VOICE OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 The VOICE OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2015 TIME CHANGE! Beginning on Sunday, September 6th the Contemporary Worship Service will begin at 10:30am! The Saturday 5:30pm and Sunday 8:00am stay the same! By Jeff McKenzie SERVICE A few of my past articles have been about hope, vision, and unity. They are all designed to make us better as individuals; think about how to be more in line with God s will; and therefore, become a better church. This month I am choosing to focus on service. One reason is because we need everyone in the congregation to do their part, using the gifts they have been given to enable us to grow as a church - both physically and spiritually. That is an easy statement to make and is one that I m sure most everyone would agree with theoretically. However, the problem is how do you find out specific ways to serve and know what is right for you? One resource would be to read the information in this September VOICE about the Ministry Palooza coming up in October. The Ministry Palooza is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the existing ministries at St. Mark and find out what fits you best. It is also a way to possibly see an area in which you could start a ministry that does not currently exist. In addition to the Ministry Palooza, we are currently in the nomination process for council positions. If you are asked to offer your service by a member of the nominating committee, I hope you will prayerfully consider accepting if it is the right time in your life and the right fit for you personally. Sunday School (which begins September 13th) will be held from 9:20am-10:20am I am very thankful for every individual who is currently working hard and offering their time and talents at St. Mark. I saw a wonderful example of spontaneous service the Sunday before the Rummage Sale when dozens of people came forward to help move and organize items in preparation for the sale. I hope that everyone who has been considering ways in which they can be more active will attend the Ministry Palooza, listen for God s plan for you, and join in His work at St. Mark. As it says in Matthew 20:28, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Let us also join in His work. Your humble servant, Jeff McKenzie The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 1

2 ST MARK STAFF Terry Breum Pastor Bill Shields Pastor & Youth Director Amy Paxton Youth Assistant Sharon Schranz Office Administrator Collin Crowl Organist / Traditional Music Coordinator Collin@smlc.info Todd Stickney Contemporary Music Coordinator Todd@smlc.info Deb Heide Nursery Supervisor deborahheide@att.net Steve Lary Maintenance Assistant Steve.Lary@yahoo.com Michael White Janitor ST MARK COUNCIL President Jeff McKenzie Vice President Doug Sweeney Congregation Secretary Jill Mellender Financial Treasurer Lynn Wetterberg Controller Phil Noffke Financial Secretary Patrice Sutton Board of Elders Roger Zuchowski Doug Sweeney Jerry Doran Board of Trustees Jim O Neal Robin Korom Steve Lary Council Meeting: September 08, :00pm in the Library Committee Meeting: September 22, :00pm in the main building ST MARK COMMITTIES Evangelism (overseen by Elder - Jerry Doran) Judy Dunfrund Kathy Nader Lori Jenkins Joyce Mol Parish Education (overseen by Elder - Roger Zuchowski) Lori McKenzie Connie Saunders Rhonda Doran Worship & Music (overseen by Elder Doug Sweeney) Rebecca Gundlach Charlie Burke Jim Schranz Cliff Ewert Finance (overseen by Trustee - Robin Korom) Jill Winling Gary Olson Property Management (overseen by Trustee - Steve Lary) Cal Kveton Carl Dunfrund Stewardship (overseen by Trustee - Jim O Neal) Carl Norlin Pete Bolender Laurie Kerns Have something to say? Want to hear first-hand what YOUR council & committees are doing? Please feel free to attend the committee or council meetings! ALL meetings are open to the congregation! The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 2

3 MINISTRY PALOOZA Did you know that St. Mark has over 70 different ministries? And there is one just waiting for you to become involved! Each Sunday during the month of October be will be highlighting different ones. The ministries will have a table in the Fellowship Hall at which they will present information so that we can all learn more about what they do and how we can be a part of it. PADS starts on October 2, 2015 Sign up to be a volunteer! PADS SEASON IS OCTOBER thru APRIL VOLUNTEERS: Contact Jill Decker, Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Sign up binder is in drawer in kitchen C: H: or decker0393@gmail.com LAUNDRY: Contact Karen Barnes FOOD: Contact Laurie Kerns Interested in becoming a member of St. Mark Church? New Member Classes will begin on Sunday, September 20th at 9:20 am! It is so wonderful to be a part of St. Mark! Please meet outside Pastor Shields office on the first day. Please speak with Pastor Shields if you have questions! Thank you for all the prayers for Mike, myself and our family during our stressful time. We are so blessed and Mike is recovering nicely! Gratefully yours Mike & Mary Anderson Got Special Music? If you are interested in providing special music for the traditional services, please contact Collin Crowl, organist and music coordinator, at Collin@smlc.info He will find a time to rehearse with you, if necessary, and a time for you to offer your gifts to the congregation in one of our traditional services. The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 3

4 Dear Friends, Our family had one of those experiences that many families go through if you have a dog. Our dog, Shadow (11 years old) had to be put down yesterday (Aug. 11, 2015). We really had no choice. I held by Pastor Breum the dog as they put him to sleep. Many tears were shed. I am not embarrassed to say it. I called the family and they all came over to the animal clinic to hold him one more time. He was a very faithful and loyal dog and yes I know, he was only a dog. He smelled like a dog. He ruined furniture and left marks on the rug from time to time. But every time one of us came into the house, he would get super excited, wag his tail, bark, and give a wonderful greeting. No matter what mood you were in, no matter how lousy or good you felt, he was always there and glad to see you. There is something very good about that. This is the second dog I have held as they put them out of their pain. I do not want to do this again. The summer has gone by so fast. As I write this, the church and education center is full of stuff. So many volunteers, led by Sue DeYoung and Lori Kerns, have put in hours day after day of hard work placing the treasurers in appropriate places. It is fun to see so many people working hard together, enjoying one another s company, and with smiles on their faces. Thank you to all of you who do this labor of love. You do it so well. Another bright moment this month was Bob Yarbrough being here. We are all thrilled to see him and hear him preach and do the children s sermon. God richly blessed this church the day the Yarbrough family visited us for the first time back in God brought them here and a beautiful ministry was born. Bob began preaching once a month and teaching Adult Sunday school. St. Mark sends Dr. Yarbrough and Pastor Shields into Africa most often twice a year. This is such an important outreach of our church. We have a worldwide impact and in all of this God is greatly glorified. Whenever we send persons out on a mission trip in the states or to a foreign country there is something exceptionally God pleasing about this. We, here, always have opportunity to do ministry locally. Sharing Christ with our neighbor, one does not have to travel far to do this. Not all can travel into foreign countries or other states but those that do are called of God and this church takes that very seriously and that we should. With Sunday school beginning, Confirmation, Bible Studies, and more we are praying for God s Holy Spirit to continue to move powerfully in our church and all of our lives. I know God is working more than we can see. New ministries are starting up. God keeps brining new people to St. Mark. This is an exciting time of the year. May the Lord Jesus Christ establish all of us and strengthen all of us solidly in the Christian faith. Please keep lifting up this church to the Lord Jesus. God Bless You All, Pastor Terry Breum HANDBELL CHOIR LOOKING FOR RINGERS! St. Mark s Handbell Choir is looking for volunteers! The group is open to adults and high school students. No previous ringing experience necessary some musical experience is preferred but not required. NEW REHEARSAL TIME We will hold rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 7:30p.m. in the south balcony room of the sanctuary. Our first rehearsal will be on Wednesday, September 9! Please contact Karen Gerold if you are interested in joining! The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 4

5 QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Please contact Pastor Bill Shields or Amy Paxton Jr. and Sr. High YOUTH KICK-OFF EVENT! The ZANY athletes from Comedy Sportz will be here to inspire us, have some fun on-stage and start our year off with a few chuckles! WHO: ALL 6 th graders-12 th graders and parents WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 th from 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: St. Mark Ed Center WHAT ELSE: Pizza dinner provided - bring snack or dessert to share! COST: Bring $5 for pizza and pop. The laughs are free! QUAKE IS AWESOME! 6 th -8 th Graders and Parent Chaperones YOUTH ENCOUNTER S QUAKE at Chicago Marriot- Naperville January 22-24, 2016 Early Bird Registration Deadline: November 1 st. Registration Deposit: $50 Total cost per person: $110 Registration fee is subsidized by St. Mark and covers program cost, room, and meals. Checks can be made to St. Mark Lutheran and given to Pastor Shields or Amy Paxton. The remaining $60 will be due January 17th. If you miss the early bird deadline, you can still go, but the cost will be $135. (If anyone cannot afford the cost, please talk to Pastor Shields. There are people in the congregation who are willing to cover the cost of those who cannot afford it.) Weekend youth events, called Quake, make faith come alive for youth through caring conversations, workshops, and worship. This year s theme is: UNBREAKABLE But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP WINTER RETREAT winterxtreme at Camp Timberlee in East Troy, WI January 29-31, 2016 Early Bird Registration Deadline: November 1 st. Registration Deposit: $50 Total cost per person: $110 Registration fee is subsidized by St. Mark and covers retreat cost, food and activity. Checks can be made to St. Mark Lutheran and given to Pastor Shields or Amy Paxton. The remaining $60 will be due January 17th. If you miss the early bird deadline, you can still go, but the cost will be $135. (If anyone cannot afford the cost, please talk to Pastor Shields. There are people in the congregation who are willing to cover the cost of those who cannot afford it.) SIGN-UP for this carpetball, foosball, animal farm, broomball tournament, WORSHIPFUL, zip-lining, arbor.vitae music worshipping, cross-country skiing, espresso bar, leather shop, snow shoeing, tobogganing, tubing, horse riding adventure! A NOTE TO THE CONGREGATION: In the past, members of the congregation have sponsored a young person who wants to go to Quake but cannot afford it. If you feel led and are willing to sponsor a young person fully, or in part, please make checks payable to St. Mark and give them to Pastor Shields. He will make sure that the money gets to the appropriate people. THANK YOU! The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 5

6 If you are going through a difficult time and need a fellow Christian to talk and pray with, the Stephen Ministers in our church can help. We are not professional counselors but we have gone through several months of intense formal training just for this. To date we have had numerous people go through this program in a time of need. We are not there to solve problems, we pray for God to do that but sometimes having another person go through the hard times with you can be comforting. If you would like to find a match with a Stephen Minister, please call one of the Coordinators: John Florip or Judy Dunfrund, or the Church office to be connected to one of the Stephen Ministers in our Congregation. Everything is kept in strict confidence. What s on the Shelf? St. Mark Library Book Corner This month s selection was written by a former St. Mark member, Walter Liefeld. His book Direction: A Biblical Perspective on Being Called and Sent by God will be helpful to anyone who is trying to discover God s plan for his or her life. Liefeld discusses God s call for each one of us and how to learn what it is. Why is God's call a mystery to so many people? Does God call only pastors and missionaries? Or does everyone who calls himself or herself a follower of Christ need to discern what God has called them to? What if the focus is not only about calling but also about being sent? This book offers insight on the topics of both calling and sending, using biblical texts to explore how God led His people in the Old and New Testaments. Relevant questions are explored, engaging readers in practical application of Scripture to their current situation. Whether in ministry, missions, or lay church leadership or in a secular vocation, God's Word provides principles, guidance, and direction on personal decisions. You can find this book under call number 248 LIE. The St. Mark Library is located in the side room off of the Fellowship hall. There are books and DVD s available for adults and children! The deadline for the OCTOBER VOICE is September 13th articles to Sharon@smlc.info If you would like to request prayer please your request to smlcprayers@gmail.com or submit your request via the Contact Us page of our website The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 6

7 Growing in Christ A NEW Adult Class for Teaching and Sharing the Faith Christianity is based on faith, defended by reason, and teaching God s truth about the life of the world and heaven. Today our American culture is being relentlessly challenged about our Biblical beliefs. The world is no longer tolerating Christian participation in the marketplace of ideas. Church attendance is down and the number of Christians leaving the faith in the United States is accelerating. Where do we go? In a study Already Gone, we found we are losing our kids in elementary, middle school, and high school rather than college and the Sunday school syndrome is contributing to the epidemic, rather than helping it. So how do we curb this phenomenon from spreading in St. Mark? First, we need to acknowledge that our Sunday school program is being overwhelmed by the anti-christian teachings in the educational environment and messaging from the media. Second, we must address the fact that we are being relentlessly reminded to keep our faith within the church and our homes rather than sharing it in the workplace/schools as commanded by Jesus. Third, we should realize each of us is part of the phenomenon as well as the solution. To counter act this challenge, St. Mark is offering to all adults a new class, Growing in Christ, that follows the Sunday school curriculum. Our Parish Education Committee is encouraging adults, specifically parents, grandparents, and guardians to consider joining this class during either the Sunday school hour or Wednesday evening during Confirmation classes. (1) the class will mirror each week s lesson from K-Seventh grades, (2) provide training through teaching as well as sharing instructional strategies, and (3) to provide Christian resources and tactics to share one s faith outside the church. Class materials will be provided. The class will begin on Rally Day (Sept 13th) and follow the Sunday school calendar. Class location will be determined by the size of the class. If you are interested and have questions, please contact Barb Ewert, one of the Sunday School superintendents or a member of the Parish Education committee. Please Barb Ewert (b1182ray@aol.com) to sign up so we have enough room to accommodate the class. Proverbs 22:6: Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course. Evan Hahn s Alaska Adventure When I first came to Alaska 4 years ago, I met an older native man who was always working pretty hard and pretty late. I asked him if he ever stops working because that's all I've seen him do. He looks at me and says, "you quit working when the sun goes down." I think this is the first summer that I fully understood what he meant by that. Because the whole summer feels like I've just been working. Being a welder, and living in Homer has definitely been a good match. I've been blessed to be able to work with a few different contractors on big projects. I've been on a few different big boat jobs. These boats are over 120 feet long and take cargo and shipments all over Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. They are fun jobs but also very busy. One week, at the beginning of summer, I was so busy that I worked 82 hours that week. I was already worn out. If I wasn't sleeping or eating, I was working. I met a guy on a job and was sharing with him about what I've been doing in Alaska for the past 2 years or so of ministry. He was a believer too and was so happy he met another Christian who was a welder. Then he told me that we are Welders for Jesus. I thought that was pretty cool. After we finished a job I would take a few weeks off to just hang out and enjoy summer. In June, I took a drive up to Minto. It was the first time that I had been up there since I moved back in March. It was a bittersweet feeling. Knowing that I was only going to be there a few days was the hard part. I was walking down the street when I little kid named Robbie saw me. He yelled my name, "It's Evan!" There just so happened to be a birthday party going on at that house, then all of the sudden all of the kids in the village ran from that house and ran down and engulfed me in one giant hug. It was the best welcome home that I've ever gotten. If I stayed any longer, I probably would have never left. I received an offer for a part time position as a youth pastor s assistant at the church I attend. I prayed about it for some time then decided in June that it was the next step for me to jump back into ministry. I get to work with the youth group as well as play bass in the worship band. We go on hiking Continued on page 8 The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 7

8 Missouri Musings: Bringing in the...cucumbers by Bob Yarbrough God s Blessings as you go Back to School! An old hymn celebrated the grain harvest with the words "bringing in the sheaves." "Sheaves," of course, are bundles of grain. The hymn was based on Ps 126:6 (ESV): "He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." In our garden we don't plant grain. And a lot of what we did plant this year did not do well due to rain and chilly weather in early summer. The tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes barely produced at all. But the cucumbers--it was a banner year. I just pulled the vines yesterday as the cucumbers were turning bitter. But beginning in early June we picked a hundred pounds or more off just a few plants. We gave them away and ate them fresh. Bernie canned several dozen quarts of pickles. I didn't keep a spiritual diary while harvesting, but I could have. Here are a few of the lessons God reminded me of: We sow in hope. Some things work and others don't. But we still sow. Most of what I planted this year was a bust. Who could have predicted the cucumbers would succeed? We have to trust God with our planning and service and let him give the growth (1 Cor. 3:6-7). What begins with tears may end with rejoicing. The Psalm verse above talks about the sower who "goes out weeping." I never wept over our cucumbers. But I endured a lot of mosquito bites while picking and watering. And I picked a lot of spines out of my fingers--the vines and sometimes the cucumbers have these tiny annoying nettles. And how about the gnats that fly into your eyes and up your nose? Ugh. But at the end are those nice buckets of cucumbers. The discomfort is worth it. Seek and you shall find. It's amazing how easy it can be to miss cucumbers when you pick them. If you just give a casual glance, you can think there are none there. But then if you forget the heat and insects and itching and sweat and get down on your knees and search, you might end up with three or four dozen cucumbers. You have to search diligently! Just so, the Bible says "seek the LORD" over two dozen times. Jesus said, "Seek, and you will find" (Luke 11:9). James writes, "You do not have, because you do not ask" (James 4:2). Our salvation lies in Christ, not in cucumbers. But this summer I have been reminded of the former as we grew the latter. Evan Hahn continued from page 7 trips across the bay and recently we just got back from a youth conference in Anchorage. It's been cool to share with the youth about Minto and even just my own walk in faith. No matter what I'm doing or who I'm working with, I always try to use that opportunity to reach out and share the Gospel. Whether I'm working with the youth group, welding on a boat, or just traveling through out the state, we are disciples of Christ, and our mission is to preach the Gospel. -Evan The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 8

9 The start of Sunday School is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it a success! Rally Day is on Sunday, Sept. 13 th, and there is much to be done to prepare for the start of Sunday School. Here is how you can help: REGISTRATION Please register your child(ren) right away! This will help enable us to have the correct curriculum count and attendance list, the proper size classroom, and enough supplies for everyone on the first day. There are hard copies of the family registration form, medical authorization form and photo consent form in the narthex; these are also available online on the church website. Please note that only one registration form is needed per family, and we need a medical authorization and photo consent form for each child you are registering. Please turn in your completed registration materials in the Sunday School mail slot in the copy room located by the narthex. TEACHERS NEEDED One of the main keys of success for our Sunday School program is volunteers. We have classrooms at all levels that are in need of teachers (we need two teachers per grade), which include Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School and High School. Do you like to work with children? Have you been searching for a way to use your talents from God to give to the church? Please prayerfully consider playing an integral part in nurturing our youth in their faith and become a teacher. SUPPLIES NEEDED There are many supplies used during the school year, and we are in need of donations of supplies for our classrooms. Items needed include: construction paper, colored copy paper (any color), whiteboard markers/erasers/cleaning spray, glue sticks, highlighters, pencils, pens, colored pencils, Kleenex boxes, hand wipes, paper lunch bags, washable markers and pads of lined paper. Please consider taking advantage of the sales in the stores while you are out school shopping and help our teachers have the supplies they need. Donations can be placed on the Superintendent s credenza near the back wing of the church. ATTENTION: St. Mark future college bound students, your family and other interested St. Mark members. St. Mark has received an invitation for college bound students (Jr./Sr. and young adult) and their families to visit the Creation Museum College Expo Friday, November 6 10:00am to 4:00pm EDT and Saturday, November 7th 10:00am to 4:00pm EDT to learn about a variety of Christian colleges and universities. There is also opportunity to attend various Genesis orientated workshops. Students will be provided complimentary museum admittance while parents and family members will receive a special discount rate when accompanying their students. Students also have an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship. Registration is free, but required. The Creation Museum is a rich Biblical resource in learning how to present the Creation story, it's Biblical counter to the evolution theory and to enrich one's faith. You can check out the details at shar.es/1sk4n0. Be sure to scroll down for listing of schools, workshops, lodging information and directions. The Creation Museum is located in Petersburg, Kentucky near Cincinnati, Ohio just off I 275. It is about a five-hour trip from Lindenhurst. St. Mark s Church Council has some funding available for this trip. If enough people are interested in attending, there may be an option to provide bus transportation. Contact Barb Ewert (b1182ray@aol.com) for additional information. Signup information will be forth coming in September bulletins and church announcements. If you have any questions regarding Sunday School, feel free to contact one of our Superintendents: Tricia Cholewinski, Rhonda Doran or Holly Schuster. God s blessings to you! The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 9

10 COOL C.O.O.L. Food Pantry SEPTEMBER Peanut Butter & Jelly If you are able, please consider donating a few extra items. Please place food donations in the yellow bins found by either entrance. The pantry can always use non-perishable food items - canned fruit and vegetables, soup, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, tomato /pasta sauce, toiletries, baby formula, diapers, mac & cheese / pasta, dessert mixes, boxed potatoes, etc. COOL gladly accepts donations of shelf-stable food items that have not reached their expiration or best by date. Also, items not packaged individually inside a box must be in an unopened container. Thank you. Food donations are taken to the Cool Food Pantry West, located at Trinity Lutheran Church W. Highway 134, Ingleside, IL They are open Mon 1-5pm; Wed 10am-2pm; and on the 4th Sat 11am-1pm. Thank you for your ongoing support! Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Fortune 500 not-for-profit membership organization of Christians. Our purpose is to serve our members which today total nearly 2.4 million by guiding them to be wise with money, live generously and change lives. We succeed when our members, their families and their communities thrive. We value our relationships, so we will be trustworthy in character and competence, act like owners and treat our members as owners, and strive to live balanced and generous lives. Thrivent Choice Dollars can provide St Mark Lutheran Church with monthly electronic grants from Thrivent as our members direct Choice Dollars to your organization. Members need to direct their Thrivent Choice Dollars annually by visiting Thriventchoice. St Mark members have been participating in Thrivent Choice dollars since January 2011 and to date (through 08/2015) $18, has been donated to St Mark. Watch future issues of the VOICE for monthly updates St. Mark Church Community Nights WHERE: Wendy s Restaurant 370 S US Highway 45 - Lindenhurst, IL (Rt. 45 & Sand Lake Rd) TIME: 5pm to 8pm DATES: September 17 October 15 November 19 December 17 Dine in or Carry Out! We receive 15% of Wendy s sales during these Community Nights! We received $ in July The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 10

11 Thank you for your heartfelt prayers for our Muslim neighbors and friends during the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World. "His Spirit is drawing countless thousands of Muslims to new life in Jesus." How can you continue to participate? (1)Pray for Muslims, (2) support outreach and ministries to Muslims, (3) go to Muslims, (4) minister to Muslims in your own community and (5) share the Gospel with Muslims. How can you pray? Pray for Muslims in our community and around the world whenever they are in the news. Pray for missionaries and Muslimbackground believers who are taking the Gospel deep into the House of Islam. Pray that God would raise up more witnesses to Muslims, and ask God what He would have you do to minister to Muslims and share your faith with them. 1 Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. Be a blessing to a Confirmation Student by being a Confirmation Prayer Pal We are looking for high school students and adults who are willing to pray for confirmation students and secretly encourage them with notes or cards during their two year journey of faith. You will remain a secret to your student prayer pal until they finish the two year Confirmation program. You will be revealed to your Confirmation student at the Confirmation Reception on the night of their Confirmation Rehearsal. Sign up sheets are available on the FYI Board in the narthex. Please fill out the form and place it in the offering plate or in the Confirmation mailbox in the church office. We will contact you with information and a picture of your confirmation student. If you have questions, please contact Debbie Plishka. CONSTITUTION CHANGES There are two proposed revisions to the St Mark Lutheran Church Constitution as reviewed by the Best Practices committee, modified an approved by Council. The Constitution requires amendments be submitted to council 90 days in advance of the Annual Meeting. These Amendments were submitted and approved July 14, 2015 in compliance with this requirement. The requirements for By-Law changes need to be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the Annual Meeting, they were submitted and approved July 14, The changes are minimal two (2) and include: 1) Constitution Article 1, section 2 to clarify the details of the church incorporation. 2) Bylaws Section 9 Officers and Boards, Part C section 1a and 2: To change the terms of the council so that their service starts January 1 st following their election in November. Copies of the approved draft can be found on the table outside the church office for your consideration and comment. A comment period of 30 days (until 8/30) to take any concerns into consideration is being granted before issuing the final draft which will be available to the congregation 30 days (10/4) before the annual meeting November 8, Questions or concerns can be directed to the congregation president, Jeff McKenzie at smlcprez@gmail.com The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 11

12 ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH 1822 EAST GRAND AVENUE LINDENHURST IL Address Service Requested Return Postage Guaranteed Dated Material Please Rush Non-Profit Org U S Postage P A I D Lake Villa, IL Permit No. 4 NEXT VOICE DEADLINE August 09, 2015 The VOICE OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH Stephen Ministry The VOICE OF ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH St. Mark Lutheran Church Phone: (847) Fax: (847) Worship Services: Saturday: Sunday: 5:30 pm 8:00 & 10:30 am Sunday School (Sept - May): 9:20 am A monthly publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church. Visitors Welcome! The VOICE of St. Mark SEPTEMBER 2015 Page 12