El Salvador Ministry Meeting this Sunday March 16
All St. Mark's members are invited to meet to talk about travel and projects with our sister parish, Cordero de Dios. We'll meet in the Conference Room at 10:10 am.
Charles Rus, Organist in Recital Today at 7:30 pm
All members of St. Mark's are invited to attend an organ recital on our very own Taylor and Boody organ given by Charles Rus today at 7:30 pm. Charles Rus is Director of Music and Liturgical Arts at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina, Washington. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles received degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and, as a Fulbright Scholar, the Folkwang Hochscule für Musik in Essen, Germany. Charles, formerly of San Francisco, actually played at St. Mark's before, but is now back to help us celebrate the completion of the Taylor and Boody organ. This recital is free for members of St. Mark's and SFAGO.
Midweek Lenten Activities
Lenten Supper in Heritage Hall at 6:00 pm
March 19 and 26, and April 2 and 9
All are welcome to join us for this simple community dinner prior to worship.
Lenten Midweek Worship every Wednesday Evening from 6:45 to 7:15 pm
March 19 and 26, and April 2 and 9
Refocus your hearts with a lovely sung service of Holy Communion during the season of Lent. There will be childcare for these midweek evening services.
Special Music for the Wednesdays in Lent
Wednesday Evening Lenten Services will feature a new setting of the Communion service for evening time by Aaron David Miller, utilizing a cantor and the voices of the assembled, this will be a lovely musical, contemplative addition to our Lenten journey. Before each service, we will hear music by C.P.E. Bach, the most famous of J.S. Bach's sons, becoming even more famous than his father among their contemporaries. C.P.E. Bach wrote some of the most personal, introspective, and beautiful keyboard music ever written, much of it for the clavichord, a very small, quiet instrument musicians of that time had in their homes for private use. C.P.E. Bach celebrates his 300th birthday March 8, 2014.
St. Mark's Square Redevelopment Informational Meeting, Mar. 16
Plans to redevelop St. Mark's Square -- providing additional affordable housing, a new Urban Life Center and improved security -- are progressing despite changes in San Francisco's strategy for affordable housing. Jeremy McClain, who with Andrew Sallach represents St. Mark's on the redevelopment team, will lead informational sessions to update members on how plans are proceeding and how plans are hindered.
Opportunities to participate in the discussions will be provided after each service on both this Sunday, March 16th. The sessions following the 9 o'clock service will be held in the ULC Auditorium starting at 10:05 am. The sessions following the 11 o'clock service will be in the Conference Room beside the Sunday School rooms, starting at 12:30 pm.
Claire Anastas from Bethlehem on Wednesday, March 19, 7:15 pm
This Wednesday, we welcome Claire Anastas, direct from Bethlehem, Palestine to speak about daily life in Bethlehem amidst peace negotiations in these uncertain times. Come to Heritage Hall and listen to her compelling stories of events and people behind the Separation Wall. Visit with Claire - be inspired and informed by this courageous and gracious Palestinian Christian woman.
Senior Center Luncheon on Thursday, March 20th
Join MLT and St. Mark's seniors for an Italian-themed luncheon this Thursday, Mar. 20th at 12 pm in Heritage Hall. The menu is posted on the wall behind Heritage Hall. The cost is $4. Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 18 by calling the MLT Office at 415.885.1084.
Screening of The Stones Cry Out on Sunday, March 23
Join us from 12:30-2:00 pm in the Conference Room of the Urban Life Building): The film "The Stones Cry Out" will again be shown, plus discussion with Claire Anastas. (Bring your coffee along...) This one-hour documentary by and about Christians in Palestine/Israel presents disturbing and sobering insights into the disappearing Christian presence in the Holy Land - a "Must See" for us Christians on our Lenten journey!
Friends of Sabeel Conference, March 21-22
Voices for Justice& Peace in the Holy Land
Join us for a regional conference to hear from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and secular leaders, scholars and activists about the situation in Palestine/Israel. Sabeel is a grassroots movement founded in East Jerusalem by Palestinian Christians to foster a spirituality based on nonviolence, justice and reconciliation. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Sabeel's Patron. On offer will be exhibits, presentations, workshops, poetry, music, art, and food. This St. Mark's co-sponsored event takes place on Friday, March 21 noon - Saturday, March 22, 4:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. For more info and to register, go to www.fosna.org and click on Pleasant Hill Conference on left side of home page, or call Kate Doherty 925-682-2486 or John Erickson 510-542-4629.
Training of St. Mark's Eucharistic Ministers in Lent
We are developing a ministry of distributing communion to the sick and homebound. If you are interested in this training, please speak with Pr. Elizabeth or Pr. Bekah. The training sessions will be Sundays, March 23, 30, and April 6 from 12:30 - 2:00 in the vestry. Entrusting this special ministry to trained laity enhances the pastoral ministry of our congregation. Those involved will discover that this ministry will enrich your own spiritual life as you share God's love with the sick.
We are a sacramental church and believe in the real presence of Christ in Holy Communion. By bringing these elements to the sick and homebound, you are sharing with them the crucified and risen Christ in, with and under the bread and wine. Thank you for considering whether you are feeling called to this special ministry. Feel free to e-mail Ekdale@stmarks-sf.org or Davis@stmarks-sf.org with your questions.
Safe Congregation Training Sunday March 23 at 12:30
Church council members, ushers, parents, anyone with contact with children - come to training about St. Mark's Safe Congregation policy. We will meet in the Sunday School rooms of the Urban Life Center. Questions? - contact Mary Ritter at mlrpeds@aol.com
Night Ministry Spring Song, March 23 Save the Date!
Join the Night Ministry for an evening of classic, operetta-style music to benefit the SF Night Ministry. The concert begins at 4 pm, and a champagne & chocolate reception will follow. Tickets are $20 at BrownPaperTickets.com, $10 for seniors and students, and $25 at the door. To find out more about the Night Ministry, visit www.sfnightministry.org.
Lenten boxes to benefit Lutheran Social Services (LSS)
The Sunday School children have prepared Lenten boxes for your home. The recipient of the offerings this year will be Lutheran Social Services. Giving up something for Lent? - put the money you would have spent in the box. Maybe put all your spare change and small bills for the next six weeks. Bring it back at Easter. Remember LSS in your prayers.-St. Mark's Social Ministry
Night Ministry and SF Pride News!
Vote for the SF Night Ministry as the "Organizational Grand Marshall" of the SF Pride Parade. Voting ends March17. Go to http://sfpride.org/parade/grand-marshals.html.
Upcoming Sunday School Big Group Activities
March 30th: Pastor led lesson on Baptism and Communion
April 13th: Palm Sunday, students meet in Heritage Hall and practice for Palm Sunday procession at the 11:00 service
Other Youth Activities at St. Mark's
*Confirmation class meets weekly at 10:10 in the youth room. 6th-8th graders welcome!
*Save the date! Vacation Bible School at St. Mark's June 30th - July 4th. Contact Kimberly Hamilton at mjjkmom@yahoo.com for more details.
Support the Interfaith Shelter Walk May 4th at Lake Merced!
St. Mark's confirmation youth invite you to join them to support the Interfaith Shelter. To sponsor a youth or register to walk, visit
http://winterfaithshelterwalk.dojiggy.com/.
Do you have any housing leads for members of St. Mark's?
Affordable housing is a concern for all residents in the Bay Area. We have a special interest at St. Mark's. Each year, beloved members of St. Mark's move out of the area due to lack of affordable housing. We'd like to utilize the power of the St. Mark's network to share possible leads with these families. Currently, we have the following affordable housing needs:
A long-time and faithful member of St. Mark's is hoping to purchase a condominium in San Francisco or nearby for approx. $200,000
An active couple at St. Mark's is looking to purchase a condominium in SF for approx. $600,000.
An active couple at St. Mark's is looking for affordable rent near transit or to buy; their buy budget is no greater than $500,000.
If you have a piece of property that you might be willing to sell or have any leads for these two families, please e-mail Pr. Elizabeth at Ekdale@stmarks-sf.org. She will connect the two parties together. Thank you. (Please refer to article in upcoming newsletter for additional details.)
Malaria Campaign Challenge Grant
An anonymous member of St. Mark's has offered a $10,000 challenge grant for congregations in the Sierra Pacific Synod who are raising funds for the ELCA Malaria Campaign! The challenge provides a $1-for-$1 match. To have your gift doubled, please make your check out to St. Mark's and write "Malaria Campaign" in the memo line. Alternatively, you can click on the donate button on St. Mark's homepage and designate your gift to the Malaria Campaign. The challenge grant will be offered until the goal is met or until July 31.
Interfaith Food Pantry Dates for 2014
The Interfaith Food Pantry is held every Saturday at the Old First Presbyterian Church. Here are the St. Mark's dates in 2014: March 29th, May 17th, July 12th, August 16th, October 4th and November 15th. All Faiths Dates in 2014: April 12th, June 21st, August 23rd, October 11th, December 6th. For more info, contact Wendy Figliuolo at Northern.cal@gmail.com.
Worship Leaders for this Sunday
Assisting Ministers...Kyle Schiefelbein (9); Kyle Schiefelbein, Brach Jennings (11)
Lectors...Randy Schieber (9); Margaret McLean (11)
Acolytes...Linda Jackson, Mila Sall
Chalice Bearers... Lisa Gray, Matt Helland (9); Marisa Louie, Andrew Sallach (11)
Refreshment Hour Chairs...Andrew Sallach, Geri Bailey
Join us for Worship this Sunday (Second Sunday in Lent)
9:00 am - Holy Communion with Children's Time
10:00 am - Sunday School
10:00 am - Refreshments
10:05 am - St. Mark's Square Redevelopment Meeting
10:10 am - Confirmation Class
10:10 am - Journeys in Faith Gathering
10:10 am - El Salvador Ministry Meeting
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist
12:15 pm - Refreshment and Fellowship Hour
12:30 pm - St. Mark's Square Redevelopment Meeting
7:30 pm - Charles Rus Organ Concert