Small Group Ministries

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ...Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12)

We have many opportunities for Christian service, study and fellowship in a small group setting. Please join us!

Phone numbers for the contact person of each group can by found in the church directory or by contacting the church office (847-253-0631).

Small Groups for...

Small Groups for Women

Deborah Circle

This ladies group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm in members' homes and sometimes at church. Besides discussing the study from Lutheran Women Today, they collect and prepare food for PADS, wrapped soap, and school/health kits for Lutheran World Relief. We are always looking to add members, please contact Elaine Jaeger to join.

Martha Circle

These women meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 12:30pm in members' homes. They use Lutheran Women Today for discussion, and they support all local projects. For more information, please call Betty Ellesson.

Mary Circle

This group of ladies meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30pm in members' homes or at church. They are currently reading and discussing a Beth Moore study on David called, A Heart Like His. They are also involved with the collecting and preparing of food for PADS, soap chips, school/health kits for Lutheran World Relief, and the Pastor's Discretionary Fund. Interested? Please call Judy Fell, Kim Perlich, or Gail Radtke.

Ruth Circle

These women meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9:30am in members' homes. Currently they are reading and discussing Bad Girls of The Bible. They support all local projects. Look for these ladies and Sarah Circle on Wednesday, March 28th as they host that evening's Soup Supper at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Please call Marilyn Hertel or Betty Lane for more information.

Sarah Circle

These women meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 12:30pm. They discuss the study from Lutheran Women Today and participate in activities such as stamps to Bethphage Lutheran Mission, Bishop's Hunger Fund, Pastor's Discretionary Fund and Lutheran World Relief kits, sweaters, and quilts. They will be teaming up with Ruth Circle to host the Soup Supper on Wednesday March 28th at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Interested in joining? Please call Audrey Pingel.

Women's Christcare Group

A small group experience for moms who have young children. This group meets every other Monday night for Bible study. During Lent, these ladies host the Women's Evening of Prayer (Monday, March 12) for all women seeking time for reflection and meditation. On March 7th this group will host the Soup Supper along with the Men's Christcare Group. For more information, please contact Tina Molini.

As We Sew

Interested in a creative outlet? Do you like to cross-stitch, sew, or just have an interest in it? These ladies gather for fellowship, service, and study. They create altar banners for the sanctuary and a special confirmation banner each year. Currently, their Bible study is called Becoming a Woman of Grace. If you like creativity, this may be the group you have been seeking! Please call Kim Perlich if you are interested.

Quilters

Beginners welcome! This group meets at the Center on the 3rd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of the month to quilt. Participants bring their lunch and work from 9am-2pm. Quilts are displayed in church on the last Sunday of September which is "Thankoffering Sunday" and then given to the Lutheran World Relief Foundation along with Health and School Kits. Please contact Doris Kiner if you are interested.

Funeral Luncheon Group

Many times after a funeral, a lunch is prepared and served in Fellowship Hall for the grieving family and friends. This group gathers to set up, prepare, serve, and clean up for these events. Help is needed! Contact Mary Ann Anderson today to put your name on the volunteer list.

Women's Bowling League

Join the St. Mark Bowling League on Thursday afternoons 12:30-3:30 at Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights. The season runs from September to April. Join individually, as a team, or as a substitute. Please call Mary Ann Anderson to join.

Women's Golf League

Join the St. Mark Women's Golf League at Arlington Lakes Golf Course in Arlington Heights on Thursday mornings (7:15am) from May to August. Contact Cynthia Pershing or Mary Ann Anderson by April 2nd if you are interested.

Women's Book Club

Read one book a month, then join this group on the first Monday night of the month to discuss it. Recent books have included To Kill A Mocking Bird, Grapes of Wrath, and Barack Obama's Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. Coming next, Alan Paton's Cry, The Beloved Country. Contact Mary Ann Anderson for details.

Small Groups for Men

Men's Christcare Group

A small group experience for dads with young children, this group formed during St. Mark's church-wide "40 Days of Purpose" study in 2004. They meet every other Thursday night for Bible study. On March 7th they will be hosting the Soup Supper along with the Women's Christcare Group. For more information, please contact Eric Jakubowski Tony Molini.

Men's Golf League

Join the St. Mark Men's Golf League on Wednesdays at 4:30pm (beginning in April) at the Buffalo Grove Golf Course. Sign up forms are available on the board in the new Narthex. For more information, please contact Lars Gosell.

Small Groups for Men & Women

Sunday Morning Adult Form

Drop off your Sunday School children and come downstairs! All are welcome to attend this discussion group that meets on Sundays at 9:00am on the lower level of the Education Wing (Preschool Teacher's Lounge). They discuss various topics including the scripture readings for the day or lessons from The Lutheran Magazine. If you have questions, please call Rich Adams.

Wednesday Evening Coffee Hour Bible Study

This group of men and women meet on Wednesdays from 9:15-11:00 am for Bible Study. They have recently been discussing John Ortberg's books, God Is Closer Than You Think and If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat. This group is taking a break for Lent but will begin meeting again after Easter with a new study. We would like our group to grow! Please contact Tina Molini if you are interested in joining this group.

Sunday Evening "Bonhoeffer" Study

Starting in mid-April, Pastor Carl Anderson will lead us in a study focusing on the fascinating life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany. Pastor Carl is considering three Sundays starting in April from 4:30 to 7:30pm The study includes video documentaries, small group discussion, and a light meal. Final details will be available in March.

Preparing/Delivering Meals

This group cooks and delivers meals to those who are in need. They have served families once a week or for temporary situations. If you know someone or a family in need of meals or if you are interested in adding your name to the volunteer list, please call Jean Snyder.

40 Days of Purpose Group

This group of couples was formed during the "40 Days of Purpose" campaign in the fall of 2004. Since then, they have continued to meet for Bible Study and service projects. Recently, they have finished The Jesus I Never Knew study. This group will host the Soup Supper on March 21st. For more information, please call Marilyn Gosell.

Holy Family Lutheran School Group

This is a group of people who participate in Holy Family Lutheran School activities. Holy Family is a school in the Cabrini Green neighborhood that we help sponsor along with other churches in the area. This group organizes events like the May visit of Holy Family students to the St. Mark Center for games, crafts, and activities. They also volunteer in helping with the fall dinner & auction fundraiser for their new school opening up this spring. Many opportunities exist in this group. Please contact George Elder if you are interested in participating.

Altar Guild

Ever wonder how the altar is setup and who cleans up after worship? Join the Altar Guild and find out. This service group prepares the altar and sets up communion for our church services and cleans up afterwards. Help is needed for this important worship preparation! Consider being added to the schedule for either Saturday set up or Sunday morning clean up. If this is new to you, you will be scheduled with someone who can train you. Join in this rewarding act of service by calling Marilyn Wenzel.

Servants of God Visitation Group

This group of men and women visit those who are homebound or shut in. They offer Holy Communion and can anoint the ill. If you are interested in serving, or if you should know anyone who needs visitation, please call the church office.

The Pastors are also available to visit where or whenever necessary: homes, hospitals, nursing homes, care centers, etc. For more information, please call Tina Molini.

PADS: Public Action to Delivery Shelter

This group, with the help of volunteers from St. Raymond, serves the community by hosting PADS at the St. Mark Center on Monday evenings during the months of October-April. For more information on how you can participate, please call Andy Goodrich or Paul Brask. More information about PADS can be found at www.padstohope.org.

Katrina Ministry

This group supports the Katrina Mission Relief through fundraising efforts and visits to Mississippi. Sign up for the next trip, April 21st-28th. Please contact Cindy Decker for more information.

St. Mark Boosters

This group organizes fundraisers and programs to help benefit the St. Mark Center, our youth, and other outreach ministries. The annual Corned Beef Dinner and our St. Mark Basketball League are two of their contributions. For more information, please call Jim Eddy.

Drivers: Need a Ride/Give a Ride

Call the St. Mark office at 847-253-0631 if you are in need of a ride to church or an appointment. Call the office if you can volunteer to drive those who need a ride!