Jeremiah 31:17 shines like a bright light in a dark night. In a book overflowing with doom and destruction, we find this statement: “There is hope in your future, says the Lord, that your children shall come back to their own border ” Judah was going to Babylon and nothing could be done to stop it. Their sin had found them out! And yet, there was hope. After 70 years Judah would return, the walls and the Temple would be rebuilt, and the city would thrive again. On the darkest day, there was still hope for the future.
The Hebrews writer said, “for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” As much as the hope of restoration must have comforted Israel while in Babylon, so the hope that we have in Christ–our only hope–ought to comfort us infinitely more. Our hope is eternal life in Heaven with our Father We are saved by this Hope, we rejoice in this Hope, and we hold fast to this Hope because we know He will not leave us ashamed.
Timothy Keller defined Christian hope not as a vague wish, but as a "life-shaping certainty" in a positive future based on the resurrection of Jesus This hope is a present, confident anticipation that God will renew the world, allowing believers to navigate current hardships, suffering, and fear with stability and joy.
Hebrews 6:19 says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” No matter what may come, we win because we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ in us The final chapter has already been written So, whatever life may bring–even on our darkest day–there will always be hope for the future.
OPENING THOUGHTS
BE SALT AND LIGHT NOW
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: MARCOKIDS VOLUNTEERS
LASTING LOVE FOR CHRIST
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: MARCO STUDENTS
THE GREATEST HOURS
MAKING DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS
TOGETHER TO PRAY
USING OUR GIFTS
GROWING UP AND SHOWING UP
THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL
SERVING AFTER RETIREMENT
DIVING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD
PARTNERS IN EVERYTHING
OVERWHELMING GENEROSITY
PASTORAL REFLECTION
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
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A Song of Ascents Of Solomon
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one ’ s youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
The tension between God’s work and man ’ s work is Biblical and right. It is both a cautious warning and a strong reassurance that our work is not in vain God’s work and man ’ s work are what we are made for.
Since the garden, man and woman have worked hard and God gave the growth. Marco Church has experienced this both/and principle over the year as we worked hard even as God worked through us!
Marco Church was best when we were working hard to spread the hope of the Gospel on this little island and around the world. We had incredible opportunities to work hard and watch God work.
Even as we reflect and celebrate God’s work in us and through us, we long for more men, women, and children to come to know Jesus, the hope of the world. The real-life stories in this Annual Report inspire us to imagine more. What if every man, woman, and child on Marco Island came to know Jesus Christ as Savior?
Without God’s constant presence and work on Marco Island, our mission to bring hope to every person with the truth of Jesus would be in vain. With God’s constant presence and powerful work, we can work hard toward every man, woman, and child coming to know Jesus.
May God stir your heart to rejoice in what He did last year May He also begin to stir our imagination and compel us to action in this next year.
Unless and until God works in our labors, we labor in vain; but when He is working in us and through us, His church is unstoppable! Praise God for these stories!
PASTOR SCOTT KERENS Lead Pastor
MARCO KIDS MINISTRY
There is something sacred and shaping about serving in ministry together We are reminded that the work we do is not ours alone; it is a heavenly partnership where God invites us to be joined together in what He is already doing, weaving together volunteers, parents and children into something far beyond what one person can accomplish. It is an invitation to be the salt and light of the heavenly kingdom here on earth.
As we serve together, we begin to notice how time flies. In the bustle of everyday life, time slips past us. Children we once rocked to sleep are now reading scripture, leading worship, and helping in Sunday School. Our day-to-day can feel long, even arduous, but the years fly by. Children’s Ministry has a way of gently reminding us to slow down and treasure every moment, because before we know it, our children are grown.
Recently, one of our children asked us how they could better share the gospel with a friend they had been talking to on the bus. We asked what they had already said, and it was the gospel, scripture and the powerful simplicity of the love of Jesus What a picture of how God works most deeply in ordinary moments! A lesson in Sunday School, family Bible time in the evenings, a conversation on a bus; these moments may seem small, but they are holy
ALEXIS PISCATELLO Children’s Minsitry Coordinator
An excerpt from “To Light Their Way”
O God, we want to raise children Who know they are loved By their Creator
With a love so big It would take a lifetime
To swim in the ocean of your grace... May they ask questions
With no easy answers, And may we be rooted in You, Firm enough in our foundations
To sit in the mystery with them, Help us learn together, Bring us into Your living Word, And awaken us to Your truth, O Word that became flesh.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Do you remember being a young child? The world was big, days were long and your greatest needs were feeling safe, valued and loved Children today have the same needs They need to know they are safe, valued and loved at church. Above all else, they need to know how to have a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
Serving with Marco Kids gives me the opportunity to make a forever difference in the life of a child Just one more voice sharing Jesus and his love for them. Time flies…don’t miss the opportunity to serve.
SALLY HAHN
Marco Church Member
It’s such a blessing to be with our littlest congregants on Sunday morning The joy and excitement seen during the children’s moment in the worship center continues back in the education building Our kids are asking great questions and really end up teaching the adults in the room about how great God is and how much he loves us!
ELIZABETH KERENS
Marco Church Member
I choose to serve at Marco Church so that kids have a safe and comfortable place in the church. When I was that age, I felt uncomfortable not understanding the church teachings. If the Lord allows, I want to help children understand our God at a young age, so they may learn to live and love him just as we do!
SOFIA POLITI
Marco Church Member
This past summer, I helped with the children’s ministry by stepping in as Vacation Bible School Director in our church’s time of transition. As a pastor’s kid, I have been to a VBS almost every summer of my life, so I couldn’t let this year be the one I skipped. I wanted to make something that kids all over Marco could attend and learn about God in a fun, loud, and 100% kid-friendly way. This year ’ s VBS will hold a place in my heart forever because I got to use what the Lord has given me to plan a week of silly hand-motions, catchy songs, and a lot of sugar! We couldn’t have done it without all of our volunteers, donations, and prayers, so thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share Jesus with others!
Over the past five years, it has been a true blessing to walk alongside the children and youth of Marco Church and witness their growth—physically, emotionally, and spiritually The elementary students once greeted with simple lessons and wide-eyed curiosity are now thoughtful young people asking deeper questions and encouraging one another in their walk with Christ.
A special highlight this year was attending the Suncoast Retreat with an exceptional group of middle and high school girls. Alongside Elizabeth Kerens and Lauren Papa, we spent the weekend together at Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center It was a joy to watch these young women lead, support one another, and pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus. Their kindness, courage, and desire to grow in faith made the experience both beautiful and deeply encouraging
As a congregation, we share the privilege and responsibility of nurturing the faith of the next generation. Through prayer, mentorship, volunteering, and faithful support of youth activities, we help create a community where young people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Words of affirmation, shared life experiences, and the example of authentic faith all play an important role in guiding them as they navigate life’s challenges
Together, we continue building a church family that fosters confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love for Christ in the hearts of our children and youth.
MARISSA POLANCO Office Manager
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
I’d love to share a glimpse into the magical weekend youth retreat called Suncoast This year, we brought 18 teen girls and 3 leaders to a camp about two hours away We joined other churches in the area to worship the Lord, meet in small groups, and play many outdoor games The best part of the weekend was gathering after the speaker each night to discuss the main points of the sermon and ways they play out in our lives The girls’ deep conversations were heartwarming and encouraging What an amazing generation of kids coming up in the church!
ELIZABETH KERENS
2025 has been a special year in an era of increasingly special years. Having been placed in such an amazing community at this church, my childhood (now teenage life) has been abundantly full of the love of Jesus, shown primarily through the love of the Marco Pres community Throughout 2025 there was a network of support, which gave me mentors, friends, brothers/sisters, and even stand-in grandparents Marco Pres has led me to question, wonder, pray, lead, read, and rejoice in 2025 Both the kids and the adults within this community have been monumental in, not just shaping 2025, but shaping my life Thank you, love you guys ❤!
The Marco Presbyterian Girls Bible Study has been such a blessing to attend. I have learned so much theology and biblical context over the last few months at our Starbucks bible studies.
GOOD NEWS CLUB
As my eighth year at Marco Church begins, one constant source of joy has been serving with the Good News Club team Each week from October through April, a dedicated group of volunteers—including Kerry and Joan Rowles, Cheryl Zofchak, and Sharon Hansen—gathers at Tommie Barfield Elementary School to share the hope of the Gospel with children in our community.
During each meeting, students participate in Bible lessons, Scripture memory, games, snacks, and relationship-building activities that create lasting connections Through this ministry, the name of Jesus is lifted high, drawing both children and volunteers closer to Him.
Good News Club, a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, has long been an important way Marco Church serves local families. Each week, we provide a safe and welcoming after-school environment where students encounter Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life Children are encouraged to understand God’s love for them and to recognize how their faith can positively influence their families, friends, teachers, and community as they learn what it means to follow Christ and be salt and light in the world.
Serving in this ministry is deeply rewarding. As Psalm 78:4 reminds us, “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done ” There is great joy in sharing these truths and watching the next generation come to see Jesus more clearly week after week. These truly are some of the greatest hours of every week.
JEAN ROWLES Creative Director
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, has long been an important part of Marco Church’s outreach efforts. This impactful ministry brings hope to children around the world by sharing the love of Jesus Christ through simple gift-filled shoeboxes.
While packing a shoebox may seem like a small act, each gift becomes a powerful expression of God’s love when received by a child Along with the shoebox, many children participate in The Greatest Journey Bible lessons, where the message of the Gospel often reaches not only the child but entire families and communities.
The main reason I continue to support Operation Christmas Child by packing shoeboxes is that it is a tangible way to share Christ’s love with children facing poverty and hardship worldwide. Distributed through partnerships with local churches across the globe, these gifts open doors for evangelism and discipleship This annual ministry brings together individuals and families of all ages to pack, pray, and give In doing so, it deepens spiritual growth, strengthens fellowship within our church family, and reminds us of our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ Through participation in this ministry, we join in the mission of making disciples of all nations.
SHARON HANSEN Marco Church Member
MARCO PRAYER TEAM
On one occasion, Jesus asked a blind man what might seem to be an obvious question: “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41) Perhaps this reminds us that Jesus invites us to express in our own words the needs of our hearts and the needs of others through prayer.
The Marco Prayer Team faithfully gathers nearly every Wednesday afternoon, both in person and via Zoom, to seek the Lord together and to lift these needs before Him. We continue to be encouraged not only by answered prayers, but also by the blessings that come from praying together as a community of faith.
Through prayer, we bring hope and encouragement to one another. Hearing prayers offered by others helps us grow in our own prayer lives and often provides new perspective—sometimes the difference between hope and discouragement. These gatherings are sacred and hope-filled moments, and all are welcome to participate, whether praying aloud or quietly in their hearts.
Did you know we have mission opportunities right here on Marco Island? One of these ministries is teaching ESL—English as a Second Language to internationals, immigrants, and sojourners in our community.
God has truly brought the nations to us Through ESL ministry, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing His love while investing in the lives of others through teaching and friendship. Currently, five dedicated team members meet weekly with adult students from around the world, including Guatemala, Thailand, Cuba, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, and Colombia, among others.
While we seek to serve, we often find that we receive far more than we give. The program provides students with a safe and welcoming environment to learn English, grow in conversational confidence, share cultures, and build meaningful friendships.
Over the years, several students have attended church services, one became a Christian and joined our church family, and four participants have achieved U.S. citizenship. What a blessing it is to be part of this mission.
LINDA LARSON Marco Church Member
NURSING HOME MINISTRY
This ministry meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Discovery Village Memory Care and is led by Linda Larson and Cheryl Petrich. Attendance typically includes 10–15 residents at each gathering.
Each visit features a program of themed hymns and familiar songs—such as those celebrating Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and Valentine’s Day—along with a Bible lesson, a Scripture reading, and prayer Many residents attend regularly and eagerly anticipate these sessions, often singing along to the songs they have come to know so well.
Ministry team members also spend time visiting personally with residents and caregivers, building meaningful connections that make each gathering especially rewarding. Team member Joan Rowles shares, “I love connecting with the patients, as well as the caregivers, personally to share a few words together Seeing them smile, laugh, and sing along with us is priceless.”
The staff at Discovery Village Memory Care have expressed deep appreciation for the team’s faithful presence and consistency, even requesting that additional churches offer similar programs on other days. By simply showing up and sharing time with residents and caregivers, this ministry extends hope and compassion, reflecting the hands and feet of Jesus in a powerful and lasting way.
KERRY ROWLES
Marco Church Elder
DISCOVERY VILLAGE OUTREACH
Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful” (Matthew 9:37), and this is evident among the more than 185 residents of Discovery Village in East Naples. God has opened meaningful opportunities for ministry within this community, allowing Discovery Village to become an extension of Marco Church’s outreach encouraging believers in their faith while inviting others to come to know and trust Jesus.
We invite continued prayer for the monthly Bible Study held on the fourth Saturday in the Theater, as well as the Thursday evening Bible Study in the Ballroom led by George Buck and Kerry Rowles
God calls each of us to serve wherever we are planted As relationships grow and faith deepens, new opportunities continue to emerge to share the hope and truth of Jesus in unexpected and meaningful ways What began as planning for the future has developed into a vibrant ministry that is already impacting lives and will continue to do so for years to come.
Please also pray for ongoing favor with Discovery Village leadership, that God’s hope and light may continue to shine throughout this community.
PASTOR STEVE SCHOOF Assistant Pastor
I retired from CRU in August after 48 years of service. Shortly before retirement, Scott reached out, asking if I’d be open to a conversation about serving here at Marco Church. My first reaction was, “Really? You don’t know me This invitation seems to be too good to be true ”
Julie and I are thrilled that we can each use our gifts of shepherding (Hugh) and hospitality (Julie) to be a part of growing God’s kingdom. In our years with CRU we focused on living out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) amongst students, and in the last 20 years, international students. We both love people and are delighted at getting to know you Iron sharpens iron, and as each of us use our gifts, talents, strengths and even weaknesses, we see and experience the Spirit’s moving among us, knitting our hearts to him and one another.
Growing in love for God and others is a lifetime journey Just as gardens grow with sunlight and the right soil and fertilizers, so we as believers grow in our love for God and others by being in the right environment.
Jesus talked about the Great Commandments - to love the Lord your God, and to love your neighbor as yourself. There’s no better place to live those out than in a church community like Marco Church. Let me encourage you to think about your gifts and strengths, then pray about how God might want you to experience the joy of connecting and growing in this community. What I’ve seen is that when walking in the Spirit and using the gifts he has given, it doesn’t feel like work, even though some effort might be required Join us in the joy of connecting and serving here at Marco I know I’m glad I’ve been able to experience joy in serving after “retirement”!
HUGH JONES Seasonal Pastor
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Adult Sunday School and Men’s Bible Study provide meaningful opportunities for adults to gather together for spiritual growth through the study and application of God’s Word. These ministries encourage personal Bible study while fostering a deeper love for Jesus and His Word
The small-group setting creates a strong sense of belonging, where individuals feel known, supported, and encouraged. Through fellowship, accountability, and prayer, participants build relationships that strengthen connections within the church body and serve as an important foundation for ongoing spiritual growth.
These classes also serve as welcoming entry points for newcomers, helping integrate new members and offering a comfortable environment for those exploring faith In this way, Adult Sunday School and Men’s Bible Study actively support the church’s mission of making disciples through teaching, encouragement, and meaningful spiritual conversation.
Together, these ministries help fulfill the church’s core purposes—teaching Scripture, building Christ-centered community, and equipping believers to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
As Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ”
LARRY SIMON AND BILL TURBERVILLE Marco Church Elders
Several major projects took shape this year, and Marco Church once again served as a strong and supportive partner behind the scenes.
The Getty Sing! Hymnal, produced in partnership with Crossway, has been a tremendous success We continue to hear hundreds of encouraging stories describing its impact in churches, Bible studies, and homes around the world.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for a new recording project. In May 2026, I anticipate entering the studio to begin work on the American Folk Songs and Hymns album—a project whose roots can be traced directly to Marco Island. The very first concert exploring this music was held at Marco Church in 2021 with Shane and EB Cole.
For me personally, this Folk Songs and Hymns project has been a deeply rewarding journey of discovery and learning Exploring early American song traditions has proven both meaningful and formative, influencing and enriching my ongoing songwriting.
As always, Marco Church remains a vital partner in my work beyond the church, providing a strong foundation of encouragement and support. Thank you once again for your continued partnership.
MATT PAPA Artist in Residence
DONATIONS*
*from February 2025-January 2026
EXPENSES*
*from February 2025-January 2026
God has blessed Marco Church with a giving congregation Because of your generosity through the last year, we have been able to:
Hire a Children’s Ministry Director
Host an Easter Sunrise Service with over 6,000 in attendance
Send 702 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child
Hold a very successful VBS
End the year with income slightly over expenses
Budgeting for a congregation that goes from 150 in the summer to 500 in season is difficult. We have no control over some of our expenses; for instance, insurance accounts for almost half of our Facilities budget Our expenses remain constant throughout the year, but our income varies with attendance, making us grateful for those who support Marco Church even whey they are away.
We look forward to what God will do in the future as we continue to bring hope to people with the truth of Jesus
Did King Solomon waste his time, talent and treasure?
The wise Israelite King built the glorious temple in Jerusalem. It was magnificent. The two hundred foot tall gleaming white stone walls were visible for miles around Jerusalem Even at night during some feasts, the fires burned in the massive bowls of oil and the white walls glowed. Filled with gold, silver, and bronze, the temple was the pinnacle of physical worship of Yahweh.
But was it all in vain? Is Marco Church building in vain?
Psalm 127 is attributed to Solomon and begins with a building but ends with children “Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborer builds in vain…behold, children are a heritage from the LORD.” (vv. 1 & 3)
I wonder if Solomon looked up at that beautiful temple mount one day and understood, in his Godgifted wisdom, that a building can be destroyed. A watchman can be overpowered. The gold and silver can be ransacked The tapestries can burn Sadly, all of those things did happen Some of those golden candelabras ended up in Babylon!
Our labors are fruitless unless the Lord builds the house. How do we know that God is building? Let us hear the cautious warning of Psalm 127 and walk in faith that God is building on Marco Island.
In fact, this annual report is full of faith stories Marco Church worship is rich The Bible is preached and studied and prayed. The sacraments of the Supper and Baptism are administered. The next generation is growing in our midst. God is working.
Children are a heritage. Children will grow to know and worship the same God of the Israel. Children are blessings, fruit from God, and arrows ready to launch fast and far to hit their mark.
Unless and until God builds the house, we labor in vain
Marco Church is perfectly positioned and deeply stirred to reach every man, woman, and child on Marco Island for Christ
From the permanent resident who rides out the storm to the weekly guest who rents out the house or condo
From the generational owner in the Estates to the newly settled young couple raising children on the island
From the Tommie Barfield Elementary student who has never heard the Gospel to the postchurched and post-Christian 80-year old
Marco Church is a people, filled with the Holy Spirit, compelled by God to launch arrows of faith in Christ into the next generations; bringing hope to people with the truth of Jesus.
Please pray and work hard toward these ends:
That God will build His Church
That Marco Church will labor with all our might and faithfulness
That every man, woman, and child on Marco Island will know Jesus as Savior because of God’s work in us and through us
