Florin Church of the Brethren welcomed Mark Paden as its new director of discipleship, effective Jan. 1. His first Sunday at Florin was Jan. 9, when he and his wife, Cristina, were introduced to the congregation. A fellowship meal took place after the worship service.

Mark's responsibilities at Florin will include developing the younger generation of church attendees. He will be charged with planning programs to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus, and he will also be involved in the church's outreach ministries.

Mark was previously the lead pastor at Host Church in Bernville. He has experience in young adult ministries and has served as a director of youth and discipleship. Mark received a Master of Arts in religion with a concentration in pastoral ministries from Liberty Theological Baptist Seminary in Lynchburg, Va. He previously received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Edinboro University in Edinboro.

Cristina is the director of Rainbow's End Youth Center (REYS) in Mount Joy. Mark and Cristina recently moved to Landisville.

The Florin Church of the Brethren congregation worships at 10:10 a.m. every Sunday at 815 Bruce Ave., Mount Joy.