Children's Ministries
Sunday School
Sunday School meets every week at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School classes are offered to children ages 3 years old (by September 1) through 6th grade. Classes are held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Students meet downstairs in the lower level for a brief worship experience and then gather in their classrooms. Throughout the year, students participate in several outreach events, an annual Christmas program in December, a Lenten experience, and they sing during worship several times a year.
Our Sunday school program runs from September 15, 2019, and continues through May 3, 2020. Registration is required, though guests are always welcome. Register here.
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
Nursery care is available on Sunday mornings from 7:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and for special events. Our nursery is available for children ages 6 months through 3 years old and is staffed by adults.
Nursery services are free of charge.
The nursery is staffed each Sunday morning from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. by Libby Malenchik and Anya Hanson, our nursery attendants. Parents with children 6 months through 3 years old are invited to take advantage of the welcoming, loving environment that Libby and Anya and our volunteers provide.
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
Good News Bearers is our Bible drama group for 2nd-6th graders. Students meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. beginning September 18. GNB performs monthly during the 9:30 a.m. service. GNB celebrates their year with an annual Bible Trivia contest.
Contact Pastor Chad McKenna at 815-398-3557 or prmckenna@stmarklc.com
for further information.
Vacation Bible School
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and in anticipation of extended restrictions on large gatherings to help control the spread of the illness, VBS will not be held the week of June 15. Instead, it will be postponed until late summer. Planning and preparation will continue in hope of a joyful return to each other’s company in the coming months!
Youth Ministries
Confirmation
Confirmation classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and is open to everyone in 7th and 8th grade.
Click here to download the Worship Reflection Sheet.
Click here to register for Confirmation for the 2019-20 year.
For more information about Confirmation at St. Mark, please contact Pastor Chad McKenna.
Middle School
Youth in sixth through eighth grade enjoy monthly events at St. Mark and with area churches.
These include laser tag, lock-ins, ski trips, ice skating, scavenger hunts, service events, and movie and ice cream nights.
Summers are also full of fun!
More information can be found in the calendar and church announcements.
High School
High School Ministry High School Youth meet the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. “Second Sunday” meets 7:00 pm the second Sunday of each month at Katie’s Cup. Second Sunday is a collaborative effort with other area churches.
There is a time for fellowship, games youth-led worship and music.
The 4th Sunday of the month high school youth group meets at St. Mark from 7-8:30 pm. Friends are always welcome! We’ll have time for caring conversations that relate to life, faith and our relationship with God.
Our high school youth are encouraged to attend Leadership Lab, ELCA Youth Gathering, mission trips, and high adventure trips. You can learn about upcoming events in our church Weekly Memos.
Would you like information on upcoming youth events?
e-mail Melinda@stmarklc.com or check out our youth bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.
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 Chad McKenna (prmckenna@stmarklc.com)
Apply Now. The application deadline is February 15, 2020.
Adult education
Men's Bible Study
Meets Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Common Grounds Cafe. All are welcome!
Women's Bible Study
Meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. All are welcome!
Gospel of John Bible Study
This study is led by Denise Cooper, M. Div., and meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. in the Adult Ministry oom. Everyone is welcome!
Panera Book Study
The Panera studies are led by Pastor Mark Hagen. Participants meet from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Thursday mornings at Panera Bread on Perryville Road in Rockford. Discussion questions are available at our Panera Book Study blog.
Interested persons may contact the church office at 815-398-3557 to sign up for the study.
Theology Pub
What pairs well with a red ale? How about an engaging discussion about life, faith, and the world? Every month, we gather at Carlyle Brewing on State Street in downtown Rockford to enjoy a brew as we discuss various topics about faith and current events.
We meet on the third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
New Members
St. Mark welcomes new members in the spring and fall after a brief 4-week class. Classes meet from 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. in the Adult Ministry Room. 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.
Diakonia
Diakonia is a two-year process of spiritual formation and theological education for baptized members of the Lutheran church.
Please visit www.nisynod.org/diakonia for more information.
Music Ministries
Voices of St. Mark
This choir for adults and interested high school youth leads worship at 8:00 and 9:30 throughout the school year. Rehearses Wednesdays 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 8:00 and 9:30 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 8:00 and 9:30 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
The upcoming 2019-20 St. Mark Concert Series will feature four diverse concerts, offering a wide spectrum of music styles. All concerts are in the Sanctuary and have a free-will offering.
The 2019-20 Concert Series Schedule!
- Sunday, November 10- 3:00 P.M. - The Kishwaukee Valley Concert Band
A Patriotic Veterans Day Tribute
- Sunday, December 8 - 3:00 P.M. - Christmas at St. Mark
"Do you believe in Christmas?" - featuring the Voices of St. Mark Choir and St. Mark Ringers
- Sunday, February 9 - 3:00 P.M. - The Honey Pies
Madison area supergroup of talented country-bluegrass musicians
- Sunday, March 29 - 3:00 P.M. - CANCELLED - Northern Illinois University Steelband
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.