November 2021 Vineyard

church business
Council summary
September 2021 meeting
Council met for its regular monthly meeting on
September 14th. Don Friend presented another strong
financial report, indicating that we are continuing
to keep expenses on track with income. Due to the
sale of the CDC, the remaining mortgage from the
CDC property has been consolidated into the overall
church mortgage, totaling $1,663,382 at the time of our
September meeting.
The big topic of discussion this month was making
decisions about the proceeds from the sale of the CDC.
The total profit from the sale of the CDC was $1,165,583.
• Due to a current contract, St. Mark’s inherited the
copier from the CDC that would cost just as much to
send back as it would be to keep it. Therefore, the
Council voted take $14,000 from the proceeds to set
aside for future payments on the copier.
• The church loaned the CDC $107,987 during the
pandemic to cover expenses while the CDC was not
making any income. The Council approved putting
$107,987 from the proceeds into the General Fund
to repay this loan.
• The Council approved setting aside $100,000 to
use for the most urgent property issues. Based
on Property Team recommendations, the Council
approved work on needed masonry repairs,
replacement of a portion of the parking lot, and
carpet replacement in the office wing.
• The remaining proceeds from the CDC sale are
currently in a 30-day CD that has the option to
extend each month while the Finance Team
investigates options for where we put that money.
St. Mark’s continues to meet with ESSE Adult Day
Services to explore the possibility of serving as a site
for them in the future. Additionally, the Council is
looking into our building use policy, as we hope to
ensure a safe and secure building for St. Mark’s and
outside groups at a future date.
Randy Steinheimer gave an update on the Fall
Stewardship Campaign, “We Are an Offering.” All
of Council was pleased to submit their pledge
cards. We were excited about all the videos and
communications on the campaign this Fall and
grateful to the committee for all their hard work!
Pastor Fish reported there continues to be lots of
positive energy around outreach. He is meeting with
the Dominican Literacy Program to see how St. Mark’s
can partner with them in the future.
We have a busy fall and winter ahead of us. As
a Council, we hope you participate in our Fall
Stewardship Campaign, enjoy our Sunday morning
Faith & Fellowship, and look forward to the upcoming
Advent season.
—Emma Albers, Council Secretary
Council member nominations
As per our Constitution, the Nominating Committee
respectfully submits the following people to be voted on
by the congregation in January at our Annual Meeting.
• Michael Bauman
• Tyler Mabrey
• Jon Miller
• Mark Mueller
• Anna Themanson
Pictures and short bios of the nominees will be featured
in the January Vineyard.
BAPTISM: Baptisms are offered
on the third Sunday of each month,
at the 10 a.m. worship service. The
first step in planning a baptism is to
contact the church office to arrange a
time to meet with a pastor.
WEDDINGS: Please contact the
church office to make inquiries about
an upcoming wedding.
office@stmarksaurora.net
630-897-6891
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