Currently, there are five active women’s circles at St. Mark’s, and a sixth circle in the process of being formed. The circles gather monthly for Bible study, discussion, ministry projects, and support. Several circles have developed a specific ministry focus, such as the Naomi Circle, which coordinates our annual Angel Tree donations and makes “pillowcase dresses” for little girls in need.  

MONTHLY OUTINGS

USUALLY THE FOURTH THURSDAY

This lively group of adults (mostly retired) gather once a month to enjoy educational and entertainment trips and programs—always including food! The group also volunteers with an Aurora social service agency, promotes volunteer efforts, and educates people on senior citizens’ concerns. All are welcome to sign up for any event of interest.

TUESDAYS, 10:00 A.M.

Faith Formation is essential at St. Mark’s, and our Adult Study is one of the ways we help people discover, explore, and grow in their faith. Adult Study meets for discussion every Tuesday morning, and topics vary from Bible studies to social issues to theological dilemmas facing the Church today. We don’t shy away from the difficult conversations. We look to be a Church who is relevant and focused on discerning God’s activity in the world. The study sessions are usually independent of each other, so all are welcome as they have the opportunity to join in.

MONDAY MORNINGS, TWICE A MONTH

Lydia’s Piecemakers create quilts and donates them to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), who delivers them to people around the world in need of a tangible sign of God’s love. St. Mark’s has a “Blessing of the Quilts” Sunday each Fall where all the quilts are displayed and blessed before being sent to join other church’s quilts that are distributed by LWR. In addition, Lydia’s makes quilts for local groups that address elder and baby needs. To help raise funds for materials and this important ministry, Lydia’s hosts an annual Fall luncheon. All people who enjoy quilting and fabrics are welcome to join in the fun.

MONDAY MORNINGS, TWICE A MONTH

The KnitPickers is an extension of Lydia’s Piecemakers that focuses on gathering hats, mittens, and scarves. Once these items are collected, we deliver them to local organizations such as Hesed House and Communities in Schools of Aurora. This is a service project that anyone can participate in—no sewing or quilting skills needed! Everyone deserves to be warm in the winter. This team works hard to ensure this happens in our local community.

MONDAY MORNINGS, TWICE A MONTH

The Baby Care Team, which is another extension of Lydia’s, collects baby items, such as cloth diapers, receiving blankets, soaps, and towels. These items are packed in special kits that are distributed by Lutheran World Relief (LWR) as part of emergency relief efforts, but they are also given to encourage expectant women to seek prenatal care. All are welcome to join in the collecting and packing of the baby kits.

Our Care Team reaches out to people who are homebound or in the hospital. One group of the Care Team sends encouragement cards, baskets of treats, and small gifts. Another arm of St. Mark’s Care Team is the Deacons, who serve as ambassadors of the church, making hospital and home visits. They bring friendship, conversation, prayer support, and communion. Finally, we have a very active Prayer Team. Specific prayer requests are turned in each week, and our Prayer Team upholds those people in ongoing prayer.

At times, everyone experiences difficult and transitional situations. St. Mark’s BeFriender Ministry offers a caring companion to listen, empathize, and walk with people who are struggling. A BeFriender is someone who listens with compassion, accepts people as they are, respects another’s spiritual journey, and embodies the caring presence of God. BeFriender Ministry is part of a national, ecumenical organization that helps churches train lay leaders to multiply the care people receive in congregations.

All of our BeFrienders are interviewed and trained. We hold BeFriender Trainings once a year.

If you are interested in having a loved one receive a BeFriender, contact Pr. Pat or Pr. Patrick.

WEDNESDAYS, 9:00 A.M.

Men and women from St. Mark’s pick up unsold products from Panera and Jake’s Bagels after their closings each Tuesday. On Wednesday mornings, The Bread Wrappers bag the donated bakery items in portions suitable for one person and deliver them to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) Senior Housing and Constitution House income-eligible residences in Aurora.

This creative team decorates the sanctuary and narthex for the various seasons of the year (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc.) to help people experience the season’s themes visually. Throughout the church calendar year, the team coordinates the banners and flowers for worship, artwork on the walls, and unique interactive displays in the narthex. For more information, contact Sue Hilderbrand.