47 parishioners attended St. Mark's special vestry meeting on Sunday, October 15. The following decisions were made:
- To distribute the net proceeds from the 2023 St. Mark's Fair to the following: Young Life - $6000; Haven House - $1000; Forward House - $1000; Crisis Center - $1000; KSS Lunch Program - $1000; Oceanside Food Bank - $1000; and the balance of $684 to Hospice.
- To hold a St. Mark's Fair on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
- To distribute 75% of the net revenue from the 2024 Fair to community outreach programs and agencies, with 25% to be retained for Parish operations.
- To engage Chris Large to repair or replace leaking/decaying exterior doors to the church and hall and to install new hardware to keep the building secure.
Everyone on the parish role will receive a package that outlines our financial picture to the end of Sept 2023. It is our wish and responsibility to be transparent and keep parishioners aware of the financial situation as we move forward. A lively discussion followed as to how we might lessen our deficit position of $39,000 to date, including an increased weekly donation of $10 per envelope holder; people offering a "thirteenth month" donation; legacy giving and/or planning... A pledge form for the year 2024 is included. At the end of the day, we recognize that whatever we can offer will help reduce our deficit.