What’s happening at St. Mark’s . . . . .
New Organist -
As you learned last month, Jim Biever resigned as organist as of the end of
2019. We are sorry to have him leave us,
but . . . we are lucky to have had another organist interested in our position. Her name is Cindy Johnson, and she is
currently organist of St. John’s with whom we share a pastor. Cindy will also accompany the choirs in
additional to her responsibilities as organist.
As Pastor Dave does, she will zip over the bridge when our service is
over and provide the music for St. John’s.
Please welcome Cindy to our congregation!
Annual Congregational Meeting - As a responsible member of this congregation, you need
to set aside time to attend our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday,
January 26, 2020, beginning at 10:15 A.M. following our morning service of
worship. I know this is not always an
exciting meeting, but it is an important event in the life of St. Mark’s. We must have a quorum, or our official
business cannot be conducted such as approving the 2020 budget, the new members
of our Consistory, as well as approving funds from the Endowment Fund. Again, please plan to stay for this important
event.
New Copier Plus - As I shared with you several
months ago, after a study of the cost of operating our current copier which is rented and the
cost of buying one outright, it was decided to recommend to the Congregation
that it would be more financially efficient to purchase our own copier. The money for this would come from the
Endowment Fund. Another recommendation
for use of Endowment Funds is the second step in upgrading our security system
by replacing our obsolete smoke detectors on the first floor of the Christian
Ed Building and installing additional emergency pull stations. A third item is having a dehumidifier added
to our system to control the moisture in the Community Rooms where mold was
found growing this summer. These items
and several others will be up for approval at the Annual Congregational
Meeting.
Financial Planning - Again, a reminder for those of you who must withdraw
funds from your IRA during 2020. By
having your investment broker transfer funds directly to charities including
St. Mark’s, you will not have to pay tax on your withdrawal plus you can still
claim a standard deduction on your 2020 income tax obligation. You can make one lump sum contribution to
your church for the year and include something extra since you won’t be paying
tax on the withdrawal.
Christmas Decorations - Thanks to those who came out to set up and decorate
our Christmas trees and Sanctuary. With
many hands, the job goes smoothly. The
team then returners after New Years to pact everything up and remove the
trees. Again, thanks to these volunteers
who make our Christmas more joyful.
Communion - January
5th is Communion at St. Mark’s. I hope
you started the new year on a positive note by celebrating this sacrament with
us. If you know of anyone who is unable
to physically get to St. Mark’s for this Christian rite, please call the office
and let us know.
Jim
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