2018 annual report - my worship times 4.0 network€¦ · outgoing senior warden jim huber gave...

2018 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTSSaint Mark’s CouncilSaint Mark’s Ministry Team2018 Annual Meeting MinutesBy the NumbersBishop’s Letter

Dean’s LetterSenior Warden LetterJunior Warden LetterCanon Ministry Developer ReportCommunications Report

GATHERBRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Gather Commission Report Newcomers Cathedral Bookshop Report

TRANSFORMCHANGING LIVES

Transform Commission Report Pride Round TableFormationAssociate for Family Ministry ReportGodly Play Coordinator ReportYouth Minister ReportYoung Adult Minister Report S.A.A.G.E.S Adult FormationAssociate for Liturgical Coordination Report Servers Altar Guild UshersCanon Musician ReportPastoral Care Report

SENDCHANGING THE WORLD

Community Engagement Coordinator ReportSend Commission Report Bag Lunch Ministry City House Dignity Center Downtown Coalition to End Homelessness Emerson School Partnership Groveland Food Shelf Gun Violence Prevention Task-force North-Side Achievement Zone Sunday Night Supper Wells Foundation Dean’s Annual Appeals

ADMINISTRATIONRESOURCING OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Saint Mark’s Cathedral Foundation ReportStewardship Committee ReportFinance Committee ReportHuman Resources Committee ReportProperty Committee ReportGovernance Committee ReportTreasurer’s Report2019 Budget

As Episcopalians, we at Saint Mark's share a common life with other Anglicans around the globe, and that common life is shaped by 'the Five Marks of Mission' – five 'signs' that we are actively participating in God's mission in the world. Simply put, when we are being faithful we are doing these things.The Five Marks of Mission are:

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom;• To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers;• To respond to human need by loving service;• To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to

pursue peace and reconciliation;• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the

earth.

Saint Mark’s is a Cathedral of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, a network of faith communities gathered together in common identity and cause, each engaging God’s mission in their own unique time and place and out of their own unique gifts. As a statewide (and global) community of faith, we pray for one another, support one another, learn from one another, partner with one another, and cheer for one another, knowing full well that we can do far more together than we could ever do apart.

CATHEDRAL MINISTRY TEAMThe Most Reverend Michael B. Curry

The Right Reverend Brian N. PriorThe Very Reverend Paul Lebens-Englund

The Reverend Siri Hauge HustadThe Reverend Anna Ostenso Moore

Raymond JohnstonMary Lusk

Monica KrugerStacey Olson

Benino ReginoBrother Columba Maynus

Iweda RiddleyCarrie ThomasMichael Thillen

The Reverend Roger L. FranzenThe Reverend Terry M. Erickson

Dr. Helen E. HansenThe Reverend Lowell B. Johnson

The Reverend Rena Turnham

Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal ChurchBishop of the Episcopal Church in MinnesotaDean of the CathedralPart-time Associate for Liturgical CoordinationPart-time Associate for Family MinistriesCanon MusicianCanon Ministry DeveloperGodly Play CoordinatorYouth MinisterYoung Adult MinisterCommunity Engagement CoordinatorCathedral AdministratorOffice and Dean’s AssistantLead SextonPriest: Worship and ProgramDeacon: Worship and Pastoral CarePastoral Care MinisterDeacon: Community ConnectionsDeacon: Community Engagement

Senior Warden–Sarah Nowlin

Junior Warden–Paul Lakeman

Treasurer–Greg Youtz

Clerk–Iris Key

Gather–Paul Settle

Transform–Lola Brown

Send–Martha Hoover

Stewardship–Richard Helling

Finance–Paul Anton

Human Resources-Warren Maas

Property–Prentice Beadell

Governance–Fred Morrison

SAINT MARK’S COUNCIL

2018 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

January 28, 2018

Clerk: Iris Key The congregation voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the 2017 annual meeting. Senior Warden Jim Huber introduced Tony Winer, representative of the Governance Committee, to oversee the distribution and collection of ballots for 2018 Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Council officers and Council members.Greg Youtz, Treasurer, shared his report and discussed the 2018 operating budget.Outgoing Senior Warden Jim Huber gave thanks to Council members for their work in 2017, and acknowledged the accomplishments of outgoing Council members Melody Herbst, Sten Johnson, Dwayne Purrington, and Emmanuel Wilson.Tony Winer announced voting results:Senior Warden: Sarah Nowlin Junior Warden: Paul LakemanTreasurer: Greg YoutzElections to the Council:Martha HooverMarcia MorrisPaul Settle

BISHOP’S LETTER

Dear friends,

Absolutely breathtaking! The architecture, the furnishings and the floral, the candle and lamp lighting, but most beautiful was God’s holy people singing praises. Every time I stand at the back of the nave of our incredible Cathedral I am awestruck with the presence of God. It is always truly a blessing to worship with you, and to serve as your Bishop at Saint Mark’s.

Yet there is so much more good and holy work that takes place here. Our times of gathering whether for worship, formation, fellowship or stewardship and sustainability, the presence of the Lord is in our midst. Each opportunity, each occasion is a possibility for our faith to be nurtured and fed. This, however, is only half of our faith journey. For as we are fed we are then to go forth into our neighborhoods, into the world to engage God’s mission of bringing forth the Beloved Community.

Our Presiding Bishop has called upon all Episcopalians to “entering into reflection, discernment and commitment around the practices of Turn - Learn - Pray - Worship - Bless - Go - Rest, I pray we will grow as communities following the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus. His way has the power to change each of our lives and to change this world.”

Saint Mark’s vision is to be a faith community that encourages all to follow in the Way of Jesus, the way of love. A love that continues to transform us, and through which calls us to go forth into the world to love and serve all of God’s people. That is God’s mission of the Beloved Community.

Saint Markans, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your continued willingness to use the gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon you to follow in the Way of Jesus, the way of love. Thank you for being a Beloved Community; and for going forth into the world to partner with others in realizing God’s dream of the Beloved Community!

Blessings,

+Brian

The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior

IX Bishop, Episcopal Church in Minnesota

BY THE NUMBERS

• 276 Total Services

• 27,367 Total Worshipers

• 274 Pledges

• $866,969 Total Pledged

• 794 Members of All Ages

• 31 Active New Members

• 10 Baptisms

DEAN’S LETTERThis past year has been yet another year of faithful housekeeping and smart growth. Your Council, Staff, and Ministry Team have collaborated beautifully to provide thoughtful leadership and keen expertise in the business and programmatic life we share. A few highlights:COUNCILAs we come to the close of this particular Council chapter, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the faithful and competent leadership provided by our out-going members:Senior Warden – Sarah Nowlin, Junior Warden – Paul Lakeman, Treasurer – Greg Youtz, Clerk – Iris Key, Stewardship Chair – Richard Helling, Finance Chair – Paul Anton, and Property Chair – Prentice Beadell.Special thanks to Brian Childs for his continued faithful service as Saint Mark’s General Counsel and to Fred Morrison for filling a vacant Governance seat. Thanks, also, to our continuing Council members: Warren Maas, Lola Brown, Martha Hoover, and Paul Settle.And thanks to those who’ve submitted their names for election to new Council positions in 2019: Paul Lakeman –Senior Warden, Emmanuel Wilson–Junior Warden, Dan Wood–Clerk, - Paul Anton–Treasurer, and Fred Morrison, Jeremiah Hackler, Mike Suhr, Stuart MacDonald, and Dick Nowlin running for Council Members.And, lastly, huge thanks to Kathleen Murphy, Sarah Nowlin, and Mary Lusk for their tireless and tender efforts to build this year’s incredible Council election slate. Next year’s Council looks to have a wonderful mix of experience and expertise.Your new Council will be on its annual retreat at the Inn @ Shattuck in Faribault Friday, February 8th through Saturday, February 9th. Keep them in your prayers!WELLS & FOUNDATIONI also want to celebrate the hard work completed this past year related to Wells Board and Cathedral Foundation finances and governing documents. The clarity this hard work provides us will have a positive impact on our future work together. Special thanks to: Larry Swandby – out-going Foundation President, Inez Bergquist – Wells Board President, Paul Anton – out-going Finance Chair, Fred Moore – Foundation member and project liaison, and Brian Childs – Saint Mark’s General Counsel. FINANCIAL AUDITI also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the many

capable hands and patient minds that worked together to complete the herculean task of a long-overdue Cathedral ‘deep dive’ financial audit. All relevant parties have received their recommendations for improving best practice and are hard at work implementing them. We anticipate this type of audit taking place every 3-5 years and are presently budgeting triennially for the next.Special thanks to: Iweda Riddley – Saint Mark’s Cathedral Administrator, David Christopherson – Saint Mark’s member and audit-whisperer, and Greg Youtz – Saint Mark’s out-going Treasurer. ANNUAL REPORTAs many of you know, every Episcopal faith community submits the infamous annual ‘parochial report,’ known elsewhere as the ‘pinocchio report.’ This report intends to gather key ‘metrics for success’ within the life of every community -- things such as Average Sunday Attendance (ASA), Total Membership, Plate/Pledge Revenue, Baptisms & Confirmations, Births & Deaths, and a basic snap-shot of the Mission Impact each congregation has within its surrounding community.We are in the midst of completing that report now for FY2018, and I’m pleased to report that initial numbers indicate another year of slow, steady, smart growth toward fiscal, staffing, and programmatic sustainability. In particular, we continue to show real health in our ‘front-end ministry,’ not only inviting and greeting guests, but ensuring they’re oriented to our unique way of being together and, for those so interested, effectively incorporated as ‘members.’ This deliberate ‘growth work’ doesn’t happen without everyone contributing, so THANK YOU, each and all, for continuing to make Saint Mark’s a community that gathers, that transforms, and that sends so well. Truly, to a person, we can all say we’re better for our being here together.POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGELast, but certainly not least, I want to express my absolute delight and gratitude to your incredible Cathedral Staff, Ministry Team, and Council Executive Team with whom I’m privileged to serve and share this good work. While the work is not always easy, it’s always richly rewarding, making me a stronger, healthier person of faith as I offer my small contribution to making Saint Mark’s a stronger, healthier community of faith. I pray we each experience this mutual benefit, finding the right balance of giving and receiving, of serving and of being served, building each other up, as we say, into the full stature of Christ.

Thank you and bless you, each and always,Paul+ , VII Dean, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral

SENIOR WARDEN’S LETTER

This letter has two purposes: To reflect on significant events of this last year and to say my farewell as Senior Warden. The last 12 months has seen significant events, initiatives, and continued action on identified priorities. These include increased staffing: another sexton, evening and weekend Welcome Center staff, as well as programs that could have been curtailed or minimized. We have welcomed new members to our congregation who have quickly gotten involved in various activities around the Cathedral. It is vital that we all continue with our generous support to keep this beautiful building running and the people coming.

After many years and many suggestions on how to best utilize the 425 house the Council is now exploring the sale of the house. An appraisal, survey and photos have been taken. Now we pray for a good neighbor to buy it “As is” soon.

A simple question six years ago, “Don’t you think you should get involved?” started me on this path. I began with the Dean’s search committee and moved on to the Council. It has been a very interesting and exciting time, which needs to be shared with others now. There is no end to the talent in and around the Cathedral, which makes it easy to pass the mantle on to others.

In the last six years I have worked with wonderful people and gotten to know many others. Thank you to Dean Paul and his staff for all their fine leadership and guidance along the journey. Another huge Thank You to the Council for all your hard work. It is with pride that I could follow in my mother’s footsteps (the first female on the Vestry) back in the 70’s! It is with gratitude and blessings that I move on!

Sarah Nowlin, Senior Warden

JUNIOR WARDEN’S LETTER

It has been a privilege to serve as Junior Warden in 2018. Commissioners Lola Brown, Paul Settle and Martha Hoover have all done an outstanding job carrying forth the mission of Saint Mark’s. We should all be grateful for their dedication and leadership.

As the commissioner for Transform (formerly Cathedral Life), Lola handled the many events with great skill from the Maundy Thursday supper, and the Bingo challenge on the first Sunday of the Church year in September, to the Advent Brunch.

Paul Settle, the Gather (formerly Welcome) commissioner, supported Sunday morning hospitality of coffee and treats, the greeter ministry so important to us, and he played an active role welcoming and connecting newcomers.

Martha Hoover as the Send (formerly Outreach) Commissioner worked closely with Rev. Rena Turnham and Brother Columba Maynus to make Saint Mark’s more of a household name in the community through Sunday Night Suppers, outreach to the Emerson School and work with the North-Side Area Achievement Zone.

Of course, there is a great thanks due to Mary Lusk, the ever-present Canon Ministry Developer, who seems to be everywhere and available whenever anyone needs guidance on all the programs we offer at Saint Marks. The Commissioners and I are truly grateful for her supportive efforts and encouragement she gave to us all.

As we move into 2019, the work continues and to that end, I want to thank all of the Saint Markan’s who gave of their time and talents in 2018. You all are truly an inspiration to all of us.

Paul Lakeman, Junior Warden

is the first step in the growth of a congregation, and while we are hearing that we are a warm and welcoming community, there is still work to do and it takes each one of us!

With “newcomers” as one of my main areas of focus, I enjoy discovering about each person! And I enjoy connecting them with a member who shares some commonality, and connecting with the right ministry for their interests. Listening to the stories during the past couple of years, I heard a lot of “retired and recently moved to town” to be near family or friends. New to a city and retired seemed to offer the possibility of starting a new group at Saint Mark’s to allow for more connections. This group has taken off immediately after the first gathering, which was mainly to gauge interest and begin a plan. SAAGES is the group, with more information in this report, led by a steering committee of 4 plus me, the ministry developer. The steering committee gathers ideas and makes decisions that fit into a category of service or learning or outreach in the community, then confirms the leader for each event and schedules the event within the church calendar. The most recent gathering had almost 50 adults conversing in-depth about aging and end of life concerns.

From idea stage to the outcome, the SAAGES is an example of what a faithful, healthy and effective community of faith can do, while nurturing, connecting and growing in the love of God. I look forward to supporting more people and ministries as we continue to grow internally as well as externally.

Peace and blessings to you!

Mary Lusk, Canon Ministry Developer

CANON MINISTRY DEVELOPER REPORT

“The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

During the fall series of Round Table, we explored the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and from his book Life Together comes the above phrase that refers to much of the ministry work I hope to accomplish. That is bringing people together, not for the act of creating crowds but to offer opportunities for people to grow together as part of a Christian community and to become closer to God.

As Ministry Developer, I focus on nurturing, connecting, empowering and organizing people and programs. Programs that range from Sunday morning formation with a wide variety of instructors to morning and evening Bible discussions in a small group setting; from seasonal retreats with the Spiritual Life team to regular connections with newcomers.

As we continue to develop our work within the categories of Gather Transform Send, I look forward to the challenge within the Gather area as we grow the various ministries of “Invite Greet Orient Incorporate.” Invite has an evangelism aspect, including talking about faith and church life outside the walls of Saint Mark’s. Greet is what we do with every person who comes into our church home. Orient in this scenario includes the monthly coffee with people expressing interest in our church, as we talk about who we are and what we do as a faith community. Incorporate is engaging members, new and long-time, in a ministry that is suited for their gifts and time. To do “Gather” well

COMMUNICATIONS

It has been a good year. We worked hard at standardizing our communications, with the Weekly E-News, our Sunday Bulletin, and our new website all connected and getting information out to everyone! New form and registration capabilities have been one of the most used parts of the new site. The hope is to have even more of our calendar available, as well as ways to better request room space and more. It has been exciting to see more connections come in as more people discover us through ourcathedral.org!

A huge thank you to our Ad Hoc Technology team, Greg Youtz, Jay Christopherson, & Kate Reeher, or as I liked to call them the Saint Mark’s Geek Squad. With their wonderful help, support, and direction, we not only got the new web site up and running, we also moved to consolidate our copy machine and IT vendor, giving us a vision to continue to improve and grow the technology resources and support for Saint Mark’s.

My hope is for us to utilize more social media and online presence in the next year, expanding our reach to the wider community. If you are on Facebook, check out the Saint Mark’s Community Group connected with our page. It is one way we can connect with each other, and share our stories and dreams and prayers. We will be looking at other “non-Facebook” ways to connect online and share as well, so stay tuned!

Carrie Thomas, Office and Assistant to the Dean

NEWCOMERS

Newcomers monthly Coffee and Connect is where it is happening!

This gathering after the 10:30 service offers a social time, snacks and sharing. Clergy, staff and Council leaders share “what keeps them at Saint Mark’s”. Newcomers are invited to share “what brought them to Saint Mark’s”. The variety of stories from the Newcomers are the most rewarding part of this outreach ministry. Hearing the various spiritual journeys is helpful for the leaders to begin to connect folks based on their interests and experience. By listening to their stories, we are encouraging them on their spiritual journey. Often, their stories encourage us!

Seeing newcomers begin to participate and serve in the life of the congregation is a reason for joy and thanksgiving.

A hope for 2019 is to formalize a mentor program that will support, encourage and shepherd those who have come seeking at Saint Mark’s.

Throughout 2018, the Newcomer Coffees had around 75 guests in attendance, all interested in finding out more about Saint Mark’s. We received at least 60 Connect cards from persons interested in discovering more; each of those contacts receive one, two or three emails, notes or invitations based on their information.

The process for those who are interested includes being oriented to the community of Saint Mark’s during a Newcomer coffee and incorporated into this family of faith. Incorporation includes Worship, Sunday morning formation, various events and finding the right ministry in which to share their gifts. This process brings about the new energy and ideas that help us to thrive as a welcoming and inclusive congregation.

Lois Satterberg, Newcomer Team Member & Mary Lusk, Canon Ministry Developer

GATHER COMMISSION REPORT

The Gather Commission’s purpose is one of total welcoming and hospitality for each member’s life at Saint Mark’s.....following and encouraging that person from Newcomer to Veteran Congregate.

The Commission (and its members), literally, opens the door initially to welcome the first time visitor and strives to keep that person involved in the Church--to benefit his/ her faith in God and to benefit the entire faith community at Saint Mark’s.

The Gather Commission really focused on making all who entered Saint Mark’s feel welcome and part of our family. We have improved the number of Greeters and have made real strides in recognizing new faces and contacting them. However, we can improve our efforts.....to extend beyond just members of the Greeters and the Gather Commission. Ideally, all members of Saint Mark’s can/ should be a part of the hospitality offered to newcomers.

One of the bigger challenges for the Gather Commission is to encourage others to accept our “open door policy” and to challenge new and interested folks to attend Saint Mark’s and, hopefully, join our congregation.

During the 2018 Pride Weekend, the Gather Commission helped to plan, organize, and facilitate the Saint Mark’s Lawn Party on Saturday, June 23. The event was meant to be a relaxing get-away from the hectic activities that were taking place in Loring Park.

The Gather Commission will strive to recognize new opportunities for inviting others into our congregation. This will take ongoing efforts to extend hospitality and friendship to all.........not only by the Gather Commission but by all Saint Mark’s members.

Paul Settle, Gather Commission Chair

GATHERBRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

TRANSFORM COMMISSION REPORT

The Transform Commission is designed to strengthen connections between all people at Saint Mark’s. We coordinate events that are rooted in fellowship- creating brunches, picnics, and activities throughout the liturgical year.

The most rewarding challenge from 2018 for the Transform commission would be finding new faces to work on events. I love looking for new people to incorporate, and it is so fulfilling to see people come together in fellowship with each other.

We are proud of all of the activities from 2018. The spring picnic, fall kickoff, Advent brunch, and all of the events were wonderfully undertaken by the people that helped with them.

Transform is incredibly hopeful for a 2019 filled with new relationships and further fellowship between the people of Saint Mark’s as well as the surrounding community.

Lola Brown, Transform Commission Chair

TRANSFORMCHANGING LIVES

CATHEDRAL BOOK SHOP

The Book Shop’s ministry at Saint Mark’s is to provide the welcome in the welcome center to all our members, guests, and friends. We provide a selection of wonderful books, both religious and not, and unique gifts. We have eight faithful volunteers that give at least four hours of their time each week

Our proudest challenge was we counted every item in the store during inventory and passed a professional audit.

The Book Shop goes on the road several times a year. As in other years, we are the Book Shop for the annual convention of ECMN but also were the bookstore for Luther Seminary’s conference on Preaching. Going offsite to these events allows us to remain sustainable through the year.

Again, we are hopeful to be able to be of service to our congregates and clergy, the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, the School for Formation, and guests to the Cathedral. We get many compliments on our inventory and love suggestions for items and books that might appeal to all.

Cindy Lennie, Book Shop Manager

ROUND TABLE

Begin with the buzzing of friendly conversation over a social time, continue with a delicious supper served at your table, add a thought-provoking 15-minute talk, followed by a half hour of stimulating table discussion on the speaker’s theme, conclude with the peaceful prayers of compline, and what do you have? Round Table, a three-week experience of Christian community held on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the fall, January, and Lent.

Round Table is an intentional small group program, where each person is with the same eight people throughout the three weeks. The presentations and topic discussions are accessible for everyone, no matter the religious background. And with a different presenter each of the three weeks, an individuals preference will certainly be met!

During the past year it was rewarding to see new friendships develop and to see some previous participants take a role in helping facilitate the event. Additionally, a small group gathered after the fall session to take a deeper dive into the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the focus of the fall Round Table. 2019 presents the opportunity to explore new topics, make new friends, and to grow in one’s connection to the Saint Mark’s faith community – at ROUND TABLE.

John Satterberg, Round Table Team Member and Mary Lusk, Canon Ministry Developer

PRIDE WEEKEND

This beautiful June weekend began with Saint Mark’s hosting a community meal and panel discussion on LGBTQ youth and homelessness. There was involvement of over 10 community partners throughout the evening, ranging from public health activists to addiction support services. These partners along with corporate givers and our own Cathedral helped to create a new and different representation of Pride and its purposes.

The evening ended with a Sober Pride Parking Lot Dance Party – with lights and music and love! Hosted with Out and Sober MN, people had a good time and it sent a message to the community that Saint Marks is a safe haven during Pride events in the park.

The Friday events kicked off Saint Mark’s involvement as a founding partner along with OutFront Minnesota of a new fund at Family Tree Clinic, the “We Are family” fund for LGBTQ+ folks seeking health care. We raised approximately $2,500 for the fund, with the majority of these funds from three pottery sales in June and October. Donations of exquisite pottery items were given by Hunter Brown, an LGBTQ ceramicist based in Minnesota.

A Pride Lawn Party took place on Saturday on the front lawn and grassy slopes of Saint Mark’s. The event was a relaxing get-away from the Pride activities across the street in Loring Park. We had blankets on the grass, a small wading pool, refreshments and even a photo-op with a card board cut out of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Instagram shares were rampant.

While the Lawn Party provided a respite from other Pride activities, it also offered an introduction to Saint Mark’s to many people that had been unaware of our church and our involvement in the LGBTQ+ community. Conversation was much easier in the quiet space of our own front yard.

Sunday: The Annual Parade! This year, we began with a curb-side Eucharist for 60+ Episcopalians and more from across the area and many more who watched on Instagram live. As Saint Mark’s contingent came down the street there were plenty of cheers, thanks and hugs for the support we share. What a feeling of love! We are all together in this continued fight for personal freedom.

The weekend ended with Evensong in the Cathedral Nave, which was a remarkable time of prayer and healing. The majority of the substantial congregation were not Saint Markan’s, but rather guests from other faith communities and even folks walking in off the street, captivated by the tangible sense of welcome pouring out from our doors.

Our social media portrayed us so well for who we are – a fun, supportive and safe community. It is our hope that 2019 brings a larger investment in these celebrations and the cultivation of the church LGBTQ community, both through financial contribution and additional team support, allowing us to continue to spread the word that Saint Mark’s is open and welcoming for all.

Your Pride Committee

GODLY PLAY COORDINATOR REPORT

Using Godly Play, a Montessori-based curriculum, preschool through 3rd grade children gather on Sunday mornings. A biblical story or practice of the Church is presented using a particular storytelling method. We wonder together, saying for example, “I wonder where you are in this story.” Then participants choose activities from artistic, playful, service and other options. We share prayer, food and blessings before departing. Godly Play facilitates spiritual engagement with Christian story and practice, deepening discovery, and finding personal meaning at all ages and stages of life

Godly Play was examined to find ways for participants to make the transition from a midpoint of Godly Play curriculum to a 4th -6th grade youth group with confidence and continuity. This highlighted many parts of Godly Play that are transferable to youth, home and other settings. Considering limited time spent in church settings, clarifying transferable aspects of Godly Play was valuable. There are practical ways to keep growing with the stories, wondering and spiritual practices anywhere.

I’m proud of the joyful, meaningful, engagement of participants and leaders, week in and week out. I’m also proud that our first foray into use of the recently published “Stories of God at Home” was so well-received at Advent. With this as a base, our team collaboratively produced materials for families to connect their own stories with Advent and Christmas stories of the Bible. Every set produced was taken!

I’m confident in the hope that we’ll continue to strengthen the quality of our Sunday morning programming. I’m also hopeful we’ll expand as a launching point for storytelling, finding meaning and building connections at Saint Mark’s, within our homes and the wider community. We’re only scratching the surface of the potential that exists. May we tell stories in wider circles; wonder, play and pray in deeper ways; and be sent for further service.

Monica Kruger, Godly Play Coordinator

ASSOCIATE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES REPORT

Family Ministry at Saint Mark’s supports parents’ faiths and provides tools and resources for family faith formation through small groups, fellowship, one-on-one pastoral care, and special events.

A goal of 2018 was to increase connection between parents with children at home and older generations. This has happened in a couple ways. A group of Saint Mark’s “aunties” and “uncles” participate in baptism preparation and baby parties to connect with families and provide support and encouragement. Also adults (and teens) preparing for baptism and confirmation are now connected with spiritual companions with whom they meet once a month.

I am delighted when I see relationships deepen between Saint Mark’s families, especially when I hear of how they connected outside of church because of spending time together at one of the family gatherings, Moms’ Night Out , or guided conversations in the family lounge. I continue to delight in the wonder and energy of our children now in worship for a full year.

In the next year, I hope to continue to extend ways that our faith community can live into the baptismal pledge of “we will” through ministries like meal trains for new parents, an expanding of the community of elders companioning young parents and providing tools to practice faith in the home.

The Reverend Anna Ostenso Moore+, Associate for Family Ministries

FORMATION

YOUTH MINISTER REPORT

Our Cathedral Youth Program provides each of our youth a nurturing, informed, meaningful and FUN path to spiritual adulthood that is grounded in our Baptismal Covenant and in a community of unconditional love and acceptance. Each of the 5 groups are developed to support our youth as a continuous program from 4th through 12th grade. Foundations (4th-6th), Catalyst (7th-8th), Primed (9th-12th), Confirmation (9th+) and 2020 Pilgrimage (11th+). Woven throughout are: Learn, Pray&Discern, Community&Big Church, Lead&Serve. Basically, the Benedictine model of Pray-Study-Serve

A 2018 challenge was creating two new groups Foundations and Catalyst. Foundations kids take a personal look at the Episcopal church in liturgy, prayer and history and started service work with the Altar Guild, called Holy Hands. Catalyst enters into the faith stories of past and present saints. This summer they are going to DC, tying in the saints to the National Cathedral, Virginia Theological Seminary, Holocaust Museum, Museum of African American History while praying the Hours each day.

I am most proud of how Saint Mark’s rallies around our youth; empowering and cheering for their spiritual journey. Council, staff, parents, teachers, young adults and, by example, the youth themselves. These youth are shown grand support in creating new youth space, fundraising, classes, events, trips and more. I am also very proud of our giving teachers, filed with such passion for our youth: Wachen Anderson, Dan Wood, Caitlin Childe-Archuleta, Kate Reeher, Sarah Hoch, Riley Weber, Jeremiah Hackler, John Van Slyke and Steve Gove.

I am hopeful that our youth will continue to be empowered by a loving community to keep seeking this spiritual journey they are telling us they are so hungry for. I am hopeful that we will continue to listen and nurture their changing needs in the years to come.

Stacey Olson, Youth Minister

YOUNG ADULT MINISTER REPORT

This year we held 3 events. While the young adult population ebbs and flows, our duty is to welcome and inspire those on their faith journey. I have enjoyed getting to know more personally our Young Adults through one on one coffee and dinner dates.

I am proud of the encouragement this group brings. Despite the times we may go awhile without seeing each other, it is nice to catch up and encourage one another!

My prayer for the new year is to see more events being hosted to accompany the busy schedules of our community.

Benino Regino, Young Adult Minister

S.A.A.G.E.S.

SAAGES, Spiritually Active Adults Growing Exploring & Serving, is a newly formed group connecting those “of a certain age:” retired, newly retired or approaching retirement. SAAGES has had a number of interesting trips and programs this past year, such as a trip to Collegeville, book discussions, and Emerson School outreach.

The greatest, but most rewarding, challenge for 2018 was defining the initial concept for the group, and then growing and promoting the group within the parish. It was also challenging to find a way to develop connection and community within a diverse population of interests.

SAAGES is proud of its first year’s growth from 90 to 140 persons in the database, as well as the positive feedback and enthusiasm our programming has received. SAAGES is beginning to really develop as a community for those in this challenging period of life.

Our hope is for the continued emphasis on community through shared experiences, whether learning programs. volunteer opportunities, or just enjoying conversation with one another.

Chris Slater, SAAGES Founding Member

ASSOCIATE FOR LITURGICAL COORDINATION REPORT

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. (Romans 12: 1-2 The Message)

Worship at the Cathedral….a time to be together whether during the week in quiet prayer in the Whipple or All Saints Chapel, Wednesday 12:15 Eucharist, walking the Labyrinth, Sunday Mornings Rite I and II or Evensong – worship is a gathering of the People. This past year we have celebrated Ordinations, Baptisms, Confirmations, funerals and weddings. We have been privileged to share the space we are stewards of with different Episcopal Church in Minnesota faith communities as they celebrate their anniversaries, cultures, memories and losses.

Intercessors (prayer leaders) Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, personal Prayer time at the Enmegahbowh Station, Ushers, Altar Guild, Greeters, Vergers, Thurifers and Acolytes – Ministry of Service to others – so that we can take our everyday ordinary life and learn, share and be present to God.

What ever your interest, you have the skill; it is already in you.

The Reverend Siri Hauge Hustad +, Associate for Liturgical Coordination

ADULT FORMATION

We pray, we study, we serve – all part of the regular routine of life. Each of us may do those things individually and as a community. To support growth of a life of faith, we offer a variety of opportunities for “study” with classes on Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week. Adult Formation is the over-arching term used for these variety of programs that we offer for “adults.” The program offerings include Advent Retreat, Lent Retreat, Sunday morning classes, weekly Bible study, book groups, to list just a few.

In 2018, we introduced “Music in the liturgy” and “Verbal’s and Visual’s in Liturgy”, both foundational offerings for Episcopalians. With the piano in the center of the Community room or vestments galore, both classes are 100% engaging. And to support our lifelong continuum of learning, Spiritual Direction (a new concept for many) was experienced in conjunction with the story of Mary and Elizabeth celebrating their good news.

While we may repeat course offerings on Sunday mornings just as we do with lectionary readings, our teachers vary and the content is personalized by each teacher, making each offering unique. Come and try Episcopal 101 again; you may be surprised by how much you learn!

2019 will feed our own needs for continual enrichment with more opportunities for small groups, and for persons to discuss faith while building connections with others in our beloved community.

Mary Lusk, Canon Ministry Developer

SERVERS

Vergers - The butlers or stage managers of our cathedral. You will see us preceding the processions, moving people around, checking and fixing things, helping out. Behind the scenes, we are coordinating the different worship teams, working with the clergy doing liturgical planning. Our cathedral tradition generally has us dressed all in black. We now have a verger staff of five. We are working on offering a Verger gathering to other Vergers in ECMN this year!

Acolytes - Typically, but not exclusively youth and young adults, the acolytes help perform the ceremonial duties such as lighting candles, carrying items in procession, caring for and using the Thurible in the role of Thurifer, assisting the deacons in the preparation of the communion. If you see an acolyte with a purple rope belt (cincture) that indicates that they are an advanced acolyte that is capable of doing all acolyte duties and is able to assist in the training of the other acolytes - probably soon to be in Verger training! Adult acolytes are always welcome!!

Evensong Team – We presently have 3 members on this team. They are responsible for setting up, offering the Lucernaria and incense as the choir sings the Office at 5pm every Sunday. It is a beautiful opportunity to serve in a sacred space of prayer.

In all these roles, it is a Ministry of service, and we pray to continue to teach, model and be a presence of God in all that we do.

We are always looking for more acolytes, stop in the robing room before church…

Jay Christopherson, Dean’s Verger

ALTAR GUILD

Altar Guild Members are also know as sacristans. To be a Sacristan means: caring for and preparing our sacred spaces and objects for worship. It is our duty to make every effort to make everyone’s worship time as complete as possible and bring each person present closer to God. Our duties include preparing the Sanctuary, sacred vessels, linens, and vestments for all worship services. Most importantly we serve the needs of the clergy and congregation.

As a sacristan you learn:

• Prayer

• Liturgy

• The lectionary

• The Liturgical Calendar

• The history of our sacred objects

• The history of Saint Mark’s Cathedral

Sacristans are dedicated members of the Altar Guild ministry; they are always enthusiastic in their service and eager to welcome new members.

Please contact Terry Erickson ([email protected]) or Kim Bowden ([email protected], if you wish to learn more about this sacred ministry.

Kim Bowden, Altar Guild President

CANON MUSICIAN REPORT

Music is an integral aspect of our worship at Saint Mark’s; we are fortunate to have an excellent choir capable of offering the finest music from the cathedral repertoire. Maintaining a high standard is an enjoyable challenge, and thanks go to our youth choristers, adult volunteers, and section leaders who give so generously of their time and talent.

There were many highlights during the year – the Advent and Christmas carol services, Music Series concerts, and Holy Week services, to name a few, but the most rewarding aspects are the commitment of those who participate in the choirs and choral society, and the enthusiasm and appreciation of those who hear and are moved by our work.

I look forward to continuing our fine musical tradition, and am excited to take the cathedral choir to sing in Canterbury Cathedral this summer.

Thanks to you all for your support and encouragement!

Ray Johnston, Canon MusicianUSHERS

The usher ministry extends the Cathedral’s hospitality at all worship services and events by providing service and information. We protect those who attend Cathedral events by being prepared to take appropriate action during emergencies.

Our dedicated ushers continue to serve. Thanks to David Schwarz for his years of excellent service as Head Usher. We are glad that Paul Settle will serve as interim Head Usher for the second Sunday team.

Thanks also to Peter Gillen who has retired after 20 years of leading the 8:00 team. Bill Carpenter has taken over and the 8:00 ushers will continue with outstanding leadership!

Jean Hjerpe has retired after many years of faithful service. We welcome Max Sherman to the third Sunday team.

We are so proud of the strong hospitality and capable service we provide.

We need to recruit additional ushers for our teams, in particular to provide coverage for special services.

It is a fun and fulfilling ministry!

Holly Woodhull, Head Usher

PASTORAL CARE MINISTER REPORT

2018 has been a year of growth for Pastoral Care at Saint Mark’s. We expanded our ministries of Eucharistic Visiting, sending cards, Prayer Station service, spiritual listening, pastoral visits, and response to prayer requests. We also have deepened our work in several ways. We provided end-of-life support and memorial service planning to five (5) congregants and their families. We learned how to create small pastoral teams to serve congregants for extended periods of need.

Our team grew. Eleven (11) people completed Community of Hope International pastoral ministry training in May, which brings COHI membership at Saint Mark’s to 18. Fourteen (14) are currently in active pastoral ministry. We trained five (5) new Eucharistic Visitors, bringing the total number of licensed Eucharistic Visitors to 24.

In 2018, we made 164 Eucharistic visits, which represents 35 people and families. COHI members had 171 documented pastoral encounters. The Prayer Station has been covered for nearly every service, including most special season services. We sent 229 cards of support.

Our primary challenge for 2019 is to identify additional pastoral needs and become proficient in meeting them. We also hope to reorganize ourselves to address our ministries’ growth and complexity.

Dr. Helen E. Hanson, Pastoral Care Minister

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR REPORT

At the end of every Mass, the deacon dismisses us with words similar to this: ‘Let us go forth in peace, glorifying the Lord with our lives!’ A great many Saint Markans have courageously done just that: left the relative safety of the Cathedral nave and committed to living lives of service and love in their own contexts.

Our members and friends are actively engaged in their own neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Saint Markans are responding to the invitation of the Gospel every day by being engaged and compassionate citizens, neighbors, allies, and agitators. They have participated in numerous demonstrations, marches, and rallies in solidarity with the marginalized. They have served meals and written to legislators. They have attended PTA meetings and offered the coats off of their very backs. And all this in addition to our two on-site direct service ministries and our cadre of mission partners.

It is the joy and the honor of the Community Engagement Office to help Saint Markans connect their every day, ordinary acts of justice, compassion, and mercy to the bigger picture of God’s activity in the world. As the late Eugene Peterson wrote in his paraphrase of John’s Gospel, “And the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message Bible.)

Saint Mark’s Cathedral remains an active participant in God’s mission of reconciliation. We, together, are present in the halls of the legislature, on the streets of our cities and communities, at board room tables, and in our neighborhoods and living rooms. For this, your Community Engagement Office gives a happy and a hearty ‘hallelujah!’

Yours in the One who breaks all chains,

Brother Columba Maynus, Community Engagement Coordinator; The Rev. Rena Turnham, Deacon for Community Engagement; The Rev. Lowell Johnson, Deacon for Community Connections

SENDCHANGING THE WORLD

CITY HOUSE

City House, a non profit mission partner of Saint Mark’s, provided training in spiritual listening and the ministry of presence at Sunday Night Supper. This past year, several Saint Markans participated in City House’s ecumenical spiritual listening training. Our Community of Hope pastoral care team asked City House to provide listening training for its newest team members. Saint Mark’s hosted City House monthly board meetings and staff meetings, as well as the annual City House volunteer appreciation event and the annual wine tasting fundraiser which many Saint Markans attended.

What was your most rewarding challenge from 2018?

Continuing to integrate the ministry of presence into our Sunday Night Supper community meal service.

What are you most proud of from 2018

Being invited to train our Community of Hope pastoral care team in the ministry of spiritual listening.

What are you most hopeful for in 2019?

The potential to expand the ministry of presence beyond the direct service ministries of Saint Mark’s.

The Reverend Rena Turnham, Deacon: Community Engagement

BAG LUNCH MINISTRY

During 2018 we delivered on average 400 Bag lunches and 700 sandwiches per month to the MCTC student support center, VA Resource Center, and the Saint Mark’s Door. In 2019 we are forming partnerships with MCTC, the students against hunger and homelessness, First Unitarian Society, Groveland Food Shelf, and the Sandwich Project, to concentrate efforts on improving food distribution to hungry students for bag lunches, peanut butter and meat and cheese sandwiches, and nutritious meals.

What was your most rewarding challenge from 2018

Distributing bag lunches and snackpacks to students, guests, and veterans when needed, through the work of dedicated volunteers.


That we are fulfilling our mark of mission in being of service to others for basic human needs.

SEND COMMISSION REPORT

The Send Commission is the former Outreach Commission. The Commission titles of “Welcoming, Cathedral Life and Outreach”, were changed in April of 2018 to communicate the primary tasks of this faith community; to “Gather, Transform and Send”.

The Send Commission’s function is to, “work with Staff and Clergy, as designated by the Dean, to organize, align, communicate, and implement, as the Council sees fit, all Cathedral efforts related to connecting members with God’s loving, liberating, and life-giving work in the world through ministry in daily life, direct service, engaged witness, and public policy.”

14 current ministries are: Sunday Night Supper, Bag lunches, Groveland Foodshelf, Earthkeepers, Grief Support, City House, NAZ (Northside Achievement Zone) DCEH (Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness), Mpls College (MCTC) Emerson Elementary, PRISM, Dignity Center, Citizens for Loring Park and several mission partners.

Martha Hoover, Send Commission Chair


That the partnership we are establishing with MCTC staff, students, Groveland Food Shelf, First Unitarian Society, Sandwich Project , and Saint Marks will expand to include additional faith communities in feeding the hungry

The Reverend Lowell Johnson, Deacon: Community Connections

DOWNTOWN COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS

DCEH is a collaboration of congregations in the downtown area working to coordinate direct services as well as advocate and organize for change. Saint Mark’s is a member congregation, with Deacon Rena Turnham serving on the steering committee, and Br. Columba Maynus, Community Engagement Coordinator, serving on the direct service provider subcommittee. DCEH held its day-long strategic planning session at Saint Mark’s as well as a volunteer “lunch and learn”, both attended by people who experience homelessness and member congregations. Saint Mark’s, Gethsemane, and Saint Paul’s formed a partnership


Forming a partnership with the other downtown Episcopal congregations to fulfill DCEH member congregation responsibilities.

What are you most proud of from 2018?

Hosting the 2018 Advent Hymn sing, in partnership with other congregations, where proceeds were donated to DCEH.


That we will begin to organize with Gethsemane and Saint Paul’s to end homelessness in our city.


DIGNITY CENTER

The Dignity Center, a non-profit offshoot of our neighbor, Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church, works with people to achieve and maintain stability in housing and employment. Participants engage with one advocate, working together on skills such as problem solving, decision making, organization and budgeting. The Dignity Center relies on volunteers in several areas, not just advocates, to support this ministry.


Supporting Ro, one of our Welcome Center greeters, as a Dignity Center Boost Intern. This position was funded through a grant. The goal was to provide Ro stable, relevant work experience with coaching so that Ro was able to get a job.


We hired our Dignity Center Boost Intern Ro as a permanent employee of Saint Mark’s. Ro can be found in the Welcome Center. Saint Mark’s youth, as well youth from other Episcopal churches, worked with Dignity Center staff and clients as part of Summer in the City. Saint Markans volunteered or attended the Dignity Center Fund-raiser, Christmas Party, and Dignity Dialogue congregational event. Referrals are made to the Dignity Center via walk-ins to Saint Mark’s as well as Sunday Night Supper.


Looking forward to recruiting more Saint Markans to serve as volunteers at the Dignity Center.


EMERSON SPANISH IMMERSION PARTNERSHIP

We’re “Hands-On” at Emerson Elementary 2 blocks away. Attending PTA meetings, working the Fall and Spring family nights, school supplies & coat drives (5 boxes of supplies, 18 coats!). Also SAAGES worked at their Holiday Shoppe, where kids pick out free presents to give to family members.


Building trust, reliability, open communication has paid off. Showing up, listening and following through was the key.


We secured $1000 (grant+donation) for classroom Book Club kits at Emerson. They are so thankful.


We’re hopeful to grow our friendship and involvement at Emerson, as this Spanish Immersion pre K-5 has a large population of children in need. Emerson is a Minneapolis Public Schools learning center.

Martha Hoover, Emerson School Lay Leader

GROVELAND FOOD SHELF

Groveland, a mission partner of Saint Mark’s, provides emergency groceries for food insecure individuals in the neighborhood from Saint Mark’s to downtown to 26th Street. We believe no one should go hungry and serve approximately 1,600 clients monthly. Our mission is to serve our immediate community and the particularly vulnerable communities of youth and students.


Since 2013, annual visits to Groveland have increased by 36%, with over 19,000 visits occurring in recent years. Conversations with our clients reveals that the tight housing market and increased rents have contributed to the surge in food shelf visits. As our clients allocate greater shares of their fixed or slow-rising incomes to housing expenses, they look to Groveland to provide food security. We have been able to serve everyone who visited, while even expanding the quality of offerings.


Donations of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year, deli items, prepared salads, hummus and dips, wraps, yogurt and other items from Kowalski’s, Trader Joe’s, Surdyk’s, the Wedge, Seward Co-op and several bakeries significantly expanded. By year-end, Groveland had added two additional open chillers to accommodate these expanded offerings. We are sharing fresh and chilled items with the Student Depot at Minneapolis College via expedited delivery, as they have no refrigeration yet.


At this moment, we are preparing to handle a large influx to Groveland of federal government workers and SNAP recipients due to the federal government shutdown. For the sake of these workers and others in need (as well as the strain on Groveland’s resources to handle such an influx), we hope that the shutdown ends soon. We will also explore ways to add refrigeration capacity at the Food Shelf satellite at Minneapolis College.

Heidi Haner, Groveland Food Shelf Board Member

NORTH-SIDE ACHIEVEMENT ZONE

NAZ is a non-profit organization that endeavors to improve the graduation outcomes for the families of Northside Minneapolis. Families enroll in a single-point entry and work with case managers to overcome the barriers of poverty. The results are stunning. Graduation rates are much higher for NAZ families and the six schools they support. Conversations to discern how Saint Mark’s might support and partner with NAZ have developed into a year of activities. Rev. Rena Turnham and Br. Columba Maynus led these conversations. In June, the Dean added Linda Brandt as a Lay Leader.

On September 30, the Founder of NAZ, Sondra Samuelson, preached and spoke at the Adult Forum. Over 20 Saint Markans committed to being a part of the future collaboration. In October, four tables were filled with Saint Markans and others recruited for the Annual Luncheon Fundraiser. In November, a Happy Hour was held in the Library to further develop our relationship. Saint Markans signed up to volunteer, advocate, and provide financial support at that event

There is an energy around the possibilities. Saint Markans are ready to engage. NAZ has pointed us to Reading Partners, which is a tutoring organization. An orientation is planned for those that are interested in K-3rd grade tutoring on January 31 at Saint Marks. The sponsoring organization is SAAGES. As retired persons, SAAGES feel well suited to be available during school hours

We are hopeful that an ongoing cohort of volunteers will be tutors at Ascension School off Broadway. These volunteers will become an identified Saint Mark’s “family” providing support for each other and spreading the joy of knowing our neighbors. If successful, this ministry of service can be opened for other groups and ages.

Linda Brandt, NAZ Lay Leader

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TASK FORCE

Saint Mark’s Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce formed in September 2018. We work toward gun violence prevention with Protect Minnesota, other advocacy groups and law enforcement. The Taskforce respects the rights of responsible gun owners while defending the rights of all Americans to life and liberty from threats of gun violence.

The Taskforce’s greatest challenge in 2018 was to bring together a handful of individual parishioners passionate about gun violence prevention and build a cohesive Taskforce! Starting with a small circle of three to four parishioners, we have increased in number to 15 members. Together we identified a handful of key initiatives and worked to engage our fellow Saint Markans as well as members from the larger community.

We hosted a number of activities in 2018 including voter registration and election reminders for parishioners, a communications training workshop on gun violence prevention for 53 community participants, as well as education on the legislative process and lobbying. Saint Mark’s Sunday School students and youth are assisting the Taskforce with the Broken Hearts Valentine project, creating “broken heart” valentines for our State Legislators to highlight the impact of gun violence on our communities.

The Taskforce is hopeful that citizen engagement in gun violence prevention will increase elected officials’ support for expanded criminal background checks and the Red Flag law in the 2019 session.

Rebecca Hawthorne, Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce Convener

DEAN’S ANNUAL APPEALSEASTER 2018The 2018 Dean’s Easter Appeal gathered almost $11,000, which was contributed, on Saint Mark’s behalf, to the young adult urban mission program in North Minneapolis, known as, Circle of the Beloved. Circle is the Minnesota affiliate of The Episcopal Church’s ‘Episcopal Service Corp’ program, which has sites throughout the United States, each of which makes some combination of prayer, service learning, and discernment. Saint Mark’s anticipates continuing, if not substantially increasing, our on-going support for the program’s growth and success.

CHRISTMAS 2018The 2018 Dean’s Christmas Appeal gathered almost $23,000 to support need-based scholarships at Minneapolis College (MCTC), which are targeted toward a) eligible students from North Minneapolis, and b) eligible students who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Known as the LionHeart Scholarship (Saint Mark’s symbol is the Lion), these scholarship funds were awarded to eight fantastic scholars for the 2018/2019 academic year.

The in-gathering for the 2018 Dean’s Christmas Appeal is still under way, so if you’ve not yet contributed, please do so today by sending your checks to Saint Mark’s w/LionHeart Scholarship in the memo line, or by contacting Iweda Riddley in the business office at 612.870.7800 to make a debit/credit contribution. You can also go online to Tithe.ly and contribute!

Thank you to all our generous donors for each of these two vitally important collective initiatives!

Paul+ , VII Dean, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral

WELLS FOUNDATION REPORT

The Wells Foundation has its beginnings in the outreach work of Annie Wells and the women of Saint Mark’s in the 1880’s helping new immigrants adjust to life in America. We now are a nonprofit with an endowment dedicated to giving grants to social service causes such as youth, the homeless and veterans.


We completed some financial governance challenges in clarifying our assets within the Saint Mark’s Foundation.


The board loves doing the site visits to our grantees, which is a rewarding experience to see the good work they are doing. We also had the first forum at Saint Mark’s featuring our grantees from 2018 and would like to make that forum an annual event.


That more Saint Markans would hear about the work that Wells does in the community through bulletin articles and other means, and we might procure more funds so we can approve more grants.

Inez Berquist, Wells Foundation President

SUNDAY NIGHT SUPPER

In conjunction with other members of Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness (DCEH), Saint Mark’s is the long-time host of a much celebrated community meal on the second Sunday of each month. While the operations-aspect of Sunday Night Supper continues to run smoothly, intentional work is being done in 2018 and 2019 to improve the experience of our guests. With guidance from Fr. Tim Kingsley, sometime Saint Markan and ECMN ministry developer working on safety consultations for faith communities, we started a relationship with a new holistic safety team, ensuring that volunteers and guests are safe and dignified. City House also deploys trained listeners to be present to and with guests experiencing spiritual and emotional unease. More Saint Markans are always invited to join the regular cohort of Sunday Night Supper volunteers, especially those who feel called to help out as a dishwasher.

Brother Columba Maynus, Community Engagement

CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION REPORT

The Foundation of the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark operates under the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act and was established on December 9, 1993. It contributes to the budget of Saint Mark’s Cathedral by a draw established by the Council working in conjunction with the Foundation Board on a yearly basis. The Foundation also distributes funds through grants and loans requested by the Dean and Council after approval by its Board of Directors. The draw for the budget year of 2018 was set at 4.5%.

It gratefully receives both post mortem and inter vivos gifts under the terms of the Cathedral’s Gift Acceptance Policy.

The Foundation Funds are currently managed by RBC Capital Markets. The value of the Foundation assets as of December 31, 2018 was $3,733,936 reflecting a loss for the year of 9.10% due to unfavorable investment markets in the fourth quarter. A transfer of $1,134,336 to Well’s Memorial on November 28, 2018 utilizing third quarter figures(see below) was extracted to calculate the Foundation’s value above.

For reasons of healthy differentiation and practical clarity, invested funds, previously commingled, have been separated for purposes of growth, management, and distribution. For those interested, details of this process are contained in Foundation Board minutes.

ADMINISTRATIONRESOURCING OUR LIFE TOGETHER

Other important business to come before the Foundation Board included a Risk Assessment Analysis as guided by RBC Capital and an Introduction to Sustainable Investing(sometimes know as Environment,Social,Governance Investing). Since Sustainable Investing reflects both the mandate of the National Church as well as ECMN, it is my hope that it be further explored and acted on by the Foundation Board in its next year and beyond. I believe it also enhances the Mission of Saint Mark’s Cathedral.

The Board of Directors of the Foundation for 2019 includes, Fred Moore, President; Cindy Lennie, who continues as Secretary; continuing Director, Penelope Greene; and new Directors Richard Helling and Brian Crist, both of whom will serve three year terms. Larry Swandby and Jeff Greiner leave the Board with the expiration of their terms this year. The Dean and Treasurer are non-voting ex officio members.

Lawrence L. Swandby, President, Foundation of the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

The Stewardship Committee is a year round working committee focused on insuring the financial stability of the Cathedral through various aspects of financial development. This work includes coordinating the annual pledge campaign, crafting year round messaging on the importance of financial support for the Cathedral and working to insure proper oversight and acknowledgment of the financial gifts directed to the Cathedral. Stewardship also helps lead the effort in estate and planned giving under the Generation’s arm of the committee.

There were several rewarding challenges in 2018. One challenge was to develop and execute a successful mid year fund raising campaign to balance the budget. With the assistance of our contracted Development Director the Stewardship Committee met and surpassed this challenge.

Under the able leadership of Cecelia Caspram, the Development Director contracted by the Cathedral, the Stewardship Committee wrote and had put in place new guidelines, policies and procedures for protecting the privacy of our Donors, insuring correct acknowledgment of financial gifts and raising overall standards of financial gift giving to be more in line with philanthropic industry standards.

As Chair of the Stewardship Committee, I am most hopeful the Council and the Cathedral will recognize the importance of a focused approach to financial development in securing the long term financial health of the Cathedral. I also hope there will be greater collaboration between The Cathedral Foundation and Stewardship to increase both annual and long term giving.

Richard Helling, Stewardship Committee Chair

HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE REPORT

The Human Resources Committee is charged with overseeing the policies governing the hiring, compensation, and performance reviews of the Cathedral Staff. The arduous work of formulating the policies was completed in 2017. This year the major effort of the HR committee was to review salaries and make recommendations to the Finance Committee.

Warren Maas, Human Resources Committee Chair

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

The Finance Committee met each month to review the financial position of Saint Mark’s and to consider any financial strategy issues. In addition, it had three major accomplishments:

Saint Mark’s had its first complete financial audit in several years. The external auditors reviewed all records and procedures and sampled individual transactions to assess their accuracy and completeness. The audit found no improprieties, but recommended a number of ways in which our technical accounting procedures should be changed and our documentation of transactions could be strengthened. Many of the recommended changes were made during 2018 and the rest will be implemented in 2019.

The Committee drafted the first accounting procedures manual for Saint Mark’s. This document should guide future Councils and staff to ensure that financial management is consistent and record-keeping conforms to the highest standards. David Christopherson should be commended for leading that effort.

The Committee collected information from multiple sources within Saint Mark’s and produced the church’s budget for 2019. The budget is balanced based on expected revenues and there should be sufficient resources to support the expanding mission of the church and to maintain Saint Mark’s building and grounds.

The Committee consisted of voting members Ellen Archibald, George Ewing, Janet Balej, Bill Carpenter, and Paul Anton, Chair, with David Christopherson acting as accounting consultant.

Paul Anton, Finance Committee Chair

PROPERTY COMMITTEE REPORT

The Property Committee has general charge and supervision of the physical property of the Cathedral. Large issues and significant improvement items are the responsibility of the committee, including planning for maintenance and the best possible stewardship of the Cathedral. Also within the committee’s domain is involvement with city officials and neighborhood entities, covering issues of property use, local concerns, and enhancements.

Successful installation and start-up of the donated Laars 1.6 MBTU gas boiler was a technically challenging endeavor. The machine is a highly efficient unit that satisfies our economic and environmental goals. A major request of the Capital Campaign was a snowmelt system for the accessible parking lot. The Laars boiler is the heat source for the new snowmelt and is also the primary heat source for heating the Cathedral. The older, less efficient boilers now supply backup and supplementary heat.

There have been many improvements to the Cathedral during the last four years. Projects include rebuilding the courtyard, extensive landscaping of the grounds, exterior lighting, 425 House modifications, refinishing of the Nave and Whipple Chapel floors and installation of a Labyrinth, complete renovations of the Bell Tower family lounge & restroom and the men’s restroom. 2018 saw restoration of the Persian rugs, additional lighting projects, and the complex installation of the Laars boiler.

Saint Mark’s Property Committee continues to demonstrate leadership within the community, elevating the cathedral’s reputation and position. Examples include inventive and respectful problem solving for the planning and execution of the Hennepin-Lyndale construction project, the Hennepin-Lyndale Stakeholders’ landscape architecture, the 425 House modifications, and multiple crosswalk installations. 2019 promises to offer more opportunities for committee involvement within the community.

Prentice Beadell, Property Committee Chair

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

During 2018, the Governance Committee continued to consider amendments to the Constitution of the Cathedral to bring its governance into conformity with the requirements of the canon law of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN). Once those formalities have been completed, the Committee plans to begin preparation of a more narrative description of the various groups that have roles in the operation of our Cathedral and their relationship to one another.

Fred Morrison, Governance Committee Chair

Treasurer’s Report FINANCIAL

We are blessed indeed with our performance for the year. Our pledge income for December was $ 61,595.13 against a budget of $ 76,626.981. In spite of this, we have experienced a year of great generosity from our congregation in meeting and exceeding their pledges! The combination of leaving positions unfilled in the first half of the year, staff conservation in spending across the board, and generous giving in response to our mid-year plea leaves us with a forecast year-end surplus of $ 122,000. (There is roughly $ 20,000 of 2018 expenses that do not yet appear on the books.2)

As a mission-driven institution this is a mixed blessing. It is great to have the income, but the reason for the income is to fund our work. You can be sure that the Finance Committee, Treasurer, and all of the Leadership have reflected on how best to spend this income in support of what we do. You will see the results of that insight in the plan for the 2019 budget.

Looking across 2018 the largest unexpected contributors to our revenue were interest from investments, room rental, and unplanned trust income3. These contributed a significant portion of the $ 38,000 revenue above the annual budget. On the expense side, we saved $81,0004 in staffing in the first half of the year accounting for the majority of our expense savings.

Operating Revenue YTD Operating Expense YTD

Revenue YTD op revenue = $ 1.567M YTD op revenue budget = $ 1.529M

1 The Pledge income on line 4010.01 is $ 99,998.85. This should be $ 61,595.13 as it accidentally includes $ 38,403.72 in pre-paid 2019 pledges. 2 Including Choir salaries ($ 7,000), Sexton overtime ($ 2,800), Loan interest ($ 7,000), and Miscellaneous others ( $ 3,000) 3 4301.01, 4304.01, 4500.01, and 4100.01 4 5402.31, 5402.01, 5103.01, 5002.01, 5000.01, 5402.21, 5012.01, and 5100.01

Expense YTD op expense = $ 1.426M YTD op expense budget = $ 1.519M

For those who prefer the numbers in a traditional table, here they are:

TECHNOLOGY

Under the guidance of Carrie Thomas we established a new web site to welcome people into our community and inform members, updated our office copier, and established new maintenance contracts for both the copier and staff PCs (https://go-dts.com ) Several of our existing PCs were updated with memory and new monitors.

TRANSPARENCY

St. Mark’s engaged Runway Analytics (www.runwayanalytics.com ) to establish financial reporting accessible to all via the new website (www.ourcathedral.org ). This information provides more than a decade of historic and current analytics endorsed as a model by our Bishop as “radical transparency” to be emulated by ECMN.

AUDIT

With great effort and attention to detail by Iweda Riddley, our Cathedral Administrator, and volunteer David Christopherson we supported an audit executed by Akins Henke & Company, our auditors (www.akinshenke.com ). The results highlighted the many things we are doing well as areas where we can improve our processes. We reviewed these findings with Council.

PROCESS

David Christopherson has contributed his time and expertise in Accounting to create an Accounting Manual for St. Mark’s. For the first time we will have clear processes that describe our accounting. This is a huge benefit for consistent and transparent handling of funds.

December Actual

December Budget

DecemberActual - Budget

YTD Actual YTD Budget YTDActual-Budget

Total Operating Revenue $162,700.59 $127,428.48 $35,272.11 $1,567,053.84 $1,529,142.64 $37,911.20Total Operating Expense $125,409.74 $127,208.71 ($1,798.97) $1,425,274.21 $1,518,708.17 ($93,433.96)Net Operating Revenue and Expense $37,290.85 $219.77 $37,071.08 $141,779.63 $10,434.47 $131,345.16

ORGANIZATION

This year we established the Finance Committee (FC) as a separate entity from the Treasurer; that is, it represents and reports to the Council (the “legislative” branch,) collaborating with the Treasurer (the “Executive” branch) in all things financial. This does not change the charter of FC for which the primary responsibility is proposing the budget.

2019 BUDGET

On January 17, 2019 the Council adopted a budget for 2019. This budget is the culmination of the year-long effort by the Finance Committee led by chair Paul Anton. It addresses a number of concerns and requests including growth in programs and increases in salaries for the staff. Based upon the generosity of the St. Mark’s community we were able fund all of the requests for 2019.

2018 Budget 2018 Actual 2019 Baseline Budget

Operating Revenue Total

$ 1,529,142.64 $ 1,567,054.39 $ 1,498,379.04

Operating Expense Total

$ 1,518,708.17 $ 1,444,876.92 $ 1,495,168.44

Operating Net $ 10,434.47 $ 122,177.47 $ 3,210.60

It is with joy, thanksgiving, and grateful hearts that we launch into 2019 building on the strengths we demonstrated in 2018.

Greg Youtz Treasurer

2018 annual report - my worship times 4.0 network€¦ · outgoing senior warden jim huber gave...

Documents