Welcome David Cherwien
Today we welcome David Cherwien as guest organist. David serves as Cantor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, and is also director of the National Lutheran Choir. You can hear much more of David on the Taylor and Boody organ this afternoon at the Hymn Festival at 3:30. Get your tickets after worship this morning!
Adult Forums are Back!!
At 10:00, grab your coffee and head over to the Auditorium. All are welcome!
Today: What is the Gospel?, with Pastoral Intern Rebecca Swee
We will look at the meaning of the Gospel, the Good News. Is the Gospel easily definable or does it mean different things to different people? Please join us on September 21 for this interesting, perhaps provocative, discussion.
September 28 and October 5: Sermon on the Mount with Pastor Elizabeth
Biblical reflection and study of the Beatitudes – Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount utilizing a book by Dr. Marty Stortz titled “Blessed to Follow – The Beatitudes as a Compass for Discipleship”. Stortz takes us on a journey through vast reaches of Scripture and the realities of life with the beatitudes as a guide.
Journeys in Faith Gatherings
Interested in membership? Baptism? Deepening your faith? A new Journeys in Faith group is currently being formed! We are gathering today in the Fireside Room starting at 10:10AM. All are welcome to join in. Questions? Contact Liv Beck (beckliv@gmail.com).
St. Mark's Pictorial Directory - Please sign up now for picture taking Sept. 24 - 27
Here is how to sign-up in order to be included in our upcoming directory:
1. E-mail or phone Jane Borg to schedule your appointment: janebborg@att.net or 415-826-4787.
2. On Sunday mornings, sign up directly with Jane. She is located in Heritage Hall after each service.
3. Or, go directly to the St. Mark's website or the Lifetouch link to schedule your own appointment:
https://www.securedata-trans14.com/ap/stmarkslutheranchurch13/index.php?page=10
Please note: to receive a copy of the Pictorial Directory, you must have your photo taken by Lifetouch.
Lifetouch is a pet-friendly company. Feel free to bring your non-human family members.
Lights! Cameras! Talk!
On the same days pictures for the pictorial directory are taken, September 24th-27th, a video team will be set up in the Sanctuary to video individuals or families. Video sessions will last between 15 to 20 minutes. A member of the video team will contact you after you have scheduled your appointment for the Pictorial Directory.
Monthly Ministry Focus
Each month, we will have a special focus each month on a particular ministry of St. Mark’s. There will be an informational display in Heritage Hall to highlight the work of that ministry. In September, we’ll learn about St. Mark’s wonderful Sunday School program. Look for the display in Heritage Hall!
Memorial Service for Midge Franusich on Sep. 28th
There will be a memorial service for Midge Franusich on Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in Heritage Hall. All are welcome.
Come Knit with Us on October 4!
Join us on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 am to 2 pm in Heritage Hall for a Fall Knitting retreat. We have a wonderful history of supplying knitted (and crochet) items for midwife kits for Africa, leprosy bandages, hats and scarves for Night Ministry and our guests at the St. Mark's Homeless Shelter, lap blankets for Central Gardens and prayer shawls. If you don't know knit, we will teach you. If you don't have supplies, we will provide. Bring your lunch & something to share...we will provide refreshments.
Blessing of the Animals on October 5, 2014, the 9am service
Calling all friends, neighbors, coworkers, and animal enthusiasts alike! Everyone is welcome to bring their pet and celebrate Blessing of the Animals. All pets and their humans are welcome! Please ensure that pets are safely in carriers or on a leash. Photos of animals unable to attend are also welcome. Join us on Sunday morning, October 5, at the 9:00 am worship service to celebrate a St. Mark’s tradition!
Senior Trip down the San Mateo coast on October 10
Senior Trips depart from the Brockie Lounge at Martin Luther Tower. There is a $3 transportation fee to help cover the cost of gas. On Friday, October 10, the seniors will be taking a scenic drive along the San Mateo coast, followed by lunch at longtime favorite Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay. All MLT and St. Mark’s seniors are welcome. To RSVP please call the MLT office at 415.885.1084.
SMART Outing (St. Mark’s Adults Round Town for 20s, 30s, & 40s) on October 19
Join Pastor Bekah for a SF City Guides walking tour of Victorian San Francisco. At 2pm, we will meet outside the Octavia St. entrance to the 1801 Bush St. garden, just off the SW corner of Bush and Octavia. Public transportation: MUNI lines 1, 3. The tour is offered free by the SF Public Library, donations accepted.
From the Endowment Committee
The Endowment Committee wishes to thank those who applied for our first grants. We have received applications and will recommend to Council how this year's $2000 should be distributed. Council will vote on the distribution at its September Meeting. On Sunday, November 2nd, we will celebrate all who have so generously made this possible through a bequest or direct contribution to the Endowment Fund. Please join us on All Saints Day to celebrate the saints of St. Mark's at 10 AM and 12:15 PM in Heritage Hall!
All Souls Day High School Overnight "Lock-in" at St. Mark's on November 1st
Middle and High school youth are invited to an All Souls Day themed overnight lock-in on Saturday, Nov. 1st. Local youth groups from the North Bay and East Bay will be joining us. Gary Schilling will give a tour of the nooks & crannies of the church building and we will take a Night Ministry walk with Pr. Lyle. Contact Pr. Bekah if you're interested in attending! Start time is 2pm on Nov 1st and will continue through 9am worship on Nov 2nd.
Away for the weekend? Worship Wednesday evening instead!
Imagine 30 minutes of peaceful music, lovely candlelight, thoughtful reflections, and Holy Communion in our beautiful sanctuary streaming with the light of the setting sun. You don't have to imagine it - come and experience it every Wednesday evening at 6:45 in the sanctuary.
Interfaith Bible Study - Everyone Welcome!
An Interfaith Bible Study, led by Pastoral Intern Rebecca Swee, will continue at Martin Luther Tower in the Brockie Lounge on Tuesdays at 2 pm. Coffee and snacks will be provided. All are welcome. Should you have any questions, please talk with Intern Rebecca.
Interfaith Food Pantry Dates
The Interfaith Food Pantry is held every Saturday at the Old First Presbyterian Church. Here are the St. Mark’s dates in 2014: October 4th and November 15th. All Faiths Dates in 2014: October 11th, December 6th. For more info, contact Wendy Figliuolo at Northern.cal@gmail.com..
Lands of Luther Tour, Oct. 30-Nov. 9, 2015
Join Pastor Elizabeth and Pastor Hans on this special trip to Germany as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Visit Wartburg Castle in Eisenach...the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt...Luther’s birthplace in Eisleben. View the Castle Church in Wittenberg...Historic Berlin and Dresden...Augsburg and Nuremberg. End the tour in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The cost of the trip is $3,479 per person, including Roundtrip Air from San Francisco, First Class/Select Hotels, Most Meals, Comprehensive sightseeing and much more. For a brochure and more information contact Pastor Elizabeth at 415.928.7770 ext. 2300 (office) or 415.846.4340 (cell). You can email her at ekdale@stmarks-sf.org. Space is limited to plan to book early.
Thrivent Day at the Zoo, Oct. 4
Please join us for Thrivent Day at the Zoo, Saturday, Oct. 4th 10-4 p.m. with Picnic Buffet Lunch 11:30-1:30 pm. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Free admission to zoo and picnic lunch buffet provided for the first 100 registered. For reservations, contact Jo Zemke at 415-437-7370 x211 or jo.zemke@thrivent.com. Election for 2015 Thrivent Chapter Board will also be held.
Worship Leaders
Presiding Minister: The Reverend Bekah Davis
Preacher: The Reverend Elizabeth Ekdale
Director of Music: Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Guest Organist: David Cherwien
Assisting Ministers: Liv Beck (9); Rebecca Swee, Linda Jackson (11)
Lectors: Rebecca Swee (9); Suzanne Smith (11)
Chalice Bearers: Lin Cerles, Randy Schieber (9); Jane Borg, Joanne Chadwick (11)
Acolytes: Coco Ocker, Astra Varian
Flautist: Lin Cerles (9)
Sacristan and Altar Guild: Richard Boyle, Kyle Schiefelbein, Ed Chitty
Flower Arranger: Louis Gutierrez
Welcome Ministry: Omer Voss, Susan Sall (9) Debbie Varian (11)
Refreshment Hour Chairs: John Elford, Marge Okuley
Next Week’s Refreshment Hour Chairs: Donna Dindia, Chuck Lewis
The flowers in the sanctuary today are given by Barbara Bock, in memory of Pastor Walter E. Bock.