Weekly News from St. Francis Lutheran Church for July 6 2008

NEW SYNOD BISHOP TAKES OFFICE
AND RIDES IN PRIDE PARADE

Sierra Pacific Synod Bishop Mark Holmerud began moving into his office in Oakland July 1. He attended his first synod council meeting last Saturday His first meeting with the staff will be on Wednesday. Last week, he traveled to Chicago for the ELCA training for newly elected bishops. Though the days are full, he is enjoying this time of getting acquainted not only with the job, but with the many people he is meeting. Please keep him in prayer–and remember the Installation Service on July 12 at St John’s in Sacramento.

Bishop Holmerud and his wife, Debbie, rode in an open convertible in the San Francisco Pride parade last Sunday leading the large and well-received Lutheran contingent. Such leadership on their part made a positive impression on many people along the parade route.

EQUALITY CA COMMENDS OBAMA’S OPPOSITION TO PROP 8

In a letter read to a gathering of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club on Sunday, Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama reaffirmed his opposition of ballot measures that propose to take away the freedom to marry for lesbian and gay couples, including California’s Proposition 8.

Statement from EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors:

"We applaud Barack Obama for his consistent opposition to Proposition 8, the California initiative which would mandate that lesbian and gay couples be treated differently under the California Constitution. We agree with Senator Obama that all people should be treated equally under law. Senator Obama and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger join millions of Californians who are speaking out against Proposition 8 and standing up in favor of protecting fundamental freedoms."

GALA FUN!

It was a great evening! Lots of fun, delicious food prepared from our Cookbook’s recipes, good wines, a great roast of Dale Leininger, a giant cake and a spectacular tricycle race between the pastors on the Terrace. Pastor Robert narrowly won the Tricycle Race!

As of this moment $5,853 was raised for Mission and Ministry. Thanks to all who contributed items for the silent auction and for all who worked to make this mini-GALA such a success.

THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKET

PASTOR ROBERT IS MOVING

BULLETIN #6

My guess is that everyone on some level is aware that the AIDS Walk is only 3 Sundays away. Well, folks, I want that level to be up front and tending towards urgent. “It’s coming soon. Oh by golly gosh. I’ve got to get my emails off right now. I mean it, get going now.”

Remember last week I said “is no news from Lutherans good news?” I optimistically said yes. Now I’ve heard from 3 Lutherans. The news is not good. One response was from a sponsor who said hard times will mean a smaller donation. Guys, that is a universal truth. Everyone feels the gas and housing crunch. Our response? Try harder, go farther, dig deeper (these are metaphysical actions). Then I heard from 2 long time faithful walkers who can’t do it this year!. Of course I was crushed, but since they are genuinely super guys, I knew their decision was sound and worthy, so I graciously accepted after they promised to generously sponsor me (or someone else on the team but since I asked first I got the loot).

The point is, the rest of us simply have to do better. My solicitation letter is written but probably will not reach my sponsors this week. With 6 sponsors, my total is now $666.00. Yes, I know ominous numbers. It will change soon. Maxie

FEAST OF THE PRUNING
OF THE GREAT HEDGE JULY 19

This annual event will meet to trim the hedge that runs along the Memorial Terrace to the back garden. It starts at 10 AM and runs to 2 PM. Bring your work gloves, water, and anything else appropriate to the occasion.

USHER TEAMS

Each team should have a team leader to whom the rest of the team would contact to confirm their participation on the respective Sunday of the month. If the team leader has not been informed of the ushers available for their Sunday, the leader can contact the team individuals to insure coverage.

The 2nd Sunday team has a leader. The other teams’ members should select (or volunteer) a leader and inform the church office so it can be publicized in the Times and on the website. The website has the teams and usher duties. Look for the link on the homepage.

Other individuals may still sign up to usher. Please contact the church office to add your name.

OF HISTORICAL INTEREST

Jon Bjornstad sent this photo of his parents’ wartime wedding photo. Amma and Allen Bjornstad, with their witnesses, were married in 1945 at Ansgar Lutheran Church (a predecessor name for St. Francis.) The church and the apartment building at 1945 are behind them. Jon wrote a history of his family for his sister Elin Bjonstad Ovick who died from cancer last Wednesday. May Elin Rest in Peace.

Please save the date for our local Thrivent Chapter's Annual Picnic: September 21, 2008 from 11:30-3:00 at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park. Join us for live jazz, a delicious barbeque meal, and family games like volleyball and Frisbee. The Annual Thrivent Picnic is also a good time to meet other Thrivent members and vote in our next slate of Thrivent chapter representatives, all while enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon in the beauty of Golden Gate Park. Don't miss it!