Fall Stewardship Appeal
LOVING GOD. LOVING OTHERS.
For over 125 years, St. Mark’s has been blessed to be a part of God’s work in North St. Paul and the world. Participation in God’s work has taken the congregation to India, to Tanzania, to Appalachia, to the North St. Paul Food Shelf, to North High School, and to many other communities throughout the world.
Challenges and opportunities in 2020
St. Mark’s has built a strong foundation of ministry that will carry our congregation well into the future. While 2020 presented us with many new challenges, we have responded in new ways to maintain connections and build community during this global pandemic:
- St. Mark’s continues to provide spiritual direction and guidance using technology. People experience God’s love through God's word, music, the sacraments, and prayer as they worship online and outside in the parking lot.
- With increased community needs, St. Mark’s is feeding the hungry in our neighborhood through support of our partners at the North St. Paul Food Shelf, Second Harvest Pop-up Farmers Markets, and the North High School Polar Pack/Polar Den programs.
- Young people grow in faith even during a pandemic. Confirmation and Youth Group meet weekly via Zoom technology. And we engage our youngest members through children’s messages during worship each week.
- Regular interaction helps preserve a sense of belonging. People maintain strong connections to each other through online Bible study and conversation, as well as Facebook posts, worship opportunities, virtual committee meetings, and weekly email updates.
Strong financial position
As a congregation, we have been intentional about living within a responsible and sustainable budget. These efforts have assured a strong financial position, even during this time of pandemic. We have been blessed with resources that enable us to generously love God and love others!
Preparing for a vibrant future
Today, as we navigate unprecedented challenges, new opportunities are available to us to enhance ministry, share the good news of Jesus Christ with neighbors, and contribute to the work of the Church in the world. God calls us to Grow Together in Love: to participate in God’s mission in new and innovative ways and create new ministries for a vibrant future.
Ministry Initiatives for 2021
We are called to love God and love others in a complicated world. The time to build on our solid foundation has come! With an additional $50,000 in giving in 2021, we will be able to expand our ministry with these new initiatives.
10% of all new funds raised will be tithed to the Saint Paul Area Synod – $5,000
Enhance ministry at St. Mark’s for today and tomorrow – $18,000
This pandemic has opened our eyes to the opportunities for increased outreach and impact through a strong online presence. Homebound people are now able to participate in a full worship service at St. Mark’s. Links to worship services are shared with friends around the world. People can participate in Bible studies from their homes, their cabins, or from another state. It is essential to continue to provide these opportunities to connect to a broader faith community as we move into the future. Listen to Bob Engwer discuss the impact of technology on ministry. We propose:
- Investing in technology upgrades to enhance worship, communications, meetings, and our overall on-line presence to ensure faithful worship and build Christian community in any season.
- Securing sufficient funding to ensure continuing operational stability and sustainability.
Share the Good News of Jesus Christ – $7,000
St. Mark’s has developed a strong relationship with the community and its schools. North St. Paul is now experiencing a housing boom and has been identified as an ideal suburb for first-time home buyers. New people moving into our area are looking for ways to connect with a faith community and the opportunity for faith formation for themselves and their children. Additional participants in the life and ministry of St. Mark’s will bring new life, new energy, and new opportunities for us all. Listen to Mike Ericson discuss growth in North St. Paul and the surrounding community. We propose:
- Establishing a specific strategy to reach out in new and meaningful ways to attract and engage new North St. Paul residents.
Contribute to the work of the larger Church – $20,000
St. Mark’s has played a vital role in raising up new pastors for Christ’s church by serving as an internship site for seminarians. We propose:
- Re-igniting our partnership with Luther Seminary to serve as an internship site to provide mentorship and real world experience. This is a critical way we can support the Church in our world today as well as assisting in our ministries at St. Mark’s. Our goal is to welcome an intern to St. Mark’s in late summer 2021. Listen to former intern Lindsey Bina discuss the impact of her internship at St. Mark's.
Your participation will help us reach our goal
As you look over the chart ask yourself...
- How has St. Mark’s been an important part of my life in the past?
- What excites me most about the new ministry initiatives for 2021?
- How much more could I offer in gratitude for all the blessings I receive?
- How can I be more intentional and consistent in my financial support of God’s ongoing work
through St. Mark’s in 2021?