St Mark’s Council Members met on July 19, 2026.
Council Highlights
Devotional Activity
• Matt Greising led devotions.
Guest Presentation
• Member, Thom Joerger, gave a presentation to the Council regarding the location and installation of St. Mark’s Peace Pole. It will be located on the south side of the church lawn between the main entrance and the office door entrance. Some existing landscaping will be removed and replaced with a stone pathway and flowering shrubs. Costs for this project have come from generous member donations.
The Minutes from June 28, 2026, Council Meeting were accepted as written. Rob presented the July Treasurer’s Report.
Action Items
• The council approved a recommendation from the property team for the formation of a landscaping team. This team would operate independently from the Property Team and take responsibility for the care and maintenance of the landscape around the church. Thom Joerger, a landscape architect, will bring his expertise to the team. Thom has created a master plan for the entire south side of the church building. The Council recognized Julie Joerger as the Council liaison to work with the landscaping team.
Committee Highlights
Property Team
• Updates on the courtyard: The Property team continues to seek bids for tuckpointing and brick repair, installation of the fire table, cleaning up the grounds and adding soil, replacing metal doors with glass, etc.
• Narthex Lighting: Replacement bulbs have been ordered and installation is set scheduled in August.
• Roof repairs: Options are being evaluated for replacing the roofing on the steeple. Installing lightning rods is under discussion.
• Parking Lot: The sealcoating on the parking lot is worn and failing. Estimates are being gotten to have the entire lot sealed and striped.
• Al returns from vacation on August 17.
Stewardship Committee
• The Stewardship Committee is working on the completion of the annual update of the member roster. Thirty letters were mailed to individuals who have been inactive for two years asking if they were interested in remaining a member at St. Mark’s. Responses are due by August 15. (No letters were sent to elderly/shut in members.)
Some Stewardship Team members have begun meeting with St. Mark’s members regarding an initiative to retire the mortgage in 2028. The Stewardship Team is reaching out to some members to contribute towards the initiative to retire the mortgage prior to the start of the Stewardship Season in September when the initiative will be shared church wide.
Strategic Planning Team
• The Strategic Planning Team is planning a forum for members to continue discussions around the four mission pillars: Worship, Community Engagement, Spiritual Growth, and Fellowship and how St. Mark’s can continue to grow in them. The event is set for Sunday, August 23, from 11:30 – 1:00 PM. A box lunch will be provided.
Intergenerational Fellowship Team
• The Intergenerational Fellowship Team launched a new coffee ministry called “Holy Grounds” at St. Mark’s on the weekend of July 11 and 12. This new team is also planning a “Chalk the Walk” event on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2. Please look for more information in the Friday email for details.
Children, Youth, & Family
• The CYF Committee put on a great VBS this year. There were sixteen 3yr olds to 5th graders, twelve middle and high schoolers, and 27 faithful adult volunteers.
• Registration and planning for FDL are underway for 2026 -2027.
Upcoming dates:
• Outdoor worship, Lutheran Contemporary, will take place on Sunday, August 2. See the Friday email for details.
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.
2026 Council Members
Randy Steinheimer (President) president@stmarksaurora.net
Jeanne Flynn (Acting Vice President) --flynn64sq@sbcglobal.net
Julie Joerger (Congregational Secretary) julposada.60@gmail.com
Robert Creaney (Treasurer) rob.creaney@sbcglobal.net
Cassie Blickem blickem@mac.com
Gena Gerdin genagerdin@comcast.net
Matt Greising mpgreising@gmail.com
Mary Mandel marymandel610@gmail.com
Melvin Smith kg70gp@gmail.com
Gregg Kobliska grkobliska@yahoo.com
Pastor Krista Zimmerman (Pastor) kzimmerman@stmarksaurora.net
Deacon David Webb dwebb@stmarksaurora.net