Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark's,

It was great to see so many people at the after-church presentation last Sunday.  Jack Carpenter announced that we are starting a capital campaign entitled “Preserving Our Heritage, Preparing for the Future.”  Jack chairs the task force that has been looking at facility needs across the church.

The goal for phase one of the campaign is $300,000 over three years.  Jack announced the very good news that, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of several St. Mark’s members, more that $100,000 has been pledged so far.

The task force began with a list of maintenance and improvement projects that had been carefully assembled by the Board of Trustees.  Church leaders were then consulted about needs, costs, and priorities.  The list of projects is a compilation of these priorities, approved by the Church Council.

As you might expect, any list like this is at best a snapshot.  Both the task force and the Council understand that needs, costs, and priorities will change over the three-year period of phase one.  But the list gives us an excellent place to start work on ensuring the future of  St. Mark’s.  You will receive it in the mail soon, and your questions or suggestions are welcome.

A big thank you goes to our Board of Trustees and chair Stan Watson.  And, most especially, St. Mark’s is forever indebted to both Bob Hout and Bill Williams, who every day oversee maintenance big and small.  Because of our size and age, there is always something that needs attention--and we can always count on Bob and Bill.  And I mean always.  What these men give to this church is both incalculable and inspiring.

When you see them, be sure to say thanks, or hug them, or give them a thank-you note.  Wait a minute, they don’t like attention.  Forget I said that.

See you in church!

Craig