FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today's gospel includes Jesus' promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father's house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus' mission in the world. As First Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life.

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 - Faith, Sexism, and Justice - Auditorium
10:00 am - Journeys in Faith - Fireside Room
10:05 am - Confirmation - Confirmation Rooms
10:15 am - Sunday School - School Rooms
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall

ADULT FORUM - 10:00AM IN THE AUDITORIUM
Faith, Sexism, and Justice
Facilitated by Pr. Elizabeth Ekdale, Pr. Ron Moe-Lobeda and Dr. Margaret McLean
April 30 – May 28
We will study and discuss “Faith, Sexism, Justice” utilizing the study document of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We hope these forums will generate honest and empowering conversations about sexism and how it negatively affects individuals and families in our homes, congregations and communities. These issues can be complex and hard for some to talk about. We trust, though, that when we come together as members of the body of Christ, the Holy Spirit is with us and among us. Everyone is invited to these forums – men, women, young, old: ALL are welcome.

THIS SUNDAY, we will examine our names and images for God that influence the way that we might view and treat women. We also will explore ways that the Bible has been used and abused to subjugate women and girls and treat them as “lesser than.” Session leader--Pastor Ron

May 21 and May 28 in Heritage Hall
We will watch the documentary ‘Miss Representation’ produced and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. This powerful documentary uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. The film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film also challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions. Pr. Elizabeth will facilitate discussion. Note that the video contains adult content and language. It is very appropriate for teens to view though they should be forewarned. We will watch half a segment each Sunday and allow plenty of time for conversation.
June 11 in Heritage Hall
Sierra Pacific Synod assembly recap by our voting members and attendees: Nadine Robinson, Steve Ernst, Jane Borg, Margaret McLean, Mary Ritter, Pr. Elizabeth and Pr. Ron. Pr. Elizabeth will give a final reflection on her service on the ELCA Church Council. Her term ends in August after serving for six years. Come and learn what the ELCA is doing in our synod and throughout the world at this forum.

ST. MARK'S COMMUNITY GATHERINGS
Nine different gatherings have been scheduled in various parts of the Bay area in order to accommodate members of St. Mark’s in getting better acquainted with one another, including with Pastor Ron. All of our gatherings still have plenty of room for people to sign up and attend. Out of respect for our hosts who so graciously have opened up their homes for these gatherings, we need to know who will be attending (especially the ones that are being held this next week). Please take a moment, and sign up NOW on the link below for what group you will be attending. If you are not able to attend the gathering in your vicinity, please feel free to sign up for another gathering. You also may sign up by calling the church office this week, filling out the bulletin insert this next Sunday, or signing your name on the sign-up sheets in Heritage Hall this next Sunday. These gatherings are a great way to get to know people from St. Mark’s and to build up the body of Christ that gathers every Sunday morning to worship together in our sacred space.

Click to Sign Up!

BAY TO BREAKERS, MAY 21
Next week is Bay to Breakers so remember to leave early and look for alternate routes to worship. We will worship at both our services: 9:00AM and 11:00AM so do come!

SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
May 21st: No Sunday School due to Bay to Breakers
May 28th: Memorial Day Weekend: Last Day of Sunday School: PARTY!!!!

PR. ELIZABETH'S UPCOMING MOSAIC TLELVISION SHOW
May 14 at 5:00 am on KPIX (channel 5) you can watch Pr. Elizabeth interview our own Bishop Mark Holmerud of the Sierra Pacific Synod.

Bishop Holmerud shares his thoughts about Lutheran congregations in California, the ongoing work of the Reformation, and his own faith journey during a time in his life when his mother was struggling with cancer. Tune in!

ELEVATOR PROGRESS AT ST. MARK'S
Architectural Resources Group (ARG) and Plant Construction are currently resolving a number of details related to the elevator shaft walls and steel anchorage. Because the existing walkway along the west side of the church is just wide enough to accommodate the new lift and its enclosing structure, it’s important to resolve these items before pouring the concrete foundation. The discussions are slowing the process a bit, but the project should still be complete by mid-September. Meanwhile, Plant is coordinating other work that will help speed the process later: installing electrical runs, meeting with the elevator supplier and most recently, testing wood stains for the exterior of the main entry doors. As part of our ongoing maintenance/property budget, the Council approved the long-overdue refinishing the three pairs of doors. You can see the test panels on the western pair. If you have questions, please speak with Tim Bohan, Winnie Heslin, Pastor Ron Moe-Lobeda or Gary Schilling who regularly meet with Plant and ARG to monitor the project.

EASTER MIDWEEK COMMUNITY MEAL, WORSHIP, AND BOOK STUDY, WEDNESDAYS APRIL 26 – MAY 24

Come and join in our Wednesday evening fellowship beginning April 26 (for 5 weeks of the Easter season) with a simple supper, a meditative worship, and a fabulous book discussion. The book chosen for this study is “When Jesus Became God,” by Richard Rubenstein—a fascinating book about the conversation and controversy regarding the humanity and divinity of Jesus during the 4th century. This book provides an excellent background for understanding how our creeds were formulated and took on such prominence in determining our perception of who Jesus is. You may purchase a book at church for $12.00, or from Amazon.com. Although it is helpful to read the book for this discussion, you certainly do not have to read the book in order to participate.

6:00 Dinner - all are welcome!
6:45 Worship with Holy Communion
7:30 - 8:30 Book study and discussion with the Pastors

CELEBRATION AND OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THANKS TO RICHARD BOYLE, ST. MARK’S SACRISTAN FOR OVER 20 YEARS!
Join us at the 11:00 worship service on May 28 and following at a festive reception in giving thanks for Richard Boyle’s service among us.

He has served as our sacristan for many years and is needing to “semi-retire” from those activities. Richard helped prepare and clean up for every worship service - rain or shine - as his act of service and devotion to God.

Please join us in giving him thanks on May 28.

DONATE FLOWERS IN 2017
St. Mark’s members and friends can sign up to donate flowers for the chancel on a Sunday by placing your name on the chart for the Sunday you wish.

Your donation can be in memory of a loved one or in honor of a particular occasion. Please go to http://www.stmarks-sf.org/flower-donations/ to sign up on our online chart. If you are unable to sign up online please call the office
(415-928-7770).

The donation is $50 and can be paid via check in the offering plate. Please note “Flowers” in the memo of the check. If you would like to submit your payment online please click on the donate tab on the main page on St. Mark’s website and enter your flower donation under the “other” option and write flowers in the box.

TRIP TO THE ZOO WITH PR. ELIZABETH, MAY 25 AT 10:00AM
We’re going to the Oakland Zoo with Pr. Elizabeth
Leaving Martin Luther Tower parking lot at 10:00 am
Returning approximately at 4:00 pm
Bring a sack lunch

Cost: If you are over 75, your admission is FREE
Seniors 65-75: $15.75
If you are between the ages of 15 - 64: $19.75

ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO RAMADAN INTERFAITH IFTAR DINNER
Please join us for an iftar dinner experience on June 1st at 7:00PM as we observe the holy month of Ramadan and help create a peaceful society by building new relationships. The dinner will be at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore street. Please RSVP by May 29th at pacificainstitue-sf.eventbrite.com. Check-in is at 7 pm and the program starts at 7:30 pm. The Iftar dinner will be served at sunset, ~ 8:30

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE 2017
It’s May, and that means Pride is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars and RSVP for Sunday, June 25th for the 2017 San Francisco Pride Parade. We want YOU to come walk with us! We need marchers to represent St. Mark’s and to carry our congregation’s placard and other banners in the parade, letting parade viewers know our message of God’s welcome and inclusion! Let us know you’re coming—we’ll update you on the exact gathering time/place. Families with strollers welcome.

How to RSVP: Email rose@stmarks-sf.org (you can also talk to Cora Rose or Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero), or join the Sierra Pacific Chapter of ReconcilingWorks on Facebook for late-breaking updates on parade day: www.facebook.com/groups/reconcilingworkssp

AMAZING GRACE
150 Years of Saint Paulus Lutheran Church
May 19, 20, and 21, 2017

The formal celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Saint Paulus Lutheran Church will take place over the three-day weekend of May 19-21, 2017. On Friday, May 19th, a concert has been scheduled led by our Director of Music, Dustin Hart, of music both traditional and contemporary representing the life of Saint Paulus. Choirs from area churches will be invited to participate as well as volunteers from those who have participated in the great traditions of music which have characterized the history of the congregation. The concert will be held at the present location of Saint Paulus, 1541 Polk St., San Francisco, at 7:30 PM. The public is invited.

On Saturday, May 20th from 1-5 pm there will be an informal Meet and Greet at the Old First Presbyterian Church at Van Ness and Sacramento so people may have conversation together. On May the 20th in the evening a formal celebrative banquet will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Cathedral on Gough St, in San Francisco. This invitation only banquet will feature honored guests and former pastors, representatives from past and present, and congregational membership both past and present.

On Sunday, May 21, a festival worship service will be held at the church’s present location at 1541 Polk St. at 10 am. The Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod will participate as well as former and present pastors. All are invited to worship. In the afternoon, beginning at 12 noon until 3 PM, the congregation will host an open house in order to greet well-wishers and interested folks. This event will be open to the public, with local sister congregations receiving specific invitation.

To help in our planning please indicate what event(s) you plan to attend and how many people will be there. Please RSVP to admin@saintpaulus.org.

WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY

Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Rachel Boles (9); Liv Beck, Steve Ernst (11)
Lectors...Robert Rathmell (9); Nadine Robinson (11)
Chalice Bearers...Nadine Robinson (11)
Acolytes...Pam Cheung, Linda Jackson
Altar Guild...Sharon Reinbott, Jane Borg
Ministry of Welcome...Tapio Boles, Jerry Lundblad (9); Viknesh Silvalingam, Lew Randall, Donna Dindia (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs... Barbara Bock
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Nadine Robinson, Kimberly Hamilton-Lam