Welcome Rev. Robert Schiesler!

A Message from our Senior Warden

April 11, 2007

Dear fellow parishioners,

It is with true joy that I’m able to announce the name of our new permanent rector. Father Robert “Bob” Schiesler, and his wife, Mary Novello, will be joining us May 20. Rev. Schiesler was most recently the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Des Moines, Iowa. He has been a parish priest since 1975 and has also served in parishes in Montclair, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Philadelphia, PA; and Belleville, MI.

The search committee and vestry were drawn to Father Bob because of his experience with larger churches, love of liturgy, commitment to social justice and his dedication to welcoming all to the Lord’s Table. In his pastoral career, Rev. Schiesler has helped to develop creative Christian Formation programs for all ages including a “theologian in residence” lecture series, Education for Ministry, Journey to Adulthood and Godly Play. He has been active in developing a weekend breakfast program, a shelter for men and women, a transitional housing development and a women’s resource center. The outreach activities in his Delaware congregation resulted in its being named the Jubilee Ministry Center by the national Church. He has served on the board of directors of a regional United Way, state-wide food bank, mental health associations and senior citizen housing organization.

Father Bob has a BA in Philosophy, an MA in Theology, an MDiv in Parish Ministry and a Doctorate in Religion. He has additional training in conflict management from the Alban Institute, a Graduate Certificate in fund raising management and has studied in Haiti, Israel, Russia and England.

The search committee was also impressed with Father Schiesler’s powerful preaching and his meaningful and attentive celebrating of the Eucharist.

Father Bob is married to Mary E. Novello who has been engaged in not-for-profit management throughout her professional life. Mary was the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the Food Bank of Delaware. She has served as an Executive Director of the YWCA and presently serves as Director of Volunteer Services at Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

Thank you all for your patience and support during these past few months. I know you will all welcome our new rector and his wife with warmth and spirit as we move forward together to do the work of the Lord.

In peace,


John Bosserman. Sr. Warden





A Message from our New Rector

Easter Day, April 8, 2007

Dear Wardens, members of the Vestry and people of God at St. Mark's,

With joy and thanksgiving to our loving and gracious God, I accept your Call to new ministry as Rector of St. Mark's Church. Throughout this search process, I have felt the Spirit leading me to this place and today, you and I have received a wonderful Easter gift as we open a new chapter in our faith life and more importantly, rejoice in receiving new Life in the Lord Jesus Christ. On this day, there is only an empty tomb as Christ has broken all bonds and invites us to live boldly and joyfully, our souls empty of fear and our hearts full of Divine love. On this day, I join you in prayer as we seek God's strength in making our common vision of an energized, diverse, inquiring faith community come alive as a dynamic church in the heart of the city for good!

I want to especially thank the Search Committee and Vestry for their dedicated, intentional work throughout the search process and for the warm hospitality they have extended to Mary and me. Mary and I look forward to becoming a part of the St. Mark's community as we walk with you on the journey, "connecting spirits, engaging minds and welcoming all" in the name of our Lord Jesus.

In the Risen Christ,

The Rev. Canon Robert Alan Schiesler, Ph.D.