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Youth News
High School YOUth Group Meets...
Sunday evenings at
6:30 P.M. to 8:15 P.M.
YOUth will be planning some service projects for the next year, sharing highs/lows, and of course having fun and fellowship! Friends are always welcome at St. Mark YOUth group.
Where are they now?
Check out the YOUth Ministry display in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 8.
We will feature three people who grew up at St. Mark and are sharing their faith with their congregation, their community, and the world! Check it out!
YOUth and Game Rooms
The YOUth are especially enjoying their freshly painted/carpeted YOUth and Game Rooms. Thank you to EVERYONE who helped in the process of tearing out, moving in furniture, etc.
Jim Tooley, John Hargrove, Keith Iverson, Gary Campbell, Brian Venstrom, Paul Alekna, Dave Blunt, Pastor Mark, Pastor Scott, the church council. For the donation of furniture by Ava Samuelson, Lisa and Steve Carter, the McCulloch estate. A special thank you to Hariett and Don Anderson (with much love and respect, in memory of Don)
SAVE THE DATE!
Save the Dates for upcoming Youth Connect events...these are for both middle/high school youth.
October 13, Hayride
October 20, Cropwalk
November 17, Turkey Trot
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Women's & Men's Bible Study
The women's Bible study class will resume on Wednesday, September 4, at 9:00 A.M. in the Adult Ministries Room. Questions? Interested in joining us? Call Dixie Simons at 815-877-6549. The Men's Study will meet in the basement.
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Empty Nesters
The Empty Nesters are going to the annual Screw City Beer Festival, Sat. Sept. 7. If you would like to sample area micro-brewery products, this is the time and place to do it! We are meeting at 1:00 P.M. in front of Octane in downtown Rockford. The event runs from 1:00 - 5:30 P.M. The cost is $30 for those sampling and $10 for those not sampling. Contact Dave Blunt for tickets. |
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Circle News!
Miriam Circle will be meeting on September 11 at 12:30 P.M. at the home of Elaine Lewis 2927 Troon Ct.,
815-633-5418.
Ruth Circle will be having the annual planning meeting on September 19 at 9:00 A.M. at Stockholm. Ruth Circle is a group of women dedicated to the missions of St. Mark. Generally Ruth Circle meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 9:30 A.M. Anyone is welcome to join. Please RSVP to Judy at 815-985-3427 or teachem4@comcast.net.
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Bible studies are forming.
If you are interested in participating in a Bible study on Tuesday at 6:00 - 7:30 P.M. and/or Wednesday at 1:00-2:30 P.M. please contact Karen Kammer at karen@stmarklc.com or stop by the table in the narthex. The Wednesday study will explore Exodus and the Tuesday study topic will be chosen by the participants.
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Sunday School Teacher . . .
welcome and orientation will be held on Thursday, September 5, at 6:30 P.M. in the Adult Ministry Room.
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Congratulations to ...
Carl Swienton and Sarah Witmer who will be united in marriage at St. Mark on August 31.
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First Tuesday
Book Club
The first Tuesday book club will meet at the home of Stella Schroeder at 7:00 P.M. on Sept. 3. Her address is 5611 Northcliffe Lane, Rockford. The club will be reviewing, Claude and Camille: A novel of Monet, by Stephanie Crowell. All are welcome at book club meetings however do indicate your intention to attend by contacting Stella at caschroeder@aol.com or at 815-282-5021.
Oct. 1 - Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Nov. 5 - Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reily
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Office Hours:
Effective September 3, Monday - Friday the office will be open from
8:00 - 4:30 P.M. and closed from 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.
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New Member Orientation
New member orientation will begin Sunday, October 6, and will continue each Sunday in October. Orientation will be 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 3, 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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2013 Walk to
End Alzheimers!
This year's Rockford Walk to End Alzheimer's will be held on Saturday, September 21at a new location in Martin Park… 5701 Park Ridge St., Loves Park , IL. Our St. Mark Alz team will be handing out information, asking you to join our walking team (10:00 A.M.), drink some coffee, and eat some goodies. We'll also ask for your monetary support to help fund critically needed research that may ultimately lead to an Alzheimer cure. Your gift of $5, $10, $15, $25 or even $50 can help researchers
unravel the mysteries of this disease which cruelly robs those afflicted of their precious memories. All contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for your support! You may direct any questions to Claire Brown clbrownie714@aol.com
(815-298 8962, look for our Alz.Team at the Purple table by Fellowship Hall in Sept., or go to www.alz.org/walk .
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Confirmation Program at St. Mark
The confirmation program at St. Mark begins soon.
Traditionally, confirmation begins at St. Mark after youth have completed their 6th grade Sunday school experience. However, the Confirmation Program is open to those youth who, with their parents, believe that it is time for their confirmation experience to begin. For some individuals, confirmation begins as they enter the 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade or even 9th grade. Anyone that desires to be confirmed should have no stigma regarding “class grade” with their confirmation experience.
To that end, the Confirmation Program at St. Mark is a two year program and as you begin your first year of confirmation you are known simply as a “first year confirmand.” After the first year is completed, you become a “second year confirmand.”
Confirmation classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 P.M. to 8:15 P.M.
The first confirmation class for this year will be on September 18th.
New this year we will offer Adult Confirmation. If for whatever reason you have not been confirmed, yet have always desired to be confirmed and would like the opportunity to be part of the St. Mark confirmation program, now is the time to act. We welcome you to participate in the confirmation program at any age!
Confirmation orientation and registration will be held on September 4 and September 11 at 6:30 P.M. in the sanctuary. You are invited to choose the date that works best for your schedule. Orientation and registration will be followed by acolyte training at 7:30 p.m.
Please attend one of the two orientation meetings about confirmation if you believe that you or your child is ready for the confirmation experience.
If you attended confirmation last year and are going to begin your second year ……… Welcome back! I look forward to seeing you at one of the orientation sessions.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
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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: Sandy Olson, Virginia Labant, Dorothy Nicholas, Sheri Anderson, Evelyn Franzen, Keith Haggestad,
Our condolences to: the Setter family upon the death of Carol's mother, Marie Dunn.
Family and friends of St. Mark members: Laurie Berkheimer, Gail Terry, Kay Brickey Parisella, John Bauer, Abby Figi, Jim Belk, Mark Netherland, Richard Fry, Mae Hullinger, Jeff Ahlstrom, Ray Bare, Liesel Landgraf, Margaret Johnsen, Marena Peterson.
Those serving in the military and their families: 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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Sunday School Teachers Needed:
Sunday school is in need of several new teachers this fall. Teachers teach twice a month and serve with a partner. If you are willing to share your love of God with our children in this manner, please contact Karen Kammer at 815-398-3557 or karen@stmarklc.com.
The Sunday School teachers will be installed at the 9:30 A.M. service on Rally Sunday, September 8.
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Alzheimers Caregiver's Group:
The group will begin meeting the second Monday of the month on September 9 at 4:00 - 5:30 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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Sunday School Begins:
The first day of Sunday school will be September 15 at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school is available for students 3 years old through 6th grade. If you did not pre-register your child last spring, please contact Karen Kammer at karen@stmarklc.com to register your child or stop by the registration table in the narthex.
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Good News Bearers:
Students 2nd - 6th grade are invited to become a Good News Bearer. Good News Bearers is the elementary drama group that meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:15-6:45 P.M. Bearers perform monthly during the 9:30 A.M. service. The first meeting will be Wednesday, September 11 in the sanctuary. Please contact karen Kammer at 815-398-3557 or karen@stmarklc.com. |
Third graders:
Third graders are invited to walk through the Bible with Pastor Scott on Sunday, October 6 at 10:45 A.M. in the sanctuary. This will be an opportunity to ask all of your questions regarding the Bible from Genesis to Revelations. Parents are encouraged to attend.
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Cooks Needed:
Cooks are needed for the planning and preparation of food for Rock House Kids on September 16 and 18. Some 225 children will be served. If you would be willing to help with the planning and/or preparation, please call Beth or John Johnson at 815-332-4570.
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ELCA Celebrating 25 Years! God's Work Our Hands Sunday September 8 - Rally Day:
 
(click the logo to visit the ELCA website)
Everyone is encouraged to invite a friend, family, neighbor, co-worker to worship on September 8, "Rally Day." We have invites with Mrs. Fisher's chips attached for you to take this Sunday. If you would like more invites, stop at the table in Fellowship Hall or in the church office.
We will CELEBRATE "Rally Day" and the "Day of Service" after second service with an extended time for fellowship, a free lunch (hot dogs, chips drink) and celebratory music by our praise band.
Saturday, September 7, is being organized by Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries. Sign up for each of these service projects(and to receive updates) in the Fellowship Hall or e-mail melinda@stmarklc.com
Roadway Clean-up: 9:00 A.M. meet at Walgreens East State near Mulford Rd.
Becca’s Closet: 9:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (across from West Middle school on Rockton).
Food Bank: 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Labor Day Parade is Monday, September 2. Pushing a grocery cart\collecting donations at parade.
Sunday, September 8, in Fellowship Hall
Sign up for volunteer opportunities at St. Mark. Card making for members who are not able to attend worship…nursing home residents, shut-ins, etc. Assembling toiletry bags for the Rockford Rescue Mission.
Lunch in Fellowship Hall (following second service) with special music by the Praise band.
Wear your 25th Anniversary t-shirt to service projects and to church Sunday, September 8.
You are encouraged to take a pictures of the events going on that weekend and send to melinda@stmarklc.com
This Sunday, Sept. 1, is the last Sunday we are collecting foam cups for Carpenter's Place.
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Blessing of the Bibles:
We will once again have a Blessing of the Bibles during 8:00 & 9:30 services on Rally Sunday, September 8. Please bring your favorite Bible with you that morning. Third graders will be presented with their own copy of the Spark New Revised Standard Version Bible that morning. Don’t worry if you forget your Bible. There are Bibles in the pews that can be used.
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St. Mark Marksmen:
Any men from age 16-100+ are invited to join in singing with the Marksmen. There are no mid-week rehearsals. We meet for rehearsal at 7:00 A.M. on each scheduled Sunday and sing for worship at the 8:00 and 9:30 services. The scheduled dates for the first half of this season are: Sept. 29, Nov. 27 and Dec. 22. We have new music that will be sure to appeal to everyone. Please join us for singing fun and fellowship. If you are interested in singing with the Marksmen, you can pick up a printed fall schedule on the table outside of the music room.
Voices of St. Mark
(VSM):
If you like to sing in a choir, please join the Voices of St. Mark for a fantastic fall season. We especially are hoping to add sopranos and altos; but tenors and basses are welcome too. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. beginning on August 28. We usually sing in worship twice each month. We hope any would be choir singers will consider joining us. The music is new and exciting. - Margaret Dean
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Book Study at Panera:
You are invited to join Pastor Mark for a new book study, Waiting for Gospel, by Douglas John Hall. Please order your book now so you will be ready for the first meeting, Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7:30-8:45 A.M. at Panera. Discussion questions are available online at our Panera Book Study blog at www.stmarklc.com. Please join us for this engaging study.
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Outreach Committee:
The Outreach Committee is looking for a volunteer to coordinate preparing and serving meals with other members of St. Mark for Carpenter's Place. Jan Stringer has worked in this capacity for 5 years and would like to pass on the torch. Jan is willing to walk alongside this individual as he/she learns the process. It is not difficult, but it is
vital ministry to the community. St. Mark would like to continue to partner with Carpenter's Place. If interested, please contact the church office. |
Primetimers News:
Sept. 5, Thursday 8:30 A.M. breakfast meeting at Stockholm Restaurant.
Sept. 24, Tuesday, Depart for White Birch Village; Return Friday,
Sept. 27. Reservations have been completed and payment is due ASAP. Make checks payable to St. Mark - Primetimers, BUT PASS THE CHECK TO MARY ANN for an accurate accounting
transaction. Thank you.
Oct. 3, Thursday 8:30 A.M. breakfast meeting at Stockholm Restaurant.
Oct. 17, Thursday 1:00 P.M. Home-made Apple Pie Contest and Auction in Fellowship Hall. Please have your favorite recipe to accompany entry. Make a double recipe to have an extra pie for the Auction. We will have coffee and vanilla ice cream for the ala mode. |
King's Kids:
King's Kids will be starting up again on Wednesday, September 11. We will meet from 5:30 to 6:15 P.M. Parents are encouraged to come and stay with their children for the whole rehearsal so they know what's going to be happening in choir! This first rehearsal is a come-and-see-if-you-like-it rehearsal.
Everyone in grades 1-5 are welcome to come!
Jubilate:
Jubilate will begin rehearsing on Sunday September 15 from
10:45 - 11:45 A.M. This choir is for everyone in grades 6-12. This first rehearsal is a come-and-see-it-you-like-it rehearsal just like the King's Kids first rehearsal. Come and check it out and see if it's something you're interested in!
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Memo Calendar 9-13.pdf (
564K)