From the Council President’s Desk … July 2024

~ Erik Long

Congregation Meeting: Sacristy Project Approved!

The Congregation approved the Sacristy Project at our Congregation Meeting on July 28. Thanks to all who were able to participate in person and via Zoom! Thank you for your commitment to the Sacristy Project! For those who were not able to participate, you can see the movie of the Sacristy presentation on the St. Mark’s HOME web page, or you can see the handout provided at the meeting HERE.

We approved the scope of the project, and a fundraising goal of $150,000. A fundraising letter and pledge form will be sent out this week. This fundraising goal includes outright donations, or pledges for 2024/2025. Where can you get a pledge form?

1. Wait for the mailed fundraising letter to arrive.

2. Pick up a copy of the pledge form in the Narthex

3. Download the form, available HERE. 

As St. Mark’s recommits to the important ministries of the Sacristy, please consider how you might help with one of these ministries: Altar Guild, Eucharistic Guild, Flower Committee, Acolytes, Worship Assistants.

Guidelines for Use of the Education Wing

As we return to Sunday congregation activities in the Education Wing, we are being respectful of the St. Mark’s Montessori School’s needs for the safety of our SMMS students and staff, as well as the need to provide safe conditions for our youngest members and their families. At present, the only congregation activities being scheduled in the Education Wing are Sunday morning age-group Sunday School/Confirmation classes, Youth Group on the Upper Level, and the Nursery on the Lower Level.

Keep in mind the following Rules of the Road:

  • Please don’t come into the Education Wing (or the rest of our building) if you are feeling ill. We will be doing touchless infrared temperature scans in the Education Wing

  • Masks are mandatory (Age 2+) and must cover the nose and mouth.

  • Use the main entrance, Door 5, to enter and leave the Education Wing for the activities taking place on the Upper Level. Only those using the Nursery should be using the playground entrance door and the lower hallway. Please do not enter the Education Wing from the Lower Level hallway coming from the Fellowship Hall

    • We are trying to minimize our footprint in the Education Wing on Sundays and clean up after ourselves.

  • Use the hand sanitizer station at the entrance.

  • Activity leaders are asked to keep attendance of who is using the rooms.

  • Sanitize the bathrooms after each individual use.

  • Please don’t linger in the hallways.

Nominating Committee for 2025 Council Members

The Nominating Committee is looking for four interested members to join Council in January 2025 for a three-year term. Council meets once a month via Zoom and Council Members are also assigned as a liaison to a ministry or committee. If you are interested or have recommendations of prospective members who might be, please contact one of the following:

Bill Dinnison
Laura Murphy
Carl Bauersfeld
Nancy Gorman
Suvidha Daniels
Kara Barns 

Prospective Council Members will be voted on at the Fall 2024 Congregation Meeting.

Council Update

Highlights from the Council meeting of Monday, January 8:

Council noted with great pleasure the report of the Treasurer that we finished 2023 with a small surplus of just under $2,600. We give thanks to that God has blessed our congregation so abundantly, giving wisdom to our Finance Committee, fiscal discipline and a sense of mission to everyone who has spending authority, and generosity to our members. The Council appointed Steven Carlson as Assistant Treasurer, so he can continue to assist and mentor Colleen Struss as she begins her tenure as Treasurer.

Council approved our 2024 Quarterly Benevolences:

  • Q1 ECHO/Food for Others

  • Q2 Caroline Furnace/Mar-Lu-Ridge

  • Q3 ELCA World Hunger

  • Q4 FACETS/The Lamb Center

Council voted to approve a covenant grant agreement from the Metro DC Synod, accepting a grant award of $10,000 from the Synod for our Community Gateway. These resources will go toward paying for the message boards, bike racks, signs, paving, and landscaping that will be installed.

Congregation Meeting, Sunday,11/19—Recap

Thank you to all who attended the Congregation Meeting this past Sunday and to all who provided food and fellowship. What a joy to be able to join in fellowship! And huge thanks to Erik Long for running the meeting. This meeting was called primarily to discuss and approve the 2024 budget and conduct elections (see links below). Thank you to all who have stepped up to serve—and thank you to those whose terms are ending for your faithful service! * Agenda and Elections info * Budget info * Constitution *

Learn more on a recap of the past year on the left side of this page under the heading “From the Council President’s Desk … November 2023”

Long Term Planning—Property

A Property Review Team (the “Team”) has been convened to evaluate the full breadth of properties owned by St. Mark’s. This team will make recommendations for potential new uses that may generate income, benefit the church body, benefit the community, or the like. The Team will consider both current and long-term needs of the Congregation. Team members include Ken Anderson, Bill Dinnison, Kay Graff, Ray Griswold, Pastor Triolo, and me, with valuable input from Steve Carlson. The team will ensure the Congregation is kept informed and provided opportunities for input. Please include our Team in your prayers as we undertake this important work. Thank you!

Narthex Renovation Update … What’s next:

See the info on the NARTHEX PROJECT page about the courtyard/office/lounge windows replacement from the menu selection at the top of every page.

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Narthex Renovation Fundraising Update!

Thanks to everyone who has participated so far in our original fundraising campaign, and in this new campaign! Please send any additional pledges in to the Treasurer. Pledge forms are available in the Narthex, the Church Office, and here.