June 10, 2018

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is possessed, not by a demon, but by the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ’s death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are sisters and brothers of Christ. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God.

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 - Journeys in Faith Information Meeting - JIF Room
11:00 am - Holy Communion Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
12:15 pm - El Salvador Trip Planning - Heritage Hall

2:00 pm - San Francisco Night Ministry Crisis Line - Fireside Room
4:00 pm - Center for New Music/SF Choral Artists - Sanctuary

INFORMATION SESSION FOR NEXT JOURNEYS IN FAITH GROUP - JUNE 10
New to St Mark’s?  Thinking about your faith journey and a community to support it?  What does it mean to be a member of a church?  How do you become a member of St Mark’s?  

All are invited to come to an information session for our Journeys in Faith group.  We will meet in the Urban Life Center in the Journeys in Faith room at 10:00 on June 10.   For more information, contact Liv Beck (beckliv@gmail.com).

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ATTEND THE SUPPORT NETWORK GATHERING FOR THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN EL SALVADOR?
Every 3 years, the congregations, synods, and organizations that support the Lutheran Church in El Salvador gather in El Salvador to coordinate their efforts so that the Church in El Salvador can receive the optimum volunteer and financial support in order to address their needs as the Lutheran Church in this country.  Under the title of "En Cuentro," this gathering meets for 5 days to learn about and tour some of the major ministries of the Lutheran Church in El Salvador, to learn more about each other's involvement with this Lutheran Church, and to establish a common agenda of support for the next 3 years.  The dates of this gathering are November 6 - 11, 2018  If you are interested in representing St. Mark's at this gathering, please speak with Liv Beck, Mary Ritter, or one of the pastors.

ST. MARK’S EL SALVADOR TRIP NOV 20-25, 2018: RELATIONSHIP BUILDING WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT CORDERO DE DIOS!
All members of St. Mark’s are encouraged to consider joining the next accompaniment trip to El Salvador on November 20-25, 2018 (Thanksgiving week). Singles and couples and families with children are all invited to travel with the delegation. 

St. Mark’s is a sister parish with Cordero de Dios, in Soyapango, El Salvador. We have visited them several times.  As we build wonderful relationships with our Salvadoran Lutheran brothers and sisters, we learn and grow and share much.   

Former travelers can answer questions about travel and safety issues. Let Liv Beck (beckliv@gmail.com) know if you are interested in going or if you have any questions.   We will likely soon start purchasing airplane tickets - the tickets prices are good right now but will likely go higher.   

The next planning meeting for the El Salvador trip will be June 10, after the 11:00 service. 

WOMEN'S MONTHLY STUDY GATHERINGS
All women are welcome to come and study together at our morning Women of the ELCA Gathering on Tuesday, June 12 from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Fireside Room.  Come for study at 11:00 and bring your sandwich or salad for lunch   Drinks and dessert will be provided.  Our study will center on “Section V. Response to God’s Work: Call to Action and New Commitments Regarding the Church” of the Draft of the Social Statement on Women and Justice of the ELCA.

If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Smith at 415.285.7438 or
suzathome@comcast.net.

JOIN RECONCILINGWORKS SIERRA PACIFIC AT THE SF PRIDE PARADE
The annual San Francisco Pride Parade occurs in less than a month on Sunday, June 24. We want YOU to come and walk with us.  This year we’ll be led by the three California ELCA bishops.

Parade participants can meet with ReconcilingWorks in the parade lineup on Sunday morning. Specific information of meet-up time and intersection will be provided when we receive our placement in the parade, a few days prior to parade day.  We’ll make our way down Market Street spreading welcome and inclusion for everyone!

  • Dress colorfully and comfortably; expect to walk 8+ blocks
  • Wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring water
  • There is no parking; take public transportation (BART will pop you up to our meet-up site!)

RSVP to kschiefelbein@ses.gtu.edu to let us know that you’ll be joining us.  That way we can provide you with updates on where and when our contingent gathers.

SEND KATHERINE AND GRACE TO HOUSTON!
This summer our high school youth will be joining 30,000 other Lutheran teenagers in Houston for the triennial ELCA Youth Gathering! They’ll hear from inspiring speakers, do interactive learning activities with ELCA ministries and programs, participate in community service projects, do Bible studies, and participate in nightly worship. The cost is about $1500 per youth for the Gathering registration, transportation to and within Houston, food, and lodging. Can you help sponsor our students?

1) By check made out to St. Mark’s (or cash in an envelope) in the offering plate, being sure to note it for “Youth Gathering” 

2) Online at www.stmarks-sf.org/give-a-gift (enter the preferred amount in the bar marked “other”, then enter “Youth Gathering” in the memo box to the right and click ‘continue’ to proceed on through with payment).  

Thank you! The students appreciate your help and look forward to sharing their experience in Houston with you!

APPLY FOR A GRANT TO FURTHER ST. MARK’S MISSION
The 2018 grant application period for the St. Mark's Endowment Fund is now open. 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? Previously, grants were provided in support of St. Mark's WELCA ministry, a choir retreat, and our ministry partners in Rwanda and El Salvador.  Visit www.stmarks-sf.org/endowment/ to learn more and apply.

JUNE SENIOR ACTIVITIES

JUNE 14 – TOUR OF GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND CAMPUS AND LUNCH IN SAN RAFAEL
The tour is free – bring money for your lunch.  We will have a one hour tour of this incredible working campus:  residence hall, kennel complex, kennel kitchen, vet clinic and the grounds.  The agency serves the blind.  The dogs are trained to assist the blind.  

Important note:  the facility is accessible but each participant should know this is a continuous walking tour for an hour.  

Sign up by calling the Martin Luther Tower office:  415 885-1084
Questions – contact Pr. Elizabeth:  Ekdale@stmarks-sf.org

SENIOR LUNCHEON
St. Mark’s Seniors! Thursday, June 21 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 Beef Brisket and Eggplant Parmesan. All entrées come with Sautéed Cabbage, Loaded Baked Potato with sour cream, butter, bacon, chives and green onion, Garden Salad, French Bread and Butter. Hot Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream will be served for dessert. The cost is $5. Please pay in the MLT Office by Friday, June 15th. Come and be among friends. Hope to see you there! Volunteers are needed - please contact Pr. Elizabeth (ekdale@stmarks-sf.org) if you can help.

WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY
Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Barbara McCormick (9); Phil Krikau, Katja Jackson (11)
Lectors...Pr. Hans Hoch (9); Jo Chadwick (11)
Chalice Bearers...Steve Ernst, Nadine Robinson
Acolytes...Katherine Lam, Grace Ekdale-Hoch
Altar Guild...Linda Jackson (before 9 am liturgy), Sharon Reinbott
Sacristans...Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero
Ushers...Marisa Lee, Jerry Lundblad (9); Donna Dindia, Linda Jackson (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Donna Dindia, Chuck Lewis
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Eva & Matt Dober, Kate Knickerbocker