These are exciting times for St. Mark’s as we seek God’s vision for the future. Scripture teaches us that “without vision the people perish.” On May 31st, we will gather for An Afternoon For the Future to bring clarity, focus, and energy to our vision and our mission at St. Mark’s. This workshop will begin with a catered lunch provided at no charge immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service and will conclude by 4:30 p.m.
This gathering will encourage dialogue and discussion about matters of the utmost importance to the future of our church. We will go back to basics with questions like “Who are we at St. Mark’s? Who is God calling us to be in the future? What is God asking of us? What is our mission? What is God’s vision for us that will help us accomplish that mission? How do our facilities help or hinder us in our mission?”
An Afternoon For the Future will be different than anything we’ve done since I came to St. Mark’s. Last year we held cottage meetings to get to know each other and to help set short-term goals. May 31st will be about the long term. It will be about developing a strategic plan for our future. We will focus on our mission and long range vision.
I believe this workshop will be the most important day in the life of our parish for years to come. From this afternoon together, with God’s help, we will set the future direction of St. Mark’s. We will also find renewed purpose and meaning for our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is important that everyone–adults, youth and children of all ages–attend this afternoon. Child care and activities for children will be provided. Our teenaged youth will be full participants in the workshop.
On May 31st, we need you and your whole family to be at St. Mark’s. We need your presence, we need your perspective, and we need your dreams. And above all, we need your prayers seeking God’s guidance for the future of St. Mark’s. Please call the church office and make your lunch reservations today.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Danny Schieffler
Rector
