Dear St. Mark Family,

We are writing with joy and gratitude to share an encouraging update on our Free to Grow campaign and the ways God is already bearing fruit through this ministry.

Because of your faithfulness and generosity, 190 households have made commitments totaling $2,186,000. Even more exciting, through your early fulfillment of gifts we have already lowered mortgage interest by more than $110/day! This is a remarkable milestone and a powerful sign of what God is doing among us. Together, we are becoming freer to grow, freer to serve, and freer to follow where God is leading.

Just as important, we are beginning to see the first fruits of this campaign in our shared ministry. We are delighted to announce that the St. Mark Church Council has approved a job description for a second pastor, our Pastor of Outreach and Faith Formation. This is an important step as we prepare for expanded ministry and leadership in the seasons ahead.  

These developments remind us that Free to Grow is not only about reducing debt—it is about investing in people, proclaiming the gospel, and strengthening Christ’s mission through St. Mark.

Thank you for your prayers, your commitments, and your trust in what God is doing here. We look forward with hope and anticipation to all that lies ahead, confident that the same God who has brought us this far will continue to lead us forward.

With gratitude and hope,

Bob Bekkerus, Dean Vandersee, and Brian Worth
Free to Grow Campaign