St. Mark s Episcopal Church Alexandria, Virginia

Transcription

1 St. Mark s Episcopal Church Alexandria, Virginia Annual Parish Meeting January 28 th,

2 Table of Contents Agenda... Minutes 2017 Annual Meeting... Mr. Wally Tienken, Clerk Rector s Report to the Congregation... The Rev. John A. Weatherly Parochial Report Priest Associate s Report... The Rev. Donna Foughty Rector s Warden s Report... Mr. James Bailes People s Warden s Report... Mr. Rob Bluey Seminarian Reports Ms. Michaelene Miller Worship... Mr. Russell Bradly Eucharistic Ministers and Home Visiting L.E.M. Intercessors Mrs. Jeanne Shafer Lectors Mr. Russell Bradley Acolytes Mrs. Pam Hamlin Choir... Mrs. Tatiana Andronikova Greeters Altar Guild... Ms. Sara Dillich Flower Guild... Mrs. Delsa Chui Sacred Arts Committee Verger Mrs. Jeanne Shafer Daughters of the King... Mrs. Wilhelmina Scott-Boyle Adult Education... Mr. Rodney Fisher Children s Education.. Mrs. Pamela Hamrin, Mrs. Donna Anderson 2017 Vacation Bible School Ms Mary Jane Stockstill Mission Trip 2017 Ms. Gaby Pineda Communications. Ms. Charlotte Brown Community Outreach... Mrs. Ana Ventura Selected Funds Girl and Boy Scout Troops (Celebrate with us Feb. 5 th ) Stewardship... Mr. Doug Varner Treasurer s Report... Mr. Eric Bryda St. Mark s Budget 2018 Mr. Eric Bryda Audit Report Mr. Wally Tienken Nominees to Vestry 2

3 2018 Annual Parish Meeting Agenda St. Mark s Episcopal Church 11:00 A.M., January 28 th, 2018 Opening Prayer: The Rev. John A. Weatherly, Rector 1. Review of Agenda 2. Appointment of Clerk and Tellers (Tellers are the Senior Class of the Vestry ) 3. Approval of 2017 Annual Meeting Minutes 4. Report of the Vestry Nominating Committee Introduction of Candidates (Nominations will remain open for 30 minutes) 5. Reports by Committees Parochial Report Rector Rector s Warden Jim Bailes People s Warden Rob Bluey Priest Associate The Rev. Donna Foughty Fellowship and Nurturing Families Kathy Hughes Outreach Mrs. Ana Ventura Adult Forum Rodney Fisher Worship Committees Russell Bradley Choir Tatiana Andronikova Lay Eucharistic Ministers Donna Anderson, Jacqui Cerio Acolytes, Lectors, Ushers Pam Hamrin Children s Ministries Pam Hamrin and Donna Anderson Daughters of the King Wilhelmina Scott - Boyle Diocesan Convention (Held Nov. 2017) Mr. Russell Bradley, Mr. Doug Varner, Mr. Jim Bailes The 2016 Audit Wally Tienken The 2017 Stewardship Campaign Doug Varner The 2018 Budget Eric Bryda Other Old Business Riverfarm Cooperative School Other New Business Recognition of Outgoing Vestry Adjournment Blessing and Dismissal Closing Hymn Please join us in Patience Hall for Fellowship. Institution of the New Vestry will take place Feb. 4 th 10:00 a.m. New Officers will be Installed on March 11th 10:00 a.m. 3

4 St. Mark s Episcopal Church Annual Meeting Minutes January 29 st, 2017 Meeting: called to order at 11:10 AM Sunday January 29th by Father John Weatherly. Present: There were 48 St. Mark s members present at the meeting with Father John Weatherly presiding. Opening Prayer: Father John opened the annual meeting with a prayer. Review Agenda: Father John appointed Wally Tienken as clerk for the annual meeting. A copy of the annual report was handed out to all of the members in attendance. Father John reviewed the agenda for the 2017 annual meeting. Father John acknowledged the outgoing members of the 2016 vestry. They are Russell Bradley, Rosemary Kley, Sara Dillich, Mary Stockstill, and Ashley Bryda. The outgoing vestry members will assist as Ballot Tellers if needed. The minutes from the 2016 annual meeting were reviewed and corrections or updates were solicited. As there were none Russell Bradley moved that we accept the minutes as presented and Sheryl Sims seconded the motion. The 2016 minutes were approved by acclamation. Presentation of the 2017 vestry candidates: Russell Bradley presented the 2017 vestry candidates to the congregation. They are Rodney Fisher, Charlotte Brown, Donna Anderson, Doug Varner, and Pamela Hamrin. The meeting was asked if there were other candidates and they were opened to discussion. The nominations were kept open for thirty minutes to allow for the congregational to consideration of the candidates. Rector s Report: Father John Weatherly passed out copies of the 2017 Annual Parish Meeting. He asked that the congregation review the report. Associate Rector s Report: The Reverend Meredith Heffner noted that last year s mission trip had a small surplus and it was being applied to this year s upcoming mission trip to Navajo Land. Priest Associate s Report: The Reverend Donna Foughty told us of the upcoming retreat to Shine Mont. This year they have added a zip line for the not so faint of heart. Some discussion on civil disobedience with Bishop Goff is planned. Senior Warden: Russell Bradley told us about the Diocesan Convention. Bishop Johnston talked of the Role of Love within the church. Bishop Goff spoke of praying with our feet. Bishop Gulick spoke of building Mosques and Churches. They also covered many administrative details with the theme I am Crucial, I am the cross. There were also many administrative issues that were discussed. Treasurer s Report: Eric Bryda reported that we managed to turn our projected $10, deficit into a surplus of $ A question was raised as to why we 4

5 moved our banking from Burke and Herbert to Capitol One. It was to simplify our deposits and get a better return on our funds. Junior Warden Report: James Bailes reported that the facility has been well maintained this year. He thanked Karen Ashworth and David Powers for the work they have done with the lighting. He also noted that the parking lot was resurfaced and lined. The men s room now has automatic flushing and has been painted. Father John acknowledged the help that the Scouts have provided as well as the help Pan De Vida has provided in general facility cleaning both inside and out. Worship: Linda Berg requested that the congregation consider helping on the various church committees such as the altar guild. Music: Tatiana Andronikova wanted to thank Candace Fisher for her help with the choir, the choir members for the work that they do. She also made an appeal for additional members of the congregation to join the choir. Daughters of the King: Sheryl Sims told us a bit about Daughters of the King and invited members to join this group. Christian Education: Pam Smith praised Father John for the adult forum. She told of some of the upcoming topic and that our seminarians Cornelia Eaton and Michaelene Miller would be conducting some of them. Children s Education: Ashley Bryda thanked the Sunday School teachers for their help with this year s program. She also noted that the Christmas pageant was a great success. Joy Haggard was thanked for the work she has been doing with the preschool kids in the nursery. Election of new Vestry members: Father John notes that it has been over half an hour since the vestry nominees were presented to the congregation. Has solicited any additional nominees, and as there were none James Bailes moved that the nominations to the vestry be closed. Russell Bradley seconded and the nominations were closed. A vote was held on the nominees and they were elected by unanimous acclimation. Father John then acknowledge both the incoming and outgoing vestry personnel. The outgoing vestry members Russell Bradley, Rosemary Kley, Mary Stockstill, Ashley Bryda, Pam Smith, and Sara Dillich. The incoming vestry members are Rodney Fisher, Charlotte Brown, Donna Anderson, Doug Varner, and Pamela Hamrin. Father John then passed out tokens of appreciation to both the outgoing and incoming vestry members. Communications: Rob Bluey talked about online giving. He thanked Sheryl Sims for her work on our Facebook site, and thanked Mari for her work on the bulletins. Community Outreach: Rosemary Kley notes that VIC (Ventures in Community) which deals with area issues has monthly meeting to deal with issues concerning the route one corridor. James Bailes moved that we adjourn the meeting and Russell Bradley seconds. The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 P.M. 5

6 Rector s Report for 2017 If it is of the Spirit of God, then it will flourish. (1 Cor. 12: 1-11) I begin as we ended last year, with the reflection that this parish continues to be challenged, and enriched, by the presence of God. Many events shaped this year, and I think particularly of our mission trip to Window Rock, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation the end of June. Our 13 th mission trip since 2004, it was again amazing experience; exhausting and exhilarating. I thank our adult leaders especially, Yuris Guzman, Reuban Geisner, Russell Bradley, Linda Larson, Michaelene Miller and Bill Baker. It was great to be with the Rev. Cornelia Eaton, who has served as a Seminarians at St. Mark s for the past year and a half, and to have her introduce us to her people and their stories. We were blessed with tremendous support again from the Fairfax Community, and our own congregation of St. Mark s We are blessed to be part of an outstanding community made up of both paid staff and many volunteers. We said goodbye to the Rev. Adolfo Moronta in 2017, who left as Vicar of San Marcos and welcomed the Rev. Juan Valderramas and his wife Katty and daughter, Maria. St. Mark s continues to assist San Marcos in bookkeeping and logistical support, as well as sharing Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Thanksgiving services. Our community of congregations include Pan da Vida, who have shown great care of our facility for over 15 years, and who were with us on our fall and spring cleanup days. This September we welcomed Riverfarm Cooperative School, who now use our Sunday School space in Gibson Hall, Monday through Friday during the school year. It is great to see their 24 students, grades 1 to 5, and two teachers, using our outdoors and neighboring Recreation Center. They have brought a wider community presence, and new vitality to the building through the week. We give thanks for the Rev. Donna Foughty, our Priest Associate. Donna continues to inspire our retreats and our worship with her faithfulness and passion. We are blessed for her leadership and liturgical presence. Again, we could not inhabit this property without the work of Francisco Robles, our Sexton of twenty-seven years, or Mike Morgan, our Accountant. Worship would not be as inspiring or as accomplished without our choir mistress and organist, Tatiana Andronikova who celebrates eleven, going on 12, years at St. Mark s. Joy Haggard is our faithful Nursery care provider, who makes each child feel the love of God, And finally, we give thanks for the presence and guidance given by our seminarians, The Rev. Cornelia Eaton and Ms. Michaelene Miller. Michaelene will shortly be ordained to the Deaconate by her home Diocese of Arkansas, and we look forward to her participating in worship in her new calling. In the twenty years that I have been at St. Mark s, I have had the pleasure of having at least one remaining member of the Search Committee that found my profile, and opened up the gift of St. Mark s to me. Phil Brown was a friend, and important part to our life together as a parish here in Alexandria. An architect by training, he helped shape the worship space of several churches in this area, as well as many schools. He aided in the design of our Sanctuary, and then stripped, sanded, and stained the cross that now hangs 6

7 over our center aisle. Phil was an extraordinarily caring person, who worked hard in the early days of Warm Nights providing shelter to the homeless here at St. Mark s in the winter. He served on the Vestry for many years, from the 1960 s to the 1980 s. Phil was not able to attend church for the past 10 years because of spinal stenosis, but he was always enthusiastic and gracious when we stopped by. Phil died this year, and is buried next to his beloved wife, Anne at Mt. Comfort. His presence will remain with us was a year when we said goodbye to our long time Associate Rector, The Rev. Meredith Heffner, who was called as Rector in the Diocese of Washington. Sadly we also said goodbye to our relatively recent addition, Mrs. Mari Gibson Merz, who died in May after only two years as our Parish Administrator. In the months that followed this parish reached out to her husband Al, and enjoyed his presence in worship until his death in December. Their mortal remains now lie side by side in our Memorial Garden. We enjoyed a great year of celebrations, including our Vestry Retreat last February at Roslyn, and our parish retreat to Shrinemont in August. We welcomed the area wide workshop on Invite, Welcome and Connect, and proved hosts for over 40 participants. We will welcome an equally important discussion in February, entitled Seeing the Face of God in One Another. This will also be our theme for our upcoming Lenten program. With Kathy Hughes and Joy Haggard taking lead, we fed and entertained Fairfax County s Nurturing Parent s program for a fifth year in the fall. Our Sunday School enjoyed St. Mark s in the Park, and our live animal Christmas Pageant in December. We cannot leave 2017 without acknowledging a remarkable Vestry, and I give thanks especially for our Rector s and People s Wardens, Jim Bailes and Rob Bluey. Jim has served as our Warden off and on for the past 16 years, while this is the second time Rob has been our Warden. They led an outstanding Vestry and we give thanks for those who are completing their terms: Wally Tienken, Donna Anderson and Ana Ventura. As I reflect over a year of many changes, and many blessings, I pray that you will continue to see God as a vital presence in your life and in the life of St. Mark s, and let us look forward in grateful expectation to 2018! PAROCHIAL REPORT FOR 2017 Sunday Celebrations of the Eucharist St. Mark s and San Marcos..124 Weekday Celebrations of the Eucharist at the Fairfax Mid Week Celebrations of the Eucharist at the Pentagon Mid Week Daily Office or Other... 6 Private Communions Holy Matrimony 6 Burial Office or Committal 10 Baptisms Dorothy Ann Bryda, Aaron David Budzko, Camden Jordan Cohen, Earnest George Cole Jr.,Iris Valerie Guinard, Matthew Ryan Guinard, Olivia Rose Nebhut, Noah David Caliendo 7

8 Confirmations: Noah Daniel Caliendo, Gary Vernon Haskom, Richard Keith Krewson, Ryan Peter Lear, Hannah Lee Luxner Received: Mary Alice Herman, Cheryl Lynn Nebhut Entered Eternal Glory: Robert Burnell, Anthony Roberts, Mari Gibson, Domencia Lopez, Andrew O Connor, Roxanne Green, Col. Ray Vohden, Rick and Dora Lundsford, Tricia Sears, Al Merz, Phil Brown Transfers Out: Chip Eresman and Diana Garcia, to St. Christoper s, Kailua, Hawaii Transfers In: Communicants in Good Standing (Attend at Least Three times a Year, or Limited by Mobility) 239 Adults, 36 Young people under 16. Priest s Associate Report The Rev. Donna Foughty For me this past year was filled with many things and went by very quickly. I want to begin with a big thank, you for the St. Mark s parish family. During the time my father was ill and when he died my family and I were supported, held in prayer and comforted by our parish family. You were a source of strength and healing and we could feel that love that binds all Christians. Other things also happened this year at St. Marks and I am thankful that I have been able to be a part of them. Beginning in June through August I served as the interim part time associate and assisted Fr. John by filling in the spot left by The Rev. Meredith Heffner. Toward the end of the summer we once again had our annual St. Mark s Shrine Mont weekend. Our theme was icons in our lives and we did some intergenerational crafts depicting our own icons. Of course, that was not all we did. As we celebrated our time together by praising God and having fun. A few brave souls went on the zip line at Bryce resort. It was a thrilling ride especially for yours truly (who fulfilled her promise to zip if we got 30 reservations) and one I would recommend any brave ones to do. We also had a hayride, ice cream social, and a chance to swim and hike. We did have 30 people sign up and I hope more will join us this year. I just received our information for this August from Shrine Mont and will be posting that information before the annual meeting. The last few years I have orchestrated the weekend theme, but I would love to hear of those who have come to the weekend and even those who are thinking of joining us with ideas for a theme. We do not spend all weekend on our topic but have tried to make them family friendly and something we could do in the outdoors (though that is flexible). To help defray the cost we also hope to have a fund raiser or two please look for times for these. Last but far from least I want to thank Fr. John for his support and encouragement in ministry here. In His Service Mother Donna Foughty Ms. Michaelen Miller, Seminarian

9 It is a blessing to serve the St. Mark s community as a seminarian. This is a loving place to learn and I am grateful for the grace filled formation that I have received from this place and its people. I am especially grateful for those who serve on my seminarian support committee. In addition to the many field education opportunities that St. Mark s provides, including times to preach, lead the worship liturgy, and teach adult forum hours and confirmation classes, one main highlight that I enjoyed this past year was attending the mission trip to Navajoland. This was a blessed time together with the youth of St. Mark s and San Marcos. Another highlight of the year has been the reconvening of the Women of Spirit, who enjoyed a six-week book discussion and reflection on Barbara Brown Taylor s An Altar in the World. It is a remarkable gift to be formed by this community during my time at Virginia Theological Seminary. Seminarians The Rev. Cornelia Eaton, Ms. Michaelene Miller Rector s Warden Report for 2017 Mr. Jim Bailes It has been an exciting year. Let me start by saying thank you to the outgoing members of the vestry, Wally Tienken, Donna Anderson, and Ana Ventura. It has been a pleasure working with you the last couple of years. Thank you also to our People s Warden, Rob Bluey who does an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly here and to Eric Bryda for keeping our financial house in order. Charlotte Brown and Bonnie Wilkins spent countless hours getting our parish office in order following the sudden passing of our parish administrator, Mari. We welcomed River Farm School to our family and though it came with some getting used to, it has been a very good addition. 9

10 I must also say thank you to the Rev. Donna Foughty for her assistance serving as our Associate Rector this summer and fall. We are beginning the search for a new permanent Associate and look forward to that this year. I continue to have the pleasure of chairing Michaelene Miller s support committee and look forward to her spring semester here. Finally, I look forward to working with our new vestry in the coming year. St. Marks is in an excellent place and it is an honor to serve this congregation. People s Warden Report Mr. Rob Bluey St. Mark s embarked on a big change in 2017 with the addition of the River Farm Cooperative School to our church community. Teachers and students are now occupying our Sunday School classrooms Monday through Friday, bringing much activity and joy to St. Mark s during the workweek. River Farm officially moved to St. Mark s in September. Special thanks to Charlotte Brown for her efforts over the summer to ensure a smooth transition. As a result of River Farm s presence, we ve made repairs and improvements to the buildings and grounds of St. Mark s. Following a Fairfax County Police Department audit, St. Mark s hired Hector Martinez to install a new outdoor light in the parking lot and fix two sets of doors that didn t close properly. Landscaper William Pineda raised our tree canopies to a recommended height and planted four new trees while removing two others. The unexpected passing of Mari Gibson prompted St. Mark s to hire a new parish administrator. Becky Mays Sanders started in August and has brought a welcoming and positive spirit to our church. Many thanks to Maddie Murchie-Beyma who filled in over the summer while we searched for a replacement. In anticipation of Suffragan Bishop Susan Goff s December visit, St. Mark s and Boy Scout Troop 4077 conducted a church cleanup. Ongoing maintenance of our lighting is provided by generous volunteers Karen Ashworth and David Powers. And thanks to Tyler Chui for his volunteer work during the summer to prepare for River Farm s presence. WORSHIP COMMITTEE Russell Bradley The real work of the Worship Committee is done by the leaders of the various ministries and the members of the parish who participate. I want to recognize and thank the worship leaders at St. Marks for all that they have done in the past year saw change as Pat Hoppe retired from the Altar Guild. Many thanks to Pat for her years of service to the parish and to her replacement, Sara Dillich, for the seamless transition. I want to thank Delsa Chui for leading the Flower Guild. Jackie Cerio deserves our thanks for coordinating lay participation in the 8 AM service. Jeanne Shafer deserves a double 10

11 thanks for serving as our Verger in addition to coordinating the Intercessors. Thank yous go to Donna Anderson for Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Pam Hamrin for the Acolytes, Bonnie Wilkins for the Greeters and Wally Tienken for Ushers. A big thank you for 9 years of wonderful music goes to our Tatiana Andronikova, who is entering her 10 th year as St. Mark s Choir Director. Finally, a thank you goes to Gabby Pineda for helping to coordinate our joint services with San Marcos. 8 a.m. Worship Leaders Contact (LEM: Jacqui Cerio, Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Pastoral Visiting L.E.M.s Contact Donna Anderson Jim Bailes, Russell Bradley, Susan Byers, Mike Foughty, Wilhelminah Scott-Boyle, Jeanne Shafer, Sheryl Sims, Pamela Smith, Bonnie Wilkins (PVLEM) Intercessors Contact Jeanne Shafer (Jimmy Bailes, Eric Bryda, Mike Foughty, Earl Hughes, Rosemary Kley, Linda Larson, Kim Lewis, Nihal Masih, Jeanne Shafer, Ana Ventura) Lectors Contact Russell Bradley (Donna Anderson, Susan Byers, Noah Caliendo, Al Dominic, Rodney Fisher, Mike Foughty, Jean Hunt, Rick Krewson, Rosa Krewson, Nihal Masih, Steve Mitchell, Earnestene Patnett, Wilhemina Scott-Boyle, Sheryl Sims, Terry Tienken, Doug Varner, Abby Sparks) Acolytes Contact Pam Hamrin (Joanna Wright, Spencer Hibbert, Ryan Lear, Noah Caliendo, Hannah Luxner, Molly Hamrin, Kelechi Dominic, Chizi Dominic) Choir This January I ve started my twelfth year as a Music Director at St. Mark s. Through all these years we have been blessed with high quality singers. Let me tell a few words about each and every one who brings joy through music to our services. We are grateful to have amazing sopranos: Candace Fisher, Jean Hunt, Megan Murchie- Beyma, Susan Byers and Sidoux Mitchell. I would like to welcome the new member, Cheryl Lynn Kennedy, a great addition to our Choir. It is always joy to listen to a talented duet: Jean and Candace. Thank you, ladies! Your voices blend tremendously and make the service exceptional. Special thanks to Sidoux Mitchell for great music ideas and support of our Choir in many ways. My deep appreciation to Candace Fisher, a unique musician who is absolutely indispensable in all that Choir does. I would like to acknowledge Eric and Megan Murchie-Beyma devoted musicians, fully engaged and constantly ready to perform. The backbone of the Choir is Earl Hughes, a wonderful bass and a great euphonium player. He is always here to help - from distributing music electronically to suggesting different music arrangements. 11

12 Also, there is a great musician, Doug Varner. Having a deep bass voice, Doug is also a wonderful versatile flutist. He performs sophisticated and beautiful music of any kind and genre. Throughout all these years, I truly enjoy making music together with wonderful St. Mark s Choir. In helping and encouraging our members to be their best, we help ourselves and our Church Community. We are always welcoming the new members. We enjoy singing together, all of us are connected through the music, discovering the joy and privilege to prepare music that serves St. Mark s Church and honors the Lord. Submitted by Mrs. Tatiana Andronikova, Music Director and Organist Gracious Greeters Contact Bonnie Wilkins (Nell Brill, Rosemary Kley, Nihal Masseh, Wilhemina Scott-Boyle, Mary and Dick Stockstill, Wally and Terry Tienken, Bonnie Wilkins, Linda Larson, Lovett Elliott) Altar Guild Pat Hoppe, the longtime lead for the Altar Guild, retired from that position May 1, The altar guild extends our deepest gratitude and affection to Pat for her many years of excellent service to St. Mark s and her continuing mentorship and guidance of the guild. Several other members also left the guild in Current members include: Donna Anderson, Sara Dillich (lead), Patricia Drabick, Estela Escobar, Kathy Hughes, Velma Scott-Boyle and Ann Sparks. The guild would welcome additional volunteers that could help set-up and/or clear the altar about one weekend a month. The guild would also like to thank those members of the congregation who have helped as needed with altar guild activities, especially Jim Bailes, Rev. Donna Foughty, Joy Haggard, Sidoux Mitchell, Mark Spans and Lori Walton. In addition to tending to the altar for worship and special services, the guild will continue in 2018 to focus on restoration and repair of silver and brass altar vessels and dishes. Contact: Sara Dillich (Donna Anderson, Sara Dillich, Pat Drabick, Estela Escobar, Kathy Hughes, Velma Scott-Boyle, Ann Sparks) Flower Guild Contact Delsa Chui (Nell Brill, Eulie Campbell, Jackie Cerio, Yuris Guzman, Sarah Hardy, Kathy Hughes, Maureen Ison, Sidoux Mitchell, Ana Ventura, Brenda Ventura0 Verger Mrs. Jeanne Shafer The Josephine Bakhita Senior and Junior Chapters of the Order of the Daughters of the King ( DOK ) Motto: For His Sake: I am but one; but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. Lord, what will you have me do? 12

13 The Daughters of the King is a religious order of women communicants of the Episcopal Church and its affiliates. The following denominations may join the order; Episcopalian, Anglicans, Lutherans and Catholics. Members take a life-time vow to live by the rules of the Order. Reaching out through a program of Prayer, Service and Evangelism, members endeavor to reflect God s love by accepting all people, bridging differences and cherishing traditions. The Order does not raise funds but will accept donations to further its work. The Order works in very close cooperation with the Rector of the church. The Josephine Bakhita Chapter of St. Mark s continues to be active, holding meetings, attending activities of its sister chapters, as well as regional and Diocesan assemblies. The Junior branch of the chapter is currently inactive. The Chapter is always interested in new members and invites you to join us. One of the highlights of the past year were two teas that we held with the women of Santa Elizabet Chapter for the women of the parish and community. Members: Sheryl Sims Wilhelmina Scott-Boyle (acting Chapter President), Amélie Cagle, Pamela Smith-Treasurer, Donna Anderson, Irrsula Mpouma, Kathy Hughes, Eulie Campbell, Mary Stockstill and Mary Jane Stockstill, Ann Dixon, Earnestene Patnett. Adult Forum Mr. Rodney Fisher Or you may contact The Rector with ideas for the Forum Children s Education Donna Anderson and Pam Hamrin, Vestry Chairs On behalf of St. Mark s, I d like to offer a huge thank you to our nursery attendant, Joy Haggard, as well as our Sunday School teachers, Melissa Bluey, Rodney Fisher, Barbara Foster, Ashley Bryda, Donna Anderson, Ann Sparks, and Jackie Cerio. Also, many thanks to our substitute teachers Rosemary Kley, Shelley Luxner, and Stacie Moats. The dedication of their time and talents to the children and youth of St. Mark s is invaluable. Children s Education was identified as a priority at the February 2017 Vestry Retreat, particularly finding ways to include music in our programs. To that end, we hired a professional music teacher and a college student assistant to provide a summer music program. This weekly class during Sunday School time provided a Bible lesson and related songs. The children performed in the 10:00 AM service at the end of the summer which was a blessing to all who were there. We are trying a new format in Sunday School to include a brief assembly time with all children and youth before breaking into our smaller classes. This time includes a prayer and a song. In this way we hope to build community and it is another way in which we are working to incorporate music into Children s Education. Youth Sunday in June and Children s Sabbath in October provided opportunities for children and youth to actively participate in the worship service. Youth Sunday was an opportunity to recognize our graduating seniors and to thank our Sunday School teachers from the last year. During Children s Sabbath, the children and youth were invited to read lessons, act as ushers, participate in a children s sermon, and play an active role in Communion. As a part of Children s Sabbath, we hosted a diaper drive to benefit UCM. The children decorated paper grocery bags and passed the bags out to the parishioners in 13

14 advance of Children s Sabbath with the direction of filling the bags with donations and bring back for the Children s Sabbath. This resulted in a collection of 1861 diapers for UCM. Recently, the children and youth put on the Christmas Pageant jointly with San Marcos. This gave them an opportunity to act out the birth of Jesus with costumes, narration, song, and live animals (of course). Vacation Bible School 2017 Director: Mary Stockstill The theme for VBS last summer was Surf Shack: Catch the Wave of God s Amazing Love. We had 29 students enrolled with 30 teen and adult volunteers. Mary Stockstill was the director. We especially would like to thank professional music teacher Diane Kutz for volunteering all week to lead our music program. Once again this was a multimedia event. We had assemblies each morning and noon which included prayers, songs, a puppet show and lots of dancing around. The groups then traveled through 4 stations: Bible Stories, Crafts, Recreation and Science. We also gathered for snack at midmorning. Once again the kindness of the members of St. Mark s made this a successful event. Ann Sparks Mission Team 2017 to the Dine (Navajo) People Sixteen Young People, Three Seminarians and Four Adults 14

15 Social Saints Jeanne Shafer or Wally and Terry Tienken The Social Saints held one fund raiser for the Mission Trip, an Italian Buffet dinner and talent show. All proceeds were donated to the Mission Team account. Community Outreach Mrs. Ana Ventura This past year, the Outreach committee continues to support UCM, which provides services such as English classes, finance classes, and a food bank just to name a few. St. Mark s donates nonperishable goods along with a monthly gift of $ Soup for the Superbowl takes place next month. The congregation collects canned soups and donates them to UCM. St. Marks continues to renew the annual membership to VIC (Ventures in Community). Rosemary Kley is very involved and represents the parish on VIC s monthly lunches and meetings. Another outreach service that our parish is involved in is provided by Kathy Hughes. She prepares dinner for Mondloch House, an adult home the second Sunday of every month. We also participated in hosting Nurturing Parents this past fall. Aside from proving the physical space in which the classes were held, St. Mark graciously cooked for the families and the Nurturing Parents facilitators. Bonnie Wilkins also orchestrated the Salvation Army Angle Tree Program this past Christmas. All the names that were given to Bonnie by the Salvation Army were adopted by various families in our parish. UCM (United Community Ministries) is the heart of social service center for the Route One area, supported by many local churches and coordinating with social service agencies. Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners, 1,000 children were provided gifts. The Food Pantry was restocked with canned goods as a result of the local Boy Scout drive in October; our Youth helped in the sorting and boxing, which will provide sustenance all winter. In January we resume our weekly food blessings which will go to UCM Early February we will do our "Soup for the Superbowl" Sunday. VIC (Ventures in Community) is a monthly luncheon meeting of churches and social service groups such as UCM to provide information and support to common interests and events, including the annual Martin Luther King Memorial concert. On the second Sunday of every month Kathy Hughes delivers a meal to Mondloch House Adult Group Home. We support the Fairfax County Healthy Family program with a location to meet and a meal for the weekly classes from August to December. VOICE (Virginians Organized in Interfaith Community Engagement ) is a membership organization which addresses some large problems common to many and difficult for individuals to solve alone, such as Affordable Housing, bad Bank Mortgage restitution, Playgrounds for neighborhood children, and Immigration legislative reform. For many years we have given generously Christmas gifts to children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. (Bonnie Wilkins) This year we provided gifts for 50 children including 12 bikes plus several scooters & tricycles. 15

16 Selected Fund Activity in 2017 Beg. Balance Receipts Disbursements End Balance Rector s Discretionary Fund $1, $ Loaves and Fishes $ 2, , ERD $ 0.00 $750 $ United Thank Offering $ Mission Trip $ 2,300 $24,450 $21,752 $ Memorial Funds $ 4, $4, Flower Fund $ 3,425 $1, Mortgage Principal $ 0 $10,465 0 Staff Gifts $ $1350 $1350 $ Other Donations from the Parish Operating Budget UCM $1, Rector s Discretionary Fund $ Diocese of Virginia $18, Region VI $1, Loaves and Fishes Primarily supports once a month meals to Mondloch Home, on Lockheed Blvd., and meals for our partnership with Fairfax County s Parenting Program. Volunteers support the Fall, Wednesday evening meals. Funds are also distributed to United Community Ministry so that they can participate in the D.C. Food Bank program. We want to thank especially Kathy Hughes for her passion and hard labor on behalf of these programs. She always puts a dose of love in every meal she prepares! Scouts St. Mark s hosts three Scout troops for their weekly meetings: Boy Scout Troop #4077, Girl Scout Troop #1914 and Girl Scout Troop #4841. Boy Scout Troop #4077 St. Mark s Episcopal Church has been the sponsoring organization for Troop 4077 since Troop 4077 meets in Patience Hall every Monday. They have grown from a group of six scouts and two leaders to a current group of 38 scouts and 10 leaders. In the past ten years 28 boys have earned the rank of Eagle, many of whom have also gone on to earn advanced Eagle Palm Awards. Almost all of our Eagle Scouts have gone on to college or university and one who is attending the Air Force Academy. The Scouting program supported by St. Mark s instills in the scouts the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and helps them grow to their full potential. Scouting helps them develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives. River Farm School Mr. Mark Vick The River Farm Cooperative is very excited about our new home at St. Mark's. Our membership is grateful for the cooperation of the St. Mark's vestry, of Reverend John, Charlotte Brown and Rob Bluey, for making our 16

17 transition smoother than we had hoped. We look forward to our future here at St. Mark's and hope to continue growing healthy relationships within the St. Mark's community. Stewardship Mr. Doug Varner The 2018 Every Member Canvass and Stewardship Commitment Drive began on Sunday, October 22nd and ended on November 19th, Dedication Sunday. The theme for this year s drive was To You All Hearts Are Open. The goal was to receive as many pledges as possible in anticipation of the resources needed for obligations and expenses in Pledge packets, including a beautiful trifold produced by Melissa Bluey, were mailed out in early October. Stewardship quotes and messages, as well as progress towards our goal, were included in the Sunday Bulletins during the campaign. An adult forum addressing the goals and progress of the Stewardship Drive was held. As of January 28th, 2018, 67 pledges totaling $213,693, with an additional $7,400 pledged towards the mortgage fund, have been received corresponding to approximately 2/3 of the anticipated income needs for This amount is down considerably from the amount ($256,000) pledged in 2012 for the 2013 calendar year, continuing the trend of greater uncertainty in fiscal planning and increased dependence on non-pledge offerings. Year Total Pledged $255, $224,325 $214,680 $218,052 $213,693 # of Pledging Units Avg. Annual Pledge $3, $ $ $ $ Pledge to Mortgage $6,700 $10,450 $7,150 $7,400 Balance on Mortgage Debt 12/31/2016 $198,379 12/31/2017 $158,746 John Marshall Bank, Interest Rate 4% Amortized over 15 years Treasurer s Report for 2017 Mr. Eric Bryda Total operating income decreased in 2017 by about $3,500 from $316,300 to $312,800. Total operating expenses decreased by about $29,000, from $316,300 to $287,300. As a result we ended the year with a surplus of approximately $25,000. The 2016 budget had projected a surplus of about $1,000. Income came in at about $10,000 less than expected at $312,800 vs a projected $323,800. Expenses were more than $35,000 under-budget at $287,300 vs a projected $322,700. This was due almost solely to an overestimate of compensation and other staff expenses for I have proposed to the Vestry that at least $10,000 of the surplus be transferred from the operating fund to the major repairs fund, with another $10,000 to be used to make an additional transfer to the major repairs fund, a one-time mortgage payment, or some combination of the two. 17

18 We were also able to rely on our over 30 designated funds to cover expenses where possible. Absent significant increases in pledge income, these funds will be of great value in helping us to continue to cover operating expenses where possible. The market value of the trust fund recovered by over $16,000 this year and is now up more than $15,000 over the initial investment. The trust fund also generated another $6,500 of dividend income this year that was used for operations. We continued to pay down our mortgage this year. The outstanding balance fell falling from about $199,000 at the end of 2016 to just under $158,000 at the end of Thank you to those who made additional pledges for this purpose. We currently have almost $10,000 in our mortgage principal payment fund to and, as mentioned above, additional operating funds that can be used to make additional principal payments. This year we finally completed the process of moving our checking and savings accounts from Burke & Herbert Bank to Capital One Bank to take advantage of higher interest rates that have to increased our interest income on our savings account from $100 a year to $1,000 a year. After many years of discussion and searching for the right company, we finally set up electronic giving this year with My E-Offering. About 20 people are using this service on a regular basis. Thanks to Rob Bluey, Sara Dillich, Mike Morgan, and all who worked to make this a reality. This year I would like to extend a warm welcome our new Parish Administrator Becky Mays Sanders and thank her for her hard work. I would especially like to thank Charlotte Brown and Bonnie Wilkins for the countless hours they put in cleaning and organizing the church office to prepare for Becky to take over after Mari Gibson s tragic passing this year. I would also like to thank Karen Ashworth for all of the work she has done to organize the Tellers the past few years, and our accountant Mike Morgan for the many ways in which he has been of assistance. Finally, I would like to thank the members of St. Mark s for their continued support of our parish. Finance/Audit: The annual audit for 2016 was completed and returned to the Virginia Diocese in August of The audit looks at all aspects of St. Mark s finances as well as the physical property and daily church operations. The audit found no major or minor problems with the total operation of St. Mark s Church. Thanks go to all the members that help with this year s audit including Ann Sparks, Linda Berg, Donna Anderson, and Wally Tienken. The 223 rd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia was held at Christ Church in Glen Allen, VA on Saturday, Nov. 4, The convention passed a number of resolutions including: Present a resolution at the 79 th General Convention to direct that The Way of Light Liturgy be included in the next revised edition of the Book of Occasional Services Call for the election of an additional Bishop Suffragan. 18

19 Support for the 2015 Paris Climate Accord and Energy Efficiency improvements Inclusion of Transgender Youth in our Churches, Schools, and Camps Endorsement of Bishops statement on Charlottesville violence. The Regions are being reorganized, but that doesn t impact St. Mark s region, Region 6. Mr. Russell Bradley, Delegate Bishop Ted Gulick was retiring Dec. 31, so there was a special tribute to him with a video and several speakers. Vestry Nominees Charlotte Brown Class of 2019 I have been a member of St. Mark s since the early 1950s and was a member of the 2011 St Marks Vestry. My sister, Bonnie, and I continue to live in the house that our parents built in 1952 in Groveton Virginia. In 2004, I retired from the IT field in the federal government after more than 30 years of service. My work since 2004 includes: documented St Mark s history for the 125 th anniversary, initiated the recognition of St. Mark s and Groveton for the 400 th Jamestown Celebration, documented the history of St Marks for the installation of a Fairfax County Historical Marker (Apr 2011), and wrote a book on the community of Groveton 19

20 ( ). I am currently researching and documenting several family genealogies/histories and am an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Friends of Historic Huntley, and Groveton Civic Association (GCA) for the Groveton community. Kathy Hughes Class of 2019 Kathy was born into a Navy family in Jacksonville, Florida, and lived in Ohio and Newfoundland before moving to Ruskin, Florida in fourth grade. She grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, coming to the Episcopal Church in 1989 at St Marks. She met Earl on a blind date in 1969, and they have now been married for 47 years through Earl s Navy career and work at the Department of Energy. They lived in Charleston, SC three different times, New London, CT, twice, Louisville, KY, Orlando, FL, Chicopee, MA, Saratoga Springs, NY, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA twice, and once before in Alexandria. Kathy and Earl came to Alexandria most recently in 1989, joining St Marks. They have three sons, Bryan, Jason and Steven, in St Petersburg, FL, and Earl s mom Betty lives with Kathy and Earl in Alexandria. Kathy has been active in many ministries at St Marks, including Altar Guild, Flower Guild, the coffee hour and special receptions, cooking for Mondloch House, the Kennedy Shelter, the Hypothermia Outreach, and Fairfax County family education program classes. She purchases all the housekeeping and kitchen supplies for St Marks and is a founding member of St Marks chapter of the Daughters of the King. Nana Ama Nkansah Marfo Class of 2019 a graduate of Louisiana State University, majored in petroleum engineering with a double minor in economics and computer science. My goal is to get my masters in Computer Science and open up my own software/it company. I look forward to contributing to this amazing Parish and evolving as an amazing young woman. For Three Years Class of 2021 Belinda Appiah I m 27 years old. I am the oldest of two daughters by Ms. Elizabeth Appiah. I was born in Ghana and migrated to the United States in 1999 at the age of 8. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014 with a B.A. in biology with a concentration in pre- medicine. I currently work as a daycare provider s assistant in the family business and as a sales associate at Bed Bath & Beyond. My family and I have been members of Saint Mark s for almost 20 years now and I would love to join the Saint Mark s vestry team. 20

21 Russell Bradley Russ was born in Washington, DC in His father was full time with the Virginia Army National Guard, so he spent the first 13 years of his life in Northern VA and El Paso, TX. When he was 13, he moved to Richmond, VA, where he graduated from high school. After high school, he went to East Carolina University for 2 years. He spent most of the next 12 years in Richmond, with brief stints in North Carolina and Idaho, working at various jobs and continuing coursework at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1987, Russ and his family relocated back to Northern VA in order to pursue a career in the IT industry. He continued his coursework at Northern Virginia Community College and University of Maryland and also took 2 semesters of correspondence courses in New Testament Greek from Moody Bible institute. He is currently Manager of Technical Support for SAP National Security Services. He has 3 adult sons and a grandchild. Russ was baptized and raised in the Methodist church, married in and attended Episcopal churches and has also been a member of Presbyterian churches. He has been a Sunday School teacher, chairman of the Education Committee and volunteered in soup kitchens and other social ministries. Russ started attending St. Mark s five years ago. Nihal Masih Nihal was born India and baptized January 11, married on Nov. Nicholas and Neha, is the owner of his into a Christian family in Ambala, as infant. He joined St. Mark s on He and his wife Niranjana were 27, They have two children: both of whom live in the area. Nihal own business. 21

22 David Walton David was raised an Episcopalian in the Diocese of Virginia and was confirmed in the St. James Episcopal Church in Richmond Virginia. David received his undergraduate degree in Government from George Mason University and a Master s in Public Administration from The American University. David has worked for The Federal Government since 1992 and currently works for The US Department of Agriculture as an HR Specialist. David and his Wife Lori have been members of Saint Marks since 2012 and live in the Stoneybrooke neighborhood, walking distance from the church 22