PastorMarkCast: Recent Episodes
Mark William Ennis
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
The people of Pompeii died suddenly and without much warning. How would we live if we knew that this was our last day?
I recently participated in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I was impressed by what I witnessed and wished that more people would follow the scout law.
I survived a lighting strike and a tornado warning this week. I now understand the Psalm that says, "I will not fear though the earth should change."
Here are the guidelines that I was taught to survive a traffic stop by law enforcement.
What does the promise of the Statue of Liberty mean in the context of mass incarcerations by ICE?
Rev. John Witherspoon was president of the College of NJ (now Princeton) and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is up to our generation to preserve the good principles that our nation was founded upon.
Our Spiritual health can effect our physical and emotional health. How is your Spiritual health?
The Christian Church has a history of treating members of the pride community quite badly. It is time that we made amends for this.
In filming, many background actors make for a great production. In our lives, there are many background actors who make our lives great.
As kids, we were taught not to use "bad words" and to show good manners. Why do we demand less from our politicians?
I remember the enthusiasm when our nation turned 200 years old. Where is the enthusiasm for our 250th birthday?
Jesus didn't conform to the expectations of the crowd. That is why Holy Week ended in an execution.
Our nation has a history of painting immigrants with broad brushes. I hope that we discontinue this practice. Too many innocent people get hurt by this.
During a recent hospital stay I had a wonderful encounter with a group of student nurses.
A Christian woman was killed by a Christian ICE officer. Is it time for us to re-think the role of ICE?
Should we be wishing one another a Happy or a Healthy New Year? I'm wishing people a healthy new year.
Is our nation always going to war? Perhaps it is time to make going to war less of a priority.
Sometimes it is good to hear the story, rather than read, about Jesus' birth. I encourage everyone to get to church on Sunday and hear the story again.
I worry about the future of Israel. I believe that conditions in Gaza are ripe to develop a new generation of people who are angry with the State of Israel.
Members of Congress are hired by us and are our subordinate employees. Isn't it time that we fired them?
Garner Sage Library is 150 years old. Let us celebrate the faithful people who made this happen.
I celebrate the Cease Fire in Gaza but I am skeptical if this will bring peace to the middle east.
I had a friend die in the 911 attack. Why would the people who carried out those attacks be angry enough to do it?
Where is Ellis Island when we need it? How come Ellis Island had a much more efficient system of processing immigrants than we have now?
My wife's family had a reunion. The family represents many ethnic groups, just like the modern America. It is great to be part of a truly representative family.
I have a roof rack that is not glamorous but has blessed many people. I try to be like that also, non-glamorous, but helpful to others.
When I was young, my family told me many things about Ireland. When I traveled there, I discovered that none of what I was told was true. Things have changed.
We are bombing Iran. Why does Iran hate us so much? A brief history of the United States and Iran.
On behalf of Christian congregations, at the worship service for the Glen Rock Community Church, I apologized to the LGBTQIA community for the harsh treatment that they received from Christian groups.
My grandson was baptized on Sunday. How do we best help his parents to raise him in faith?
For too long, Churches have been hostile toward the LGBTQIA community. I have begun to stand with the community to try to reverse this trend.
I feel guilty about my Godfather's death in 1980. Today I will be caring for veterans as a way of alleviating my guilt.
My mother bought a house as a retirement refuge. After I bought it from her it became a nightmare. Now I've sold my mother's house the day after Mother's Day.
Peter denied Jesus and Judas betrayed him. Why was one reconciled with the Christian community and the other committed suicide?
Some of Jesus' disciples carried swords. They thought that Jesus would have a violent revolution against Rome. No wonder they were disappointed during Holy Week.
How far does Jesus' redemptive work go? Does it apply to Child Abusers. Can such people be saved?
The Community Church of Glen Rock ordained and installed elders and deacons this past Sunday. There is something sacred about these. events. How can God call imperfect people to such sacred tasks?
What makes us succeed and what makes us fail? It begins with self-reflection. Perhaps this look at ourselves can be our Lenten journey.
How do we make room at the dinner table for family and friends? Do we do this in our churches?
We gave out Ashes to the community for Ash Wednesday. It is good to bring the church out of the sanctuary and into the world.
A church from a prosperous town cooked dinner and worshipped with economically stressed people and learned to be grateful.
I have a new grandson and the world seems to be in chaos now. How can we make the world a good place for this new generation?
I watched the Superbowl even though I didn't care much for either team. Should we not attend worship even if we don't care for the participants?
Whether or not we are happy with who is president, the inauguration happened without violence and was done properly. That is something to celebrate.
In this podcast, I reflect on the harm that happens to others when a person does self harm. I urge all who might be considering self harm to get help so as not to hurt others.
Christmas decorations are coming down and a new season is beginning. It is sad, but I have learned to find the joy in every season.
We enjoyed music and lights in our sanctuary at Christmas. Now it is time to bring them out of the sanctuary and into the world.
At Community Church of Glen Rock, one generation helps out another. What can we all learn from this.
Listening to music or making music? I'm making music this Christmas and truly feel the joy of this season.
Marriage is difficult and even more difficult when the individuals are from different cultures. We all must support such people who begin marriage.
My daughter is a third generation minister in the Reformed Church in America. She faces challenges that her grandfather would not have dreamed of.
Mainline churches lament the lack of children in our churches. Have we tried to make them kid-friendly?
Sometimes we are called to "do" and other times we are called to "be." Do we have the discernment to know the difference?
I am now ministering in a town that suffered eleven deaths from the September 11 attacks. This year, the memorial is now more real for me.
I spent a week doing "on call" work for hospice. I had to "be there" for people who were dying. Should we not all be "on call" for one another each day?
My favorite news radio station is shutting down. How do I deal with this change in my life? We stagnation or acceptance?
A family that I know is dealing with a dying mother and a sister who has distanced from her.
I recalled how immigrants helped the church that I pastored 40 years ago and he helped me remember how the church blessed he and his family
I'm packing and moving. What do I pack and what do I leave behind? This involves physical items as well as memories and emotions.
I attended a family reunion and was awed by the young relatives who can enjoy simply things.
Pastor Mark describes walking with his Grandsons and the trust they have in him and uses this as an example of walking with, and trusting, God.
A friend of mine recently retired from ministry. This is his parable of the gracelessness that he discovered from Christian folks
I met two folks from Ontario, Canada. They put most of us self-proclaiming Christians to shame by the good works that they do.
I'm hosting a family of Robins outside the parsonage. My cat would like to eat them, but they are protected, much like we have the protection of God in ways that we cannot comprehend.
Recently I visited the Warwick Conference Center in Warwick, NY. It was a trip down memory lane and I used to visit to interest a new generation in our congregation in this wonderful place of Christian nurture.
I feel guilty for not taking care of my Godfather. Let us all resolve to care for our veterans even as we mourn and remember our war dead.
There are three generations of ministers in our family. We all were mentored in the faith. Will new generations be mentored well to hear God if God gives them a call as well?
In the movie Forrest Gump, Jenny resists the love of Forrest until she is desperate. Do we resist God's love in the same way?
There was a stabbing in Bergenfield. How do we as a village prevent this in the future?
I had the opportunity to speak with three Amish men in my kitchen and learned a bit about Amish culture.
In this episode Pastor Mark talks about getting pushed by the Holy Spirit to encounter a man who needed to talk to a disciple of Jesus.
In north Jersey we have felt earthquakes this past week and today we will see an eclipse. Is the world ending? Some people think so.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks what we Christians call “Holy Week” and remembers that for Jesus, it was really “Hell Week.”
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
To view more of Pastor Mark's work please see his website, www.markwilliamennis.com
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about a tragic accident in the nearby town of Dumont and asks the question, “God, where were you?”
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses new Hispanic Ministry that his congregation has started and how they participated in a St. Patrick's Day Parade.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about a T-Shirt that he saw several women wearing and he comments on why more “Maine line” churches tend to have “church” shirts while more “evangelical churches have shirts emphasizing Jesus.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks a posting on Facebook about his boyhood church, Old Bergen Church, the oldest one in New Jersey. People have come and gone, but the church still stands as a witness in Jersey City.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about his recent Ash Wednesday experience of taking ashes out of the church and onto the sidewalk outside of the church building and the variety of reactions that he experienced.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about the true need for, and meaning of, repentance and uses an example from the classic television series, The Sopranos.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses those who take on titles but are unwilling to live up to the obligations of the title.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about the fear that some people carry concerning our election cycle and asks the question, "what should we really fear?"
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses childhood game of “Mother, may I” in the context of asking for God’s blessings. Sometimes we have to wait until the time is right to receive his blessing.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the great work of Dr. Martin Luther King and calls on each of us to do small acts of assistance toward our neighbors as Dr. King asked us to.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses issues of life and death and asks us to contemplate if we live lives so that people will miss us when we are gone.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the differences between us following Jesus, and us asking Jesus to follow us on paths that we have chosen. Who should choose our paths?
In this episode, Pastor Mark reflects Christmas Day, giving and receiving gifts and how many of us refuse to receive the gifts that really matter.
Pastor Mark describes the Christmas Carol, "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" in light of the strife in the Holy Land.
In this episode, Pastor Mark celebrates a Christmas play that transcended culture and language as well as kept the focus on Jesus.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about the suspension of Monsignor Gigantiello in Brooklyn and asks why priest who have perpetrated sexual abuse were not dealt with as harshly and quickly.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about the real historical origin of Thanksgiving. It is quite different than Pilgrims and Native Americans.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner that his congregation hosts every year but celebrates the cultural differences that the dinner will have this year.
In this episode, Pastor Mark contrasts his trip to the Holy Land one year ago and the conditions of warfare there now. He talks about the need to live each day fully as we never know what tomorrow will bring.
In this episode, Pastor Mark describes his congregation’s participation in the local “Trunk or Treat” celebration in town and the reaction that he received while asking people what prayer concerns, they had and how the congregation could pray for them.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about a high school senior who begins football games with a pray. How faithful are we about praying before any important event?
Sometimes we underestimate how much we influence others. Who influenced you? Who do you influence? Do you influence people for good or bad?
In this episode, Pastor Mark describes a book signing party at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. The book was written by the seminary president, Dr. Micah McCreary and concerns Trauma and Race.
Pastor Mark protests the invasion of Hamas into Israel and describes how he thinks that this hurts the Palestinian cause.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the relationship between church abuse and the shrinking of our congregations.
In this episode, Pastor Mark celebrates a congregational "Welcome Home" party and rejoices in the cultural diversity that was displayed.
In this episode Pastor Mark celebrates a new Latin leader who is emerging at the Spanish worship service, "Nueva Vida En Cristo."
In this episode, Pastor Mark pays tribute to those first responders in his home town who toiled in a lightning storm this past week,
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks vacation, keeping the Sabbath and the spiritual boost that he receives from communing with God’s creation.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks vacation, keeping the Sabbath and our need for refreshment. No matter what is your way of refreshment, be sure to use it and periodically be refreshed.
Pastor Mark continues to extol the blessings of Sabbath and the importance of honoring family.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks vacation and keeping the Sabbath that God requires of us and how keeping the Sabbath can be such a blessing to us.
In this episode, Pastor Mark talks about new leadership taking over a mission that he has been a part of for years and celebrates passing the torch.
In this episode Pastor Mark reflects on awkwardly learning to use his new cell phone and reflects on the necessity of adapting and changing amid worldly changes.
In this episode Pastor Mark asks the question "Where have you left your DNA?" We do leave our mark wherever we go.
In this episode, Pastor Mark reflects on the Cape May, NJ light house and asks the question, "What guides you and I?"
God has blessed us as a nation. On the cusp of our nation's birthday, let us seek to pass on that blessing to others.
In this episode Pastor Mark discusses Ivan Gil, a student who has begun the process for being ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses a gentleman who was abused by his congregation, but, after healing, became a tremendous asset in another congregation.
Pastor Mark shares his reflections of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America.
A mission speaker who grew up in our church, whose name is George Mc Govern, came to speak and I got to wear his Super Bowl ring.
Pastor Mark describes the guilt from his Godfather's suicide and urges us all to care for our military members suffering from PTSD.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses attending the graduation of New Brunswick Theological Seminary which was held in the Methodist Church in New Brunswick and the spiritual legacy his family received from that church.
Pastor Mark discusses the need for the people of faith to lead by example and not impede the faith of others by less than good behavior.
In this week’s episode, Pastor Mark compares and contrasts the coronation of Charles in England and a Regional Synod meeting of the Reformed Church in America and the allegiance that is given to King Jesus. Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode, Pastor Mark looks at the Irises that he planted in the parsonage garden and reflects on the tremendous spiritual legacy of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode, Pastor Mark talks the quest of his congregation to begin outreach to Spanish-Speaking neighbors and the obstacles that were involved but finally it has begun in God’s time, not our time.
In this week’s episode, Pastor Mark talks about the importance of multi-generational mentoring to develop people interested in community service. Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this episode Pastor Mark talks about his daughter's wedding and his hopes for the future for her.
PastorMarkCastIn this week’s episode, Pastor Mark celebrates the ordination of Rev. Arlene Lillian Romaine as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. He also describes the “Laying on of Hands” and recalls his own experience when he was ordained thirty-nine years ago. Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
It is now 50 years since women were ordained as elders and deacons in the Reformed Church in America. Let us celebrate.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses the many customs of the American celebration of St. Patrick’s day, both the true and the false, and pays tribute to this great saint of Ireland.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses feeding hungry people in Hackensack and applauds the work of Family Promise and the volunteers from Clinton Avenue Reformed Church in Bergenfield.
In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and how we can respond.
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark talks about how finite our lives are and the need to do go today and not put it off for tomorrow.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark talks about Elvis impersonators and challenges all of us to imitate Jesus.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark talks about long-term friendships and an unexpected reunion that he had this past weekend.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark pays tribute to a 105 year old Christian Saint and friend who recently died.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses the question of what it takes to be a Christian. A number of people have a number of definitions. What does Jesus say?
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses the 250th anniversary of the hymn Amazing Grace, its history, why it was written and the impact it has had on our world.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
Go to this link to hear the podcast:
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year and wondering why some congregations are considering cancelling Sunday worship because it is Christmas Day.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses his love the movie “A Christmas Carol” and why we should feel sorry for Mr. Scrooge and how Christian ought to be working to prevent the creation of future Scrooges.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark recalls his visit to Second Reformed Church in Hackensack and reflects on the live nativity that this church hosted.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark recalls the communion celebration he experienced on the Sea of Galilee on his recent trip to the Holy Land and what our communion-ware says about our image of Jesus and his teachings.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses his recent trip to the Holy Land and the distrust and divisions that he observed existing between Israelis and Palestinians.
Amid the glorious feasts that we celebrate at Thanksgiving I hope that we take the time to ask for, and receive, the gifts of the Holy Spirit which will deepen us as spiritual people.
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses working together and the need for all of us in our nation to begin working together for the common good and for the benefit of all.
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses Halloween and how secular events can be used to glorify God and reach out to others who can benefit to those who can benefit from knowing Christ’s peace.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
https://rss.com/podcasts/pastormarkchat/677059/
PastorMarkCast
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses the shortness of life and how life can change in a split second and ask what would we want our last words, thoughts and actions to be.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.
Description
In this week’s episode Pastor Mark discusses his beloved NY Mets and discusses the importance of adaptability and learning from the past without being restricted by the past.
Pastor Mark is a Christian Pastor, author, blogger, and sometimes background actor. He brings all of his years of life experience to ask spiritual questions about the ordinary events of life.