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Dear Saint Mark Family,
Recently, two passages of Scripture from Ephesians have been stirring in my mind and heart, as I think about the role each of us has in the life of the church.
The first is Ephesians 2:10, which tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)
The second is Ephesians 4:11-12, tells us “He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.” (The Message)
Both passages affirm that every believer has an important role in the life of the church, and that every believer is called to serve in the body of Christ. There are no exceptions! Everyone has a role that contributes to the overall well-being and flourishing of the church. We have all been given the gifts for the building up of the body of Christ.
What role might yours be? What ministry might you be gifted to do? What gifts of the Spirit might you have? I invite and encourage you to think about this as you go through the coming week. Pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal to you what you can do. If you are unsure of what your spiritual gifts are, please contact the church office for a Spiritual Gifts Inventory that can help you identify your gifts. I am available to discuss them with you. Whatever your talents and gifts are, they can, and should, be used to do the good work that God has set in place for you to do in and through Saint Mark.
As communicated earlier this week, we are forming two Task Forces: A Communication Task Force to work alongside the Church Council, and be responsible for gathering input from the congregation, creating a plan for thoughtful, timely and effective communication, and presenting an action plan for all to follow. And a Vision Fulfillment Task Force that will work alongside the Church Council and with me to create a short-term and long-term strategic plan for Saint Mark to be a viable and thriving destination church as well as a place of worship for the growing community around us.
Please prayerfully consider on which of these task forces you may be aptly suited to serve to make a positive difference in the life of our church, and then let us know your interest. I pray.
Finally, please remember our upcoming Church Conference with our District Superintendent, Dr. Michael McQueen, on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 12:30pm in the sanctuary. This Church Conference will be for the sole purpose of electing members to serve in different leadership capacities, including as your Church Council for the class of 2024 through 2026, as recommended by your Nominations and Leadership Development Committee, or from the floor. All members of Saint Mark are encouraged to be at this Church Conference, so you can be a part of this process. Here is the link to the officiary with the names of the members who have been recommended by your Nominations and Leadership Development Committee.
God’s grace and peace,
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