God’s Mission for St. Marks: 

Celebrating God’s love and forgiveness, we serve others.

We welcome everyone to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where individuals and families can grow in their relationship with Jesus and one another through a variety of worship styles, ministries, and service.

 

God’s Ideal Vision for St. Marks:

Following Jesus’ example, we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, nurse the sick, and visit the imprisoned as we see Jesus in the faces of those we serve.

 

Living Our Core Values:

We strive to model our Core Values in our day-to-day behavior, both within St. Marks and in our daily lives.  When we fall short, we pray for God’s divine intervention and support to help us remain true to our highest and best selves. 

 

PRAYER

• We pray for guidance from God. Prayer brings us closer to God. God promises to answer.
• We pray for each other and for those in need within and outside the walls.
• We pray with thankfulness.
• We promise to listen – prayer is conversation.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

• We promise that all will have access to worship.
• We promise to remove barriers and project invitation and welcome.
• We promise to step out in faith with openness to what God wants us to be and acceptance of the diversity of cultures and people.

 

SERVICE

• We promise to develop and/or support Christian-based and other service/support organizations to achieve our vision.
• We promise to support the needs of one another just as we support those outside our walls.
• We promise to keep our doors open to all in need and share what we have.

 

COMMUNICATION

• We promise to listen to all with understanding, grace and patience.
• We promise to use all communication methods to share the gospel with others and all our members.
• We promise to use a variety of communication methods to connect with, inform, and educate our members, guests, and the larger community.

 

EDUCATION

• We share what we have learned about Christ and His redeeming love with others.
• We offer educational opportunities to teach and learn about Jesus through worship, music and teaching, Bible study, Sunday school, confirmation classes, youth programs and outreach activities.

 

WORSHIP

• We provide convenient, relevant, meaningful worship experiences that appeal to the broader community and to the diverse members of our congregation.
• Our worship engages the spirit, reveals the truth, celebrates through music and song, and prepares us to share God’s message of love and forgiveness.
• We create worship opportunities that are inclusive, multi-generational and engaging for youth.

 

YOUTH

• We promise to intentionally provide a safe environment to learn about and seek God through relevant and age-appropriate opportunities to worship, serve and learn.

 

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

• Our words and actions build each other up, encourage and support each other.
• We practice empathy and forgiveness.
• We encourage openness, honesty, and transparency.

1. AGENDA 

Call to Order:  President Gerd Pfeiffer

Opening Devotion and Prayer: Pastor Karla

St. Mark’s Mission

Agenda Review for the January 25, 2026, Annual Meeting

Check for Quorum of 35 members (in person and Live ZOOM participants)

 

Approve of Minutes of Congregational Meetings

January 26, 2025, Annual Meeting

November 16, 2025, Annual Election Meeting of the Congregation

 

Approve 2026 Budgets

2026 Budget of the Congregation

2026 Memorial Endowment Budget

 

Reports:

Pastor Karla Halvorson – Pastoral Report

Pastor Alicia Saenz – Pastoral Report

Security – Gerd Pfeiffer

Campus Revitalization Task Group (CRTG) – Chris Lewis

Chris Lewis – Church Council & Staff

Thank you to our faithful and dedicated staff: Pastor Karla Halvorson, Pastor Alicia Saenz, Dora Flores, Maria Luisa Guzman, Maricela Nava (Maria Luisa’s replacement, Nathan Estrada, David Hernandez, Daniel Alinado, and Isaiah Aguirre

Thank you to Debbie Lechner who works tirelessly to keep us all on track!

 

Directions for Voting

Paper ballot complete or drop off at Church Office during week before the Annual Meeting

During “in-person” Annual meeting in sanctuary (if attending)

Via online link to ballot (see newsletter for link) Live YOUTUBE meeting prior to end of Annual meeting.  ALL online votes MUST be cast by 10:15 AM.

 

Closing Prayer – The Lord’s Prayer

 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Call to Order:  President Chris Lewis

Opening Devotion and Prayer: Pastor Karla

St. Mark’s Mission

Agenda Review for the January 26, 2025, Annual Meeting

 

Check for Quorum of 35 members – 38 members present in the sanctuary.

 

Motion:  Create a Consent Agenda consisting of the 3 sets of minutes from the 2024                                Congregation Meetings.  Motion:  Herb Geier. Second:  Gerd Pfeiffer.

By Voice Vote (38):  Unanimous Approval.

 

Motion:  Approve Consent Agenda.  Motion:  Bob Petrin.  Second: Herb Geier.

By Voice Vote (38):  Unanimous Approval.

 

Motion:  Approve the 2025 Budget of the Congregation and the 2025 Memorial                                       Endowment Budget.  Motion:  Dorothy Geier. Second:  Bob Petrin.

By Voice Vote (38) + 5 online ballots:  Unanimous Approval.

 

Motion:  Accept volunteers for 2025 Nominating Committee and Lay Representatives for the 2025 Pacifica Synod Conference.

Motion:  Bob Petrin.  Second:  Ann Larsen.

By Voice Vote (38):  Unanimous Approval.

 

• Candidates for 2025 Nominating Committee
• Melissa Hernandez, Retiring Council, automatic
• Jane Gerber
• Yolanda Ceja
• Marcia Salvestrini
• Sherri Coughlin
• Lay Representatives for the 2025 Pacifica Synod Conference
  • Melissa Hernandez (under 30 representative)
  • Gerd & Ofelia Pfeiffer
  • Dick Bolin (alternate)

Respectfully submitted,

Sheri Barker, NoteTaker

 

The Annual Congregation Election Meeting was called to order by Vice President, Karl Larsen, at 10:12 a.m.  The required quorum of 35 was met, with 38 members present at the beginning of the meeting.  Pastor Karla led the opening prayer. 

A total of 60 ballots were cast for the congregation representatives on the ballot—24 online and 36 paper ballots.  Doug Essex, Margarita Alvarez and Tom Larsen served as tellers, counting the ballots in the Sacristy.  They checked for duplicate votes between the paper ballots in the room and the online ballots cast; there were no duplicates. 

The following congregation representatives received mostly unanimous votes for the following positions: 

2026 Church Council Officers:

Gerd Pfeiffer, President, Term 2, Year 2 (2do término, 2do año)

Karl Larsen, Vice President, Term 2, Year 1 (2do término, 1er año)

Sheri Barker, Secretary, Term 1, Year 2 (1er término, 2do año)

Margarita Alvarez, Treasurer, Term 2, Year 2 (2do término, 2do año) 

2026 Church Council:
2-year Term, limited to 2 consecutive terms

Geneva Hultenius, Term 1, Year 1 (1er término, 1er año)

David Hernandez, Term 2, Year 1 (youth representative) (2do término, 1er año) 

Continuing 2026 Council Members, No Vote Necessary

Dorothy Geier, Term 2, Year 2 (2do término, 2do año)

Dennis Coughlin, Term 2, Year 2 (2do término, 2do año) 

Pacifica Synod Representatives 2026:  Gerd and Ofelia Pfeiffer

 

Nominating Committee 2026:

Chris Lewis, outgoing Council member and chair

Melissa Hernandez

Jane Gerber

Yolanda Ceja

Marcia Salvestrini

 

Legacy Committee 2026:

Dick Bolin

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:24 a.m. by Vice President, Karl Larsen.

 

Respectfully submitted, 

Sheridan Barker, Secretary

 

 

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord never ceases.  His mercies never come to an end.

 

They are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22

God is certainly with us through every change and challenge.  I am grateful to spend this time and go through these seasons with you.

 

Changes:

Most notably this year we have had many changes in staff.  Cindy Diaz resigned and we hired Dora Flores as our new office secretary.  Maria Luisa Guzman resigned as custodian and was replaced by Maricela Nava.  Jason Chase entered eternal life after a tragic accident.  We mourn his loss and pray he is at peace in the arms of our Savior.  We have had excellent temporary coverage by Margaret Gaillard, organist, and our wonderful Spanish praise team, led by Manuel Alvarez.  We are grateful for them all.  God is good.  (We are grateful for our steady AV team which includes David Hernandez and Daniel Alinado and Isaiah Aguirre, often Nathan Estrada, led by Sheri Barker and assisted by Deb Lechner).

 

Opportunities:

We were approached by the ELCA to participate in a new initiative- the Multi-ethnic Initiative.  As the ELCA strives to become a more inclusive denomination (the ELCA remains the “whitest” denomination in the US), our work as an integrated bilingual congregation and our work with Glory Mandarin Lutheran caught the eye of our bishop and the larger church.  We hosted the first Multi-ethnic initiative gathering in January 24-27, with Council and assistance from Glory Lutheran.   We received free advice and statistical evaluation from Data wise, which analyzed our website, our community, and our congregation.  Pastor Alicia, Margarita Alvarez and I were able to continue this work in Chicago in August.  The follow up event will be in Tacoma WA in February 2026.  The goal is to encourage multi-ethnic and intersectional ministry, building bridges, and opening our congregations and ministries to reflect the neighborhoods around us.

 

Immigration/ Asylum Seekers:

I was also asked by our Bishop’s office to represent Pacifica Synod along with Pastor Maria Santa Cruz, Assistant to the Bishop for Latinae Ministry at a conference called “Sembrando en los Margenes” (Sowing in the Margines) event for five ELCA synods along the border of the US and Mexico.  We hosted the first event at St Mark’s (Thank you, Pastor Alicia, Chelo, Acosta, and Luz Rivera for providing hospitality.)  Pastor Maria and I attended a follow up event in Tucson in September.  The goal is to find out what other synods along the US/ Mexico border are doing to assist asylum seekers and immigrants and encourage one another.  I was asked to participate because of my 7-year involvement with ELCA AMPARO (Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities). 

 

Pacifica AMMPARO this year led several fundraisers for shelters in the US and Mexico, raised funds, promoted “Know Your Rights” events, did advocacy work at both local and federal levels, provided direct services to migrants, promoted awareness of the difficulties migrants, immigrants and asylum seekers face, and we continue our work now by accompanying immigrants and asylum seekers to their court appearances at the Federal Courthouse or Otay Detention Facility.  I help chair a monthly Zoom meeting, the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10 am.  Please speak to me to learn more.

 

Worship:

Worship continues to be vibrant, varied, and inclusive with improved bi-lingual and tri-lingual services.  This year we celebrated 8 bi-lingual or tri-lingual services together. 

Our multilingual services include the annual meeting, Lenten worship, the Palm Sunday youth pageant (with Glory Mandarin), Pentecost, VBS Sunday, God’s Work Our Hands Sunday (with Glory Mandarin), Reformation Sunday (also Confirmation Sunday), and the youth Christmas pageant with Glory Mandarin Lutheran. 

 

Special services this year included a Bilingual Interfaith Thanksgiving service with the Blessing of the Bread at St Mark’s.  Five worshiping communities attended.   Additional special services included Drive through Ash Wednesday service, Bi-lingual Prayer Around the Cross during Lent, and Dia de los Muertos.

 

We enjoyed a year with a small choir put together by Jason Chase.  Jason Chase and I created the Service of Comfort and Hope, a YouTube service intended to comfort and assist those in the process of dying and their loved ones with the help of Billy Cox, Marcia Salvestrini, Margaret Gaillard, Tom Larsen, and Angie Mulder. It is available on our church YouTube channel.

 

Member Care
Member Care is guided by Dorothy Geier.  We meet monthly and with the help of Pastor Alicia and team, can reach out, visit, pray with and offer communion to all our homebound members.  As in previous years, we invite members of the congregation to help deliver cards, plants, small gifts before Easter, at God’s Work Our Hands in August, and at the beginning of Advent.  Please let me or Dorothy know if someone is ill, hospitalized, or you are simply noticing they haven’t been in church!  

 

Evangelism

With around 300 cars coming through our parking lot for the second Friday food distribution, members of St Mark’s and I hand out information about upcoming events, invite people to church, and offer to pray with people.  Maria Blanco and Clelia Cabera have been so faithful in this ministry.  If you would like to volunteer, simply offer 1.5 hours of your time and you will also receive the food for the day.   

 

English as a Second Language classes

ESL classes have continued with the help of Margarita Alvarez and Dora Flores.  This January will begin our 6^th semester of classes with Southwestern Community College.  Please spread the word.  Anyone who wishes to learn English can join.  We host an on-boarding/ orientation event the week before classes so everyone can receive help with their applications.  This has made entering the class (and all classes offered by Southwestern Community College extension) much easier for everyone. 

 

Outreach
Pastor Alicia and her amazing team host regular outreach.  This is the growing edge of our membership, and I hope we will do everything in our power to support these efforts.   Huge thanks to Sheri and Dave Barker for banners, flags and diligently changing the sign as well as Deb Lechner and members of our 11:15 service for advertising and spreading the word on Facebook and in person. 

 

Youth

We had another wonderfully successful Vacation Bible School with about 69 young people!  We had 30 junior leaders and 39 campers.  It was fun to include many more youth from Glory this year.  Special thanks to all our adult leaders and skill leaders.  Every year gets better.  We followed this event with an evening of fun and games to keep the momentum going.

 

As in previous years, we enjoyed all-family events this year, including Sea World, pool parties, movie nights, park and beach picnics and Bible study.  Melissa and Pastor Alicia hosted several Friday night youth events.

 

Four of our young people were confirmed on Reformation Sunday- Sophia Resurreccion, Paul Swickheimer, Joselyne Miranda Nava, and Justin Medina.

 

Bible Studies

This year we simplified things by offering a luncheon Bible study conversation during Advent and Lent.  My husband James Jerpseth and Pastor Alicia work together to provide Sunday morning Bible studies on a variety of subjects, most recently studies to help us prepare for the upcoming Visioning process.  Please let me or Pastor Alicia know what type of Bible study interests you.  We would like to offer topics, times and platforms that best suit your needs.

 

Mutual Ministry

We continue quarterly mutual ministry meetings to give and receive feedback about the direction St Mark’s is going and support one another.  Doug Nerat did a fantastic job as our chair this year.  Our 2025 team consisted of Doug Nerat, Chelo Acosta, Chris Lewis (Council President), Pastor Alicia and me.

 

Centering Prayer

A group of us from St Mark’s and two other congregations meet each Monday at noon for the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer.  It stems from the belief that God’s first language is silence, and as we sit in God’s presence and consent to God’s work within us, God does for us what we cannot accomplish on our own.  We hosted a half-day bilingual introduction to Centering Prayer on January 17, led by Brian Curry of Contemplative Outreach San Diego.  After a time of silent prayer, we spend time learning more about this ancient Judeo-Christian practice.  We plan to host another bilingual half-day retreat on Saturday, March 21.

 

Grants

This past year we received, among other grants, the Latino Ministry Grant ($10,000) for dividers for Jacobson Hall, the Matthew 25 grant for meeting needs within our own community, the GEM grant for cross cultural work, the Cathryn Wright grant for Melissa Hernandez’ continuing education.   We have also asked you to apply for Thrivent Action Team Grants, and with these $250 grants, have accomplished many projects worth about $5,000.  We also received a grant of $2000 from the Cathryn Wright Fund for the initial costs of our Visioning Process.

 

Ecumenical Work and Community Outreach

The Chula Vista clergy network has grown and now includes the Chula Vista Unitarian Universalist church, Chula Vista Methodist, First Presbyterian of Chula Vista, Community Congregational Church, St John’s Episcopal, and Frederika Manor.  We meet about every other month.   We continue to support our Chula Vista Police Department with our well-used Police Break Room, (now on the lower level) coloring books and toys for police to distribute to kids in need, and our weekly prayers. Our God’s Work Our Hands Sunday was focused on our own congregation and those in need.  We enjoyed this day with Glory Mandarin. Our member care team reached out before Easter, on God’s Work Our Hands Sunday and the Dec 7 with cards, small gifts, and visits to all our homebound. 

What’s next?

Plans are already underway to conduct a congregation-wide visioning process with “Living the Resurrection” led by Sheri Barker and Rev. Dr. Marj Funk-Pihl.  She will work with us for 18 months as we discern where God is calling us next.

 

We look forward to finding a new accompanist, someone who can work well with both the 9 am and 11:15 am services.  We recall that Jason grew into his position, so we do not expect a replacement.  Rather, let’s pray for a new approach, a warm welcome and new possibilities.

 

We will continue Centering Prayer and will host a half day workshop on March 21.  Centering Prayer is listening prayer and opens us to God’s possibilities. 

 

I look forward to what interests you have.  If you’re interested in a Bible study, luncheons, special events, speak to me or Pastor Alicia.  We are willing to listen.

 

Pastor Karla Halvorson

God said: “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 This passage gives me great assurance, knowing that God is with me wherever I go makes me strong and

courageous, not because I am strong, but because God is with me. God is with St. Mark’s with His strength and courage, with his power, He is encouraging, transforming, healing, strengthening us. St. Mark’s God, this power is present in St, Mark’s as we courageously keep thriving together with God, despite adversities, struggles, and temporary separations, knowing that God is with us and he has a plan that we are here to fulfill for God’s glory.

Jesus said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

 St. Mark’s operates under this commandment, and in this love for others we courageously have built the “Olive Branch” day care, the new toddler day care on our campus for the service of the community, the low-income community. Thanks be to God.

Worship

We continue to offer both in person and on-line options for worship in both English and Spanish. This year we conducted several bi-lingual services and events.

Sunday worship continues to be a blessing that renews and refreshes, the Body and Blood of Christ,

Gives us the strength for the following week.

The music is uplifting and inspiring. Thanks to our choir of the 11:15 service, they are great and work hard to deliver music that is really appreciated by the people who attend the service. Big thanks to Manuel, Laura, Gloria, Gariel and Jason (he contributed for almost the whole year before he was taken by God).  Thanks also for the 9:00 am music service, it is always a joy; thanks so much to Margaret who has helped us with the music in the absence of Jason.

Thanks to our Altar Ministry and all the worship assistants, as you might know, the Altar Ministry serves both the 9:00 and the 11:15 service, they are amazing.

Thank you all for your support and patience when I cover for Pastor Karla, thanks to the ushers, and sound and video operators; thanks to all for your faithful participation in our worship services, thus creating a meaningful, peaceful and joyful worship experience every Sunday.

I thank God for Pastor Karla and feel very blessed with the opportunity that God has granted me to work with Pastor Karla as One Congregation in two languages and many cultures.

Attendance has been increasing for the 11:15 am service, we are worshiping with an average of 35 people, we received new members this year that will increase the number of people worshiping every Sunday and we are working nonstop in inviting and evangelizing efforts.

 

Member Care

As you might know, I oversee the member care services for the people of the 11:15 service and that also involves a lot of care for their family and friends, including funerals and hospital visits here in the United States and in Tijuana, which I am happy to do.

I am St Mark’s Associate Pastor, therefore, I am also part of the Member Care for the 9:00 am service. Please don’t get sick, but if you do, you might see me visiting you in the hospital. It is very humbling to work side by side with member care angels such as Dorothy Geier, who guides the member care ministry, and Pastor Karla. Thanks to everybody else who works in the Member Care Ministry.

As Pastor Karla said, both Dorothy Geier and myself are fully willing and able to step in for end-of-life care and coordination of funeral receptions.

 

Continuing Education and other synod events.

Attended three retreats for “First Call Pastors” this year, attended and coordinating the ELCA Multi-Cultural event in January in our church, and attended another multi-cultural event in July, this one was in Chicago, attended the Synod Assembly, and a two-day Latine Coaching – Pacifica Synod orientation.

 

Pastors / Administration / Staff / Office Volunteers.

Thanks to all for the work we did together during 2025, special thanks to Denny and Walter for setting up lights and chairs for outreach events. Thanks to Karl Larsen–he is always willing to help direct traffic and being the security eye for outreach events. Thanks to Luz Rivera, Maria Consuelo Acosta, Patty and Pedro Hernandez who have been coordinating the food for our bilingual services lunch and outreach events. Thanks to Margarita Alvarez for her help with outreach, thanks to all the ladies who helped serving food and in other tasks in the kitchen.

 

Mutual Ministry / Internship Committee

This year, our Mutual Ministry committee was a huge support, thanks to Doug Nerat for serving as the chair of the committee and thanks to Chris Lwis and Consuelo Acosta for serving in this committee also,  I am very grateful for all the time invested.

 

Christian Education

Every Wednesday I lead a Bible study in Spanish; we are studying various books of the Bible.

Our Bible study focuses on specific ways of using the work of God to guide, encourage, and heal. All are welcome! The Bible study is also one way of evangelizing, some people come to Bible Study but cannot come to church on Sundays.

 

Some of our biggest outreach accomplishments this year

• We are taking outreach and inviting people to church extremely seriously at St Mark’s. 
• Our events in the parking lot have been very successful, attracting people’s attention to our church.
• Ash Wednesday, more than 80 people went through and got their ashes and blessings
• Dia de Los Muertos, about 75 people attended, we celebrated the loved ones of the ones that have gone before us, we worshiped, ate, cried and had fun together.
• Came to understand that we have to be more flexible with our kids and youth, as they are very busy with school, sports and other activities and provided a first Communion Class on Thursdays at 7 pm with five kids in person and one via zoom, all of them had their First Communion this year and a second class in the Fall on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm with two girls in person and a girl and a boy via zoom; they were baptized and took their first communion on December 28th 2025.
• The monthly food distribution open doors for us to invite many.  Pastor Karla, Maria Isable Blanco, Clelia Cabrera, Margarita Alvarez and myself focus our attention on those who are not yet here.  Tons of invitations to our church and our church events were handed to people during food distribution and out in the community.
• There is no way that I can name all members that have helped this year, but I am very grateful for all your help and support, and especially for all the prayers that strengthen our mission.
• We had the 2025 posada on 12/06/2025 and we were excited to share the joy of Christmas with all members of the congregation and all the people from the community who might come.

 

We are more than ever One Congregation in two languages, we have people from the 9:00 am and the 11:15 services working together in all ministries–on council, coffee, cleaning projects, and other committees.   We did it St. Mark’s!!  And we will continue working together for our congregation and for the body of Christ on earth with prayers and faithful service, remembering Jesus’s promise:

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b.

Pastor Alicia Saenz

Dear St. Mark’s Family!

First, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to you all for allowing me the opportunity to serve as member of your leadership team over the past four years. While this is my Annual Report for 2025 1 hope you will allow me to include a few highlights from the past four years as well.

I would describe the accomplishments over the last four years has been nothing short of phenomenal. Most of you have a vivid memory of our journey together, not only over the past four years, but as far back as 2017. The “can do” spirit, deep faith and focus on God on the part of the congregation and particularly the members of the leadership team have propelled us through numerous complex challenges associated with not only the day-to-day operations, but the entire transition process. Some of these challenges include numerous costly plumbing and electrical issues, and other maintenance concerns; the hiring and care for additional staffing and associated staffing challenges; carefully managing a very austere budget plan which allowed us to meet our obligations while absorbing unanticipated rising costs in utilities, insurance, salaries and products. We purchased and installed our very sophisticated security camera system and created a safety and security program protocol that must be administered and maintained well into the future. Lastly ,but certainly not least by any means, we have developed a music ministry that I would characterize as second to none. The diversity of music, the concerts, the capabilities of our music staff headed by our late Jason Chase have added immensely to our worship service and has won recognition from numerous community members.

2025 saw the celebration of our 70th anniversary, the completion of the campus revitalization effort and the opening of our Olive Branch Early Education Center where we will soon see upwards of 45 children ages 2-4 along with adult staffing, occupying our campus. This child care venue will offer early educational opportunities for young children who might not otherwise have an opportunity due to affordability. The parents of these children will now be able to seek employment to shore up family finances, whereas they would have had to stay home to care for their children due to the high cost of child care elsewhere. Additionally, St. Mark’s hosted a forum for several ELCA churches from as far away as New York and Hawaii. This forum was called for by the ELCA to discuss multicultural ministries and what makes these ministries work and what doesn’t. St. Mark’s was selected due to the general success in developing our multicultural ministries.

It goes without saying that we are truly blessed to have two phenomenal pastors who, while working on less than a full-time basis, and through their tireless efforts, love and skills have strengthened both our in-reach and out-reach ministries. As you are aware many of our aging members are not able to attend or participate in our activities yet, our pastors, along with the Member Care Team, have made a diligent effort to visit and minister to these members. That said, we are in need of more members at large to assist in this visitation effort to allow our pastors time to attend to other ministerial matters.

In closing, I would like to remind all of us that we have been called to serve the Lord in various capacities in which we are engaged. He has given us the time, talent and resources necessary to carry out His mission and while we are tempted to take credit for our accomplishments, let us always remember that we are His eyes, ears, and hands and enjoined to carry out His work. Thank you all for your love and support over the last four years and I encourage all of us to get behind the visioning process headed by Sheri Barker. This is something that in necessary to shape the future of our very existence in an ever-changing world.

Blessings,

Chris Lewis, President.

2026 Congregation Council:

• President: Gerd Pfeiffer – Term 2, Year 2
• Vice President: Karl Larsen – Term 1, Year 2
• Secretary: Sheri Barker – Term 1, Year 1
• Treasurer: Margarita Alvarez – Term 2, Year 2
• Dennis Coughlin – Term 2, Year 2
• Dorothy Geier – Term 2, Year 2
• David Hernandez (youth representative), Term 2, Year 1
• Patricia Hernandez Villa – Term 2, Year 1
• Geneva Hultineus, Term 1, Year 1
• Pastor Karla Halverson
• Pastor Alicia Saenz

 

Legacy Committee:

• Richard (Dick) Bolin
• Doug Essex
• Skip Knudsen
• Janet Collins
• Marcia Salvestrini

 

Nominating Committee: 

NOTE: returning from 2025 because they were not needed during 2025

• Chris Lewis, Retiring Council
• Melissa Hernandez
• Jane Gerber
• Yolanda Ceja
• Marcia Salvestrini

 

Pacifica Synod Conference Lay Representatives:

• Melissa Hernandez (under 30 representative)
• Gerd & Ofelia Pfeiffer
• Dick Bolin (alternate)

 

 

(September 2025–March 2027)

Annual Report 2025

In September 2025, St. Mark’s started an 18-month strategic planning process led by consultant, the Reverend Dr. Marjorie Funk-Pihl (Dr. Marj) of Living the Resurrection.  Dr. Marj has extensive experience in congregation ministry and helping congregations move through proven steps, helping them walk through their fears and into new life.  The foundational theory of Appreciative Inquiry guides this process that encourages people to change by following four phases: Initiate-Inquire-Imagine-Innovate.

Our Team & Process:

St. Mark’s is in the Initiate-Inquiry stage as we enter 2026.  Our Strategic Planning Team includes Lead Sheri Barker, Pastors Karla and Alicia, Kurt Braeckel, David Hernandez, Karl Larsen, and Bob Lechner.  The team has established, and shared with the congregation, the answers to three initial questions that will guide our ongoing work (see below).  The last section, Area of Investigation for Strategic Planning describes “the what, the why and the how” we will proceed through this strategic planning process.

In early January 2026, the strategic planning team met for a weekend (Friday night and Saturday) with Dr. Marj, and an expanded team recruited to help conduct interviews, in order to (1) develop and practice interview questions built upon our “Area of Investigation,” and (2) prepare to interview each member of the congregation (one-on-one) over a 6-8 week period.

Our Next Step:

The feedback from those interviews will guide the development of a set of current Core Values, a rethinking of our mission, and the development of new vision statements—all directly derived from information collected during member interviews.  Members will be asked to review and refine drafts created by the strategic planning team.

 

Guiding Questions for Our Strategic Planning

Why are we visioning?

• Lots of change is happening currently (in church and in the environment).
• Began 8 years ago from Ground Zero (in debt, re-establish congregation and purpose, between pastors, recovering from near bankruptcy in spirit and finances).

• Stabilized the budget and are now fiscally sound
• Steadily adding new members (English and Spanish-speaking) – 21 in 2025!
• Expanded community outreach

We don’t know what to do next.

Congregation was energized by the childcare renovation project.

Endowment is pushing $200K, up from $100K 5 years ago.

Completed $1,000,000 campus remodel for community childcare center that was set in motion in our 2010 strategic planning.

Human nature is to pat yourself on the back and take an extended time to celebrate.

All this energy and effort from the last 8 years will wind down if we don’t seek a new future vision.

What Do We Want?

• Continue to live into our mission.  We are called to first bring the good news of Christ to others.
• Avoid deadly mission drift: nowhere to go, no reason to go there.  Move slowly of course.
• Include our newest members and our youth in our plan for the future – to make it theirs.
• Identify how to engage more children and families
• Bring the average age of membership down; draw more 18 – 40-year-old community members
• Intentionally draw input from our newest members
• Add focus on developing the congregation
• Increase community outreach
• Ask the congregation to intentionally pray for the planning process
• Ask each member, “What could we do?”
• More time and focus on monthly family fellowship events
• Use this opportunity to discover what our members & neighbors are concerned about
• Seek more ways to be relevant to the community
• Build on our current success: 18 youth and 14 kids in Sunday School
• Set new 5–10-year vision for an unknown future
• Discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us as we move forward on the foundation of our recent achievements
• The visioning team will lead the congregation to explore how we can share God’s love and open our hearts and minds to more effectively engage youth.

Area of Investigation for Strategic Planning to Guide the Inquire Stage:

• Discern where the Holy Spirit is leading St. Mark’s as we move forward from the success of the last 8 years and live more fully into our new mission.
• Seek discernment through prayer, Bible study, study of our community, in-depth discussion and listening to every member of the congregation in a one-on-one process and fellowship gatherings.
• We will explore how we can share God’s love and open our hearts and minds to more effectively engage youth, potential new members, our congregation, and our neighbors in ways that are open, honest and allow for multiple perspectives to be heard, discussed and considered for future ministry opportunities.

Sheri Barker, Chair

 

 

The Legacy Committee has worked closely together to thoughtfully review the financial data, assess ministry needs, and responsibly project available resources in order to develop the 2026 Legacy Budget. As a result of this collaborative process, the proposed budget for 2026 is $8,857.  

Blessings, Dick Bolin (619) 422-2475

YouTube and the Website – All our worship services are “live” on YouTube now. We use the YouTube channel as our “online worship” page on the website.

Online Worship – Our views of the recorded service on YouTube are averaging 30 in English and 18 in Spanish per week. We are still serving enough people online that it seems important to offer the online option. If you’re travelling, or homebound or recovering from illness or if you live outside of the area, it’s nice to know you can still watch a service at home at any time or go back to hear a sermon a second time or listen to a favorite hymn again.

Facebook Group – Our private Facebook Group has gone from 463 members to 476 members this year. We use the page to share important announcements & photos of events and get good engagement.

Instagram – Melissa is posting regularly to Instagram @stmarkslutheran580 and has about 48 followers.

Our Email Newsletters – We send out email newsletters to about 225 people and around half of those people open it every week. The newsletters share prayers and prayer quilts, share information about our many events, and allow us to hear from the Legacy and Revitalization Committees, Council and Pastors. We’ve also been able to get contact information updated, take votes and surveys and to share music, pictures and fun! Thank you to all the people who send in submissions every week! It’s still a great way to stay connected as a congregation!

Additional email News – We send information about concerts and special programs to 99 local media and other churches. We have been getting a listing in the Union Tribune in the Community Calendar regularly about our concerts because of that. We also have a list of 80 families who have been to VBS who we send information about VBS and other family events to.

Printed Newsletters – We stopped sending the printed newsletter this year. It was a lot of additional work and expense, and we didn’t think many people were reading it.

Our Website – is at stmarkschulavista.org The website is where neighbors find out about our church and what we offer. We keep it updated with concert and calendar info, hours for Project Hand and Food Distribution.

Online Presence – St. Mark’s has a LinkedIn page we also have a public “information” page for the church on Facebook. The website, YouTube, google maps, yelp, church.org, churchfinder.com and faithstreet.com continue to help with our outreach. These websites come up in search when you look for St. Mark’s Chula Vista. All of them (except the website) are free listings, no cost to St. Mark’s. Help with our outreach by reviewing the church and mentioning something you love about going to St. Mark’s on Google and Yelp and giving it 5 stars!

Marketing – Research shows that millennials with their young families shop for a church online and it’s important to look like the church that we want to be and to be in the places they’re looking. However, word of mouth is the best marketing! Thank you for sharing your love of St. Mark’s and inviting friends and neighbors to join you for worship and events here.

Respectfully submitted
Debbie Lechner

The Legacy Committee is ready to receive your gifts and add to the Endowment Fund!  Add to the Legacy of our Church by helping to fund the following types of beneficiaries:

• Church member projects/ministries
• Community projects/charities (within communities served by congregation)
• Church at large (statewide, nationwide, worldwide)

2025 members were:

Dick Bolin – Chairman

Sharon Martin – Secretary

Janet Collins – Treasurer

Doug Essex – Member

Skip Knudsen – Member

Distribution Policy, per the bylaws, is as follows:

• The Committee is limited to an annual distribution of 4% of the Fund balance, defined by the account balance as of December 31 of the previous year, which includes all interest, dividends, realized/unrealized capital gains from the previous year. Any distribution that is larger, may be approved by Congregation Council.
• A grant application will be available for requests. Recipients will be determined by the Legacy Committee.
• The Committee is not limited in its use of the distribution for ministry to its congregation. The Committee may share up to 25% of the distribution with the following recipients: our synod, ELCA Churchwide ministries, ELCA-related ministries, or all other non-Lutheran charities within the San Diego area.

 

This past year:

• We met monthly to review Grant Application requests and to discuss Legacy Planning and opportunities.
• We received generous contributions from several other families within our Church. These were applied to the principal balance of the Endowment Fund and will assist our Church and our local community in the upcoming years.

 

• 2025 approved Budget was $8,066 with the distributions as follows:
• $2500 for General Fellowship (including food)
• $500 for Christian College expenses for Joshua Chan
• $500 for Christian College expenses for Grant Gavin
• $1,000 for St. Mark’s Youth Ministry Events (e.g. Sea World)
• $2,300 to assist with the Church Consultation with Dr. Marge Funk
• $400 for Thrivent Associate Cards to assist with Church expenses
• $1,500 for St. Mark’s Evangelism and Posada Lunch

 

Respectfully Submitted

Dick Bolin, Chairman

The “Thursday” Quilters group is small but continues to produce beautiful quilts for distribution to those in need in the U.S. and abroad. This year they shipped 51 quilts to Lutheran World Relief in October. 

Begun at St. Mark’s in 1971 by Ethel Davidson; the quilters draw both members and friends to help create the quilts.  They moved this year from their quilt room on the upper campus (making room for Olive Branch Childcare Center) to the original choir room on the lower level. 

The current quilters are Karen Wilkins, Ofelia Pfeiffer, Marlys Kannegieser, and Becky. Betty Ren, a longtime leader of the quilters, recently retired from the group. 

Thank you, ladies, for your dedication to this far-reaching and caring ministry.

Sheri Barker

2025 has continued our expanded efforts to improve and refine our production capabilities.

New Equipment:

This year we needed to replace the following equipment:

20-year-old switcher rack in the sound and video booth to improve broadcast flexibility.

An iPad camera to replace a 2020 version that would not hold a charge.

The 6-year-old MAC minicomputer that runs the system.

The 65” TV used by the worship team, and a wireless microphone whose dented head interfered with the sound production.

The three most dramatic upgrades were:

Adding a rechargeable battery system to decrease the use of consumable batteries.

Moving from snail-speed cable to Fiber-optic internet which moved up from 100 mbps upload to 1 gigabyte upload speed across the campus using new Wi-Fi access points in the lower level, the sanctuary and on the patio.

Through a generous gift in memory of Grace Essex, we replaced our four iPad cameras with a professional, wall-mounted pan-tilt-zoom video camera which provides clean, crisp images to our broadcast.  We are continuing to learn how to effectively use and adjust these cameras—look for improvements as we learn!

The new camera and Fiber-optic internet allow us to broadcast directly to YouTube with minimal interference, so the entire production is better.  We will continue to record concerts and upload later in the day because sound production is so much better when we are allowed to use higher settings than YouTube Live allows.

Our Media Tech Team:

Our on-site team has expanded to four people with 3 junior media techs who are church members: David Hernandez, Daniel Alinado, and Isaiah Aguirre, and our continuing senior media tech, Nathan Estrada who is quickly approaching graduation from San Diego State University and completing his 6^th year with our team.  We could not be where we are without the able assistance of our amazing St. Mark’s volunteers, Dennis and Corey Coughlin and Walt Berenger, and our professional consultant as needed, Tyler Heredia of THAudioLive.com.  Thank you, all!!   

Our Impact:  We have many folks who watch our Sunday broadcasts and special programs locally and across the U.S.  Our weekly audience ranges from 125 to 260 views, while only 8-15 people generally watch live during an individual service, the rest watch over the following week or more.  Your investment and patience with our media-tech production is appreciated and important. 

Sheri Barker

First of all, it’s important to let each of you know that you are much appreciated for caring for each other in numerous ways: You notice when someone is absent for a couple Sundays and you either call them or let Pastor Karla or Pastor Alicia or a member of the Member Care Team know. You also offer to give a ride, pray for them, provide a meal, etc.  Please always let it be known when you or someone else is admitted to the hospital. It’s our goal to make contact with each homebound at least once a month.

As was mentioned in other years, it’s important that the church office has an emergency contact person for each of us members. If you can’t be reached, then we know who to contact to make sure you’re ok or else that you need a visit or whatever.

The Member Care Team meets monthly; usually the first Monday of the month at 1:30 pm in the Lower Level. We begin and end with prayer. We listen to each other’s needs and concerns and then lovingly share the connections we’ve made with our homebound: phone calls, visits, prayers, etc. We welcome new members and new ideas.

During the year we try to have extra activities to let the homebound know they are loved and not forgotten.

On Feb. 11, 2025 we had a special Valentine Luncheon in the lower level for the homebound and anyone else who wanted to come. This was a great time to socialize and catch up a bit.

On March 26 we had Easter card signing for the homebound at the Lenten Lunch. The cards were delivered to the homebound later.

On Aug. 24, we again signed cards for the homebound, etc. for God’s Work, Our Hands. These were delivered to the homebound with a plant and a banana bread. A luncheon followed.

On Dec. 6 we signed Christmas cards which were delivered with a poinsettia to each homebound.

Respectfully submitted,

Dorothy Geier / Member Care

With grateful hearts, we remember Jason Chase and all the beautiful music he gave to us during his 6 years of service at St. Mark’s. We’d like to share the report he wrote last year. It’s a sweet reminder of his gratitude for St. Mark’s.

“This has been an amazing and beneficial season, and we are looking forward to supporting our congregation and community through Music and the Arts. 

I would like to extend a personal note of thanks and appreciation to my Concert Series Planning Team including Karen Wilkins, Deb Lechner, Tom Larsen, Dave Barker, Dr. Bruce Mansfield & Pastor Karla.  I would also say a big thank you to Jane Gerber for sharing her edible creations and her spirit of giving.  To Sheri Barker for her inexhaustible knowledge and for being the best sounding board for ideas. To Deb Lechner for her combination of talent, tech savvy and patience.  To Dora, the “most” in every area–and a truly compassionate friend.

 

To Denny & Walt for all the unseen “maintaining” you’ve helped me with during the past 3 seasons.  And our Audio/Visual guys: Nathan, David, Daniel and Isaiah; every service & concert sounds & looks better than the last.

 

In addition to our concert series, I am very proud of the Comfort & Care Program Pastor Karla, and I have created with the creative talents of Margaret Gaillard, Marcia Salvestrini, Billy Cox, Angie Mulder, Nathan Estrada, and Tom Larsen.  

 

I am also incredibly grateful to Spanish musicians for all the Time and talents given so freely including Marguerite & Manuel Alvarez, Gloria Cortez, Laura Marquez & my buddy on bass, Gabriel.

 

And finally, a huge hug and thanks to all our Concert Series Benefactors.  You have brought this gift it’s life for our congregation and community.” 

Jason Chase, beloved St Mark’s Music Director 2019 – 2025

2025-2026 Concert Series

We intend to continue the concert series that Jason started through 2026. We will invite back some of the musicians that we have enjoyed in the past. We welcome your input! Talk to Pastor Karla or any member of the concert committee.

Saturday, October 11, 2025, 3 pm – Great American Musicals Part II

Saturday, November 8, 3 pm – PLNU Jazz Concert 

Saturday, December 6, 2-5 pm – St. Mark’s Posada & Spanish Concert

Saturday, December 20, 3 pm – Damekor Scandinavian Christmas Program

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3 pm – Mesa College Seratones (40-person choir)

Saturday, May 30, 3 pm – La Jolla Renaissance Singers

Saturday, June 27, 3 pm – 4^th Annual Patriotic Concert (tentative)

 

Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Lechner / Concert Committee

Throughout the year, I attend the 11:15 service.

I also support the teachers and students in the English classes.
I assist at all the events that reach out to the community.

I requested donations and, thanks be to God, we received the bread we needed for the Day of the Dead event. A flower shop donated flowers for November 2, and tortillería La Selecta donated bread for the Thanksgiving event held on November 26.

I have distributed invitations for various events at Northgate Market and El Super Market.

I also help with preparing or setting out the tablecloths that are used, and I assist in the kitchen.

Respectfully,
Margarita Alvarez

Prayer Quilt Ministry – Words of Gratitude

It is with sadness and great thanksgiving that we accept Roz Nelson’s resignation from the Prayer Quilt ministry which she began in 2004 at St. Mark’s.  Over the last 25 years, the team has provided over 4,000 comforting quilts to those in need of prayer.  The prayer quilts that she designed, helped sew, coordinated and individualized have blessed hundreds of people from within our St. Mark’s families as well as our extended families and friends across the globe.  Thank you, Roz, for making this one of the premier ministries of St. Mark’s, demonstrating our love for others and providing a unique, memorable form of outreach to the community.

Thank you, Linda Nerat, for picking up this important ministry and helping it continue into the near future.  Thank you, also, to the team who has supported the prayer quilt ministry with their time and talents this year: Phyllis Stallard, Margarita Alvarez, Maricela Nava, Yoland Ceja and Clelia Cabrera.  This team created and distributed 53 prayer quilts, 142 prayer squares and additional prayer pockets this year.  We appreciate you and all you do!

Sheri Barker

Prayer Quilt Ministry Report

The Prayer Quilt Ministry (which is ALL the members of St. Mark’s and all those attending our virtual services and receiving our Newsletter) has wrapped 53 recipients in prayer quilts and love this. We have also tied prayers into 142 prayer pockets.  These are about 4×5 inches – to fit in a pocket or a purse.  Each has a metal cross inside that says, “God loves you” and there are 5 “chains” of prayers for the recipient. These are easily carried with you.  Please call Linda Nerat (619) 395-6613 or the church office 619-427-5515 if you would like to request a prayer quilt and/or a pocket.

Prayer quilts and pockets are placed on the altar rail for the Pastor’s blessings on Sunday morning.  They are then taken to the narthex and tied by the congregation as they leave the sanctuary.  Pictures of the quilts, prayer pockets and squares are in the Newsletter each week with the prayers being asked for.  We ask for actual ties if you are in the church, or your virtual ties if you are at home or visiting our website.

We are a small group working in our homes and welcome (and need) others who would like to sew or put ties into our quilts to join us working in their homes.  Call Linda or talk to her before or after services if you would like to be part of the PQM – sewing, putting ties in, or pinning quilts together.

We are thankful for your love, your prayers, and your donations of time, materials, and money.  Donations need to be designated to the Prayer Quilt Ministry.  If you are writing a check, it should be made out to St. Mark’s and designated to the Prayer Quilt Ministry.

Thank you,
Linda Nerat

The Safety Team was established in 2024 with the core mission of ensuring safety and security of every member of our congregation. While we hope to never face suspicious or concerning situations on the church campus, preparation is essential.  We have taken the necessary steps to proactively avoid concerning situations from even developing.  In the unlikely case that an issue should develop, the Safey Team is trained to resolve the incident in a safe and professional way.

To carry out this mission, members of the Safety Team have received specialized training in effectively managing threatening and unusual situations. With this training, the team provides coverage for all regular Sunday services and special events at the church. Our primary role is to monitor events for unusual or suspicious activity and, should anything be detected, take appropriate actions as detailed in St Mark’s Safety and Security Protocols.

Security Camera System

The camera system was recently purchased and, with the support of a contractor and the Safety Team, the hardware was installed during the first half of the year. The system is now fully operational and used for continuously monitoring the church campus around the clock.

The camera system is a key functional component for the Safety Team, enabling us to protect church events and the physical assets of our church. The cameras allow for real time monitoring and also serve as a tool for reviewing or investigating past incidents.

• Total number of cameras: 10
• Perimeter Coverage: 8 cameras are positioned to capture the perimeter of the church campus
• Interior Coverage: 2 cameras are located inside the building (the sanctuary and the Lower Level room).

Below we show the output of the camera feeds for all 10 cameras to illustrate the capabilities of the system. The team uses the system to check for alerts and unusual activity on the campus outside regular business hours. Video footage has already been used on some occasions to verify that something initially appearing unusual was not a cause for concern.

In summary, the Safety Team is pleased with the progress that was made over the last year towards maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for our church community. We appreciate the strong support and encouragement from congregation during the startup phase.

To ensure the team’s sustainability and in order to reduce the burden on each individual member, we are actively seeking additional volunteers to join the Safety Team.

Respectfully,

Gerd Pfeiffer

Email: safetyandsecurity@stmarkschulavista.org

Introduction

This year has been an amazing one for our Youth and Children’s Ministry! We’ve shared so many wonderful moments filled with joy, growth, and togetherness. From exciting events to meaningful times of learning and worship, our youth and children have truly made this year special. It’s been a year full of great memories, happy times, and strong connections within our church family. 

Highlight Events of the Year

Youth group 

Our youth group has been one of the biggest highlights this year. Since combining with Glory Lutheran, we’ve been working together wonderfully and following a curriculum that has been very effective. We take turns teaching, giving each of us the opportunity to connect with the kids on a deeper level and to help them grow in their faith. Currently, we have about 20 youth participating in the Bible study, and it’s been a true blessing to see how well the collaboration has worked and how the youth continue to engage and learn each week.

Nursery / children sermon

For our Children’s Sermon, we now have a structured curriculum that we consistently use, and we have also established a collaborative team to assist in the children’s nursery when I am not available. Our children’s groups have grown steadily: for the English service, we now have about 4–6 children, and for the Spanish service, we have 11–14 children. We are thrilled to see this growth and are committed to providing a nurturing environment for all the kids. 

Additionally, we make sure that children who may not want to enter the room still have an engaging option—a “busy bag.” Each busy bag contains items that children can use quietly during the service, ensuring they are included and occupied while learning about God.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

One of our biggest events of the year was Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year, we were blessed to welcome even more kids into our program and had the wonderful opportunity to work alongside Glory, which also allowed us to bring in more volunteers. The theme for this year was “True North,” reminding everyone to stay centered on God’s direction. The kids had an amazing time learning about God, growing in their faith, and making special memories with new friends as well as reconnecting with those they met in last year’s VBS.

Church Sleepover                                                                                                                                      

On July 19, we hosted a fun and memorable church sleepover with the help of Pastor Alicia, Patricia Villa, and myself. The kids who joined us were Maribel, Leihlah, Angelin, Raul, Carlos, Mariano, Karime, David, Isaac, Daniel, and Josellyn. We held the event at the church, where everyone enjoyed making smores, listening to music, and spending time playing together. Pastor Alicia also shared a short Bible story with the kids, making it a meaningful and faith-filled evening for everyone.

November 14-16 Middle School gathering at Knotts Berry Farm

From November 14–16, we will be taking the middle schoolers on a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm along with some of our youth helpers. We will be taking Raylani, Daymian, David, Daniel and Justin. This will be an exciting event, especially since Justin will be joining us for the first time in something this big. Not only will he be helping as part of the youth team, but he will also have the opportunity to grow in his faith, learn more about God, and enjoy fun fellowship with the other kids.

Christmas Pageant December 14

On December 14, we will be having our Christmas pageant, joining together with Glory Lutheran. This will be a wonderful time of celebration as every child will have the opportunity to participate and play a special role in the pageant. We’re looking forward to coming together as one community to share the story of Christ’s birth and celebrate the joy of the season.

 

December 14 SeaWorld trip

On December 14, we will also be bringing back our SeaWorld trip! We paused this event last year, but we’re excited to continue the tradition once again. Getting those passes and returning to SeaWorld is always such a joyful experience—not only do the kids have a wonderful time, but it also gives everyone the chance to connect, enjoy, and make lasting memories together.

Outlook for the Future

Looking ahead, our focus is to continue growing our children’s ministry and to create more events that allow the kids to have fun, learn, and feel connected to the church. My goal is to organize at least one event per month for the children. This could be a Bible study, choir lessons, a movie night, or any activity that encourages them, engages their hearts, and strengthens their connection to our church community.

Melissa Hernandez

This year, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church continued its commitment to compassion, dignity, and community partnership through a special outreach effort supporting children who find themselves in difficult situations.

Recognizing the stress and fear these children may experience, our congregation prepared and donated a collection of comforting and engaging items to the local police department. These gifts were created and gathered with deep care, love, and intention, offering reassurance and a moment of calm during an uncertain time.

Items Donated Included: Coloring books, crayons, stuffed animals and mostly hand knitted critters, lovingly crafted by members of the congregation, each one unique, providing warmth and a personal touch.

These gifts were received with gratitude by the police department, which will distribute them to children who must wait in their care. It is our hope that these small gestures—made possible by the generosity of our members—will remind these young ones that they are seen, valued, and held in love.

We extend heartfelt thanks to all who donated supplies, (Chuck and the group of quilters donate the stuffing) Margaret Gaillard for knitting the critters, her friend Una Marie stitches and stuffs them.

All contributions reflect the heart of St. Mark’s: a community committed to sharing God’s love through tangible acts of kindness.

We know how to have fun and JOY making children happy.

Margaret Gaillard