At both services on April 23, Dan B, member of the St. Mark Endowment Committee shared a testimony about the good works being done at St. Mark, in the community and world-wide with the annual Endowment Fund Grant Awards.
Dan says, in part, “The St. Mark Endowment Ministry was established in 1993 as a part of the overall stewardship program of St. Mark Lutheran Church. Its purpose is to support the work within and beyond St. Mark Campus. Some examples of grants awarded over the last 5 years include:
International/National
- Provided funding for a playground and sports court for a children’s orphanage in Russia.
- Provided ongoing educational support in Tanzania for students wishing to further their education.
- Provided funding to assist Prison Congregations of America in establishing a prison ministry at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Purdy, similar to the Living Stones congregation at the Shelton Corrections Center.
Community
- Providing backpacks in support of the Living Stones Ministry program, issued to individuals released from the Washington Corrections Center at Shelton. These backpacks are filled with food, toiletries, clothing and other supplies necessary for survival until the recipient can establish permanent housing and employment.
- Support of the Summer Lunch Program for North Thurston Public School District.
- Providing warm clothing, especially winter jackets for homeless students in the North Thurston School District.
St. Mark Lutheran Church
- Provide funding to be used to bring the education building up to safety code by purchasing and installing lighted “EXIT” signs.
- Provide funds for a second water line on the property specifically for use by the community garden. This additional line was dedicated to be used for irrigation only which reduced the overall cost of water since this second line does not require a sewer fee.
- Funding for the Clean Kids laundry project, for operating supplies, and the purchase and installation of a larger water heater necessary for efficient operation of the washing machines.
Most of our funds come from our St. Mark Family. The use of all funds designated to the Endowment Fund is restricted in the bylaws. Cash is always welcome to assist this program, along with any bequests in a will, assignment of life insurance proceeds, IRAs, charitable gift annuities and remainder trusts, and certificates and transfers of property such as stocks, bonds and real estate.”
On Sunday April 30, the following Endowment Fund Grants were awarded for 2017 by Chair Milt O: SAFI Educational Project ($850); Prison Congregations of America ($850); Morningside ($430); South Sound Parent to Parent ($430); Clothing for Homeless Youth ($840); St. Mark Garden Shed ($1,700).