MEMOS
                         A publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church         November 8, 2013
 Growing in Faith . . . Sharing God's Grace 

   

Pastors

Rev. Dr. Mark Hagen

Rev. Scott Stolberg

Rev. Donald E. Lavelle

Sunday Morning Schedules

8:00 A.M. Worship service in the Nave

9:30 A.M. Worship service in the Nave

 11:00 A.M. Worship in Fellowship Hall

 

Staff Email Addresses

Pastor Mark Hagen
PrHagen@stmarklc.com 

 Pastor Scott Stolberg
PrStolberg@stmarklc.com

Pastor Don Lavelle
Donald.Lavelle@comcast.net

 
Melinda Alekna
melinda@stmarklc.com

 
Dave Blunt
dave@stmarklc.com

 
Jill Davenport
jill@stmarklc.com

 
Margaret Dean
margaret@philandmargaret.com
 
 Karen Kammer
karen@stmarklc.com

 Kristen Reick
Kreick16@hotmail.com

Jim Tooley
jtht1950@comcast.net










 

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.

         Congratulations:

We extend our congratulations to Emily Cesna and Joseph Fink who will be married at St. Mark on Saturday, November 9. Emily is the daughter of Emil and Vickie Cesna.

Join the Bible Studies:
     
New members are welcome to join the Tuesday 6:00-7:30 P.M. and Wednesday 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 has begun a new study of Luke. Both studies meet at St. Mark.


       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.


   Gentlemen SAVE
        the Date:

Friday, February 14 - Chicago Auto Show - Bus Trip!  Join Pastor Mark and the men of St. Mark as they attend the Chicago auto show.  We will travel by executive coach bus from St. Mark.  We will leave at 8:00 A.M. and return before dinner time.  Cost is just $25 for the bus (30 people max) ... plus your auto show ticket.  Sign up starts soon in Fellowship Hall.



      Marksmen:

The Marksmen will be singing on Sunday, November 17.  Rehearsal is at 7:00 A.M., performing at both the 8:00 and 9:30 services.  Any men who enjoy singing should join us.  See you on the 17th.


      Trivia Night:

Trivia Night Friday, February 21, 2014.  St. Mark Youth Ministry will be hosting a fun night of trivia.  Save the date, form a team of eight,  and get ready for fun, laughter, food, and some questions that will have you guessing!

Here’s a tid-bit of trivia to get you started…

While many believe Hydrox cookies are an Oreo knock-off, Hydrox actually came first—in 1908, four years before the Oreo. 

 


 Items from the Council:
 

  • Reviewed Parking Lot construction and completion.
  • Discussed options for re-purposing Preschool space.
  • Approved new member list.
  • Discussed updating the Constitution and By Laws.

"New" Christmas Cards:
 

Do you have some 'new' Christmas cards from years past?  Please consider donating for a holiday project that we would use the cards for.  There is a basket for this collection in the Fellowship Hall or drop off in the church office.  Thank you! Melinda

 

 


Sunday School
Christmas Program:


The Sunday school Christmas program will be presented on Sunday, December 15 at the 9:30 service. A special rehearsal is planned for Saturday, December 14 from 9:00-10:30 A.M.


Outreach News:

Outreach would like to thank Sandy & Conny Carlson and Shelly Westerberg for preparing and servings lunch to 96 guests at Carpenter's Place. Again, without these dedicated volunteers this ministry would not be as effective. Thanks to all who continue to be a valuable part of this ministry. If you are looking for a n opportunity to be involved in a ministry that serves the community this is a wonderful way to be involved. Contact, Jan Stringer 815-871-3653.

Have you ever felt INVISIBLE?
To mark National Hunger and Homelessness  Awareness Week, the Rockford, Winnebago and Boone Counties invite you to join them at the table for a community dialogue on the challenges and successes of serving this oftentimes invisible population.

Tuesday, November 19 
11:30-1:00 P.M. at Crusader Community Health, 1200 West State St. Rockford.
Lunch will be served 11:45.
Presentation at 12:15.

RSVP to ChrisS@carpentersplace.org or 815-964-4105 ext. 216 by November 14. 


Deadline for the next MEMOS:

November 18, at NOON. 
Thank you. 

Stewardship and Thanksgiving:

In this season of thanksgiving, a sincere 'thank you' is in order to everyone who supports our congregation throughout the year with their attendance, service and regular financial contributions.

For those of you who are interested, the church offers electronic giving options for making donations on a scheduled, automated basis. It's convenient for you and provides much-needed financial consistency for St. Mark. Pick up an authorization for Simply Giving in the church office and enjoy automatic offering in 2014. 



Dear St. Mark friends,

Thanksgiving observations will be a two-stage affair for my side of the family this year. On the weekend of November 16-17, siblings and family members from Minnesota, Indiana, and Illinois will gather with our parents in southern Minnesota to celebrate my mother’s 80th birthday and to give thanks for our diverse and ever-expanding family. While Mom’s birthday celebration will be the highlight of our weekend, we nonetheless anticipate giving thanks for the broader blessings in our lives together.

As with most extended families, such reunions are difficult to schedule and arrange. Life has a way of disturbing our most cherished plans. So, this occasion will also double as birthday and Thanksgiving celebrations. When Thanksgiving Day does arrive, Naomi and I will enjoy the holiday at our home with David, Rickie, and Elaina...complete with the traditional turkey dinner and all the fixings.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I also want to offer my thanks to you, the people of St. Mark, for your enthusiastic partnership and support. It’s hard to believe that we’re already into the ninth year of ministry together. I’m grateful to God for the deep joy that Naomi and I share in being a part of St. Mark. I’m especially appreciative of your consistent encouragement as we work together to discern God’s will and to fashion new opportunities for mutual ministry in the months and years ahead.

Finally, the entire leadership of St. Mark is deeply grateful for your enthusiastic response to our financial support for St. Mark. We look forward to hearing the final results of our campaign toward the end of this month. On behalf of the entire church staff, our Congregation Council, and all our committees, we extend a heartfelt “Thank you!” for being such an integral part of St. Mark’s ministry and its bold witness to the community.

Your partner in ministry,

 

 

 






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: Sharon Lindquist, Vicki Dyer, Maria Taimisto, Bill Anderson, Keith Haggestad. 

Our condolences to:  Mark and Cappy Johnson and family upon the death of Mark's father, Bob.

Our condolences to: David and Pat Young and family upon the death of Pat's father, Lee Adamson.

Our condolences to: John and Sue Buzzard and family upon the death of Sue's father, Stephen Hill.

Family and friends of St. Mark members:
  Robert Davis, Jennifer VanRyswyk, Linda Martin family, Frank Peters, Bob Taylor, Janet Lavelle, Mike McPherson, 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.   

Youth News:
(click on the turkey for more info)

Gobble, gobble, gobble… Calling all middle and high school youth.  Sunday, November 17, at 3:00 P.M.  
St. Mark is hosting a “Turkey Trot.” We will gather at St. Mark with other area youth groups. We will go house to house on a scavenger hunt for food stuff to be donated to the local food pantry.  We will return to St. Mark for a yummy nacho bar and treats!  Save the date, invite a friend, and sign-up in Fellowship Hall.  Please gather your youth & bring them to this great event. Let's see if we can top our record last year of 861 items & 1,110.41 pounds of food. This year, we will be donating all collected items to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry.  Also, please spread the word to other churches, they are welcome to attend.  Contact Melinda with any questions. 815-398-3557 or melinda@stmarklc.com.  
Friends are welcome! See you then - Thank you!

High School YOUth Group meets Sunday nights from 6:30 to 8:15 P.M.  Join us in our newly made over YOUth room.  Want to be included in "text" reminder of youth events?  Please email Melinda@stmarklc.com to be kept in the know. 

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.

Welcome to our New Members:

New members will be received on Sunday, November 10 at the 9:30 A.M. service.
Primetimers News:

 

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.

Wassail Sunday, December 15:
 

Primetimers are looking for your HELP.  Our 9th year of hosting Wassail Sunday and we are asking the congregation to contribute homemade cookies for this festive occasion.  Prepare three dozen cookies from your favorite recipe, place them in a cookie tin, lined with festive paper, and bring them to church early Saturday or Sunday morning, December 14 or 15.  Remember to put your name on the lid and bottom of the tin for identification.  There will be a sign up sheet at the Primetimers table for those who will bake cookies for this Wassail tradition.  Les Horowitz and Karla Woodworth are coordinating this event.  Please contact Les with any questions.

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!  


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. 
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.   
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!  
Honor Veterans with Music:

 (click on the flag for the St. Mark concert series)

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.

Rituals or Traditions?



What were your families holiday traditions when you were a child? What rituals or traditions did you continue on in your own family? Everyone has them, maybe you don’t realize it, or think of them as such…but we all do.  We are all different, everyone’s rituals or traditions are special and unique to their own family.

 

Here at St. Mark the Gessner Family has organized the Christmas Basket Collection for over 25 years. “Thank you,” for carrying on that wonderful tradition!

Each Christmas  St. Mark  has been distributing Christmas baskets to needy families.  This year the Outreach Committee will continue that tradition. Please pray for this outreach, talk about participating with your family, donate, and consider sharing one of your families very own rituals or traditions. You may contribute toward this cause during the month of November, through December 8. Help with assembly and delivery of baskets in needed as well on December 13 & 14.

Contact Melinda Alekna in the church office 815-398-3557 or email melinda@stmarklc.com

If you know of a family that is in need this holiday season and you would like them to receive a Christmas basket, please submit their name, address and phone number to the church office by November 24. 

St. Mark Marriage Retreat:


 

Plan now to attend St. Mark’s marriage retreat on March 22 and 23, 2014 at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Oregon, Illinois. The retreat will begin at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday and end at 1:00 P.M . on Sunday. We will be utilizing Couple Checkup, a relationship assessment program that is custom tailored to a couple’s relationship and provides couple exercises to build relationship skills. Cost is $186 per couple and includes the cost of the assessment, one night’s lodging, and three meals on-site. There is an additional cost for dinner at a local restaurant on Saturday evening. A non-refundable deposit of $93 is required to secure your reservation and may be dropped off at the church office. Space is limited to twelve couples and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Don’t miss this opportunity to renew your relationship with the love of your life!

Valentine Dinner and Dance:

 

The third annual St. Mark Family and Friends Valentine Dinner and Dance is planned for February 8, 2014 at Forest Hills Country Club. Mark your calendars! Everyone is invited. The food is fabulous, the music divine, and the fellowship is beyond compare. Young, not so young, married or single, members and non-members, everyone is invited to share in this magical evening. Cost is $45 per person. Reservations may be made by contacting Karen Kammer at karen@stmarklc.com or stop by the table in Fellowship Hall to purchase tickets.

Your support of St. Mark:
 


Envelope Offering for the Month of October
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Budget: $63,263
Received: $57,008

Year to Date
Budget: $591,415
Received: $573,822


October Attendance
10/6 407 (includes Sunday School)
10/13 330 (includes Sunday School)
10/20 353 (includes Sunday School)
10/27 431 (There was no Sunday School this Sunday)

 

Privacy Policy