Annual Campaign

In the Holy Land are two ancient bodies of water. Both are fed by the Jordon River. In one, fish play and roots find sustenance. In the other, there is no splash of fish, no sound of bird, no leaf around. The difference is not in the Jordan, for it empties into both, but in the Sea of Galilee: for every drop taken in goes out. It gives and it lives. The other gives nothing. And it is the Dead Sea. [From Credo by William Sloan Coffin, pg. 15]

The 2008 Stewardship Campaign launched with a kick-off meeting for Session elders, deacons, and Stewardship Ministry members on September 23 after church. Each Sunday throughout the campaign you will hear from members of the congregation about Saint Mark’s ministries and what could be done with your generosity. These Minutes for Stewardship will lead up to November 4, Celebration Sunday (Stewardship Commitment Sunday), when we will gather our pledges to Saint Mark and sit down together at lunch to celebrate.

In 2008 with increases in your pledges, Saint Mark would:

  • Increase support for PCUSA mission coworkers Eric and Becky Hinderliter as PCUSA reduces its direct support and Wycliffe Bible Translators staff David and Leah Preston in Mozambique, and increase efforts with our partner communities in Cameroon (Tchekos Dispensary and Ngoro Parrish.)

  • Fund another Living Waters for the World project, possibly in Haiti.  

  • Increase funding for emergency assistance world-wide.

  • Support more local mission projects.  In 2007, we were able to fund only 48% of the requests we received from worthy community organizations.  The needs remain great.

  • Beautify and preserve our landscape and grounds beyond the capacity of volunteer labor. 

  • Repair and replace operating equipment in the sanctuary and education buildings, beyond current budget capability.

  • Increase staff hours dedicated to building maintenance and management due to increased use of our building by community groups.

  • Hire an Associate Pastor or Certified Christian Educator to best support our growing needs.  These positions require additional salary and pension plan contributions as specified by Presbytery.

  • Provide more childcare for various educational and worship experiences so that parents with young children can attend (classes, mothers' group, Taize, etc.)

  • Update the technology in Christian education with the purchase of new DVD players, CD players, and a digital camera.

 

Why I Give.....

Stewardship: The Ins and Outs of Sharing

Article from August 13 PresbyterianOutlook