Council Happenings
July 2025 report

The council met on Sunday, July 20, for its monthly meeting. The following are highlights from the meeting. 


Council Highlights

  • Devotional Activity
  • Over the past several months, Council has been exploring how their individual Enneagram scores impact group dynamics, communication and understanding. This month, Council engaged in personal reflection and small group discussion surrounding the question, “What would Jesus’ Enneagram score be?” Small groups shared their conversations with the full Council. A common theme from each small group was Jesus’ willingness to challenge norms and his commitment to social justice, connected to Enneagram Type 8. Characteristics from other Enneagram types were also noted.  

 

Guest Presenter

  • Faith Greising, Chair of the Mutual Ministry Committee, addressed the Council and formally presented the committee’s unanimous recommendation that Pastor Krista be called as St. Mark’s next pastor.  


Action Items

  • Council voted to approve the Mutual Ministry Committee’s recommendation to call Pastor Krista and move the decision to the congregation at a Special Meeting arranged for that purpose. 
  • Council discussed dates for the Special Meeting (August 23-24), subject to approval by the synod, as a synod representative must be present for the meeting. 
  • Council also discussed a separate, short Special Meeting for the District 129 proposal for the same dates, provided that the proposal is completed and approved by Council with sufficient time for congregational notice.  


Committee Highlights

       Property Team

  • Matt Greising provided an update on existing projects, including the kitchen floor project. He also reported that District 129 has been inspecting the courtyard area as part of the potential cooperative agreement between District 129 and St. Mark’s.  

       Children, Youth and Family Committee

  • Council expressed gratitude for the leadership of Jeanne Flynn, Debbie Steinheimer, and Mary Mandel, as well as all of the adult and youth volunteers, for their hard work resulting in a successful VBS program. Once again, St. Mark’s showed that our members respond to the call when asked to serve. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the program’s success.  

       Constitution Review

  • The Executive Team will review constitutional provisions related to the Council’s structure and will make recommendations for the full Council’s consideration at its August meeting.  


Upcoming dates:

  • Outdoor worship and summer fun will take place on Sunday, August 2. See the Friday email for details. 
  • A Budget and Benevolence Forum will take place on July 26 and 27 following worship services. A mid-year budget update and report on volunteer service and special contributions to our outreach and community partners will be provided at that time. 
  • Council’s next meeting is Sunday, August 17.  


The Council is committed to open communication and ongoing transparency with the congregation. Please feel free to reach out to a Council member with your questions.