SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2012

Church That Doesn’t Steal Your Joy…

By Pastor Elizabeth Ekdale
This was the title of a blog written by a pastor
while on sabbatical. I’ve been ruminating
on his thoughts in light of returning from my
vacation up in the mountains. I’m mindful
of being the church that doesn’t steal your
joy. What do we do or not do that would
help us retain and reclaim our joy, our
passion for being the community of St.
Mark’s, for serving in Christ’s name?

I’m wondering about the following…

Do you find comfort and hope and promise

in the worship services? Look forward to
receiving Holy Communion and being addressed by God’s
living word?

Do you enjoy reconnecting with friends and making new

ones during coffee and refreshment time?

Is there safe space to confess the laments of your life

and to express the gratitude in which you feel?

Do you delight in the child singing to her own tune in

the pew behind you... feel inspired to greet the senior
who sits by herself week by week... find yourself
wanting to become more involved in serving Christ
through one of our ministries? These are some of my
questions – you may have your own. Come and share
them with me. I’m eager to listen... eager for us to be
the church that doesn’t steal your joy.

Rally Day is Sunday, Sept. 9. The good and joyful news

of God experienced through worship, fellowship, study,
prayer, and serving is yours to receive. Can we be the
church together that doesn’t steal your joy? Come and
see. Come and explore. Come and receive God’s joy
and delight in you.
 St. Mark’s Choir
If you have ever considered joining the St.
Mark’s Choir, now is a great time! The choir Trip to Israel/Palestine
sings every week at the 11 am service, as
well as some festivals and special liturgies.
Information Meeting with
Some musical background is needed, but Pr. Elizabeth
don’t let that stop you from contacting our September 23 at 1:00 pm in
Director of Music, Timothy Zerlang Heritage Hall
([email protected]). Let him help you Pastor Elizabeth will be
decide if this valuable and enjoyable organizing a trip to Palestine/
ministry is right for you. Our first rehearsal Israel in April 2013. If you are
this fall will be Wednesday, September interested in knowing more
7, at 7:30 pm, but you can join us about this once-in-a-lifetime trip,
anytime. come to this information
meeting.

Rally Day & Ministry Fair

September 9
Join us for our Ministry Fair on RALLY DAY, September
9! Come to Heritage Hall after both services to learn
about the great variety of St. Mark’s Ministry Teams
and their activities, including Hospitality, Social
Ministry, Discipleship & Outreach, Education and
Sunday School, Youth and Family, Worship, Property,
and Stewardship. The Fair will coincide with Rally
Day, a time when we kick off a new year of
programs and ministries, as we return to Sunday
School, Adult Forum, and so much more. Please join
in celebrating this very important day in the life of St. Blessing of the Animals
Mark’s!
October 7 at 9:00 am
Our Blessing of the Animals service honors St. Francis of
Assisi and our wonderful animal companions that bring
so much joy to our daily lives. The tradition of blessing
animals reflects St. Francis’ conviction that all of
creation shares the same Creator, and therefore all
creatures and plants are brothers and sisters. St. Francis'
love of creatures arose from a deep and abiding sense
of God’s presence, which underlay all he said and did.
Francis is patron saint not only of our city and Italy, but
of ecologists as well.

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 7, at the 9:00 am worship
service to celebrate a St. Mark’s tradition!
Oktoberfest Journeys in Faith
October 27 Next Cycle Starts in November
Join St. Mark’s members and The fall is upon us, which means that we will be
Martin Luther Tower residents for a starting up another Journeys in Faith cycle for
celebration of our German heritage and our life together those interested in baptism, affirmation of
on St. Mark’s Square and in the community. This year’s baptism, and membership. Those interested in
festivities will be all party, so bring your good spirits and a participating are encouraged to attend an
friend or two for an evening of fun, food, music, and information gathering on September 16 or
fellowship - lederhosen are optional. October 4. The cycle will begin on November 4.
The Rite of Welcome will occur on the First
Chef Dean Atkinson and his faithful helpers will prepare a Sunday of Advent, and Baptism/Affirmation of
traditional German meal, and vegetarian options will be Baptism/Reception into Membership will occur
available. If you have friends who may want to at the Vigil of Easter. For more information about
experience a faith community outside of the church Journeys in Faith, e-mail [email protected]
walls, bring them along. Save the evening of Saturday, or speak to someone wearing a red badge at
October 27th. worship.

Reformation Sunday
October 28 Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
Our very special guest Sunday, November 18
preacher will be President Join fellow worshipers in Heritage Hall after the
Stephen Privett from the 11:00 am service for roast turkey and all the
University of San Francisco. fixings. This is open to all—there will be a free will
offering basket at the meal.
Rev. Stephen A. Privett, S.J.,
began his tenure as the 27th
president of the University of San Francisco on
September 15, 2000. Father Privett was born in San
Francisco. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1960 and
is a graduate of The Catholic University of America, the St. Mark’s Thanksgiving Eve
Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and Gonzaga Service
University. His doctorate is in Catechetics and his
particular expertise focuses on the Hispanic community
Wednesday, November 21 at 6:45 pm
in the Catholic Church. Note: there will be no supper this
Wednesday
Prior to his appointment at USF, Father Privett served as If you stay in the Bay
provost and academic vice president at Santa Clara Area for Thanksgiving
University. As provost, he was responsible for oversight this year, please join St.
of student life, intercollegiate athletics, as well as Mark’s for a
academic affairs. While teaching at Santa Clara, he Thanksgiving Eve
was recognized for “Teaching Excellence and Campus Worship Service with
Leadership” with the Sears Roebuck Foundation Award. Holy Communion. Pie
and refreshments will
We are so pleased to welcome President Privett to St. follow the service in
Mark’s on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 28, to preach at Heritage Hall. We look
both worship services and lead the Adult Forum forward to seeing you
between services. there!
Women’s 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 Second Tuesdays

from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the
Fireside Room Fireside Room
We will be sharing our impressions/ All women are invited to bring a salad
experiences with Lisa Dahill’s 40-Day Journey or sandwich and join us for study at
with Julian of Norwich at the beginning of 11:00 am and lunch and fellowship at
each gathering on the first Tuesday of the noon. Drinks and dessert will be
month from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Fireside provided.
Room. All women are invited to come for
dessert and fellowship for the first half hour This year our Bible study will center on
and then discussion until 8:30. Gathered by God, using the Women of
the ELCA’s guide developed by
The books for the autumn are: Audrey West.

September 4 - The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Our sessions will include:

Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by
Sandy Tolan September 11 Our Present, Christ’s
Presence
October 2 & November 6 – The Hidden History October 9 Learning the Tough
of Women’s Ordination: Female Clergy in the Stuff
Medieval West by Gary Macy from Santa November 13 Nothing Lost
Clara University

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

The first Charles Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Pastor Chuck Lewis by
ReconcilingWorks (formerly Lutherans Concerned/North America) in July 2012.
Adult Forums
Members and friends of St. Mark’s meet Sunday mornings
at 10:10 in the Fireside Room of the Urban Life Center. We
welcome all to join in learning and exploring together.
Our coming topics are:

Meet St. Mark’s Intern, Eric Huseth

September 16
Eric Huseth
Come and get to know St. Mark’s intern for this year. He is
working with St. Mark’s and the Interfaith Council and will
share his journey and ask us about St. Mark’s.

The Gospel of St. Luke 2012 Youth Gathering

September 23 & 30 By Andrew Sallach
Pastor Elizabeth Ekdale
A wonderful thing has happened, something that gives
Over 33,000 Lutheran youth and adult leaders
meaning in a complex world, order in the midst of chaos, converged on New Orleans! We Lutherans made our
and light in the midst of darkness. A Savior has come presence known when moving through the streets with
bringing God’s timeless promises to a weary people. Luke
colorful tee shirts and during our ‘justice’ projects in
presents the story of Jesus Christ as good news, challenge
the community. Being in the presence of so many
and hope. These forums will help to reacquaint you with
other like-minded youth was a priceless experience.
this third Gospel. We will enter into the “Year of Luke”
beginning with the First Sunday in Advent. Come and A highlight for all was the evening program in the
explore the Gospel of Luke with Pastor Elizabeth. Superdome when everyone was in one place. The
speakers were incredible, lots of Christian rock, lights,
Crime and Its Aftermath and theatrics. The adult leaders especially were very
October 7 & 14 impressed by the bold statements against bullying and
Chaplain Hans Hoch in support of all diversities of people including people
These adult forms will explore the personal, social and with different abilities, body type, race, gender, and
theological experiences we have as a result of crime in sexual orientation. One inspiring speaker described our
society. The draft ELCA Social Statement on Criminal church as a bowl of gumbo, much like Dean made at
Justice will frame the discussions. our fundraiser, a mix of all types of different ingredients
creating a wonderfully beautiful and delicious meal.
October 21 A powerful anti-bullying segment concluded with
Maggie Garberg Presiding Bishop Hanson calling for everyone to take
action when they witness aggression toward, or
October 28 neglect of classmates. “Make a difference” was a
President Stephen A. Privett from the University of San repeated message.
Francisco
After the evening programs at the Superdome, the
Accompaniment – El Salvador, Palestine, & youth enjoyed dancing and meeting other youth at
gatherings set up in ballrooms of the larger hotels.
Closer to Home
November 4 & 11 The people of New Orleans welcomed this massive
Mary Ritter increase in population with smiles and great music.
St. Mark's will embark on trips to visit partners in ministry in El Everyone enjoyed meals of po’boys, red beans and
Salvador and Palestine, as well as continue to work with rice, gumbo, and fresh seafood - sometimes with
mission partners in our neighborhood. Come join the heads still attached.
discussion as we prepare the action, reflection and
celebration of our relationship with God's people in all This was Maria Anderson’s final activity as our seminary
these places and at home. student before moving to Minnesota for her year of
internship. “What a great way to end my time with St.
Let My People Go - Thinking about Liberation Mark's!” Maria said. We all felt proud to be part of the
Theology Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and inspired
November 18 by the gathering.
Dr. Margaret McLean
Kilian Benson, Natalie Lehmann, and Astra Varian,
NO FORUM along with adult leaders Maria Anderson and Andrew
Sallach thank St. Mark’s members and friends for your
November 25
prayers and financial support to make this experience
Thanksgiving Weekend
possible.
Bridges to Bethlehem: Coming and Going
By The Krauskopf’s
Last March Pastor Elizabeth Ekdale travelled on a study tour to the Holy Land,
returning for Holy Week at St. Mark’s. She has shared her experiences and
photos of that trip on numerous occasions with St. Mark’s member since her
return, heightening interest in a Holy Land pilgrimage for our members and
friends, perhaps in April 2013. Pastor Ekdale toured in Israel and also visited
Bethlehem in the Occupied Territories of Palestine, where she met with Pastor
Mitri Raheb of Christmas Lutheran Church and Dar-Al-Kalima College. Pr.
Raheb’s ministry among Palestinians in Bethlehem and beyond its
Separation Walls has won international recognition and acclaim. (St.
Mark’s members will recall Pr. Raheb’s preaching at our church last
September and the subsequent fund-raising Palestinian Festival at
Grace Lutheran Church/Palo Alto benefitting Dar-Al-Kalima College.)
Pastor Ekdale also connected with Claire Anastas and her daughter
Oriana during her day in Bethlehem.

Meantime and simultaneously with Pastor’s trip, several members of

St. Mark’s attended a Bay Area SABEEL Conference concerning
Palestine and obstacles and solutions toward peace in the Holy Land.
Reports from this conference will be given in the coming months.
Watch the schedule for Adult Forums and other events, e.g. study of
the 2009 Kairos Palestine Document.

Then this summer, another journey in faith brought teenager Oriana Anastas
into the St. Mark’s community through her homestays in June with John and
Linda Krauskopf, and later in July with Georges Lammam and his wife
Jeanette Cool. In this, her first overseas trip, in addition to San Francisco area
sightseeing (and occasional Palestinian food and music!) Oriana shared a
variety of activities with our youth and church members. Alexa Benson
(senior staff counselor at Mt. Cross) led a personalized camp weekend for
Oriana with Martha Jin, Carole Setzer and Linda Krauskopf, and an early
Sunday morning breakfast introduced her to Debra and Astra Varian and
Coco.

Carla, Monica and Natalie Lehmann treated Oriana to dinner in their home
and viewing their seven new-born puppies. Sacramento youth groups from St.
John’s and Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer invited Oriana to join them in a
two-day program and sleepover at St. Mark’s. This San Francisco experience
included Mission District sightseeing, a moving Wednesday night worship service
led by youth (thanks to Maria Anderson for planning this!) and a late evening
on San Francisco streets with Night Minister, Pastor Lyle Beckman. The following
day the youth visited Sacramento (Bethlehem’s Sister City) for a presentation on
Sister City projects and a walking tour of the state capital buildings. As a St.
Mark’s farewell party at the end of June, Shelly, Scott and Erika Taylor hosted a
festive backyard BBQ for all youth and families who had met Oriana.

Oriana concluded her U.S. stay with a week at a Middle-Eastern Music Camp in
Mendocino, studying with musician Georges Lammam, then with the
Krauskopf's in Chicago and rural Michigan, and finally a few days with
her relatives near Detroit. She flew back home to Bethlehem the end
of July and is now immersed in her senior year of high school. She left
with many varied memories of her U.S adventure and welcomes
continuing contact with those she has met.

Note: It was a pleasure to bring this lovely and courageous Palestinian

Christian girl from behind the walls surrounding Bethlehem, to host her in
our family and share her with our St Mark’s community. She was a
blessing to us all!
 Summer Day Camp
By Kimberly Hamilton-Lam
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church’s first summer
day camp on the Square was a success.
From July 16 to 20, twelve campers arrived
every day for fun, singing, Bible stories and
worship. The four dedicated Mt. Cross counselors
lead by our own Alexa Benson were a fantastic team.
The theme, Jesus Chooses Us, taught campers that
Jesus chooses each of us to follow him, and teach
others about God. It was a great week full of fun,
laughter, and God's love. I want to thank the St.
Mark’s congregation for its support of this year’s
day camp. Special thanks to the daily
volunteers, Counselor Host family, the Dinner
Hosts and those that helped provide snacks
and lunches to the campers and counselors.
Also, donations made to this years’ service
project provided enough supplies for 20+ school
kits that will be distributed by Lutheran World Relief
to children whose lives have been disrupted by war or
natural disaster. Without this help, Summer Day Camp
2012 would not have been possible. Thank you!

Parents with
Kidlettes Campout
The August weekend
campout in the Presidio
included the Bohlig family,
Dickinson family, Malone
family, Haller family, Sall
family, Semonian family,
Tuominen/Jackson family,
and the Beck/Greig
family.
St. Mark’s Future Staffing: Overview and Status of the Call Process
When St. Mark’s bid farewell to Associate Pr. Christian Jennert,  Implementing Stephen Ministry
a comprehensive process began to reassess the staffing  Expanding and enhancing faith formation, adult
needs of St. Mark’s and ensure that we are well-equipped to education and small group ministries
fulfill our congregational mission of being a growing Christian  Providing vision and leadership for outreach
community that reaches out in service to the community and
the world. This culminated in the creation of a Call An ad hoc Council committee took Pr. Brenner’s findings and
Committee and the Call process that is currently underway. created possible staffing scenarios to meet these needs,
As we move into what we hope to be the final stages of this including the possibility of hiring a single full-time Associate
process and a decision regarding new staff at St. Mark’s, it is Pastor, an Associate in Ministry (AIM) or a Diaconal Minister.
a good time to review how we got to where we are today, This ad hoc Committee also suggested St. Mark’s should be
and what you can expect to see over the next few months. open to having a single full-time staff person, or one or two
part-time staff to fill these roles.
The Strategic Planning process completed by the
congregation in May 2010 formed an important foundation Using this work as a foundation, the Call Committee was
for understanding our future staffing requirements. As a formed in February of this year. The Committee’s first action
reminder, the congregation developed 7 goals for the next was to set out the activities that would make up the call
five years, and we remain committed to implementing these process in line with Synod guidelines. A point of emphasis for
goals and ensuring the staff structure reflects these priorities. the Call Committee was to keep in mind that this is a call,
They are the following: and not just a job interview. In this spirit, the Call Committee
ensured prayer was an important part of every Call
Goal 1: Broaden Opportunities for Adult Committee meeting and candidate conversation, and built
Education in time in the process for fellowship, meditation and reflection
Goal 2: Create Lay Ministry Program to allow both St. Mark’s and each candidate to discern the
Goal 3: Improve Support for Clergy and Staff Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Goal 4: Reinforce Healthy Communication
Goal 5: Expand Local and Global Ministry The first stage was the development of a Ministry Site Profile
with Mission Partners (MSP). This profile is a 14 page report using a standard Synod
Goal 6: Create a New Marketing Strategy template that describes in detail the St. Mark’s community
Goal 7: Renew Commitment to Installing an and the characteristics we desire in a candidate. In
Elevator developing this profile, the Call Committee drew extensively
from St. Mark’s mission, the Strategic Plan, and the staffing
To focus in more clearly on the implications of our assessment work of Pr. Brenner and the Congregation
Strategic Plan and the latest congregation Council.
thinking on staffing requirements, Interim Pastor
Paul Brenner conducted a series of Once completed and submitted to the Synod, the Profile was
conversations with members of the made available to eligible candidates who then contacted
congregation and staff during 2011 regarding the Synod office with their interest in St. Mark’s. The Synod
St. Mark’s staffing, and presented this report to evaluated those expressing an interest, and provided a
Council in October of 2011. preliminary list of candidates to Pr. Ekdale. Pr. Ekdale
This report articulated conducted an initial videoconference conversation with
staffing needs in key each candidate, and in consultation with the Call
areas, especially: Committee, narrowed the list to 4-5 candidates who then
had subsequent videoconference conversations with the full
 Expanding Call Committee. Following these conversations and further
current programs discernment, the list of active candidates was further
to create a reduced.
comprehensive
ministry for The Call Committee is now
children, youth, entering the final stages of
confirmation age discernment with the
and families
(Continued on page 9)
(Continued from page 8) members present to pass. If the congregation decides to
move forward and the candidate accepts, the candidate
remaining candidates. This stage includes a ½ day visit to St. will begin the process of transitioning to St. Mark’s.
Mark’s, including face-to-face conversations with Pr. Ekdale
and the full Call Committee, fellowship over dinner, and a The Call Committee will continue to keep the congregation
tour of St. Mark’s. These site visits are planned for completion informed as we move through what we hope to be the final
during September. stages of this process. Please keep us in your prayers, and
feel free to reach out to any of the members of the
Following these visits, the Call Committee will meet to decide Committee if you have further questions or comments.
whether to recommend one of the candidates for Call. If the
Committee does decide to recommend a candidate for call, Members of the Call Committee:
the recommendation will first go to Church Council, and then Randy Schieber (Chair), Dean Atkinson, Pr. Elizabeth Ekdale,
a congregational meeting will scheduled. During this Diana Gomez, Ana Hurley, Marisa Louie, Bill Mooney, Kyle
congregational meeting, information on the candidate will Schiefelbein
be presented, and the congregation will vote on whether to
move forward with a call, requiring a two-thirds majority of

Development on the Square

By Suzanne Smith, Council President and Jon Moeller, MLT Board President
It was reported late last year that a Martin Luther Tower Board and Church Council sub-committee had begun exploring
the development of additional affordable housing, including improved offices and community group space, on the Urban
Life Center site. Initial meetings with various developers went well and we are blessed to
be assisted in this effort, on a pro bono basis, by Jeff Kohler at The John Stewart Company,
a knowledgeable development consultant and Justin Cooper, an experienced real estate
attorney in the San Francisco law offices of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Barbara
Engmann has also joined the MLT Board, bringing significant planning and
development experience.

The catalyst for the work last year was the California Pacific Medical Center
project and the announced $100 million allocation for affordable housing. Our
site was not allocated or considered for funding from the $100 million because
the site was not in the “queue” of potential projects.

To avoid missing a similar opportunity the sub-committee has issued a non-

binding request for qualifications to prominent local developers of affordable
housing. The goal of the process is to review these expert proposals and
select a partner. The criteria for any prospective project has been agreed
upon by the MLT Board and Church Council and will continue St. Mark's mission to serve those in need and
will provide space for church offices and church functions.

Informational sessions with interested members have been held in August and St.
Mark’s members who have additional ideas to offer should direct them to Suzanne
Smith, Council President ([email protected]) or Jeremy McClain
([email protected]). MLT residents should direct their ideas to Jon Moeller
([email protected]).
SMOP News
SMOP (St. Mark's Our Planet) had three lovely events so far in 2012: A
hike in the East Bay Hills with subsequent potluck at Sharon Reinbott's
home, an exciting and fruitful habitat restoration event at Muir Beach in
the Marin Headlands, and a stunning walk on the slopes of Mt. Diablo
when we encountered the most beautiful Globe Lilies we've ever seen.
SMOP hikes and service events are open to all St. Mark's members,
including families with children. For more information or to be included in
our early notification e-mail list, contact Tom Benson at
[email protected].

Spring SMOP hike in the East Bay Hills overlooking San Francisco
Senior Center Activities for Fall
Senior Center Meals
Senior Center Meals take place in Heritage Hall, generally
on the third Thursday of the month from 12 noon to
approximately 1:00 pm. The cost is $4. To RSVP for these
meals please call the MLT Office at 415.885.1084.

The upcoming dates are:

September 20: Senior Center Luncheon at 12 noon

October 18: Senior Center Luncheon at 12 noon
October 27: Oktoberfest and MLT Founders Day meal and celebration at 6:00 pm (see article
in this newsletter.)
November 18: Thanksgiving Luncheon at 12:15 pm
December 14: Senior Christmas Dinner Celebration at 5:00 pm

Senior Trips
Senior Trips depart from the Brockie Lounge at Martin Luther Tower. The trips generally take place on
a Friday, and the usual departure time is 10 am unless indicated otherwise. There is a $3
transportation fee to help cover the cost of gas. To RSVP please call the MLT office at 415.885.1084.

The Senior Trips for the fall are as follows:

September 28: Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland with lunch at Spenger’s
October 12: Sunset Garden Tour in Menlo Park with lunch at Nola
November 9: Museum of California in Oakland with lunch at Dopo
December 7: Crèche Exhibits in Palo Alto (lunch TBD)
 6th Annual herconference
November 2- 4, 2012
“Earth herbody – spirituality, politics and
praxis for a sustainable world”
Womanist, Feminist, Mujerista, Native
American and Minjung Perspectives (where
faith traditions and goddess meet)
Keynote speakers: Dr Chung Hyun Kyung
(Union Seminary) and Rev. Robyn Hartwig
(EchoFaith Recovery)
A conference for women and men!
Thrivent’s Annual Free BBQ Picnic
Registration includes keynote presentations,
September 16 two workshops, musical, art, movement, two
You are invited to join us for the annual picnic sponsored by lunches, two breakfasts, Saturday dinner,
the San Francisco Thrivent Chapter Board. All Lutherans are coffee hours and receptions, materials and
invited to attend. We only request that you let us know you’re conference activities.
coming so we can plan. Registration Fee before 9/15: $125
Registration Fee 9/15 & later: $195
When: Sunday, September 16, 2012 - anytime 11:30 am-
3:00 pm
For more information, go to http://
Where: Hellman Hollow in Golden Gate Park (formerly herconferencesf.org or www.herchurch.org.
known as Speedway Meadow).
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].

Pacific Lutheran Theological

Seminary Founders’ Day
September 26
Save the date for this year's PLTS Founders' Day
on September 26, 2012. The speaker this year will
be J. Kameron Carter, Associate Professor in
Theology and Black Church Studies at Duke
Divinity School. For more information and to
Image by Katie Ketchum
register, visit www.plts.edu/news.html.

Interfaith Homeless Shelter at St. Mark’s

November 18-December 16, 2012
Beginning Sunday, November 18, St Mark’s will host the SF Interfaith
Council Homeless Shelter for four weeks. Overnight housing, breakfasts
and dinners will be provided for approximately 60 men each evening and
morning in the Urban Life Center Auditorium. Please contact John Elford at
[email protected] if you can help. Be a part of St. Mark’s Social Ministry…we
look forward to serving with you!
ELCA Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary beginning January 2013. Under
the theme, "Always being made new" the 4.2 million-member church will embark on a year-long reflection on the
people and events that have shaped this church and the life-changing ministries across the United States and
overseas.

The ELCA is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States, with about 10,000 congregations, 65 synods and
numerous Churchwide ministries.

"In 25 years we have started 435 new congregations, ordained nearly 8,000 pastors, sent more than 2,000 missionaries
to serve in the world, and contributed more than $350 million toward the alleviation of hunger and poverty,"
according to ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson.

"We are a church that is deeply rooted -- and always being made new. Our roots are in Scripture, tradition and the
Lutheran Confessions, as well as in the vibrant communities and rich histories of our congregations. These roots are an
ongoing source of nourishment, enabling us to be a church that is resilient, always reforming and guided by the Holy
Spirit," said Hanson.

The anniversary theme is based on 2 Corinthians 5:17: "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old
has passed away; see, everything has become new!"

For more information about the anniversary and to view a special timeline that chronicles some of the ELCA's most
significant events, visit www.ELCA.org/25.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the
United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.
Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus
Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church
reformer, Martin Luther.

www.ELCA.org/news | Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lutherans | Living Lutheran: www.livinglutheran.com

Church Mice Tales
There are Ghosts in Those Pages!
German immigrants flooded San Francisco during the
Gold Rush of 1849, seeking their fortunes in California.
The beginnings of St. Mark’s date back to this era, and
Germans kept lots of records!

There are parish registers carefully stored in our archives

dating back to 1860, listing baptisms, confirmations,
marriages, and deaths. (There are even copies of a
couple’s 1856 marriage certificate and
baptism certificates for their children born
in 1859, 1862, and 1867, all signed by the
founding pastor of St. Mark’s, Rev.
Frederick Mooshake.) The flourish of old
German script in the ledgers is still
apparent, even in the faded ink and stale
moldy smell of fragile pages. These ledgers
are a goldmine of information for
genealogy researchers. We receive about
ten requests a year from family members
interested in tracing their ancestors,
seeking dates of marriages, or witnesses
names, or place of origin for brides and grooms, or
entries for baptisms of someone’s great-great
grandparent’s children, or dates of death.

An archival parish registry open to pages

showing entries for marriages in 1867.

Oh, surely, there are ghosts in our treasury. They sleep

there, but I’ve seen them awaken and float up from
the pages to greet me and briefly escape from their
dark closed musty storage place, eager to yield their
secrets.

I’ve felt 19th century pastors carefully and dutifully

open a ledger book, and in dim light with pen in hand
and inkbottle nearby, create the latest entry. Never
mind that it might have happened 150 years ago—I’ve
seen them.

This is the 17th in a series of Tales from the Archives by

Marge Jencks
Council Meeting Highlights
April 19, 2012 • Announced beginning of coordinated effort to
• Pr. Ekdale reported learning much about the engage developer for Square, including importance
complex history of Palestine and Israel on her recent of expressing our expectations and desire to be
trip sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations transparent and proactive.
Council. • Announced Synod approval of Site Ministry Profile
• Discussed church member database and new visitor and listing on Synod website.
pew cards.
• Reported large attendance on Easter Sunday of 514 June 21, 2012
total for both services. • Announced that Eric Huseth will begin his Internship
• Agreed to host homeless shelter an extra week, Nov. at St. Mark’s on August 1.
18 to Dec. 16, contingent on help with breakfasts • Reported that Pr. Witschorik has accepted teaching
and dinners. position at SF University High School; his last Sunday
• Reported use of contingency funds to cover costs of at St. Mark’s will be August 26.
increase in outreach efforts. • Plans for Day Camp the week of July 16 will include 4
• Council thanked for approval of Site Ministry Profile, Mt. Cross counselors on site.
the first step of call process. • Stressed desire to maintain open space on Square,
• Pr. Witschorik to be lead planner for congregation should development unfold.
retreat June 16-18 at San Damiano. • Slate of candidates responding to our
• Appointed Robert Rathmell to Endowment announcement for a call via the Synod process has
Committee and Mary Carlton Lull to Council to fill undergone initial interviews.
vacancy left by Linda Jackson’s resignation. • Lenten Box offerings of ~$1000 were divided equally
• Appointed committee to recommend policies for to provide $500 each to Lutheran World Relief for
interacting with homeless. safe water systems in Africa and to local Women’s
• Announced initial steps to consider redevelopment and Children’s Community Center in the Tenderloin.
on the Square. • Announced Sierra Pacific Synod website report on
the Synod Assembly held May 18-20, 2012,
May 17, 2012 describing highlights, resolutions passed, elections
• Interfaith Council Executive Director Michael Pappas and other business.
addressed Council regarding shared internship of • Approved plans to relocate Nativity Window to
Eric Huseth and proposed Sunday parking meter Columbarium area and install picture rails in Heritage
changes that would direfully affect religious Hall.
communities in San Francisco. • Embarked on further discussions of need for safety
• Approved 2 additional months of stipend for Maria policies on Square, including availability of phone
Anderson to work with youth. numbers for emergencies.
• Discussed need for full-time social worker at MLT. • A second trip to our sister congregation in El
• Announced contribution of Carillon Tower toward Salvador is tentatively planned for Thanksgiving
new gate near handicap ramp. weekend. Matt and Allana Helland will lead this
• Reported that police recommend consistent policy effort.
enforcement relating to homeless to reduce impact. • Discussed plans for Oktoberfest to be held on
October 27, 2012 in Heritage Hall.

Sacred Acts at St. Mark’s

Join us in commemorating the recent sacred
Your Gifts at Work event in our parish:
Annual Giving 2012
Memorial
General Fund Art Michel, June 3, 2012
One year pledge
No. of pledges 177 out of 210 possible
Pledged $ 362,564
Received thru 07/31/12 $ 224,298
Love is in the Air
Income versus Expenses If you are anticipating a
Jan-Jul ‘12 Actual Budget wedding on the horizon, or
Income $ 283,878 $ 287,106 interested in learning more about getting
Expense $ 259,485 $ 302,538 married at St. Mark’s, please email Elizabeth
NET $ 24,393 - $ 15,432 Baldridge at [email protected] or call
the church office.
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
Dr. Timothy Zerlang
Director of Music
[email protected]
St. Mark’s Worship Schedule
Jun Ranches
Director of Church Sundays
Administration & Operations 9:00 am HOLY COMMUNION w/Children’s Time
[email protected] 11:00 am CHORAL EUCHARIST
12:15 pm Refreshment and Fellowship Hour
Ann Dayton
Parish Administrator Wednesdays
[email protected] 6:00 pm Midweek Supper
6:45 pm MIDWEEK HOLY COMMUNION
Cheryl Garcia
Bookkeeper
[email protected]

Elizabeth Baldridge
Events Administrator
Church Office Hours
[email protected] Monday through Friday
9 am to 5 pm
Eric Huseth
Pastoral Intern Office Closures
[email protected] The office will also be closed on November 22 and 23 in
observance of Thanksgiving.
The Rev. Chuck Lewis
Visitation Pastor

Carl Storey
Security St. Mark’s is a “Reconciling in Christ” Congregation
St. Mark’s is one of over 315 congregations, 22 synods and 12
Shirley Liu organizations across the ELCA and the ELCIC (Canada) which
have declared that lesbian and gay people are equally
Elvira Markov
welcome to join fully in the worship and life of this Christ-
Johanna Najera centered community. For more information, please contact
Nursery Attendants Steve Krefting at [email protected] or 415.826.3124 or
speak to one of the pastors.
Jenny Hart
Sunday School Coordinator St. Mark’s is a congregation of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
Maggie Garberg The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop
Teaching Parish Students The Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, Bishop, Sierra Pacific Synod
The Rev. Susan Strouse, Dean, San Francisco Conference
Suzanne Smith Sister Parish: Cordero de Dios Lutheran Church in Soyapango,
Church Council President El Salvador