The council met on Sunday, December 21, for its monthly meeting. The following are highlights from the meeting. 

Council Highlights

• Council reviewed a draft version of the 2026 operating budget and provided feedback for its continued development. Council will approve a final version of the budget at its January 11 meeting, after which time it will be presented to the congregation in advance of the January 25 Annual Meeting.
• With the fourth quarter drawing to a close, Council reviewed its progress against its 2025 planning goals and acknowledged significant targets met during the year. Due to unforeseen circumstances at the synod level, updates to the St. Mark’s constitution will not be available for approval at the Annual Meeting.

Action Items

• The Council approved an updated version of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Personnel and Policy manual recommended by the Executive Team. The team met several times to comprehensively review, discuss and update the manual and staff members were given an opportunity to comment prior to passage.
• Council approved the 2026 Outreach budget. This budget is separate from the annual operating budget approved by the Congregation at the Annual Meeting.
• Council approved the Annual Meeting ballot of nominees for Council officers, Council members, Endowment Committee and Synod Assembly representatives. The congregation will vote to affirm the nominees at the Annual Meeting.

Committee Highlights

Property Team

• The Property Team is seeking bids for the courtyard development project. The congregation will be informed as the process develops.

Council Happenings highlights verbal committee reports made during the Council meeting as well as actions taken on committee recommendations. Written committee reports are now attached to the meeting agenda and available for viewing upon request.

Upcoming dates:

Council’s next meeting is Sunday, January 11.