of st. mark lutheran church · of st. mark lutheran church the voice ... *footnote - valentinus ......

For Christ and His Kingdom The VOICE of St. Mark Feb 2016

OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH

VOICE The

FEBRUARY 2016

Valentine’s Day

Christmas is past and we are in a new year. As we look ahead to February, the dominant feature of the month (other than the cold temperature) is Valentine’s Day. I have always thought of Valentine’s Day as a day in which you demonstrate your love for your

spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend. In other words, eros love. But did you know that the history of this holiday had its origins in agape love? Allow me to explain: it was the year 270 AD and Emperor Claudius II had declared it illegal to worship the Christian God and the failure to obey this edict would result in death. A pious man by the name of Valentinus* refused to obey and openly worshipped God in spite of the order, knowing he faced death. He was, in fact, arrested and sentenced to death. But while in prison, the jailer, knowing he was a learned man, asked him to tutor his blind daughter. Valentinus accepted and he taught her math, science, and history, as well as the tenants of his Christian faith. As her eyes were metaphorically opened through Valentinus’ teachings, she asked if God really answers the prayers of the faithful. Valentinus confirmed that God loves us and does answer prayers if we truly believe. Her response was that she was praying with all her soul for the gift of sight. Legend has it that a miracle did happen and her eyes were opened, restoring her sight! Shortly thereafter, on February 14th, Valentinus was executed, but not before he wrote a letter to the girl expressing his love and appreciation of her. He signed it “Your Valentine.” When we celebrate our love for each other, please let us remember that the greatest love of all is the love that Christ had for us when He died for our sins on the cross. That love should dominate the relationship we have with all other individuals, especially our loved ones. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God — for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 So I say to you in the name of Christ, Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! Your humble servant, Jeff McKenzie *Footnote - Valentinus (St. Valentine) was an early Christian martyr and the namesake of the holiday, but direct relationship to the formation of the holiday may not be completely accurate as it is also said to have come about in the 5th century as a replacement for the Roman holiday Lupercalia.

By Jeff McKenzie

Thank you to everyone who filled out our Time & Talent Surveys! We look forward to working with you all in 2016.

If you still have not filled out a survey and would like to, please contact [email protected]

February Dates

• African-American History

Month

• 7th: Boy Scout Sunday

• 7th: Transfiguration of Our

Lord

• 10th: Ash Wednesday

• 14th: First Sunday in Lent

• 14th: Valentine’s Day

• 15th: Presidents Day

• 21st: Second Sunday in Lent

• 28th: Third Sunday in Lent


Terry Breum

Pastor

[email protected]

Bill Shields

Pastor & Youth Director

[email protected]

Amy Paxton

Youth Assistant

[email protected]

Deb Zuchowski

Church Administrator

[email protected]

Derek Caldwell

Communications Director

[email protected]

Collin Crowl

Organist / Traditional

Music Coordinator

[email protected]

Todd Stickney

Contemporary

Music Coordinator

[email protected]

Financial Secretary

Patrice Sutton

Sharon Schranz

Bookkeeper/HR

[email protected]

Deb Heide

Nursery Supervisor

[email protected]

Steve Lary

Maintenance Assistant

[email protected]

Michael White

Janitor

ST MARK

COUNCIL

President

Jeff McKenzie

Vice President

Robin Korom

Congregation Secretary

Lynn Wetterberg

Financial Treasurer

Jim O’Neal

Board of Elders

Jerry Doran

Roger Zuchowski

Brad Gundlach

Board of Trustees

Robin Korom

Steve Lary

Gary Edwards

Jim O’Neal

ST MARK COMMITTEES

Evangelism

(overseen by Elder - Jerry Doran)

Judy Dunfrund

Kathy Nader

Lori Jenkins

Joyce Mol

Lisa Shield

Parish Education

(overseen by Elder - Roger

Zuchowski)

Lori McKenzie

Connie Saunders

Rhonda Doran

Worship & Music

(overseen by Elder—Brad Gundlach)

Rebecca Gundlach

Charlie Burke

Cliff Ewert

Finance

(overseen by Trustee - Robin Korom)

Jill Winling

Gary Olson

Lynn Wetterberg

Pam Preston

Property Management

(overseen by Trustee - Steve Lary)

Carl Dunfrund

Jim Hallberg

Stewardship

(overseen by Trustee - Gary Edwards)

Carl Norlin

Pete Bolender

Laurie Kerns

Council Meeting:

February 09, 2016

7:00pm in the Library

Committee Meeting:

February 23, 2016

7:00pm in the main building

Have something to say?

Want to hear first-hand what YOUR

council & committees are doing?

Please feel free to attend the

committee or council meetings!

ALL meetings are open to the

congregation!


Got Special Music?

If you are interested in providing special

music for the traditional services, please

contact Collin Crowl, organist and music

coordinator, at [email protected]

He will find a time to rehearse with you,

if necessary, and a time for you to offer

your gifts to the congregation in one

of our traditional services.

PADS is in need of volunteers to

work the four shifts available on

Friday Nights.

Other churches and citizens have covered some

of the times, but we need St. Mark to support our

ministry. Information and sign up are on the

St. Mark Website (click on the volunteerspot tab)

or contact Jill Decker at

[email protected].

VOLUNTEERS:

Contact Jill Decker, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Sign up binder is in drawer in kitchen

or email Jill at [email protected]

LAUNDRY:

Contact Karen Barnes

FOOD:

Contact Laurie Kerns

PADS SEASON IS

OCTOBER

thru

APRIL

Believe it or not, it is already time to start planning vacation Bible school for 2016! VBS will be from June 20th- June 24th. The theme is “Cave Quest, Following Jesus, the Light of the World,” and it looks extremely exciting! Very soon, we will be asking for volunteers and donations, so please prayerfully consider being a part of this special week.

Our immediate need is for a co-director! It is said, that “many

hands make light work,” and that is very true for VBS. The job involves using the director’s guide that we are given every year to organize and facilitate the fun! Interested??? Please contact Kristi Knull at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Dear Friends, This is being written a couple of weeks after all the special Christmas services. The church was decorated so beautifully. This did not happen by accident. Thank you to all who gave of your time and talent to give to us a gorgeous worship setting. It was spectacular. Thank you too for all who provided special music. Music is always important to worship but at Christmas time this is even more so. I do appreciate all the Christmas cards and gifts and do my best to send thank you notes. If for some reason I missed a thank you note for a gift, please forgive me. There was one bag of cookies with no name. The cookies were great and here is the thank you! Thank you too for Lisa Shields who worked so hard with the ushers, Communion helpers, candle basket holders, light people, candy givers, Advent suppers, and more to help the Christmas Eve services flow without a problem. What a great church we are privileged to be a part of and worship together. Thank you for how seriously you took the three days of prayer. Barb Ewert, Charlie and Pam Burke and others did a great job organizing the event. Thank you to those who signed up for the prayer schedule. I know the entire church was touched by God through those prayers and those prayers will bear fruit for some time to come.

On Sunday mornings we are beginning a new study in the Pastor’s Class (we meet in the Ed center lobby every Sunday) using the book, “Trusting God, Even When Life Hurts” by Jerry Bridges. This is one of the absolute best books I have ever read. Please feel free to join the class when you can come. All are invited to attend. Learning to trust God in all circumstances is something we all struggle with and this book gives to us Biblical help to keep trusting no matter what. If you cannot attend the class I highly recommend purchasing the book and reading it on your own. The Tuesday morning Bible study will begin the book of Colossians. This would be a great time for you to start coming at 11:00am on Tuesdays. All are welcome. The class always has great discussions and we have room for more to attend. During Lent we will be introducing three spiritual disciplines that we would like all to be involved in. Ash Wednesday is February 10

th. Easter falls early this

year, March 27th. Please be in prayer that God would richly use this time to draw us all into a closer walk with Jesus, a more holy life, and deeper Christian friendships with each other. God Bless You All, Pastor Breum

by Pastor Breum

2016 Lent Sermon Series February 10-March 20, Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Lent Theme: “Changed by the Word” Sundays in Lent: The Book of Philippians Wednesdays in Lent: The Armor of God

“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Ph. 2:15b-16a, NIV)

1. Read the Word every day - We will be reading the whole New Testament during the 40 days of Lent (which does not include Sundays). A bible reading plan and bookmark will be included in a future bulletin, but you can also download the plan from moodychurch.org/changed. 2. Pray every day - Pastor Breum wrote this prayer for you to pray each day before your 40-day New Tes-tament reading: “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the life changing power of the Word of God. As we read your Holy Word, may the Holy Spirit give us ears to hear, a mind to understand, insight into God, and practical ways to apply the Word to our lives. We ask for the Word to purify our hearts, feed our souls, and renew our minds. Lord, help us all to be a people of your Holy Word. Holy Spirit draw us into a closer relationship with Jesus through the Word. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 3. Share what you’re learning - Each week during Lent please share with another person something the Word of God is teaching you. This could come from your study of the Word, a sermon based on the Word, an insight gained in a Bible study, or prayer. Please make it a weekly habit to share the Word.


Lets share some love with our home bound members.

During this Valentine’s season of Love we encourage each of you to remember our homebound

members (and their caregivers) in your daily prayers, and if you are able to send a card letting

them know they are connected with you and their

St. Mark Church family!

Jean Carr

Lawrence Chiarino

Patricia Delabre

Frank Fedor

Marilyn Fischer

Darlene Grumbeck

Chris Holmes

Frank & Joan Mackett

Phyllis May

Jean Mehnert

Millie Peterson

Michael Shelley

Lois Stotz

Ruth Wilson


Have you ever wondered how to respond as a

Christian when someone appears to be

skeptical of or challenges your beliefs?

In his book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, Timothy Keller, the

founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian

Church in New York City, addresses the

frequent doubts that skeptics and non-

believers bring to religion. Using literature,

philosophy, anthropology, pop

culture, and intellectual

reasoning, Keller explains how

the belief in a Christian God is,

in fact, a sound and rational

one. To true believers he

offers a solid platform on

which to stand against the

backlash toward religion

spawned by the Age of

Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and

agnostics he provides a challenging argument

for pursuing the reason for God.

You can find this book under call number 239

KEL.

The 7th grade Sunday School class is still

collecting pop tabs (45 pounds and count-ing!) for the Ronald McDonald House charity.

Pop tabs may be put in the container in the kitchen marked “7th grade pop tabs”

Facebook.com/StMarkLutheranC Twitter.com/StMarkLutheranC Instagram.com/StMarkLutheranC

If you are going through a difficult time and need a fellow Christian to talk and pray with, the Stephen Ministers in our church can help. We are not professional counselors but we have gone through several months of intense formal training just for this. To date we have had numerous people go through this program in a time of need. We are not there to solve problems, we pray for God to do that, but sometimes having another person go through the hard times with you can be comforting. If you would like to find a match with a Stephen Minister, please call one of the Coordinators: John Florip Or Judy Dunfrund Or to the Church office 847-356-8140 To be connected to one of the Stephen Ministers in our Congregation. Everything is kept in strict confidence.

If you would like to request prayer, please e-mail your

request to [email protected]

or submit your request via the “Contact Us” page of our website www.smlc.info

The deadline for March voice is February 14th. E-mail articles to [email protected]

“What’s on the Shelf?”

St. Mark Library

Book Corner


During the season of Lent we observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation & spiritual discipline in order to prepare for Easter. We will gather to reflect on Christ’s life, his suffering, his sacrifice, and his resurrection. Wednesday night Lenten worship services will be February 10th, 17th, 24th, March 2nd, 9th & 16th.

In order to make it easier for everyone, especially families, to come and worship we will be serving a soup and sandwich supper on each of the Wednesday nights from 5:30 – 6:45pm. Soups and desserts will be donated and the sandwich fixings and drinks will be provided. A free will donation will be taken. This is a wonderful time of fellowship and good warm food. Moms (and dads), this is one night you don’t have to worry about getting supper for your family. Come to church and have your family fed physically and spiritually. Be sure to come and join us for food, fellowship and worship!

If you would like to volunteer to bring soup or to help serve on one of the Wednesday nights please contact Lisa Shields.

“The Funnest Sale Ever”

The New Year is here and

so starts my monthly

reminding (nagging) for

everyone to start cleaning out the clutter and packing up your

donations for the 2016 Rummage Sale. We all received lots of

new items for Christmas and the only way to make room for

the new is to get rid of the old. Pick a corner in the garage, attic

or basement and start your rummage pile.

The sale is August 11th, 12th & 13th. Collection starts July 11th.

That may seem a long way off, but it is really just around the

corner. Don't put yourself under stress by starting to clean out

2 days before collection ends. Do it now while it is too cold to go

outside and you need to move around and lose all those extra

pounds you put on over the holidays!

Last year's sale was called The Best Sale Ever. This year we are

going for the Funnest Sale Ever. We have special things planned

for our workers and for our shoppers. But to find out what we

have planned you have to come help us with the sale. We will

have more information on working the sale as it gets closer.

Things you can do now are start saving computer paper boxes

(you can pack your donations in them), save plastic store hangers

(especially kid ones) and spread the word to friends and family to

please save their unused treasures for our sale. We need all of

you to make this a successful sale and the Funnest Sale Ever!

Questions? Call Laurie Kerns or

Sue DeYoung

Altar Guild News -

Volunteers Needed! &

Upcoming Meeting

The Altar Guild is looking for some people willing to serve in a

couple of positions. We need two people that are willing to put up banners at various times throughout the church year. Some poles

have been made to make this job easier, with no ladder climbing.

We are also looking for a couple of people to change the paraments (altar linens) and fill the altar candles with oil, on odd

months. Training will be provided! If you are interested in serving on the Altar Guild, please contact either Wendy Lord at

[email protected] or Judy Dunfrund at

[email protected].

There will be a meeting of all Altar Guild volunteers on February 14th, in between the services at 9:30 am, in the Sanctuary. We

would like to introduce ourselves and meet all the volunteers. We want to make sure everyone is aware of the changes that have

been made in the past year. If you have questions, bring them to

be discussed. We hope to see you there!

Wendy Lord and Judy Dunfrund

Have YOU remembered your Confirmation Prayer Pal?

Let them know you are thinking

and praying for them (just don’t tell them who you are!)


The Tuesday Morning sewing/knitting group had another busy year.

The ladies that knit created 35 hats, 2 scarves, 4 hoods and 1 hat &

scarf set. Katy Owens decorated the hat and mitten tree with their

lovely creations.

The sewing group created 92 lap quilts. Ten of those lap quilts were

created and sewn by Jayne Altman . Jayne designed them to be sent to

the children and elders in Homer, Alaska. Pastor Breum blessed the

quilts before they were mailed off to Evan Hahn just in time for the

Christmas holiday. Jayne also designed and created a very special

quilt for Evan Hahn. She presented him with his quilt on Christmas

Eve. We hope that the children and elders in Alaska are enjoying their

beautiful hand made lap quilts.

The remainder of the lap quilts were once again donated to the Laremont School in Gages Lake. This was the fourth year

that the quilts were donated to Laremont. Our donation also included four very beautiful lap/blankets/afghans that were

donated by Lynn Johnson. The blankets/afghans were hand made by Lynn's Aunt and had never been used.

Daniel O'Neil once again picked up and delivered the lap quilts to the Laremont School. We always enjoy his visit

during our morning coffee fellowship hour. Daniel and his wife Christine have two boys that attend classes at the

Laremont School. There are about 132 students that attend Laremont. The school allows children who are mentally and

physically disabled in all of Lake County the opportunity for educational, physical and personal growth. Daniel assures

us that the lap quilts are a welcome donation.

Thank you Pastor Breum and Pastor Shields for blessing the lap quilts. Thank you Millie Peterson and Eleanor Magera for your continued help. Thank you Aline Zara who continued to sew at home as she recovered from her back surgery. Thank you Jayne Altman for sewing at home and also for crocheting the Christmas cards that are attached to the quilts. A big thank you goes to everyone that donated yarn and material. Your help is so appreciated. Without your kind

donations we would not be able to continue with our yearly sewing and knitting projects. Thank you to the ladies that work in the kitchen and prepare coffee and goodies for our morning coffee break. Thank you Lynn Johnson for donating the blanket/afghans.

We also enjoy the company of the men that prepare the sanctuary for the Saturday night and Sunday morning worship

services. They join us for coffee, fellowship and laughter every Tuesday morning.

Most of all thank you to the dear ladies that show up every Tuesday morning. They are all so kind, caring and hard

working. I love them all.

LYDIA CIRCLE February 11th - Ed Center

9am Fellowship

9:30-10:30 Bible study

This month in Lydia Circle we will look at Psalms that show the importance of

thankfulness for God’s tender mercies.

Read Psalm 78 as if it is a story. You may wish to read it in a paraphrase like The

Message). What would you say is the key lesson of Psalm 78? What are a few ways that

God has been good to you in the last year that you do not want to forget? If there is

time, read Psalms 75 and 116 as well.

All women are welcome.

Led by Amy Paxton.

Baptized into the family

Elijah Bo Adelizzi Son of

Ken & Alyssa Adelizzi

Bristol Lynn Green

Daughter of Matthew & Renee Green

May the guiding presence of God be with them, as

they grow in the knowledge

of Jesus Christ.


Missouri Musings:

“Political Prediction” by Bob Yarbrough

The New Year has arrived. It’s a presidential election year in the US. What will happen nationally? What will happen internationally? Who knows? God knows! His word tells us what will happen in 2016: the same thing that has been happening through all of human history. And what, pray tell, is that? Nearly 3,000 years ago the Psalmist wrote: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed” (Ps. 2:1-2 ESV). In 2016, people around the world will continue to rebel against God. As the verses above indicate, the nations will rage and the peoples will plot. World rulers will “take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed.” In 2016 there will be turmoil, uncertainty, anxiety, oppression, suffering, war, and other calamity cooked up by those in power everywhere. The world does not know peace because, on the whole, the world takes its stand “against the LORD and against his Anointed,” who is Jesus Christ the Lord. He is ultimately the only source of peace, “the Prince of Peace” as Scripture puts it (Isaiah 9:6). “He himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). If there is true and lasting peace to be found, Jesus is the source. Jesus reconciles peoples who are at odds “to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” that exists between them (Ephesians 2:16). “He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17). But a world in which so many do not know Christ, or reject him as Savior, cannot know the peace he brings. This is the source of all conflict in the world. The good news is that Jesus is present in the world, through the Scriptures and the gospel message and the church. “Blessed are peacemakers,” Jesus taught (Matthew 5:9). When we know Christ’s peace, we can become agents of peace. God’s people through faith in Christ are agents of peace throughout the world. So: in 2016 nations and rulers will rage against good order and justice and compassion. The human race will groan along with all creation because so many lack the connection with God that results in wisdom, compassion, selfless living, and love for others through the knowledge of God in Christ. St. Mark and thousands of congregations like it, great and small, will grow in the grace of Christ. They will offer that grace to others through weekly services and their daily lives and witness to others. 2016 can be our best year yet, whatever happens in politics.


High School Super Bowl Party!

Sunday, Feb. 7th @ 4pm until the

game is over.

All High School students are

invited to Pastor Shields’ home

@ 204 Valley Drive.

Planning to come?

Please contact Amy Paxton ([email protected]) to

RSVP and to find out what food you can bring

to share!

This summer, the

High School

Youth will be going on a Mission Trip to the Northern

Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, Montana. Our

main fundraiser for the trip will be our “Stock Sale”. It

will be your opportunity to “invest” in our High School

Youth Group.

During the month of March, young people will be at a ta-

ble in the narthex selling stock certificates for the

trip. For a donation of $10 or more, you will receive a

certificate, a postcard from the mission site, and an

invitation to the “Stockholders Dinner” after the trip,

where the Youth will show pictures and share their expe-

riences.

When you see the tables in the narthex, please stop by,

talk to the young people, and help support their summer

mission trip!

Sunday, February 28

from 9:30-10:15

Held in the East Room of

the Ed Center. All students

registered for this

summer’s mission trip, and

their parents, should plan to attend this

informational meeting where we’ll discuss

the trip details, what to expect, and

fundraising efforts.

Contact Pastor Shields [email protected] for

information and questions.

It Happens to be Valentines Day

High School Lock-In

Sunday, February 14th @ 6:30pm to Monday, February 15th @7:00am

February Meetings: Feb. 21 & 28 in the Ed Center from 6:30-8:30pm!

Not getting the High School Ministry emails? Contact [email protected]


Pastor’s Class: When and Where? 9:20am in the Education Center lobby. What? This group studies books that are written to improve marriages and family life. Led by Pastor Terry Breum.

Adult Bible Study: When and Where? 9:20am in the library. What? This class is currently studying the Epistle to the Romans verse-by-verse. Led by David Barnes.

Digging Deeper Class: When and Where? 9:20am in the upstairs South Balcony room off of the sanctuary. What? Currently studying C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity in depth and will next study Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods. Co-led by Bradley Gundlach and David Luy.

Growing in Christ: When and Where? 9:20am in the east upstairs room of the Education building. What? This class helps you grow in Christ by teaching and sharing the faith.

Tuesday Morning Study: When and Where? 11:00am-12:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. What? Study the Bible and famous Christian literature with Pastor Terry Breum.

Wednesday Women’s Morning Study: When and Where? 9:30am in the library. Contact Joy Gajda for class dates and materials: [email protected]. What? This study includes home study, DVD teaching, group discussion, and prayer time.

Wednesday Women’s Evening Study: When and Where? 6:30pm in the library. Contact Glenda Niffenegger for class dates and materials: (847) 838-0250. What? This class is very similar, but not identical, to the morning study.

Wednesday Night Bible Study: When and Where? 8:00-9:00pm in the Education Center. What? Studies the Bible book-by-book, led by Dan Kwiatkowski.

Old Testament Study: When and Where? 11:00am in the library & 7:00pm in the Education Center (same content is taught during morning & evening session). What? Studies the Old Testament book-by-book with Pastor Bill Shields.

Lydia Circle (Monthly): When and Where? Meets second Thursday of each month @ 9:00am, study is 9:30-10:30am. What? This class is currently studying the Psalms.

Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study: When and Where? 7:00am @ Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach. What? Meetings consist of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Led by Dan Kwiatkowski.

A L L

A R E

W E L C O M E

J O I N

U S

A N Y T I M E


Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Fortune 500 not-for-profit membership organization of Christians. Our purpose is to serve our members— which today total nearly 2.4 million—by guiding them to be wise with money, live generously and change lives. We succeed when our members, their families and their communities thrive. We value our relationships, so we will be trustworthy in character and competence, act like owners and treat our members as owners, and strive to live balanced and generous lives.

Thrivent Choice Dollars can provide St Mark Lutheran Church with monthly electronic grants from Thrivent as our members direct Choice Dollars to your organization. Members need to direct their Thrivent Choice Dollars annually by visiting www.Thrivent.com/Thriventchoice .

St Mark members have been participating in Thrivent Choice dollars since January 2011 and to date (through 11/2015) $21,411.87 has been donated to St Mark. Members have until March 2016 to donate their 2015 Choice Dollars.

2016 St. Mark Church

Community Nights

WHERE: Wendy’s 370 S US Highway 45 Lindenhurst, IL (Rt. 45 & Sand Lake Rd)

TIME: 5pm to 8pm

DATES:

February 18 Dine in or Carry Out!

We receive 15% of Wendy’s sales

during these Community Nights!

This Month is Christian History: February

6th: On this day in 1564, a very weak John Calvin preached his last

sermon.

16th: Reformer Philip Melanchthon was born on this day in 1497. He

was instrumental in creating the Augsburg Confession and

Lutheranism itself.

6th: In 1812, “America’s first foreign missionary” (partially true),

Adoniram Judson is ordained. He had just married Ann the day

before!

18th: In 1678, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress is published for the

first time.

8th: In 356, Athanasius is exiled – again – for the third time since the

Council of Nicea in 325 (where the original Nicene Creed comes

from). Sometimes it’s tough defending Christ’s divinity!

23rd: Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna, “Apostolic Father” and disciple of

the apostle John (nice pedigree!), was martyred by the Roman

Government on this day in 155.


Three Days Of Prayer Was A Great Success!

We give thanks and praise to God our Father for inspiring our denomination, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), to create the Three Days of Prayer event. This was the first year that St. Mark had taken part in the program, and it was a great success! Most of the prayer slots were filled during the three days and we had wonderful prayer meetings each evening. We hope that the people of St. Mark will make a 2016 resolution to engage daily in the spiritual discipline of prayer.

Here are some prayers that we have for St. Mark following the Three Days of Prayer event.

1. We pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen the weekly prayer meetings of St. Mark, which are led by Charlie and Pam Burke every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. We pray that more people will attend, so that the sanctuary of St. Mark will continue to be a “house of prayer.”

2. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide each of our leaders, our members, and our seekers into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. We pray that each individual at St. Mark will have a burning desire to know Christ, rather than to just know about Him.

4. We pray that each one of us will make it our priority to seek God’s will and God’s plan for all of our days. 5. We pray that Jesus will teach us to listen to His voice and help us to obey His will. 6. We pray that God will protect us from all evil and all distractions, so that we may fulfill our mission

through the power of the Holy Spirit. We pray these petitions in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Submitted by Barb Ewert St. Mark Three Days of Prayer Coordinator

Soup-er Bowl: Soup Collection for C.O.O.L Food Pantry The Super Bowl (or soup-ER bowl) is our kick-off for the annual collection of soup for the food pantry. We begin collecting soup on Super Bowl Sunday. Collecting soup will take place during the entire month of February. The food pantry, C.O.O.L. (Christian Outreach of Lutherans), located at Trinity Church in Ingelside, needs all food basics. Soup is a good donation (and the item of the month) because it can be an entire meal, but any basic is a help. A list of food items is found on the poster in the narthex. We have many people in our area of northern Lake County whose pantry is empty. Some of these people are our neighbors; some may even be members of our church. This year is very difficult for many families. Many are laid-off, out of work, or have salary reductions. Especially

since the housing collapse in 2011, we are still experiencing economic struggles. In 2015, in Lake County there were 1,940 newly filed single home and 60 business foreclosures. The poster in the narthex of our church will be a reminder. Please add an item or two in your grocery cart and place it in one of the yellow barrels by the entrance doors of church. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Johnson.


CHURCH CAMP SUNDAY! February 28

CAMP TIMBER-LEE will be here on February 28 during the

Sunday school hour to share the amazing things that God can do

in your child's life in just one week at camp! Children who will be

going into second grade through 12 grades in the fall will be going

to the sanctuary to hear about the exiting camp opportunities.

Campers who have been to Timber-lee in the past are invited to wear their favorite

Timber-lee t-shirts and share some of their personal camp experiences.

PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!

Timber-lee musicians will also be our guest Worship

Leaders at the 10:30 service!

CHURCH CAMP INCENTIVE

PROGRAM

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 21

Does your child love being outdoors? Does he or she enjoy swimming, boating, hiking,

archery, horseback riding, making crafts, singing fun songs, and making new friends?

Did you know they can do ALL of that while developing a deeper relationship with Jesus

and praising His name?

The Parish Education Committee has created an incentive program to help your child, grades 2 – 12 (effective for

the 2016-2017 school year), earn money towards their church camp fees! Basically, your child will have the

opportunity to perform various service projects for the church. Each task is worth a specific amount of points

which transfers into dollar amounts. Your child will be able to earn up to, but not more than half of their camp

fees (not to exceed $250 per camper).

Children must register in order to be eligible for the program. The program will kick-off on Sunday, February

21. Look for Karen Gerold at the Church Camp info table to sign up. A list of incentives and their point values

will be handed out at that time. DEADLINE TO TURN IN ALL POINTS: MAY 1.

FINANCIAL SPONSORS NEEDED! As with any program, financial support is always needed. If you feel

called to donate to the Church Camp Incentive Program, please write “Church Camp Fund” on your check or

offering envelope . Your gifts will be truly appreciated.

Please contact Karen Gerold at [email protected] for more information.

mailto:[email protected]


St. Mark Lutheran Church Phone: (847) 356-8140 Fax: (847) 265-0150

Worship Services: Saturday: 5:30pm Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30am Sunday School (Sept - May): 9:20am

A monthly publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church.

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OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH VOICE The

ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH

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LINDENHURST IL 60046

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