August-September 2022 Vineyard

church matters
Council happenings
Since the last issue of the Vineyard, the
St. Mark’s Council has met twice and had
two sessions of “Chat with Council.” We
invite members of the congregation to
come to our chats 30 minutes before
services on Council-meeting days and
the night before. We thank you for your
suggestions and also for your words of
encouragement!
Here are just a few highlights of our recent
Council meetings:
FINANCES AND STEWARDSHIP: Our
finances continue to trend in a positive
direction, as we continue to be under
budget on spending and over budget
on income. Our giving has lagged in
the summer, which is typical during the
summer months. We will continue to
monitor expenses to keep our budget
moving in the right direction.
Look for information to come on our
Stewardship Campaign, “Coming Together
in Joyful Giving.” This year, we plan to
highlight the various ministries of St.
Mark’s as members consider how to offer
time and talent as well as monetary gifts.
ESSE: We continue to be excited about
ESSE (Ecumenical Support Services
for the Elderly) at St. Mark’s, and we
appreciated all of the questions at the
special congregational meeting, where
the congregation voted to designate
space at St. Mark’s for ESSE. This meeting
was a high point of our summer as we
came together to consider hosting this
important ministry at St. Mark’s.
COMMUNICATION: Plans are in the
works to upgrade the display space on the
brick wall near our front entrance. Matt
Greising and Greg Reiseck are creating
innovative, user-friendly “display rails”
to replace our bulletin boards. Check
this space in September to see what’s
happening at St. Mark’s!
BUILDING USE: Our Property Team is
receiving many requests for the use of our
building, both from members and from
community groups. We want to make sure
that requests are going through the office
so they are properly vetted and get on
the church calendar. Watch for upcoming
information about a new Building Use
Application, a Liability Release Waiver, and
a Policy and Procedure document.
PERMANENT NAME TAGS: As Council has
become more visible with name tags, a
generous member has offered to create
name tags for all members. We are excited
for the opportunity to call everyone by
name! Look for more information to come.
YOUTH AND FAMILY: We have an array of
youth and family events coming up at
St. Mark’s:
• Final Family Fun Day, August 28
• Rally Day, September 11
• FDL, Confirmation, Youth Group,
beginning September 14
• Sunday School and Education Hour,
beginning September 18
WORSHIP AND THE ARTS: Council
approved the hiring of Sue Hildebrand
as Facilitator of Worship, Music, and the
Visual Arts. She will serve the congregation
part-time in this role.
RESPONSE ADVISORY TEAM: New “panic
buttons” have been installed in the
sanctuary and lower level. When pressed,
they send out a silent alarm. We also
have new Emergency Action Plans posted
all over the building. In the future, look
for upgraded first-aid kits and drills for
weather, emergency action, and so forth.
Please feel free to reach out to Council
members with questions and suggestions
in helping us carry out St. Mark’s mission
to share Christ’s abundant love!
— Lynnette Brent
14
St. Mark’s
Council
Randy Steinheimer, President
rsteinheimer@sd129.org
Lynnette Brent, Vice-President
lynnettebrent@gmail.com
Jon Miller, Secretary
jgmiller6836@gmail.com
Rob Creaney, Treasurer
rob.creaney@sbcglobal.net
Mike Bauman
jmb15mjb4@gmail.com
Matt Greising
mpgreising@gmail.com
Izzy Jones
isabellemjones06@gmail.com
Tyler Mabrey
yerbam719@gmail.com
Mark Mueller
mueller1110@comcast.net
Anna Themanson
acthemo@gmail.com
Patrick Fish, Pastor
pfish@stmarksaurora.net
Marnie Rourke, Pastor
mrourke@stmarksaurora.net
Joni Ackley, Recording Secretary
jackley@stmarksaurora.net