Church Council Summary, August 2025
ELCA Multiethnic Initiative Meeting in Chicago
Pastors Karla and Alicia, along with Margarita Alvarez, participated in the ELCA Multiethnic Initiative meeting at ELCA Headquarters, where discussion focused on storytelling, inclusion, and community partnerships. Our St. Mark’s leaders shared ideas and captured many new ideas to help build our ministries. Margarita learned that, while St. Mark’s is at the forefront on some aspects of multiethnic ministry, other congregations across the country are expanding understanding and welcome by engaging in thoughtful, open discussion about a variety of challenging community issues. Participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, celebrate cultures, and discuss difficult issues together.
July Financials
- With 58% of the year completed, giving income has held steady at 56% of budget.
- 53% of the budget had been expended by July 31, reflecting careful management of expenses.
- Unfortunately, our year-to-date net ordinary income at the end of July was in a negative range because our 2025 budget was predicated on rental income from Education Enrichment Services (EES) at the completion of remodeling; originally anticipated in February or March, 2025. This will be remedied by the forthcoming first rent check from EES in late August, including a pro-rated August rent (from receipt of keys) and September rent. An official ribbon cutting event will be held near the end of September to welcome Olive Branch Early Education Center to our campus.
Music & Worship
- Music Director Jason Chase has resumed his duties—PRAISE GOD!
- THANK YOU, Margaret Galliard, for stepping into the gap while Jason was ill and enriching our worship with your wonderful organ music!
- A HUGE thank you to Corey and Dennis Coughlin for the many hours they have spent over the last week to ensure our new WiFi boosters work effectively across the campus!!
- New fiber optic internet has been installed, gigabyte WiFi boosters have been added across the campus, and a new, member-donated, digital wall-mounted camera will soon be installed in the sanctuary to improve our worship live stream. Thank you for your patience!
- An important replacement part for the media tech booth has been ordered. It will improve the images on the digital screens and reinstate the image on the small TV to the left of the altar.
- The concert series continues as planned with the next concert on Saturday, November 11.
- New members are sought to expand the concert committee and help Jason with the many details that make these amazing, community outreach events possible.
Partnerships & Programs
- Pastor Karla and Glory Lutheran have successfully refined collaboration for Sunday school, youth Bible study, and future events.
- A 6-week intensive Confirmation class will begin on Tuesday/Wednesday evenings this Fall.
- LSS Senior Companions ministry begins a trial tenancy this month, renting classroom space in the lower level (Monday-Friday) for $200/month.
- Pastor Alicia is working to identify congregation leaders to be part of a coaching program in order to strengthen lay leadership at St. Mark’s.
Other Priorities
- Dora has been helping to refine our policies and procedures, as well as our signage around the campus—bringing more professionalism to our operations and office. Thank you, Dora!
- Our “Living the Resurrection” strategic planning has begun, as the team establishes an initial meeting with our consultant, Rev. Dr. Marjorie Funk-Pihl. Council has discussed the “Area of Investigation,” and is in the process of preparing a statement of purpose to guide our planning process.
- Funding has been secured for 20 Thrivent memberships–each can provide a $250 card to help fund upcoming congregation and community events.
- 10 security cameras around the campus are operational to keep our members, tenants and the property safe. These were installed at the recommendation of our consultants, Defend Security Solutions.
Upcoming Events & Notes
- “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday is August 24 including one short worship service, care-projects for the homebound, and neighborhood outreach, followed by a delicious grilled asada lunch.
- “Day of the Dead” celebration is scheduled for November 2 during the 11:15 service.
- ESL levels 1 through 3 begin Tuesday, August 26 in Jacobson Hall and the Lower Level.