Our vestry spent much of its meeting discussing the amazing generosity of our St. Mark’s parishioners.
Jim shared that Hearts of Palm had received more than 150 Christmas gifts that are going to be distributed to families sponsored by St. Mark’s. We were also touched by the many financial contributions made to the clergy’s discretionary fund (including gift cards), which enabled St. Mark’s to provide much-needed assistance to folks struggling to make ends meet this Christmastide. Thanks to this generosity, we were able to purchase new appliances for people in need, including:
St. Mark’s even helped a family pay its county tax bill for the quarter!
Furthermore, our congregation helped several families find shelter in local hotels while they seek permanent housing. We have also assisted our own members who find themselves in desperate times.
Jim explained that what makes this Christmas giving so special is that all of these families and individuals are known to St. Mark’s clergy and staff. These folks are not strangers; they are friends and members of this community of faith, which makes the stewardship of these gifts so meaningful.
Ron McElhone, CFO, echoed the vestry’s sentiment of gratitude as he reviewed the October financials, stating that the first quarter is on budget. He also noted the consistent giving of the parishioners who made pledges and made good on those pledges.
A brief conversation took place regarding Building Beloved Community and Jim explained that the task force has been formed and work will begin in the new year.
Finally, the vestry congratulated John Favole on his upcoming retirement from his 42-year career as a local journalist and television news anchor. His smiling face and warm personality will be missed in Palm Beach County for sure, but we are blessed to have him, Shannon, and Grace in our midst for many years to come at St. Mark’s.
Here are some headlines to take away from a hopeful end to a unique year…
Live actors played Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, surrounded by a myriad of animals that adorned every crèche: donkey, sheep, a goat, and a camel too.
This special time of worship included a string quartet and was streamed live to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/stmarkspbg1962
We greatly appreciate our community’s effort to keep St. Mark’s open and as safe as possible. This ongoing cooperation allowed us to remain open for in-person, On-Campus learning, and support students and families who participated in the At Home program. We are grateful for St. Mark’s faculty and staff who go above and beyond to nurture and support our students, families, and each other.
Little Smiles is a volunteer non-profit that helps children and families who are facing difficult medical situations. We would like to extend our most profound thanks to all of our St. Mark's families, students, staff, and friends for helping bring holiday cheer and smiles to those in need and serving the world as Christ serves us!
During this season noted for gratitude, we thank our parishioners and friends for all they have done to support St. Mark’s during this most unique year 2020. Thank you for supporting the mission and ministries of St. Mark’s as well as our many community partners programs.