Pastor Bekah. St. Mark s Lutheran Church February Putnam Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

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1 St. Mark s Lutheran Church February Putnam Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA Dear Friends of St. Mark s, One of our sister synod partners is the Lutheran Church of Rwanda. On February 19th, we will welcome the Rev. Innocent Rugaragu, S.J. as our guest preacher. Innocent and the deputy bishop, John Rutsindintwarane work together in an organization called PICO. This is some information about PICO: PICO Rwanda was born in a small, all-but-forgotten part of southeast Rwanda called Mumeya, a stone s throw from the Tanzanian border. Pastor John was invited to work in this village after he held a series of introductory workshops of the PICO community-building/leadership development model. He told Mumeya residents that he had no money to offer, but he was willing to give them his brain and his heart. Mumeya villagers from five different congregations began leadership training in a space that was open to everyone, a grassy area under a big tree. Soon, community leaders began holding one-to-one conversations to identify the major needs in the community. After hundreds of these conversations took place, Mumeya residents decided that a health center was their top priority. They organized their own labor and resources, gained supplies and medical staff from public officials, and in 2009 after completion of three rooms, they opened their first fully functioning health center. PICO Rwanda believes that lasting improvements are dependent upon Rwandans working side-by-side, developing capacity as they take on critical community needs. We envision a future Rwanda where Rwandans are equipped with the skills to solve any and all problems they face; a Rwanda where people hold themselves accountable as well as their religious and public leaders; a Rwanda where people use power constructively to transform themselves and their institutions. Leadership development is at the heart of our work. Through the guidance of Pastors John and Innocent, ongoing training takes place that helps Rwandans turn faith into action, gaining skills in peace-building and sustainable civic, economic and social development. Training supports their leadership in negotiations with public officials leading to clinic construction, improved water/electricity access and environmental protection. We believe that PICO-Rwanda is resulting in a model for Rwandan/African development that moves war-torn communities from crisis to sustainability. I hope that you can attend my installation on Feb 19th (one service at 1:30p, no morning worship) and meet Innocent, a man who has been important in faith journey and someone I greatly admire. Pastor Bekah

2 Highlights from the January meeting New Council officers were selected for the 2017 calendar year: President: Chris Farnitano Vice President: Sue Short Secretary Laura Hassley Treasurer-Ann Palmer Financial Secretary- Judy Brown Pastor Davis's Installation ceremony will be on Sunday, February 19th. There will be a potluck at noon, followed by the service at 1:30pm. There will be no Sunday morning services that day. The synod assembly is May 4-6 Thurs-Sat. The adult forum on 1/22 will be on Juvenile Hall. Toiletry kits are being prepared by the social ministry committee and will be presented to Juvenile Hall staff on that day. Thanks to all who has been preparing the bags as well as all who contributed Bed,Bath & Beyond coupons, we saved over $120 so far from BBB coupons. A reminder to all congregation members to check doors and lights to make sure they are locked and off, respectively, when leaving the church campus. Thanks to Don Nielson who bought for the church a hot chocolate maker. Currently in the process of looking for a new office administrative assistant, as Karen Klingelhafer and her family will be moving away this summer. Recruiting for a 20 hour position at current salary, part time, no benefits.. Any interested congregation members or if you know someone who might be interested and a good fit for the position please contact Pastor or Karen for more info. Congregational meeting part 2 is January 15 December Financials Monthly Budget YTD Actual YTD Budget Giving 22,430 15, , ,092 Monthly Outreach Giving 1,069 13,783 Total Expenses 19,743 15, , ,092 Current financial statements and council minutes are available in the binder on the shelf in the back of the sanctuary.

3 As you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 What is the San Francisco Night Ministry? It is a ministry which provides compassionate, non-judgmental pastoral care to people in San Francisco. Ordained clergy listen, comfort, and counsel people in distress. Trained volunteer counselors are available via telephone to those who call for support. The Night Ministry also celebrates open air worship services with Holy Communion each Sunday to which everyone is welcome. How can we support this ministry here in Pleasant Hill? Come to the Forum on February 12th at 9:45am to hear more. Pr. Lyle Beckman, the Night Minister (and our Interim Pastor 10 + years ago), will be the presenter and will suggest how we can make this ministry continue with our prayers and gifts. Bring socks, scarves, hats, gloves, coats, etc. They will be distributed to those in need. Monetary gifts are welcome as well. Issue your check to St. Mark s, designate: Night Ministry. A Huge Thank you. to all who contributed to our food drive in December. In addition to groceries collected, $ were given to the Food Bank... to all who worked hard on the Adopt a Family project at Christmas time... to all who participated in January s outreach,, Juvenile Hall Auxiliary. The B,B & B coupon drive was highly successful and resulted in savings of more than$ With seed money from Thrivent Financial, our congregation was able to provide small birthday treat bags to 75 residents of Juvenile Hall. Check out the display in the breezeway.

4 We received the following letter from Lutheran World Relief We thank St. Mark s for participating in the Quilt and Kit Ingathering held October Because of your generosity the Northern California churches donated: Quilts 1,259 Baby Care Kits 126 School Kits 1,327 * Fabric Kits 98 Personal Care Kits 361 * Fleece Tied Blankets 16 Quilt and Shipping Fund: $6, (Note this shipping fund insures that transportation costs of the items collected cover what is necessary to get the quilts and kits from the ingathering all the way to the final recipient. God has blessed us so much: what a blessing it is to share His goodness with others through Lutheran World Relief. Sincerely, Marge Johanson, Key Leader (volunteer), Northern CA Ingathering, Lutheran World Relief *St. Mark s donated some school kits and personal care kits. Volunteer to help adults learn English as a second language ESL training workshop at Good Shepherd Lutheran 4000 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA Sat March 4 9am-1:30pm and Sat March 11 9am-1:30pm Registration and Fee Pre-Registration is required $15 fee or DVLC4ESL@gmail.com To register online just click VOLUNTEER TO TUTOR at our website dvlc4esl.org

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6 Love to sing? Do you have Tuesday nights free? Then come and join the Walnut Creek Chorus, a mixed community choir based in Walnut Creek! There are openings for all voices. We meet on Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2317 Buena Vista Avenue, Walnut Creek. Monthly dues: $30/Adults $15/Students. For more information please contact: walnutcreekchorus@gmail.com

7 Dedication for Christ Oromo Lutheran Church in San Lorenzo February 11th at 1pm service and luncheon Christ Oromo Lutheran Congregation in San Lorenzo is offering its witness under the leadership of Pr. Guta Yadeta on property that was formerly known as Christ Lutheran Church. Because of an agreement reached between the synod, Christ Lutheran and the Oromo congregation in 2007, the property was transferred to Christ Oromo Congregation. All are invited to this service and luncheon! Celebration of Life Service Patricia Olson, the daughter-in-law of Vern and Georgine Olson February 11th with reception to follow At St. Mark s Lutheran Church, Pleasant Hill All are invited. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hope Hospice in Dublin, CA

8 3051 Putnam Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA (925) Pastor: Bekah Davis (319) Office Administrator: Karen Klingelhafer Directors of 2nd Service Music: Sherry & Mike Doyle Choir Director/Organist: Joyce Porter Pianist: Lisa Farnitano Tuesday, February 7, :30 p.m. In the February session of the Bible study, the theme verse is from Galatians: But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Paul continues to make his case, drawing on the firsthand experience of the Galatians themselves as well as the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The Galatians are part of God s family because of God s promise, not because of whether or not they obey God s law. Please join us in the meeting room. All are welcome. Please remember to bring your Bibles with you. Bible study leader: Lisa F. Refreshments: Pastor Davis We pray for Sherry s Nephew Carlos; Dayton s brother Jim Geranen; Ann s friend Stephany Medina; 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 the office at: officeadmin@sm-lc.net