2019 In Review

        In following with the previous post, this week Pastor Chad shares with us his annual report for 2019. 

I entered this new decade full of gratitude for the past and excitement for the future. This past year has been the busiest yet for me, and I have grown leaps and bounds because of it.

Pastor Mark’s sabbatical meant more responsibility on my end. While most of you were aware of this on Sunday mornings, with the increased duty in preaching and worship leadership. During the rest of the week, I continued to do my work while also holding down the fort for three months. In that time, we wrapped up major projects outside, including the parking lot and the updated entrance, and the council made the decision to replace a major HVAC unit for the sanctuary. Jill Davenport and I worked with PushPay in developing our new St. Mark app. The Kitchen Committee began to dream up the remodel project that is currently under construction, and we updated some technology needs in the basement. Because I am an associate pastor, these aren’t typically the kind of projects I am involved in, much less in charge of. I learned a lot, and I am so grateful to everyone who supported me in every way during the summer months.

Speaking of the Kitchen Committee, I would like to thank our chair, David Collier, and the rest of the team for all their hard work and ideas in realizing this much needed improvement to our community. Keith Iverson, Les Horowitz, Colene Vivian, Tim Vivian, Pat Schmoldt, Jill Davenport, and Melinda Alekna were all vital in this work, and their expertise and knowledge of St. Mark’s ministries have ensured that this new space will fit all our needs for years to come.

I was also grateful to have Carson Davenport be our intern this past summer. He was a terrific leader in VBS, a wonderful presence on the summer trip, and a great help in many areas of our ministry together. He led a host of events for our students during his time with us. I was amazed at the lemonade stand fundraiser he led, which involved many of our high schoolers and generated over twice our goal for childhood cancer research. Thanks to Melinda Alekna and Julie Eshleman for their close involvement in Carson’s learning.

Confirmation continues to be a source of joy in my ministry. At the end of the 2018-2019 school year, we learned about the Small Catechism. The year ended on a downer, as our Spring Retreat on April 27th was cancelled due to a snow emergency. We kicked off this school year well, though. Almost all of our 17 students were able to attend the fall retreat at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center in Oregon, IL. I spent the past two years adjusting the curriculum schedule, which means this school year we are able to study the Bible from start to finish. Seven high school freshmen affirmed their faith on Reformation Sunday. I am so grateful for all these students, their parents, and our small group leaders: Sheryl Crowell, Amy Gehrke, Christy Malenchik, Justin Egler, and Grant Egler.

Allow me to mention other ministries which continued through this past year. The Men’s Bible study studied Isaiah, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Matthew in 2019. Theology Pub met at Carlyle Brewing monthly. St. Mark 20:30 met for cookouts, a book study, and other events. This group also branched out a bit to include some family service events in January and May. After the Ambassador Committee dissolved, we created the New Members Ministry Team to more directly connect with our potential members. Lastly, I took over direction of the Good News Bearers, which gave four performances this past year.

I was honored to preside over two baptisms, two weddings, and two funerals. It was a joy to teach special classes for Sunday School and our new members. In the community, I was able to open a city council meeting with prayer, dedicate a home for Habitat for Humanity, and lead Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries as its cabinet president.

These are all simply highlights of my year with you. All the in-between moments, the conversations and joys and sorrows we shared are what truly remind me how blessed I am to be your pastor. Life has its ups and downs, but we have one another and our faith in a loving God to be with us every step of the way.

Peace,

  Pastor Chad McKenna