St. Mark’s wins “Do Good” award

On December 12,2019 at the Wells Fargo Atrium, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Charlotte was presented the “Most Generous Financial
Gift” award by Share Charlotte, Wells Fargo, and the Charlotte Business Journal for their support of Running Works, a nonprofit organization that provides life skills training and housing to homeless people. The award is based on a total gift of $17,883 given by St. Mark’s and the Social Ministry Committee with the approval of St. Mark’s Congregation Council.

Four other Charlotte organizations were also honored under the theme, “Do Good.” St. Mark’s is committed to “doing
good” as a sign of God’s justice in the world. Each year a third of our endowment dividend is mandated to go outside
of St. Mark’s in support of need in the broader Charlotte community and the world. Their support of Running Works
helps fulfill Christ’s command to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and provide shelter for those in need. They are
also continuing a tradition begun by Martin Luther in 1523, in which he encouraged congregations to establish
“community chests” to help support the needs of society around them.

Out of the many nonprofit and corporate groups that “Do Good” in Charlotte, St. Mark’s was chosen because of its
partnership between the Soup Kitchen and Running Works, through the leadership of St. Mark’s members, Laura Foust
and Susan Lakeman. Senior Pastor Timothy McKenzie accepted the award on behalf of St. Mark’s.

Read the full story and see photos from the evening in the online Charlotte Business Journal.

Story submitted by Pastor Timothy McKenzie.