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark

+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional

+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide

+ Video Teachings

RESOURCES

+ Mark As Story (Rhoads, Michie, Dewey, et al)

CONNECT

+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website

+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM

+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

The Gospel of Mark begins jolts us to new life through the reminder of the Kingdom of God through Jesus, Son of God.

Mark 1:1-3, 9:20 (EtK)

Reverend Matthew Lake

September 7, 2025