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Youth News
High School YOUth Group meets Sunday Nights 6:30 to 8:15 P.M. Join us in our newly made over YOUth room.
YOUth are leading dynamic discussions, getting involved, bring a friend, have fun! Got facebook? Join our St. Mark Youth facebook page.
Want to be included in “text” reminder of youth events? Please e-mail Melinda Alekna at melinda@stmarklc.com to be kept in the know.
Turkey Trot 2013!
Middle & High School YOUth are encouraged to SAVE THE DATE November 17, at 3:00P.M. at St. Mark. Join us as we scavenger hunt for canned goods. We are inviting youth from many churches to participate in this fun, holiday tradition.Clear your calendar, invite a friend, and come for fun, fellowship, and food! The food we collect will go to the local food pantry.
"Trunk or Treat"
High School YOUth are participating in a 'trunk or treat' event at Christ United Methodist Church.(Highcrest/Alpine) The high school youth will be decorating a “trunk” for children to trick or treat at. All children are invited to this event on October 31, 5:30-7:30 P.M. There will be candy, games and crafts.
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Circle News:
Miriam Circle will meet Wednesday, November 13, at the home of Sally Karau, 4571 Galleon Dr.
Ruth Circle will meet on Thursday, November 14, at 9:30 A.M. in Fellowship Hall. Margaret Dean will be our guest and present an informational program about our organ. The meeting is open to all women of the church. Please RSVP to Trudy Lund at 815-520-3287.
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Thank You:
'Tack', 'Tusen takk', 'Tak', no matter what language you use, it all means the same! A huge 'thanks' to everyone for all the prayers, calls, cards, visits, and meals for me during my recent surgery!! It has been said before, but I will say it again, our St. Mark family is the best!! The communication I received from all of you was and is wonderful. It really helps to keep the spirit up. Thanks again, Sheri Anderson
To our friends and members of St. Mark, Thank you so much for your concern, prayers and good wishes regarding my hip surgery and therapy. We've been in rehab and recovery in Maryland for 6 weeks. We are back in Rockford and will continue therapy and look forward to returning to St. Mark to be with all of you, our church friends. God bless you all. Sandy Olson
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Bible studies:
New members are welcome to join the Tuesday 6:00-7:30 P.M. and Wednesday at 1:00-2:30 P.M. Bible studies. Please contact Karen Kammer at karen@stmarklc.com if you are interested. The Wednesday study is exploring Exodus and the Tuesday study is exploring I & II Samuel. Both studies meet at St. Mark.
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Third Graders:
Third graders are invited to walk through the Bible with Pastor Scott on Sunday, November 24 during Sunday school. The class will begin immediately following our Sunday school worship. This will be an opportunity to ask all of your questions regarding the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. Parents are welcome to attend. Bring your SPARK Bibles.
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Gentlemen SAVE
the Date:
Friday, February 14 - Chicago Auto Show - Bus Trip!
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King's Kids & Jubilate:
King's Kids and Jubilate rehearsals have begun. We are looking for more choir members this year. King's Kids is for children in grades 1st-5th, and Jubilate is for children in grades 6th-12th. King's Kids rehearse Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:15 P.M. and Jubilate rehearses on Sundays from 10:45 to 11:45 A.M. We are going to have a great time this year!
I'm looking forward to seeing old and new faces at rehearsals!
In Christ,
Kristen Reick
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Deadline for the next MEMOS:
November 4, at NOON.
Thank you.
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Christmas Now?
What? Christmas? Now? Really?
Wendy and I went to “Toyland” at Farm and Fleet last weekend. It was strange (just like it is every year) to suddenly hear Christmas music again… before Halloween!! Despite the Christmas music, we did manage to get some fun things for our grandchild to open for Christmas.
Wendy and I have always loved the time we spend finding gifts for the children in our lives. It is a wonderful moment when a child opens a gift that you have carefully picked out, specifically for them, and they squeal in delight as you realize you have selected the right gift for them.
Time spent shopping for others always gets us thinking about giving in general. We spend a fair amount of time talking about what it means to give and what our motives might be for giving. (The hope of that child’s gleaming eye is a great motivator!) But we should also reflect during this time of giving that there are many children that might not have that moment of delight on Christmas morning… or perhaps have never experienced such a moment.
So this is a reminder to pick up an extra toy… or clothes… or school supplies while you are out shopping for Christmas gifts this week or in the near future. Our mitten tree is not out yet… but if we begin shopping for mittens and things now, when the time comes that we are asking for those special items, we might be able to help bring a smile to a child’s face at Christmas.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” - James 1:17 NRS
"Involved for Life!"
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Remember in Your Prayers:
When you submit names for the prayer list, please let us know the length of time you would like the individual to be listed.
Our St. Mark Members: Mike Tyrkus, Nancy Carter, Maria Taimisto, Bill Anderson, Sandy Olson, Evelyn Franzen, Keith Haggestad.
Family and friends of St. Mark members: Mary Pulliam, Mike McPherson, Lee Adamson, Jim OBrien, Steve Larsen, Randy Toone, Joe Hanna, Jennifer Brady, Laurie Berkheimer, Kay Brickey Parisella, John Bauer, Abby Figi, Mark Netherland, Jeff Ahlstrom, Ray Bare, Liesel Landgraf, Margaret Johnsen, Marena Peterson.
Those serving in the military and their families: John Nelson, Dean Barron, David Albaugh, Brandon Ballenger, John Bullington, Kevin Cronin, Timothy Folkers, Kellen Hietpas, Ty Hosler, Philip Light, Sean Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan, Chad Swenson, Dan Waterton, Zach Hayes.
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The Rite of Confirmation:
 The Rite of Confirmation is scheduled for Sunday, October 27th at the 9:30 A.M. worship service. Therefore, I want to provide you with some helpful information as we approach this date. Please carefully consider the following details:
Confirmation Attire: Please dress appropriately. Men
and women are to avoid wearing jeans, tennis shoes, or t-shirts. Dress slacks, collared shirts, and dress shoes are expected for men. Ties and sport coats are optional. Women are expected to wear skirts, or dress slacks and an appropriate blouse or dress shirt.
Arrival to church on October 27: Please arrive no later than 9:00 A.M. Please go directly to the Adult Ministry Room to receive a nametag and boutonnière.
Family and Sponsors: Please invite all family and sponsors who have supported you in your faith thus far. Parents and Baptismal Sponsors will specifically be invited to come forward that day to participate in the service itself.
Pictures: Immediately following the worship service, please remain in the sanctuary for group and individual photos. Pictures are discouraged during worship.
Alzheimers Caregiver's Group:
The group will meet on November 11, at 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. in Fellowship Hall. We will continue our discussion of, I'm Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer's Care, by John Zeisel, Ph.D. This is an opportunity to share with and support those who currently have or have had family and friends with Alzheimer's Disease.
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New Member Orientation:
New member orientation continues on Sunday, October 27. Ministry representatives, staff members, and council members will introduce their roles and ministries. Orientation is held in the Adult Ministry room (across from the nursery) from 10:45-11:45 A.M. New members will be received on Sunday, November 10, at the 9:30 A.M. service. If you are interested in learning more about St. Mark or in becoming a member of St. Mark, please contact Karen Kammer at 815-398-3557 or karen@stmarklc.com.
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Primetimers News:
November 7, Thursday, 8:30 A.M. breakfast meeting at Stockholm Restaurant.
November 21, Thursday, 1:00 P.M. The ROCKFORD ARE CRIMESTOPPERS will present an informative program "How it Works". This program has been recommended by Roger Lind and he has been instrumental in putting this program on our agenda. Please sign up at the Primetimers table so we may properly plan for this event. Refreshments will served. Remember all are invited ... bring a guest.
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Outreach News and Opportunity:
The final dates to help pass out food products this year at Grace Lutheran Food Pantry are: November 18 and December 16.
Grace Lutheran Church - 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park
Be there by 5:00 P.M. to help out. It takes about 1 hour.
There is lifting and carrying food items, and its outside, so dress accordingly!
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Sunday School News:
Sunday school needs one more teacher for our first and second grade classroom to teach on an every other week basis. If you are willing to share your love of Jesus with our children, please contact Karen Kammer at karen@stmarklc.com or 815-398-3557.
Sunday school meets weekly at 9:30 A.M. in the lower level. All students must be signed-in to Sunday school by their parent or responsible adult as part of our Safety Policy. Sunday school is available for students 3 years old through 6th grade. Please contact Karen Kammer if you would like to register your child for Sunday school.
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Think Spring!!
Save the date – Think Spring!! The St. Mark Ringers 2014 Spring Tea will be held Saturday May 3 from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M. in Fellowship Hall. Come and enjoy an English tea afternoon and hear the music of the Ringers. Tickets will be available beginning March 23.
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Sunday School Office Has Moved:
The Sunday school office has moved! The Sunday school office has relocated to the old bell choir room, the room across from the Adult Ministries room. Karen Kammer's office has moved to the office next to the library. Check it out! |
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Youth Connect:
Youth Connect sponsored a “hayride” on October 13, in Stillman Valley. It was hosted by Jim and Jan Anderson from Alpine Lutheran Church. There was a hay wagon, games, bonfire, food, and over 100 youth and adults from area churches. The participants donated a trailer full of canned goods to the food pantry as well. There was great fun, had by many… watch for other upcoming events!
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Rock River Food Pantry:
Rock River Valley Food Pantry is very appreciative for our recent donation of 55 bags of food and monetary donations from St. Mark.
Thank you from the Outreach Ministry as well for your continued support of our “In the Bag” collection.
Proverbs 22:9 Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.
The Core Values of the pantry…
To serve our clients with respect and dignity,
To provide quality food for balanced meals,
To be accountable to our donors,
To engage volunteers, and
To educate the community regarding hunger issues.
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The First Tuesday Book Club:
The first Tuesday book club will meet November 5, at 7:00 P.M., at the home of Trudy Lund, 5647 Inverness Dr. We will be reviewing Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly. All are welcome, but please RSVP to Trudy at trudyntimm@aol.com or 815-398-7552.
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Honor Veterans with Music:
Our first concert of the 2013-14 St. Mark Concert series will be Sunday November 10, at 3:00 P.M. The concert features the wonderful music of the Kishwaukee Valley Concert Band as they presentm, "An American Fanfare." This concert will include inspiring patriotic music and commentary in honor of Veterans Day. The concert is free, and free American flags will be given to the first 250 guests at the concert. Mark your calendars and join us as we honor all Veterans.
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