April 10, 2025

Dear St. Mark's family,

We want to share some important news with you about Pastor Kim Ogle. After thoughtful prayer and reflection, Pastor Kim has decided to retire, effective April 30, 2025.

Pastor Kim has been part of our church family for nearly 40 years and has served on staff for the past 26 years in a variety of roles. She has contributed significantly to our ministry through her leadership, care, and commitment, and we are grateful for the many ways she has supported and served this congregation.

The SPRC is working with our Superintendent on our next steps. Until that is discerned, we will rely on our retired pastors to help cover her responsibilities.

We will take time to celebrate Pastor Kim and honor her service on Sunday, April 27 from 1:30 to 3 pm in the Magee Campus Fellowship Hall. More details are below.

Please keep Pastor Kim in your prayers as she prepares for this next chapter, and pray also for our church as we move through this season of transition.

Thank you for your continued support, care, and prayers. Please continue reading below for a message from Pastor Kim.

Blessings,

Your Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)

Retirement Letter to the Congregation

- from Pastor Kim

When you hit 65, or older, everyone has an opinion about when you should retire, and they don't mind asking for an exact date. My answer has been, "When I no longer enjoy my work". Well, that didn't prove to be the case. I still LOVE my job. Unfortunately, I haven't been doing my best work for a while now.

Somewhere along the line, I was diagnosed with "Early Onset Dementia". (I like to emphasize early.) As you may already know, it's a progressive condition. 

I love St. Mark's. It was the only church we visited when we moved to Tucson in the summer of 1987. All of our kids and half of our grandkids were baptized here; and I've been on staff for 26 years. I could go on about how wonderful the people of this church are. 

I especially appreciate your affirmation of me as a Licensed Local Pastor. It has been my privilege to walk with you in times of grief and illness; to baptize your children; to marry some couples; and to participate in services for your deceased loved ones. I thank you for the opportunity to visit you in your homes, sit with you in hospital rooms and care facilities, and pray with you in times of sadness. 

I get to spend one more Easter with you, as one of your pastors. My last day as a Licensed Local Pastor will be April 30. Thank you for the care you've shown for me and my family. 

Blessings, 

Pastor Kim Ogle

Retirement Party

April 27, 2025 - 1:30 to 3 pm

Magee Campus Fellowship Hall

The SPRC is collecting cards of appreciation for Kim. Bring them to worship, to the office, to the reception on April 27, or mail them!