St. Mark s Lutheran Church October 2016 3051 Putnam Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Greetings Friends of St. Mark's, This month at St. Marks, we join with the Monument Crisis Center to work with the most vulnerable in our community. As part of our Social Ministry efforts, I attended a community breakfast for faith leaders in the greater Concord area last week, and was astounded to see the amazing work done by the Monument Crisis Center. Let us also remember this month and always, we have entertained angels in our midst without even knowing it. Take a moment this month to make eye contact with that stranger across the street, to have a meaningful interaction with someone you pass by daily on your commute, and to remember that communities form when we include more than just people whose lives mirror our own. Blessings, Pastor Bekah
Highlights from the September meeting Christian Education A 3 year Confirmation program has begun for children in 6-8 th grades. Meetings are held weekly after 2 nd service unless Pastor Bekah is not present. An ice cream social was held on September 11 to kick off the start of Sunday School. Worship & Music - Reformation service to include Confirmation students; All Saints to honor names and light candles; Weekday Advent services to be held on 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 with Holden evening prayer; Christmas Eve service at 7pm and, 10pm. Motion: Re: Christmas Day service: A motion was made, seconded and carried- we will offer a combined, simple service at 10am. Social Ministry President of the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary attended last meeting to review plans to assemble birthday bags with personal needs for residents at Juvenile Hall rather than b-day cakes which are required to be made in commercial kitchens. Program to begin next year. Thanks to all who helped with Shelter Inc and gave donations; September outreach is Heifer; November is Rwanda. Facility Use For the November election, St. Mark s Center will be used as a polling place. Fellowship Marian expressed appreciation to many generous givers to Hospitality, but encouraged noting receipts to be noted as In Kind so we can track true costs. Treasurer s Report Income greater than expenses; checking balance greater than $10K, so good. Pastor s Report Installation dates between November 11 or Feb 12 in order to coordinate with the Dean and the Bishop s office. The installation will be a joint service, held at 1:30pm with a pre-celebratory brunch prior to the service. Pastor Bekah is making lots of hospital and home visits lots of surgeries and hospitalizations. Other Seeking new Council members for class of 2017. Subcommittee of Chris F., Lis S., Mona V. or Ingrid Z. can be contacted with questions or interest. August Financials Monthly Budget YTD Actual YTD Budget Giving 19,183 15,341 138,048 122,728 Monthly Outreach Giving 70 2,095 Total Expenses 19,317 15,341 127,480 122,728 Current financial statements and council minutes are available in the binder on the shelf in the back of the sanctuary.
Outreach for October Over the last year, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and donors, Monument Crisis Center: distributed a five day supply of food to over 12,000 individuals, which means they provided one million meals to those most at risk in Contra Costa County. In addition to food service programs, Monument Crisis Center advocates for at-risk families and individuals and strives to unite the community in a forward effort to alleviate poverty. Monument Crisis Center : 1990 Market Street, Concord, CA 94520, Phone;(925) 825-7751 Food Distribution Hours: Monday -Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm and Tuesday Evenings 5:00pm-7:00pm Donation Drop Off Hours: Monday -Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm, Tues. 1:30-6:30pm (If perishables please bring on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday only.) Please help those who help others. Pray, volunteer, advocate. If you wish to support this ministry financially, issue your check to St. Mark s, designate: MCC More: News about Juvenile Hall Auxiliary The Hall Closet Thrift Store is re-opening after a summer break @ 100 Glacier Dr. Martinez New store hours are Saturdays/Thursdays 9am-1pm, a Christmas Closet starts Nov. 1st! St. Mark s will support the residents at Juvenile Hall by providing Birthday Bags - lunch bag size - to be distributed by the auxiliary. The bags will include: small toiletry articles, 1 pair of athletic socks, paying cards, booklet of word puzzles. More information to come Then: The wish list from Shelter, Inc. was fulfilled. Paper products, kitchen supplies and food were delivered at the end of August and received with big smiles. Thanks to all who helped make this possible.
We hosted a Pleasant Hill Community Service Day Event: Crafts for Our Community on Saturday Sept 24th. This is our third year hosting this event. There were about 20 people that joined us from the community as well as many volunteers from St. Mark s. Some of the crafty ladies are pictured here during their Wednesday craft time. Thank you to all who participated in crafts this year.
Community News The members of the Governing Board of the San Francisco Night Ministry invite you to attend their Fall Gala under the theme: "1001 Nights around the World: An International Extravaganza" Proceeds will support the ministry and outreach of Night Ministry which has offered pastoral care, counseling and crisis intervention every night of the year between the hours of 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM for the past 52 years. Saturday, October 8, 2016 St. Mark's Lutheran Church (Urban Life Center) 1111 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94109-5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reception, program, live music, small plates from around the world, beer and wine bar, soft drinks, with silent, live and reverse auctions $104.00 General seating Click here to purchase tickets
Community News
3051 Putnam Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925)934-6114 www.sm-lc.net officeadmin@sm-lc.net Pastor: Bekah Davis (319) 883-1071 Email: pastor@sm-lc.net Office Administrator: Karen Klingelhafer Directors of 2nd Service Music: Sherry & Mike Doyle Choir Director/Organist: Joyce Porter Pianist: Lisa Farnitano Tuesday, Oct 4, 2016 -- 1pm In the October session of the Bible study, we will discuss when God forgives the guilty. The parable of the workers in the vineyard raises themes of blessing, generosity and envy. Jesus questions our notions of what is fair in our eyes and presents us with a different vision: what is right in God s eyes. Please join us in the meeting room. All are welcome. Please remember to bring your Bibles with you. Bible study leader: TBD Refreshments: TBD Thank you so much for your prayers, best wishes, cards and thoughts of concern during my recent illness. I m feeling much better. I have to be patient as it will take time for me to recuperate. God s Peace to all of you Connie We pray for Tom; Ed; Lee, Jan; Sean; Lupe s wife Judy and Geoff s family If you would like to be included in the prayer chain or if you have a prayer request, you can email the office at: officeadmin@sm-lc.net