“The opportunity for service and caring for God’s people is great. Through the example set by Jesus Christ, the deacons continually find ways to mobilize the strengths and resources of the congregation. In doing so, through faith, the deacons lead the congregation to accomplish tasks that serve the greater congregation and community.” – St. Mark Board of Deacons Mission Statement
To accomplish and fulfill our mission, the Board of Deacons led ten standing committees and four major fundraising events. As elected by the congregation, the 2023 Board of Deacons was composed of eighteen deacons who serve 3-year terms and a youth deacon who serves a 1- year term.
GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND SERVICE
During 2023, life at St Mark became more normal. Our meetings were a combination of those who chose to attend online via Microsoft Teams and in-person. Pastor MP (our staff liaison) continued to bring a welcome spiritual aspect to our meetings, and I’d like to personally thank MP for the support she continues to provide to me as Moderator.
In 2022 we reignited our relationship with Lafayette Industries, which has been one of St Mark’s mission partners for many years, as it was originally started by members of St Mark, led by Ethel and Bob McLuen. Our continued thanks to Marilyn McMillan, our current Lafayette Industries liaison, for her persistence in re-establishing even more direct contact with Lafayette. In 2023 we started a program of providing lunch to the staff once per month. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with them in 2024.
As Deacons continued to do their committee work, we also supported various activities of the church like the Jerusalem Festival, Fall Festival, and ABC Sale. This year’s ABC Sale was a great success, enabling us to raise over $14,000 for our mission partners (see Mission Report below for more specifics). I’m so grateful to and appreciative of our Deacons for continuing to help get God’s work done on behalf of our St Mark family! Bless all of you for your support and caring service! Listed below accomplishments of our individual committees.
Respectfully submitted, Pam Ladley, Deacon Moderator
CAREGIVING COMMITTEE – . The caregiving team reached out to members in many ways: • We send cards to many homebound or ill members, as well as families with loss. • Delivered various gifts to homebound members including flowering plants, mums, cookies and 24 advent bags. • Sent gift cards to 10 college students. • Offered refreshments after funerals. • Made a “we care meal” and delivered it to members twice a year. We also made/delivered desserts to senior living residents and accompanied the treats with plants.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN/FOOD COMMITTEE – This committee is responsible for the collection of food, paper, cleaning and personal care items donated by our congregation, and the delivery to Circle of Concern located in Valley Park, MO. Church members are informed of Circle of Concern’s needs in our monthly newsletter and weekly bulletin. In addition, deacons deliver special collections made by our preschool, children and youth ministries. During the past year, 176 bags (1,381 lbs.) of all items were donated.
CIRCLE OF CONCERN GOLF TOURNAMENT –May 23 - arrived at Aberdeen Golf Club, Eureka, Missouri with a sold-out event of 144 golfers; 38 volunteers; and ideal weather with temperatures in the mid-80s and lots of sunshine. Preliminary calculations show the event raised over $35,000 with all proceeds benefiting Circle of Concern, one of several local missions supported by St. Mark Deacons. St. Mark has served as the event sponsor for the past 17 years and has worked in concert with Circle staff and volunteers to create goodwill within the community for both entities, as well as raise needed funding. The following demonstrates the direct impact St. Mark had on this years’ tournament:
• Members funded over $11,000 in Sponsorships and Auction Items
• 18 members served as volunteers on the day of event (7 are current Deacons) • 12 members participated as golfers
• Members recruited 44 other golfers 11 • 3 members served on the Golf Committee
Thank you to all St. Mark Deacons for sharing your time, talent and resources to make this event so successful and fun as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment