Vineyard PressThe ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Sharing Christ’s Abundant Love

“I am the vine, you are the branches. “ (John 15:5)

APRIL 2019 , VOL 19, ISSUE 4

HOLY WEEK AT ST. MARK’S

Sunday, APRIL 14Palm Sunday9:00 a.m. Worship*9:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast (see pg 2)10:30 a.m. Worship*3:00 p.m. Palm Sunday Concert (see pg 2)

Thursday, APRIL 18Maundy Thursday7:00 p.m. Worship & Communion*

Friday, APRIL 19Good Friday3:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross7:00 p.m. Service of Shadows*

Saturday, APRIL 20Holy Saturday5:00 p.m. Worship

Sunday, APRIL 21Easter Sunday7:30 a.m. Special Early Easter Worship 8:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast (see pg 2)9:00 a.m. Festival Worship*10:30 a.m. Festival Worship*

* Nursery care availableNo FDL on Wednesday, April 17No Sunday School on Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday

The PALM SUNDAY journey into Jerusalem signals the beginning of Christ’s journey to the cross, and we pause during Holy Week to reflect on the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection for us.

The Easter Triduum (“Three Sacred Days”) comprise a three-day worship event beginning with Maundy Thursday and concluding with our Festival Worship on Easter. This is a week of beautiful, inspiring, and meaningful worship.

On MAUNDY THURSDAY, we keep the feast that Jesus shared with his disciples on the night of his arrest. Hands are washed and blessed, and we close the service with the stripping of the altar.

On GOOD FRIDAY at 3:00, we walk the Via Dolorosa (the stations of the cross) together, with hymns, prayers, and narrative.

At 7:00, we gather for the reading of The Passion of Jesus. Each of the seven sections is followed by silence for reflection and music. The sanctuary darkens, the tomb is slammed shut, and the bell tolls.

On EASTER SUNDAY, we gather to greet the risen Lord with bells ringing, choirs singing, and brass and timpani shouting in praise: HE IS RISEN!

We invite you to make this Holy Week a special time in your spiritual life.

Palm Sunday & Easter events

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Palm Sunday ConcertSunday, April 14, 3:00 p.m.

Please join the Aurora Community Choral (directed by Kristin Young) and the Fox Valley Philharmonic (directed by Steve Thurlow) as they present a soulful and beautiful concert on Sunday, April 14th at 3:00 p.m. The concert will honor all those who sacrifice their lives for our safety and freedom. Five of the pieces the Chorale will be performing are works that the St. Mark’s Festival Choir will be singing in France this summer to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

The concert will honor those in our Aurora Community who did not hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to save many lives. We also mourn the lives of so many recently lost to gun violence. Please join us for this very moving and one-of-a kind concert on Palm Sunday afternoon at St. Mark’s.

Palm Sunday Pancake BreakfastSunday, April 14, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

The Pillowcase Dress Ministry is thriving! Thank you for all the support you have given us at the Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast over the past years. Out of appreciation for all your help, we have decided that the Palm Sunday Breakfast proceeds will be given to the “KEEP THE HEAT ON” fund. Please come and enjoy the Pancake Breakfast on April 14th, any time between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Easter “Mission Trip” BreakfastSunday, April 21, 8:00-10:30 a.m.

On Easter, our HS students and families will be serving a delicious breakfast for anyone who joins us for worship that morning. We will be serving from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. It’s a free-will offering, and proceeds will go toward transportation costs for the Mission Trip to Denver. If you’d like to help us out, we are looking for congregation members to donate breakfast casseroles. Sign up at the Welcome Center to let us know what you’d like to bring. If you have questions, contact Anna Themanson (acthemo@gmail.com). Thank you for your support of our HS ministry. And thank you to our HS students and parents for giving up valuable time away from their families to feed God’s people!

transition

Pr. Paul Olson, Interim Senior PastorBishop Miller of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod has appointed Pastor Paul Olson as the Interim Senior Pastor for St. Mark’s after Pastor Geiseman retires. Council has been notified and has formally consented to the appointment.

For those who know Pr. Olson from his previous two years as Interim Pastor at St. Mark’s (Sept 2015–Nov 2017), prior to the call of Pr. Patrick, you have experienced his steady leadership and helpful guidance. He assisted in stewardship development, led our Capital Campaign, taught Adult Study classes, and preached and led worship. Because Pr. Olson already knows many of us and understands the workings of this congregation, it will be of enormous benefit as we transition into the search for a new pastor.

For those new to Pr. Olson, it might be helpful to know that most of his ministry since 1971 has been in the areas of worship leadership, stewardship, administration, and programmatic development, along with visioning. His wide range of experience—from pastoring, to teaching, to being a hospital and hospice chaplain, to serving on the board of LSSI—bring many gifts to our church. We look forward to welcoming him back!

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Transition EthicsOne of the ways we can honor Pr. Pat is to honor the ELCA “Ethics of Pastoral Transition.” The foremost guideline is that, once a pastor leaves, she is no longer the pastor. In short, even though we might want to ask Pr. Pat to baptize a child or perform a wedding or funeral (especially if she has led such services for other members of the family), this is not appropriate. We affirm the significance of the pastoral office by showing high regard for the pastors who will be serving us, Pr. Olson and Pr. Patrick.

What happens next?Farewell SundayPastor Patricia Geiseman’s retirement will initiate a number of changes at St. Mark’s, but before we move into the transition phase, it will be important to all of us to celebrate the gifts and

memories of her work among us. Sunday, June 2nd will be Pr. Pat’s last day at St. Mark’s, and there will be a very special service at 10:00 a.m., with brunch to follow. We know you will want to be there!

opportunities for adults

Blood pressure screeningSunday, April 14, between services

Nurses from our Health & Wellness Board will be available on Palm Sunday for free blood pressure screenings. Please continue to take good care of yourself!

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Book Club discussionsWednesday, April 3 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Music Library Thursday, April 410:00-11:30 a.m. in the Community Room

The April Book Club read is Temple Grandin’s book Different...Not Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults with Autism, Asperger’s and ADHD. All are welcome to join in one of the discussion groups. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

21&OverIf you are new to St. Mark’s and looking for a way to get

acquainted and get to know people, consider joining us on Monday nights for 21&Over. Each gathering takes place at a person’s home, and we meet from 7:30-9:00 p.m. The gatherings are meant to be inclusive and to build genuine, authentic relationships. If you are interested in getting on the email thread, contact Pr. Patrick.

In April, we are meeting on April 1 and April 15. And, now that the weather is better, we are planning to add a weekend outing each month. This month, we will be riding our bikes on a trail with a potluck dinner to follow. Contact Pr. Patrick if you would like more information about this bike ride outing. Adult Fellowship

Thursday, April 25, 10:00 a.m.Sanctuary Hall, St. Mark’s

For the April Adult Fellowship gathering, Ed Hunter will be speaking with us about his work as a chaplain. The group will then head over to East China Inn in North Aurora for lunch. Please sign up at the Welcome Center by April 21st if you’d like to attend. All are welcome!

Adult StudyThe Adult Study group meets on Tuesdays in the Community Room at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to join in at any time.

Lenten Study wraps upApril 2: “Joyful Hospitality”April 9: “Joyful Asceticism” and “Joyful Giving”

April 16: HOLY WEEK—NO STUDY

The Book of Acts study resumesApril 23: The World Upside Down April 30: A Riot in EphesusMay 7: On Trial for the ResurrectionMay 14: And So We Came to Rome

Starting In May, the Adult Study will focus on the Bible and sexuality. We’ll be using material from the ELCA Social Statement on “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” and “This I Know,” a companion guide to the powerful documentary For the Bible

Tells Me So. We’ll be showing this documentary again this year, and if you haven’t seen the film, it’s an important one to view. It focuses on the stories of various families, including that of former U.S. presidential candidate Dick Gephardt, and how they have handled the realization of having a gay child. We’ll keep you posted on showing dates.

opportunities for adults

Coffee Project newsStock up for Easter on April 6-7

The first weekend of April is the only time for coffee sales in April, so you’ll want to stock up for Easter then.

INTRODUCING: Morning Blend Drip, a classic blend with hints of chocolate brownie, roasted nut, and caramel. A “2” on the coffee scale.

PHASING OUT: African Roots Drip (try the new Morning Blend Drip), Midnight Sun Drip (try Organic French Roast Drip), and Proud Mama Drip (try Sisters Blend).

SALE: Current stocks of Midnight Sun and Proud Mama will be sold for $2.00 off the regular price until gone.

PRICE CHANGES: Equal Exchange has announced a price increase. Effective May 1, coffee will be $0.50 more ($0.75, for Sisters Blend) and chocolate bars, $0.25 more. Stock up on your favorites at the old price the first weekend in April.

Thank you for supporting this project to benefit small farmers through fair trade.

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Last chance!Renew or subscribe toLiving Lutheran by April 15If you have enjoyed receiving Living Lutheran magazine at the special group rate of

$9 this year, this is your last chance to renew. If you’re a first-time subscriber, the $9/year group-rate is a great offer. Living Lutheran is a thoughtful, hope-filled magazine with stories of how people are making a difference. Sign up at the Welcome Center and use the envelopes provided for payment and drop them in the Welcome Center box. Last day is April 15th!

Summer position @ St. Mark’sSt. Mark’s needs a Facility Manager to serve for the summer. We’re looking for a responsible self-starter to manage the church buildings and maintain the grounds from June 1 to Sept 1. Knowledge of maintenance tasks, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, required. Salary & hours are flexible and negotiable. Contact the church office (630-897-6891) with questions. Send resume to Al Lettow at facilitymgr@stmarksaurora.net.

Are you a photo person?We’re looking for a volunteer Photo Librarian to fill the position held by Nancy Clark. After serving in this capacity for a year, she writes:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of collecting and organizing photos for the newsletters and website. I’ve enjoyed working more with staff and meeting more people. I love taking pictures, but that is not a requirement. Most of all, I’ve had fun seeing all the photos people have taken. Please consider this opportunity to become involved and have fun.”

If this interests you, contact Marcia Broucek, news@stmarksaurora.net.

Singers for June 2ndIf you love to sing and would like to be a part of the farewell celebration service for Pr. Pat, we’d love to have you sing with the choir. The service is Sunday June 2, at 10:00 a.m., and rehearsals start on Thursday May 2, from 7:00-7:45 p.m. Singers of all ages are welcome. Please contact Kristin Young (kyoung@stmarksaurora.net).

Easter FlowersIf you’d like to sponsor a lily or azalea in memory of, or in honor of, a loved one, plants are $15 each. Fill out an envelope at the Welcome Center and drop it, with your payment, in the box by Palm Sunday, April 14. You can take your plant home after the last Easter service.

opportunities for youth

Spring Confirmation RetreatFriday-Sunday, April 26-28

Our annual confirmation retreat at LOMC is such a great weekend! On the last weekend in April, our 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students will have the chance to go on a weekend confirmation retreat at Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center (LOMC) in Oregon, Illinois. This year’s theme is “It Only Takes a Spark” ... to pass on God’s love for others, to ignite our passions to serve others. Activities include Bible study, worship, teambuilding, hiking, zip line, games, prayer labyrinth, archery, and campfires. Contact Kari Reiseck ASAP if your 6th-8th grade student would like to attend. Register online at StMarksAurora.net/RETREAT or pick up a registration form at the Welcome Center. Registration deadline is April 12th.

1st CommunionSunday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.

On April 28th, thirteen St. Mark’s students will have the opportunity to experience Communion for the first time. They have worked very hard and are excited to join us at the Lord’s Table. Please join us in welcoming these students. Remember to keep them in your prayers that they would remain faithful to God, who nourishes them in the gift of Holy Communion.

Natalie DesVeauxQuyn FolleyFisher KaneEric Karsten Kylie KessenCaitlyn MattseyHannah Miller

HS outing Saturday, April 27Our April outing will focus on service. In the morning, we will serve alongside other St. Mark’s volunteers at Rebuilding Together Aurora to help repair a home. In the afternoon, we will help run games at the McCleery Spring Carnival. Permission slips are available. Contact Pr. Patrick for details.

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Seder Feast Wednesday, April 10 - volunteers needed!We will be sharing a Seder Feast on the Wednesday before Holy Week during FDL. (SS students are welcome as well.) This is a very meaningful experience for our students, and we need your help. All the Wednesday night teachers will be there, but we need additional volunteers to cook, serve, and clean up. Sign up at the Welcome Center if you can help.

Lucy MurphyMari NaslundBeckett NeibertGrant PriceChloe PupichHunter Witt

Spring musical Wednesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m.The1st-5th grade FDL kids will present the musical “100 Percent Chance of Rain” on Wednesday, May 1st. It’s a fun-filled, rhythmic telling of the story of Noah and why God chose him, why there had to be a flood, and God’s wonderful promise because of it. We invite the entire congregation to come and hear these kids sing their hearts out!

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St. Mark’s Calendar APRIL 2019

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opportunities to serve

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Demo DaySaturday, April 6, 8:00 a.m.

Get your sledghehammers and wheelbarrows ready and join us for Courtyard Demo Day! We’re taking down a brick wall to correct some of our draining/flooding issues. This is an important part of maintaining our building, and we need your help. Contact Al (facilitymgr@stmarksaurora.net) or sign up at the Welcome Center if you can join us.

RTA Building DaySaturday, April 27, 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, April 27th is National Rebuilding Day, and we’re working with RTA (Rebuilding Together Aurora) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help repair a home in Aurora. The work will include planting/landscaping, painting, flooring, and fixing a railing. Matt Greising will be our team leader for this home project. Sign up at the Welcome Center in April if you’d like to be a part of it.

McCleery Spring CarnivalSaturday, April 27, 11-1:30 p.m.

McCleery Elementary School is holding a Community Carnival for their students and families on Saturday, April 27th. As a partner with McCleery, we are excited to join them to help run this community event. Our HS students will be helping as a part of their monthly outing, and some of our regular McCleery mentors will be helping run games. If you are interested in helping out, let Pr. Patrick know and he can get you more details.

BeFriender Trainingstarts Saturday, May 4

Are you considering being a part of this year’s BeFriender Training? It’s a valuable, free training program in active listening that can help you not only walk alongside people who are struggling, but also offers benefits for your personal and spiritual life. The training starts with a one-day retreat on Saturday, May 4th, and continues for three Tuesdays (May 14, 21, 28) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. If you are interested, talk with Pr. Patrick.

Lenten offeringscontinues through Easter

Our Lenten offering is going to ELCA’s microloan program, which helps women in developing countries start their own businesses. Please use Lenten offering envelopes (write “ELCA microloan” on them) or give online at stmarksaurora.net/GIVE

We’re also encouraging students to bring in coins that we’ll use to buy fruit-tree seedlings through ELCA World Hunger. Each seedling costs only $10!

\ Summary of the $503,000 Mortgage Loanfrom Don Friend, Council President

At the Budget Forum Meeting (1/13) and at the Annual Congregational meeting (1/20), you might remember that I talked about what the payoff might be in 2023 when the $503,000 loan matures. Ninety percent of our Capital Campaign contributions go to reducing the mortgage principle on this loan.

During these meetings, I also mentioned that we could owe anywhere between $50,000 to $150,000 come March 2023. Here is a breakdown that hopefully will explain things a little better than I might have done in the meetings.

$503,830 original loan amount -$21,595 2018 principle paid-$207,770 2018 Capital Campaign principle payments_________________________________________

$274,474 loan principle on 1-1-2019 -$24,654 2019 principle payments -$25,851 2020 principle payments -$27,106 2021 principle payments -$28,422 2022 principle payments_________________________________________

$168,441 loan principle on 1-1-2023 -$2,430 Jan 2023 principle -$2,439 Feb 2023 principle_________________________________________

$163,572 loan due March 2023

2019 is our final year of the Capital Campaign. There has been $95,422 pledged for this year. So far this year, $37,221 has been given, thereby reducing our principle by another $33,499 (10% tithe to Community Outreach). Remember that we will still have 5 more years left on the $2,000,000 loan, and in 2028 will need to re-finance that loan.

good to know

Capital Campaign updateSharing Our Faith,Securing Our Future

Corrected 2018 annual meeting end-of-year report

Gifts received: 2016 $101,716 2017 $264,944 2018 $175,713  TOTAL: $542,373

Capital Campaign expenditures 2016 $ 90,000 (extra payments to previous mortgage) 2017 $193,926 (extra payments to previous mortgage) 2018 $207,770 (loan refinance charges + extra payments to new loan)  TOTAL: $491,696

Community Outreach end-of-year balances and expenditures* 2016 TOTAL spent: $ 0  EOY balance $12,608 2017 The Neighbor Project $4,366 McCleery School $ 321 TOTAL spent: $4,687  EOY balance $33,217

2018 The Neighbor Project $6,424 LIRS** $5,000 website design $5,851 Habitat for Humanity $2,500 10:30 service drummer $ 315 TOTAL spent $20,090  EOY balance $30,984 TOTAL Outreach 2017-18 $24,777

* As a part of our visioning with the Capital Campaign, we are tithing monies received and giving 10% to outreach projects. These tithed monies go primarily to local and global community concerns in an effort to provide care for the poor and marginalized.

** LIRS = Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service

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St. Mark’s monthly financial recap for February 2019Monthly information

Monthly Budget Goal $ 70,833.33

Monthly Offering information

Envelopes – General Fund      $ 59,004.25

CDC Rent/Administration $ 4,387.50

Miscellaneous $ 576.02

Other (loose, Sunday School, interest) $ 425.97

Total General Fund Income $ 64,393.74

Monthly Surplus (Shortfall) $ ( 6,439.59)

Summary General Fund information as of 2/28/2019

Annual Budget $ 902,000.00

Percent of Year Completed 17%

Offerings/Commitments/Other Income received year to date $ 169,159.64

Actual Expenses year to date $ 152,521.12

Actual Expense Surplus (Shortfall) year to date $ 16,638.52

Budget Surplus (Shortfall) year to date $ (24,507.03)

Summary “Share and Secure” Capital Campaign information as of 2/28/2019

Giving to “Share and Secure” to date $ 579,583.51

Transferred to Outreach $ 60,189.43

Principal Payments to Mortgage $ 524,513.43

Debt Balances as of 2/28/2019

Principal Remaining on Church Building $1,661,662.24

Principal Remaining on CDC (payments from CDC operating income) $ 503,986.23

council & finances

Thrivent ChoiceEligible Thrivent Financial members can use the Thrivent Choice grant program to direct their “Choice Dollars” to St. Mark’s. Last month, Thrivent deposited $1,014 in our account, thanks to George Hensch, Carol and Jens Jensen, Phyllis Jessick, Sheila Johnson, and Susan Manning. Thank you for directing your Thrivent Choice Dollars here!

Council highlightsMarch 10, 2019

Pastor Sarah Stumme (Associate to the Bishop) spoke to Council about the Council’s role with the retirement of Pastor Patricia Geiseman, the transition, and the work the Council needs to do before a call committee is formed.

The Council, via email vote, consented to Bishop Wayne Miller’s appointment of Pastor Paul Olson as our Interim Senior Pastor.

The Council approved a fundraiser request from the Pillowcase Dress Ministry for the Pancake Breakfast to be held on April 14. Proceeds will go to the boiler fundraiser. The Council also approved the High School Youth Group fundraiser request for the Easter Breakfast on April 21 to raise funds for Mission Trip transportation.

Michelle Leedham applied for a Thrivent Grant for the Easter Breakfast as well.

Don Friend reported that we will owe between $30,000 to $130,000 at the end of the 5-year mortgage, depending on total contributions during this last year of the Capital Campaign.

The future building repair line item amount of $8,000 has been transferred to the Operating Reserve Fund.

The Council voted to accept the recommendation of the Resource Team to proceed with Artlip’s bid of $32,000 for the purchase and installation of two new boilers, plus an additional $2,000 for any ancillary expenses.

Council approved request to replace Bell Choir lights after testing new bulb.

Council approved renewing the contract to support The Neighbor Project for another 2 years at $400 per month. Outreach Team will discuss what projects to support with the rest of the Capital Campaign tithe contributions.

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Pastoral ActsBaptism: Adalena Brianne Zulkowski, 3/17/2019

Feed My Starving Children donations“Thank you for donating $900.00 to Feed My Staving Children. Your gift has provided 4,090 nutritious meals to those who are desperate for food. The food funded through your donations provide a critical foundation for a child. ”—Mark Crea, Executive Director/CEO, FMSC

April 6 & 7 Saturday, 5:00pm Sunday, 9:00am Sunday, 10:30am

April 13 & 14 - Palm Sunday

April 20 & 21 - Easter

April 27 & 28

S W Please let Melvin Smith know if you can help with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or 7:30 am Easter worship.

Please let Melvin Smith know if you can help with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or 9:30 a.m. Easter worship.

servers for worship

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Dates, events, and changes to note

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 27 South Edgelawn Drive

Aurora, IL 60506

Phone: 630-897-6891 Web: stmarksaurora.net

Email: office@stmarksaurora.net Facebook: facebook.com/stmarksaurora

Thank you to Terese RuppelIt is with mixed emotions that we share that Terese Ruppel, our longtime nursery coordinator, will be retiring in May. Her last Sunday in the nursery is Sunday, May 5. We are excited that she will have more time to spend with family, traveling, and taking care of her beloved animals; however, we will deeply miss her loving and nurturing presence in our nursery. Terese has been vital to our children’s ministry, and our children will sorely miss her as well. We want to thank Terese for all her hard work and affirm how instrumental she has been to our children’s ministry. Please, if you have a chance to do so, take a moment this month to thank Terese for her years of service to St. Mark’s families and children. We will have a proper Farewell and Godspeed for Terese during worship on Sunday, May 12th.

Godspeed to David & Nancy ClarkDavid and Nancy Clark are regular Saturday worshippers. They help with hospitality and, over the past year, Nancy has done much work behind the scenes to help our ministry grow. We are sad to share that the Clarks are moving to Georgia to be closer to their children and grandchildren, but we are excited for this new chapter in their lives. We will miss them dearly. Please try to make it to their Farewell & Godspeed, which will be held during the 5 p.m. service on Saturday, April 13.

Where will your kids be the last week of July?At St. Mark’s VBS, we hope!

This year, VBS week is scheduled for Monday-Friday, July 22-26th.

We are so excited to be working with ELCA’s own VBS curriculum entitled “Who is My Neighbor?” This is a wonderful program that teaches kids about people around the world who are our neighbors in the kingdom of God. They will also learn about ELCA World Hunger, which is an important

ministry of our church.

The week is based on the story of the Good Samaritan, and each day kids will hear a new part of the story, meet a new character, and see how each answers the question “Who is my neighbor?”

Although this VBS curriculum is not as “turn-key” as the larger ones we’ve used in the past, we’ve decided the message is so wonderful and perfectly in line with the priorities of St. Mark’s that it is worth the extra effort! Mark your calendars and save the dates. We would love for the whole congregation to be involved.

coming up in May & June

Wednesday, May 1“100 Percent Chance of Rain”

Saturday, May 4BeFriender retreat

Wednesday, May 8FDL Step-Up Night

Saturday, May 11PADS dinner service

Sunday, May 19Music Celebration Sunday

Sunday, May 26Worship & France Choir Performance

Sunday, June 2Farewell service for Pr. Pat, with brunch to follow

Sunday, June 9Aurora Pride Parade

VBS @ St. Mark’sMonday-Friday

9:00 a.m. to noonJuly 22-26

Registration opens April 27