Planning for the Future

 A version of this article was sent in a letter to St. Mark members this week.

Many of us stepped into this year with trepidation, uncertain of what changes and trials we would encounter. The pandemic took its toll on almost every aspect of life. Despite that, we at St. Mark have been able to worship in person since early February, both inside and on our peaceful lawn, and we have been able to continue online services. We had imaginative opportunities for families to celebrate Holy Week and Easter, an all-outdoor Vacation Bible School, and numerous events to celebrate our 60th Anniversary. We welcomed our new Associate Pastor, Katrina Steingraeber, in June. Almost every ministry, small group, and outreach endeavor has returned to bring meaning and hope to our community. As it turns out, 2021 has turned out to be a tremendous blessing.

This time of year beckons us to reflect on the past and look to the future. The upcoming holidays cause us to ponder our values and traditions, as well as our hopes for the new year. October at St. Mark has especially been a time to consider God’s blessings in our lives. For years, we have taken time during worship to discern how we might share those blessings and participate in the mission we share through this congregation. In this place we are reminded of God’s grace, and we are sent to share that same grace with our neighbors. One of the best ways we can ensure that we will continue to grow in faith and share God’s grace is through consistent and generous support of our shared ministries.

On Sunday, October 24th, our worshippers will be invited to reflect on the grace God has given us, and then respond to that grace by making a commitment for the coming year. We will do that during worship by placing “Plan for Giving” cards in the offering plate, or by making an online pledge. Our mission budget for 2022 will be based on the pledges we receive this fall. Our collective hopes for St. Mark’s future rely on how much we all value the ministry we share.

I am thankful for the generous support of so many faithful people through your gifts, time, and prayers. If you find value in what we do together, I ask that you prayerfully consider making a pledge for the coming year. Please keep all of us at St. Mark in your prayers so that we might continue to take positive and communal ownership of this place and our wonderful ministries which increase our faith and equip us all to share God’s grace with the world.

It is my hope that the coming year will bring even more blessings to your faith and to your life. Thank you for all you do to share God’s love with one another, with the greater Rockford area, and with the world. I look forward to what God has in store for us!

Peace,

Pastor Chad McKenna

Time with God and God's Creation

I love being outside.  I love working in my yard in the spring, summer, and fall and I enjoy being outside in the winter too, even if that means clearing snow from the driveway with the snowblower.  I recently came across a prayer in a book titled “Earth Prayers from Around the World.”  The prayer was written by Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav.  Here is the prayer…

“Grant me the ability to be alone,

May it be my custom to go outdoors each day

Among the trees and grasses,

Among all growing things

And there may I be alone,

And enter into prayer

To talk with the one

That I belong to.”

This prayer reminded me that life can be extremely busy and we may forget to spend some time alone with God.  I have found that it is in these extremely busy times that I need time with God even more.  I find that if I am able to get outside even for just a few minutes, it helps.  I feel more relaxed and at one with nature.  I feel connected to God through God’s creation. 

I invite you to find some time to be alone with God.  If being outside isn’t something you enjoy or something that is difficult for you, I encourage you to find a space where you are comfortable to spend time with God. 

 Peace, Pastor Katrina Steingraeber