2025 Stewardship Appeal
Download the St. Mark's 2025 Stewardship Appeal brochure
Submit your Pledge Online (this link will take you to our secure REALM site)
Dear Friends in Christ,
In the Parable of the Great Feast, Jesus tells the story of a man hosting a feast where none of his invited guests arrive. He then sends out his servants to find everyone they can and bring them to the feast so “that my house may be filled.” I believe God’s desire for us is the same as the host in the parable, that our house of worship may be filled. What would it look like if St. Mark’s was filled today? Allow me to share my vision with you.
I see a church where children are embraced at every stage of life. Where an infant cries during service and their parent feels the support of their church family. A church where the seeds of faith are planted in our young people by their participation in the life of a church where their prayers and hopes for themselves and the world are heard and affirmed. I see a church where generations of families worship together, and where youth and seniors learn from one another.
I see a church where the doors are flung wide open, where strangers become neighbors and where neighbors become friends. A church where divisions of class, race, gender, and politics give away to our oneness in Christ. A church where those wrestling with their faith feel as at home as those who’ve never had a doubt. I see a church where discipleship is fostered by fellowship, service, and faith. A church known for its hospitality and for its support of the larger community.
I see a church where people are nourished through worship. A church where the music is as diverse and varied as God’s people, where songs familiar and new are sung with equal enthusiasm, and where people’s talents are shared and celebrated. A church where the Gospel is preached faithfully and the Word challenges, comforts, and inspires. A church where worship is not viewed merely as an obligation to God but as an incredible gift to ourselves, and where those who are sent out go in peace to serve the Lord do so in their daily lives.
One of Lutheranism’s core theological ideas is “already but not yet.” It is this idea found in scripture that the Kingdom of God is already here but not yet fully realized. Luther’s understanding of us as sinners and saints is another expression of this idea. The same understanding can be applied to us as a congregation. The things I’ve laid out in this vision are already happening among us each and every day. You can see them and you have seen them. We are being filled but we are not yet full. In this stewardship season, I am asking for your help as we continue the work of fully realizing this vision for our congregation.
Friends, we’ve been able to do so much together these past few years. The spirit of our congregation is strong and the seeds we have been planting together are bearing fruit. In order to sustain and build upon the work we’ve been doing together we need the financial support of people like you.
Pastor David Bjorklund