COMMUNION COMMITTEE Prior to August 3rd Communion, we were still handing out Communion elements at the door to the Sanctuary. The elements were then opened by each person and they opened the “bread portion” and turned it over and opened the “juice” and drank from the other side of the plastic “chalice.”
August 3rd - Servers arrived before the service and were given a quick instruction by Pastor MP on how she wanted the Communion to be served. We had placed gluten free bread, cut up small into the communion cups with juice added to another set of cups. Unfortunately, some people had problems getting the bread from the cups, so we started looking for the best substitute. Some of our Church members work for Pepperidge Farm Company but they found that their company did not offer a gluten-free cracker, so we started looking on-line. Amazon came through with a cracker we tried the next month. It worked well and we have been able to use these crackers the rest of the year. We found that Sign-Up Genius works well for Deacons and Elders to alternate serving duties
The Communion Committee buys the elements, sets them up before each Communion service and assigns individual servers to stations in front of the Chancel. We have also added and modified instructions for servers in order to make the service go smoother.
FLOWER COMMITTEE – The donation of sanctuary flowers is a wonderful way for our members to honor loved ones and commemorate special events during the year, while, at the same time, helping to beautify our church. During our most holy seasons, Easter and Christmas, members can purchase Easter Lilies and Poinsettias. Provided as a donation, these flowers and plants also serve to bring joy to a church member who cannot attend church. This often includes a visit by one of our deacons, allowing homebound members and members in senior living to stay in touch with our church family and to know that they are thought of, appreciated, and loved. All plants purchased can also be designated to be taken home or delivered personally to whomever the member chooses.
During 2023:
• A total of 46 sanctuary bouquets were ordered from a local florist of which 27 of these were donated and were delivered by the deacons to homebound members and 19 were taken home by the donors.
• For the Easter season, 28 families donated a total of 58 Easter lilies which were ordered from a local greenhouse for our sanctuary on Easter Sunday. After the Easter service 47 were delivered by deacons to homebound members and 14 were taken home by the donors.
• For the Christmas season, 26 families donated a total of 74 poinsettia plants which were ordered from a local greenhouse for our sanctuary during the Christmas Eve and 12 Christmas Day services. Afterwards 59 plants were delivered to homebound members and two residential care facilities, and 15 plants were taken home by the donor.
A special thanks to the members of St. Mark who so generously provided flowers during the year. Your participation is greatly appreciated and brought beauty, joy, and a personal church connection to so many. I would also like to thank the deacons who so willingly volunteered to give of their time, often during very busy times and inclement weather, to make deliveries throughout the year. Hopefully you were blessed by the blessing you provided.
HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE The Health and Wellness Committee organizes blood drives; organizes CPR/AED/First Aid training classes; maintains seven first aid kits and two AED units located throughout the church property. The committee sponsored four Red Cross blood drives this year. Results were: sign-up of 172 donors and collection of 173 units of blood. The committee continued to monitor the viability of two HeartSine Samaritan AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) and the inventory of seven first aid kits.
STEPHEN MINISTRYThe goal of Stephen Ministers is to provide Christian care in group settings and one on one confidential care to St. Mark members and friends. • We offered Grief Share series and a 2 special Getting Through the Holidays support classes/meetings in 2023. • We supported the Blue Christmas event. 14 • We distributed prayer shawls and Journey Through Grief Booklets. • A total of 242 hours for 2023 of Stephen Ministry reported at this time. • We continue to guide and support each other through monthly small group supervision. • Thank you for your continued support as we strive to bring Christ’s care and • light to those in need.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – The Transportation Committee has been discontinued and the bus has been sold. Going forward transportation requests will be handled on an individual basis.
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