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Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Aurora, Illinois Permit No. 32 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We’re on the web! www.stmarksaurora.net www.facebook.com/stmarksaurora Proclaiming Christ's Abundant Love Address Service Requested 27 South Edgelawn Drive Aurora, Illinois 60506 St. Mark's Lutheran Church Phone: (630) 897-6891 Fax: (630) 897-4842 Web: www.stmarksaurora.net P ASTORAL A CTS Planning a Baptism? Visit the Welcome Center for a Planning for a Baptism at St. Mark’s brochure. HOSPITAL STAYS Under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), hospitals are greatly restricted in their ability to disclose patient information. Consequently, the pastor or church office may not be notified that a parishioner has been admitted to the hospital. In the event you are hospitalized or ill and you would like the pastor to know, we please ask that you or a family member inform the church office directly. We care about you! 630-897-6891 Baptisms Maxwell John Murphy ~ 11/9/14 Liam Emmett Meyer ~ 11/16/14 Evan James Bohr ~ 11/16/14 Eleanor Rebekah Bohr ~ 11/16/14 Funerals Ronald W. Lorang ~ 11/8/14 William M. Shanks ~ 11/10/14 Planning a Wedding? Visit the Welcome Center for a Planning for a Wedding at St. Mark’s brochure. Inside this issue: Worship & The Arts 2 Calendar 6 & 7 Outreach 3 Nursing the Spirit 8 Thank You, Fellowship & Ministry 4 Children’s Ministry 9 All Saints Commemorated, Prayer Corner, Child Development Center 5 Thrivent, Staff/Council Contacts, Servers for Worship 10 & 11 The Vineyard Press December 2014 Volume 14, Issue 12 St. Mark’s Annual Children’s Christmas Program It’s groggy chaos when the stable animals wake up to the news of Jesus’ birth. The chickens, goats, cows, sheep, and mules interact with Mary and Joseph’s donkey to get the scoop on the holy baby’s arrival, and they get a melodic earful! Please join us on Saturday, December 13 th at the 5:00pm service for a wonderful family musical! We will also have a church wide potluck dinner after the program with some special guests. We still need volunteers to join the potluck committee, including those willing to help with setup and cleanup. There are sign-up sheets at the Welcome Center if you can help with the program or the potluck, as well as a sign-up for what delicious item you are bringing to the potluck. Saturday December 13th 6:00 pm The Carols of Christmas: December at St. Mark’s Advent 1 Sunday, November 30 The first weekend in Advent Advent 2 Sunday, December 7 St. Nicholas visits at 9am during Sunday School and during the children’s message at the 10:30am service Reception of New Members at 9am service Advent worship at 9am and 10:30am services Advent 3 Saturday, December 13 “Sleepover at the Stable” ~ St. Mark’s Children’s Christmas Program during the 5pm service. Potluck dinner to follow, all are welcome Sunday, December 14 The Child Development Center Christmas Program in the Sanctuary at 2pm, all are welcome Advent 4 Saturday, December 20 “The Carols of Christmas” Performance and Worship at 5pm Sunday, December 21 “The Carols of Christmas” Performance and Worship at 10am (No 9am Service) Sunday School & Come Together is on break until January 4 th Christmas Eve Worship 3:30pm and 5:30pm services include a children’s message, these are suitable December 24 for families with young children 8pm and 11pm festival worship with choirs, candles, and communion Christmas Day Merry Christmas! Church and Sanctuary Closed

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Page 1: The Vineyard Press - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/stmarkslutheranchurch1... · The Vineyard Press e 12 St. Mark’s Annual Children’s Christmas Program It’s groggy chaos

Non-profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Aurora, Illinois

Permit No. 32

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is

a member congregation of

the Evangelical Lutheran

Church in America.

We’re on the web!

www.stmarksaurora.net

www.facebook.com/stmarksaurora

Proclaiming Christ's Abundant Love

Address Service Requested

27 South Edgelawn Drive Aurora, Illinois 60506

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

Phone: (630) 897-6891 Fax: (630) 897-4842 Web: www.stmarksaurora.net

PASTORAL ACTS

Planning a Baptism? Visit the Welcome Center for a

Planning for a Baptism at St. Mark’s brochure.

HOSPITAL STAYS Under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), hospitals are greatly restricted in their ability to disclose patient information. Consequently, the pastor or church office may not be notified that a parishioner has been admitted to the hospital. In the event you are hospitalized or ill and you would like the pastor to know, we please ask that you or a family member inform the church office directly. We care about you! 630-897-6891

Baptisms

Maxwell John Murphy ~ 11/9/14 Liam Emmett Meyer ~ 11/16/14 Evan James Bohr ~ 11/16/14

Eleanor Rebekah Bohr ~ 11/16/14

Funerals

Ronald W. Lorang ~ 11/8/14 William M. Shanks ~ 11/10/14

Planning a Wedding? Visit the Welcome Center for a

Planning for a Wedding at St. Mark’s brochure.

Inside this issue:

Worship & The Arts 2 Calendar 6 & 7

Outreach 3 Nursing the Spirit 8

Thank You, Fellowship & Ministry 4 Children’s Ministry 9

All Saints Commemorated, Prayer Corner, Child Development Center 5 Thrivent, Staff/Council Contacts, Servers for Worship 10 & 11

The Vineyard Press December 2014 Volume 14, Issue 12

St. Mark’s Annual Children’s Christmas Program

It’s groggy chaos when the stable animals wake up to the news of Jesus’ birth. The chickens, goats, cows, sheep, and mules interact with Mary and Joseph’s donkey to get the scoop on the holy baby’s arrival, and they get a melodic earful!

Please join us on Saturday, December 13th at the 5:00pm service for a wonderful family musical! We will also have a church wide potluck dinner after the program with some special guests. We still need volunteers to join the potluck

committee, including those willing to help with setup and cleanup. There are sign-up sheets at the Welcome Center if you can help with the program or the potluck, as well as a sign-up for what delicious item you are bringing to the potluck.

Saturday

December 13th

6:00 pm

The Carols of Christmas: December at St. Mark’s

Advent 1 Sunday, November 30 The first weekend in Advent

Advent 2 Sunday, December 7 St. Nicholas visits at 9am during Sunday School and during the children’s message at the 10:30am service Reception of New Members at 9am service Advent worship at 9am and 10:30am services

Advent 3 Saturday, December 13 “Sleepover at the Stable” ~ St. Mark’s Children’s Christmas Program during the 5pm service. Potluck dinner to follow, all are welcome

Sunday, December 14 The Child Development Center Christmas Program in the Sanctuary at 2pm, all are welcome

Advent 4 Saturday, December 20 “The Carols of Christmas” Performance and Worship at 5pm

Sunday, December 21 “The Carols of Christmas” Performance and Worship at 10am (No 9am Service) Sunday School & Come Together is on break until January 4th

Christmas Eve Worship 3:30pm and 5:30pm services include a children’s message, these are suitable December 24 for families with young children 8pm and 11pm festival worship with choirs, candles, and communion

Christmas Day Merry Christmas! Church and Sanctuary Closed

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Page 2 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

WORSHIP & THE ARTS

The Carols of Christmas Please join us on December 20th at 5:00pm or December 21st at 10:00am as the music ministry presents, “The Carols of Christmas” at both of these worship services. Singers, ringers, and musicians will present beautiful and inspiring music along with narration as the story of carols and the birth of Jesus unfolds. Give your hearts and ears a special blessing and please join us for this special presentation. Treats and refreshment needed for our musicians on both presentation days. Please contact Kristin Young if you are able to bring a gift of food.

St. Mark’s Festival Choir Tour 2015

Next summer the St. Mark’s Festival Choir will Tour Munich, Salzburg, Prague, and Vienna. During that time we will be a part of the Cantus Salzburgensis and perform Mozart’s Missa Solemna with orchestras and other choirs from around the world at the Salzburg Cathedral under the direction of Professor Janos Czifra. We will also be a part of the Salzburg Folk Festival and present a 12 minute concert of American folk songs at the Great Hall Mozarteum.

Along the way we will: tour Munich, eat at the famous Hofbrauhaus, tour the Herrenchiemsee Palace approachable by boat only, Tour Salzburg, visit Mozart sites, Sound of Music sites, present a concert at Golling Medieval Fortress, partake in an authentic Austrian dinner with dancing, lunch along the Vitava River in the ancient town of Cesky Krumlov, tour Prague, present a concert at St. Nicholas Church, have an authentic Czech dinner with entertainment, tour Vienna and Schonbrunn Palace, and give a concert at St. Stephen’s.

You are welcome to join us for the singing, for the fun, or just for an amazing trip. You don’t have to sing to join us. Fliers and Enrollment forms are at the church Welcome Center. For more information contact Director of Worship and the Arts, Kristin Young.

Thank You A special thank you to the music ministry and all our musicians for their gift of music all year long and especially during our holiday season. From all of us to all of you...Merry Christmas!

Page 11 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

SERVERS FOR WORSHIP December 6 & 7 Saturday, 5:00pm Sunday, 9:00am Sunday, 10:30am

Acolytes David Hunger Giovanni Sally Bradley Regh, Nicholas Wan

Adult Worship Assistants Tracy McClure Greg Greg

A/V Desk Kasey M. TBA TBA

Altar Care Don Bryant Team A Team A

Bread Baker Matt Greising Matt Greising Matt Greising

Hospitality Team Bryant, Jaraz, Jensen, Deiter Team A Team A

Reader Bob Johnson Team A Team A

Welcome Center Hosts Virgil Ostreng Team A Team A

December 13 & 14

Acolytes TBA Zac Uhm Sam Walker, Sophia Bartell

Adult Worship Assistants TBA Jeff Jeff

A/V Desk Kathy W. TBA TBA

Altar Care Erik Egeland Team B Team B

Bread Baker Jens Jensen Jens Jensen Jens Jensen

Hospitality Team O’Connell, Toynton Team B Team B

Reader Clare Toynton Team B Team B

Welcome Center Hosts Martha Egeland Team B Team B

December 20 & 21

Acolytes TBA TBA Alyssa Mayhew, Eva Peterson

Adult Worship Assistants Tracy McClure Don Don

A/V Desk Nancy C. TBA TBA

Altar Care Al Lettow Team C Team C

Bread Baker Susan Manning Susan Manning Susan Manning

Hospitality Team Lettow, Ostreng, Shadle Team C Team C

Reader Dick Shadle Team C Team C

Welcome Center Hosts Dick & Aggie Shadle Team C Team C

December 27 & 28

Acolytes TBA TBA TBA

Adult Worship Assistants Tracy McClure Jeff Jeff

A/V Desk Sheila J. TBA TBA

Altar Care Debra Haddad Team D Team D

Bread Baker Matt Greising Matt Greising Matt Greising

Hospitality Team Ostreng, Minard, Clark Team D Team D

Reader Pat Larson Team D Team D

Welcome Center Hosts Virgil Ostreng Team D Team D

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We are pleased to let you know that a deposit of $853.00 was made in St. Mark’s account on behalf of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ Thrivent Choice Program. Thrivent Choice lets its members help choose where Thrivent Financial gives back. Members eligible for “Choice Dollars” can help direct Thrivent Financials charitable dollars to thousands of Lutheran nonprofit organizations and congregations enrolled in the program.

Thank you to: Rachel Bachman, Brent Bartell, Alvin Bergh, Phoebe Bergh, Robert DePaul, Caryl Farnum, Beverly Fitzpatrick, Carol

Jensen, Jens Jensen, Sheila Johnson, Brooke Kruger, and Susan Manning

Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or Call (800) 847-4836 if you would like to make St. Mark’s Lutheran Church your “Thrivent Choice” in 2015!

Pastor Patricia Geiseman, Pastor Ext. 15 [email protected]

Pastor Brian Wise, Pastor Ext. 13 [email protected]

Kristin Young, Director of Worship & The Arts Ext. 16 [email protected]

Kari Reiseck, Director of Children’s Ministry Ext. 22 [email protected]

Sue Hilderbrand, Director of Bell Choir Ext. 24 [email protected]

Nicole Ferrier, Communications Coordinator Ext. 27 [email protected]

Deb Arcilla, Office Manager Ext. 10 [email protected]

John Themanson, Finance Administrator Ext. 19 [email protected]

TBA, Facility Manager

Jean Clementz, Faith Community Nurse Ext. 23 [email protected]

Tracy McClure, Intern Ext. 11 [email protected]

Merrilee Parkhurst, Director, Child Development Center (630) 897-6063 [email protected]

Terese Ruppel, Nursery Coordinator (630) 466-1036 [email protected]

Page 10 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

THRIVENT CHOICE DONATIONS

Rebecca Mueller Council President

(630) 907-9987 [email protected]

Preston Runyan Treasurer

[email protected]

Roger Shields Property

(630) 907-1361 [email protected]

Melvin Smith Worship

(630) 859-9582 [email protected]

Jeanne Flynn Care & Nurture

(630) 896-6312 [email protected]

Julie Simpson Stewardship

(630) 212-6413 [email protected]

Nicole Ferrier Welcoming

(630) 364-9459 [email protected]

Alan Jacobs Small Groups

[email protected]

Don Friend Worship

[email protected]

C O U N C I L M E M B E R S S T . M A R K ’ S S TA F F

Page 3 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

OUTREACH St. Mark's Rings Bells for Salvation Army

Members and friends of St. Mark's Lutheran Church will be participating in the Salvation Army Kettle Bell Ringing again this upcoming holiday season. We have committed 103 hours of standing at Salvation Army kettles for donations. The money will be used to provide goods and services for those in need in the Aurora Area throughout 2015. Many people have asked how this tradition began. Following is the story:

The Salvation Army Captain had resolved in December, 1891, to provide a free Christmas dinner to the area's poor in San Francisco, CA. But how would he pay for the food? As he went about his daily tasks, the question stayed in his mind. Suddenly, his thoughts went back to his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. On the stage landing on the wharf, he saw a large pot, called a "Simpson's Pot" into which charitable donations were thrown by passers-by. On the next morning, he secured permission from the authorities to place a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing at the foot of Market Street. Captain Joseph McFee launched a tradition that has spread not only in the United States but throughout the world. For those of you who have never "stood kettles", we ring in one hour intervals. We never ring on Sundays. The sign up charts are posted in the Narthex and the schedule for the 2014 bell ringing season is below: You will receive a reminder as to when you will be ringing. Sign up and write down your address and phone number or your email address. Sign up as individuals, families or friends. What a great tradition to continue, or begin! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (630) 896-1369. Thank you, Jim Toynton

Saturday, Nov. 22 — Prisco's — 8am - 5pm Wednesday, Nov. 26 — Woodman's Front (Main) Door — 8am - 5pm Wednesday, Nov. 26 — Woodman's South Door — 9am - 8pm Saturday, Nov. 29 — Prisco's — 8am - 5pm Saturday, Dec. 6 — Prisco's — 8am - 5pm Saturday, Dec. 6 — Galena Walmart — 8am - 5pm Saturday, Dec. 13 — Prisco's — 8am - 5pm Saturday, Dec. 13 — Galena Jewel Left (East) Door — 8am - 5pm Saturday, Dec. 20 — Prisco's — 8am - 5pm Saturday, Dec. 20 Woodman's Front (Main) Door — 8am - 6pm Wednesday, Dec. 24 Woodman's Front (Main) Door — 8am - 3pm

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Page 4 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

THANK YOU

Newsletter Submission Information

Submissions for the weekly Courier are due each Wednesday by noon for that weekend’s publication. Submissions for the January Vineyard are due by noon on Wednesday, December 10th. Submissions will be added in the order in which they are received. Early entry of your submissions is welcomed!

Please email articles for the Vineyard and Courier to Nicole Ferrier at: [email protected] or place handwritten articles in her mailbox. If you have any questions please email or call Nicole at: (630) 897-6891 ext. 27.

November 2014 Photos Needed!

If you have 2014 photos from any St. Mark’s ministry or event that you would like included in our publications, website, or at

next year’s “Year in Review”, please email them to: [email protected]. We are hoping to collect photos monthly to keep our publications up to date and the photos organized for the Year in Review. Please contact Pr. Brian or Nicole Ferrier if you have any questions.

Adult Fellowship Meeting If you are interested in doing something new, please consider attending an adult fellowship event. We meet once a month to attend an event or visit a new location. Any adult is welcome to attend.

The December Adult Fellowship meeting will take place at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet on Wednesday, December 10th It will include a delicious lunch of choice and a wonderful show "White Christmas". The cost is $45 and includes the tour of the mansion and church. This outing has reached max capacity and is now full! For additional information, contact Phyllis

Jessick at 630-466-0525.

FELLOWSHIP & M INISTRY

The Outreach Ministry would like to thank Jim Toynton for his organizational skills and dedication to the Salvation Army Bell Ringing program and to all of you who say volunteer your time to ring for those in need.

Dear St Mark's Family We have good news to share with you. After more than a year of chemo and a complete knee replacement, at St Jude's, our 17 year old nephew, Nick Fahrlander is cancer free. We are very thankful the doctors were able to save his leg. It has been a long journey for him but he kept the faith. Thank you for all your prayers this past year. God's peace and blessings to you.

~Charlie and Sandy Brummet

Adult Worship Assistants: Cantors & Leaders Needed Over the last 6 years a small dedicated group of leaders have assisted with our worship services. We are now looking for additional assistants for Saturday evening and Sunday morning worship services. We are exploring breaking out the singing from the assisting role. So if you would like to cantor, assist with leading worship, or both please contact Kristin Young or Don Friend.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias will be added to the Sanctuary and Narthex closer to Christmas. A form will be available at the Welcome Center starting the weekend of November 29th & 30th for people to sign up to give a plant in honor or in memory of loved ones. The cost is $15.00 and poinsettias may be taken home after worship on December 29th.

Page 9 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

CHILDREN ’S M INISTRY

Christmas Shopping Day Out for Parents St Mark’s Senior High Youth Group would like to offer a Christmas Shopping Day Out for parents on Saturday, December 6th from 1-4pm. Drop off your 3-10 year olds at church for an afternoon of crafts, games, singing Christmas songs, and watching a Christmas Veggie Tales movie! Parents can leave and enjoy a few hours to themselves to get some Christmas shopping and errands done. Price of admission is one unwrapped toy that the youth group will donate to families in need!

True Christian Christmas

Christmas isn't showy gifts Or glittering decoration;

It's honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ In humble adoration.

It's serving those less fortunate, Meeting their needs before our own; It's making sure at Christmas time

That no one is alone. It's taking what we would have spent

On things that no one needs, And using it to help someone With service and good deeds.

Our Savior showed us how to live With charity, faith and service.

It makes the holidays a joy, More peaceful, and less nervous. So let's remember Christmas is

About our Savior's birth; That's the way to happiness, The way to peace on earth.

By Joanna Fuchs

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Page 8 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

NURSING THE SPIRIT

Family Stress During The Holidays

While the holidays are often depicted as a magical time, full of warmth and support, they can be a significant source of stress and conflict. This is particularly true if your family is undergoing a difficult transition, change, or loss. Spending time with family members who are critical, drink excessively, or argue frequently can also cause holiday gatherings to be a source of significant stress. Identifying the causes of family stress, as well as planning a few ways to cope, can help you avoid becoming depressed and stressed about your family gathering.

Factors That May Contribute to Stressful Family Gatherings

Some common sources of stress include:

Recent Loss or Relationship Breakup: Families who have recently lost a loved one, or where the parents have recently

separated or divorced, are under enormous pressure. Family gathering which occurs after these events may be more tense than usual.

Old Patterns Don’t Always Change: Sometimes we hope that our families will significantly change old patterns at special holiday gather-

ings. However, if your family has always argued frequently, or there are conflicts which have existed for years, it is unlikely that these old wounds will heal simply because it is a holiday. Often it is safer to anticipate that old tensions will still be present, rather than hoping they will magically disappear.

Excessive Use of Alcohol: For some families, holiday gatherings include drinking. Alcohol causes us to lose some of our normal inhibitions, and may make people more likely to say hurtful things or act in provocative ways.

Financial Hardships, Illnesses, or Other Stressors: Significant sources of life stress may coincide with a holiday gathering. If these things put a damper on people’s mood for a particular gathering, try to keep some perspective on the fact that their impact is real and can-not just be wished away.

Tips for Coping With Stressful Families

Every family is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some ideas for coping with a difficult family during the holiday include:

Stay Close to Those Who Support You: If particular family members are highly critical of you, or are known to cause you lots of stress, try to limit your time with them. Stay close to family members that make you comfortable. Asking someone you trust to take a walk or help you out of a situation may be a good idea.

Limit Use of Alcohol: Alcohol impairs our judgment and may blur or intensify our emotional reactions. Rarely is excessive use of alcohol helpful to anyone in managing a tense family situation.

Drive Your Own Car and Set a Time Limit: For many people, it is more helpful to leave a stressful family situation early than to stay until things become unbearable. It may be comforting to you to have your own vehicle and to know that you can leave whenever you need to.

If You Can’t Change Others, Change Yourself: As much as we sometimes wish, we are for the most part, powerless to change the be-havior of other people. Yet, often we go to a holiday gathering expecting others to change. Ask yourself what you can do differently to avoid tension producing interactions. You may be surprised at how much better you feel when you focus on your behavior rather than the behav-ior of others.

Don’t Expect a Miracle: Rather than expecting miracles, it is probably safest to keep your expectations very realistic. Stressful families

rarely turn themselves around during a single holiday gathering.

Source: Healthy Living by Eastern Maine Medical Center

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill among people.”

Luke 2:14

I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you and serve St. Mark’s faith community. If I can be of

assistance to you or someone you know, please call me at (630) 897-6891, ext. 23.

Jean Clementz, RN

Presence Mercy Medical Center

Faith Community Nurse at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Page 5 Volume 14 , Issue 12 The Vineyard Press

PRAYER CORNER For this Christmas season, these prayers may give direction on how to continue the Christmas

holiday long after the month of December has passed:

What good is it that Christ was born? "Meister Eckhart once said: ‘What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart?’ "Lord, we do far too much celebrating your actual coming in our hearts. I believe in God, but do I believe in God-in-me? I believe in God in heaven, but do I believe in God-on-earth? I believe in God out there, but do I believe in God-with-us? "Lord, be born in my heart. Come alive in me this Christmas! Amen."

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Please join the Sanctuary Arts & Banner Team for our Annual “Hanging of the Greens” on Monday, December 8th at 6:00pm. Many hands make light work. We will appoint the Sanctuary, Narthex, Sanctuary Hall, and Fellowship Hall with festive decorations. Tree branches need “Fluffing”, ornaments need hanging, and decorations need to be displayed. You can also get a closer look at our Chrismon ornaments, handmade by members of St. Mark’s. There are opportunities for everyone, with enough down time to enjoy Christmas Treats and Music. If you have any questions please contact Sue Hilderbrand at: [email protected] or (630) 897-6891 ext. 24.

Work of Christmas Begins

"When the song of the angels is stilled,

when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit,

to feed the hungry, to release the oppressed,

to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among all peoples,

to make a little music with the heart… And to radiate the Light of Christ,

every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say. Then the work of Christmas begins.

-- Howard Thurman, adapted

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December Calendar 27 South Edgelawn Drive Aurora, Illinois 60506

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

Phone: (630) 897-6891 Fax: (630) 897-4842 Web: www.stmarksaurora.net

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

7:00p Naomi Circle - Clare Toynton

2

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

3

10:00a Bread Wrappers

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:00p Roaring Ringers

5:30p FDL, Confirmation, High School

5:30p St. Nicholas Visit

5:30p Joyous Praise Bells

5:30p Learning Circle

7:30p Academy Singers

7:30p Christmas Play Practice

4

7:00p Lion’s Voice Choir

5 HOPE CIRCLE - DINNER OUT

6:30p Al-Anon

6 COFFEE SALES

1:00p Parents Day Out

5:00p Worship

7

COFFEE SALES

DOUGHNUT & COFFEE CONNECTION

9:00a Worship & Sunday School

9:00a St. Nicholas Visit

9:00a Reception of New Members

10:30a Worship & Come Together

10:30p St. Nicholas Visit

11:45a Christmas Play Practice

8

9:30a Faith Circle

6:00p Sanctuary Arts & Banner Meeting

6:00p Hanging of the Greens

7:00p Hannah Circle

9

10:00a Learning Circle

12:00p Staff Christmas Lunch

7:00p Glory Ringers

10

9:00a WVMTA Meeting

10:00a Bread Wrappers

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:00p Roaring Ringers

5:30p FDL, Confirmation, High School

5:30p Joyous Praise Bells

5:30p Learning Circle

7:30p Academy Singers

7:30p Christmas Play Practice

11

7:00p Lion’s Voice Choir

12

7:30a Dreyer Meeting

6:30p Al-Anon

6:30p Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal

13

3:00p Christmas Play Rehearsal

4:15p Blood Pressure Screening

5:00p St. Mark’s Children's Christmas Play

and Worship

14

9:00a Worship & Sunday School

9:30a Blood Pressure Screening

10:30a Worship & Come Together

11:45a Council Meeting

2:00p St. Mark’s CDC Christmas Program

5:00p Branke Piano Recital

15

9:00a Ruth Circle

10:30a Spiritual Journaling

16

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

17

10:00a Bread Wrappers

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:00p Roaring Ringers

5:30p FDL, Confirmation, High School

5:30p Joyous Praise Bells

5:30p Learning Circle

7:30p Academy Singers

18

7:00p Lion’s Voice Choir

19

6:30p Al-Anon

7:00p Rucka Piano Recital

20

5:00p “The Carols of Christmas”

Performance and Worship

21

COFFEE SALES

DOUGHNUT & COFFEE CONNECTION

10:00a “The Carols of Christmas”

Performance and Worship

22

9:00a Lydia’s Piecemakers & Knit Pickers

23

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

24

CHRISTMAS EVE

3:30p Family Worship

5:30p Family Worship

8:00p Traditional Worship

11:00p Traditional Worship

25

CHRISTMAS DAY

OFFICE & SANCTUARY CLOSED

Please join us for services on the 24th

26

ALUMINUM CAN COLLECTION

6:30p Al-Anon

27

5:00p Worship

5:00p Bimmerle Baptism

28

9:00a Worship

9:00a Johnson Baptism

10:30a Worship

10:30a Olson & Redding Baptisms

29

30

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

31 NEW YEAR’S EVE

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:30p Learning Circle

7:00p Hope Circle

December Calendar Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

7:00p Naomi Circle - Clare Toynton

2

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

3

10:00a Bread Wrappers

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:00p Roaring Ringers

5:30p FDL, Confirmation, High School

5:30p St. Nicholas Visit

5:30p Joyous Praise Bells

5:30p Learning Circle

7:30p Academy Singers

7:30p Christmas Play Practice

4

7:00p Lion’s Voice Choir

5 HOPE CIRCLE - DINNER OUT

6:30p Al-Anon

6 COFFEE SALES

1:00p Parents Day Out

5:00p Worship

7

COFFEE SALES

DOUGHNUT & COFFEE CONNECTION

9:00a Worship & Sunday School

9:00a St. Nicholas Visit

9:00a Reception of New Members

10:30a Worship & Come Together

10:30p St. Nicholas Visit

11:45a Christmas Play Practice

8

9:30a Faith Circle

6:00p Sanctuary Arts & Banner Meeting

6:00p Hanging of the Greens

7:00p Hannah Circle

9

10:00a Learning Circle

12:00p Staff Christmas Lunch

7:00p Glory Ringers

10

9:00a WVMTA Meeting

10:00a Bread Wrappers

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:00p Roaring Ringers

5:30p FDL, Confirmation, High School

5:30p Joyous Praise Bells

5:30p Learning Circle

7:30p Academy Singers

7:30p Christmas Play Practice

11

7:00p Lion’s Voice Choir

12

7:30a Dreyer Meeting

6:30p Al-Anon

6:30p Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal

13

3:00p Christmas Play Rehearsal

4:15p Blood Pressure Screening

5:00p St. Mark’s Children's Christmas Play

and Worship

14

9:00a Worship & Sunday School

9:30a Blood Pressure Screening

10:30a Worship & Come Together

11:45a Council Meeting

2:00p St. Mark’s CDC Christmas Program

5:00p Branke Piano Recital

15

9:00a Ruth Circle

10:30a Spiritual Journaling

16

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

17

10:00a Bread Wrappers

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:00p Roaring Ringers

5:30p FDL, Confirmation, High School

5:30p Joyous Praise Bells

5:30p Learning Circle

7:30p Academy Singers

18

7:00p Lion’s Voice Choir

19

6:30p Al-Anon

7:00p Rucka Piano Recital

20

5:00p “The Carols of Christmas”

Performance and Worship

21

COFFEE SALES

DOUGHNUT & COFFEE CONNECTION

10:00a “The Carols of Christmas”

Performance and Worship

22

9:00a Lydia’s Piecemakers & Knit Pickers

23

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

24

CHRISTMAS EVE

3:30p Family Worship

5:30p Family Worship

8:00p Traditional Worship

11:00p Traditional Worship

25

CHRISTMAS DAY

OFFICE & SANCTUARY CLOSED

Please join us for services on the 24th

26

ALUMINUM CAN COLLECTION

6:30p Al-Anon

27

5:00p Worship

5:00p Bimmerle Baptism

28

9:00a Worship

9:00a Johnson Baptism

10:30a Worship

10:30a Olson & Redding Baptisms

29

30

10:00a Learning Circle

1:00p Staff Meeting

7:00p Glory Ringers

31 NEW YEAR’S EVE

1:00p Office Volunteers

5:30p Learning Circle

7:00p Hope Circle