St. Mark's Weekly News

Friday, April 18th, 2025

Good Friday

Friday, April 18, 3 pm & 7 pm

Station of the Cross, 3 p.m.

On this most solemn day of the Christian year, we invite you to immerse yourself in the experience of Christ’s journey to the cross.   

Tenebrae, 7 p.m.

We gather for a traditional "Tenebrae" or "Service of Shadows." During this candlelight service, we hear the Passion story in seven readings, interspersed with contemplative anthems from our vocal and handbell choirs.

Order of worship click here

Watch live on YouTube click here

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 20, 10 a.m.

"Jesus is Risen! It's a New Day!"  

On Maundy Thursday, Jesus says, remember me when you eat this bread and drink this wine, it is my body and blood given for you. When Jesus is arrested, the disciples scatter. A few of the women watch as Jesus dies on a cross on Good Friday. On Easter, upon hearing the angels proclaim the tomb is empty because Jesus has risen, they remember what Jesus foretold about his own death and resurrection. On Easter Sunday, we re- member, as in we gather again as members of Christ's body- to experience the power and promise of a new day. We proclaim "alleluia!" as we also celebrate a new day and a new chapter at St. Mark's and beyond! We hope you will come and re-member with us!  

Order of worship click here

Watch live on YouTube click here

A Note on the Scriptural Use of "the Jews" in preparation for Holy Week



As Lutherans, we seek partnership and collaboration with our Jewish siblings. Rev. Dr. Mary Luti, a retired seminary professor and United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor shares wise words about the risk of anti-semitism during Holy Week. Click here to read her statement.

Special Raffle Extended!



Prize: Bowling Party for 10 at Parkside Lanes.  This includes shoes, pizza and soft drinks, and 1 1/2 hours of bowling!  You can still buy your Raffle tickets this Sunday. $5 each or 6 for $25.  All proceeds go to Youth Mission Trip.

Butter Braids Fundraiser

The HS Youth Group is again selling Butter Braids just in time for Mother's Day. Don't make Mom cook on her special day. Purchase a Butter Braid through the online store or from one of St. Mark's youth selling after worship services and treat Mom to a delicious Mother's Day. Orders due by April 23 and pick up Butter Braids on May 7. 

Thank you for supporting our youth going on the mission trip this summer!

DOMINICAN LITERACY CENTER

Lenten Fundraiser

St. Mark’s congregation will be supporting the Dominican Literacy Center during Lent. The DLC provides one on one support from a volunteer who works with a woman learning to read and write English. Conversational skills are also addressed. Training for this year is over however, if you are interested in becoming a tutor for next fall, please call (630) 898- 4636 and leave your name and number with Claire or Alison. 

We ask you to consider donating to our fundraiser. Money collected will be put towards a doorbell camera for safety purposes at the entrance. Additional funds collected will be used for materials for instruction. Donations may be made through St. Mark’s here or at the Welcome Center (please place donation envelope in the wooden Welcome Center box). You may also donate directly to the DLC here.



To donate to Sponsor-A-Student | Mightycause click here.

Please note it is a St. Mark’s donation. Questions, contact Katie DeSotell (630) 907-0314.

LSSI Downer Place Food Distribution

Monday, April 21st, 9:30 - Noon

LSSI Downer Place Picnic

Wednesday, April 30th, 11:30 am - 1 pm

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for regular distribution on Monday, April 21st and for the picnic on Wednesday, April 30th!

Please sign up at the Welcome Center to volunteer along with your fellow St. Mark’s members.

Adult Fellowship

LSSI Presentation

Thursday, April 24th

10 am

Sanctuary Hall 

Followed by Potluck. Please bring your favorite dish.

DESSERTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY COMMITTEE.

Molly Arnoldt, Sr Director of Development for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, will explain the many programs that they have in the Aurora Area. We are looking forward to learning about the Programs!

SIGN UP AT THE WELCOME CENTER

First Communion

Sunday, April 27th

First Communion will take place on Sunday, April 27th during 10 am worship. We will have four First Communicants for this year (Cameron Sweeney, Gavin Shimizu, Dylan Shimizu, and Jason Shimizu).

New Members Class and Lunch 

Sunday, June 1st at 11:30 am- 1:00 pm

Sanctuary Hall 

Are you interested in becoming a member of St. Mark's? Want to learn more about St. Mark's ministry and how to get involved? Whether you're ready to become a member or still considering, you are invited to join Pastor Krista and several current members on June 1 at 11:30 am. We'll start with lunch and introductions then talk about all that St. Mark's has to offer! After our 1 session class, those who are ready to join will be officially welcomed as new members during a worship service TBD. The whole family is welcome! Please RSVP to Pastor Krista by May 27.  

Council Happenings

April 2025

March Financials

Council met on Sunday, April 13 for its monthly meeting. Follow this link here to read a rundown on “Council Happenings” from this month’s meeting and to view the current financials.

You’re Invited: How We Learn to Be Brave

Sunday, May 18th at 9 am in Sanctuary Hall



Join us in reading "How We Learn to Be Brave" by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde as we reflect on how faith calls us to speak truth and show kindness—even when it’s hard. Guided by Pastor Krista, we’ll gather on May 18th (at 9:00 a.m.) to discuss the book and explore how we can respond bravely to situations that feel untrue or unkind. This conversation builds on the heartfelt concerns shared during our listening sessions. Come with your thoughts, your courage, and your voice. All are welcome at the table. You can order the book here.

NaperVoice Spring Concert 

Sunday, April 27 4:00 pm at Grace UMC, Naperville 

An Invitation From Todd Carrico, who plays organ at Saturday worship twice a month: 

"I sing in an excellent, auditioned choral group called NaperVoice. I would like to invite you to our Spring Concert. We are singing a unique and special piece and I wanted to bring it to your attention. The major work on the program is a choral suite by Craig Hella Johnson called Considering Matthew Shepard.  The brutal death of Matthew Shepard, led to the anti-hate crime legislation known as the Matthew Shepard Act signed by President Obama in 2009. This music is powerful and deeply moving. It expresses both the tragedy of Matthew's death and the hope that all of us can, and must, continue to work tirelessly for a more tolerant and loving world. St. Mark's being an RIC church, I think you will find this piece inspiring, uplifting and hopeful. I believe it would provide everyone involved in RIC and the movement for LGBTQIA+ equity with validation and encouragement. Hope to see you there! See the flier for all the details. "

"Reminder: Articles are normally run for two consecutive weeks. Beyond two weeks, articles may appear in the section below at the discretion of the Communications Manager."

Adult Bible Study

Click here to learn more.



Lydia’s Piecemakers Ministry: The Prayer Quilt

Click here to learn more.

St. Mark's Lutheran Bowling Day

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Starting at 1:30 pm

Click here to learn more.

Confirmation Retreat

May 16th and 17th

Please be at St. Mark's at 4 to leave at 4:15 on Friday. We will stay overnight and return at noon on Saturday.

April 18 - Stations of the Cross (3 pm)

April 18 - Good Friday worship (7 pm)

April 19 - NO SATURDAY WORSHIP

April 20 - Easter Sunday worship (10 am)

April 21 - OFFICE CLOSED

April 21 - LSSI Downer Place food distribution (9:30 am-noon)

April 22 - Outreach Meeting (6 pm)

April 24 - Adult Fellowship - LSSI Presentation & Potluck (10 am in Sanctuary Hall)

April 27 - First Communion (during 10 am worship)

May 4 - St. Mark's Lutheran Bowling Fundraiser (starting at 1:30 pm at Parkside Lanes)

May 10 - PADS Dinner (6-9 pm)

May 11 - Music Celebration Sunday (during 10 am worship)

May 18 - Council Meeting (11:30 am)

May 18 - Baptism for Melanie Rose Herran (during 10 am worship)

May 25 - Baptism for Maeve Magnolia Haddon & Margot Elise Dominguez Carreno (during 10 am worship)

May 26 - OFFICE CLOSED

June 1 - New Member Class (11:30 am)

We remember in our prayers . . .

Jean Bauman, Lynnette Brent, Shannon Bruchall, Linda Castaing, Nicole Castaing, Soledad Castillo, Annie Craig, Frank Deninger, Jerry Downing, Justine, Shae and Teagan Dunn, Lloyd Feltz, Dan Frank, Jim Frank, Marilyn Freedy, Judy Garner, Bekah Goodman, Sue Hilderbrand, Jeffrey, Mary Ann Krebes, Phyllis Krueger, Cora Lienert, Beth Ann, Chuck Lorence, Mason, Diane McKinney, Dinah Meyers, Rajender Mohan, Dick Offhaus, Priscilla Offhaus, Rick Offhaus, Jagruti Patel, Ramila and Pravinbhai Patel, Diane Peterson, Millie Smeltzer-Price, Susan Stabb, Pat Ritke, Sammy, Beverly Shaw, Lois Swan, Barbara Veeder, Paul Vega, Kathy Warns, and Steve & Sarah Williamson

The prayer quilt in the Narthex this weekend is for Dinah Meyers. Please stop by, say a prayer, and tie a knot.

If you have prayer requests you would like named or listed here, email them to Joni or leave a message on the church phone: 630-897-6891.