SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Jesus does not leave his followers orphaned. Through the Holy Spirit Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord's table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.
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 - Journeys in Faith - Fireside Room
10:05 am - Confirmation - Confirmation Rooms
11:00 am - Choral Eucharist Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
12:30 pm - High School Youth – Lunch with Pastor Ron Off Site
4:00 pm - Volti Concert - 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
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.
BAY TO BREAKERS, MAY 21
This Sunday 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!!!!
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.
ELEVATOR PROGRESS AT ST. MARK'S
There has been a hiatus in construction activity this week due to some redesign issues. However, Pastor Ron did join 4 other principles in this project at the Curran Theater in order to evaluate the sound factor of an elevator/lift very similar to the one that will be installed at St. Mark’s. The sound technician indicated that the sound emanating from the moving elevator, the door opening, and mechanical room was very minimal. However, the “ding” that rang as the elevator reached each floor was very loud. The elevator contractor will explore whether or not this sound can be eliminated. The sound technician made several good suggestions that would minimize any sound that may be coming from the mechanical room.
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
PLTS DECOMMISSIONING
Next Saturday, May 27, there will be a Decommissioning of PLTS Ceremony beginning with a refreshments outside the chapel at 9:00 a.m., followed by a worship service at 10:00 a.m. during which each building on campus will be decommissioned. After the worship service, people are invited to bring their own lunch to eat before or during the 3.7 mile procession down the hill to the new campus at 2000 Center Street in downtown Berkeley where there will be an open house until 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend this memorable event, which is free. However, you are requested to register by going on-line to www.plts.edu.
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.
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
Sign up deadline is May 22 in the Martin Luther tower office - you must pay the entrance fee to sign up! Thank you
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