6:00 p.m. Midweek Supper All are welcome to join for a community dinner prepared by church members in Heritage Hall prior to worship. 6:45 p.m. Midweek Worship You are invited to give yourself a gift in the middle of your week. This worship service will refresh you and leave you with a sense of calm and security. You will be fed through singing, and quiet contemplation of scripture. In our peaceful Sanctuary lit with candles, you will feel God's presence and trust more deeply that you are God's beloved child. Come and be fed.
Children & Youth
Child Care During All Worship Services
Child Care ministry at St. Mark's is a very important part of our ministry with families. St. Mark's provides qualified childcare in the Nursery during worship services throughout the entire year. The Nursery is located in the lower level of the church building, next to the kitchen. It is staffed by
Our Sunday School program at St. Mark’s has 3 distinct parts:
Children’s Time
During the 9:00 service, children are allowed to spend time with our pastors every Sunday.
Chapel
After Children’s Time children are dismissed to Chapel in the Urban Life Center. All age groups gather in Chapel to sing, worship and give weekly offering to our sister parish in El Salvador.
Sunday School Instruction
After Chapel the children divide into their age appropriate classrooms. The classroom teachers prepare weekly lessons or quite often we gather all classes together to celebrate a special occasion.
All children are welcome to join us for Children’s Time and Chapel. Classroom instruction is open to children over 3, or younger with parent.
Rally Day: first Sunday after Labor Day, we celebrate returning to weekly worship at Sunday School.
Reformation Sunday/Halloween Party: we learn about Martin Luther and the Reformation. Afterwards enjoy a Haunted House decorated by the older children.
Christmas Pageant: Most children participate in our annual Christmas Eve Pageant. Younger children participate with parents.
Homeless Shelter: we make “Stockings for the Homeless” as community service project every year after Christmas.
Seder Celebration: Traditional Seder meal shared with all children, parents are welcome
Palm Sunday: Children celebrate Palm Sunday-riding donkey into 11:00 service, reenacting the entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem.
Lisa Gray teaches Pre Kindergarten Sunday School. Lisa is a registered nurse and after a sabbatical has just returned to work part time. Lisa has been teaching Pre-K for 2 years now, this will be her third year teaching Pre-K. Lisa has blessed us with her caring and thoughtful attention to the youngest class. This year her class will be using the “Witness” curriculum, which covers traditional Bible stories for young children. Lisa will supplement her curriculum with music and she always includes an art project which relates to the lesson. Lisa has created a beautiful space for her classroom, a very cheerful, nurturing environment which reflects her spirit of teaching.
Jenny Hart teaches Kindergarten-2nd grade at St. Mark’s. She works full time in the garment industry. Jenny has also completed all the class work for her teaching credential at San Francisco State. She enjoys practicing her teaching skills on Sundays, this is her 5th year teaching at St. Mark’s. The K-2 class will use the lectionary curriculum again this year, which reinforces the sermon lesson. Jenny believes in stressing community service in Sunday School and offers opportunities for the children to serve whenever possible. Jenny’s classroom is large and well stocked with many supplies to encourage learning.
Gail Culp teaches 2nd-5th grade every Sunday and she has done for many years. Gail is the backbone of the Sunday School program. Most of the traditions we honor have been initiated by Gail. Our Halloween/Reformation Party is hosted by the older classroom as well as many other time honored fun activities. Gail works full time with her family at Paige Glass, she’s from the Midwest, has her Masters of Fine Arts and believes in hands on teaching. Gail’s classroom will also use the lectionary curriculum this year. She has supplemented her program this year with some new maps which will help visual learners.
St. Mark’s is truly blessed with capable, caring and fun Sunday School teachers. Stop by Sunday School anytime to visit, all are welcome.
Junior High Youth
Junior High youth participate in in St. Mark's Confirmation ministry. We focus on our faith journey through bible study, servant projects and fun activities. Contact Pr. Elizabeth for additional information. All youth who are in the 7th and 8th grades are welcome.
High School Youth
SMSHY (St. Mark's High School Youth) Led by two incredible young adults - Shauna Malone and Marisa Louie. This group meets on Sunday mornings for a "rap" session, refreshments, and sharing in the youth room. Check the church calendar for the dates or e-mail Marisa Louie to be placed on the e-mail annt. list -
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We also plan fun outings, participate in servant projects such as the Homeless Shelter and the Welcome Ministry and go to Mt. Cross Camp for High School retreats. Join us and bring a friend!
Parents with Kidlettes
The Parents with Kidlettes group meets the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 am in Heritage Hall. This group is a ministry of St. Mark's where parents can meet other parents in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. We have several brand new parents in our community plus many seasoned parents, which produces lively conversation, sharing, and reflection on the joys and challenges of parenting. Come and meet new friends. Pastor
In recognition of the spiritual and public trust given to this faith community, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco, CA is committed to being a true sanctuary, both nurturing and protecting its members and visitors. Worship of God requires openness, trust, intimacy, vulnerability and a safe, supportive community. Abuse and harassment are, therefore, violations of the faith shared by this congregation. Accordingly, the
