FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. I was blind, but now I see, declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved sons and daughters. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.

THIS SUNDAY AT ST. MARK'S

9:00 am - Holy Communion with Children’s Time - Sanctuary
10:00 am - Journeys in Faith - Fireside Room
10:00 am - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
10:05 am - Confirmation - Confirmation Classroom
10:00 am - Adult Forum - Heritage Hall
Rick Steves’ Luther and the Reformation video – part two and discussion
10:15 am - Sunday School - School Rooms
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Pr. Ron’s Festive Installation Reception - Heritage Hall
4:00 pm - SF Choral Artists Concert - Sanctuary

INSTALLATION OF PR. RON, MARCH 26, 2017 - THIS SUNDAY!
Everyone is invited to celebrate the Installation of St. Mark’s new Associate Pastor!

ADULT FORUM AT 10:00AM IN THE HERITAGE HALL
With New Voices
Studying the Small Catechism with Pr. Elizabeth Ekdale and Dr. Kyle Schiefelbein

The Lutheran Community of faith today includes a rich and diverse choir of voices. This Adult Forum series invites you into a fresh engagement with the Small Catechism as a way of embodying the hope and grace from God in dealing with today’s challenging issues. We are not attempting to return to some imagined purified Christianity in the 1500s nor attempting to recapture some nostalgia rooted in the 1900s. We invite you to hear the gospel anew in our time and to be renewed in our voices for this day.

THIS SUNDAY: Rick Steves’ Luther and the Reformation video – part two and discussion

April 2: “This is Most Certainly True”: Living and Praying the Catechism in Daily Life

APRIL 8 PROPERTY PROJECT MORNING
Please join the Property Ministry Team on Saturday, April 8th, starting at 9 AM for a morning of activities and projects to prepare the church building and grounds for Holy Week and our upcoming elevator project!

MARTIN LUTHER TABBY NEEDS A NEW HOME
Lulu, the Silver Spotted Tabby needs a new home as her human friend is no longer able to take care of her. She is 12 years old, well trained, and in great health. If you would like to give Lulu a new loving home contact the MLT office at 415-885-1084. Thank You!

PEOPLE NEEDED FOR THE VIGIL RECEPTION
After the Easter Vigil on April 15, there will be the Celebration of Easter and the Reception for New Members. If you are interested in being part of this important event, whether planning, set-up, bringing finger food, or clean up, please contact Suzanne Smith (suzathome@comcast.net) or (415)285-7438. Thank You.

LENTEN BOXES TO LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICES (LIRS)
During the season of Lent, we are invited to remember the poor through our giving. Our Lenten coin boxes are for you to deposit your change or loose bills throughout the 40 days of Lent. The proceeds will be donated to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, who are partners of St. Mark’s AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation program. See the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services at www.lirs.org. Giving something up for Lent? Put the amount you would have spent on it every day into your box. Fill your box with coins or bills, or write a check to St. Mark’s with “Lenten Box” or “LIRS” in the memo line. LIRS thanks you!

EASTER FLOWERS
On Easter Sunday, April 16, we will adorn the sanctuary and the church steps with Easter lilies, and other Spring flowers. You are invited to participate by making a donation of $12.50 per plant in memory or in honor of someone, or anonymously. You can donate online at:
www.stmarks-sf.org/give-a-gift

Please send donations by April 10. Thank you!

SPIRITUALITY AND AGING GROUP
On Mondays from 11:00 - 12:00 Pr. Elizabeth will be hosting a group on "Spirituality and Aging" in the Brockie lounge of Martin Luther Tower. This group is open to the St. Mark's community as well. This group will offer a safe place to reflect on aging issues in light of our faith - whatever our faith may be or wherever we are in our faith journey.

SENIOR CENTER LUNCHES ARE RESUMING
Volunteers needed to help set up and serve (you’ll receive a free lunch!)

All St. Mark’s seniors and their guests are invited to the next Senior Center Lunch on April 13 at 12:00. Cost is $5.00.

Please contact the Martin Luther Tower office to reserve a place for you and your guest and pay for the lunch.

We need a couple of volunteers to help set up the place settings and serve the meal to our guests. Please let Pr. Elizabeth know if you are available. We would ask that you arrive at 11:00 a.m. and would be finished by 1:00 pm. And, we will happily feed you a lunch. ekdale@stmarks-sf.org or 415 928-7770 ext. 2300.

ST. MARK'S FOOD PANTRY
We’re a fun intergenerational group that bonds together over the business of food distribution. There’s a job for every age and body type. We would love to have you. Next distribution date is:

Saturday morning, April 29th
Old First Church
Corner of Sacramento and Van Ness
Free Parking in Old First Church Garage on Sacramento St.

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Unload
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Distribute
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Clean up

Future dates: April 29, June 10, July 22, August 26, October 21, and December 2.

STREET CLOSURE ACTIVITY NOTICE , VAN NESS CAMPUS HOSPITAL PROJECT,
THURSDAY APRIL 6, 2017 THROUGHMONDAY APRIL 10, 2017
The HerreroBOLDT construction of the new Sutter Health CPMC Van Ness Campus Hospital continues to progress on schedule. The team has reached an important milestone and is preparing to take down one of the project’s two tower cranes. The second tower crane will come down this summer. Exact dates will be provided in the near future.To facilitate the removal of the tower crane, Post Street between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street will be closed beginning on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. and will reopen on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 6:00 a.m. To ensure the safety of everyone, there will be no pedestrian or vehicle access through the closure area. The Post Street detour will have no impact on Van Ness Avenue. Alternative routes will be clearly marked during the detour and HerreroBOLDT is working collaboratively with the city’s transit agencies to minimize the impact on public transportation.

YOU CAN HELP WITH SECURITY DURING SPECIAL EVENTS AT ST. MARK’S
We anticipate an increase in musicians and event staff showing up earlier than the contractually-agreed-upon time as we enter St. Mark’s busiest season for concerts. Please do not let these guests into St. Mark’s from either the front doors or Heritage Hall.

St. Mark’s employs Facility Attendants who are responsible for setting up the Sanctuary, opening the doors and monitoring the comings and goings. The name and contact information for the Facility Attendant on duty is posted in the Narthex and in Heritage Hall each Sunday.

We appreciate and honor our members’ passion for hospitality and welcoming guests into St. Mark’s. In the case of concert and event musicians and staff, we absolutely require the Facility Attendant be on site and in control of when and how they enter. We are grateful for your cooperation and assistance keeping St. Mark’s secure.

PRODUCE MARKET ON THE SQUARE
Support our community market! Please come and purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs every Wednesday from 11am-12pm in the Urban Life Center Auditorium! The market is co-sponsored by Episcopal Senior Communities and Martin Luther Tower.

WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY
Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Rachel Boles (9); Liv Beck, Ed Chitty, Steve Ernst (11)
Lectors...Dianne Velleno (9); The Rev. Katy Grindberg (11)
Chalice Bearers...Mark Semonian (9); Jane Borg, Nadine Robinson (11)
Acolytes...Grace Ekdale-Hoch, Linda Jackson
Sacristan and Altar Guild...Richard Boyle, Ed Chitty
Ministry of Welcome...Linda Jackson, Louis Gutierrez (9);
Debra Varian, Larry DeSpain, John Elford (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Andrew Sallach, Elaine Lanier-Bohan and Tim Bohan
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Susie Smith and Frederick Blickle