SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today's gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.
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 - Heritage Hall
“Miss Representation” Video & Discussion
10:00 am - Acolyte Training - Sanctuary
10:15 am - Sunday School Party - School Rooms
10:15 am - Nursery Committee Meeting - Conference Room
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
4:00 pm - Wagner Society Piano Recital - Sanctuary
ADULT FORUM - 10:00AM IN THE AUDITORIUM
Faith, Sexism, and Justice
Facilitated by Pr. Elizabeth Ekdale, Pr. Ron Moe-Lobeda and Dr. Margaret McLean
THIS SUNDAY 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.
SENIOR LUNCHEONS
St. Mark’s Seniors, Thursday June 8th, is our last MLT monthly luncheon for the season in Heritage Hall from 12:30-1:30pm! Please join us for a Toast to Summer! Come be among friends and enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine! The cost is $5, to be paid by Wednesday, May 31st in the MLT office. Luncheon options are: #1 Boneless Chicken Teriyaki with Asian Noodles and Summer Squash or, #2 Teriyaki Portobello Mushrooms with Asian Noodles and Summer Squash. Dessert will be Fresh Fruit Cups. See you there!
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.
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
With the start of summer, our office will be shifting to summer office hours, effective May 30, 2017 to September 4, 2017. Our reduced hours are as follows: 9:00AM-4:00PM Monday-Thursday, Friday 9:00AM-12:00PM
PENTECOST/CONFIRMATION SUNDAY – JUNE 4
On Pentecost Sunday, at the 11:00 a.m. worship service, 5 young people of our congregation will be affirming their faith and renewing their baptismal vows. Many of the youth from the congregation will be participating in the leadership of this worship service, which will include hymns from different parts of the world. Members of the congregation are encouraged to wear “red” on this day in which we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We also join with these 5 youth (Signe Bohlig, Grace Ekdale-Hoch, Emma Gray, Evan Schieber, and Tayte Sall) in celebrating their decision to be confirmed and become confirmed members of this body of Christ. Please keep these young people in your prayers as they prepare for this day of confirmation.
DIRECTORY UPDATES
Last call to make changes to your directory listing. The directory comes out next week so send all changes to Stefani at lawrence@stmarks-sf.org. Thank you!
ST. MARK’S YOUNG ADULT GATHERING
If you consider yourself to be a young adult (single, couple, or parent) and would like to connect with other young adults in the congregation, a lunch gathering has been scheduled for Sunday, June 18 at 12:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Along with getting better acquainted with one another, we will be in conversation about how we might want to be in fellowship with one another on a more intentional basis. Please let Pastor Ron know if you are interested in participating in this gathering.
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, June 10
Old First Church
Corner of Sacramento and Van Ness
Free Parking in Old First Church Garage on Sacramento St.
Sign up for any or all shifts, by emailing Diana Gomez dianamrsgomez@mindspring.com
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM nload
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.
A POOL PARTY!!
The Foster’s have invited all middle-school and high-school youth from St. Mark’s to their home in Lafayette (3756 Highland Road) for a pool party on Saturday, June 24, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Along with swimming, you can play hoops, soccer, ping pong, badminton, or croquet. Bring appropriate attire and sunscreen. Food and drinks will be provided. Parents and siblings are welcome. Please RSVP to the on-line invitation or by calling (650) 867-7012 by Saturday, June 3. Let’s get together and have some fun this summer!
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.
SHORT TERM HOUSING NEEDED FOR VISITING LUTHERAN STUDENTS
Elisabeth Olsen and her classmate are doing an internship as a part of their Masters degree and are in search of housing during the program. They are studying Scandinavian language and literature with a minor degree in Art and Visual culture. As a part of their study from the University in Aarhus, Denmark, they are attending Creativity Explored on 3245 16th street in San Francisco. Please contact Rev. Dr. Bjarne Gertz Olsen at
bgo.office2@gmail.com if you are able to host or know of any housing options for them.
Another Lutheran student from Papua New Guinea is in search of housing from July 03 to September 22 while she attends the Hackbright Software Engineering school for women. Please contact her directly at amanda.waninga@gmail.com if you are able to host or know of any housing options for her.
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
WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY
Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Rachel Boles (9); Greg Jahnke, Steve Ernst (11)
Lectors...Dianne Velleno, (9); Debbie Halladay
Chalice Bearers...Nadine Robinson (11)
Acolytes...Mila Sall, Tayte Sall
Altar Guild...Ed Chitty
Ministry of Welcome...Louis Gutierrez, Marisa Lee, (9); Debra Varian,
Gail and Cal Culp (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Andrew Sallach, Elaine Lanier-Bohan, Tim Bohan
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Susie Smith, Frederick Blickle