Children's Ministries
Sunday School Fall - Spring
Sunday School begins on September 18 and kids ages 3 through 6th grade are invited! We meet from 10:05 - 10:55 a.m. in the lower level. Each Sunday the whole group gathers for a welcome and brief introduction to the week’s Bible story. Then all students go to their classrooms for age-level activities.
To register your student for Sunday School, please follow this link. Guests are always welcome. Contact julie@stmarklc.com for more details.
First Communion
Children have the opportunity once per year to take this brief course of classes prior to receiving their first communion. First communion is offered to students who are first graders, but includes any students who have not yet received their first communion. For more information, contact Pastor Chad McKenna at 815-398-3557 or prmckenna@stmarklc.com.
Nursery
Our nursery is available for children ages 6 months through 3 years old during the 9:00 service during the summer, but starting September 18 the nursery will be available for the 11:00 service also. The nursery is staffed by volunteers. Nursery services are free of charge.
You can sign up here: Nursery Volunteer Sign-Up. Adults and youth are welcome to volunteer, but youth under 16 need to serve in pairs. There may be times when the nursery is open but no volunteer is available. In this case, you are still welcome to use the space to play or relax with your child. We hope you find these options helpful! We are always looking for ways to better support our members and visitors. If you have questions or want more information, please email julie@stmarklc.com.
Cradle Roll
Children birth to 3 years old are a part of our Cradle Roll. Their parents receive Splash, a monthly, Christ-centered, developmental newsletter.
Good News Bearers Fall - Spring
Good News Bearers is our Bible drama group for 2nd-6th graders.
This group meets every Wednesday evening from 5:30-6:15 pm in the Sanctuary.
Contact Pastor Chad McKenna at 815-398-3557 or prmckenna@stmarklc.com
for further information.
Vacation Bible School
2022 VBS was a huge success! Thank you to all that volunteered and participated in our Food Truck Party! Our food collection was hugely successful! We packed over 50 lunches for our local pantry and had 'Noisy Collection' on Sunday mornings. All monies raised went to ELCA World Hunger and local food pantries.
We look forward to 2023 VBS!
Youth Ministries
Confirmation
Confirmation at St. Mark is a two-year program for seventh and eighth-grade students. This fall, we will meet every Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Check back for 2022-23 registration.
For more information about Confirmation at St. Mark, please contact Pastor Katrina Steingraeber.
Middle and High School
Youth in 6th through 12th grade are invited to special events during the school year.
Summer fun events are scheduled Wednesday nights from the beginning of June to the beginning of August. We meet weekly at St. Mark from 6:30-8:00 P.M. There will be fun, games, faith and usually ice cream! There will be some service projects in the summer as well. Come meet the intern each summer at St. Mark!
High School
High School Ministry for youth meets Sundays from 6:30-8:00 P.M. at St. Mark.
There is time for caring conversations, that relate to life, faith, and our relationship with God. We do a rotation of summer trips (one each summer) the ELCA Gathering, a mission/service experience, and a high adventure trip.
Watch for special events when we meet with youth from around Rockford once a month.
Friends are welcome!
If you would like more information on upcoming youth events follow us on instagram, or e-mail melinda@stmarklc.com. You may also call or text Melinda Alekna 815-871-0390.
Summer Intern Program
Every summer, we have the unique opportunity to hire a college-age student from St. Mark to work our youth ministries and learn about leadership in the church. For more information about this program, contact Pastor Katrina Steingraeber (prkatrina@stmarklc.com).
Adult education
Learning Hour on Sunday Mornings Fall - Spring
We will begin our Learning Hour again in the fall. Look back for a start date.
During the learning hour, we will have Sunday School downstairs, Fellowship over coffee and donuts in both the café and Fellowship Hall and Adult Forum in the Adult Ministry Room. The content of the Adult Forum will change from week to week, and you can expect to see opportunities for Bible studies, book studies, presentations from local agencies, and group discussions.
Men's Bible Study Fall - Spring
Meets Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Common Grounds Cafe at St. Mark. All men are welcome!
Women's Bible Study Fall - Spring
We will meet on September 7 at Stockholm Inn for breakfast and fellowship at 9:00 . The scheduled Bible study will begin on September 28 at 9:00 a.m. in the conference room. All women at St. Mark and their friends are welcome. The Bible Study is based on Scripture, discussion, and life experiences from the participants.
Theology Pub
Currently postponed until further notice.
New Members
St. Mark welcomes new members in the spring and fall after a brief 4-week class. If you are interested in becoming a new member of St. Mark, please contact the church office at 815-398-3557.
Small Groups
St. Mark offers small group ministries to encourage spiritual growth. The topics are constantly changing and new groups are beginning on a continual basis. Various small groups meet at varying times and days during the week at St. Mark or at members' homes. Please call the church office at 815-398-3557 if you are interested in becoming a part of a Bible/book study.
Music Ministries
Voices of St. Mark
This choir for adults and interested high school youth leads worship at 9:00 throughout the school year and rehearses Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in the choir room.
For more information, contact Robert Rub at bob@stmarklc.com
Marksmen
This pick-up choir for men sings occasionally at 9:00 and 11:00 and rehearses on Sunday mornings before scheduled performances.
For more information, contact Robert Rub at bob@stmarklc.com
St. Mark Ringers
Our bell choir leads worship about once a month throughout the year.
Rehearses Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 in the Bell Room.
For more information, contact Robert Rub at bob@stmarklc.com
Praise Ensemble
"Here and Now” is the Praise Band for St. Mark Lutheran Church. Formed in 2006, the band leads worship at the 11:00 A.M. contemporary service, as well as other festival services throughout the year. They even grace the 9:00 services with their presence every now and then.
The band also regularly performs concerts and at events around the Rockford area,
such as Kiwanis Brat Days.
Other Music Opportunities
If you sing or play an instrument, please contact Robert Rub at bob@stmarklc.com.
We would love to utilize your musical talents in worship.
St. Mark Concert Series
Sunday, Sept. 11 at 7:00 p.m. - Keyboard Magic - " A celebration for piano and organ concert"
2021 Sounds of the Season: Christmas Favorites Concert
St. Mark's annual Christmas concert is available on our YouTube channel.
Outreach
The Outreach Committee strives to create opportunities for St. Mark members to reach out to those in need in our community. We have longstanding commitments, from our School Uniform Co-op at two public elementary schools to regular meals provided for local agencies. Our sewing group makes handmade blankets for local people in transition, including new Habitat for Humanity homeowners. We collaborate in the work done by Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries. And, we have regular in-gatherings and other opportunities for members of all ages to serve the city and our world in the name of Jesus Christ.
Barnabas Ministry
The Barnabas program teaches simple, effective ways to care for people. It offers a deep understanding of the issues people face at each stage of their life, and explains how to handle those issues through the best possible conversations in every situation. For more information regarding this ministry, please contact Pastor Chuck Olson, drchuckolson@hotmail.com.