St. Mark's Weekly News

Friday, February 27th, 2026

2nd Weekend of Lent

Saturday, February 28th, 5 pm

Sunday, March 1st, 10 am

"Growing Into Public Disciples"

This weekend, we meet Nicodemus, a secret disciple of Jesus who comes to speak with him at night. We too may be like Nicodemus sometimes- living our faith in private. But how is Jesus calling us to be public disciples? How do we live our faith through one of our pillars- community engagement? Jesus encourages Nicodemus, and us, to be born again. As Lutherans, we believe we are born again each day in our baptisms. As Martin Luther says, we daily crawl back to the font, to be renewed in the promises of this second birth. God's mercy is new every day. Hope to see you this weekend as we remember God's everlasting grace and renewal!

Order of worship click here

Watch live on YouTube (Sunday) click here

Growing Into...

Lent 2026

This Lent, Deacon Dave and Pastor Krista will be doing a sermon series on our four mission pillars: Spiritual Growth, Community Engagement, Fellowship and Worship. These are our priorities on how we live into our mission statement; "Sharing Christ's abundant love with each other and the world." These were identified by the congregation during the "What's Possible" process in 2024 and adopted by the congregation in January 2025. When Pastor Krista and Deacon Dave were called to serve St. Mark's they affirmed these priorities. Now, we are growing into these priorities as a congregation. How is God calling us to live these out? Join us this Lent as we discern and grow together. There will be some opportunities for everyone to contribute their ideas and creativity. Keep an eye on the narthex.  

Lenten Offering for Mutual Ground

This year, our Lenten Offering will be for Mutual Ground. You can donate online here or by scanning the QR code at the Welcome Center. Donation envelopes will also be available and can be placed in the wooden Welcome Center box.

Mutual Ground supports individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use through education, awareness, and life changing services.

In 1974, the Women’s Development Council met at Waubonsee Community College to discuss the challenges facing women in our community and the ideation of Mutual Ground began. Mutual Ground became incorporated in 1975 and began offering counseling and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence. Since then their services have expanded to include support for individuals impacted by sexual violence and substance use.

Today their services include counseling, emergency shelter, prevention education, community trainings and more.

This Weekend

First Communion Kickoff Luncheon

THIS Sunday, March 1 (after worship)

First Communion Instruction Kick-off luncheon for the whole family. The Kick-Off Luncheon will take place this Sunday, March 1, after the 10:00 service. Activities include baking communion bread, creating a First Communion banner, and an introduction to the course of study.

Instruction for the students will then take place March 4, 11, 18, and 25, with a review/make-up session on April 8, during the regular FDL instructional time. First Communion will take place on April 19.

Please let us know at St. Mark’s if you have a child ready to prepare for First Communion. You may contact Joni Ackley, Office Manager at St. Mark’s, or Deacon David Webb, or you may contact Debbie Steinheimer, Children/Youth/Family Committee Chair.

Next Week

Widow's Support Group

Tuesday, March 3rd, 10 am-Noon

Widow's Support Group will meet at St. Mark's on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, from 10 am - Noon in the Narthex. If you have lost your spouse or partner recently or even a number of years ago, you are welcome. The meetings will help members of the group understand that others have experienced similar problems and feelings after loss. Contact Irma Larson at 630-450-5049 or Sandy Bauer at 630-897-0331 with questions.

Play Group! Snacks, Stories, and Play!

Sunday, March 8th

Sanctuary/Nursery

We have some more dates for our 0-5s to get together and play!

There are two main parts to our fun.

11:15 AM-12:15 PM - The Main Event: In our special play space we'll tell a story and have some great semi-structured free and community play. Parents can join in or be nearby doing their own things.

9:30 AM-9:45 AM - Pre-Play/Play Tailgating Before Worship: Come early and find out what we're up to at church this week. There will be an introduction to the story of the day and the activities available for fun during church. Then during church we'll use those activities and talk more about them during the children's message and in the Pray Ground.

Other Sundays there's also fun if you can't make these dates, it's just a little bit more free form.

Older siblings are always welcome and if you know of people who don't quite fit that age range but who might like to play as well just let me know.

If you have any other questions let me know, Deacon David

Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack Event

Sunday, March 8th, 1:30-3:30 pm

Benedictine University Rice Center, Lisle



On Sunday, March 8th, a “St. Mark’s and Friends” team will be packing meals from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the annual Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack Event at Benedictine University in Lisle! St. Mark’s has already made a generous financial donation that will purchase ingredients for over 9,400 meals; now our goal is a team of 40 volunteers to help pack these “manna meals.” You can sign up at the Welcome Center ‐ our volunteer list is due this Wednesday, March 4th, so please sign up this weekend! Contact Gary Hoyne if you have questions.

Coming Soon

Lay Leadership Day

Saturday, March 14, 9 am - 2:30 pm

(8:30 am registration)

On Saturday, March 14, our Synod is inviting lay leaders to the Metropolitan Chicago Synod's Lay Leadership Day. It is from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Schaumburg. Guest speaker will be Pastor Rafael Malpica Padilla. This year's theme is "Stronger Together".

Contact Joni in the church office by Friday, March 6th to register.

READ MORE . . .

PADS Dinner

Saturday, March 14, 6-9 pm

Volunteers are needed to help with PADS Dinner at Hesed House on Saturday, March 14th. Sign up at the Welcome Center to help serve, donate items or make a batch of cranberry chicken (recipe here). Online signup coming soon.

You may drop off items at Hesed House between 5 & 6 pm on Saturday, March 14th, or coordinate with Joni in the church office to drop off items at church before 4 pm on Friday, March 13th. For additional information, contact Mike Bauman.

Pancake Breakfast Time!

Sunday, March 15th, 8:30 am

Sanctuary Hall

Join us for breakfast before worship featuring pancakes, sausage, applesauce, coffee, juice and milk.

There will be a free will offering to benefit the Pastor's Discretionary Fund.

Annual Bingo Chili (ABC) Night

Saturday, March 21, 6-8 p.m.

Chili Bingo is March 21st at 6 pm (after worship). Come try all the amazing recipes! Share your award-winning special Chili. Play Bingo and test your luck! The proceeds go to this year's High School Mission Trip to Brooklyn, NY. There will be great prizes and lots of fun. 

To purchase tickets, you can buy them online here. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15/adult for unlimited chili tastings, cornbread, salad, dessert and drink. Each meal comes with 3 voting tickets. Additional voting tickets are $1 each. Kids meals are $10 and include a hot dog or 2 chili tastings, cornbread, salad, dessert and drink. We will vote on the best chili and the winner will receive a gift card. After we eat, BINGO will begin. Cards will be sold for $1 each.

There will be a signup sheet at the Welcome Center or online here if you would like to contribute "your chili" or other food items. Also, please indicate on the signup whether you plan to donate a prize for the bingo winners.

Watch for more information about a "special" raffle coming soon!

High School Mission Trip: Brooklyn, NY

June 13th-20th

Summer Mission Trip Registration Still Rolling. Contact Deacon David to make arrangements for the $50 registration fee next week. 

Sharing Christ's Abundant Love

Council Happenings

February 2026

Following installation at the 10:00 am worship service, the Council met on Sunday, February 22, and welcomed Cassie Blickem and Gena Gerdin as new members of the 2026 Council. Click here to read a rundown on “Council Happenings” from this month’s meeting and to view the current financials.

How well do you know Thrivent? 

For some of us, this will be a new name; for many a familiar valued series of insurance and financial services provided primarily to Lutherans. But did you know that Thrivent also Gives Back? Over the next few weeks we will be providing information to better acquaint you to Thrivent and what it offers to you, to St. Mark’s and to our community.

READ MORE . . .

Help Wanted: Part-Time/PRN Program Nurse

Aurora location

Job description:

ESSE Adult Day Services is seeking a part-time/PRN Program Nurse to join our team at our center located in Aurora.

General Summary:

The Program Nurse shall be a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by the State of Illinois with a compassion for working with older adults. The Program Nurse must be on duty at least four hours daily when participants are in attendance.

READ MORE . . .

Reminder: Articles are normally run for two consecutive weeks and no more than two to three weeks prior to the event. After being run for two weeks, articles may appear in the section below at the discretion of the Communications Manager.

Sign Up to Help in Worship

All in one link!

Click here for sign up sheet.

Adult Bible Study

Click here to learn more.

Why name your pronouns?

Click here for more info.

March 1 - First Communion Kickoff Luncheon (10 am in Fellowship Hall)

March 4, 11, 18, 25 - First Communion Instruction

March 21 - Chili Cook Off/Bingo Night (6-8 pm in Sanctuary Hall)

April 8 - First Communion Instruction review/make-up session

April 19 - First Communion (during 10 am worship)

June 13-20 - High School Mission Trip (Brooklyn, NY)

July 13-17 - VBS

March 3 - Worship Team Meeting (6 pm in the Community Room)

March 3 - Widow's Support Group (10 am in the Narthex)

March 8 - Play Group (9:30 - 9:45 am & 11:15 am - 12:15 pm)

March 8 - Feed the Need (1:30-3:30 pm at Benedictine University, Lisle)

March 9 - Faith Circle (9:30 am in the Community Room)

March 14 - PADS Dinner (6-9 pm at Hesed House)

March 15 - Pancake Breakfast (8:30 am in Sanctuary Hall)

March 15 - Council Meeting (11:30 am)

March 16 - LSSI Downer Place Food Distribution (9:30 am)

March 21 - Chili Cook-off/Bingo Night (after 5 pm worship in Sanctuary Hall)

March 28/29 - Palm Sunday (during 5 pm Saturday & 10 am Sunday worship)

April 3 - Good Friday (Office Closed at Noon)

April 3 - Stations of the Cross (3 pm)

April 3 - Good Friday Worship (Tenebrae - 7 pm)

April 4 - No Worship

April 5 - Easter Sunday Worship (10 am)

April 6 - Office Closed for Easter Monday

We remember in our prayers . . .

Jean Bauman, Richard Brackett, Lynnette Brent, Linda Castaing, Annie Craig, Donovan, Martha Egeland, Jim Frank, Marge Gugerty, Laurel and Roald Haase, Lorrie Kobliska, Cora and Ralph Lienert, Sandra Neunaber, Priscilla Offhaus, Wayne and Edie Standorf, Kevin Stockwell, Lois Swan, Pat Walters, Joe W.

The prayer quilt in the Narthex this weekend is for Blair Martin. 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. Names will be kept on for 2 weeks and then removed unless you request it to stay on longer. Thank you!

Lydia’s Piecemakers Ministry: The Prayer Quilt

Know someone who could use a prayer quilt? Click here to learn more.