(937) 855-2050 | Worship every Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.
(937) 855-2050 | Worship every Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.
Get to know your church leaders and staff.
Mark was ordained a minister in the United Church of Christ in April 2023 and began his pastorate at St. John’s that same month. Mark grew up in the Dayton area, having lived in Huber Heights, Kettering and presently in Bellbrook. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephium in Columbus, Ohio, a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies and a Juris Doctorate, both from the University of Dayton.
Mark was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition and has belonged to a Unitarian Universalist community. He embraced the United Church of Christ because of its expression of progressive theology that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and a strong dedication to the Gospel’s call for social justice and cultural transformation. Mark’s goal as Pastor is to proclaim that love for God must be expressed in our care for others, offer hope and a spiritual home to the least, the last, and the lost, encourage mercy and compassion, and make the joy of Christ’s Resurrection a living reality in our church and world.
My name is Decker Jones, I am the Music Director for St. John’s UCC. My duties include suggesting hymns for services, coordinating musical offerings during the season and obtaining presenters during the summer months. I am also the director of the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir. I provide the prelude and postlude and accompany the hymns for our services.
I graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. I taught elementary general music for thirty-seven years in Huber Heights, Ohio. During that time I was also a church organist and choir director serving Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, Christian Scientist, and United Methodist churches.
I welcome inquiries about any of our music groups. We include Youth Choir and Bells, Gilead’s Grace Contemporary, Chancel Choir, and Bell Choir. You can reach me at (937) 258-2723.
Barbara has been with St. John’s since April of 2023 and is our Financial Secretary. She produces the weekly newsletter, the Sunday bulletins, handles the accounting and manages a variety of tasks in our church office. Her favorite things about working for St. John’s are the members and her co-workers. Barbara grew up in Tampa, Florida and has a degree in Accounting from Miami University. Barbara is happily married with one daughter. She enjoys cooking, reading, crafting and traveling with her family. She has lived in Franklin for the past 18 years.
Cathy Harting has been the director at St. John’s Early Learning Center since April 2023. Prior to becoming the director, Cathy served as the Bookkeeper and Assistant Director. She has been with the center for six years. Before working for the ELC, Cathy worked as a tutor at Sinclair College and as a substitute teacher at Valley View Schools. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Cathy has lived in the Valley View community for 36 years. She and her husband Mark have four adult children and will add a fifth grandchild to the family in 2024. Cathy’s favorite thing about the ELC is her day-to-day conversations with the children. She tells anyone who asks that the best thing about the center is a staff that truly cares about the children.