Worship Focus

Good Friday (Tenebrae)

We gather for a traditional "Tenebrae" or "Service of Shadows." 

During this candlelight service, we hear the Passion story in seven readings, interspersed with contemplative anthems from our vocal and handbell choirs. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

Maundy Thursday

The Maundy Thursday service is a solemn remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. 

Worship with Holy Communion, the end of Lent and the beginning of the Triduum, the Great Three Days. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday Worship) 

Worship Focus

"We won't be silenced"

As Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, Christians around the world enter Holy Week. 

This weekend, we will wave palm leaves and shout hosanna in praise of Jesus, the king of heaven and earth. The Pharisees tried to silence the crowd but there is no silencing what God is doing through Jesus.

We hope to see you this Sunday as we begin Holy Week. 

Then join us as the story continues through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

5th Weekend of Lent

Worship Focus

"Who I Am"

In life, there are descriptions, or "labels" that we would give ourselves, and there are the "labels" that others - family, friends, colleagues, strangers, enemies - would say about us. Some of these descriptors are words that bring us joy, while others cause us pain. 

Being "labeled" was a trait that Zaccheus knew well - as a tax collector, he was both envied and despised by his community. But to God, he was beloved, forgiven and cared for. 

What can WE learn from Zaccheus and God's great love for him? 

How can we let go of the "labels" that are placed on us and embrace being called to be loved children of God? 

This week we welcome Deacon Tracy Katschke-Goss

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

4th Weekend of Lent

WORSHIP FOCUS

"Closing the Chasm"

This weekend we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It's a poignant allegory which highlights the need for compassion. 

Jesus is always at work to close the chasms that separate us from each other; especially those who are struggling. 

How can we be part of Christ's important work? 

Hope to see you at worship this weekend as we share in Word and Meal. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

3rd Weekend of Lent

Worship Focus

 "Come! [Repent!] Eat!"

We are called to be God’s people—kind, loving, accepting and, above all, grateful. To answer that call requires us to turn away from the ways of the world where mean-spirited-ness, hate, distrust and thankless-ness reside. As God’s people, called out from the world, we are fed at the table of grace. 

This week we welcome back Pastor Linnea Wilson

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

2nd Weekend of Lent

Worship Focus

"Lament Over the City" 

This is a picture of the front of the altar in Sky Chapel at The Chicago Temple- a United Methodist Church in the Chicago Loop at the intersection of Washington and Clark across from The Daley Center. In this carving, Jesus is shown weeping over the city of Chicago because people still do not know the things that make for peace. 

Of course, this is not only true for the city of Chicago - but really anywhere.

This weekend, we will read Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 in which Jesus laments over the city of Jerusalem and desires to care for them as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. 

Come hear the good news of Christ's love for all which has the power to transform our lives and our cities. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

1st Weekend of Lent

Worship Focus

"Go and do likewise"

This weekend we hear the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan. We are reminded that the love we show to our neighbors is fueled by the love that Christ has first shown us. In the same way, God’s mercy enables us to go and do likewise. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Ash Wednesday" 

We welcome Pr. Krista Zimmerman.

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"A Ray of Hope" 

This weekend, we will hear the story of Jesus' Transfiguration - a moment when Jesus showed to Peter, James and John that He was both fully divine and fully human. During the Transfiguration, Jesus knew the fate that lay ahead of Him in Jerusalem, but still encouraged his disciples to keep on spreading a message of love, hope and kindness to the world. 

This message is still powerful today, as is the realization that being hopeful is HARD. In hard moments, how do we hold on to Jesus' ray of hope?  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Know Forgiveness, Know Love" 

 We are coming to the end of February, Valentine's month, the month of Love. 

Today we hear Jesus make a connection between how much one has been forgiven and how much one can show love. Do the two always work together? Or can they be mutually exclusive? We know there are different kinds of love—though Jesus is usually talking about one very specific kind of love. Are there differences in kinds of forgiveness? 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Blest to be a Blessing"

Pastor Linda Seyenkulo will be our guest pastor this Sunday.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Compassion" 

In this Epiphany season, we continue to hear of Jesus' compassion for all people. We are loved by God and we share God's love. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"They're Not Fair You See" 

How do you feel when you are treated unfairly? How about when you see someone else being treated unfairly? What if the person who is being unfair is actually someone you are meant to trust? What if they carry authority over you or others? 

Let's see what Jesus did and maybe a little of what Martin Luther had to say about it. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"The Disciples: Origins" 

This Sunday we hear how Jesus called the first four disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John. 

Today we might call it their origin story. Spider-Man, Batman, even Harry Potter has an origin story. Not unlike those of the disciples, each one’s story sets up the rest of their life in one fell blow. 

What about your origin story—your “call?” 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"For All People"

Jesus came to care for all people. That is our mission as well. God works through us and calls each of us to reach out to all people--today. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Reflect Your Faith" 

As the Epiphany season begins, we give thanks for the gift of baptism. God loves you, God chooses you, and God sends you out to shine God's light in the world. We seek to reflect our faith in all that we do. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

2nd Weekend of Christmas

You and I also look forward to God's activity among us.    All are welcome to attend! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

"Looking Forward"  This weekend we continue to celebrate Christmas! The gospel reading connects a first born child with the ancient Jewish ritual. Mary & Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple. They hear from Simeon and Anna, about who their son will be. They too, look forward to God's future with Jesus.

You and I also look forward to God's activity among us.    All are welcome to attend! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Christmas Eve

We are offering two beautiful Christmas Eve services, one at 4:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m. 

There will be Holy Communion & candle lighting at both services. 

All are welcome to attend! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Christmas Eve

We are offering two beautiful Christmas Eve services, one at 4:00 p.m. and one at 8:00 p.m. 

There will be Holy Communion & candle lighting at both services. 

Our 4 p.m. service is geared towards families. 

All are welcome to attend! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

We journey with Mary on the mystical happenings found in Luke’s story of the Birth of Christ. 

We will witness Mary from the first visit of the Angel Gabriel, to her visit to see her cousin Elizabeth, to her song of gratitude to God. 

We will hear her story from the pages of Luke and from the beautiful music of the choirs and instrumentalists in St. Mark’s Music Ministry. 

Sure to add Mystery, Beauty, and Joy to your final days of Advent. 

All are welcome to attend! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Mary's Mystical Journey"

We journey with Mary on the mystical happenings found in Luke’s story of the Birth of Christ. 

We will witness Mary from the first visit of the Angel Gabriel, to her visit to see her cousin Elizabeth, to her song of gratitude to God. 

We will hear her story from the pages of Luke and from the beautiful music of the choirs and instrumentalists in St. Mark’s Music Ministry. 

Sure to add Mystery, Beauty, and Joy to your final days of Advent. 

All are welcome to attend! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Hear Ye! Hear Ye!" 

No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Good Gifts"

This week we hear about God's spirit of giving. Perfect timing as we are in the midst of getting and giving the illusive perfect gift for loved ones.

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Children's Christmas Program & Worship" 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"How can we stand against the lions?" 

As Advent begins, life may move more rapidly. Endless parties, shopping, holiday specials, gatherings, school and work deadlines; these lions put pressure us. By God's love and grace we can remain faithful to the God of rescue. From Daniel there are strategies for times we feel trapped. Even in times like these, God is with you.

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Christ the King

"Crown Him with Many Crowns" 

Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne; 

hark, how the heav'nly anthem drowns all music but its own. 

Awake, my soul, and sing of him who died for thee, 

and hail him as thy matchless king through all eternity. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"I Don't Know About You, Dummies" 

We are told we are all called by God. The question is, what are we called to do? We're also told to follow in the example of those who went before us. Is that enough? What happens when God wants something new, something different? This weekend we will look at God's call to do action and how God changes us through the call and the action. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Jonah - Our merciful God of outrageous grace" 

What happens when we are asked to do something we really would rather not do? This weekend we hear about the prophet Jonah. Most remember the tale of the whale. That wasn't the only time he tried to avoid what God asked him to do.  

How can we react to God's love? 

This weekend is the start of our response to God's light we've seen in the stewardship project. Also, Jacob Everly is being brought on Sunday for baptism. And there are many who will be reacting from elections. May we respond to each other with the love of God in Christ. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"God Cares for the Widow" 

Today God sends Elijah to help a poor widow. Elijah asked her for some food. She had nothing. And by a miracle her jar of flour was not empty. She gave Elijah some food. God provided for her. 

When we have nothing left, how is it that we are able to go on? 

When tragedy strikes, how can you go on? 

When the unexpected happens, how can God's providing yet be seen? 

This weekend we remember those who have died in the past year. For each person, a bell will toll and a candle will be lit. In the narthex there will be a table of votive candles that anyone can light in remembrance of a loved one.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"That's Not How Any of This Works!"

Those times when you are listening to someone explain a thing or watching people do something and you just have to scratch your head and wonder whether he or she or they actually know that the boat has been missed? 

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Reformation and as eight young people Affirm their baptism, we are going to see how Solomon, Jesus, and Martin Luther responded to such situations with people of God. Then we will see how we can follow any or all three of their examples when we see it today.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Unconditional Love" 

No strings attached. Ever? Is that really possible? How can we ever love unconditionally?  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

St. Mark’s welcomes all to the table!  We hope that you will join us.

Worship Focus

"Is it a Boon or a Boom?"

This week we hear Hannah's plea to be a mother and her response when her request is granted. Her prayer is full of gratitude and promise. Not unlike that of the yet to come Magnificat of Mary, it speaks of God empowering the faithful from their place of social inferiority while pulling down those whose own power and authority has replaced their faith, respect, and sometimes common sense.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Golden Calf" 

Moses is away for more than a month. He’s up there on retreat with God. People put pressure on Aaron, urging him to do something, anything. They want a god they can see, and they want it now! Caving in, Aaron collects gold jewelry from the people, melts it down, and crafts a golden calf. Then he puts it on an altar and announces a festival. 

How do you think Moses, and of course God, reacts? 

What do we do when we cannot see God acting fast enough for us? This is the story and song of humans.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Family Hold Back"

What traditions does your family have for meals? 

Were they different at special events or holidays? 

Jesus ate with his disciples all the time. We don't hear a lot of stories about the everyday meals. However, Passover, specifically the one he knew would be his last, gave us tradition born of older tradition. This weekend we look at that tradition and how it fits both special events and everyday meals.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"No one likes a know it all dreamer" 

When one acts against another, it can start a cycle of violence. That's how wars start. One group invades another's turf. Frequently, the other then responds. Before long those two sides are at war. Our personal lives are like that too. People say, don't get mad, get even. God's people too can be caught up in that same back and forth cycle. Joseph's story is about acting in a different way.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Like the Stars in the Sky" 

God makes big promises. The one God made with Abram seemed impossibly big. Abram believed God's promise instantly. In fact, Abram is known for his belief and trust in God. Do we follow Abram's lead? Can we? How and where does it lead for us?  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"In the Beginning" 

The summer sermon series on worship had come to an end. Now that we are moving into Fall, we return to the Narrative Lectionary for the final year of the four-year cycle. Remember the Narrative Lectionary was created to provide a way to tell more of the Biblical story than does the traditional Revised Common Lectionary. Focused on "story," this week we begin with Creation, specifically one of the two biblical versions of the creation of humanity.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Worship Through the Moments of Life" 

We've talked about how our weekly worship works throughout the summer. 

Is once a week enough to be gathered as the family of God, hear the Story of God's work in Jesus Christ, be strengthened through God's grace, and respond to God's gifts with celebration and Spirit-guided service? The early followers of Christ did not think it was enough. For the first century church worship was incorporated as part of a regular meal, often daily. For centuries, the most devoted worshiped 3-7 times each day, following a schedule called the Divine Office. It would be difficult in our modern world to be so devoted to worship. 

This weekend we will look at some of the ways we meet God in formal worship other than our weekly corporate worship.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Worship, Serve, Repeat" 

The Infinity Sign can represent coming into worship, then going out to serve the world in Christ's name.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Bloodiest Wedding Ever"

- What's the appropriate mood for Communion? 

 - Do I cup my hands or reach for the bread with my fingers? 

 - What's going on at the Altar before Communion? 

 - What happens to the left-over bread and wine? 

 - Where is God in all of this? 

These questions and more will be addressed in part through the funny story of the bloodiest wedding ever. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Preparation for Prom" 

What do you have to do for a big event, like prom? 

What preparation needs to be done? 

How do you know if you've prepared enough? 

Does that kind of getting ready make you more worthy than others at the prom? 

And what does that have to do with being ready for Communion?  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Stop! Peace! Thanks!" 

In our series on the parts of worship, we've made it to half way point in the general order of worship, the Formula of the Mass. We are moving into the 3rd section: the Meal.  Here in worship, there is space for a complete stop, an internal inventory, and a response to what we have heard in the Word. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"CREATED TO BE" 

St. Mark's high school youth will be sharing their experiences from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans.  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Prayer in Worship" 

When did you start becoming who you are? For many in Aurora, the old YMCA help shape who you have become. That old building has been demolished, but the memories, patterns of exercise and friendships have remained. The Y shaped who you are. 

From the days of the earliest church, Christians have been a praying people in worship. In prayer together we experience the great love God has for us in Jesus Christ. 

Prayer has always been a part of worship, molding us and shaping us. With the opening prayer of the day, intercessory prayer, the Lord's Prayer, and many other communal prayers, prayers teach and shape us in worship into who we are, and who we are becoming in Christ. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Marks of a good sermon" 

How do you know what a good sermon is? 

How can you tell? 

If it makes you ponder, laugh, cry, or puts you to sleep, does that make it good? 

And why are there sermons anyway? 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Word Alive"

 "The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me… A simple layman armed with Scripture is to be believed above a pope or a cardinal without it." 

-Martin Luther

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Baptism" 

It starts with water . . .  

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Born to Lead" 

When we think of who leads worship we usually think of a pastor. Some may think of the person who reads the scripture and prayers. Some may also think of the professional musician that accompanies all the singing. All of those are certainly Worship Leaders. However, the list is much longer than that. This weekend we look at what it means to lead worship, who is qualified, and how God calls them. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"What the heck is Liturgy?" 

The summer preaching series on worship continues. 

Every Sunday we Lutherans join with other Christians around the world and through the centuries to do the "worship of the people," the liturgy. Following a Prelude, the liturgy has four parts: 

• Gathering, 
• Word, 
• Meal, and
• Sending

Lutheran liturgy is both historic and Biblical. 

ELCA liturgical worship is historic and Biblical. 

Liturgy is both what the pastor(s) lead and what the congregation participates in. More than just the regular worship service, liturgy includes rites like baptisms, affirmation of baptism, weddings, and funerals. The roots of today's liturgy goes back to the infant church, and even to Jewish patterns. Who would have ever thought so much rich history, vibrant tradition, and deep thoughtfulness goes into it? 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Music in Worship" 

This week we look at how music fits into worship. We will look at some of the history of worship music specifically for Lutherans. We'll also look at where traditional and contemporary worship music are alike and where they may differ. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Worship" 

This weekend, we start the Summer Sermon Series by taking a closer look at our Summer themed worship.

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"It Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means"

Do you ever hear somebody using a word or phrase and think, "I don't think that's what that means?" Or maybe you've been corrected by others at the use of words. This weekend, we meet Nicodemus who asks Jesus a question. He is confused by the answer that Jesus gives. So Jesus explains he is not thinking about the wording correctly. Then Jesus gives one of the most often quoted verses from the gospels, which is almost as often misused or misunderstood. Join us as we shuffle through the confusion. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Pentecost"

This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost and the many gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Death into Life" 

God has given so much good news. There are many times we do not believe that good news. Yet God in Christ keeps on keeping on with the good news of resurrection! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Love is . . ."

This weekend, we hear a fairly familiar description of what love is and is not; of what love does and does not do. Most often, it is used to describe love at a wedding. Yet, it was not written for that purpose. We also have a reminder of Jesus' command to love. We will look at how the two intertwine and what that means for us and love today. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Installation for Pastor Paul Kopka"

Pastor Sunitha Mortha, Associate to the Bishop, from the Metro Chicago Synod ELCA, will preside over the installation rite for Pastor Paul Kopka, and will also be preaching. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Change is hard . . . yet God's mission remains."

This weekend's message shares how God's church has change, Even with change, God continues to work! 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

"Tots and Pears"

We live in a culture with a bunch of cynics. Have you seen people complain about and mock others who offer thoughts and prayers to those in need? So how ARE we expected to respond? This weekend we see Jesus and the disciples helping people in need, mostly through healing. We'll look at their example and how that translates to us today. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

 "Can I get a witness?"

In the old favorite hymn we sing, I love to tell the story, telling the story is fun and sometimes is really easy. We're all storytellers in some way. Jesus wants us to be witnesses. Is there a difference? This weekend we'll look at that.

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.

Worship Focus

Easter Sunday

Come, experience the joy of the story that changed everything. Celebration of the Risen Christ through Proclamation, Holy Communion and Special Music. 

Download the Order of Worship here to join in the singing, readings, and prayers.