Weller United Methodist Church has stood at the top of the hill on Altamont Avenue in Thurmont since 1830. From that time on, Pastors have come and gone. This past June, the time of year when pastoral reappointments are made, Pastor Kells, who had been transferred to another church, announced that Mark Eyler (pictured left) had been appointed Pastor of Weller, effective July 1. The congregation looked on in amazement, and then soon, everyone was smiling. This was quite a surprise, since historically, pastors are not usually appointed to their home church. It was also a big surprise to Pastor Mark.
Pastor Mark is a life-long member of the church, having attended with his parents and siblings. His parents started attending Weller in 1950. Older church members can recall Mark being involved in every church activity or event from childhood to adulthood and beyond.
Pastor Mark had a 32-year career with the U. S. Postal Service, making many lasting friendships as a mailman. He noted that while working there, God led him to take classes to become a Lay Servant. Upon finishing, friends told him he had missed “his calling.” After giving it some thought and prayer, he went to school to become a local pastor and received his license on June 30, 2018. Pastor Mark noted, God wanted the time to be right for him, and “He knew when I was ready.”
After retiring on June 30, 2018, Pastor Mark was appointed to serve the Brandenburg United Methodist Church in Sykesville, Maryland, on July 1, 2018. According to Pastor Mark, this church had a wonderful group of congregants who helped him grow as a pastor for the next three years.
In June, 2021, Pastor Mark received a phone call from the Bishop to come to Weller UMC, effective July 1. Because of the support from his wife Lori, his family, and encouragement from his church family, Pastor Mark remains very humble, knowing this appointment is truly a God thing, with all the blessings to follow.
On July 4, 2021, Pastor Mark Eyler stood behind the pulpit preaching to a large, very grateful congregation. Since then, church activities and ministries at Weller have the pastor “blown away” and extremely busy. With the easing of the COVID-19 epidemic, Weller has returned to indoor worshiping and Sunday school for all ages, plus Sermon by Phone and a virtual worship service shown on Facebook and YouTube.
Weller supports many ministries and missions, both monetarily and hands-on, including Catoctin Pregnancy Center, Frederick Rescue Mission, Thurmont Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, Catoctin Community School Supply Drive, Coat and Warm Clothing Drive for people in need through various charitable groups, and many more.
Pastor Mark notes: “God Is Moving In This Church. I am excited to see the ministries that are forthcoming.”
Weller United Methodist Church and its congregation.
