Second Sunday of Easter
In spite of all we have heard and all that we have seen, it is often hard to believe. Because it is hard to believe, we will invest ourselves in the Easter mystery for fifty days (a week of weeks). Because it is hard to believe, John the evangelist will provide sign after sign celebrating Jesus’ victory over death. Because it is hard to believe, the Lord Jesus will return to us again and again in the mystery of the holy communion, inviting us to touch and taste his presence, and offering us his peace.
Join Us This Sunday
9:00 am - Holy Communion with Children's Time - Sanctuary
9:45 am - Sunday School - School Rooms
10:00 am - Parents with Kidlettes - Heritage Hall
10:00 am - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
10:05 am - Adult Forum - Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp - Heritage Hall
10:05 am - Journeys In Faith - Fireside Room
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
12:30 pm - Call Committee Meeting - Fireside Room
12:30 pm - El Salvador Meeting - Conference Room
4:00 pm - SF Girls Chorus - Sanctuary
Adult Forum, April 3
Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp MinistriesJoin staff member Kyle Damiano to hear more about our Lutheran Camp in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Mt. Cross has wonderful summer camp opportunities for children, youth and families. Come and find out more. Note, this forum will be held in Heritage Hall
Adult Forum, April 10
Join Dr. Jenn Snow for a forum on Islam. What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a? What’s an prophet? When we talk about “shari’a,” what do we really mean - and what do Muslims mean? Come learn a little bit about the diverse and deep Muslim faith, approached from the point of view of history and culture. Our goal will be to become familiar with some of the concepts, people, events, and religious commitments that shape Muslim life.
El Salvador Sister Parish Meeting Sunday April 3 at 12:30pm
Please join our discussion of news of our relationship with Cordero de Dios in Soyapango, El Salvador. It has been a long time since we all met. We will make plans for activities with our sisters and brothers in El Salvador and with our partners in Milwaukee.
Volunteers Needed!
If you have a few hours, one day a week and would like to volunteer - St. Mark’s needs you! St. Mark’s is in great need of volunteers in the church office. No office experience is needed. You will be answering telephones, distributing mail, answering the front door, helping the permanent office staff (Chiara and Stefani) when needed, and it is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the Pastors and help them in whatever way they need. The office is a great place to keep up with what’s happening in and around St. Mark’s! So, don’t be shy, contact Jane Borg, either in person duringthe coffee hour or via email (janebborg@att.net) for more information. This opportunity is open to everyone.
Church Council and Martin Luther Tower Board installed today at 9:00 and 11:00 worship services
The Council and MLT board have responsibility to provide leadership and oversight over St. Mark’s ministries and Martin Luther Tower. Today, we recognize their hard work and dedication serving as volunteers on these two leadership boards. In the installation service, we will offer our prayers and support of their efforts on our behalf. In addition, we will be thanking Jeremy McClain for serving as Council President for two years. Thank you Jeremy for the time, attention, and care you contributed as President.
Luther Lecture:
“Climate Justice, Hope, and a Lutheran Ethic of Love Incarnate” Prof. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda is the 2016 Luther Lecturer, Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 9:00 am at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2770 Marin Ave Berkeley, CA 94708
Humankind stands at a turning point in history. Either we continue on a fast track toward climate disaster or we harness human genius and creativity to forge a sustainable relationship between the human species and our planetary home. The moral challenge is heightened by matters of climate justice: those most vulnerable to the ravages of climate change are also the people least responsible for it. In this context, Earth’s religious traditions are called to plumb their depths, seeking wellsprings of moral vision, hope, and wisdom for building ecologically sound and socially just ways of living. Lutheran traditions are rich with such resources. One is the call to faith active in love that seeks justice. Another is the call to heed God’s presence “flowing and pouring through all things.” This lecture explores both as transformative Spirit-led invitations and gifts.
Young Adults Dinner and Mid-week Service, April 6
Pastors Elizabeth and Tita would like to especially invite our young adults on April 6th (Wednesday) for the mid-week dinner and service. We will join others in the congregation but would like gather you with our hope to get to know each other more and perhaps plan future gatherings and events. The dinner starts at 6:00 pm and it will also a launch to the new Mid-Week service liturgy. Please contact Pastor Tita if you have any questions.
Easter Midweek Services
Wednesdays at 6:45 pm
Beginning Wednesday, April 6, we will use "Unfailing Light," a new setting of the Holy Communion service composed
by Marty Haugen, with text by Susan Briehl.
This service was written especially for evening, and was
commissioned by the Lutheran Campus Ministry at
the University of Texas in Austin.
6:00 - Community Dinner - Everyone Welcome!
6:45 - Unfailing Light Worship
Women’s Monthly Study Gatherings
All women are welcome to come and study together at our evening and/or morning Women of the ELCA Gatherings. In April our groups will meet on:
Evening Gathering - April 5 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Fireside Room
All women are invited to come for dessert and fellowship for the first half hour and then discussion until 8:30. This month we will be reading Stitches by Annie Lamott.
Second Tuesday - April 12 from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Fireside Room All women are invited to come for study at 11:00 and then at noon to eat their sandwich or salad and share fellowship. Drinks and dessert will be provided. Our winter study is on the Philippians and our program topic is “Keep on keeping on.”
Third Sunday Bible Study - April 17 from 10:10 to 10:50 in the Conference Room
All women are invited to come for Bible study from the Women of the ELCA’s Gather Magazine. Our winter study is on the book of Philippians and our monthly topic is “Keep on keeping on.”
If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Smith at 415.285.7438 or suzathome@comcast.net.
Donate Flowers in 2016
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.
Worship Leaders This Sunday
Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Liv Beck (9); Phil Krikau and Ed Chitty (11)
Lectors...Robert Rathmell (9) Bertie Brouhard (11)
Chalice Bearers...Matt Helland, Marisa Lee (9); Jane Borg, Viknesh Silvalingam (11)
Acolytes...Erika Taylor and Katherine Lam
Sacristan and Altar Guild...Richard Boyle, Ed Chitty
Ministry of Welcome...Tina Hogan Linda R. Jackson (9); Pam Cheung,
Kimberly and David Lam, Tina Niu, Pedro Ospina (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Brandee Marckmann, Bill Mooney, Kathy Lautz
Next Week Coffee Hour Chairs...Diana and Greg Gomez
