The Need

Grow & Renew will allow us to expand our welcome for all, prioritize debt reduction as a goal for growing our ministries, and fund critical projects to strengthen our church home today and into the future.

Expanding Our Welcome
Reimagining our Narthex to transform both welcome and function for all. $236,000

Rendering of transformed Narthex with accessible lift to the right of the stairs.

As the first space that visitors and guests encounter upon entering our church, our narthex often forms the first impression of St. Mark’s. The narthex serves as a vital gathering place and a critical touchpoint for newcomers. Unfortunately, our current space doesn’t fully reflect the welcoming and inclusive spirit of St. Mark’s. Through a redesign and transformation of the Narthex, we will create a more inviting and functional environment that provides a stronger sense of belonging and connection for all. Improved lighting, a new ceiling, and new floors in the narthex will make this frequently used space brighter and more welcoming, and will extend up the steps into the hallway leading to the library/office level. We will also address critical accessibility needs by installing a lift between the narthex and library.


Growing Our Ministries
Reducing debt and reallocating those resources to support and grow our ministries. $323,000

St. Mark’s has made great progress in managing our finances, including paying down over $2 million of debt since 2003. Servicing our remaining debt, however, restricts our ability to allocate funds to vital ministry programs. By paying off our entire bank loan before August 2026, this campaign will allow us to minimize costly refinancing in an uncertain interest rate climate and free up over $65,000 each year in our operating budget.


Strengthening Our Home
Addressing vital facility repairs to keep our building safe and in top shape. $50,000

Our church facilities are essential first and foremost for worship. Just as importantly, they foster a sense of community and provide safe and welcoming space for our ministries. Above and beyond our usual annual budget for repairs and upkeep, we have two urgent and significant needs among those identified in the Vestry’s recent facilities review of our building, which dates to the 1920s, 50s, 60s and early 2000s. We will set aside $50,000 initially to fund our most urgent repairs. For example, our exterior needs extensive masonry repairs to prevent deterioration. Our boiler is nearing the end of its useful life and calls for replacement soon rather than further incremental and costly repairs. Good stewardship of the infrastructure that previous generations built for us will ensure that our church home is safe, functional, and welcoming for generations to come.

Challenge: Going Beyond the Target Goal

Given the faithfulness, enthusiasm, and generosity of our St. Mark’s community, we believe that it will be possible to exceed our target of $675,000. A challenge goal of an additional $175,000 will enable us to add an exterior accessible ramp to the office entrance ($130,000) and dedicate additional funds towards high-cost repairs like the exterior masonry ($25,000).

Project costs are less than the campaign goal due to a ten percent reimbursement to the Diocese of Chicago endowment for deferred consultant fees.