If you, like me and many others around the world, were watching the proceedings of the recent papal conclave, you know that we were all waiting for a cardinal to appear on the balcony of St. Peter's in Rome to announce "Habemus Papam!" which means "We have a pope!" in Latin. Though we didn't have a conclave per say, we too have been waiting with hopeful anticipation to say - "We have a deacon!" "Habemus Diaconum!" While there wasn't any white smoke coming from St. Mark's last Sunday, there was a lot of JOY! At a two-part congregational meeting after worship on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, ballots were tallied, and we voted UNANIMOUSLY to call Deacon David Webb!  

We are thrilled to welcome him and his family! Deacon David's wife, Christie, is a pastor in the ELCA and is also in a call process with a church in the Fox River Valley.  

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Deacon David's name confidential, among our congregation's membership. He has informed his council and congregation that he has taken a new call. His wife, Christie, has also informed her congregation of her resignation. The news is now public and we can shout our praise to God first and foremost and then to whomever we wish!  

Though a start date has not been decided upon yet, we anticipate Deacon David to be starting his call at St. Mark's in middle to late August. We will keep you updated!  

Thank you to our executive team; Randy Steinheimer, President, Jeanne Flynn, Vice- President, Jon Miller, Secretary, Rob Creaney, Treasurer and Faith Greising, Chair of the Mutual Ministry Committee, for your faithful work in directing and carrying out the call process! Deacon David is a great fit for St. Mark's! I very much look forward to partnering with him to serve St. Mark's!  

Please keep Deacon David, Christie, Thomas and Sam in your prayers during this time of transition. While they are thrilled to return to Chicagoland, saying goodbye to their congregations is bittersweet. Finding housing in Aurora, packing and moving from California is a big undertaking. We pray for a smooth transition.  

We are in a new, exciting chapter! May God continue to lead and guide us!  

Peace, Pastor Krista