ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Apparently not satisfied by Jesus’ feeding of thousands, some who were there press him for a sign of his power; perhaps it is daily manna they want. As always in John’s gospel when people want a sign, Jesus offers himself. He is the bread come from heaven to give life to the world. He calls us to come to him and believe in him, and through that relationship to know the one who sent him.

THIS SUNDAY AT ST. MARK'S

9:00 am - Holy Communion with Children’s Time - Sanctuary
10:00 am - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
10:00 am - Adult Forum: Jeremiah with Pr. Ron - Fireside Room
11:00 am - Holy Communion Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
12:30 pm - Sanctuary Task Force - Conference Room
7:00 pm - ABS Festival & Academy Concert - Sanctuary

THE STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
Take advantage of this summer opportunity and come to the Adult Forum this Sunday, August 5, for the last forum of Pastor Ron’s 3-week presentation and examination of the Book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah is a prophet for our time as he was an outspoken critic of the kings who did what was evil in the sight of God. His prophetic ministry spanned some 44 years and the reigns of 6 rulers of Judah. This Sunday, Pastor Ron will delve into the writings of Jeremiah to gain a fuller understanding of the challenge that Jeremiah had to face as well as the content of his message. We will meet in the Fireside Room from 10 – 10:50.

ADULT FORUM WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR, TIM ZERLANG
SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 AT 10:00AM
Flues, reeds, stops and trackers? Join our own Director of Music, Timothy Zerlang in the Balcony for a demonstration of how the Taylor and Boody organ works and what is involved in playing it. You might even get a chance to play the organ and pump the bellows. All are welcome - free elevator rides for all!

DONATE TO LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE
A rage of more than a dozen wildfires has consumed parts of California in recent months, with one of the most ferocious in recent history erupting in Northern California. The explosive Valley fire has led to at least one death, displaced more than 10,000 residents and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Lutheran Disaster Response, working with the Sierra Pacific Synod and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, is monitoring the situation and communicating with those impacted. We stand ready to provide assistance in the long-term recovery efforts once the fires subside. Together, we can provide immediate and long-lasting support.

To donate please go to: https://community.elca.org/uswildfires

ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY FOR ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS
Did you know St. Mark’s has an Endowment fund to further the work of our church in new ways, for projects not included in our annual budget? Do you have an idea for a special community service project, or are you part of a group doing service work with a similar vision to the core beliefs of St. Mark’s? Learn more about the Endowment Fund or apply online for a grant to make your service idea a reality: www.stmarks-sf.org/endowment/.

AUGUST 2018 MLT & ST. MARK’S SENIOR LUNCHEON
St. Mark’s Seniors, Thursday, August 16th is the next MLT monthly luncheon in Heritage Hall, from 12:00-1:30pm! Please join us for a delicious meal prepared by MLT’s very own Delvone Anderson. Entrées options are chicken, pork or vegetarian tacos. All entrées come with Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Taco Salad and Garden Salad with dressing. Tres Leches cake will be served for dessert. MLT resident, Tom Berg, will grace us with his musical talents at the piano. The cost is $5. Please pay in the MLT Office by Friday, August 10th. Come and be among friends. Hope to see you there!

PREPARING FOR LONG-TERM CARE: A GIFT YOUR FAMILY DESERVES WORKSHOP
You’re invited to attend the “Preparing for Long-term Care: A Gift Your Family Deserves Workshop” Saturday, August 4, 2018, 10-12:30 p.m. at the San Francisco Thrivent Financial Office, 50 Belcher Street/Duboce, San Francisco. Learn more about long-term care and how you and your family can prepare for it—emotionally, physically and financially. RSVP to Sheila Defilippi at 415-827-1729 or Sheila.defilippi@thrivent.com. Lunch will be served!

ST. MARK’S NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS ORIENTATION
In preparation for the Neighborhood Groups for St. Mark’s members that are being organized by the Outreach Team, there will be an orientation for the people who have agreed to be coordinators of these groups on Sunday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:20 a.m. in Heritage Hall. In addition, ANYONE who would like to learn more about the purpose and organization of these Neighborhood Groups is welcome to participate in this orientation.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS IN THE SUMMER?
Why not? It is never too early to begin planning ahead! Advent is a time of preparation, faithful waiting, and hopeful anticipation for the arrival of the Christ-child. This year St. Mark’s will publish its own devotional book for the seasons of Advent and Christmas to help the community prepare for and celebrate these rich seasons. Each devotion will be written by members and friends of St. Mark’s. We will need 33 volunteers. Families are encouraged to write a devotion together.

Guidelines:

Devotions may be 250 words reflecting on the scripture or hymn text and Advent/Christmas images.
Please conclude each devotion with a brief prayer.
Families are encouraged to create a devotion for the booklet
Email devotion in a word doc to Stefani Lawrence (lawrence@stmarks-sf.org) by Oct. 15.

Please sign up at the link below with your name and email address. Contact Stefani (lawrence@stmarks-sf.org) if you have any questions. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

If you are interested in contributing to the publication, please visit
www.stmarks-sf.org/advent-and-christmas-devotions/

WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY

Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Jennifer Sun, Liv Beck (9); Pam Reynolds, Katja Jackson (11)
Lectors...Robert Rathmell (9); Jesse Peirce (11)
Communion Ministers...Jane Borg (11)
Acolytes...Katherine Lam, Qingfan Jiang
Altar Guild...Jane Borg
Sacristans...Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Ed Chitty
Ushers...Jon Moeller, Vanessa Hierbaum (9); Pam Cheung, Linda Jackson (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Calvin & Gayle Culp, Philip Krikau
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Lisa Gray, Mari Tuominen