PALM SUNDAY
Today’s liturgy begins with a palm procession, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Quickly the tone of the service changes as we meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death. Because this story is so central to our faith, we hear Matthew’s account of the passion today and John’s version on Good Friday. Though Jesus is obedient even unto death on the cross, he is exalted by God. We gather to remember his offering for the life of the world, and to be fed by his life-giving mercy. This holy week will culminate in the celebration of the Three Days of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.
THIS SUNDAY AT ST. MARK'S
9:00 am - Holy Communion - Sanctuary
10:00 am - Journeys in Faith - Fireside Room
10:00 am - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
10:05 am - Confirmation - Confirmation Classroom
10:15 am - Sunday School - School Rooms
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
4:00 pm - SF Early Music Society Concert - Sanctuary
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!
SENIOR TRIP TO THE OAKLAND ZOO, APRIL 21 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
Sign up deadline is April 19 in the Martin Luther tower office - you must pay the
entrance fee to sign up! Thank you.
VOICE DEADLINE
The deadline for the next Voice newsletter is Monday, May 1st and will cover June, July, and August. Please send all submissions to Stefani Lawrence
(lawrence@stmarks-sf.org). Thank you!
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
THIS SUNDAY: Big Group: Palm Sunday. The Sunday School students and volunteers meet together to make Easter Crosses, learn about Palm Sunday and prepare for Easter.
April 16th: Easter: No Sunday School
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!
FRIENDLY USHERS NEEDED - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Do you like to greet and welcome people? Can you hand out a worship leaflet? We are looking for a few new ushers willing to serve at either the 9:00 or 11:00 services. Our friendly Usher Coordinator, Tapio Boles, will train you. Please contact him at tapio@hotmail.com if you can help. 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! Please return the boxes today and in the upcoming week.
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.
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:
Second Tuesday – April 11 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 Bible Study of Galatians will focus on “For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free” as found in the April issue of Gather Magazine.
If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Smith at 415.285.7438 or suzathome@comcast.net.
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.
Sign up for any or all shifts, by emailing Diana Gomez dianamrsgomez@mindspring.com
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.
OFFICE CLOSURES
St. Mark’s office will be closing at 3:00pm on Good Friday, April 14 and will be closed on Easter Monday, April 17. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, April 18.
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...Liv Beck (9) Sharon Reinbott, Kyle Schiefelbein (11)
Chalice Bearers...Mark Semonian (9); Steve Ernst, Nadine Robinson (11)
Acolytes...Nora Hurley, Grace Ekdale-Hoch
Sacristan and Altar Guild...Richard Boyle, Ed Chitty
Ministry of Welcome...Randy Scheiber (9); Viknesh Silvalingam, Rachel Letchumanan (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Brandee Marckmann, Bill Mooney, Kathy Lautz
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...John Elford, Marge Okuley