Weekly News from St. Francis Lutheran Church for July 11, 2010

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Sunday's Readings

• Deut. 30:9-14
• Col. 1:1-146
• Luke 10:25-37
• Psalm 25:1-10

WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER: To improve our ministry to those members of the congregation remembered in prayer, we are indicating those who would be open to a visit (v) phone call (p) and/or card (c). Contact the church office for further information.

• Jack Kling
• the family of Dave Walda's cousin, Tom, who passed Friday morning
• Jonaven,19 months old and hospitalized for cancer
• Sharon McKinnon, friend of Paul brenner
• the father of Rebekah Wu
• Chris Marckmann, brother of Brandee Marckmann
• Richard Copperud (c)
• Glenda Lisk (v,p,c)
• Bill Hunter (p,v)
• Bob Douglas (v,c)
• Les, father of Richard Peterson
• The father of Rob Zampetti
• Sylvia Beckerley, stepmother of Scott Beckerley,
• Sophie Barron, mother of James Barron
• Mary, cousin of Michael Petrelis
• Grace, mother of Dan Jones
• Bob of New York
• our shut-ins
• Those who use our facilities, especially our Seniors, and those attending the 12-step programs here, and the Friends of St. Francis Childcare Center. We pray for their continued health, happiness and success.

Those serving in the world:

• The Rev. Megan Rohrer, Missionary to the Homeless of SF through The Welcome Ministry;
• The Rev. Pieter Oberholzer and his partner, Fanie Zondagh, and the staff at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) in South Africa, serving LGBT people and allies;
• Catharine Coon and the Hope Alive Project in Uganda.

LOOK FOR THE PIN

FESTIVAL EUCHARIST RITE OF RECEPTION into the Clergy Roster of the ELCA 4:00 pm, SUNDAY, JULY 25 ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 1101 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA The Rev. Mark Holmerud, Bishop The Rev. Nancy Feniuk Nelson, Asst. to Bishop Pastors to be Received The Revs. Dawn Roginski, Paul Brenner, Megan Rohrer, Jeff Johnson, Ross Merkel, Craig Minich & Sharon Stalkfleet

JULY 25th WELCOME FUNDRAISER

After the historic Rite of Reception, join Welcome at an after party fundraiser with dancing, a silent auction, appetizers and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). This fundraiser will help Welcome match a $15,000 gift received from St. Paulus Lutheran Church as a challenge grant.

In order to make the event accessible to as many people as possible, we’ve made tickets available for $25 (covering the cost of hosting the event). The success of our fundraiser will depend on individuals who are able to attend at the $50+ level and through our silent auction.

If you are unable to join us and would like to send a donation or pay for one of Welcome’s guests to participate please send us a check to Welcome, 1751 Sacramento St, San Francisco Ca 94109, or donate online at www.sfwelcome.org.

There is also an online Silent Auction at www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=exwelcome&pwd=sps7rite+.

NOTICE #9 July 7

OK - I’m genuinely starting to worry. We’re 11 days from the walk and as of today our team has only raised $9,786 (up from $8,291). Back in April I set the team goal at $45,000, about what we raised 2 years ago. (Last year we raised $38,070.) Last week 6 Lutherans, not counting me, had raised $1,125. Without me it’s only 5 Lutherans. These same 5 Lutherans have raised $25 this week for a total of $1,150. out of $9,786.

So what’s happening? Do folks read these notices in the Times? Should I be sending out emails to all Lutherans on the team? I know a lot is going on in the congregation and many of you have super full plates. And maybe you are planning to solicit after the 25th. (We have until August 13th to turn in checks and still be counted.)

What you are probably not aware of is that 8 Lutherans and 2 geographers from last year’s team are not participating this year. They raised $9,070. These were 7 Star Walkers (raising over $1,000) in this group.

That means its up to you. Sit down, write your emails or letter and send it to the folks who supported you last year. Its you or nothing.

I should never be given statistics. They only worry me. Maxie

ISRAELI LGBT STRUGGLE

Jerusalem District Police have backpedaled and have now granted authorization to the gay pride parade, to be held in the city at the end of the month, to conclude at the Knesset (Parliament) building as per the request of its organizers.

A number of weeks ago, the police recommended that the parade be held on the same route as it was last year, citing security concerns.

This year, the Jerusalem Pride Parade will mark the one-year anniversary of the slaying at the gay youth center in Tel Aviv and will be billed as Israel's national gay pride parade. For this reason, the organizers insisted that the parade conclude at the doorsteps of Israel's legislative branch.

Jerusalem Open House Executive Director Yonatan Gher said, "The parade route to the Knesset, on the anniversary of the murder, is the proper route to symbolize what the parade is demanding – full equal rights for the gay community in Israel and an end to the incitement, violence, and silencing that we experience everyday."

Gher continued, "On this day, the message that will be sent from Jerusalem to Israel and the world will be a message of accepting the other, of celebrating the human diversity that makes up this unique city, the capital city that is holy to all of us."

Ayala Katz, bereaved mother of Nir Katz who was murdered in the Tel Aviv youth center shooting, said that she will participate in the Jerusalem event.

(Pastor Robert had visited both the Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv LGBT Youth Centers on his trip to Israel. The St. Francis Endowment provided grants to both Israeli LGBT Centers after the horrific shooting. The perpetrator was found and has been arrested.)

Lectionary for next Sunday