May 2022 Vineyard

church matters
Transition update
Council Happenings at St. Mark’s
Greetings from St. Mark’s Council!
c
The St. Mark’s Church Council has
decided to pursue the hiring of a
part-time pastor. After consulting
with the Metro Chicago Synod, the
Council and Synod support the
action of hiring a part-time pastor
to ease some of Pastor Patrick’s
responsibilities, such as leading
weekly worship and assisting with
pastoral care of our members. In
addition, a part-time pastor would
keep St. Mark’s finances in line with
or lower than the existing budget for
personnel expenses and allow St.
Mark’s the autonomy to select and
interview its own candidates for the
position.
At its Sunday, April 24 meeting, the
St. Mark’s Council approved a job
description for a part-time pastor.
The job description extends a sixmonth
contract seeking a part-time
pastor to faithfully provide and
facilitate a ministry of care and
nurture, including two weekends
per month of worship leadership,
including preaching.
The job description is being sent
to potential candidates at this
time, and we await responses with
cautious optimism. The pool of
potential candidates comes from
the Metro Chicago Synod’s roster of
retired pastors who have expressed
interested in pulpit supply.
It is the Church Council’s desire
to keep you informed of the
incremental steps it is undertaking.
The Council asks for your continued
prayers for St. Mark’s as we move
through this transition together.
—Randy Steinheimer, Council President
This month’s Council meeting was yet another packed agenda. We
started by welcoming our newest staff member, Joni Ackley—and
celebrating her birthday! As Recording Secretary for the Council, Joni
will be taking minutes at each Council meeting.
Highlights from the April 24th meeting include:
• the formation of a committee to explore data about our return
to worship. This will assist us as we consider our future pastoral
needs based on the number of worshipers and their needs. If you
are interested in this committee, please talk with Jon Miller.
• the approval of a job description to assist in hiring a part-time
pastor. This pastor, on a short-term contract, will assist with
worship and pastoral care.
• the approval of Mike Bauman to a term on St. Mark’s
Endowment Team.
• updates on our congregational care initiatives. Look for much
more information to come throughout the month of June, as we
re-introduce our various care ministries and show how they all fit
together.
• budget and treasury updates as we continue to track our
finances. Treasurer Rob Creaney is happy to answer budget
questions.
• plans for a congregation-wide survey in early June to gather
ideas for fostering connections between St. Mark’s members as
a follow-up to our “walking together” sessions. In these sessions,
participants cited the need for members to be committed to caring
for each other, and to ensure St. Mark’s as a welcoming church.
• updates on our new computer software that will allow for more
streamlined operations, better communication, and financial
management.
• plans to better communicate St. Mark’s outreach activities to
allow our congregation to find opportunities to participate in these
ministries and to connect what we do with the “why” behind our
efforts. Council approved an outreach budget that utilizes monies
from the Hansen Fund to support new outreach initiatives.
“Chats with Council”: Council members have enjoyed increased
opportunities to talk with congregation members and listen to
suggestions and concerns. Please continue to join our monthly “Chats
with Council.” Our next chat is Sunday, May 15 before the 10 a.m.
service. Also, look for Council members at the Welcome Center before
both Saturday and Sunday services. Your feedback has resulted in
many positive changes—we’re here for you!
—Lynnette Brent, Council Secretary
10