OUR STAFF

Rev. Jeffrey E. Koth

Pastor

Rev. Dr. Willard Blomquist

Visitation

Laura Swanson

Youth & Family Ministry

Anne Illi

Choir Director

Victoriya Berezhna

Organist

Jill Shepherd

Stephen Ministry

847-989-1919

Kathy Anderson

Office Manager

Ken Swanson

Facebook Page

Rebecca Falkinham

Web site master

CONTACTS

Phone: 847-623-5135

Fax: 847-623-4016

E-mail:

stmarkslutheran@gmail.com

Website: stmarkslutheran.us

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Come celebrate the gift

of Jesus Christ.

Grow together in faith

and love.

Share the Good

News with all.

The Messenger Come, Grow, Share

January 2013 Vol. 16 No 1

3350 North Delany Rd

Waukegan, II. 60087

“Outstretched Arms Waiting for You” In your times of deep despair, Do you feel there is no hope?

As the darkness closes in on you,

Do you feel you cannot cope ?

As you struggle on through every trial, Do you say "When will it end"?

As you cry yourself to sleep at night,

Do you wish you had a friend?

When your body's racked with aches and pains, Do you feel you are alone?

When you think about the future, Do you fear the great unknown?

There is someone who really cares, And He hears your every cry.

His arms are reaching out to you, And on Him you can rely.

When things close in around you, He sees your fear and doubt -

He wants to hold you in His arms, And He will never cast you out.

As you stumble through the darkness,

He will be your guiding light.

He wants to wipe away your tears, For you are precious in His sight.

Reach out right now to Jesus,

And let Him take complete control -

He'll take that heavy burden, And He'll touch and make you whole.

He's reaching out His arms to you,

And He wants to be your friend. Let Him take you in His loving arms,

For His love will never end.

During this most Holy Lenten Season, let the out-stretched arms of Jesus embrace you!

W e b t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

the messenger 2

February Birthdays 02/01 Carol Bonnes

02/01 Thomas Nicklas

02/05 James Tentes

02/07 Linnea Anderson

02/07 Johanne Ahonen

02/09 Julie Harmon

02/10 Helen Binning

02/11 Linda Timonen

02/11 Ida Dudleston

02/12 John Poole

02/13 Richard Haapanen

02/15 Kurt Winch

02/17 Genie Durand

02/17 Davis Chand

02/18 Aira Puistolahti

02/19 Jonathan Oye

02/19 Peter Tentes

02/20 Elizabeth Spengler

02/20 Kurt Schild, IV

02/21 Helen Collins

02/22 Thomas Plinke

02/22 Kristine Koth

02/22 Richard Yocius

02/23 Helen Fawcett

02/23 Carol Suomu

02/23 Carolyn Poole

02/23 Jennifer Voss

02/24Steven Vance

02/24Chantal Brikha

02/27 Pellervo Puro

02/28 Keith Huebner

02/28 Kurt Collins

02/28 Samantha Kottka

02/29 Alexander Redding

Memorial Gifts

We thank the people who have memorialized these friends and

loved ones for their generosity.

The following gift was given in Loving Memory of: Irene Haapanen from Dave & Joyce Wonderland, James & Betty

Tentes, Nancy Van Treeck

Virginia Blomquist from Alice Harju, Jill Shepherd, Helen Hart,

James & Kathryn Macneil, Dr. Roger & Patricia Blomquist, Ken &

Sandy Falkinham, Sylvia Kangas, Earleen & Dom Constantino,

Ginny Kukla, James & Sharon Dean, Carol Suomu, Jane Asperheim,

Nancy Inskeep, Ruth & Bill Hervoy, Bridgette Otterbacher, Dick &

Jean Bogdala, Maria Axotis, Eleanor Senteney, Nancy & Jay Owens,

Ruth Wuorenma, Tuula Tamsi, Bill & Marty Gregory, Judith

Mickelson,

Audrey Herberger from Cindy & Jim Keister, Bill & Marty Gregory,

Bob & Helen Ostman, Jay & Nancy Owen, Walter Maki, Lucille

Tolonen, Al & Ida Dudleston, Martha DeTogne, Helen Binning, Dave

& Joyce Wonderland, Douglas & Diane Cankar, Carol Suomu,

Jerome Gibbs, Lynn & Sally Naden, Sara Griffin, Mr. & Mrs. Nate

Naden, Douglas Cankar, Jerome Gibbs, Wurth Baer Supply

Company, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kangas, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Larson,

Her parents, John & Mamie Anderson, and Uncle Leonard Anderson

from Nancy Van Treeck

RJ Sanchez from Ruben, Linda, Jake & Rachel Sanchez

Adrienne Seyring Kilbane from Robbyn Kilbane-McFadden

Walter & Bertha Hillson from Arthur Hillson

Bob & Ferne Gambony from Beth Hillson

Anja Elina Ylitalo from Matt & Sanna Luhtala, Paavo & Helena

Pelknonen, Patricia Burdick, Bill & Norma Maki, Dr. & Mrs. Gary

Oosta, Aulikki Clark & Family, Sanna Luhtala, Mr. & Mrs. Jussi

Rautiokoski, Tuula Tamsi, Lise Myllymaki, Helen & Bob Ostman,

Martha DeTogne, Bill & Marty Gregory, James & Betty Tentes

Parents, Sam & Lillian Harju from Helen Harju Clark

Sister, Sheila Stuart from Carol Suomu

Sheila Stuart from Lucille Tolonen, Walter Maki, Al & Ida

Dudleston, Bob & Helen Ostman, Nancy Inskeep, Bill & Marty

Gregory,

Kurt Schild Jr., from his wife, Delores Schild

February Anniversaries 02/20 Brett & Jamie Stacey

02/26 Ina & Joseph Rider

If your name/s have not appeared in recognition of your birthday, wedding anniversary or a memorial gift, please contact the church office. We want to include all celebrations and memorials. 847-623-5135

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

Mission of the Month

- Testify! (St. Mark’s

Youth Group) Souper

Bowl of Caring

More than 20 years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group. “Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.”

Since that day, more than $60 million has been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It has become a powerful movement that is transforming Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving.

Through this mission, young people learn what it’s like to make a positive difference in the world—as they collect food, raise money, and volunteer to work in charities that provide shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, and compassion to those in need.

Please give generously on Souper Bowl Sunday, February 3rd. Every dollar donated will go to COOL.

3 “Come, Grow, Share.”

COOL FOOD PANTRY—

FOOD OF THE MONTH:

Breakfast Items:

Cereal—Hot & Cold, Muffin Mix & Pancake Mix

Thank You To All of St. Mark’s -

It was a beautiful service for Audrey. Thank you all.

The luncheon you ladies put on was fantastic. My

family was very impressed. Fond memories of

Audrey & me at St. Mark’s will always be with us.

Thank you again and God Bless everyone of you.

Thanks,

Jack Herberger, Steve Herberger

Jodi Reese, Terrance Herberger

Thank You “A grateful heart knows many joys.”

St. Mark’s. Thank you so much for the use of your

fellowship hall for the COOL Christmas Party.

In Peace,

Shari

Thank you so much!!! - Ashley & Kayla

Thank you—Jasmine Croft & Family

From the bottom of our hearts, Thanks & God Bless—

The Hudson Family

Thank you for everything love the Cunningham

Family

Thank you —Candee and family

Thank You—LSSI Dear Friends,

Thank you for the generous gifts given to Lutheran

Social Services of Illinois Foster Care Programs.

Thanks to your contributions and commitment to our

children in foster care, we were able to provide each

child with an expression of love and support on be-

half of your church. We appreciate all of your beauti-

ful gifts and kind words which I am sure go a long

way into the hearts of our children.

Therefore, on behalf of LSSI and the families that we

serve, WE THANK YOU!!!!! Please share this with

your congregation because it is written from the heart.

Sincerely,

Cassandra Howard

Chairman of Christmas Committee

the messenger 4

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

Yarns of Compassion During 2012, the loving hands and hearts of our

members transformed yarn into a variety of hand-

made items . . . hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, slip-

pers, mittens, sox, prayer shawls, chemo caps, bum-

ble bees, bookmarks, preemie & baby caps, booties,

sweaters and blankets. Thanks to everyone who

gave their time and shared their knitting and crochet-

ing talent at home and at church as well as to those

who have donated much appreciated yarn.

We distributed 89 chemo caps to local treatment cen-

ters and 63 preemie/baby caps to Vista East Health

Center in Waukegan.

Two shipments of items were

sent to the Lakota Indian One

Heart, One Mind program in

South Dakota which nurtures

newborns and their young

mothers on the reservation.

They received 47 items…baby

blankets, hats, booties, sweat-

ers and bumble bees.

During the year, we continued to reach out to our

friends and members of our church family with pray-

er shawls, chemo caps and baby caps.

In December, each of

the 25 LSSI children

received a scarf and hat

set along with their

Christmas gift from a

congregation member.

One of our new endeavors for this year was support-

ing the East Zion School Christmas Student Auction

with hats, scarves and afghans.

The PADs clients at Shiloh Baptist Church in Zion

received over 40 items… scarves, slippers, hats and

mittens.

We also sent 40 scarves

and 20 hats (along with

over 45 # of items donat-

ed from the congregation)

to our service men and

women thru Operation

Gratitude.

Lap robes provided warmth, comfort and love to 7

PADs clients at Great Lakes.

Bookmarks were included in

the 14 Christmas baskets given

to shut-ins by our Youth &

Family Ministry Team.

We also hosted one of the Wednesday soup suppers

during Lent and had a great time!

What a rewarding experience to participate in these

new programs.

Knitters and crocheters are always welcome to join

this fellowship opportunity here at St. Mark’s. If you

are interested in learning how to knit or crochet,

we’d be glad to teach you. The group meets on the

3rd Monday of each month from 7:00 to 8:00pm.

Yarn, needles, hooks and patterns are waiting for

you. Just bring your desire to turn yarn into an item

that will provide comfort for someone in need.

“For the needy will not be forgotten forever, the hopes of the

poor will not always be crushed.”

Psalm 9:18

the messenger 5

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

Stephen Ministry Part I: What Kind of Man Would Receive the Care of

a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministries Series, St. Louis

A man like Adam

who was cut off from all that gave meaning to life and needed someone to remind him of

God’s promise.

A man like Noah

who witnessed the destruction of everything around him and needed someone to wait with

him for a new day.

A man like Abraham

who had to leave everything he knew and loved behind him and needed someone to journey

with him to a new life.

A man like Moses

who faced great opposition and needed a companion to support him and speak on his behalf.

A man like David

who grieved the death of a wayward child and needed a shepherd’s care.

A man like Elijah

who thought he was all alone and needed a still small voice to encourage him.

A man like Job

who lost everything and needed someone to silently endure the pain with him.

A man like Peter

who found himself in over his head and needed the strong hand of a faithful friend.

A man like Paul

who knew the unending distress of a thorn in the flesh and needed someone to rejoice when

he rejoiced and to weep when he wept.

A man like Jesus

who knew intense disappointment, sorrow, grief, rejection, and loneliness and needed an

angel of God to minister to him.

A man like you.

If you would like to know more about how a Stephen Minister could care for you, please see or call

Jill Shepherd, 847 989 1919.

God’s peace be with you,

Jill Shepherd

Stephen Leader

the messenger 6

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

8th Annual Finnish Celebration Here are some excerpts from an article that was

published in the Waukegan News Sun, written

by Beth Kramer:

There was music, food and

dancing at Sunday’s Suoma-

lainen Juhla, “Finnish Cele-

bration,” at St. Mark’s Evan-

gelical Lutheran Church in

Waukegan.

The event was an opportunity for people of

Finnish ancestry to gather. It was also an oppor-

tunity for non- Finnish people like Helen Ost-

man of Gurnee to be Finnish for a day. It’s

(about) getting together with the ethnic commu-

nity,” Ostman said.

A luncheon with 10-15 Finnish dishes like sau-

sages (makara) and oven-baked pancakes

(pannukakku) was

served. Some spe-

cialty dishes were

handmade and oth-

ers were purchased,

according to Lucille

Tolonen of Beach

Park. Tolonen was

the event’s hospitality team leader.

She said the food went “even better than

planned” and tasted “wonderful.”

The event started

eight years ago as a

project by the

church’s Travelers

Club, according to

club founder Judy

Shales-Reinier of

Weyauwega, Wis.

St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was

originally founded as a Finnish church. Now

the church has dropped the Finnish from its

name, but much of the community, including

Shales-Reinier, have Finnish heritage. She is a

second-generation Finn.

“The celebration is just to get Finnish people

and others who are interested together to cele-

brate the heritage and teach the heritage,”

Shales-Reinier said.

“We’re going to keep doing this (celebration).

We want people to get to know us. You have to

hold on to your roots because that’s where you

come from Be proud of your country, wherever

you are from,” Shales-Reinier said.

“I think it’s a very good tradition to continue.

With the food, singing and dancing, it’s a com-

plete introduction to Finnish culture,” said Erv

Uhlman of Oak Creek, Wis.

7 “Come, Grow, Share.”

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

Mission Interpreter—

Let’s Celebrate ! The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is celebrating its 25th

anniversary in 2013 under the theme “Always being made new.” What God is do-

ing through us here at home and around the world is worth celebrating. As you em-

bark in ministry during this anniversary year, take a look back at the people and

events that have shaped us as a church while looking toward the future together

anew.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul writes, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything

old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” We are a church that is deeply rooted - and

always being made new. Our roots are in Scripture, tradition and the Lutheran confessions, as well

as in vibrant communities and rich histories of our congregations. These roots are an ongoing source

of nourishment, enabling us to be a church that is resilient, always reforming and guided by the Holy

Spirit.

You can learn more about the 25th anniversary at www.elca.org/25 You can also learn about

our exciting history and watch a comprehensive video at www.frakesproductions.com/2010/story-of-

the-elca/

In other news: As of January 7th, 2013, the ELCA Malaria Campaign has reached $5.75 million,

with $3.5 million coming in so far in the 2012 fiscal year. Our synod ranks second in giving with

$241,981.70.

The Lutheran Men in Mission of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod will be hosting a MENistry

gathering on Saturday, February 9, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave., La

Grange, IL 60525

During Lent, the synod office will again sponsor Congregation Leadership Training work-

shops. All workshops will be held at the Lutheran Center 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.

The free workshops being offered are Christian Education/Faith Formation, Mission Planning, Prop-

erty Rental/Real Estate Taxes, Redeeming Congregational Conflict, Evangelism/Faith Stories, and

Stewardship Resources. Online registration for these free workshops is available at

www.mcselca.org/congregation/leadership/lent.php For more information, contact Steve Homberg

at shomberg@mcselca.org or 773-248-0021.

In the previous year, your support of Lutheran World Relief reached 4,975,948 people with

196 projects in 40 countries. Thank you !

Erv Uhlman

8 “Come, Grow, Share.”

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

WSM Bible Study

The WSM monthly Bible

Study will meet on Friday,

February 8, 2013 in the

home of Ida Dudleston

( 847-336-5096). The

morning session begins at 10 a.m. and the

evening session begins at 5:30 p.m.

This month we hear from the Apostle Paul as

he writes to the churches in Corinth. Paul

reminds the Corinthians that being called by

God is not something reserved only for a few,

but for all those who are gathered into the

koinonia—community of Christ. They are

saints together with a whole crowd of people,

including you and me and many, many others:

“all those who in every place call on the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Corinthians 1:2).

Join us as we gather for community with one

another.

Yarns of Compassion Dear Crocheters,

Thank you for the hand-made crochet hats.

Not only do they give me warmth, but they

also remind me of others praying for me.

Both are greatly appreciated as I travel this

journey.

Sincerely,

Linda

Boy Scouts Congratulations to Daniel Nicklas on achieving

his Boy Scout Eagle award. The ceremony took

place at St. Mark's on January 5th. The Eagle

rank is the highest rank a boy can obtain in the

Boy Scouting program. Daniel is a member of

Troop 675 who will now continue in the scout-

ing program as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Thank You There are no words that could possibly express

my thanks and gratitude for all of the wonderful

get well cards and telephone calls I received

while being on the “sick list”. It means so much

to me as I go through a difficult time.

God Bless You All!

Earleen Constantino

Dear Pr. Koth & St. Mark’s Friends,

We are overwhelmed by the love and support

shown us as we mourn our beloved Virginia.

Your caring has brought us comfort and we are

deeply grateful.

Pastor Blomquist and Family

9 “Come, Grow, Share.”

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

There will be two opportunities for worship on Ash Wednesday, Febru-ary 13th. The first will be at 1 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m. The Drama, Music

and Worship ministry sponsors this second service to be held during the day, so that we can better service our members who have difficulty driving at night.

WORSHIP 1 & 7 PM

FEBRUARY 13th

Soup Suppers @ 6:00 p.m.

February 20th—WSM Re-

flection of the Seasons

February 27th—Youth &

Family Ministry Team

March 6th—Drama, Music

& Worship Team

March 13th—Yarns of

Compassion

March 20th—Scouts

Lenten Services @ 7 p.m.

(February 20th—March 20th)

Notice

A Congregational meeting of St.

Mark ’ s Evangelical Lutheran Church

will take place on February 24th im-

mediately after worship. Mark your

calendars now! Please remember to

register your communion attendance

for this year which [along with a rec-

ord of offering] makes you an eligible

voting member. The annual report will

be made available to the congregation

for their review the week prior to the

meeting.

Dear St. Mark’s

Congregation;

On behalf of Kris and I

and our family, we

thank you for the very

generous Christmas

gift. We are privileged

and blessed to serve this congregation.

A Blessed New Year to you all!

Pastor Jeff, Kris, Alexis and Anna.

the messenger 10

W e b s i t e : s t m a r k s l u t h e r a n . u s

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13

St. Mark's Lutheran Church 3350 North Delany Rd.

Waukegan, IL. 60087

Phone 847-623-5135

Fax 847-623-4016

E-mail stmarkslutheran@gmail.com

The Messenger

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

3350 North Delany Rd.

Waukegan, IL. 60087-1343

RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED

Serving Us This Month Lectors

Sundays 02/03 Sally Katalinch

02/10 John Meyer

02/17 Genie Durand

02/24 Anne Illi

Lenten Worship 02/13 Erv Uhlman

02/20 Jill Shepherd

02/27 Janet Meyer

Assisting Minister TBD (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Communion Assistant Rich Yocius (2nd & 4th Sundays)

Altar Guild Kris Koth & Marty Gregory

Ushers Al Dudleston & Jonathon Joaquin

Offering Counters

02/03 TBD

02/10 Al Dudleston & Wayne Voss

01/17 Al Dudleston & TBD

02/24 Jensea Chromy & Laura Swanson

Acolyte

Sundays 02/03 Sophia Diaz

02/10 TBD

02/17 Andrew Oye

02/24 Dana Lundtveit

Lenten Worship 02/13 Chantal Brikha

02/20 Evelyn Fontana

02/27 Annika Swanson

Projectionists

Sundays 02/03 Matthew Hopkins

02/10 Cody Ammons

02/17 Matthew Oye

02/24 Claire Lundtveit

Lenten Worship 02/13 Monique Prikha

02/20 Kathryn Kottka

02/27 Magnus Swanson

Sound Technicians

Sundays 02/03 Ryan Hopkins

02/10 Cassidy Smith

02/17 Nichole Truby

02/24 Caitlyn Maennena

Lenten Worship 02/13 Anna Koth

02/20 Nick Fontana & Giovanni Diaz

02/27 Dan Nicklas

stamp

PLACE MAILING LABEL HERE

Worship

Sundays

9:45 a.m.

Sunday School

9:30 a.m.