Board of Deacon's Report 2024

 "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 

 The 2024 Board of Deacons at St. Mark's Church remained dedicated to their mission of mobilizing congregational resources and strengths to serve both the church and the broader community. Composed of 18 deacons serving staggered three-year terms and one youth deacon with a one-year term, the board operated through nine standing committees and supported several major fundraising events.

GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND SERVICE During 2024, our meetings continued as 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 and educational aspect to our meetings, and I’d like to personally thank Pastor MP for the support she continues to provide to me as Moderator and to the Deacons overall. 

As Deacons continued to do their committee work, we also supported various activities of the church like the Jerusalem Festival, Fall Festival, Rise Against Hunger, and the ABC Sale. The Rise Against Hunger event packed over 15,000 meals. The ABC Sale was a great success, enabling us to raise over $14,000 for our mission partners (see Mission Report below for more specifics). 

In 2024 we also continued to build 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 (and one of its founding members), for her persistence in reestablishing even more direct contact with Lafayette. In 2024 we continued our program of providing lunch to the staff once per month, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with them in 2025.

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!