Children's Ministries
Sunday School
Sunday School meets remotely on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
Following guidance from the State of Illinois and the Northern Illinois Synod, Sunday school will be held remotely for some or all of the 2020-2021 program year. Ms. Julie and volunteer co-leaders will host and record live lessons via a private Zoom, the recording will be available for viewing at any time during the following week.
Registration is required for each student, so that materials and links to class meetings and recordings can be provided.
Sunday School classes are offered to children ages 3 years old (by September 1) through 6th grade.
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. our nursery attendant. Parents with children 6 months through 3 years old are invited to take advantage of the welcoming, loving environment that Libby 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.
This group will not be meeting until further notice.
Contact Pastor Chad McKenna at 815-398-3557 or prmckenna@stmarklc.com
for further information.
Vacation Bible School
We are excited to announce that VBS will be held in person this summer! Mark your calendars for July 26-30, 2021, when we will explore the ways God shines light in the world at Discovery on Adventure Island. VBS will be open to students ages 4 through 6th grade, and volunteers can be ages 13 and up. Watch for more details and registration info in May!
Youth Ministries
Confirmation
We will have weekly gatherings every Wednesday evening. This fall we will meet for only an hour, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. I’d like to propose that our gatherings be in person, but if any of you have any hesitations about that, please let us know. We can be flexible and meet your needs so that your child gets the most out of this meaningful program.
For more information about Confirmation at St. Mark, please contact Pastor Chad McKenna or Pastor Robert Franek.
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)
Adult education
Men's Bible Study
Meets Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. All are welcome!
Women's Bible Study
Meets on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Common Grounds Cafe. All are welcome!
Theology Pub
Currently postponed until further notice.
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 will not be meeting at St. Mark for the 2020-21 school year.
Diakonia is a two-year process of spiritual formation and theological education for baptized members of the Lutheran church. For the 2020-21 year Diakonia is meeting virtually.
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 6:45 - 7:45 Sopranos & Altos, 7:45 - 8:45 pm Basses & Tenors in the Sanctuary. When we are able to all rehearse together again, we meet 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 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
Christmas at St. Mark Concert - With God, All Things Are Possible
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.