June 2022 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)
JUNE 2022
Pride Month @ St. Mark’s!
This month is the perfect opportunity to reaffirm our
commitment to making St. Mark’s a welcoming place
for all God’s children.
Understanding St. Mark’s
as an RIC Congregation
As part of our call to love
one another, we affirm our
LGBTQIA+ siblings. Three years
ago we aligned our efforts with
ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans
for Full Participation. We worked through a process
to educate ourselves, and in 2021 the congregation
adopted a welcoming statement. Read our
congregational statement here.
We recognize that all the things that divide us—
racism, sexism, ageism, able-ism, heterosexism,
homophobia—diminish us. We commit to providing
a safe place for ALL, and we are working for systemic
change to alleviate and eliminate oppression. During
the month of June, we have several ways to live out
our commitment.
Aurora Pride Parade
After a two-year hiatus due to
COVID, we are able to celebrate
our LGBTQIA+ neighbors
again by walking shoulder to
shoulder and sharing God’s
love in downtown Aurora. The Aurora Pride Parade
kicks off at noon on June 12. The parade is a familyfriendly
event, and we hope you’ll consider bringing
the kids and walking with us! It’s a great way to meet
others at St. Mark’s, too. Sign up online or at the
Welcome Center. Everyone is welcome to attend the
parade and cheer! CLICK HERE for parade details.
Father’s Day Offering
Our Father’s Day offering this
June furthers our commitment
to compassion and justice,
especially for those who know
the pain of exclusion. LGBTQIA+
youth rejected by family can become homeless and
are at increased risk of suicide. They need a safe place
to stay while getting connected to resources to set
them on a path of healing and stability.
Our collected offerings will go toward ELCA Good Gifts
overnight shelter program for these vulnerable youth.
One night of shelter costs $50. Any amount will help.
You can give online or pick up a donation envelope at
the Welcome Center.
What does it mean to be
welcoming & affirming?
This month is a good time
to revisit ways we can be
welcoming and affirming to
anyone coming to St. Mark’s.
• Say hello! Welcoming doesn’t need to be awkward
or intrusive. If you see a new face in church, make
sure you say hello and give the sign of peace.
• Be mindful of anyone who might look isolated.
A simple, “Hi, are you waiting for someone?” can
open the door to conversation. You’ll likely learn
whether they are brand new or you just haven’t
met them yet. This is an opportunity to make a
connection.
• Embrace new participation. If a new face joins
a study group or takes on a role in one of our
working groups, give them the same respect you
would a long-time member. This is how our church
grows and lives out our mission!
• Appreciate skepticism. Too many of our
LGBTQIA+ siblings have experienced churches that
say they are welcoming but suggest they change.
It’s up to us to show newcomers we are different.
• Use inclusive language. We are careful about
our language in worship, keeping our prayers and
sermons inclusive. Follow the lead!

summer highlights
Summer sermon series
For the summer ahead, our staff has put together three distinct and
meaningful sermon series. Each series will focus on a different topic
over the three months of the 2022 summer.
CREATIVE
CONNECTION
JUNE
During the first month, we will focus
on God’s Creative Connection.
HEALING
ROOTS
JULY
During our middle summer month,
we will learn what the children and
youth of VBS are learning. We will
focus on Healing Roots.
REFRESHING
HOPE
AUGUST
We will wrap up our summer with a final
series that focuses on the renewing
power of water. Join us for these sermon
series and leave rejuvenated, refreshed,
and renewed in God’s Story of hope and
wholeness.
Intergenerational fun for all
June 26: Backyard games: bag
boards, Spikeball, Kan Jam,
Ladder Golf.
Sno-Cones!
July 17: Rock painting group
service project. Animal rescue.
Harner’s donuts!
Mark the dates on your calendar!
The fun begins immediately after the Sunday worship service.
August 28: Water games:
balloon toss, pass the water,
squirting golf balls.
Popsicles & ice cream
sandwiches!
2

“Tree of Healing”
Vacation Bible School
Mon, July 11 through Fri, July 15
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon each day
summer highlights
This year’s VBS “Tree of Healing” focus is a chance
for children to consider what health means and how
God invites us to share in the building of a just world
where all can enjoy the gifts of God’s creation. As
in previous years, each day will focus on a different
country and how our daily theme applies there.
Day One – Roots of Creation (Psalm 104)
Day Two – Healthy Minds and Bodies
(3 John 1:1-5, 11-14)
Day Three – Different Bodies, Different Gifts
(Psalm 139: 1-18)
Day Four – Being Filled (Exodus 16:11-16, 21-26)
Day Five – Bearing Fruit (John 13:3-15, 33-35)
Each day begins with a skit to introduce the daily
theme, plus lively VBS music. Then participants
“travel” through six rotations: Crafts, Games, Bible
story, Around the World, Simulation station (an
interactive and hands-on activity) and, of course,
Snacks!
CLICK to register your kids
(age 3 through grade 5)
VBS runs on volunteers!
Our great volunteer team is what makes VBS
happen. Come, join the fun. Here’s what we still
need, as of this publication date:
• Crew Leaders
• Photographer
• Kitchen Leader and assistants
• Preschool Simulation Station leader
• Preschool Games leader
• Grade School Simulation Station leader and
assistant
• Grade School Bible Story Leader and Assistant
• Grade School “Around the World” leader (Only
needs to be here for 20-30 minutes per day)
CLICK to sign up
to volunteer
HS Mission Trip, July 24-29
Be a partner!
Being a devotional partner for a Mission Trip student is a special opportunity
to make a difference in a young person’s life. As a devotional partner, you
would be paired with a student and would send an encouraging letter each
day of the mission trip. The letters could contain uplifting words, Bible
verses, riddles or jokes—even a small toy or candy bar. The kids open their
devotionals each night during the trip and share their messages. On July 31st, there will be a gettogether
after the 10 a.m. service so the kids can meet their devotional partners. Please let Anna
Themanson know by Friday, June 17th if you’d like to serve as a partner. You can sign up at the
Welcome Center or e-mail Anna directly at acthemo@gmail.com.
3

great news!
The CDC mortgage is paid off!
After the sale of the Child Development Center, there was a strong desire
to use the sale proceeds to pay off the remaining CDC mortgage balance
of approximately $450,000. However, due to a substantial early payoff
penalty, the Council decided to invest the sales proceeds until a better
opportunity arose.
Over time, as interest rates have continued to climb, the loan penalty
continued to decrease. In addition, investments with the proceeds have
remained fairly flat.
Therefore, with the guidance from the finance committee including Beth Benson and our friends at Old
Second, the Council approved retiring the CDC mortgage. These actions were completed during the
month of May and will save St. Mark’s approximately $3,000 per month going forward.
Pastor Marnie is here!
In May, our Church Council
approved the recommendation
of Pastor Marnie Rourke to serve
St. Mark’s as a part-time pastor
for approximately six months.
Pr. Marnie will be preaching
several times a month and focusing on pastoral care.
This six-month appointment will give Council time to
consider St. Mark’s needs moving forward. We asked
Pr. Marnie to introduce herself to you:
“I HAVE BEEN TELLING PEOPLE that I am no longer a
retired pastor; I’m a ‘re-fired’ pastor. I was enjoying
retirement, playing with my granddaughter,
mentoring refugees from Afghanistan, and providing
pulpit supply when the fire of the Holy Spirit caught
my attention with St. Mark’s calling.
“I am called to feed Christ’s flock, and I love to do that.
But it is not just about preparing the Table where we
share the gifts of Word and Sacrament. It is about
going out into the world, and participating in the Pride
Parade, and gathering together to help our neighbors.
I am very committed to social justice and have been
involved in interfaith dialogue and anti-racism work
all of my life—and I well understand that being antiracist
doesn’t mean I am not a racist.
“For fun, I love doing beadwork. My business card
says ‘Bede House,’ which is how ‘bead’ was spelled
when it first came into the English language from the
Anglo Saxon. It means ‘to bid a prayer.’ I pray when I
bead and have made a cross for each season of the
church year.
“I also love to cook! The little boys next door know
me as the ‘Cookie Monster Mom,’ because when I
bake, they get some. And whenever I go to Lutherdale
Bible Camp, where I served as pastor of the week for
over 20 years, there is an unwritten rule that I cannot
show up at camp without bringing PMSSMT (Pastor
Marnie’s Summer Staff Microwave Toffee) with me.
“After seminary, I went on to get my Doctor of
Ministry in Pastoral Counseling, as well as the training
needed to be a Marriage & Family Therapist. In
addition, I have served as a hospice chaplain and
facilitated a support group for those like me who
were struggling with bipolar disorder.
“All of this is just part of the story of how I found
my way to St. Mark’s. In preparation for joining the
ministry here, I have been offering my favorite prayer
early and often:
Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures
of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet
untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith
to go out with good courage, not knowing where we
go, but only that your hand is leading us and your
love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
—Pastor Marnie Rourke
4

June focus
St. Mark’s care in action
Congregational Support Ministries
(CSM) is the broad umbrella that
encompasses all the ways we
assist members, promote health
and wellness, support worship,
and care for each other. Our CSM
teams have been there while our
building was closed, and now we
are re-committing to be sure that
we are taking care of each other!
During the month of June, we will be focusing on a
different area of CSM in the Friday emails and at each
service:
June 5, Homebound Ministries: Cards, At-home
Care Packages, Deacons
June 12, Health: Health & Wellness, Mental Health
June 19, Worship: Prayer Ministry, Fellowship,
Connections, Greeters
June 26, In-reach: Shepherds, Prayer Teams, Meal Train,
Transportation, Funeral Lunches, Wedding Hosts
We’ll also have reminders in the Friday emails to call
the office if you are need of one of our support ministries.
We want to meet your needs—but we need to know what
those needs are! We are also returning prayer cards to
the pews in the sanctuary. You can fill them out and drop
them in the locked box at the Welcome Center.
CSM MINISTRY FAIR
Sunday, June 26
Right after worship on Sunday, June 26th,
our CSM team leaders will have tables in the
narthex where can you learn more about
the various ministries and sign up if you’d
like to help. We will also be deploying a new
Time and Talent Survey on the 26th, both
online and on paper at the Welcome Center.
We so appreciate all who already serve in
these important activities! And we invite
everyone to consider if they would like to
participate in a ministry.
If you have any questions, please contact
one of our CSM coordinators:
Tyler Mabrey: yerbam719@gmail.com;
630-306-2391
Lynnette Brent: lynnettebrent@gmail.com;
502-881-1817
5

June happenings
New “Walking Together” survey
Walking Together: We came together, and we listened.
What happens next?
In March of this year, we held four “Walking Together” listening sessions,
where members bravely and openly shared their personal stories. The
summary of those sessions, shared with Council at their March meeting,
highlighted three themes common to all the sessions:
• the importance of assuring St. Mark’s as a welcoming church, in both name and practice
• the need for our members to be committed to and caring for each other
• the desire for members to have a way to feel heard, acknowledged, and validated
Participants also asked for additional safe ways to gather and connect to the larger community of St. Mark’s
to become more unified.
The next step is to consider how we can support and empower our congregation to continue to move
forward. The Walking Together Committee believes it is important for members to be part of the decisionmaking
and has created a short survey asking, “What activities you would like to see at St. Mark’s to create a
more welcoming and inclusive safe space for all?”
We hope you will help by filling out a short survey. It will only take a few minutes, but your response matters!
You can pick up a printed copy at the Welcome Center or click here to get the survey online.
Thank you to those who came to the listening sessions. We sincerely hope that they provided some healing,
closure, and connectedness. Looking forward to continuing our walking together.
—The Walking Together Committee
World Refugee Day is Monday, June 20
In the past decade, the global refugee population has more than doubled.
According to the UNHCR (the UN refugee agency), over 84 million people
around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are
over 26.6 million refugees, the highest population on record. The invasion of
Ukraine alone has created more than 6.8 million refugees. That’s approximately one-quarter of that country’s
total population!
This global crisis isn’t going away. It’s here, and it’s something the world is going to have to address.
Throughout scripture, God’s people are called to love the neighbor. But God is also particular in naming who
that neighbor is in our midst: the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the alien.
In the aftermath of WWII, churches banded together across denominational lines to welcome refugees and
immigrants into the United States. The Church is called to do something similar today. St. Mark’s is banding
together with our local World Relief organization that welcomes and resettles refugees in Aurora. This month,
we donated $2,000 toward the World Relief ministry of providing for the world’s most vulnerable population.
We will continue to work with World Relief to find ways to welcome “strangers” to Aurora.
6

June happenings
,
Honoring Juneteenth
Weekend of June 18/19
Juneteenth National Independence Day—also called “Jubilation Day” or
“Freedom Day”—is now a U.S. federal holiday. On June 19th we commemorate
the day that the final group of slaves in Texas learned of their freedom, more
than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
This Juneteenth, St. Mark’s will be asking you to consider supporting one or
more black-owned businesses in the Aurora area. It’s one way we can show
support for black labor versus the exploitation of the past. The theme for our services that weekend will be
“Promise Out of Pain,” and we are planning intentional liturgy to lift up and celebrate Juneteenth.
NOTE: The church office will be closed on Monday, June 10th in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
Adult Fellowship opportunity
Docent-led tour of Fabyan Villa in Geneva
Thursday, June 23 (sign up by Monday, June 13)
The Fabyan Villa was the home of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan from
1905-1939. In 1907, they hired Frank Lloyd Wright to enlarge and re-model
the home. The prairie-style house contains the Fabyans’ private collection
of Asian artifacts, a mounted animal collection and original furniture. Documents and photographs detail
the Fabyans’ interests in horticulture, animal husbandry and scientific research, including code-breaking that
influenced both World Wars. The Villa is featured in Jason Fagone’s book, The Woman Who Smashed Codes.
Visitors can see amazing views of the country estate from the Wright-designed cathedral style windows.
All adults are welcome to join the Adult Fellowship group for the tour. The Villa is located at 1925 S. Batavia
Avenue (Rt.31) in Geneva, just north of the intersection of Rt. 31 and Fabyan Parkway. The group is meeting in
the upper parking lot at 9:30 a.m. It’s a one-block walk up a stepped path to the Villa, but we will also have cars
to transport you if you prefer not to walk.
After the tour, the group will be heading over to the Apple Villa Restaurant (1961 W. Wilson Street, Batavia) for
lunch at 11:45.
Sign up at the Welcome Center or call Irma Larson at 630-450-5049 by Monday, June 13th.
The cost for tour is $12.50 per person, and you can pay Irma.
Adult Study
Summer break
The Adult Study series “The Bible According to . . .” has been very engaging
and thought-provoking. Each week, the group developed a deeper
understanding of scripture and how to approach, engage, and interpret the
Bible. During the summer, Adult Study will take a break, but we look forward
to offering more opportunities like this in the Fall.
7

community partner news
ESSE is on the move!
Pr. Patrick presents donation to DLC
St. Mark’s donates $10,000
to Dominican Literacy Center
It’s not every day that St. Mark’s is able to donate
$10,000! Thanks to the funds entrusted to us by the
Hanson Fund for community projects, we were able
to make May 24th a milestone day for the Dominican
Literacy Center (DLC).
Our Outreach Team members and Pr. Patrick were
able to attend a graduation ceremony at DLC.
(Thanks to the Team members who baked cakes
for the celebration!) They were touched not only by
the stories of the women who have learned to read,
write, and speak English, but also by the tutors who
had committed to working with them for three years.
It was clear they had formed wonderful bonds of
friendship.
One of the women who was tutored had just become
a U.S. citizen. Another had closed on a condo, while
others talked about their thriving businesses. Still
another shared that she had reached her goal of
being able to speak with her child’s teacher.
After the ceremony, Pr. Patrick and the Outreach
Team had the privilege of presenting a check for
$10,000 to help support the important work that the
Dominican Literacy Center is doing. Please watch
the presentation video above to meet our newest
community partners!
Even more important than the money is the
blossoming partnership forming between St. Mark’s
and DLC. Pick up a DLC brochure at the Welcome
Center to learn more, and stay tuned for more
opportunities to be involved with DLC.
In recent weeks, you’ve probably been hearing snippets
about “ESSE.” ESSE is the acronym for Ecumenical Support
Services for the Elderly. The back story behind ESSE
and St. Mark’s began back in early 2021 when St. Mark’s
Council challenged Mike and Jean Bauman to find a way to
utilize our Education Wing in a way that would benefit our
congregation and community. One idea was to provide
adult day care service. When Mike and Jean found ESSE,
they approached ESSE about a possible interest in starting
a day care service at St. Mark’s.
ESSE’s executives and board toured our facility and were
excited by how perfect our setting is for their program.
We toured the ESSE operation at St. Paul Lutheran in
Wheaton, followed by numerous discussions on how we
could proceed and what would be needed.
At the ESSE annual meeting, they voted to move forward
with St. Mark’s on establishing Adult Day Service in our
building. To proceed, we scheduled fire inspections
and applied for zoning, which was approved by the City
Council on May 24th.
Now it is up to the congregation to decide if this is indeed
an opportunity for St. Mark’s. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be
providing informational brochures and encouraging you
to visit the ESSE website and Facebook page. We’ll also
make available the “Qualifying Statement” we submitted
to the city for zoning approval. We encourage you to ask
questions of Council members. In July, we’ll be showing a
video at services, followed by Q&A sessions.
We think this will be a wonderful opportunity to provide
space to the elderly and disabled in our community for
the care, support, and enrichment they need, but your
vote is needed to move forward.
There will be a special Congregational Meeting
on July 31 where we will vote on a proposal to
approve establishing ESSE Adult Day Service at
St. Mark’s. PLEASE MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR
CALENDAR!
This partnership has the potential to strengthen St. Mark’s
ties to the community and help many families. We hope
you’ll consider it prayerfully.
—Mike Bauman
8

community partner news
Hesed House is expanding
In 2020, Hesed House embarked on a multi-phased expansion
project to increase their capacity and allow guests to have 24/7
access to shelter. Because of pandemic restrictions, residents
couldn’t go out into the community as they had been in pre-
COVID days, so in November of 2020, when the weather began
to turn, a large tent was constructed to temporarily house the
shelter’s day program.
The completion of Phase 1 of the expansion project couldn’t
come soon enough. In January 2021, a 6,000-square-foot living
space, directly across from the original building, opened to
provide sleeping quarters for 101 residents, with new lockers,
showers and laundry facility. St. Mark’s gift of $15,000 helped
furnish and staff the new building.
Hesed House is now beginning the second and final phase to
expand the facility to house 33% more residents, and include a
commercial kitchen and dining area. On May 6th, Hesed House
celebrated the confirmation of federal funding to help finalize the
construction of Phase 2.
Hesed House Executive Director Joe Jackson calls the expanded
facility a “one-stop shop to end homelessness.” The larger space
means that both the shelter and day programs will be in the same
building, and guests won’t have to leave during the day. “We’ll be
giving them the shelter they deserve, and it’s going to help them
get back on their feet.”
We’re serving dinner at PADS
Saturday, July 9, 6 to 9 p.m.
Thanks to all the cooks and volunteers who
helped with PADS dinner service in May! Our
next PADS dinner will be Saturday, July 9th.
We will again be serving a picnic-style dinner
with Sloppy Joes, fresh fruit, and baked beans,
along with macaroni and potato salads. And we
always have sweet treats for dessert!
If you can help by making Sloppy Joes
ahead of time, click here for the recipe.
Please let Janet Guinanne know and plan to
drop off your food at Hesed House between 5
and 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 9th (or coordinate
a hand-off with Janet).
If you can help at Hesed House, we serve
about 200 guests for dinner and prepare 100
sack lunches for the next day. Sign up at the
Welcome Center or contact Janet Guinanne.
If you have questions, call or text Janet
Guinnane at 630-892-7492 or email her at
janetguinnane@att.net.
Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry is getting a new roof!
Starting Monday, June 6, the long-awaited roof replacement at the Aurora
Food Pantry is finally getting underway! To keep everyone safe during
construction, all distributions are being moving outside. Distributions will be
drive-through, and there will be no shelf-stocking during June. The St. Mark’s
team will resume their volunteer work on our regular 2nd and 4th Mondays
of the month, on July 11 and 25.
9

church matters
St. Mark’s
Council
Randy Steinheimer, President
rsteinheimer@sd129.org
Emma Albers, Vice-President
emma.albers@kimley-horn.
com
Rob Creaney, Treasurer
rob.creaney@sbcglobal.net
Lynnette Brent, Secretary
lynnettebrent@gmail.com
Mike Bauman
jmb15mjb4@gmail.com
Matt Greising
mpgreising@gmail.com
Izzy Jones
isabellemjones06@gmail.com
Tyler Mabrey
yerbam719@gmail.com
Jon Miller
jgmiller6836@gmail.com
Mark Mueller
mueller1110@comcast.net
Anna Themanson
acthemo@gmail.com
Patrick Fish, Pastor
pfish@stmarksaurora.net
Joni Ackley, Recording Secretary
jackley@stmarksaurora.net
Council update
St. Mark’s Council met on May 15th after beginning the Sunday with a
“Chat with Council” session (including donuts!). We have enjoyed these
conversations with members, and the chats will continue during the
summer, with the next one scheduled for June 26th at 9 a.m. Council
members also staff the Welcome Center so we can connect with members
in an informal way.
Our Council business included:
• A review of the treasurer’s report and expected savings from paying
off the CDC mortgage. Income was higher than expected because of
influx of offerings for Easter.
• Property report: Beginning of parking lot project was delayed because
of poor weather.
• Adult Faith Formation: Adult Faith Formation wrapped up with
a celebration on May 1st. We will revisit Adult Faith Formation
activities for the Fall, depending on congregation need/desire for the
programming.
• Outreach: St. Mark’s members served dinner for PADS at Hesed
House on May 14th. Mental Health Week went well—many viewed
activities on Facebook. St. Mark’s members donated $1760 toward
the ELCA refugee program. We discussed highlighting the Outreach
programs on our public Facebook page, as well as on the bulletin
board in the St. Mark’s narthex.
• Youth and Family: Family Fun Sundays will be held on June 26, July 17,
and August 28.
• ESSE (Ecumenical Support Services for the Elderly): Council watched
a video about ESSE, which will be previewed at services closer to
opening at St. Mark’s, anticipated for fall of 2022.
• Data Dive: Jon Miller is heading up a new committee that will collect
data on attendance and other important points as we consider St.
Mark’s needs moving forward.
• Part-time pastor: Council approved the recommendation of Pastor
Marnie Rourke as a part-time pastor for a contract of approximately 6
months for 20 hours/week. Pastor Marnie’s focus will be on preaching
a few times a month as well as pastoral care. This appointment will
allow Council and the Data Dive team to determine our needs moving
forward.
• Mutual Ministry check-ins: Council members will meet with St.
Mark’s staff members to get feedback on what is going well, and
staff members’ successes, goals, and needs. The hope is that these
conversations will allow staff members the opportunity to share
concerns with Council and for us to work together!
St. Mark’s Council appreciates the opportunity to serve our congregation!
Please let us know of any business we should add to our agenda.
— Lynnette Brent, Council Secretary
10

Synod update
The 35th Annual Assembly of the Metro
Chicago Synod met on Saturday, June 4,
2022. Delegates/Representatives from St.
Mark’s included Pr. Patrick, Pr. Marnie,
Rebecca Mohan, Ernie and Pat Jones,
The Synod voted on several proposed
amendments to the Synod constitution
and bylaws.
Resolutions voted on and approved:
• “Care for Black, Indigenous,
Persons of Color Leaders (BIPOC)
and Congregations During Times of
Alleged Misconduct and Discipline”
• “Support for the first amendment
right to boycott”
Memorial voted on and approved:
• “To uphold the dignity of the Office
of Ministry”
Elections:
• 2 people for Church Council
• 1 person for Metro Synod Council
• 1 person for Metro Consultation
Committee
• 1 person for Metro Discipline
Committee
Thank you to our representatives for
attending and voting on behalf of St.
Mark’s at the Synod Assembly.
Thank you!
When St. Mark’s began the journey
with Reconciling Works, a small
group agreed to work through
what it would mean to become
an RIC-designated congregation.
Martha Egeland volunteered to
serve on this group and brought
her story as a parent of a gay
man. Her personal experience
and willingness to help her peers
understand the importance of
the issue was crucial to our work.
As Martha transitions from the
RIC Team, we thank her for her
wisdom and grounding presence,
We couldn’t have accomplished this
without her!
church matters
Monthly Information
St. Mark’s monthly financial recap
for April 2022
Monthly Budget Goal $ 76,213.92
Monthly Offering information
Envelopes – General Fund $ 67,487.53
LSSI Rent $ —
Miscellaneous $ ---
Other (loose, Sunday School, interest) $ 1,493.34
Total General Fund Income $ 68,980.97
Monthly Surplus (Shortfall) $ (7,233.05)
Summary General Fund Information as of 04/30/2022
Annual Budget $ 914,567.00
Percent of Year Completed 33%
Offerings/Commitments/Other Income $ 244,101.05
received year to date
Actual Expenses year to date $ 339,612.72
Actual Expense Surplus (Shortfall) year to date $ (95,511.67)
Budget Surplus (Shortfall) year to date $ (60,754.62)
Debt Balances as of 04/30/2022
Principal Remaining on Church Building $ 1,173,897.95
Principal Remaining on CDC $ 418,465.13
General Fund owes Special Fund $ 15,000.00
The St. Mark’s Endowment Fund was created to help fund future
ministries of outreach and in-reach. One such endeavor is the granting
of scholarships or gifts to members as they further their education via
a Lutheran-based institution.
Eligible applicants:
• Must be a member of St. Mark’s for at least 1 year.
• Must be attending a Lutheran-based institution.
• Open to all college-age students who have graduated high school
or those students who will be graduating school and attending
college within the next 4 to 6 months.
See the St. Mark’s website for application details.
Endowment Fund
Scholarships
11

Confirmation Retreat 2022
Thank you for all the prayers for the Confirmation Retreat in May. Twelve junior high
students and three leaders enjoyed a one-day retreat on Saturday, May 7th at LOMC
(Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center) in Oregon, IL. They participated in a teambuilding
ropes course, played GaGa ball, walked a prayer labyrinth, did a devotion on
teen anxiety, and played Human Foosball. The kids and leaders had a great time, and
it was a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. We are so thankful to get back
to this fun and meaningful yearly tradition!
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 27 S Edgelawn Dr, Aurora, IL 60506 StMarksAurora.net 630-897-6891 office@stmarksaurora.net