TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Today is the first of five Sundays with gospel readings from John 6, the first four of which focus on Jesus as bread of life. Today Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish. What we have, what we bring to Jesus’ table seems like it is not nearly enough to meet all the needs we see around us. But it is not the adequacy of our supplies or our skills that finally makes the difference: it is the power of Jesus working in the littlest and least to transform this world into the world God desires, a world where all the hungry are satisfied.

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 CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY
Take advantage of this summer opportunity and come to the Adult Forum this Sunday, July 29, for the 2nd 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.

DEATH OF SIG (Elbert) SIGAFOOS
Our dear friend, Sig Sigafoos, died suddenly on Wednesday morning at the VA Hospital after being admitted on Thursday, July 19, due to a fall in front of his apartment building. The cause of his death is still to be determined. Members of his family are working with the examiner’s office to determine next steps. When Pastor Elizabeth returns from her vacation, we will determine when and how to celebrate Sig’s life and his almost 50 years of involvement with St. Mark’s. As we entrust Sig to God’s eternal rest and support each other in our sorrow, we give thanks to God for all that Sig has done to enrich this community of faith.

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/

DREAM IT! MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Do you have an idea for a ministry project that is not part of the St. Mark’s budget? Are you involved in a service activity with a similar vision to the core beliefs of St. Mark’s? Visit www.stmarks-sf.org/endowment/ to learn more and apply. Past grant winning projects include the construction of a foundation for a Sunday School space at Kigali Parish in Rwanda, a retreat for the St. Mark’s Choir, and support for St. Mark’s WELCA ministry. Please note that the period for submitting ideas for funding in 2018 ends on August 12.

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!

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); Phil Krikau, Linda Jackson (11)
Lectors...Hans Hoch (9); Jo Chadwick (11)
Communion Ministers...Steve Ernst
Acolytes...Rommel Schiefelbein-Guerrero, Jesse Peirce
Altar Guild...Jane Borg
Sacristans...Pam Reynolds, Ed Chitty
Ushers...Tapio Boles (9); Larry DeSpain, Debra Varian (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Diana & Greg Gomez
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Calvin & Gayle Culp, Philip Krikau