NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Mark’s gospel makes clear how great was the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn’t think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers’ need. We are sent from Christ’s table to care for others and for ourselves.

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

THE STUDY OF THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH BEGINS THIS SUNDAY
Take advantage of this summer opportunity and come to the Adult Forum this Sunday, July 22, for the beginning 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 provide a historical context for the prophet Jeremiah as well as for his writings. The following 2 Sundays,
participants will survey the Book of Jeremiah in order 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.

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/

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!

DISPEL MYTHS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS
The Coalition on Homelessness is sponsoring a forum at Old First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 25, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to advance the public's understanding about homelessness. The goal of this gathering is to dispel some of the negative stereotypes that stigmatize homeless people and build a dialogue that is conducive to achieving lasting solutions to address this issue in the City. Everyone who has an interest in this dialogue is encouraged to attend this gathering and conversation and learn from those who have first-hand experience of being homeless in the City.

INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY
St. Mark’s members staff this food pantry on several Saturdays throughout the year at Old First Church in the SF from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. You could help for any length of time by unloading the food from the truck, setting up the distribution sequence, or handing out food to over 300 people.

The next food pantry will be on Saturday, July 21. For more information contact Diana Gomez at dianamrsgomez@mindspring.com

UPDATE ON STEVEN KREFTING - FORMER MEMBER
Steven is receiving long-term care at the Santa Fe Care Center. You are encouraged to send him cards and greetings.

Steven Krefting
c/o Santa Fe Care Center
635 Harkle Rd
Santa Fe New Mexico, 87505

WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY

Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Liv Beck (9); Greg Jahnke, Steve Ernst (11)
Lectors...Randy Schieber (9); Deborah Halladay (11)
Acolytes...Linda Jackson, Pam Cheung
Altar Guild...Cora Rose, Cory Schoolland
Sacristans...Pam Reynolds, Ed Chitty
Ushers...Louis Gutierrez, Marisa Lee (9); Larry DeSpain, Gail Culp (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Brandee Marckmann, Kathy Lautz
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Diana & Greg Gomez