CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Pastor Mark Marius was ordained as a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in February 2001. Native to Los Angeles County, California, and a proud Cal Lutheran University graduate, he earned his Masters of Divinity at the former Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Pastor Mark also served as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force (USAF) for 24 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Valuing the unique settings of both parish ministry and military chaplaincy, he has used the valuable skills gained from each context and the wealth of vast experiences to broaden his perspective about the enormity of God’s grace and the diversity of our neighbors.

Pastor Mark has served Lutheran congregations in Illinois, New Mexico, New Jersey, and California, and as a USAF Chaplain in England, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Hungary.

He is married to Heidi Morton and is the second favorite human for his dog Dasher. Their three children are survivors of growing up as a Pastor’s kid and are presently busy finding their way in the world.

He has been able to experience both the joy and suffering that comes from being a lifelong Dodgers fan. He also benefits from the cheap therapy that running and cycling provide and enjoys exploring the variety of cultures that dwell on our globe.

Living out the call to compassionately love and serve humanity as a minister of Word and Sacrament is a challenge that requires a lot of grace and a good sense of humor. God obviously has both in calling Pastor Mark into this vocation.