The council met on Sunday, October 12, for its monthly meeting. The following are highlights from the meeting. 

Council Highlights

• The Nominating Committee met to discuss projected openings on Council and

anticipated needs. There are four Council positions opening in 2026, one of which is

intended for a youth member. Council encourages any interested member of the

congregation who is open to sharing their time and talent by participating on Council to

speak with Pastor Krista or Jeanne Flynn. You may also approach any other member of

Council with your questions. Members of the congregation who have a financial

background are particularly encouraged to consider joining Council next year.

Action Items – St. Mark’s Constitution

• The Council devoted much of its October meeting to the review of the constitution, as

recommended by the Constitution Review Committee. The constitution should be

reviewed and approved by the congregation every 3 years, and there is a specific

process and timeline by which that must be completed. Council suggested some

modifications during the meeting and then unanimously approved the revised

document. The revised constitution will now be reviewed by the Synod Secretary

before being presented to the congregation. The goal is for the congregation to

approve the revised document at the Annual Meeting in January 2026.

• The Council thanks members of the Constitution Review Committee for the many hours

they have dedicated to reviewing and updating the document.

Committee Highlights

Property Team

• District 129 approved the playground partnership agreement between the District

and St. Mark’s at its October board meeting. Pastor Krista, Deacon David and

several members of Council were present for the meeting.

• The Property Team is in the process of obtaining cost estimates for work needed for

the courtyard project and hopes to bring a recommendation to the Council before

the end of the year.

Stewardship Committee

• The final Temple Talk of the stewardship season concluded on October 12. Instead

of a post-service Budget Forum, a more casual question and answer opportunity is

being planned for November. Please look for additional information in coming

Friday email messages.

• Members are encouraged to consider an increase in their 2026 pledge in response

to the Mission Challenge gift matching member increases in pledges up to a

congregational total of $35,000.

Upcoming dates:

• Confirmation will take place on Reformation Sunday, October 26.

• Council’s next meeting is Sunday, November 16.

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