MARK BALILES
Senior Pastor
Contact: pastormark@chambcob.org
Mark is excited to join the family and pastoral staff of the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren. He was born in Tyrone, PA and grew up in New Creek, WV. He is a 1989 graduate of Grace Theological Seminary (M.Div.) in Winona Lake, IN. Mark was ordained in 1990 and has served two Church of the Brethren congregations for a total of 36 years.
Mark’s passion in ministry is encouraging deep connection (with God and with one another), deep conviction (about who God is), deep compassion (in place of judgment), deep confession (that we all fail and fall), deep conversation (about anything we face in life), and deep contribution (each person’s unique gifts and perspective). In this time of extreme divisiveness, Mark seeks deeper unity through a common focus on Jesus and through common commitment to follow Him. He is eager to see people released from the chains of both cynicism and legalism into a life of faith and love found in Jesus.
Over the years, Mark’s personal interests have included singing, sailing, sports, hiking, rock-climbing, stamp-collecting, amateur theater, basketball officiating, movies, table games, and time spent with friends and family.
Mark has been married to Reba Hatchel since 1986. Reba is from Nederland, TX. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Texas Baptist University. Reba enjoys sewing, crafts, reading, table games, trying her hand at painting, and being with family and friends.
Mark and Reba have four adult children, three children in-law, and two amazing granddaughters.
ELIZABETH MONN THORPE
Pastor of Music and Worship
Contact: lizthorpe62@gmail.com
Elizabeth (Liz) was a vocal major at Mansfield University where she met her husband, Phil. Together they share the responsibilities of the music department for the church with Liz leading in the areas of vocal ministry and Phil directing the instrumental ensembles.
Liz is an ordained pastor since 2018. She is a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana, with a Master of Arts in Theology, and a recent graduate of the TRIM program (Training in Ministry) through Bethany Academy for Ministerial Leaders. Liz also holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction through Oasis Ministries.
CAROL A. WINGERT
Administrative Assistant
Contact: chambcob@gmail.com
I was raised in the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren. Married with two sons, whom were raised in the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren. Began employment with the church on June 19, 2006.
Love the people here and enjoy my job!
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