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St. Mark’s strategic plan in focus at leadership retreat, adult forum

April 22, 2019

More than two dozen people in leadership roles at St. Mark’s attended a half-day retreat on Saturday, April 13 to discuss the congregation’s strategic plan, now under construction. The plan also was the focus of the Adult Forum gathering on Palm Sunday, April 14. Leading both meetings was Jim LaDoux, who works with congregations around the nation as a coach/consultant for Minneapolis-based Vibrant Faith. LaDoux has counseled the new St. Mark’s Compass Team, tasked with developing the plan, which will then be presented to the St. Mark’s Leadership Council for review and consideration. Three congregational forums also are planned in May (see schedule at the end of the article), during which all are welcome to ask questions and share ideas with the Compass Team. Participants at the Saturday retreat included Council members, committee chairs and ministry leaders. They heard more details from the congregational survey that was done earlier this year. Nancy Wilkerson, convener of the Compass Team, sketched out demographic data and summarized perceptions and priorities listed by the 70 people who responded to the survey. And they heard key insights from LaDoux about what makes for an effective plan. LaDoux said the strategic plan aims to help the congregation “create a culture of spiritual vitality” in a way that honors our calling and mission and helps us to bring our best to one another and to our community.

In search of: Director of Music and Worship Arts

March 24, 2019

Are we looking for each other? We are looking for a Director of Music and Worship Arts. Are you the one? If so, we’d love to hear from you! The Director of Music and Worship Arts serves as the primary musician and coordinator for worship experiences at St Mark’s. This position (30 hours per week) has overall responsibility for planning, organizing, leading and directing the music and other artistic elements of all services enhancing the worship experience for all. The candidate must have the musical ability to support both traditional and contemporary services. Much more detail on our church, music inventory, the job description and application instructions is available. Just click on the “read more” link below. If it seems like a good fit, we invite you to respond in either of these ways by April 30, 2019. • Mail your resumé with a cover letter and contact information to: Worship Search Committee, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 501 Duncan Rd., Wilmington DE 19809 • Send your resumé with a cover letter and contact information electronically to resume@stmarksonline.org.

Survey says: Growth is top priority

March 24, 2019

The St. Mark’s Compass Team, tasked with developing a strategic plan for the church, continues to study the data gathered in the recent congregational survey. Analysis of the data continues—moving toward a full and more formal report that will summarize findings in five areas: fellowship and caring, faith and faith development, outreach, flexibility and atmosphere. Many challenges and aspirations have been identified. The top priority identified by the 70 respondents, according to Compass Team convener Nancy Wilkerson, was to “develop and implement a strategy to attract new members and incorporate them into the life of the church.” Many suggestions were shared on the “other priorities” page. Here are a few samples: * Do more to meet the needs of young families * Establish prayer circles, praying for members who have difficult situations arise * Help us connect with each other across boundaries (service times/styles, age, marital status, etc.) * Develop a program of service projects serving our neighborhood community * Improve our website! (Editor’s note: We’re already working on that! Keep the suggestions coming!)