Here we are into 2023. In January 2020, none of us could have possibly expected all that we would go through or all that we would feel over these past several years. Things are not unfolding as we had planned. The high hopes we may have had going into 2020 have certainly not played out as we had expected. Plans have been postponed or canceled altogether. Years of our “normal” lives, of regular routines, have all been interrupted.
The interruptions are frustrating and can seem unfair. Life isn’t looking like we had planned in the little and big things. We’re uncertain of the future and don’t have answers. The plans we had changed, and it is uncomfortable, disappointing, and hard. But that isn’t the end of the story. There is still good news!
We can take comfort in trusting God knows the future. He has the answers. He is not surprised by any of this. Our plans may have changed in unexpected ways, but God does not change. The abiding love of God, the connections of friendship and prayer within our congregation, and our commitment to reach out in service to our neighbors remains.
Here at St. Mark, new ways to be the church and the family you treasure are being carried out. We do not need a building to be the church, but we do need each other to be St. Mark and to reflect His love.
Thank you for your financial commitment to St. Mark. Your support is critical to our sustainability. For those who have given offerings, please be assured your gifts have helped sustain the faithful mission and ministry of our congregation.
Some in our church and in the community face personal economic challenges because of this pandemic. Because of your generosity, we have been able to reach out and support those in need using the Member-2-Member fund and the St. Mark Neighbors fund.
We hope your circumstances will be such that you can still give to St. Mark. If they have changed, please know we understand. Please know that your offering, no matter its size, is deeply appreciated and empowers us to carry out the church’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives.
Together, we can support each other through this difficult time. Together, we can answer God’s call to mission and ministry. Together, we can be spiritually united even when physically apart. And together, we can trust God and His plans for us.