February 6, 2022
To our Friends of the United Methodist Church in Madison,
It is my joy to share with you today that Rev. Mark Schol is appointed the new pastor of our congregation. He will begin his new responsibilities on July 1st of this year. As a United Methodist Church, we are a part of an appointment system. Our congregation’s Staff Parish Relations Committee has met with the District Superintendent to identify our congregation’s needs and the needed skills in a pastor. We have also met with Rev. Mark Schol to better get to know him and to ask questions.
Mark (he/him) has served churches in Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, Jersey City and Hoboken, NJ. During his ministry he has become a firm believer that church is something you do, questions about faith and God are good, and community can be built anywhere.
Mark loves photography, biking, traveling with his wife Meredith, rock climbing with his daughter Elise, and laughing with his daughter Nora. He has two degrees from Boston University, a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Administration and a Master’s of Divinity.
We also want to thank Pastor Kate for her time of service with us and wish her well as she begins a new chapter in her life’s journey.
Our new pastor will work with us and the conference so that we continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Bishop, Cabinet, and our District Superintendent will work with us to continue to grow as a vital congregation. I know you will join the bishop, our new pastor and me in helping to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
On a related note, I am pleased to announce that the following individuals have graciously agreed to join me in serving on the Transition Team that will help guide us through this transition process:
• Jeanne Eisele
• Vic Schumacher
• Maria Meo
• Jean-Marc Mutwale
• Mac Cobb
We are grateful for their willingness to serve.
Thanks, and please reach out to me or any member of the SPRC or Transition Team if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Kevin O’Brien
Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee
Kevinob48@gmail.com