September 16, 2018

CREATION SUNDAY

Three weeks ago we heard John’s gospel’s version of Peter’s confession of faith. This week we hear Mark’s version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus’ words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus’ words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of “messiah”) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross.

THIS SUNDAY AT ST. MARK'S

9:00 am - Holy Communion with Children’s Time - Sanctuary
9:50 am - Sunday School - School Rooms
10:00 am - Confirmation - Youth Room
10:00 am - High School Youth - Conference Room
10:00 am - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
10:00 am - Adult Forum - Fireside Room
This is our Neighborhood with Pr. Elizabeth
11:00 am - Holy Communion Worship Service - Sanctuary
12:15 pm - Refreshments and Fellowship Hour - Heritage Hall
12:30 pm - A walk in our neighborhood-visiting our religious neighbors with Pr. Elizabeth

2:00 pm - SFNM Crisis Line Counselor Training - Fireside Room

ADULT FORUM - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 - THIS SUNDAY!

This is our Neighborhood
Join Pr. Elizabeth and other members of the Adult Forum planning team for reflection about our neighborhood.  Who are our neighbors and why is it important to be in relationship with them?  We will view a bible study by Bishop Bartholomew of the New Jersey Synod about caring for our neighbors in the name of Jesus.  From 12:30 - 1:30, everyone is invited to go and explore the St. Mark’s neighborhood with Pr. Elizabeth.  We will visit our faith neighbors by walking to Trinity/St. Peter’s Episcopal, First Unitarian, Hamilton Baptist, and St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

Next Sunday: We will learn about the relationship between ELCA and AME (African Methodist Episcopal) churches as described in the congregational resource “Understanding One Another”, written and edited by leaders from both churches.  This will provide a context for getting to know our neighbor, Bethel AME Church, and we will follow up with a short walk to visit Bethel, leaving after the 11 o’clock service. For more information go to:  https://bit.ly/2PU2BuE

CREATION-CENTERED LITURGY - THIS SUNDAY!
In conjunction with the Global Climate Action Summit, we will be focusing on the care of creation in our worship on Sunday, September 16.  The hymns, the prayers, the sermon, and the elements of Holy Communion will draw us into a space where the emphasis on the care of creation is lifted up and we will be reminded of our first and one of our foremost callings as creatures of God’s design—to care for and maintain the integrity of the entire Earth.
 

SUNDAY SCHOOL
St. Mark’s Sunday School resumes THIS SUNDAY!  Immediately following the distribution of communion at the 9:00 a.m. worship service, the children will gather in the back of the sanctuary with their teachers and walk over to the auditorium for some activities and singing, after which they will gather in their classrooms for their lesson.  The classes are Preschool, Kindergarten – 2nd grade, and 3rd – 5th grade.  If you are a guest to St. Mark’s and would like to have your child(ren) participate in Sunday School, you are more than welcome to accompany your child in joining this ministry.

CONFIRMATION
The Confirmation Class for 6th – 8th grade youth will resumes on THIS SUNDAY and meets in the Youth Room at 10:00 a.m.  Thus far, five youth are participating in this ministry.  Cora Rose will be co-teaching this class with Pastor Ron.  If you are interested in joining this class, please speak with Pastor Ron.    

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
The high-school youth will be gathering on Sunday, September 16 in the Conference Room at 10:00 a.m. for their initial meeting this fall in order to engage in a topical discussion and talk about their desires for further gatherings throughout the year.  Erin Scheller will be facilitating this gathering.  All high-school youth are welcome to participate. 

CHOIR RETREAT OPEN TO NEW CHOIR MEMBERS
If you have been thinking of joining St. Mark’s choir, please attend the upcoming Choir Retreat with Director of Music, Dr. Timothy Zerlang. The retreat will be on Saturday, September 15, 10:00 - 3:00 in the sanctuary.  Bring something to share for a potluck lunch.  We welcome you to come if you’ve been considering joining the choir.  

SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETING
The September Council meeting will be taking place during the Council Retreat on September 22nd, 2pm at Mercy Center at 2300 Adeline Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010. All are welcome to attend the meeting!

LUNCHEON FOR ALL ST. MARK’S SENIORS - SEPTEMBER 20
Come and meet new friends and eat a delicious lunch of Chinese cuisine.  We gather in Heritage Hall at 12:00 for a wonderful meal, fellowship, entertainment, and community.  This lunch is free and all are welcome!

All St. Mark’s Seniors are welcome.  To sign up, please call the Martin Luther Tower office at 415 885-1084. See you there!

BENEFIT CONCERT TO AID REFUGEES
Interfaith Refugee Welcome (of the SF Interfaith Council) and Zion Lutheran Church (495 9th Ave.) will co-host a concert on Friday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m.  The LeRoi Nicket Duo, the acclaimed organ duet team from the Pacific Northwest, will delight lovers of organ music with their performance.  A suggested donation of $15/person and $25/family will all go directly to the Sea of Solidarity to assist refugees on Lesbos, Greece.  Street parking is available, or take the 38 bus.  Come and enjoy the fine music for a great cause.

MT. CROSS LUTHERAN CAMP CELEBRATES 70 YEARS IN MINISTRY
Nestled in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains, Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp  has nourished the faith of thousands of young people and children through camping ministries.  Mt. Cross is now celebrating it’s 70th Anniversary and invites you to their celebration events on-site at the camp.  On Sept. 28, you are invited to an evening of delicious food and a program about future Mt. Cross ministries.  On Sept. 29, families are encouraged to attend the camp and enjoy a BBQ and camp activities.  To RSVP and find out more, go online:  www.mtcross.org or call 831 336-5179  The camp is located at 7955 Route 9 in Ben Lomond.  All are welcome

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ELBERT "SIG" SIGAFOOS - SEPTEMBER 23 at 1:00PM
The St. Mark’s community is invited to celebrate the life and faith of long-time member Sig Sigafoos at a Memorial Service held at St. Mark’s. There will be a reception in Heritage Hall following the service.  

WORSHIP LEADERS THIS SUNDAY

Director of Music...Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Assisting Ministers...Liv Beck (9); Linda Jackson, Steve Ernst (11)
Lectors...Hans Hoch (9); David Fabie (11)
Communion Ministers...Beth Dioli, Matthias Will (9); Nadine Robinson, Jesse Peirce (11)
Altar Guild...Sharon Reinbott
Acolytes...Alison Schieber, Emma Gray
Sacristans...Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero and Ed Chitty
Ushers...Omer Voss, Jerry Lundblad (9); Debra Varian, Larry DeSpain (11)
Coffee Hour Chairs...Andrew Sallach, Elaine & Tim Bohan
Next Week’s Coffee Hour Chairs...Susie Smith, Frederick Blicklea