“Pastor Barbara” was appointed to First United Methodist Church of Middletown in 2015, as a Certified Lay Minister, and subsequently commissioned as a Local Pastor.

Her journey there was full of challenges, opportunities, and growth. After First UMC sold their long-time church home, Pastor Barbara, oversaw the successful campaign to purchase land and build a new church, which was consecrated in 2021.

 

She was part of the creation team of The New Room Cooperative Parish, which enabled five area churches to develop relationships of trust and mutuality, resulting in coordinated church programs, worship, fellowship and ministries.

 

District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Alpher Sylvester of the New York Annual Conference is quick to give kudos to Rev. Marks.

In a Vision Magazine article, Rev. Alpher said that “She’s a local pastor, and her leadership is really exemplary, her faith walk is what drives that” about her ministry at First UMC of Middletown.