November 2021 Vineyard

The
Vineyard Press
ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sharing Christ’s Abundant Love
“I am the vine, you are the branches. “ (John 15:5)
NOVEMBER 2021, VOL 21, ISSUE 8
Thanksgiving
Reflection
by Pastor Charisse
I have such fond memories of
growing up and going to my
grandparents’ farm for Thanksgiving. I have incredibly
fond memories of sitting at the kids’ table, playing with
the cousins, peeling potatoes for lefse, and my grandma’s
candy drawer that was always ‘open for business.’ As
I get older, I have come to realize that, while all these
memories are powerful, not all memories of gathering
with family are such pleasant ones. Certain recollections
call forth hurtful experiences from the past. However,
even painful recollections can eventually lead us to be
thankful, especially when they engender healing.
Memories can bless us or haunt us, depending on what
gets stirred up inside of us and in our minds. So how can we
receive memories and live with them, catching good ones
that draw forth our goodness? How can we learn to savor
the good ones and let them bless and fill us with hope?
Poet Emily Dickinson believed that “such good things can
happen to people who learn to remember.” How do we
learn to remember and use it as a spiritual practice?
Perhaps at the end of the day, taking a pause while
resting in a quiet place can provide a space to bring forth
a cherished memory and acknowledge its presence. Hold
it and savor it and then let it go. Author Joyce Rupp, in her
new book Return to the Root: Reflections on the Inner Life,
writes:
W
hen a positive memory enters your
awareness, welcome it like a golden nugget.
Embrace and savor it. Gather your newly regenerated
gratitude and hold it close to your heart. We do not
always have to look backward to find gratitude.
We can certainly find it in the present moment by
detecting what engages us positively.
Where do you find gratitude? Looking for the small things
is a good place to start.
When was the last time you were
thankful for the air you breathe or
limbs that work? To be able to see or
to hear beautiful music?
Where does that take you? What
memory do you have of those
things?
I encourage you to reflect not only on your
personal memories, but also on what you are
grateful for here at St. Mark’s. Here are some of
this year’s events to help you get started. What
would you add to this list?
JAN: Voted to become an RIC church
JAN: $5,000 gift to Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry
FEB: “Prayer Around the Cross” Lenten series offered
via Zoom
APRIL: Holy Week and Easter celebrated with a blend
of online and outdoor services
APRIL: $5,000 gift to McCleery Elementary School
MAY: In-person worship returned
JUNE: Aurora Pride Drive celebrated on the lawn of
St. Mark’s
JUNE: Outdoor worship and special Family Fun
Sundays initiated for the summer
JUNE: Four Aurora Lutheran churches
commemorated the Emanuel Nine and Juneteenth
JUNE: $10,000 gift to The Neighbor Project
JULY: 19 HS students did Summer Mission Trip right
here in Aurora.
JULY: 54 kids from the church and community
experienced a vibrant VBS
JULY: 10 new members welcomed to the St. Mark’s
family
AUGUST: Child Care Center sold and secured our
future
SEPTEMBER: Rally Day games and food trucks
brought out young and old alike
SEPTEMBER: Wednesday Night FDL, Confirmation,
and Youth Group returned in person
SEPTEMBER: Saturday 5 p.m. worship returned
OCTOBER: PrayGround was opened for little ones
during worship
OCTOBER: 14 new members welcomed to the St.
Mark’s family
OCTOBER: mentoring at McCleery resumed
OCTOBER: 10 students made public their profession
of faith in the Rite of Confirmation

worship
All Saints’ Weekend
Saturday/Sunday, November 6/7
What is All Saint’s Day?
Each year on the first Sunday in November, we pause and celebrate
All Saints’ Day. There is a lot of meaning packed into those words!
This particular weekend is a yearly reminder that our connectedness
as Christians to the church as “All” includes some most beloved to us:
particular names, faces, and memories of those who have died.
The Bible also teaches that we are also called
saints. Anyone who trusts in Christ alone for
salvation is a saint. St. Paul in his first letter to the
people of Corinth writes, “to those sanctified in
Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together
with all those everywhere who call on
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—
their Lord and ours.” (1 Corinthians
1:2, NIV)
According to Christianity.com,
All Saints’ Day, also known as All
Hallows’ Day, or Hallowmas, is a
Christian celebration in honor of all
the saints from Christian history. In
Western Christianity, it is observed
by the Roman Catholic Church, the
Methodist Church, the Lutheran
Church, and other Protestant
denominations. The Eastern
Orthodox Church and associated Eastern
Catholic churches observe All Saints’ Day on the
first Sunday following Pentecost.
The Christian festival of All Saints’ Day comes
from a conviction that there is a spiritual
connection between those in heaven
and on earth. Individuals throughout
Christian history are celebrated, such as
Peter the Apostle and Charles Wesley,
as well as people who have personally
guided us to faith in Jesus, such as a
relative or friend.
In St. Mark’s ritual and tradition, we will
be lighting candles of all the saints in
our lives who live eternally with God.
We will also read submitted names of
our loved ones who have died this past
year. We join together with all the saints
from every time and place in prayer.
2

worship
Blessing of the quilts
Saturday/Sunday, November 20/21
What a beautiful upcoming worship service! Seeing the pews in
our sanctuary draped with beautiful, hand-sewn quilts is a sight
to behold, and we haven’t been able to witness this since 2019!
So we are especially glad to publicly celebrate the work of our
amazing Lydia’s Piecemakers with this blessing and send-off of
the quilts and baby kits they have made this year.
Some quilts have already begun their journeys. Thirty
quilts have been donated to the Afghan refugee
center here in Aurora. The rest of the quilts and baby
kits will be spread among many other urgent requests
around the world including:
• Street children at risk of being drawn into gangs
in Honduras
• Impoverished families in South Sudan
• Vulnerable refugees and children escaping
conflict in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon
• Orphans and the elderly in Tanzania
• Poor communities devastated by flooding
in El Salvador
• Families displaced by conflict in Armenia
Throughout the year Lutheran World Relief sends
these quilts from their warehouse storage in
Baltimore, Maryland, to meet those needs.
Lydia’s would like to thank everyone at St. Marks for
their continued support of these ongoing projects!
If you like to quilt . . .
Lydia’s Piecemakers meets regularly
several times each month, with some
working at home. Lydia’s warmly
welcomes new members! For more
information, email Virginia Biltgen or
phone 815-970-4396.
If you have fabric, yarn, or crochet
thread to donate . . .
Lydia’s Piecemakers welcomes your
donations. You can drop off materials
in the blue bin in the narthex, by the
kitchenette.
3

worship
Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration
Sunday Nov 21, 3 p.m.
St. John’s AME Church
2950 Bilter Rd, Aurora
in-person and livestreamed
“A Celebration of Music & Friendship: Coming Back Together”
St. Mark’s is joining other denominations, religions, and
faiths to come together in celebration of our similarities and
commonalities. Through worship and fellowship, we hope to
build relationships and build understanding that our diversity is
by God’s design. We come together to share our thanks and to
proclaim a counter-cultural message of love.
Bible Weekend
Saturday/Sunday
Nov 13/14, during worship
Every year on Bible Weekend, we
give an Adventure Bible to all of St.
Mark’s second-grade students. This
presentation will take place during
the Saturday and Sunday services the
weekend of November 13/14. Parents,
please plan to attend to share this
special occasion with your second
grader. If you have questions, please
contact Kari Reiseck.
Mark your calendars!
Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday Dec 12, during 10 a.m. worship
From Bethlehem to Aurora
Christmas Cantata
Saturday Dec 18, during 5 p.m. worship
Sunday Dec 19, during 10 a.m. worship
Tapestry of Light: A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Christmas Eve Services
Friday Dec 24
4 p.m. (family-friendly service)
6 p.m.
8 p.m.
Need a ride?
Our Transportation
Team is providing
transportation to and
from worship services.
If you would like to
schedule a ride, please
call the church office,
630-897-6891, by the
Wednesday prior to
the weekend you need
transportation.
4

stewardship
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
“Dear God, You are our creator and redeemer, the architect of all that is seen
and unseen. We praise you for your steadfast and everlasting love. We give
our thanks for the generations who came before us in this place. Over the
past 61 years, St. Mark’s members have built a place where Christ’s abundant
love is evident. As we reflect on this year’s theme of being an offering, may all
that we do, all that we say, and all that we give to you honor and bless God’s
holy name. Amen.”—Pastor Charisse
This year’s Stewardship Campaign thrived this
year because of countless people who joined
together to make it happen!
Thank you if . . .
• you were on the Stewardship Leadership
Team
• you are currently on our church Council
• you are currently on the church staff
• you shared your story in a video during
worship
• you participated in our stewardship “word
cloud” during worship
• you counted and reported on our generosity
• you got a sticker for bringing forth your
offering
• you took photos or videos
• you made a financial commitment to this
year’s campaign
• you used your creativity to design letterhead,
brochures, signage, and videos
• you prayed for this year’s campaign
• you are now enjoying and making use of our
St. Mark’s building and programs
And thanks be to God for those who will use our
building for generations to come!
There’s still time!
• 120 members have submitted their annual
commitment
• $528,588 has been recorded for next year’s
budget of $900,000
It’s not too late! You can still be a part of this
year’s campaign by going online to make your
pledge or by sending in your commitment card. In
all things, we give thanks for all the ways that you
are an offering to St. Mark’s.
—Pastor Charisse and the Stewardship Team
5

congratulations!
Congratulations
to the 2021 Confirmands!
On Sunday October 31, we welcomed ten ninth-grade students to membership in
St. Marks, as they affirmed their baptism through the Rite of Confirmation. Please
join us in congratulating these students for three years of hard work, and offer your
encouragement and support as you see them helping out in Sunday School and church.
Gianna Cellini
Clodagh Creaney
Logan Drafall
Gabriel Gonzales
Makayla Kolowski
Benjamin Miller
Ben Nowak
Josephine Reiseck
Keagan Reiseck
Annelise Veeder
6

opportunities for kids, college students & parents
HS outings in November
This month, we are excited to offer two different
opportunities for our HS youth:
Sunday Nov 7
Sugar Skull City
2 p.m.
On Sunday Nov 7th,
our HS students
will be heading
over to “Sugar Skull
City” in downtown Aurora. This celebration honors
the beloved Mexican cultural tradition of Day of the
Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with art, activities, videos,
shopping, and much more. Visit the Skull City website
to see all that’s going on! If you are interested
in joining the HS group, you can meet up with
them at the Farmer’s Market parking lot, 65 Water
Street, Aurora, at 2 p.m. Contact Pr. Patrick for more
information.
Saturday Nov 13
Rebuilding Together Aurora
10 a.m. - noon
On Saturday November 13, our HS youth will
participate in raking leaves for local veterans and
elderly in our community. This service project is being
coordinated by Rebuilding Together Aurora (RTA).
Permission slips are available. Contact Pr. Patrick if
you are interested.
PT2
Saturday
Nov 20
4 to 6 p.m.
Funway
RSVP by Nov 13
PT2 (for kids and parents alike) meets the 3rd
Saturday of every month during the school year.
This month the event is bowling at Funway in
Batavia on Saturday November 20th from 4 to 6
p.m. If you’d like to join in the fun, you’ll need to
RSVP by Saturday November 13th, since lanes are
booked by the number of people. Please email
Amy Runge. Hope to see you there!!!
College
get–
together
Wednesday Nov 17
7:30 p.m.
via Zoom
During COVID, Anna Themanson and Pastor Patrick
started meeting quarterly with our college-age
students via Zoom to offer space for continued
connection and relationship building. We are excited
to once again offer that for our college-age students.
We will host a Zoom gathering for any and all collegeage
students on Wednesday November 17, starting
at 7:30 p.m. Contact Pr. Patrick for the Zoom invite
details.
Care
packages
There are so many
things happening at
St. Mark’s, it’s easy
to miss some of
the incredible ministry happening behind the
scenes. We want to lift up our card ministry
and Care Ministry Team, who regularly send
cards to our college-age students AND send
a care package to our college freshmen. We
are intentional and committed to serving
and staying connected to our young adults. If
you are interested in being a part of the Care
Team, contact Pat Jones.
GraceRoad
Sunday Dec 5
6:30 p.m.
Plans are in the works for a GraceRoad Christmas
party! If you are parenting a junior high or senior
student, you could probably use some fun “adult”
time about now. Mark your calendar for Sunday night,
December 5th and watch the weekly email for details.
7

opportunities for adults
ADULT STUDY
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
in the Community
Room
On Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. during the month of
November, the pastors are leading a study that will
focus on the Narrative Lectionary and dive deeper
into the main readings for the upcoming weekend.
The pastor who is preaching that weekend will be the
one leading the discussion and dialogue. Drop in any
Tuesday. All are welcome!
Narrative Lectionary
topics for Adult Study, Nov 2–23
• Nov 2 Study: God Speaks to Elijah (1 Kings
19:1-18) - The prophet in despair, God speaks
in the silence.
• Nov 9 Study: Amos, Justice Rolls Down
(Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24) - Let justice roll
down like waters and righteousness like an
ever-flowing stream.
• Nov 16 Study: Isaiah, A Child Is Born (Isaiah
9:1-7) - People who walked in darkness have
seen a great light.
• Nov 23 Study: Jeremiah’s Letter to Exiles
(Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14) - Seek the welfare of the
city; I know the plans I have for you.
ADULT
FELLOWSHIP
Thursday Nov 18
Feed My Starving
Children
The Adult Fellowship Group is hosting a Feed My
Starving Children (FMSC) outing at the FMSC Aurora
Site on Thursday November 18, from 8:45-10:45am.
Registrations are required as part of the Covid
protocol and can be made by emailing Gary Olson or
calling him at 630-605-2055. There are only 30 spots
so you will want to register as soon as possible.
Those desiring will gather for lunch at the
Pomegranite Café following the FMSC packing.
Registrations for lunch can be made by emailing
Chuck or Karen Lorence, or calling them at 630-896-
6281.
“Share Christ’s abundant love” is what we are
called to do as people of God. What a wonderful
opportunity to these words into practice!
ADULT
FELLOWSHIP
Thursday Dec 9
Christmas
Luncheon
Reservations due December 1st
21&Over
Saturday Nov 27
Hike4Hesed
On Saturday November 27, the 21&Over group will
be doing a “Hike4Hesed” event. Details are still being
worked out about a location and an exact time;
however, if you would like to be a part of the walk
to support the ministry of Hesed House, contact Pr.
Patrick, and he can get you more details about the
outing.
Plan now for the 21&Over annual Christmas party at
the Albers’ home.
The annual Adult Fellowship Christmas Luncheon
will be held at the Fireside Grille in Sugar Grove on
Thursday December 1st. It’s a great time of fellowship,
plus an opportunity to bring a toy for a child at
Hesed House!
Reserve your spot by Dec 1st. Email Peggy Shields
or call her at 630-907-1361.
Menu:
• Choice of Entrée: Sautéed Tilapia, Chargrilled Pork
Chops, Meat Loaf, or Mediterranean Pasta
• Included: Bread Basket, Garden Salad, Veggies,
Mashed Potatoes, Non-alcoholic beverage
• Cost: $18.99 (tip not included)
Please bring a toy for a child at Hesed House!
8

opportunities for adults
ANTI-RACISM
BOOK CLUB
Tuesdays
6 p.m.
The study of Do Better has challenged us to become
more spiritually activated and to think about how to
channel anger into activism. We’ve wrapped up our
study of Part 1 and are ready to finish Part 2, where
the focus turns more to allyship.
Please join us on the following dates. You are
welcome to come even if you haven’t attended yet! All
meetings are at 6 p.m. in the Community Room, with
masking per St. Mark’s policies.
Tuesday, November 9: Chapters 11-13
Tuesday, November 30, Chapters 14-16
Tuesday, December 14, Chapters 17-19, What Now?
We’ll also be deciding what book and/or activity to do
next. Please share any ideas with Lynnette Brent.
SEEKERS CIRCLE
Monday Nov 15
5:30 p.m.
If you are interested
in being in a group
with caring women who are seeking to explore their
faith and connect with each other on a deeper level,
you are welcome to be a part of Seekers. Contact
Marcia Broucek for more information.
KANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT
Saturday Nov 20
10 a.m. discussion, Sanctuary Hall
11:30 a.m. tour of jail
This past year, Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain joined
our “In Conversation” Zoom gatherings. It planted a
seed, and a behind-the-scenes partnership has been
forming organically.
On Saturday, November 20, Sheriff Hain will be
leading a discussion with our congregation about
restorative justice and how we can be bridge builders
between police and community. We, as a church, are
committed to this important work. We are dedicated
to being a community leader that joins in this slow,
incremental, and transformational work.
For all interested, directly following the discussion,
Sheriff Hain will provide a tour of his department and
jail (37W755 IL 38, Ste A, St. Charles). We will have an
opportunity to meet with folks in the jail’s “Recovery
Pod” and hear from them how a different approach
to jailing has changed and transformed their lives.
If you would like more information or want to be
more involved in this partnership with the Kane
County Sheriff Department, reach out to Pr. Patrick.
LYDIA’S
PIECEMAKERS
Mondays
Nov 1, 22, and 29
Our dedicated group
of quilters gather in the church on Monday mornings,
and they welcome any and all who want to quilt.
Email Virginia Biltgen (or phone 815-970-4396) for
more information.
If you are enjoying
the Saturday night
worship, consider
helping make the
services happen.
Our Hospitality/
Worship Team is looking for ushers and greeters, and
our AV Team needs people to help out at the sound
desk. If you are interested, we would be happy to
train you. Contact Rob Creaney.
9

community news
An intergenerational collaboration
During COVID, lots of things paused or
had to shut down. The Knit Pickers, part
of our Lydia’s ministry, wasn’t one of
them. This dedicated group of women
kept on making hats, gloves and scarves.
This past summer during the HS Mission
Trip, students arrived at the home of
Roald and Laurel Haase to pick up tubs
of hats, gloves, and scarves to store
at the church until the winter weather
arrived.
This past month, our HS students,
alongside Betty Lankers and Mary Close,
organized this mountain of hats, scarves,
and gloves by sizes to get ready for
delivery to our community partners.
On Wednesday, October 27, Pr. Patrick
delivered 173 hats, 61 scarves, 17 pairs
of mittens and gloves to our community
partners: McCleery Elementary School,
Hesed House, and Mutual Ground.
Each organization was so thankful and
impressed by the quality of what our
Lydia’s ministry had done.
Just one more example of St. Mark’s
being a community leader and being a
church for the sake of the world. Thank
you to everyone who participated!
Taco Joy!
New Hope Lutheran Church held a
Taco Dinner Fundraiser in October.
What a great way and day to join in
supporting the ministry of New Hope
Lutheran Church / Iglesia Lutherana
Nueva Esperanza!
Aurora Pastors
+ Tacos = Joy
10

community news
Angel Tree
Tags available
Sat/Sun Nov 20/21
Sat/Sun Nov 27/28
Each year St. Mark’s
provides gifts for three
different organizations in the Aurora area. This
year, the tags on the Angel Tree in the narthex
include options for:
• Visiting Nurse Association: gifts for
96 children
• Association for Individual Development:
$25 gift cards for 25 clients
• Constitution House: $10 gift cards for
50 residents
The tags will be available for just two weekends:
November 20/21 and November 26/27. All
gifts need to be returned the weekend
of December 12th. Gifts will be distributed
between December 13-15.
One change: We will not have sign up sheets. The
tag will have directions attached to it.
Thank you! Many families will have a happier
Christmas because of the generous members of
St. Mark’s.—Clare Toynton, for Naomi Circle
Salvation Army
Bell Ringing
starts November 27th
Many of us have enjoyed
ringing the bells for the
Salvation Army as part of our Christmas tradition.
Ringing is a wonderful way to give back. The
Salvation Army is there for individuals and
families in times of need. They provide rental
assistance, utility assistance, counseling, Christian
worship, and disaster relief.
If you haven’t rung before, maybe this is the year
to start a new tradition! St. Mark’s is ringing at
two locations close to the church:
Fridays at Jewel (West Plaza, Aurora)
Dec. 3, 12-7 pm
Dec. 10, 12-7 pm
Dec. 17, 12-7 pm
Saturdays at Woodman’s (North Aurora)
Nov. 27, 10-4 pm
Dec. 4, 10-4 pm
Dec. 11, 10-4
Dec. 18, 10-4 pm
Sign up on the poster in the narthex or call
Mike Flynn: 630-373-6312. Thanks for ringing!
—Mike Flynn, coordinator
PADS
dinner
SAT Nov 13
St. Mark’s is
serving dinner at PADS on Saturday
Nov 13th. Can you help by making up
a batch of Cranberry Chicken ahead of
time? We need 8 batches of Cranberry
Chicken to serve all the PADS guests.
It’s a very easy, 4-ingredient recipe! We
also need people to serve the dinner.
If you can help either with advance
prep or on-site, please email Janet
Guinnane.
Medic Mobile
cell phone collection
starting SAT/SUN Nov 20/21
The St. Mark’s Outreach Team is
collecting cell phones for Medic Mobile, which is revolutionizing
healthcare delivery in Africa. Rather than asking people to come
to a facility, they train Community Health Workers to go into the
community. Phones are a critical part of the program, allowing
workers to keep medical profiles on each person and to stay
connected to a clinic for support. Phones are also recycled and
refurbished for resale to raise funds. To learn more, watch the
YouTube video “Bringing Healthcare to the People.” Please bring
your old phones to the collection box in the narthex to support this
important work! Contact Katie DeSotell for more information.
11

Reconciling in Christ
Pastor Patrick Fish and RIC Team member Pam Miller speak about the importance of pronouns.
Pronouns Matter!
Last January, we overwhelmingly voted to become a RICdesignated
congregation. We want to continue to take steps to
living this out in real and authentic ways. Starting in Advent, as
a part of our commitment to be intentionally welcoming of all
God’s siblings, we will be focusing on using inclusive language
throughout our liturgy, prayers, sermons, and songs.
Any questions about RIC or
what it means, contact any
of the members on our RIC
Core Team:
• Susan Manning
• Martha Egeland
• Mary Mandell
• Pam Miller
• Sheryl Campen
• Melissa Nowak
For more information about
RIC (Reconciling in Christ),
please visit the RIC website.
To review St. Mark’s
commitment to being an RIC
church, visit the RIC Welcome
on St. Mark’s website.
St. Mark’s RIC statement
We believe that we are called to compassion and justice.
We seek to faithfully practice the pursuit of peace, social
justice, and environmental stewardship in our world.
We proclaim God’s wide welcome to all, especially those who
have known the pain of exclusion or discrimination in church
and in society, and are committed to supporting racial equity.
We seek to foster a climate of purposeful inclusion that
celebrates and supports the lives, relationships, and
the individual and group contributions of all children of
God, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity,
gender expression, race, color, national origin or religious
background.
We welcome you with Christ’s love.
12

mental health
Gratitude for those who help along the way
This season marks a time of Thanksgiving—a time
for grace, gratitude, and giving. While we stuff the
turkey and stay up late to beat Black Friday lines,
we need to remember that our ability to have a
joyous holiday season has much to do with how
we live our lives throughout the rest of the year.
While we are grateful for the friends, family, food,
and gifts directly in front of us, we frequently
forget about the resources and services that help
maintain us throughout the rest of the year—and
many times help us navigate the stressful holiday
season.
It is easy to give thanksgiving for the “pretty”
things in life: the people we love, the items we
have, the trips we take, etc. But we frequently
struggle with gratitude for the parts of life that
are “messy”: struggles with mental health, difficult
family relationships, a demanding job, etc.—and
the resources that help us manage the harder
parts of life. Acknowledging the need, importance,
and benefits of these resources, however, is
necessary. Finding gratitude for services that help
us is important both to those who work in these
challenging fields and for reminding our own
selves how essential these they are.
No one thinks it is fun to stand up at Thanksgiving
dinner and share their gratitude for their
therapist right after Aunt Suzy gives thanks for her
great trip to Cancun. However, maybe another
family member is secretly struggling and sees a
flicker of hope. Perhaps your cousin, a burnt-out
mental health worker, is given a renewed sense of
purpose in his career. Giving thanksgiving for the
downs in life, and for those who help us navigate
these difficult moments, is what reminds us how
special the ups are.
St. Mark’s is a community that acknowledges
our inability to go it alone. We are proud to
partner with resources in the community that
can help our lives become more manageable and
meaningful.
Below is a link to a list of resources our Mental
Health Team is giving much gratitude for this
holiday season. I urge you to spend time giving
thanksgiving for the people and services that
assist you throughout the year. Our low moments
are as important as our highest ones—as is giving
gratitude for those who help us find our way back
up.
—Emily Fagan, St. Mark’s Mental Health Team
Need some support? Check out what’s available!
Click here for a listing of Mental Health Resources.
13

church business
Council summary
September 2021 meeting
Council met for its regular monthly meeting on
September 14th. Don Friend presented another strong
financial report, indicating that we are continuing
to keep expenses on track with income. Due to the
sale of the CDC, the remaining mortgage from the
CDC property has been consolidated into the overall
church mortgage, totaling $1,663,382 at the time of our
September meeting.
The big topic of discussion this month was making
decisions about the proceeds from the sale of the CDC.
The total profit from the sale of the CDC was $1,165,583.
• Due to a current contract, St. Mark’s inherited the
copier from the CDC that would cost just as much to
send back as it would be to keep it. Therefore, the
Council voted take $14,000 from the proceeds to set
aside for future payments on the copier.
• The church loaned the CDC $107,987 during the
pandemic to cover expenses while the CDC was not
making any income. The Council approved putting
$107,987 from the proceeds into the General Fund
to repay this loan.
• The Council approved setting aside $100,000 to
use for the most urgent property issues. Based
on Property Team recommendations, the Council
approved work on needed masonry repairs,
replacement of a portion of the parking lot, and
carpet replacement in the office wing.
• The remaining proceeds from the CDC sale are
currently in a 30-day CD that has the option to
extend each month while the Finance Team
investigates options for where we put that money.
St. Mark’s continues to meet with ESSE Adult Day
Services to explore the possibility of serving as a site
for them in the future. Additionally, the Council is
looking into our building use policy, as we hope to
ensure a safe and secure building for St. Mark’s and
outside groups at a future date.
Randy Steinheimer gave an update on the Fall
Stewardship Campaign, “We Are an Offering.” All
of Council was pleased to submit their pledge
cards. We were excited about all the videos and
communications on the campaign this Fall and
grateful to the committee for all their hard work!
Pastor Fish reported there continues to be lots of
positive energy around outreach. He is meeting with
the Dominican Literacy Program to see how St. Mark’s
can partner with them in the future.
We have a busy fall and winter ahead of us. As
a Council, we hope you participate in our Fall
Stewardship Campaign, enjoy our Sunday morning
Faith & Fellowship, and look forward to the upcoming
Advent season.
—Emma Albers, Council Secretary
Council member nominations
As per our Constitution, the Nominating Committee
respectfully submits the following people to be voted on
by the congregation in January at our Annual Meeting.
• Michael Bauman
• Tyler Mabrey
• Jon Miller
• Mark Mueller
• Anna Themanson
Pictures and short bios of the nominees will be featured
in the January Vineyard.
BAPTISM: Baptisms are offered
on the third Sunday of each month,
at the 10 a.m. worship service. The
first step in planning a baptism is to
contact the church office to arrange a
time to meet with a pastor.
WEDDINGS: Please contact the
church office to make inquiries about
an upcoming wedding.
office@stmarksaurora.net
630-897-6891
14

church business
Endowment Gifts
Praise God from whom all
blessings flow! We’re grateful for
recent gifts people have made to
St. Mark’s Endowment Fund:
• $75,000 gift from the Richard
Gould family, in his memory
• $700 gift from a generous
donor
• $5,000 gift from the family of
Bob DePaul, in his memory
These donations bring the
Endowment Fund balance up to
$132,000 to use for the future
ministry at St. Mark’s.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund—
through memorials, special gifts,
wills, and bequests—keep on
giving! They are not spent but are
left to grow. The earnings from
the Fund are allocated to special
projects and outreach efforts
beyond the main budget.
For more information about the
Endowment Fund, please contact
Pastor Charisse or Al Bergh.
Monthly Information
St. Mark’s monthly financial recap
for September 2021
Monthly Budget Goal $ 71,337.00
Monthly Offering information
Envelopes – General Fund $ 69,608.38
CDC Rent/Administration $ —
Miscellaneous $ —
Other $ 1.29
Total General Fund Income $ 69,609.67
Monthly Surplus (Shortfall) $ (1,727.33)
Summary General Fund Information as of 09/30/2021
Annual Budget $ 856,044.00
Percent of Year Completed 75%
Offerings/Commitments/Other Income $ 633,557.34
received year to date
Actual Expenses year to date $ 694,699.07
Actual Expense Surplus (Shortfall) year to date $ (61,141.73)
Budget Surplus (Shortfall) year to date $ (8,475.66)
Debt Balances as of 09/30/2021
Principal Remaining on Church Building $1,219,785.98
Principal Remaining on CDC $ 434,834.18
General Fund owes Special Fund $ 43,110.80
Property repairs and updates
• Repairs in the Education Wing have been completed per the fire inspector’s
request. This is in preparation for the ESSE group potentially using our facility in
2022.
• New carpet and tile floor replacement in the Office Wing are scheduled for
November. We are waiting for the materials to be delivered.
• Replacement of the east half of parking lot will be scheduled as weather
permits.
• Brick repairs on the church and parish house are on hold until our contractor
can fit us into his schedule.
• And, of course, routine maintenance is always happening. Thank Al Lettow for
recently cleaning all the lights in the sanctuary!
Al Lettow braves the heights to clean our light fixtures in the sanctuary!
15

getting to know our new members
The Oates family
joined St. Mark’s July 2021
Travis and Elizabeth Oates met 21 years ago while waiting tables and have
been married for 15 years. They are a family of six with two children, Isabella
(9) and Margret (5), and two pets: a guinea pig (Oliver) and dog (Clarence).
Elizabeth has a career in marketing research and Travis is a civil engineer.
The Oates family moved from the Milwaukee area two years ago and lived
in Minneapolis prior to that. They both grew up in Wisconsin and are avid
Packer, Badger, and Brewer fans. Elizabeth enjoys scrapbooking, traveling,
and running, and completed her first marathon in Chicago this year. Travis
enjoys running, fishing, and hunting. Isabella enjoys reading, softball,
basketball, baking, fishing, scrapbooking, and shooting bow and arrow.
Margret enjoys ballet, gymnastics, jumping on the trampoline, and going to
kindergarten.
They chose St. Marks for its warm and welcoming environment and joined
the church in July 2021. They look forward to being engaged members of the
congregation.—written by Izzy (age 9)
Our newest members
joined St. Mark’s October 2021
On Sunday October 24, 2021, we were
thrilled to welcome 14 new members to
the St. Mark’s family:
• Lavern Allen
• Duane & Gena Gerdin
• Stacie Kutzbach & Sam Bauerle
• Emily Nadler
• Tom Rogers & Christina Vosteen
(affiliate member)
• Andrew, Liz, Quinn & Kyla Schulz
• Patrick, Kim, Leah & Brynn Wicyk
• Erik & Jennifer Witt
In the months ahead we’ll be featuring
individual photos and bios so you can get
to know our new members better.
St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church
Aurora, Illinois
Be in touch!
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