St. Mark's Weekly News

Friday, October 23rd, 2026

22nd Weekend after Pentecost

Reformation/Confirmation Weekend

Saturday, October 24th, 5:00 pm

Sunday, October 25th, 10:00 am

You're invited to wear RED to represent how the Holy Spirit is always reforming the church.

"Christ's Abundant Love or the Mighty Fortress of Shawshank Prison"

On Reformation Day we give thanks for the ways the Spirit guides us into the truth that God's abundant love is the source of our faith and salvation—not anything we might do or say.  In the gospel we hear that abiding in that love is always the next step in the journey of faith. We celebrate with the Confirmands and we also affirm the ways Christ's abundant love has shaped us and called us to reform, reshape, and share that love with the world.

Order of worship click here

Watch live on YouTube (Sunday) click here 

Confirmation Day

THIS Sunday, October 25th

during 10:00 am worship

You're invited to check out this year's Confirmation Projects from Ethan Mandel, Kate Rogers, and Harper Anderson. This is also the last opportunity to write them a note or card and drop it in the gift bag near their project.  Let's make those bags overflow with our support and blessings!  

Cultivating a Harvest of Faith and Generosity

Last Sunday, as part of our Good Soil stewardship journey, we were invited to prayerfully consider how God is calling each of us to support the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s in 2027. During the temple talk, we celebrated the wonderful progress of the "Building for Our Future" Campaign, with approximately $110,000 already committed toward the campaign’s initial $160,000 goal. With just $50,000 remaining, we are drawing closer to the exciting milestone of becoming completely debt-free and retiring our church mortgage by January 2028.

Pledge Card & Campaign Invitation: Members were invited to spend time in prayer and reflection as they consider how God may be calling them to participate in St. Mark’s ministry. This year’s pledge card includes two opportunities for faithful giving:

1. a General Fund pledge that supports worship, faith formation, and care ministries, and
2. a commitment to the "Building for Our Future" Campaign. Every gift helps us move closer to our shared vision of a debt-free future and equips St. Mark’s to expand its ministry for generations to come.

Please return pledge cards by November 1st. Completed cards may be placed in the stewardship box in the Narthex, and additional cards are available if needed.

The message last Sunday also marked the harvest stage of our corn mural, a beautiful reminder that mature faith bears fruit through kindness, generosity, compassion, service, and love. Just as harvested corn provides seeds for a new season, we are called to share our faith with the next generation so that God’s love continues to grow. Congregation members were invited to reflect on how they are passing their faith on to others and to add their responses to the mural. Special thanks were extended to Jen Hunger for envisioning, creating, and faithfully tending this meaningful display throughout the season.

The temple talk concluded with gratitude for the generosity, commitment, and faithful partnership of the St. Mark’s family. Together, we continue to cultivate the good soil God has entrusted to us and share Christ’s abundant love with our community.

Adult Fellowship November Presentation

Thursday, October 29th at 10:00 am

Sanctuary

Halloween is just around the corner and we’re adding another activity to the week of Halloween!

Please join us on October 29th for a very interactive discussion on "DEALING WITH CONFLICT", presented by Sally Strosahl Johnson. Lunch will follow at Harner's in North Aurora. Please sign up at the Welcome Center to attend. Contact Karen Lorence with questions.

Adult Bible Study 

Wednesdays at 10:00 am 

and

Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6:30 pm

Adult Bible Study meets every Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room. We will continue to discuss the lectionary readings used in worship for the coming weekend.

Did you know you can also join us via zoom? If you cannot attend in person, you are welcome to join by using this link.  

Questions? Contact Dave Gibson. 

The next Wednesday Evening Bible Study will be November 4th.

All Saint's Day

Sunday, November 1st

during 10:00 am worship

On All Saint's Day we remember and celebrate those loved ones and members who have died in the last year. As part of worship we will read the names of those members who have died in the last year and have their photographs around the baptismal font. Also as part of worship, we will have tables available where you can place lighted candles and photographs of loved ones who have died in previous years (not just last year). You can also keep photographs with you in the pew. The photographs are meant to be a reminder that in God's love we are always connected to the one's we love and surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. 

You will also be able to enjoy a Dia De Los Muertos Ofrenda, put together by the Wednesday Night Faith Formation Students with Julie Joerger and Suzie Perry.  

A STEINWAY GRAND PIANO. 66 YEARS OF MUSIC. 
ONE GLORIOUS HALLELUJAH!

You’re Invited to a Steinway Dedication Concert & All Saints Day Celebration!

Sunday, November 1st, 3:00 pm

Sanctuary

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! Click here to download and share a flyer! Paper copies are also available on the Welcome Center. 

Get ready for an extraordinary afternoon of music, memories, and celebration!

Join us at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church as we dedicate our Steinway piano in a spectacular concert honoring the rich musical heritage of our congregation. For 66 years, music has been woven into the heart of St. Mark’s worship and community life. Now, in the spirit of All Saints Day, we gather to celebrate the musicians, choir members, directors, and musical saints whose gifts have inspired us, enriched our worship, and left a lasting legacy.

And what better way to celebrate than with an afternoon filled with magnificent music, outstanding musicians, and one unforgettable Hallelujah?

An Afternoon of Musical Splendor

Experience the beauty and brilliance of works by Gustav Holst, J. S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Sandra Eithun, and W. A. Mozart, featuring an exciting array of musical talent and ensembles.



Our featured musicians include:

• Clark Handell — Piano
• Kristin Young — Piano
• Darragh Creaney — Clarinet
• Emily Fagan — Oboe

Enjoy performances by the St. Mark’s Choirs, a chamber orchestra, a brass quintet, and our historic Martin Ott Tracker pipe organ—a distinctive instrument that adds its own magnificent voice to the musical life of our congregation.

And then comes the grand finale: a joyful, audience-wide sing-along of Handel’s magnificent Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah! Come ready to lift your voice and join in this glorious musical celebration!

Celebrating Our Musical Saints

All Saints Day invites us to remember with gratitude those who have gone before us and whose faith, dedication, and gifts continue to shape our lives.

For 66 years, generations of musicians at St. Mark’s have offered their talents in service, filling our sanctuary with song, praise, and inspiration. This concert honors their contributions, celebrates the musical life we share today, and looks forward to the music yet to come.

This is more than a piano dedication. It is a celebration of faith, community, musical heritage, and the enduring power of music to bring us together.

You won't want to miss this extraordinary afternoon of music, remembrance, and celebration. We look forward to welcoming you!

Join us afterward as we celebrate Kristin Young's 30th Anniversary of being St. Mark's Director of Worship and Arts! Cake, cookies and beverages will be served! 

• Reception hosted by the Worship and Arts Team 

Widow's Support Group

Tuesday, November 3rd

10 am to Noon

ESSE hallway classroom

The Widow's Support Group will hold its November meeting at St. Mark's on Tuesday, November 3rd. We will be meeting in a classroom in the ESSE hallway due to Election Day. 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 or Sandy Bauer with questions.

Playgroup! for 0-5 Year Olds

5:00 PM the first Wednesday of every month...

Caregivers and children ages 0-5 are invited to join us for stories, snacks, and playing! Next Playgroup is on Wednesday, November 4th.

We will meet just inside the main doors of the church at 4:55 pm and walk to our room together. All those interested can stay for Wednesday FDL Dinner. Parents are invited to stay the first night. Contact Deacon Dave for more info.

Dia De Los Muertos/All Saints Sanctuary Night

October 28th at 7:00 pm 
(after Wednesday Faith Formation)

We are going to have a wonderful evening of learning and celebration!

Students are invited to wear Halloween costumes, outfits, or Dia De Los Muertos themed outfits.

Students are invited to bring photos of loved ones who have died, pets who have passed away or favorite treats they love to place on the ofrenda. (they can leave them until the next week or take them home)

Everyone is invited to join us at 7 pm for singing, stories, crafts, and snacks! Julie Joerger and Suzie Perry will share stories, help us build the ofrenda, and share some activities with us.

High School Fall Retreat with Metro Chicago Synod Youth Team

Check out Deacon Dave's Faith Formation Newsletter for this month: Blessings! 

Learn about the practice of making prayer tables and prayer spaces at home. Click here for the link.

Council Happenings

October 2026

with September Financials

The council met on Sunday, October 18, 2026, for its monthly meeting. For the highlights of the meeting and to view the September financials, please follow this link.

St. Mark's Council: A Call to Faithful Leadership

As we look around St. Mark's, we have much to be grateful for. God has blessed this congregation with vibrant worship, caring relationships, dedicated volunteers, meaningful outreach, and a renewed sense of hope for the future. We believe God is doing wonderful things among us, and even greater opportunities lie ahead.

As several long-serving Council members and officers complete their terms of service, we anticipate four openings on the Church Council for 2027-2028. We give thanks for these faithful leaders whose dedication, wisdom, and love for St. Mark's have helped guide our congregation through many seasons of ministry. Their service has helped create the strong foundation on which we continue to build. READ MORE . . .

Our Peace Pole is Officially on the Map!  

Thanks to Kathy and Dave Bloom, our Peace Pole is officially registered with the Peace Pole Project! That means anyone can go here, scroll down and enter "Aurora, IL" and our peace pole will show up! You are invited to do that to read the whole story of our peace pole. We join our prayers for peace to the estimated 200,000+ Peace Poles in the world on every continent which have been planted over many decades! Thank you again to everyone who had a part in bringing this project to life. May Peace Prevail on Earth!

One Year Strong: Celebrating Our Ministry Partners

On October 18, 2026, St. Mark's marked the one-year anniversary of the installation of Pastor Krista Zimmerman and Deacon David Webb. The congregation gave thanks for a year filled with growth, new opportunities, and renewed energy for ministry. In the anniversary message, church leaders expressed appreciation for the dynamic duo’s faithful leadership, compassionate care, and commitment to helping St. Mark's grow in faith, fellowship, and service. The congregation was invited to join in celebrating this milestone with cake after worship, while the Council planned a lighthearted anniversary celebration of its own with a special St. Mark's version of the "Newlywed Game" featuring the ministry partners. St. Mark's looks forward with gratitude and anticipation to the years of ministry still to come.

We were so moved by the thoughtful celebration of the 1-year anniversary of our installation as the rostered leaders of St. Mark's! The words of affirmation and support from Randy on behalf of the congregation warmed our hearts. The cake was enjoyed by all! What a year it has been! We have so much to be thankful for! It's an honor to work with one another, the congregation, and the staff. You all have helped us feel like part of the St. Mark's team! The St. Mark's team is active, involved, and faithful. That makes this a really great congregation to be called to. Thank you for your trust. May God bless our joint ministry for years to come! 

Peace, Pastor Krista and Deacon David 

Thank you, George! Welcome, Mark!

For the past 18 years, George Huensch has been our volunteer IT/tech guru! George has upgraded our equipment and systems several times over the years. Most importantly, he's been just a phone call away if we're having a computer or internet problem. Thank you so much, George, for your years of service!  

Taking over for George is Mark Hipp! Mark works in cybersecurity and brings a wealth of expertise! George has trained Mark to take on the mantel of IT go to for the staff. Thank you so much Mark!  

In gratitude, The St. Mark's Staff 

Give Joni a Day Off!

Ever wish you could help out in a simple way and enjoy some quiet time, too? We’re looking for a few volunteers who can fill in at the office when Joni needs a day off or wants to take a vacation day.

It’s easy! You’ll learn how to answer the phone and let people in the office door. And the best part? During the quiet times, you can read a book, tackle a Sudoku puzzle, work on your laptop, or just enjoy a little peaceful downtime. Occasionally, there may be a simple project around the office you can help with too. 

It’s a pretty nice way to lend a hand while having some time to yourself!

Questions? Interested in helping out? Contact Joni.

We’d love to have you on the team!

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.

October 24- Worship (5:00 pm)

October 25- Worship with Confirmation (10:00 am)

October 28 - FDL, Confirmation and HS Youth Group (5:30 pm-7:30 pm)

October 29 - Aerobics with Vicki (10:00 am in Sanctuary Hall)

October 29 - Adult Fellowship Discussion (10:00 am in the Sanctuary)

October 31 - NO WORSHIP (5:00 pm on Saturday)

November 1- Worship (10:00 am) 

November 1- Piano Dedication and All Saints Concert with Kristin's Anniversary Reception to follow (3:00 pm) 

November 3 - Election Day (Voting in Sanctuary Hall)

November 3 - Widow's Support Group (10 am - Will meet in classroom in the ESSE hallway due to Election Day)

November 4 - FDL, Confirmation and HS Youth Group (5:30 pm-7:30 pm)

November 5 - Aerobics with Vicki (10:00 am in Sanctuary Hall) - CANCELLED

We remember in our prayers . . .

Jean Bauman, Richard Brackett, Lynnette Brent, Ed Bryant, Merry Carey, Kalynn Carlson, Annie Craig, Rose and Jerry Downing, Jim Frank, Denise Gill, Marge Gugerty, Roald Haase, Bert Jones, Michelle Leedham, Cora and Ralph Lienert, Priscilla Offhaus, Bob Pokorny, Wayne and Edie Standorf, Kevin Stockwell, Lois Swan, Pat Walters, Joe W.

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!

Testament to the Power of the Bears!  

Rachel is a nurse with ESSE at St. Mark's. A month ago, she asked Pr. Krista if she could take one of the bears for her mother who has Alzheimer's. Pastor Krista said- of course- that's what they are here for! Rachel knew her mother would love the bear and she does! See this sweet thank you note from Rachel's mom, Mona. Mona's is just one of the stories of how the Bear Ministry has spread joy, love and comfort to so many folks near and far.  

Teddy Bear Ministry

To find out more about our Teddy Bear Ministry click here. If you would like to gift a teddy bear to someone, you may donate online here.

Lydia’s Piecemakers Ministry: The Prayer Quilt

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