SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2011

Sunday School Kickoff

All children 3 years old and older are welcome at Sunday School
at 10:00 am. If you feel your child is not ready for Sunday
School, come sing with us at Children’s Chapel at 9:40 am.
Parents and Guardians are always welcome to join us anytime.
For more Sunday School information, see page 10.

Ministry Fair During Coffee Hours in

Heritage Hall
Browse displays and booths to learn more about St. Mark’s
ministries. Various ministries leaders will share information and
welcome new people to participate. Come meet St. Mark’s
members and visitors as you discover how to use your gifts
through St. Mark’s ministries. Everyone is welcome!

Garden Open House and Blessing

Come and look at the garden behind the church building on
Rally Day. Gardeners from Martin Luther Tower and St. Mark’s
will be on-hand to talk about the progress of the garden. At
10:30 am and 12:30 pm we will have a “blessing of the garden”
liturgy. Come and see – come and pray!
Reflection
by Pastor Elizabeth Ekdale

W hile on vacation, we worshipped at a small Episcopal congregation near Mt. Lassen. On that Sunday, the service was led
entirely by lay leaders – the assigned priest was leading worship at another parish on that day. The congregation worships in a
small house which had been remodeled into worship space. As we entered the front door, we stepped immediately into the
small sanctuary which seated no more than 25 people. All of a need a committee to organize themselves or a Pastor to make sure
sudden, I felt a bit shy when everyone turned to look at us, but the care would happen – they did it themselves. Everyone pitched
there was no turning around and leaving! Immediately, we were in and took an assignment in order to help this family in need. They
made to feel at home. Several people moved in order that the three were the church – a small yet vibrant congregation caring for one
of us could sit together. Once seated, someone from behind us another and welcoming the stranger (us!) into their midst.
handed me a hymnal and worship book and pointed out the correct
page. I was apprehensive about how Grace, our At St. Mark’s we are blessed by staff and
eight year old, would do in such a small space leadership and resources. But just like that
but she settled in and enjoyed sitting snugly small parish in the mountains, everyone’s gifts
between Hans and myself. Though communion God wants people to and passions are vital in order for us to be the
was not celebrated, I felt fed by the prayers, body of Christ here at St. Mark’s. I invite you
liturgy, and sermon. The singing of the hymns be working on the to worship at St. Mark’s on Rally Sunday,
was done with energy and zeal. September 11. On this Sunday, we will have a
things that matter Ministry Fair in Heritage Hall complete with
After worship, we all walked into the kitchen
where we enjoyed coffee and conversation
most – both to them booths and displays and refreshments. You
can check out how you can use your gifts and
together. The experience was very different and to God. talents in ministries that matter to you and to
from worship at St. Mark’s, where people can God. And if there isn’t an area of ministry in
come and go anonymously if they so choose. At which to use your gifts, let’s talk about
this parish, everyone is known, welcomed, and starting a new ministry! God wants people to
knows everyone else’s business! The topic of concern around the be working on the things that matter most – both to them and to
coffee urn was a member of the congregation who had fallen off of God. No matter what size the congregation, everyone’s gifts are
a ladder and had to be air-lifted to Chico for emergency surgery. needed – everyone’s gifts are welcome.
The small group quickly organized themselves and made
assignments regarding who would call the hospital, who would With gratitude,
bring the meals, who would write the “get-well” card. They didn’t Pastor Elizabeth Ekdale

Community Meal & Worship Pupusas for Thanksgiving

Resumes September 14 For the first time, St. Mark’s is sending a
Our Wednesday evening community dinner and delegation to visit with our sister parish, Cordero
de Dios in Soyapango, El Salvador. In a spirit of
worship service begins again on September 14.
giving thanks for our sister
Come for a delicious dinner at 6:00 pm in a relaxed
parish relationship, the trip will take
and friendly atmosphere in Heritage Hall. Then, be place over the Thanksgiving
fed at a 30 minute communion service upstairs in holiday. A group of St. Mark's
the Sanctuary. This gathering around dinner and members - adults, children and an
the altar occurs every Wednesday – come and be infant - will travel with Pastor
fed mid-week at St. Mark’s! Everyone is welcome. Ekdale from San Francisco to San
Salvador, leaving November 22nd and returning
November 27th. Delegates will learn about the lives and ministries of the
Cordero de Dios community, so we can all learn how to better accompany
each other as sister parishes. Delegates will travel, listen, meet, pray, sing,
and even learn how to make pupusas (a thick corn tortilla with a filling). In
English and Spanish we will share what it is like to be Lutheran in an urban
setting just outside of San Salvador and in the heart of San Francisco.

Watch for ways to support the delegates representing St. Mark's. We all
look forward to learning more when the group returns!

2
St. Francis Day, October 1 & 2 Reformation Sunday, October 30
Blessing of the Animals by Kyle Schiefelbein
St. Francis of Assisi continues to be The celebration of Reformation Sunday at St. Mark's is always a special
one of the most popular of saints for occasion, when we combine the old and the new, traditional Lutheran
all Christians. St. Francis is chorales with modern music. But why do we annually celebrate this
remembered for starting the custom festival, which marks the day on which Martin Luther nailed his 95
of the Christmas Crèche, for ministry Theses on the church door in Wittenberg almost 500 years ago? I believe it
to the sick and marginalized, a is somewhat similar to why we annually celebrate Christmas in a mostly
mission to Muslims, and for his joy in secular society -- it is about uniqueness. The Christian claim about the
God's creation. Incarnation (God becoming human in Jesus) is something unique to other
religions; it was for this reason that the Apostle Paul called Christianity a
St. Mark's will observe St. Francis Day in two ways. On "stumbling block" -- why in the world would God want to become human?
Saturday morning, October 1, in the square the Blessing of
the Animals will be offered as outreach to the community The claim of uniqueness is why we continue to celebrate Reformation
around St. Mark's. On Sunday morning, October 2, at the Sunday. The Lutheran tradition has something unique to offer with the
9:00 am Eucharist, members and friends are invited to bring claim of justification by faith alone. This is especially important in today's
their pets into the Sanctuary for the Blessing of the Animals. society that is obsessed with self-help. The foundation of Lutheranism
states that it is not possible to help ourselves without God's gracious and
self-giving love. Nothing we do can earn God's love, but it is God who
St. Luke's Day, October 16 initiates the relationship. Because of this, we are called to serve our
Luke is called the "beloved physician" in the Scriptures, and neighbor. Although some other religious traditions may make a similar
St. Mark's is going to observe St. Luke's Day to emphasize claim, it is in Lutheranism that this becomes central.
the importance of the healing ministry of the church. There
will be a special liturgy at both 9:00 and 11:00 with healing For this very reason, we celebrate Reformation
stations for individual prayers with anointing with oil, as well Sunday every year. We are called to constantly
as a blessing for all members of St. Mark's who are in healing reform the church through the message of this
professions. good news.

St. Mark’s Thanksgiving Eve Service, November 23

If you stay in the Bay Area for Thanksgiving this year, please join St. Mark’s for a Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Service with Holy Communion. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 23 at 6:45 pm.

Oktoberfest Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

Saturday, October 22 Sunday, November 20
Join fellow worshipers in Heritage Hall after the 11:00 am
Good friends, good food and good
service for roast turkey and all the fixings. This is open to
times will fill Heritage Hall as St. Mark’s Church Council
all—there will be a free will offering basket at the meal.
presents the 2011 Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 22
Worshipers are invited to
starting at 6:00 pm. The Council will prepare traditional
bring their pledge cards to
German food, drinks and music. You bring a dessert to share
worship in thanksgiving to
and the party will be complete. Following dinner, the Council
God for all of God’s
will briefly share progress made on St. Mark’s Strategic
blessings on this Sunday.
Planning Goals and gather feedback.

Last year’s Oktoberfest was a great success. Come join us as

we celebrate this year with fellowship, food and fun.

3
 St. Mark’s and the
Interfaith Food Pantry
Join us in this great endeavor!
:
Upcoming Dates to Volunteer

September 3 & 10
October 15 & 22
December 3 & 10 Thrivent’s Annual Free BBQ Picnic
Sign up to serve in this ministr
y online at September 18
tact
www.interfaithfood.org, or con You are invited to join us for the annual picnic sponsored by the San
sen at 415 .53 1.6 322 or Francisco Thrivent Chapter Board. All Lutherans are invited to attend.
Joleen Jes
[email protected]. We only request that you let us know you’re coming so we can plan.

When: Sunday, September 18, 2011 - anytime 11:30 am-3:00 pm

Where: Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park (on JFK, one
block west of the Crossover). Look for the big Monterey
pine tree and the red & yellow Thrivent balloons!
What: A free BBQ picnic for the Lutheran community and any
other friends. The day will have a WESTERN THEME, and
there will be live music provided by "The Jenny Kerr Band"
as well as a bouncy house and other activities.

Important note: Members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will cast

votes for the local chapter election.

Please RSVP: Jo at 800.564.1293 or [email protected].

Master of Theological Studies

New at PLTS this Fall
The Master of Theological Studies degree is a program offered to students desiring theological education to
support a secular vocation, international students doing post-MDiv studies in one of the theological
disciplines, or students preparing to do PhD or Th.D. study. The MTS provides the opportunity for two years of
graduate theological study of the core of church theology—Bible, church history, ethics, and systematic
theology. Classes are available evenings, weekends and online, offering the great themes of the Lutheran
Christian theological tradition, and the resources of the Graduate Theological Union. For more information, all
510.559.2730 or email [email protected].

PLTS Founders’ Day

September 21, 2011
Registration is now open for the 2011 Founder’s Day at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. This year
the focus will be on violence against women in Latin America and against Latinas in the United States. The
ongoing feminicide in Juárez is a symptom of that violence, but the violence is not limited to the border.
Undocumented migrant women in the United States are often the target of gender violence as well. How do
our ideas about God and human beings change when we try to confront such violence? How might a theology
informed by the experience of migrants and migration help the church respond creatively to resist violence?
Such questions put theology “on edge.” Featuring Dr. Nancy Elizabeth Bedford, the lecture will explore some
answers from the perspective of a theology on edge which is also a theology in migration: able to take the
reality of migration seriously, and also able to change and grow in the face of new realities. To register, go to
www.plts.edu.

4
Pet Memorial Service
October 16 at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church
Everyone is invited to an interfaith celebration of the lives of our beloved companion animals on Sunday,
October 16, 2011 at 5:30 pm. The service will be led by Dr. Betty Carmack, author of “Grieving the Death of a
Pet” and Lois Roach, Pet Loss Counselor with The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. Anyone who is
grieving or has grieved the loss of a pet are especially welcome.

St. Aidan’s is located at 101 Gold Mine Drive in San Francisco. For more information, call 415.285.9540.

San Francisco
Interfaith Council

Interfaith Winter Shelter at St. Mark’s

** November 20-December 11, 2011 ** (earlier than usual!)
Beginning Sunday, November 20, St Mark’s will host
the SF Interfaith Council Homeless Shelter for three
weeks. Overnight housing, breakfasts and dinners
will be provided for approximately 60 men each
evening and morning in the Urban Life Center
Auditorium. AIDS Walk 2011
Please contact John Elford at [email protected] if you by Dana Utz
can help. Be a part of St. Mark’s Social Ministry…
we look forward to serving with you!
Three walkers for St. Mark’s (Lyle
Beckman, Lin Cerles and Dana
Utz) raised $3,900 in donations for
14th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving the 2011 AIDS Walk San Francisco.
Prayer Breakfast On a sunny July 17 in Golden Gate
Park, our team along with some
“Repairing the World: Honoring the Work of Rita Semel” 25,000 caring individuals raised
over $3,011,000 for the San
When: Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 7:00 – 9:00 AM Francisco AIDS Foundation and
Where: Hotel Kabuki at 1625 Post Street, San Francisco other Bay Area AIDS service
How: Reservations can be made online at organizations. Thanks to all of you
www.sfinterfaithcouncil.org
who supported our team through
More info: (415) 474-1321
your generous donations.

5
What’s Happening Now in the Holy Land and Why?
by Linda Krauskopf

T his autumn we at St. Mark’s will set out to answer this by educating ourselves about the Holy Land: its history, current developments
and the important role of Christians - including ourselves - in Palestine,
birthplace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which today still figures prominently
in the international news in its elusive quest for peace. Several opportunities
to learn and examine our Christian heritage
are scheduled and you are invited to
participate in any or all of them.

P lan to attend some or all of these Tuesday, September 6

stimulating programs for a better The new Tuesday evening women’s group will feature at its first meeting a
understanding of the Holy Land discussion of Rev. Mitri Raheb’s autobiographical book I Am a Palestinian Christian
today and the lives of our Christian (available at Amazon.com and highly recommended reading.)
brothers and sisters who courageously
continue to struggle against mighty odds Sunday, September 18
to sustain their families and maintain a Rev. Mitri Raheb will be guest preacher at both the 9:00 and 11:00 services, as well as
Christian witness in the birthplace of our at the Adult Forum. Rev. Raheb is pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in
Bethlehem, Palestine and founder of Dar Al-Kalima College in Bethlehem.

That same afternoon, Sunday, September 18 at Grace Lutheran Church/Palo Alto,

we are invited to participate in a Palestinian Festival of “Steadfast Hope”: live Middle
Eastern music, film, handicrafts and food, where Rev. Raheb will also speak about
the current “Revolution in the Arab World: Promise or Illusion.” This is a rare
opportunity to hear the inside story from this activist Palestinian Christian pastor
and also to learn how we could render support to the ELCA’s ministries in Palestine
(a hospital in Jerusalem and schools in Bethlehem and Ramallah.)

Sunday, October 23
Members of Grace Lutheran Church/Palo Alto will present a slide show and
discussion of their Holy Land pilgrimage last Lenten season. This is a wonderful
opportunity to see up-to-date photos and hear a first-hand report from fellow Bay
Area Lutherans who have so recently traveled there. This program will be presented
twice: during Adult Forum at 10:00 and again following the 11:00 service.

Sundays in November
Lord. This journey of study here at St. Adult Forum will feature the DVD study series “Steadfast Hope” (named for the
Mark’s may kindle a new passion for our courageous stance of Christians striving to maintain a Christian presence in the Holy
involvement with the Holy Land. Come – Land in the face of unresolved political issues). This series on four Sundays will
learn – discuss – share with others a virtual examine the Holy Land’s history; the complexities of the current Israeli-Palestinian
pilgrimage to that far away land so close to conflict and hopes for peace; and what Christians can do to help and also influence
our hearts as Christians. the quest for peace, justice and human rights in Palestine and Israel.

A re you already eager to act and

influence the cause of Middle East
Peace? You can get immediate
updates and analyses of developments,
along with recommendations for action
Sunday, December 11
A film about contemporary “Little Town of Bethlehem” will be shown and discussed,
featuring experiences and viewpoints of a Christian, an Israeli soldier and a Moslem
who find common purpose and resolve in their non-violent efforts for peace in that
troubled city. This will challenge and update our vision of the town that gave birth to
from the website of Churches for Middle Jesus Christ.
East Peace (www.CMEP.org.) The ELCA
actively participates in this ecumenical
advocacy group, which lobbies our
government regarding Middle East policy. CMEP’s periodic online newsletters to the American public present excellent reports which enable
anyone interested to follow, comprehend and join their advocacy efforts on behalf of peace, justice and human rights in the Holy Land.
Learn more yourself about this responsible organization and Lutherans’ participation in it. Then, a letter or phone call to your Senator,
Representative or President can make a difference - right now! Check it out!

6
A Reflection on Recent Events in The Gay Gospels
Norway Who: Keith Sharpe, Author and LGBT Activist
by Rev. Dr. William H. Ruth What: Lecture and book signing
Coordinating Committee, Racial/Ethnic Ministries Working When: October 6th, 7 pm
Group of the Sierra Pacific Synod Where: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Sanctuary
Along with everyone else in the Synod, the coordinating The four gospels of the Bible’s New Testament bring the Good
committee of the Synod's Racial/Ethnic Ministries Working News of Christ’s salvation to ‘all mankind’. For many lesbian, gay,
Group reflected this week on our shock and dismay at the bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people, however, the good
violence that occurred in Oslo, Norway. Our prayers are with news has had a hard job getting through, says author gay activist
the people of Norway as they face this terrible tragedy. Keith Sharpe. As a response, he brings us The Gay Gospels an
illuminating and captivating read. Please join us as we spend an
In our discussion of this event, we were aware of the reports evening with Keith Sharpe and immerse ourselves in some truly
that the perpetrator of this violence in Norway was influenced good news.
by similar expressions of racial polarization and violence in the
United States. The tragic reality is that "copycats" of hate The Gay Gospels stand against the 'clobber texts' which condemn
wreak havoc and destruction in our local communities and gay people, and powerfully affirm that gay lives are validated in the
throughout the world. We can see in this event a Bible. The place of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people
demonstration of how much the sin of racism is infecting the in the Christian churches is a highly controversial and debatable
whole world. issue now. The stance of many churches is that homosexuality is
sinful and incompatible with Christianity. In seeking to respond to
The three teams of our racial ethnic working group (Anti- attacks on their lives, identities and relationships, LGBT Christians
Racism Team, Mission Strategy Team, and Cultural have moved over recent decades from a defensive position to a
Competence/ Multicultural Diversity Team) are committed to more affirmative position which asserts that there is evidence in the
the task of overcoming racial divisions. Together we are Bible and the Jesus tradition of validated homoerotic experience.
working to change the atmosphere of our own church and our
own communities so that instead of "copycats" of racial This compelling and encouraging read touches on unique themes
violence, we will be promoting "copycats" of mutual respect, including:
mutual dialogue, and mutual understanding. We are hoping  A strong defense against the handful of biblical texts usually
that our work in the Synod will carry over into our communities cited to attack gay people and their relationships
and into the nation to help us to react to people who are  A powerful affirmation that gay lives and relationships are
different from us with God's love and justice, and to "to sow validated in both the Old and New Testaments
seeds of freedom from the ashes of the hate."  Research grounded in respected academic and biblical
scholarship
This was published in the Sierra Pacific Synod's e newsletter on  A gay perspective in everyday accessible language
July 28. If anyone is interested in learning about how we can  A clear two testament structure comprising short readable
pursue overcoming racial division, you might want to attend one chapters
of the following workshops sponsored by the Synod.
About the author:
November 12 - Cultural Competence: the Foundation for the Keith Sharpe is an early retired professor of education. He has been
Re-Emerging Multicultural Church published widely in books and academic journals in the fields of
St. Matthew in Walnut Creek - A workshop for teaching and sociology of education, comparative education, teaching
equipping members and leaders of congregations to become methodology and pedagogy. His book on the teaching of modern
more culturally competent to enhance and strengthen the foreign languages was a market leader for almost a decade.
work of multicultural ministries in our churches and
communities. For more information see Since his retirement he has studied theology and become active in
www.saintmatthew.org/conference. the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement and the international
campaigning organization, Changing Attitude, of which he is a
November 17-19 - Anti-Racism Workshop member of the national Board of Trustees. He founded and chairs
San Damiano Retreat Center - A dynamic two and a half day the Sussex branch of this organization.
anti-racism workshop and retreat. For more information
contact the Sierra Pacific Synod. He writes a regular column in Gscene, a gay magazine, in which he
tries to persuade LGBT readers that while the Church may appear to
If you are interested in working on this issue at St. Mark's or be an enemy it nevertheless is the bearer of the good news brought
want more information, please contact Mary Ritter by the Jesus Tradition. Past editions can be read at
([email protected]) or Suzanne Smith at 415.285.7438 or www.gscene.com. It is the success of these articles which provided
([email protected]). the impetus for the 'The Gay Gospels'. Now a gay Christian writer
and activist, Keith Sharpe lives in London with his long term partner.

7
New St. Mark’s Member
Shares Her Story Sacred Acts at St. Mark’s
Join us in commemorating the recent sacred events in our parish:
by Kellie Seringer
Baptisms
Jadeyn Siena Dober on June 12
Sofia Bouzidi on August 11

Please contact one of the pastors to schedule a baptism for one of

I adopted a 9 year old your children or yourself.
little girl out of foster
care in the summer of Confirmations
2010. A description of Young people confirmed on June 12:
her life to that point Coco Ocker
would bring you to Erika Taylor
tears; it's hard to imagine how a child Astra Varian
internalizes all that pain. When Amari came to San David Wiese
Francisco, she was a little ball of nerves, acting out,
eating with her hands and she had had virtually no
experiences. Needless to say, we had a difficult time
Weddings
during our first six months together. The fact that I am Marisa Louie and Gilbert Lee on July 23
a single, first time mother did not help. It was during
this tumultuous period when I remember Amari asked
to be baptized. I was shocked, but in hindsight maybe
I shouldn't have been so surprised. She asked around
Christmas and Amari had never celebrated Christmas
Pentecost Sunday, June 12, 2011
Clockwise: baptism of Jadeyn Dober; festive Pentecost banner;
before. She said she wanted to know Jesus.
David Wiese, Coco Ocker, Pastor Elizabeth, Erika Taylor, Astra
Varian
"Oh no," I thought, "I need to find a church." I had
been brought up Catholic and even as a young child, I
had many disagreements with the way the church was
structured. My total experience with religion had been
a "going through the motions" routine. When I went
to college I stopped going to church completely.
Amari's request forced me to look at this from a
different perspective. I spoke to my father at length
and he said, "it isn't about you anymore, sweetie, if
Amari wants religion, you need to find a church." I
found a few churches in San Francisco that we
attended, but what I found with St. Mark's was a
community. Amari loves all her friends at church, her
face glows when someone reaches out to her and says
hello during the service. She is very engaged with
Sunday school, the knitting group, and the sharing of
food. I really value the music!

Pr. Christian was also very welcoming to us and was a

stable directional lead during Amari's baptism and my
affirmation of baptism. He was so diligent in
remembering everyone's name with a personal
address during communion. We do miss him greatly.
St. Mark's has provided us with another layer of
structure that is so important for Amari's
development and nice for me too. We pray together
now and are grateful for this love in our lives.

8
 St. Mark’s Choir All Bach for Beasts Organ Concert by
If you have ever considered joining the St. On Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 pm, St. Mark’s
Mark’s Choir, now is a great time! The choir
sings every week at the 11 am service, as
will host an all Bach concert for the benefit
of animals. The concert will be given by
Timothy Zerlang
well as some festivals and special liturgies. Karen McKinney, a retired, MM and DMA
Some musical background is needed, but
don’t let that stop you from contacting our
former Lecturer in Organ for California State
University, now living in Leipzig and doing 2:00 PM, Sunday
Director of Music, Timothy Zerlang
([email protected]). Let him help you
research on Bach's own art of organ-playing.
There is no charge for this event, but there January 15, 2012
decide if this valuable and enjoyable will be a free will offering; proceeds of the
ministry is right for you. Our first rehearsal concert will be given to the San Francisco
this Fall will be Wednesday, September 7, at
7:30 pm, but you can join us anytime.
SPCA. Mark your calendars for this special
music event!
Save the Date!

A big thank you to the staff

of St. Mark's, especially
wedding administrator Elizabeth
Baldridge, for making our July
23rd wedding so wonderfully
memorable.

We were also very delighted to

have a song by Joleen Jessen
and Shauna Malone and a
SIDEBAR TITLE scripture reading by Liv Beck
during our ceremony. Thanks to
everyone for your well wishes -
we are truly blessed by you!
MEMBER WEDDING
Left to right: Andreas Kemp and Shauna ~ Marisa Louie &
Malone and their daughters, Mara and Carly; Gilbert Lee
the happy couple, Gilbert and Marisa; Liv
Beck and Aaron Grieg, and their son Ryan

9
Sunday School News
by Jenny Hart
September 11th is Rally Day when we kick off a new year of Sunday School. We will also have the Ministry Fair after both services,
which will showcase all the ministries at St. Mark’s. Please explore the many opportunities to participate at St. Mark’s.

As you all know, Lisa Gray “retired” from the Sunday School staff last May, after 5 years of teaching. Charlene Loen has stepped
forward to join our team as the new Preschool teacher. Charlene and her husband, Ralph, volunteered last year as well. Charlene
helped Lisa in Preschool and Ralph played the ukulele during Children's’ Chapel. They both bring a loving spirit and many talents to
the program. Please welcome their return warmly; we are so happy to have them.

All children 3 years old and older are welcome at Sunday School. If you feel your child is not ready for Sunday School, come to
Children’s Chapel and sing with us. Parents and Guardians are always welcome to join us anytime.

This year we are rearranging the 9:00 am service a bit to accommodate families and children taking communion. This will have an
effect on when Children’s Chapel starts. We plan on heading over to the Urban Life Center for Children’s Chapel immediately after
communion. We will be in the back of the church and wait until all have finished communion before we head over.

Here is the regular Sunday School schedule:

9:40 am (approx.): Communion finishes. Sunday School staff exits
Sanctuary with children and will enter the Urban
Life Center via the Starr King entrance. Staff
member waits at the Starr King entrance until
9:50 am for latecomers.
9:40-10:00 am: Children’s Chapel with Susan and Jeff Sall and
Ralph Loen – Joyful children’s songs with
instrumental accompaniment.
10:00-10:45 am: Sunday School instruction by age group.
10:45 am: Sunday School pick-up using Church office door-
downstairs from Plaza. Ring doorbell to be let in.
Wait in lobby if your children’s class has not been
dismissed.

Please consider attending Sunday School on a regular basis. Those students who attend regularly form bonds with other children
and their church. We have a wonderful Sunday School community at St. Mark’s…take advantage of it on a regular basis.

If you are interested in participating or have any questions please contact Jenny Hart: [email protected].

10
 Adult Forum | Sundays at 10:10 am | Fireside Room
September 18 Rev. Mitri Raheb from Palestine (see Holy Land article on page 6)

September 25, October 2, 9 & 16 "Modern Maladies of the Soul" - A four week series led by the Rev. Dr. Herbert
Anderson, currently Research Professor of Practical Theology at Pacific Lutheran
Theological Seminary. Each Forum will address a different malady (cynicism,
loneliness, despair, and anxiety) confronting our lives and culture in the modern
world. Dr. Anderson is also the husband of the Rev. Dr. Phyllis Anderson,
president of PLTS.

October 23 Film on Holy Land Pilgrimage (see Holy Land article on page 6)

October 30 To be announced

November 6, 13, 20 & 27 "Steadfast Hope—The Quest for Just Peace" led by Linda Krauskopf (see Holy
Land article on page 6)

Women’s Monthly Study Gatherings

In the spirit of today the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have chosen new
language to describe their monthly magazine. It will be known as “gather” and St. Mark’s is
continuing the theme by calling our study groups - Gatherings. All women are welcome to the
Gatherings this autumn.

There are two different groups meeting at different dates, times and using different study materials.

First Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Second Tuesdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fireside Room Fireside Room
We will be looking at Biblical women’s stories, current compelling All women are invited to come for study at 11:00 and lunch at noon.
stories and sharing our own stories on the first Tuesday’s of the Bring a sandwich or salad and share fellowship. Drinks and dessert
month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Fireside Room. All women will be provided. This year we will be studying the Book of Mark
are invited to come for dessert and fellowship for the first half hour using the Women of the ELCA’s guide developed by Patricia Lull,
and then discussion until 8:30. sister-in-law to our own Mary Carlton Lull.

The books for the autumn are: Our sessions will include:
September 6 September 13
I Am A Palestinian Christian by Mitri Raheb and chapter 1 of the The Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, “Jesus of Nazareth”
Book of Ruth. Mitri Raheb will be visiting St. Mark’s later in
September and this book will not only give us some of his personal October 11
history but also ask us to think about questions of interpreting the The Gospel of Mark, chapters 2 & 3, “Mother and Brothers”
Bible in an Israeli-Palestinian context.
November 8
October 4, November 1, December 6 The Gospel of Mark, chapters 4:1 – 6:29, “Power and Authority”
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women
Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kirstof and Sheryl WuDunn along with a
chapter each time in the Book of Ruth.

If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Smith at 415.285.7438 or [email protected].

11
WELCA Eighth Triennial Gathering in Spokane, July 14-17, 2011
by Nadine Robinson & Marlo Tellschow
Over 2,000 Lutheran women-and a few good men-converged in Spokane, Washington for the Eighth Triennial Gathering of the Women
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The theme of the conference “Renew, Respond, Rejoice”, was based on Philippians 4:4-9.
Four women from St. Mark’s attended the Gathering: Joleen Jessen, Mary Carlton Lull, Nadine Robinson and Marlo Tellschow.

Nora Gallagher, currently preacher-in-residence at Trinity -winning documentary "A Walk to Beautiful,” which tells the story
Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara, shared her story of spiritual of 5 Ethiopian women suffering from Fistula. This medical
renewal after nearly losing her sight. She learned to focus on condition is the result of inadequate obstetrical care for women in
What is Real Now, and how to “see” in a new way. Leymah developing countries. The demand for both films was so great
Gbowee gave a powerful presentation on Reclaiming Our Space, that they had to schedule additional showings.
as she recounted her experience in organizing thousands of
Liberian women to take a stand for peace. Using silent protest There were also opportunities for fellowship. Lutherans
and prayer, she helped coerce Liberian dictator Charles Taylor to Concerned and other groups hosted hospitality suites with
negotiate for peace, after 14 years of civil war. refreshments, enabling participants to share and network.

In addition to the keynote speakers there were a number of useful Each year women of the ELCA take up offerings for special
workshops. Of special note was a workshop by Rev. Patricia Lull, projects and ministries. On the final day of the conference, the
sister-in-law of Mary Carlton Lull, on “To Follow and to Serve: The Women of the ELCA presented Spokane-area organizations with
Gospel of Mark.” This will be the basis hundreds of “in-kind” gifts to support
of the coming year’s Bible Study for women and children living with
Women of the ELCA. There were homelessness, in transition, or who
other St. Mark’s connections on the have been victims of violence. The
program-most notably, Rev. Mary work of the Evangelical Lutheran
Louise Frenchman. Mary Louise Coalition for Mission in Appalachia will
interned at St. Paulus, with Pastor also benefit from the 2011 Triennial
Elizabeth as her supervisor, while she conference offering. This donation will
completed the Alternate Route to Ordination at Pacific Lutheran help support its work in environmental stewardship, water
Theological Seminary in Berkeley. Mary Louise was the celebrant distribution, and mountaintop removal mining. The Rev. Mark S.
at the closing worship service in Spokane. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, addressed the conference and
thanked the women for their generosity and encouraged them
A new feature at this Triennial Gathering was the showing of two “to keep raising up women for leadership in the church and in civil
films. The first was “Pray the Devil Back to Hell,” which chronicles society.”
the work of Leymah Gbowee in leading the delegation of Liberian
women to Ghana to continue to apply pressure during the The next Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention and Gathering
Liberian peace negotiations. The second film was the 2009 Emmy will be held in July 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

12
 SMOP at St. Mark’s
by Tom Benson
Our St. Mark’s hiking and environmental service group SMOP (“St. Marks Our Planet”) has hosted a series of
beautiful hikes and meaningful service projects for members and friends during the past year. The photo
shows our SMOP group at Schollenberger Park in Petaluma last December, where we planted a vast
quantity of native grasses, bushes and trees. The White Alder tree shown in the picture is a great nitrogen-
fixer that will help restore a vibrant plant community.

Interim Ministry
The Sierra Pacific Synod is implementing Interim Ministry as a specialized form of ministry to assist
congregations in various kinds of transitions and changes. Specialized training is required in order to develop
these skills and be certified for this ministry. Pr. Paul Brenner is serving as our Interim Associate to assist in
assessing staffing needs and opportunities within the long term goals of St. Mark's, along with providing the
usual range of pastoral care services.

Senior Center Trips Senior Center Luncheons

Senior Trips depart from the Brockie Lounge at Senior Center Luncheons take place in Heritage Hall
MLT. The trips generally take place on a Friday, and every third Thursday of the month from 12 noon to
the usual departure time is 10 am unless indicated approximately 1:00 pm. Cost: $4. To RSVP for
otherwise. Cost: $3 (transportation fee.) To RSVP lunches please call the MLT Office at 415.885.1084.
please call the MLT office at 415.885.1084.
Lunch dates for the next 3 months are:
September 23: John Muir Mansion, September 15
Alhambra Valley (Martinez) October 20
We will visit the Muir home in November: No luncheon. All MLT residents are
Martinez, California, where invited to join St. Mark’s for their annual
John Muir and his family lived Thanksgiving Luncheon following the 11 am
and worked for the last 24 years
of his life. Muir is most known
service on Sunday, November 20th.
for his love and respect of
nature, and Yosemite, Sequoia,
Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier National Parks are
part of his legacy. Adjacent is 325 acres of oak
woodland and wildflowers for nature walks.

October 28: TBD

November 18: TBD
December 6: International Crèche Exhibit, Palo
Alto… Save the date!
Watch the weekly announcements for information
on trips in October and November.

13
 Fifth Anniversary of St. Mark’s Renovation
Can it be 5 years already? Can you believe the stunning outcome that resulted from all
the construction mess? Does this photo spark memories?

On December 10th we’ll celebrate the 5th anniversary of the “Fling Wide the Doors”
reopening following an $11 million seismic strengthening and restoration. The church
was closed from June 2005 to December 2006 for this major project to meet the city’s
safety requirements for masonry buildings. The 15 year saga endured by many was
marked by dreams, starts and stops, disappointments, firmness of purpose, and finally
the gratifying accomplishment we now enjoy.

From the very beginning there were voices of doubt: “It can’t be
done.” “Where would we get the money.” “Let’s tear down this
old church and build a modern one.” “Let’s just give up and
move out of San Francisco.” But doubts were pushed aside and
replaced by faith, determination, and hope, beginning with our
first major fund raiser in 1995—a rousing benefit performance
by a visitor from Lake Wobegon, Garrison Keillor.

Gratefully, those voices of doubt can now be silent, thanks to

the determination and generosity of so many. Hallelujah.



This is the 13th in a series of tales from St. Mark’s Archives,

Renovation of St. Mark’s sanctuary in 2005-2006 by Marge Jencks

HIGHLIGHTS
May 19, 2011 Council Meeting
 Dates for Homeless Shelter are November 20-December 11
 Discussed need for fulfillment of pledges to current Forward in Faith capital campaign
 Announced purchase of Sauter piano, and that additional gifts are needed. Concert by Dr. Zerlang planned for
July 3rd
 Reported formation of new Finance Committee to help oversee finances, budget planning, and investments
 Announced special volunteer needs for Interfaith Food Pantry, pre-school teacher for Sunday School &
Property Committee projects
 Announced new MLT website, and need to consider capital improvements at MLT
 Discussed progress of Strategic Goals, mentioning especially the interest shown in Stephen Ministry, a planned
Engagement Table, and the selection of marketing strategy leader
 Discussed selection process for Interim Associate Pastor
 Discussed potential impact on St. Mark’s from development plans of California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC)
on site of Cathedral Hill Hotel
 Announced visit to El Salvador by a St. Mark’s group during Thanksgiving holidays

June 16, 2011 Council Meeting

 Selected Rev. Paul Brenner to be Interim Associate Pastor, and discussed his role in guiding the discernment
process regarding future staffing
 Discussed meeting with CPMC representatives who presented plans and answered questions regarding
proposed development nearby
 Reported potential plan to pay remaining balance of Thrivent loan to save interest owed

14
St. Mark’s Living Heritage and the St. Your Gifts at Work
Mark’s Endowment Annual Giving 2011
by Debra Varian
During the annual meeting last January, the Congregation approved Forward in Faith
the establishment of the St. Mark’s Endowment Fund at the Lutheran Three year pledge (2009-2011)
Community Foundation (the LCF). Initial gifts of $25,000 to the No. of pledges 108 out of 211 possible
Endowment Fund have been transferred to the LCF and the Pledged $547,554
Endowment Fund account has been opened. Received thru 08/31/11 $398,241
The Endowment Committee includes 9 members, as follows: 3-year General Fund
terms for Brad Hubert, Greg Jahnke, and Debra Varian; 2-year terms One year pledge (2011)
for Stacy Cullison, Aaron Greig, and Margaret McLean; 1-year terms No. of pledges 128 out of 211 possible
for Marge Jencks, Roger Ostrem and Shelly Taylor. The Committee Pledged $365,739
elected Debra as Chairperson, Stacy as Secretary, and Brad as Advisor Received thru 08/31/11 $216,087
to LCF.
Income versus Expenses
According to the by-laws governing the St. Mark’s Endowment Fund, Jan-Aug ‘11 Actual Budget
gifts to the Fund shall accumulate for three years, or until the value of Income $361,056 $336,428
the Fund reaches $100,000, whichever comes first. At that time, Expense $336,399 $339,800
distributions from the Fund will begin. NET $24,657 ($3,372)
In the meantime, the Committee is focusing its current efforts on
planning educational opportunities and events that will help
congregants learn more about the options available to them when
they do their personal estate planning. Options include charitable
remainder trusts and gift annuities that may provide tax deductions
during your lifetime and reduce estate and inheritance taxes after
your death, leaving more assets available for distribution to your
loved ones as well as non-profit charitable organizations like St.
Mark’s. As we go forward with education about estate planning (aka
planned giving), we will use the hallmark St. Mark’s Living Heritage.

Individuals who wish to inquire for more information about estate and Almost There!
other gifts to the Endowment Fund may contact any member of the
Endowment Committee, or if anonymity is desired, individuals may
by the Stewardship Committee
contact the LCF directly by phoning 800-365-4172. A variety of Nearly six years ago, St. Mark’s members and friends
information is also available on the LCF website at www.thelcf.org. pledged to support a major renovation of our church.
Construction work began in June 2005 and was finished in
The Endowment Committee will also have materials and be available December 2006. Now, as we approach the five year
for questions during the Ministry Team Fair to be held in Heritage Hall anniversary of the completion of the renovation, we also
on September 11, 2011. approach completion of the second capital campaign.

How are we doing? The good news: we’re almost there! If

everyone who pledged to the capital campaign pays in full,
we will and pay off our entire debt by the end of this year.
This is remarkable, but it depends entirely on folks fulfilling
their pledges.

You are invited to fulfill your pledge in the manner you

originally intended….a pledge of love and support for St.
Mark’s and its mission and ministries. If possible, consider
Plant Seeds of Joy fulfilling your pledge at your earliest opportunity— sooner
than later helps avoid further interest costs.
Grow Gifts of Faith
To Benefit the Future of St. Mark’s Help us finish strong. Fulfill your pledge as soon as possible
and help put debt behind us. Thank you for your loving
support of St. Mark’s!

15
Staff
The Rev. Elizabeth E. Ekdale 1111 O’F ARRELL S TREET , S AN F RANCISCO , CA 94109
Lead Pastor (415) 928-7770 PHONE | (415) 928-8534 FAX
[email protected] www.stmarks-sf.org
The Rev. Paul Brenner
Interim Associate Pastor
[email protected]

Dr. Timothy Zerlang St. Mark’s Worship Schedule

Director of Music
[email protected] Sundays
9:00 am HOLY COMMUNION w/Children’s Time
Jun Ranches 10:00 am Sunday School
Director, Church Admin & Ops 10:00 am Adult Forum
[email protected] 11:00 am CHORAL EUCHARIST
12:15 pm Coffee and Fellowship Hour
Ann Dayton
Administrative Coordinator Wednesdays
[email protected] 6:00 pm Midweek Supper
6:45 pm MIDWEEK HOLY COMMUNION
Cheryl Garcia 7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal
Bookkeeper
[email protected]

Elizabeth Baldridge
Wedding Coordinator Church Office Hours
[email protected] On Tuesday, September 6, the church office will resume
regular hours:
The Rev. Chuck Lewis
Visitation Pastor Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Duc Huynh
Buildings & Grounds Supervisor

Carl Storey Office Closures

Security Monday, September 5 (Labor Day)
Thursday and Friday, November 24 & 25 (Thanksgiving)
Elvira Markov & Johanna Najera
Nursery Attendants

Jenny Hart St. Mark’s is a “Reconciling in Christ” Congregation. St. Mark’s is one of over 315
Sunday School Coordinator congregations, 22 synods and 12 organizations across the ELCA and the ELCIC
(Canada) which have declared that lesbian and gay people are equally welcome to join
Jan Charter fully in the worship and life of this Christ-centered community. For more information,
please contact Steve Krefting at [email protected] or 415.826.3124 or speak to
Church Council President
one of the pastors.

St. Mark’s is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop
The Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, Bishop, Sierra Pacific Synod
The Rev. Susan Strouse, Dean, San Francisco Conference
Sister Parish: Cordero de Dios Lutheran Church in Soyapango, El
Salvador

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | www.elca.org