November 8, 2009
Dear Friends,
During the last two weeks we have had the pleasure of gathering with many of you in the homes of members of St. Mark’s Church. These gatherings have been wonderful opportunities to enjoy fellowship and discover new and interesting facets of each other. This year the goals of the Stewardship Team were to share information about the meaning of stewardship, introduce the new approach we are taking to stewardship at St. Mark’s, share the financial goals we have set for 2010, and most importantly we asked for your input, opinions and suggestions.
For the 25% of you who were able to be a part of this process, we thank you and very much enjoyed our time with you. For those of you that were unable to participate, we truly missed you. Enclosed you will find:
(1) a 2009 Giving Patterns chart (green sheet),
(2) a synopsis of discussion items with financial layout (gold sheet)
(3) the 2010 pledge card (brochure).
All of these handouts were discussed in detail during the in home gatherings.
Many themes emerged from the discussions of the last two weeks. The majority of us expressed that, no matter what path led us to St. Mark’s Church, it has remained our church home due to loving friendship, compelling worship, pastoral leadership, a sense of peace and renewal and its warm, inviting community of people. This Body of Christ gives us a sense of deep love and support. A majority of people expressed the desire to:
· enhance and increase our Christian formation events
· focus on Outreach efforts,
· find a unifying mission project for the whole community of St. Mark’s to embrace,
· renew and increase fellowship opportunities.
Each of us contributes to the life of the St. Mark’s community. Many spoke with passion about ministries in which they are involved. This year we are providing the opportunity to financially support the area of your passion.
The “Directed Commitment” form is on the back of the fourth panel of the pledge brochure: 80% of your financial gift supports the Operating Budget; 20% of your gift may be directed to one of the specific areas listed. The Stewardship Team has committed to making sure all directed gifts reach the area selected.
Please carefully review the materials provided and prayerfully consider your financial gift to God, given out of thanks for the abundance in your life. Please return your pledge cards to church by mailing them in to the office, submitting your pledge on-line through our website, or bringing them with you on November 15 and placing them in the basket to be blessed.
We will celebrate the Commitment of our Gifts to God on Sunday, November 15th during both the 8am and 10:15am services, along with a celebratory lunch at 11:30am in Fellowship Hall. Please join us in this wondrous celebration of God’s abundance.
Thank you for supporting the stewardship of all gifts given to us by God and being a part of the community of St. Mark’s as we continue to do the work of God in the world.
Yours in Peace,
Christine Melone Stu Clarke Pam Jensen
Stewardship Chair Stewardship Co-Chair Stewardship Team