The Fourth Word - Mark 15:33-34

Speaker - Rev. Mary Beenken

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).   - The Fourth Word - Mark 15:33-34

Reverend Mary Beenken is new to the Peoria area, where she has recently begun her first call as pastor of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church. She is married to Reverend Nathan Johnson, who serves St. John's Lutheran Church in Toluca, Illinois. Prior to beginning their ministry here, Mary and Nathan attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and went on to complete a post-graduate fellowship, travelling the globe to learn from the religious experiences of people who have experienced persecution. Their travels took them to Turkey, Rwanda, Germany, Guatemala, and India, before returning them home to the United States, where their ministry includes advocating for justice and building relationships rooted in compassion and peace. God has sent them across the world, but they have been blessed to settle here in Peoria where they live with their two dogs, Obie and Nergal. 

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