Shows
PastorMarkCastA sister that will feel guiltA family that I know is dealing with a dying mother and a sister who has distanced from her.2024-08-1906 min
PastorMarkCastMutual BlessingsI recalled how immigrants helped the church that I pastored 40 years ago and he helped me remember how the church blessed he and his family2024-08-1206 min
PastorMarkCastWhat to pack and what to leave behindI'm packing and moving. What do I pack and what do I leave behind? This involves physical items as well as memories and emotions.2024-08-0505 min
PastorMarkCastA Family ReunionI attended a family reunion and was awed by the young relatives who can enjoy simply things.2024-07-2905 min
PastorMarkCastGod’s Preaching PlanI expected to not be preaching during this summer, but God had other ideas.2024-07-2206 min
PastorMarkCastWalking toward where?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.2024-07-1505 min
PastorMarkCastWalking toward where?Pastor Mark discusses walking with his grandsons and the trust they have in him as he contrasts this with walking with God and trusting God.2024-07-1505 min
PastorMarkCastA Parable of Christian GracelessnessA friend of mine recently retired from ministry. This is his parable of the gracelessness that he discovered from Christian folks2024-07-0806 min
PastorMarkCastFarewell But Leaving a LegacyI've left parish ministry but I've left a good legacy.2024-07-0105 min
PastorMarkCastOne Hundred Years of MinistryCelebrating 100 years of ministry at Clinton Avenue Reformed Church in Bergenfield2024-06-2405 min
PastorMarkCastTwo saints from CanadaI met two folks from Ontario, Canada. They put most of us self-proclaiming Christians to shame by the good works that they do.2024-06-1707 min
PastorMarkCastParsonage RobinsI'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.2024-06-1007 min
PastorMarkCastReturning to the Warwick Conference CenterRecently 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.2024-06-0306 min
PastorMarkCastA Sorrowful Memorial DayI 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.2024-05-2705 min
PastorMarkCastGenerations of Christ’s FaithfulThere 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?2024-05-2007 min
PastorMarkCastYou Don't Know What Love Is!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?2024-05-1306 min
PastorMarkCastHuman Seeds and Human FloweringI got a new secretary this week. God was at work decades ago to bring her to me.2024-05-0607 min
PastorMarkCastA Stabbing in BergenfieldThere was a stabbing in Bergenfield. How do we as a village prevent this in the future?2024-04-2906 min
PastorMarkCastWhat I learned from the Amish in my kitchenI had the opportunity to speak with three Amish men in my kitchen and learned a bit about Amish culture.2024-04-2206 min
PastorMarkCastPushed by the Holy SpiritIn 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.2024-04-1506 min
PastorMarkCastEclipse and EarthquakesIn north Jersey we have felt earthquakes this past week and today we will see an eclipse. Is the world ending? Some people think so.2024-04-0806 min
PastorMarkCastHoly Week Presence, Touch, and PrayersIn this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the Holy Work of Holy Hands during Holy Week.2024-04-0106 min
PastorMarkCastHoly Week or Hell Week?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.com2024-03-2506 min
PastorMarkCastGod, Our hearts are brokenIn 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.2024-03-1805 min
PastorMarkCastCeltic HispanicsIn this episode, Pastor Mark discusses new Hispanic Ministry that his congregation has started and how they participated in a St. Patrick's Day Parade.2024-03-1105 min
PastorMarkCastJesus T-ShirtsIn 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.2024-03-0405 min
PastorMarkCastThe Oldest Church in New JerseyIn 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.2024-02-2606 min
PastorMarkCastLet's take this outsideIn 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.2024-02-1906 min
PastorMarkCastRepentance and Carmela SopranoIn 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.2024-02-1206 min
PastorMarkCastKnights in name onlyIn this episode, Pastor Mark discusses those who take on titles but are unwilling to live up to the obligations of the title.2024-02-0507 min
PastorMarkCastPolitics and FearIn 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?"2024-01-2905 min
PastorMarkCast"Mother, May I?"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.2024-01-2206 min
PastorMarkCastFinishing the work of Dr. KingIn 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.2024-01-1506 min
PastorMarkCastResults of the death of my cat.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.2024-01-0807 min
PastorMarkCastNew Year Reflections on the movie "The Student Prince"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?2024-01-0106 min
PastorMarkCastReflecting on Christmas GiftsIn this episode, Pastor Mark reflects Christmas Day, giving and receiving gifts and how many of us refuse to receive the gifts that really matter.2023-12-2506 min
PastorMarkCast“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” makes sense to me.Pastor Mark describes the Christmas Carol, "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" in light of the strife in the Holy Land.2023-12-1807 min
PastorMarkCastA Christmas Play Transcending Language and CultureIn this episode, Pastor Mark celebrates a Christmas play that transcended culture and language as well as kept the focus on Jesus.2023-12-1106 min
PastorMarkCastThe Brooklyn Archdiocese Suspended a Priest for What?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.2023-12-0406 min
PastorMarkCastThanksgiving ControversyIn this episode, Pastor Mark talks about the real historical origin of Thanksgiving. It is quite different than Pilgrims and Native Americans.2023-11-2705 min
PastorMarkCastA different Thanksgiving This YearIn 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.2023-11-2006 min
PastorMarkCastWhat a difference a year makesIn 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.2023-11-1307 min
PastorMarkCastTrick or Treat for PrayersIn 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.2023-11-0606 min
PastorMarkCastPrayerful PlayingIn 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?2023-10-3005 min
PastorMarkCastThe Influence of SaintsSometimes we underestimate how much we influence others. Who influenced you? Who do you influence? Do you influence people for good or bad?2023-10-2307 min
PastorMarkCast“Trauma and Race: A Path to Wellbeing” by Rev. Dr. Micah McCrearyIn 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.2023-10-1605 min
PastorMarkCastHamas is hurting the Palestinian CausePastor Mark protests the invasion of Hamas into Israel and describes how he thinks that this hurts the Palestinian cause.2023-10-0906 min
PastorMarkCastDr. Pam on "The Pulse"In this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the relationship between church abuse and the shrinking of our congregations.2023-10-0206 min
PastorMarkCastWelcome Home Party/FiestaIn this episode, Pastor Mark celebrates a congregational "Welcome Home" party and rejoices in the cultural diversity that was displayed.2023-09-2505 min
PastorMarkCastLatin LeadershipIn this episode Pastor Mark celebrates a new Latin leader who is emerging at the Spanish worship service, "Nueva Vida En Cristo."2023-09-1805 min
PastorMarkCastThey don't know enough to come in out of the rain!In this episode, Pastor Mark pays tribute to those first responders in his home town who toiled in a lightning storm this past week,2023-09-1105 min
PastorMarkCastSabbath blog 5 of 5; Sabbath is for God's CreationIn this episode, Pastor Mark talks vacation, keeping the Sabbath and the spiritual boost that he receives from communing with God’s creation.2023-09-0406 min
PastorMarkCastVacation Blogs 4 of 5 Sabbath Is For RefreshmentIn 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.2023-08-2805 min
PastorMarkCastSabbath is for hospitalityPastor Mark talks about extending hospitality while keeping Sabbath.2023-08-2106 min
PastorMarkCastSabbath is for FamilyPastor Mark continues to extol the blessings of Sabbath and the importance of honoring family.2023-08-1405 min
PastorMarkCastVacation Blog #1 Sabbath part 1 of 5In 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.2023-08-0706 min
PastorMarkCastPassing the Torch, What's NextIn 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.2023-07-3106 min
PastorMarkCastTheological Reflections On My Cell PhoneIn 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.2023-07-2405 min
PastorMarkCastWhere did you leave your DNAIn this episode Pastor Mark asks the question "Where have you left your DNA?" We do leave our mark wherever we go.2023-07-1705 min
PastorMarkCastThe Theology of the Cape May Light HouseIn this episode, Pastor Mark reflects on the Cape May, NJ light house and asks the question, "What guides you and I?"2023-07-1006 min
PastorMarkCastGod has blessed America: pass on the blessingGod has blessed us as a nation. On the cusp of our nation's birthday, let us seek to pass on that blessing to others.2023-07-0305 min
PastorMarkCast"Taken Under Care" of ClassisIn this episode Pastor Mark discusses Ivan Gil, a student who has begun the process for being ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.2023-06-2604 min
PastorMarkCastA Concert at Parkside Community Church Westwood, NJIn this episode, Pastor Mark discusses a gentleman who was abused by his congregation, but, after healing, became a tremendous asset in another congregation.2023-06-1906 min
PastorMarkCastGeneral Synod of the Reformed Church in AmericaPastor Mark shares his reflections of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America.2023-06-1206 min
PastorMarkCastI got to wear a Super bowl ring. 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.2023-06-0505 min
PastorMarkCastA Memorial Day tribute to my GodfatherPastor Mark describes the guilt from his Godfather's suicide and urges us all to care for our military members suffering from PTSD.2023-05-2906 min
PastorMarkCastAn unintended spiritual legacyIn 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.2023-05-2207 min
PastorMarkCastBlocking OthersPastor 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.2023-05-1507 min
PastorMarkCastA story of two kingsIn 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.2023-05-0805 min
PastorMarkCastBeauty and The BeastMy reflections on the simple and important lesson of Beauty and the Beast2023-05-0106 min
PastorMarkCastThe Spiritual Legacy of New Brunswick Theological SeminaryIn 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.2023-04-2405 min
PastorMarkCastHispanic Outreach in God's TimeIn 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.2023-04-1707 min
PastorMarkCastGrandpa MentoringIn 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.2023-04-1006 min
PastorMarkCastMarriage is not a Thanksgiving DinnerIn this episode Pastor Mark talks about his daughter's wedding and his hopes for the future for her.2023-04-0306 min
PastorMarkCastOrdination, The "Laying on of Hands" and The Holy SpiritPastorMarkCastIn 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.2023-03-2705 min
PastorMarkCastCelebrating 50 years of Women in the Reformed Church in AmericaIt is now 50 years since women were ordained as elders and deacons in the Reformed Church in America. Let us celebrate.2023-03-2006 min
PastorMarkCastA Tribute to Saint PatrickIn 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.2023-03-1306 min
PastorMarkCastFood InsecurityIn 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.2023-03-0606 min
PastorMarkCastLent, Ash Wednesday and WorthinessPastor Mark discusses guilt and unworthiness in the context of Ash Wednesday and Lent.2023-02-2706 min
PastorMarkCastAn ordination first in Old JerusalemA celebration of Rev. Azar in Jerusalem and the hope for Middle Eastern Peace2023-02-2006 min
PastorMarkCastDonations for Turkey/SyriaIn this episode, Pastor Mark discusses the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and how we can respond.2023-02-1306 min
PastorMarkCastWhat’s In A Number?PastorMarkCastIn 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.2023-02-0605 min
PastorMarkCastImitating ElvisIn 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.2023-01-3006 min
PastorMarkCastAn unexpected reunionPastorMarkCastIn this week’s episode Pastor Mark talks about long-term friendships and an unexpected reunion that he had this past weekend.2023-01-2304 min
PastorMarkCastOne Hundred Five Years of Christian Living Dr. Irving PitmanIn 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.2023-01-1605 min
PastorMarkCastTake the test. Are you a Christian?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.2023-01-0906 min
PastorMarkCastTwo Hundred Fifty Years of Amazing GracePastorMarkCastIn 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:2023-01-0207 min
PastorMarkCastGoing to Church on Christmas Day? You have to be kidding me.PastorMarkCastIn 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.2022-12-2606 min
PastorMarkCastThe Original Hallmark Movie: A Christmas CarolIn 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.2022-12-1907 min
PastorMarkCastA shout out to Second Reformed Church in HackensackPastorMarkCastIn 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.2022-12-1205 minPastorMarkCastIndiana Jones and Holy CommunionIn 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.2022-12-0506 min
PastorMarkCastTears for the Holy LandIn 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.2022-11-2805 min
PastorMarkCastThanksgiving for the fruit of the Holy SpiritAmid 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.2022-11-2105 min
PastorMarkCastWorking togetherIn 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.2022-11-0804 min
PastorMarkCastHalloween OutreachPastorMarkCastIn 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/677059/2022-11-0804 min
PastorMarkCastLife can change in a second!PastorMarkCastIn 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.2022-10-3105 min
PastorMarkCastUs Vs ThemPastor Mark Reflects on "Us" Vs "Them" Mentality2022-10-2406 min
PastorMarkCastReflections on the NY Mets and AdaptabilityDescription 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.2022-10-1705 min
PastorMarkCastReflections on Aaron JudgeAaron Judge is a wonderful Christian witness.2022-10-1005 min
PastorMarkCastPastorMarkChatReflecting on the movie "Pastor Stu"2022-10-0307 min