St. Mark’s Episcopal Church welcomes new priest

The Rev. Michael Simon has accepted a call to serve as rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, beginning next Sunday, June 13. He comes to Berkeley Springs after serving two congregations in the Romney area for six years.

Rev. Simon brings a wide range of experience to his new position. Before attending seminary he served as a Physician’s Assistant in Psychiatry for 23 years. After completing his studies at Virginia Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1998. Later, he went on to receive a Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Theology and became the Hospice Chaplain for the Northern Panhandle.

His goal while at St. Mark’s is to empower each person to find his or her own ministry within the church and in the larger community. Outreach to those in need in Morgan County is a top priority for Rev. Simon. “I am interested in outreach ministries that meet the emotional needs of God’s people as well as their physical needs,” he notes.

He and his wife, Kathe, have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Rev. Simon will also be serving Mt. Zion Episcopal Church in Hedgesville. The two churches have been yoked in the Diocese of West Virginia for the past four and a half years.

Worship Services at St. Mark’s are held each Sunday at 9 a.m. The Sunday School, also at 9 a.m., welcomes all children. The church is located at 180 S. Washington Street at the intersection of U.S. 522 and Route 9 East.