The Bridge: Special Edition

At the semi-annual meeting of our congregation on January 31, members of St. Mark's gave thanks for God's blessings in 2015 and made plans for ministry in the new year. Highlights of our time together included:

A preview of our theme for 2016: "Let All Creation Praise".
Approval of a Treasurer's Report that showed the generosity of all those who helped us surpass our projections for income in 2015 by more than $35,000.
Adoption of a budget for the first six months of 2016 that reflected a strong commitment to the ministries of our congregation and to the staff who serve and lead us in many diverse ways. Fully funding this ministry will require a 5% increase in giving over the first half of 2015. Click here a full view of the budget we adopted.
A preview of stewardship in 2016, which will include a time for all of us to make a Plan for Giving during the Lenten season and a Plan for Learning, Serving, and Growing during the Easter season.
Election of a Nominating Committee, including Joe Buck, Becky Tichy, Derek Smith, Diana Busch, and Deborah Herforth.

At the meeting, our pastors also extended an invitation to all members to join a Growth Group during Lent and Easter this year. In keeping with our theme for the year, these small groups of 8-12 people will give us a way to grow in faith, grow in friendship, and grow as stewards of God's gifts. The groups will meet weekly, starting in late-February, with a two-week break around Holy Week and Easter. Like the Faith Journey groups that many of you remember, Growth Groups will provide a similar opportunity to hear each other's stories, explore questions of faith, build relationships, hear scripture together, and listen for God's call.

To sign up for a Growth Group, please click on this link and choose the day and time that works for you: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0E48ADAC22A5FC1-stmarks