St. Mark's offers several Women's Circles which meet in rotating homes once a month:

• Naomi Circle                                                                                                                     
  • This group of women meets at 7:00 p.m. every first Monday of the month.
  • All women are welcome to join in the friendship and learning this Bible study provides.
  • Contact Barb Price for more information
• Hope Circle
  • This group of women meets at 7:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month.
  • This group does Bible study, mission projects, pray for one another, and have great fellowship.
  • Contact Dotty Johnson for more information.
• Faith Circle 
  • This group of women meets at 9:30 a.m. on the second Monday of the month.
  • All women are invited to join this group, which does Bible study, a variety of activities, and have great fellowship.
  • Contact Melba Norman for more information.
• Ruth Circle
  • We welcome you to join us on the third Tuesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Prisco's Next Door on Prairie Street in Aurora.   
  • The topic of study is from the monthly "Lutheran Woman" magazine.  We also take time to socialize and enjoy each other's company.
  • Contact Betty Lankers for more information.

20th Anniversary Celebration of Lutheran and Catholic Women

"Celebration of Unity" - "Our Stories"

APRIL 17, 2010

8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 W. Division Street, River Forest, IL

In October, 1989, the Metro Chicago Synodical women of the ELCA and the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women of Chicago signed a Covenant to dedicate themselves to provide ways in which women can share their faith and work together.  They have been meeting once a year for the past 20 years.

This year's celebration is honored to include The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Bishop of the ELCA, as keynote speaker.  In addition, Cardinal Francis George, Catholic Archbishop of Chicago, will bring greetings from the Chicago Diocese.  St. Mark's member Dotty Johnson has been chosen as the homilist for the Worship Service and will be sharing a story of a woman from the Bible.

This will be an exciting and fun day for all.  Continental breakfast and lunch are included in the day. 

Look for registration forms at the Welcome Center.

SPRING WOMEN'S RETREAT ...

... SWEET LIFE CAFE

Mark your 2010 calendar for April 30 - May 1                         

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, Illinois

Step into Sweet Life Cafe ... A place where women of all ages slow down and savor time with God and each other.  It feels like a cozy day at your favoriate coffee shop--a place where women can find rest, laughter, share their stories, and grow closer to each other and God.  You won't be listening to a speaker--you will actively share in the experience!

It's all about savoring!

• Savoring time with friends, time with God, time to make a difference serving others
• Savoring time for reflection and prayer, time to walk the labyrinth, time to hike around a scenic camp

Food for the heart!

• Savoring time with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) who experienced God's love through the stories and teachings of Elijah
• Savoring time exploring the meaning of Jesus saying, "I am the bread of life" from John 6
• Savoring time focusing on Acts 2 and the joy of sharing life with others
• Savoring time to gather in small groups to share stories and laughter -- there's even a service project to put love into action right away

Arrive Friday night at 6:00 p.m. and return Saturday after 7:00 p.m.  Leave feeling nourished...satisfied...full of the bread of life!

Look for brochures at the Welcome Center.  Registration forms and the retreat fee of $110.00 are due by April 11, 2010.

ELIZABETH MINISTRY                                     

Based on the story in Luke's gospel of the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth, this ministry supports mothers in the childbearing years.

The Elizabeth Ministry is an international program based on the story in Luke's gospel of the visitation between Mary and Elizabeth.  We do not meet regularly, but rather meet informally with moms and those who might be expecting or experiencing difficulties.  This includes mentoring moms with love and support, making and delivering meals, and providing baby blankets. 

If you know someone who could benefit from an Elizabeth minister, or if you would like to become one, please contact Anna Gonzales.

             HANNAH CIRCLE

Hannah was a barren woman until she sought the Lord for a child, and once blessed with a son, she gave him back to God for service.

YOUNG MOMS -- Please join us for Bible study, prayer and fellowship on the second Monday of the month at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mark's in Sanctuary Hall.  Childcare is provided in the Nursery.

We have playground outings, and meet one evening a month at an off-site location for a fun "Ladies' Night Out".

Contact Karen Veeder for more details.