“Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.”
1 Peter 2:5
Since its founding in 1962 St. Mark Presbyterian Church has brought together generations of dedicated members who have embodied their calling to “Love God, Love People, Reach Out.” The people of St. Mark have built this spiritual house through worship, fellowship, and education, and through physical and financial support.
This will be an exciting year for St. Mark, as we enter the next season of ministry. As we turn the corner to begin this new church year, now is the time to fully realize the future of this congregation.
In the past year, this church has completed the process of self-examination and completed the Mission Study Report. The Mission Study Report identified the values that shape us as a community:
“. . . a traditional, friendly church that cultivates our relationship with God as we cultivate our relationships with one another . . . caring for and supporting one another . . . deepening our faith through the active use of time, talents, and treasures.”We have also elected a Pastor Nominating Committee, which has earnestly begun their work to bring a new permanent pastor in the coming year. Now it is time for all of us to partner with God in building St. Mark’s ministry so this congregation will continue to flourish and enable a new pastor to succeed.
I am asking you to join me by making a financial pledge to help realize the opportunity before us as a church. Each of us is a living stone of St. Mark Presbyterian Church. We know that it is more than our presence and our actions that build the church. It is also the financial support that is essential to keep our foundation strong. We want to continue building our spiritual house as we enter this next season of ministry and welcome a new installed pastor.
Like most nonprofits, most of St. Mark’s contributions come from individuals. Pledged contributions account for about 85% of our church’s budget. And like most nonprofits, people give because of shared values and beliefs. But making a pledge to St. Mark is different than other charitable giving: stewardship is about partnering with God to share a ministry. Charitable giving is done so that others are able to do the work on our behalf. Stewardship is a shared ministry with God – we work with each other, and we work together with God to build a spiritual house right here.
The sermon series will culminate on November 6, which is also Stewardship Sunday. Bring your pledge card with you to church that day as we will dedicate our pledges and dedicate ourselves to be living stones in the spiritual house that God is building through us.
Grace & peace
Rev. Jim Poinsett
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