Many Thanks

 Friends, 

Do you know anyone ages 18-40 who would be interested in an 8-week internship this summer, to learn faith-based organizing skills? CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) is accepting applications between now and April 24. To find out more, click here. 

My portion of today’s message will be brief but heartfelt. I want to give thanks. Thanks to all the folks who warmed up, tuned up, rehearsed, decorated, lit matches, bought flowers, baked goods, turned A/V knobs, read liturgy, studied Scripture, discussed readings, taught classes, and simply showed up throughout our Lenten Season, Holy Week, and Easter events and celebrations. We had a full slate of opportunities for study and worship throughout the season and many of you enabled us to have them and many of you took advantage of them. And the joy on Saturday, then twice on Sunday, of our celebration of the resurrection was palpable and wonderful. Thank you for being the church, so faithfully and meaningfully. 

Now, I yield the remainder of this week’s message to our Finance Commission: 

"We are pleased and grateful to report that we have received an excellent response to the recent 2023 pledge outreach.  Pledge commitments currently exceed the 2023 budget target by +$90,000.  Current pledges total $830,000 which reduces our operational (income vs expenses) deficit to approximately -$27,000.   As a reminder, we had faced an original 2023 budget deficit of -$117,000. This represents a significant improvement in our financial position, and although it is difficult to make full year projections based on 3 months, this should leave us with a very manageable 2023 operational budget.  As has been mentioned, we are still projecting needed facilities improvements and solar project expenditures that will be covered separately by our reserve savings and a loan from PILP.  The Finance Commission would like to thank the entire congregation for your prayerful dedication and vital support of St. Mark Church.  We look forward to delivering this positive update to the congregation during worship this Sunday, April 16."

(Mark again): Yet another thing for which I am thankful! When we give with such generosity, it is another indicator that none of us simply “goes to church.” We are the church. What a joy!

Mark of St. Mark