Dear Editor,

The North East Council of Churches would like to thank Mark Kuhne for his many years of service to the North East Food Pantry and to the people of this community.  

As the Pantry enters its 17th year of giving in its current location, its many volunteers can be confident that the Pantry is stronger and more efficient than ever before, due to Mark’s diligence and his loyalty to his calling.

The tasks of the director which are listed in the Pantry’s constitution are few, but they do not begin to tell of the daily workload that Mark had to support upon his yoke, especially during this time of Covid-19.  But, his trust in Jesus allowed him to always move forward, pulling the Pantry and all of its dedicated workers right behind him—or, as he would prefer, right beside him!

With his recent resignation from the director’s post, the pantry must seek another leader who will guide the organization with the faith in Christ that Mark had. As he wrote in the Pantry’s 2018 annual report, “Yes, our patrons need food, but of greater importance is their need for Christ.”  

The new director, whoever it may be, would be wise to note these most powerful words–from a most capable and respected leader, who will be deeply missed on Bothel Street and beyond!

Sincerely,

Rev. Matt Dennison & Rev. Eric Leonard,

former and current chairs of the NE Council of Churches