The goal of the Stewardship Committee is to help God’s people at St. Mark’s grow in their relationship with Jesus through the return of the money, time, and talents that God has allowed them to use. We believe stewardship must be based on biblical teaching and is about our need to give (as an act of discipleship), versus the church’s to receive.

Message from Colleen Struss, Stewardship Committee Chair

If you were at the congregational meeting last Sunday, I'll bet you felt the energy in the sanctuary. I heard the voices of many members, passionate about our church and our dedicated staff, debating about how we can afford to pay for what we want to do. How wonderful that you all care so strongly about issues that can be addressed through stewardship! At the meeting, Erik Long introduced your new chair of the Stewardship Committee—me! You'll be hearing more from me in the coming weeks and months about how we can all use our time, talents, and possessions to further God's work in and through St. Mark's. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful faith family.

For now, I have three quick items for your attention.

  • First, I need members to partner with me on this committee. My idea of committee service is to have robust discussions, "doable” deliverables, and a healthy dose of fun. If that sounds good to you, and if you are committed to doing the work of stewardship, send me an email at Stewardship@stmarks-elca.org.

  • Second, this is a great time of year to take a look at your projected income and do some tax planning, including year-end charitable giving. Be sure to include St. Mark's in this planning and make your additional offering either through your regular weekly envelope giving or online with your regular contribution.

  • Third, as you reflect on your giving in 2021, give some thought to your giving plans for 2022. St. Mark's has been a steady, reliable resource for us during the pandemic—what a blessing this has been. Even when we couldn't be together in person, we were "together" online, gathered to celebrate and grow in our faith and to receive the assurance of God's steadfast love for us. Now that things are returning to “normal," we can again turn our attention to growing our church, strengthening our faith, and expanding the array of programs that brings the joy of God's word to our members and our community.

Continue to lift up St. Mark's and its ministries in prayer, and reflect God's love for you in your stewardship—what you give of your talents, possessions, and time. I look forward to a year of growth and fellowship as chair of the Stewardship committee, and I will always welcome your input and especially your prayers.

~ Colleen