September 21, 2016

DearRick and Anne,

On Sunday, October 9th, Saint Mark’s will kick off this year’s giving campaign: “Living Generously” with the Beating of the Bounds, an exciting celebration of our parish!

In living generously, we are called to be open to new ideas, to welcome the stranger, to volunteer often, and to forgive those who have offended us.

Here is the road map for this year’s Stewardship Pledge drive:

  • As a continuation of the Summer Dinners at Saint Mark's, reflecting on the past and dreaming about the future at our church, we are inviting you to join the Clergy and other congregation members at one of the Fall Dinners for which sign up is available in the Parish Hall!
  • On Sunday, October 9th, at the Beating of the Boundsand continuing throughout the month, reflections written by Episcopal leaders from across the country, covering stewardship and faithful giving in connection with the Gospel reading of the day will be included in our Sunday bulletin. You might choose to use these reflections for prayer and study throughout each week.
  • For three Sundays in October, we will hear stories of personal transformation resulting from the experience of fellow parishioners.
  • On October 30th, we will celebrate Commitment Sunday, the culmination of our reflection, when completed pledge cards will be offered as a response to all that God has provided us.

2016 has been an exciting year at Saint Mark’s in terms of the Music Program with the completion of the Casavant organ as an enhancement to our worship experience. Formation for youth and adults has been reorganized and attendance is up! The Via Media program is officially up and running to allow parishioners to engage with each other in the discussion of 21st century issues in the Episcopal Church.

Next year promises to be an even more active year as Saint Mark’s becomes involved in refugee resettlement in in Columbus through participation in the CRIS program as well as developing an initiative to address issues of violence in our community. These opportunities will add to many other Outreach efforts at the church that are ongoing, including Vacation Bible School and the mission trip to Guatemala.

Your generosity, in response to the abundance in your life, will assist in funding the mission and ministry of Saint Mark’s and in transforming lives, going forward.

Faithfully,

Laura Skoracki, Vestry Member, StewardshipScott Milburn, Vestry Member and Co-Chair, Stewardship

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church 2151 Dorset Road, Columbus, OH 43221