Church Traditions

I few weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media and stumbled on a video of a women who was talking about worship.  She talked about the tradition’s churches have that some might find boring. She commented that she is glad that folks find church boring.  Boring is not a bad thing.  She talked about how in worship we are connected to people (past and present), the history of the church, and the traditions set long ago. This video got me thinking a lot about the traditions we practice each week during worship. This blog will be the first in a series of blogs that I will write about some of our traditions. To begin let’s talk about the white robes and the stoles the pastors wear during worship.

Pastor Chad and I both wear a white alb (robe) on Sunday morning during the 9am worship service.  Albs are typically white, long and flowing.  Pastor Chad and I also wear a cincture which is the rope we tie around our waist.  The white alb symbolizes the white baptism garment, baptismal purity, and the common priesthood of all believers. The cincture or rope symbolizes readiness to serve or self-discipline.  The tradition of wearing an alb by pastors began around 400 A.D. and was adopted from an ancient Roman tradition.

The stoles we wear are a traditional ministerial vestment representing Christ’s yoke of servant leadership and clerical authority. As the yoke of Christ, the stole symbolizes being bound to Christ, carrying the burden of ministry, and serving the community with humility. The clerical authority represents the official duty given through ordination to lead worship, preach, and preside over the sacraments. Pastors and Deacons cannot wear stoles until they are ordained. Ordination is a public rite by which God grants a call through the church to set apart individuals for the ordered ministry of Word and Sacrament (pastors) or Word and Service (deacons).

The stoles worn during worship are typically the same color as the altar paraments.  The colors each have a meaning and are connected to a church season.  Green is the color during Ordinary Time representing “great green growing” days of life and maturation.  Blue or Purple are the colors of Advent and they represent a serious time of getting ready. White is worn during Christmas and Easter and represents pure light and joy. We also wear white during Epiphany, Baptism of Our Lord, Transfiguration of Our Lord, Holy Trinity, All Saints, and Christ the King Sundays.  Purple is worn during Lent and represents penance, sacrifice, and preparation.  Scarlet is worn during Holy Week and also represents penance, sacrifice, and preparation. Red is worn for Pentecost and Reformation and represents God’s love, the courage of the reformers, the fire of the Holy Spirit, and when the church became alive. The tradition of wearing stoles began in the 4^th century and is from an ancient Roman tradition, but wearing different colored stoles began in the 12^th and 13^th centuries in medieval Europe and was formally standardized in the United States in 1895.  The different colors of the altar paraments provide us a visual reminder of the Christian calendar.  Many of our stoles and altar paraments help tell the story of the life of Jesus. 

The practices of wearing vestments by either pastors or deacons are considered adiaphora (meaning matters neither commanded nor forbidden by God), which gives the individual congregations and synods autonomy.

There is so much history and meaning behind the vestments pastors and deacons wear on Sunday mornings.  I didn’t realize how far back the tradition of wearing an alb and stole actually went; it is quite fascinating. If you ever wonder about the stoles we were on Sunday, please ask us.  Most of my personal stoles have a story behind them or are a treasured gift from a special occasion and person, or a pastor who impacted my life and ministry.  The stoles that St. Mark has that match the paraments tell a story. Each person may see the story a little different when they look at the paraments. Which is beautiful.   

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber

Learning to Breathe with God

 

Learning to Breathe with God by Christine Sine

Breathing prayers are not about emptying ourselves so that we feel a void inside. They are about renewing our minds by saturating ourselves with the presence of God. I like to imagine that the outward breath creates a new space for God to fill. The inward breath draws something new of God’s character into me. As I breathe this prayer I visualize myself breathing in a little more of God and who God intends me to be and letting go of some of what is not of God.

Breathe out empty yourself: of hate, of fear, of anxiety,
Breathe in fill yourself with love, with life, with mercy.
Breathe out empty yourself of busyness, of selfishness of greed,
Breathe in fill yourself with peace, with joy, with hope.
Breathe out empty yourself of idolatry, of self-worship, of false gods,
Breathe in fill yourself with God, with Christ, with the Holy Spirit.

 

Breathing prayers can also form an important foundation for our engagement in the pain and suffering of God’s world. I wrote the following prayer to remind myself that breath cannot be held to oneself. We must breathe it back out into the world.  I am called to be both a contemplative and an activist and I as I take notice of my breathing I am reminded constantly of that.

Breathe in the love of God,
Breathe out and share it with the world.
Breathe in the peace of God,
Breathe out and share it with the world.
Breathe in the life of God,
Breathe out and share it with the world.
Breathe in all that is of God,
Breathe out and share it with the world.

 

Obviously, this is a very different understanding of the outward breath than I described above. This double meaning is very much in keeping with the physical act of breathing out however. We breathe out to expel toxic substances from your body, cleansing and renewing our blood. That outgoing breath can also be a source of life to others however. Mouth to mouth resuscitation depends on this. That breath which cleanses and renews our bodies, holds something of the life-giving presence of God which goes back out into the world to renew the life of others.

Beautiful Sky

On Wednesday, June 24, I was on my way to Flow for youth group when I noticed a beautiful rainbow in the sky.  I needed to stop at the church and I was glad that I did.  The view of the rainbow from our parking lot was breath taking, so I did what many folks would do and took a picture.  The picture is not as breathtaking as seeing it for yourself.  

After seeing the rainbow, I have intentionally taken notice of the sky.  I took note of when the sky was a stunning blue without a cloud to be seen.  I noticed the sky when it was full of fluffy clouds or light whimsical clouds.  I watched as storm clouds roll in moments before the rain began to fall.  The sky is a work of art that changes each day. 

As many of you know, I love being outside in God’s beautiful creation.  It heals my soul and helps to reset my mind. It is so good for me to be outside. Seeing rainbows in the midst of a busy day, reminds me that God is ever present.  God’s creation is so beautiful.

One of the simple things that I enjoy during the summer months is walking through the grass barefoot.  I went barefoot all the time as a child so when I walk in the grass barefoot, it reminds me of my childhood. The grass in my yard is thick and soft and when my feet touch it, I feel a deeper connection to the earth.  It is so good for my soul. 

I encourage you to stop and take notice of God’s wonderful creation, especially as we begin a busy holiday weekend.  Take a moment for yourself to just breath in all that God has created, from a small blossom on a wild flower to a beautiful rainbow in the sky.  If you are able walk in the grass barefoot, try it and take note on how it feels. Connecting with nature is good for our souls.  I hope you are able to find time to connect with God’s creation and appreciate the beauty of it all.  

Yours in Christ, 

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber 

Reporting on the 2026 Synod Assembly

This past weekend, Lutherans from Joliet to Galena gathered at Augustana College for the 2026 Northern Illinois Synod Assembly. Close to 380 pastors, deacons, and lay leaders gathered from this annual event to make important decisions, look to the future, and strengthen our relationships with one another.

St. Mark sent four delegates to the assembly: Bob Osolin, Karen Osolin, Mary Kay Schingothe, and our youth representative, Luke Snyder. They joined Pastor Katrina and myself as voting members. Together, we represented our congregation as we voted on new leaders for the synod, updates to the synod constitution, the synod budget, and other business matters. 

In addition to that official business, we heard from the ELCA’s newly-elected Churchwide Secretary, Rev. CeCee Mills, who brought greetings from our presiding bishop, Rev. Yehiel Curry. She reminded us that as ELCA Lutherans, our stories are woven together across the entire country. This sentiment was apparent in the number of times our folks ran into old friends who were there representing their own congregations. No matter which church we call home, or where we live, all of us are united in both faith and mission.

Our keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Laurie Skow-Anderson is the former bishop of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin. Since her retirement, she has been working to revitalize the wider church and help point the ELCA toward the future. She gave examples from other denominations who are imagining the future of the church as the world continues to change. For her, a future-focused church will be simpler, bolder, more empathetic, more diverse, more open to fresh expressions, and more interested in a life of faith outside of traditional church buildings. Speaking for myself, her keynote, along with the words from Secretary Mills, had me feeling inspired and excited for the future.

Our own Bob Rub was once again the lead musician for the weekend, which began with festival worship on Friday morning and had two smaller services on Saturday. As part of her role in planning worship for the assembly, Pastor Katrina opened the assembly with words of welcome before that first festive service. I also had a small role, serving on the Courtesy Committee which traditionally gives closing words of gratitude for everyone who had a hand in making the assembly happen. 

This assembly has been meeting in Rock Island since the ELCA was formed in the late 1980s. Next year, though, it will be moving right here to Rockford. Details about this move are sparse at the moment, but I am sure that it will mean St. Mark will be contributing even more to the life of the synod while the assembly happens in our own back yard!

Pastor Chad McKenna

Women in Ministry

During the month of May, the Adult Forum focused on women in ministry, particularly the women who have served at St. Mark. We talked about some hard truths about how women were treated in the late 1970’s when the Lutheran Church began ordaining women.  Despite the wider Lutheran church ordaining women, the women were not always given the same or equal responsibilities that their male counterparts were given.

St. Mark has called three women to serve as pastors; Pastor Nancy Feniuk-Nelson, Pastor Carolyn Fredrikson, and myself. St. Mark had an interim female pastor for a time, Pastor Francis Olson. Of the three women who were called to serve at St. Mark, only two have served under the title of senior pastor; Pastor Carolyn Fredrikson and myself.  I served under the associate pastor title for three years before the call to serve as senior pastor, where Pastor Chad and I are co-pastors. 

The reason I wanted to talk about the experience of the women who have served at St. Mark is because I have experienced some uncomfortable comments from folks. And comments that made me feel like I was less of a pastor, because I am a woman.  No matter the gender of the pastor, the ordination rite and the promises made during ordination are the same.  Every pastor is charged to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. We are charged to tend the flock of God and to be servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.  I take the promises I made and the charges I received during my ordination very seriously. 

I am grateful that St. Mark is a church that values women in ministry. St. Mark is not perfect, but they are willing to listen, learn, and grow. I know it is difficult to face the hard truths of the past and present, but this is how we grow and improve.  I am confident that St. Mark can be an example of how to intentionally be equitable, no matter the gender of the pastor. 

Yours in Christ, 

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber

Joy and Apprehension

There are so many exciting things to celebrate in May; welcoming new St. Mark members, college and high school graduations, school ending for the summer, and other celebrations. There is so much to be joyful about. On May 10^th we welcomed five new members which is always an exciting time for the church.  It was a great day full of celebration and vibrant conversations in the café as we welcomed the new members to St. Mark.  The room was buzzing. 

Many folks are preparing for graduations from either college or high school.  In my family we have three graduations this year, Aiden graduates from college and Soren graduates from high school, and my niece also graduates from college.  This is a joyful time but one that often comes with apprehension for what comes next.  It is normal for joy and apprehension to be felt at the same time.  

I am currently reading a book titled Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler.  In her book she shares what joy is.  “She says joy is a privilege.  We all have joy moments.  Joy does not mean others suffering is invalid or that we don’t care about them. Joy is inherently unselfish. Joy is a gift. Joy makes you more hopeful.”  Joy is a big emotion and one that we all deserve to experience. Even when times are hard or we face difficult decisions, there can and will be moments of joy.   

Joy is a blessing and one that I try not to take for granted.  The joy of my families upcoming graduations also comes with a little grief.  Change can be hard and joyful at the same time. I am excited for all the graduates and for what comes next for them.  I will miss seeing them and talking to them.  I am excited to get to know the new members of St. Mark.  I love getting to know people. 

As we lean into the joy of the spring season I ask you to pray for the new members and greet them on Sundays.  Please wear a name tag on Sunday morning so folks can learn your name.  I ask you to pray for all the graduates as they prepare for what is next.  This is an exciting time!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber

How Long is Easter?

I learned a lesson during the children’s message a few weeks ago: Never underestimate kids. I gave them a one-question pop quiz and asked them how long Easter is, fully expecting them to say it’s only a day. After all, that’s a perfectly common response you would expect from most people. Instead, a number of them shouted, “Fifty Days!” Which, as it turns out, is the correct answer.

For centuries, Churches around the world have agreed that the season of Easter lasts for seven Sundays, culminating at the feast of Pentecost. This is why the linens decorating the communion table and lectern remain white, almost a month after Easter Sunday. It is why the pastors wear white stoles and we begin every service with a thanksgiving for baptism. Supermarkets sold out of chocolate bunnies weeks ago, but in churches around the world, it is still the Season of Resurrection. 

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that our kids have a decent grasp on the church calendar. The curriculum we use in Sunday School is tied to the same calendar, with lessons based on the readings we hear in worship. Every week, they begin their time together by examining the giant pie chart on the floor, pictured below. They talk about where we are in cycle of the year and visualize the rhythm of the Church. There is a chart just like it on the bulletin board in the hallway by the narthex, which you are welcome to examine any time you’re in the building.

During these fifty days of Easter, we focus a lot on resurrection. We hear stories about Jesus visiting the disciples after that fateful Sunday morning, as well as stories from Acts about the early church. Along with the decorations and prayers I mentioned earlier, the season has a decidedly distinct feel. But, here is something we don’t teach in Sunday school: Every Sunday of the year is a little Easter oasis. In fact, Easter itself is one of the reasons why we worship on Sunday to begin with.

In the middle of the second century, one of the earliest Christian theologians wrote about the relatively new idea of gathering for worship once a week. In his First Apology, meant to explain the budding religion, Justin Martyr wrote, “we hold this meeting together on the day of the sun since it is the first day, on which God, having transformed darkness and matter, made the cosmos. On the same day Jesus Christ our savior rose from the dead.”

When Easter is over, even next Lent when folks might feel the need to be introspective and dour, Sundays are days of Resurrection. On the first day of every week, we gather to remember the gift we have in God’s creation, celebrate the life we have been given, and hope for the life to come. And during the remainder of the week, the good news of Easter is the Good News that we share in everything we say and do as people who put our trust in Jesus Christ.

Peace,

Pastor Chad McKenna