St. Mark’s Ministry Financial Plan
>> Ways to Support Ministry
Before we develop our annual Ministry Financial Plan (MFP) a Ministry Plan (1 to 5 year plan and goals) is reviewed and revised by each of the Church Boards. The Ministry Plan helps us put together our Ministry Financial Plan, identifying what needs to be prioritized for the upcoming year(s) of expenses (staff addition or reduction, resealing of parking lot, replacement of HVAC units, etc.).
Income is factored using historical actual giving records, factoring in major changes with our church membership as well as current economic trends. Thank offerings (our main avenue of income) typically do not meet our ministry needs. Other means of income are referred to below.
Thank Offerings, returning a portion of what God gives to us in the first place. These Thank Offerings provide the basis of the support needed to meet our day-to-day expenses (payroll, textbooks, utilities, upkeep of the campus, and more); each member receives a packet of envelopes.
Tuition, for students enrolled in our JrK-8th Grade, helps meet the expenses noted above.
Not Without Purpose, paying our monthly mortgage payments through the contributions for this purpose (gifts for NwP separate from the Operating expenses).
Wish List, items such as tables, chairs, decorations that were not able to make it into the Financial Plan.
Compassion Fund, a way to be ready to help people in need, especially our fellow members (Cash or Grocery Store, Walmart, Target gifts cards can be dropped off at the office, cards can also be purchased through our Scrip Program … ask the office for details on Scrip).
Endowment Fund, uses the interests of gifts (Estate Plans) given to support a variety of ministry areas.
Other ways to fund the ministry support avenues:
Automatic Giving, setting up with your financial Institution regular auto withdrawals sent to St. Mark’s.
Gift of Stock / Appreciated Assets, transfer of such is done through the WELS Foundation.
IRA Distributions, direct transfers from an IRA to charity are free from federal and potentially state income tax for anyone 70.5 or older. If interested, contact the church office for the necessary paperwork to share with your Financial Planner.
If you would like to learn more about the above-mentioned ways our Ministry Financial Plan is funded, please contact a member of the Board of Stewardship or our pastor.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9)
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6,7)