1111 O’Farrell Street

San Francisco, CA 94109

(415) 928-7770
(415) 928-8534 FAX
www.stmarks-sf.org
A “Reconciling in Christ” Congregation

2007 Annual Report

Lead Pastor’s Report ............................................................... 1

Associate Pastor’s Report ....................................................... 3
Council President’s Report ...................................................... 5
Treasurer’s Report ................................................................... 6

Staff Reports
Director of Music and Liturgy .................................................. 8
Director of Church Administration & Operations ................... 9

Parish Life Committee Reports

Education—Adult Forum.........................................................10
Education—Sunday School ....................................................10
Hospitality...............................................................................11
Discipling & Outreach (formerly Evangelism).......................12
Property (see St. Mark’s Renovation Commission) .............16
Social Ministry ........................................................................12
Worship...................................................................................13
Stewardship............................................................................14

Other Reports
Forward in Faith .....................................................................14
Martin Luther Tower...............................................................15
St. Mark’s Renovation Commission......................................16
Human Resources..................................................................17
Women of the ELCA (WELCA) ................................................18

Statistical Summary...............................................................19

St. Mark’s is a growing Christian community rooted in

tradition and open to new expressions. Responding to God’s
compassionate love, we reach out in service to the
community and the world. With openness of heart and
spirit, we welcome all.

1
Lead Pastor
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
“For we have this treasure in earthen
vessels, so that it may be made clear that this
extraordinary power belongs to God and
does not come from us. We are afflicted in
every way, but not crushed . . . always
carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so
that the life of Jesus may also be made visible
in our bodies.”
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
This past year will be treasured as the year of
the retrofit – my own! I had to laugh upon
my return from our sabbatical at how many
of you remarked how terrific and refreshed I
looked. I could only wonder, “how did I look
before I left?”
Your comments helped me appreciate ever
more deeply the benefits and joys of those
three and a half months we had away from
each other. I did return refreshed, rested,
renewed, and restored. I hope it still shows
because I continue to feel the positive effects
of our sabbatical journey.
1
I wish to
convey three
items to you
in this
report. First,
thank you to
the leaders
and
members of the congregation who
wholeheartedly supported the sabbatical time.
I am grateful for the entire staff and council
who took on new responsibilities and dealt
with the surprising developments that
regularly surface in an urban parish with
integrity and faithfulness. I very much
appreciate President McLean’s attitude:
“Let’s deal with this issue now so Pastor
Ekdale does NOT have to deal with it upon
her return.” Hans, Grace and I continue to be
blessed by our sabbatical journey and are
grateful for your care and support of our
family.
Second, the reports in this booklet describe
how much we have done and accomplished
this past year in the name of Christ. With the
church retrofit behind us, we have been
busier than ever hosting groups, utilizing our
building to its fullest,
flinging wide our doors
and welcoming the
stranger. We’ve witnessed
in the Public Square on
healthcare and living wage
issues. We’ve helped
build homes sponsored by
Habitat for Humanity and
strengthened relationships
with the residents living in
Martin Luther Tower.
Throughout the year, we
welcome homeless men
and concert attendees,
A.A. members, worshippers and Bible study
inquirers onto the Square confident our
facilities are being used in the name of
Christ.
Third, my vision for this upcoming year is to
deepen our lives of faith and discipleship
through intentional Bible study, participating
in meaningful worship services, and sharing
our faith stories with one another. St. Paul
speaks about having the “life of Jesus made
visible in our bodies.” You might wonder,
how to do this? How do we witness to Jesus
Christ in our daily living? My strong
encouragement is for every member of St.
Mark’s to participate in Bible study, attend
worship regularly, and take advantage of
small group opportunities to share your faith
with one another. Pastors, staff and leaders
of St. Mark’s will provide opportunities for
you to grow in your faith and life as a
disciple. It is now up to you to come and
walk through the door and participate.
another and treasure the relationships
between us.
Thank you to our phenomenal lay leaders –
our Parish Life Chairpersons, Sunday School
staff, MLT board and Church Council. I
especially want to thank Council President,
Margaret McLean and Martin Luther Tower
Board President, Mark Hammit. I am
humbled and grateful for the many, many
faithful volunteers at St. Mark’s who do
make Jesus visible in their lives in both small
and large ways.
I will look for each of you in worship, Bible
study, and a small group in the upcoming
year. Together we will make visible Jesus
Christ in our lives and the life of this spirit-
filled community of disciples.
With Joy and Thanksgiving,
Elizabeth Ekdale, Lead Pastor

You will discover in the upcoming year

additional worship services for you to
experience, more Bible studies being offered,
and new small groups for you to check out.
These are the practices of our faith and when
practiced, spiritual growth occurs. You will
discover the joy of making Jesus known in
your life.

I continue to practice the spiritual disciplines

I established during my sabbatical – time for
prayer and reflection, Bible study, and
meeting with my spiritual director. Pastors
need to continue to grow in their lives of faith
and I want to model my commitment of
ongoing growth with and for you.

My deepest thanks to our outstanding staff:

Pr. Christian, Rod, Jun, Ann, Cheryl, Duc,
Carl, Elvira and Gladys. We enjoy one
2
Associate Pastor
I am writing my Annual Report in the Twin City area
of Minnesota, the heart of the Lutheran Bible Belt (if
something like that exists). It is as if the past year
concludes on a grace note: I am surrounded by snow
and encircled by (at least) six large Lutheran
congregations within a five mile (or less?) radius.
While I reflect on the past year of ministry in
Lutherland, I realize that we in the heart of San
Francisco, California are just as much a part of the
global Lutheran family as any other parish here—and
a viable one at that!
2007 was a rich and another exciting year for me and
it feels that I have grown in some aspects of ministry.
I continued to work 85 % and enjoyed the various
aspects of leadership and ministry responsibilities
entrusted to me.
Needless to say, one of the benefits at St. Mark’s is
the great team of leaders. I feel that all of us—
clergy, staff and lay leaders—understand and
approach the leadership and ministry with our varied
gifts and talents. None of us can do it alone, but
together, as partners and co-workers in the church,
we are able to provide the best ministry possible.
Paul’s “organic” image of the body in 1 Corinthians
12 comes to mind: we need each other within the
body of Christ:
“God has arranged the parts in the body, every one
of them, just as God wanted them to be. If they were
all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there
are many parts, but one body…Now you are the body
of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
3
Let me elaborate on a
few select items that
made 2007 an
interesting and
wonderful year in
ministry:
Pr. Ekdale’s
Sabbatical
While I missed my
partner in ministry
while she was gone,
the time of Pr. Ekdale’s sabbatical was a wonderful
opportunity for me to experience some sabbatical in
my own life: How is God at work in my life as a
person and as pastor? I experienced the sabbatical as
a time of growth for myself and St. Mark’s. Pr.
Beckman was a wonderful colleague and “team
player” during that time. I was able to not only work
with him, but also reflect together, lead together and
bounce off ideas and thoughts. The lay leadership,
especially the council under President McLean’s
lead, stepped up and together with our staff we made
this sabbatical an exciting and somewhat “different”
time for the community—with intentional book
studies, workshops and different preachers while our
lead pastor was gone. I am glad she is back!
Weddings & Concerts
In 2007 good use was made of our newly retrofitted
space. “Fling Wide the Door” events continued
throughout—from watching the movie Rent in the
sanctuary on Mardi Gras, to our organ dedication,
recitals, vocal and instrumental concerts as well as
the new start of weddings at St. Mark’s in the spring.
An overall wonderful and exciting experience
to see so many different people and groups use
our church and make it a center for the
(performing) arts and build new relationships in
the heart of San Francisco.
“Evangelism Committee” or “Outreach and
Discipling Team”?
In order to revamp St. Mark’s outreach
ministries, the Evangelism Committee has
changed its name to “Discipling and Outreach
Team”. The reasoning behind this is twofold:
“Evangelism” is a word that does not seem to
resonate well with many Lutherans. Second,
negative connotations seem to be made with the
word “Evangelism”. Out of these realities and the
feedback we received, the name changed to:
“Outreach”, i.e. any way, method or tool that helps
or facilitates reaching those who haven’t heard (or
forgotten) of the Good News of Christ and
“Discipling”, i.e. any way, method or tool that helps
makes better disciples of those inside our community
and those who are not yet members of the church/
parish.
A highlight in the area of Outreach and Discipling
was a trip to Mt. Angel Oregon in November where
four leaders from St. Mark’s, including myself,
attended a training in the ancient practice of making
disciples called the catechumenate. The
catechumenate is a process of preparing newcomers
to the church for the sacrament of Holy Baptism and
those who are already baptized into deeper ways of
discipleship. Watch for an Adult Forum in the spring
to learn more about the catechumenate or join us
during the Wednesdays in Lent.
Public Ministry
My involvement with the Bay Area Organizing
Committee (BAOC) continues steadily, though it has
been somewhat more difficult after the departure of
lead organizer Eleanor Milroy. In the summer and
early fall we had two major actions involving
working for accessible health care for all San
Franciscans, looking at urgent care for people in the
Mission and Bay View/Hunter’s Point
neighborhoods by highlighting the important work
and ministry of St. Luke’s Hospital as well as
working towards living wage contracts for security
workers in SF. One of these actions took place right
in our own ULC. I see community organizing as a
vital part of my ministry and a vehicle to work for
justice with peace in our community for three
important reasons:
1. The developing of relationships beyond our own
walls for the sake of the common good—an
integral part of Jesus’ spreading message of
God’s kingdom.
2. Bringing the Gospel to life where the “rubber hits
the road”. The Gospel needs to be carried out
into the world where it is enfleshed in the lives of
those who struggle and are in need of hope and
healing.
3. The widening and broadening of our base so we
can reach more people and are able to create
change together.
Outlook
It has been a profound and joyous year for me
personally and professionally. So many things
happened at St. Mark’s Square that have witnessed to
the activity and viability of our community for the
sake of making Christ known.
I realize that ministry happens always in the context
of God’s people—the church. We cannot do this
important task alone. I am grateful for the many
partners in ministry that I am privileged to work with
here at St. Mark’s. First and foremost my colleague
Pr. Elizabeth Ekdale who is not only fun to work
with but also an inspiration and support for my
ministry here at St. Mark’s; for Rod Gehrke and his
love of good music, liturgy and worship; for all the
incredible talented council members and the many
lay leaders; and, of course, the more “behind the
scenes” and yet so important ministry of our office
staff Ann, Cheryl and Jun who bear with me when I
need help in anything administratively and/or
logistically. Thank you!
I would like to close my report with a wish for 2008:
I would like us, the people and leaders of St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church, to laugh more often. Did you
know that it is o.k. for Lutherans to laugh ? At least
it says nowhere in our Confessions or Church
Constitution that we can’t. Laughter is good for us.
May the deep joy of God infect us for the sake of
Christ’s Gospel here in the heart of San Francisco ☺
Gratefully submitted,
Pastor Christian Jennert
4
 † Each and every pipe on the Taylor and Boody
organ
† The faith filled vocalizations of St. Mark’s
choirs and congregation
† The music of the American Bach Soloists,
Clerestory, the Conservatory Chorus,
Magnificat, Musaic, the New Esterhazy
Quartet, Soli Deo Gloria
† Stories of Jesus in Sunday School
† Dr. Lisa Dahill discuss the theology of Dietrich
Bonhoeffer
† Thought-provoking adult forums and Bible
studies

We flung wide our doors and invited people to go and

do likewise:
† Hosting the winter Homeless Shelter
Council President † Sending Liv Beck as our representative to the
El Salvador Sister Parish Encounter
Jesus said to them [the two disciples of John], † Supporting the youth servant trip to Appalachia
† Initiating an annual Sunday to celebrate our
“Come and see.” (John 1:39a)
partners in ministry at California Lutheran
Jesus said to him [the Samaritan], “Go and do University
likewise.” (Luke 10:37c) † Building houses with Habitat for Humanity
† Establishing an endowment committee to think
about and support the future of our ministry
In the 2006 annual report, I encouraged you to consider
† Sending 100 Nurse Midwife Kits to Global
the question of who we are—and who we are
Health Ministries
becoming—as a Christ-centered worshipping
† Welcoming home our missionaries, the
community in the heart of San Francisco. Now, as we
Nelsons, from Cameroon
reflect on 2007, we ask, “How did we do in becoming
† Supporting our missionaries—the Ilagans in
the Christian community we are called to be?” And, in
Cambodia and the Strassers in Zambia
turn, each of us can ask, “How did I help to build up
† Celebrating Christmas with the residents of
the body of Christ here at St. Mark’s?”
Bernal Gateway and Martin Luther Tower
Like the disciples of John the Baptist on the verdant
With the grace of God, we have seen and heard and
banks of the Jordan and the Samaritan on the dusty
done well. And, by God’s grace, we will see and hear
road from Jerusalem to Jericho, we are called to come
and do more in 2008.
and see, and hear, and do. In 2007:
I thank each and every member and friend of this
We flung wide our doors and invited people to come
congregation for your dedication to seeing, hearing and
and see:
doing. To each of you who packed a midwife kit, fed
† A vibrant, growing Christian community
the hungry, attended a Bible study, hummed a hymn,
† The safe and sparkling retrofitted, renovated
made a pledge, played with a child, served on a
sanctuary
committee, served on Council, fulfilled a pledge, wrote
† African handicrafts—Asante!
a check, shook a hand, wiped a tear, autographed a
† Intriguing items placed in a time capsule to be
plank, folded a bulletin, washed a cup, answered a
opened in 2057
phone, thank you. To the office staff and volunteers,
† Shepherds and angels and camels and magi and
we could do nothing without you. To the Pastors, who
Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus
each day discover new opportunities with us to come
and see and hear and do, our deepest thanks.
We flung wide our doors and invited people to come
and hear:
Respectfully submitted,
† The good news preached
Margaret R. McLean, Council President
5
Treasurer
2007 Operating Results of St. Mark’s
St. Mark’s had actual giving income that was
significantly higher than budgeted income for the year
related to strong giving amounts and building use
income. The giving amounts increased due to an
increase in the number of pledging congregation
members and in the amounts given by the “average”
member (as Garrison Keillor would say, all of our
members are above average).
All program expenses were within budgeted amounts,
with the exception of Evangelism. The “Fling Wide
the Doors” program came into being after the
formalization of the 2007 budget and Fling Wide the
Doors resulted in the budget variance. These Fling
Wide the Doors expenses were largely offset by
income from ticket sales at the events, or special
donations designated for the events.
Administrative expenses were materially within
budgeted amounts. The estimated surplus is being
directed to the St. Mark’s general fund.
2007 Operating Results of the Urban Life Center
Overall the ULC experienced a surplus due to strong
Building Use income supported by lower than expected
utilities expenses. This was partially offset by lower
Parking Income resulting from the inconvenience
perceived by parking rental customers during the
retrofit. We expect that parking income will recover
with the retrofit complete. Overall we did a good job at
containing costs while increasing income, especially in
light of contingency expenditures related to unexpected
elevator and “break in” events.
2007 Impact of Renovation Upon the Accounts
and Liabilities of St. Mark’s
In 2006 St. Mark’s, based on Congregational approval,
took out a loan secured by church property for
$1,300,000. This money was used to pay for
construction expenses related to the retrofit. In 2007
this loan was converted to a “permanent loan”
scheduled to amortize over 30 years with an interest
rate of 5.875%. To date, the debt service has been paid
for using Forward in Faith givings and not operating
income from St. Mark’s. This is also the planned
approach for paying Thrivent debt service in 2008.
In December of 2007 St. Mark’s converted the full
amount payable due to Plant Construction Company
(of approximately $800,000) into a Note that is payable
upon the receipt of the final retrofit construction
payments (estimated to be in summer 2008). The Note
requires monthly interest payments at a 6% annual rate.
MLT has agreed to pay ½ of the interest amounts.
Housing Fund
We receive income from our Housing Fund that is used
to fund the pastoral housing stipend. There were no
material changes in amount of this fund in 2007. One
of the bonds held within the fund did mature, and the
money that had been held in that bond will be invested
in a new bond. We will be selecting a low risk
government bond and anticipate receiving an interest
rate of 4% on the new bond resulting in a blended rate
of 4.5% (inclusive of our old bond that pays at 5%).
Trust Fund
At this point we do not expect to be able to contribute
to the replenishment of the Trust Fund in 2008. We
will consider doing so in future years when all of our
debt has been repaid.
Plan to Reduce Debt
We expect to repay the Note to Plant in the summer of
2008 as indicated above. During 2008 we will initiate
a new capital campaign with an objective of repaying
some or all of the Thrivent loan (as well as supporting
select programs as determined by the congregation and
appropriate committees).
2008 Budget
The major assumptions of the 2008 budget are
addressed in the following section. While we have
seen an increase in pledged giving amounts, given
current challenges in the broader economic
environment and the dedication of significant resources
to retrofit expenses in 2007, we felt that it would be
prudent, in general, to reduce budgeted expenditures
6
for 2008. We are hopeful that our income will exceed
the currently budgeted amounts, in which case such
surpluses will either be held in St. Mark’s General
Fund or dedicated to debt repayment. In order to
pursue increased utilization of our buildings, we have
hired a part-time facilities manager (at an estimated
cost of $9,500 in 2008). Much of this cost will be
offset by direct fees charged to events and, we believe,
by a net increase in the number of events booked.
One notable change is that we have increased our
program budgets by nearly $10,000 in 2008 (after
excluding 2007 Fling Wide the Doors expenses).
Many of these expenses are offset by specific revenues
(e.g. from music programs or special congregational
giving opportunities). We have formalized our
program support as follows:
• Guaranteed support: core worship & ministry,
MLT ministries, programs, support of missionaries
and third parties that based their budgets on our
support (e.g. $2,000 for BAOC, $500 for bread for
the world, $250 for Bernal Gateway)
• Self-supporting programs: ticketed events and
special giving opportunities (homeless shelter,
CLU, midwife kits, El Salvador sister parish,
Habitat for Humanity)
The “self-supporting program” concept encourages
congregational engagement in high impact charitable
and fellowship opportunities that could not be
supported based on our core budget. The amounts
directed to these programs may vary relative to what
we have budgeted.
We believe this approach supports St. Mark’s’
7
longstanding tradition of being a congregation engaged
with pressing issues locally, nationally and
internationally. Congregation members can choose to
champion new ministry options and benefit from the
resources of St. Mark’s without requiring a reduced
financial commitment to existing programs. As noted
earlier, we’ve seen an increase in the average giving to
St. Mark’s that we believe reflects the strength of the
good work we do and the impact of the ministries we
pursue relative to other charitable giving opportunities.
Three significant compromises were required to arrive
at a budget that was both balanced and that had an
appropriate contingency amount. We instituted a 2%
COLA for staff (as opposed to a standard of 3%), we
modestly reduced staff benefits (requiring them to visit
“in plan” dentists and increasing their co-pay for doctor
visits from $20 to $30 per visit) and maintained Pr.
Christian’s time at 85%. These compromises were
driven by two primary issues: the elimination of the
$36,000 MLT grant and an increase in the general costs
of operating our improved building (as well as a
general increase over the last few years in security and
maintenance costs). Because these are permanent
increases in our cost structure that we would be
required to pay every year going forward we are
hesitant to include them in our budget without a higher
pledge number. We are still finalizing our pledges for
2008, and it is possible that we will receive sufficient
incremental pledges to increase the COLA to 3%
($3,200) or to increase Pr. Christian to 100% ($9,000).
Other Financial Issues
As noted in the 2007 Treasurer’s Annual Report, in
2008 we will perform an internal review rather than
using our external accounting firm of
Bunker & Company. We will ask Bunker
& Company to perform a formal financial
compliance review in 2009. Please contact
me if you have interest in assisting in 2008.
I would like to thank the Pastors, staff,
Church Council and congregation of St.
Mark’s for their continued friendship,
guidance and support. I would particularly
like to recognize Deborah Varian, former
Treasurer and current Council Member; Jun
Ranches, Director of Church Administration
and Operations; and Cheryl Garcia, St.
Mark’s book keeper; for their hard work,
patience and support over the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Aron Bohlig, Treasurer
Director of Music and Liturgy position. I am
also delighted
Our first full year back in our renovated space, with our that Greg Gomez
world-class new Taylor & Boody organ, has been a has organized the
tremendous joy for me. The first three months were St. Mark’s Brass
focused a great deal on the voicing of all the pipes in Group, who plays
the organ. George Taylor and his assistant arrived on about once a
Epiphany, January 6, and began the painstaking month. Our adult
process that wasn’t complete until the first week of choir and I were
March, 1,600 pipes later, when Ryan Albashian once again
finished the last reed pipe. Our dedication liturgy on invited to join
March 25 was glorious, and David Higgs’ brilliant with St. Francis
dedication recital on March 30 drew over 300 people. Episcopal’s choir
My own first recital on April 29 attracted some 220 on June 10 for a
people. What a thrill! Playing this organ for liturgies joint Evensong.
and concerts is a lifelong dream realized. We hosted Thanks also to
further organ programs in May, September, and Joleen Jessen,
November and will continue into 2008 with nearly who very
monthly recitals. I have played tour guide for organists frequently plays
from the U.S., Europe, and even Asia this year, and the guitar and sings
organ and I were featured in a full-color article for the solos at our 9:00 service.
British journal “Choir and Organ,” who will also
include our organ in their 2008 calendar! The wrap-up of our year-long Fling Wide the Doors
celebrations on Reformation Sunday (October 28)
While the organ’s 24 current stops were complete by included the premiere of the three-movement work by
the dedication, there are five prepared stops not yet Linda Tutas Haugen commissioned three years ago for
here, which we could not afford when we signed the my 25th anniversary at St. Mark’s. I included a fair
contract in 1998. I am delighted and grateful that copy of the piece in my donations to the new 50-year
Jonathan Ocker and Diane Wynne donated the funds to time capsule that was dedicated after the liturgy. That
purchase the first of these five, a 16’ Fagott (bassoon in afternoon I joined with Magnificat Baroque for a
German), whose pipes arrived on December 31 and fabulous recreation of a liturgy of church dedication
will be installed and voiced in January. I am hopeful from 400 years ago in Hamburg, Germany. Our organ
we can raise the funds for the other four in due course. was a major star.

My contacts with the early-music community have kept
our church alive with music well beyond the organ: we
are now the San Francisco home of American Bach
Soloists (with whom I often perform, including three
concerts this past summer), Magnificat Baroque, New
Esterhazy String Quartet (offering all 68 Haydn
quartets over two years!), Clerestory (men’s vocal
group made up mostly of former Chanticleer
members), the SF Conservatory Chorus, and others. St.
Mark’s is on the cultural map of San Francisco.
The organ and improved acoustics have encouraged
wonderful singing from the congregation as well as our
two wonderful choirs. I am humbled by the tremendous
commitment of the adult choir as well as the Junior
Choir and their parents, particularly Liz Benson, my
Junior Choir assistant. We established a new adult
choir coordinator position this year, and I am thankful
that Carol Quitmeyer has so enthusiastically filled the
Week after week, I am thankful for the commitment of
Richard Boyle, our tireless and devoted volunteer
sacristan, who prepares the chancel with such love and
supervises our Altar Guild and also schedules our
lectors. He is a pearl beyond price. Sharon Seliga
continues to coordinate flower arranging (pray for the
ongoing survival of the SF Flower Mart!) to beautify
our space.
My thanks for the support of Pastors Ekdale and
Jennert as well as Margaret McLean and the church
council, Jun Ranches and Ann Dayton in the office,
and our dedicated custodians Duc Huynh and Carl
Storey who take care of the worship space.
Respectfully submitted,
Rodney Gehrke

8
Director of Church Administration and
Operations
The year 2007 was like breaking in a new pair of
sneakers. With a newly renovated and pristine church
building in place, we experienced a period of settling
into and making comfortable a place of worship,
weddings, meetings and concerts. At times it seemed
like the shoes were too tight as we struggled to
accommodate everyone who wanted to use our space.
Most of the time, however, it was quite apparent that
we picked the perfect pair as we steadfastly jogged
along the path of growing popularity.
St. Mark’s Square, which includes the Urban Life
Center (ULC), Martin Luther Tower (MLT) and St.
Mark’s Lutheran Church, continues to serve as a
thriving center of ministry and activity. During the
year, the Square faithfully accommodated the
ministries of St. Mark’s as well as those of other
churches and non-profit organizations. Additionally,
after almost two years of restricted use and
construction, we once again opened the doors of the
church building to music lovers and wedding couples.
Throughout 2007 the Urban Life Center operated at full
capacity. All offices on all floors are now rented.
Office tenants include the San Francisco Night
Ministry, Lutheran Care for the Aging, Freedom in
Christ Church, the Bay Area
Organizing Committee and our
newest tenants, EAH Housing
and First United Lutheran.
These tenants not only add
personality to the ULC, but
also much needed revenue
which helps with operating
costs.
Various community
organizations continue to
utilize the meeting rooms of
the ULC. Several Alcoholics
and Narcotics Anonymous
groups make good use of our
space almost every day of the
week. In addition, groups with
which St. Mark’s is actively
involved regularly meet here.
Such groups include Lutherans
Concerned, the San Francisco
Interfaith Council, the San
Francisco Night Ministry,
9
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Women of the
ELCA (WELCA), and the Interfaith Homeless Shelter.
Also active on the Square is Martin Luther Tower, an
affordable housing apartment complex for seniors.
With the help of EAH Housing, the new property
managers of MLT, we continue to address the needs of
seniors in the Tower and community. Senior ministries
include the “Tuesdays at 2” Bible study, MLT exercise
classes, senior luncheons and occasional senior field
trips.
Of course, much of the flurry of activity on the Square
radiated from St. Mark’s church building. In 2007 we
hosted a dozen “Fling Wide the Doors” events, a dozen
weddings, and a dozen music groups which held more
than three dozen concerts and rehearsals. Our
attractive church space has indeed captured the eyes
and ears of many in the Bay Area!
On a personal note, my brother’s wedding ceremony
was held in our beautiful Sanctuary in September. I
was gratified each time one of my relatives or friends
came to me with words of praise for this lovely church.
I was even more gratified seeing my father and Pastor
Elizabeth standing together, co-officiating the
ceremony. My family and I are grateful to St. Mark’s
for opening its doors and helping us to meaningfully
celebrate a special milestone in our lives. Thank you!
Thus it is with a grateful heart that I begin my fourth
year at St. Mark’s. Thanks to members of the Council
and the MLT Board for providing interesting
challenges and thoughtful support. Thanks to Dean,
Joleen, Liv and Tina for helping with weddings and
concerts. Thanks to our trusty office volunteers,
Eunice, Geri, Pam, Jacque-Lynne, Marge, Suzanne and
Jim. I am extremely grateful to our very talented
administrative team, Ann and Cheryl; our dedicated
buildings and grounds keepers, Duc and Carl; and our
caring nursery folk, Elvira and Gladys. Thanks to Rod
for his help and advice with concerts, weddings and the
church building. Thanks to Pastor Christian for pulling
me away from my computer screen. And finally, my
deepest heartfelt thanks goes to Pastor Elizabeth for,
well, everything.
With comfy shoes and fastened laces, I stride forward
with eagerness and thanksgiving as we continue to
discern and answer God’s call in our community, city
and world.
Respectfully submitted,
Jun Ranches
Education – Adult Forum

The Adult Forum Planning Committee arranges for a

variety of educational events on Sundays at
10:00 a.m. from September to June. Our goal is to
have about half of the presentations relate to
Scripture study, theology and ethics, and about half
of the presentations relate to church activities, social
ministries, and other topics relevant to our life and
times. Forum attendance varies, but averages
around 18.

In 2007 our scriptural and theological studies

included Pr. Jennert’s presentations on The Holy
Trinity and on Angels, and Peter Weltner’s
explorations on literature and Theodicy. Prof. David
Balch of PLTS led forums on the Torah and St. Paul.
Books that we studied included On Being a Lutheran opportunities in 2008. If anyone has ideas for topics to
(Prs. Ekdale and Jennert), Chasing Down a Rumor (led be covered in one or more Adult Forums, feel free to
by Pr. Jennert), How My Neighbor Worships (led by contact Suzanne Smith, or the pastors.
guest author Gail Reitenbach), and Listening for God,
our study book while Pr. Ekdale was on sabbatical. Respectfully submitted,
There was a very interested response to the series “The Deborah Halladay
Stewardship of Living and Dying” (Pr. Ekdale, M.
McLean, and Jim Bridgman) about the ethical and
practical issues we face in dealing with our own deaths.

We have had the opportunity to learn about the S.F.

Night Ministry (Pr. Lyle Beckman), and prison
ministries (Pr. Hans Hoch, Laura Magnani with the
American Friends Service Committee, and Dora Ford
from Cornell House). Guest speakers included Pr. Don
Haven from Lutheran World Relief, David Gist from
Bread for the World, and the Asante Network (a day
when we could also purchase beautiful handmade
baskets and other gift items).
Reports on activities in our own congregation and our
greater church body included Pr. Ekdale’s discussions
of her sabbatical plans and experiences, and hearing
from our teaching parish student Jeremy Fuerst. We
learned about the Synod Convention last May, the
Church-Wide Assembly that took place this August (Jo
Chadwick and Steve Krefting), the SMSHY trip this
summer, and Liv Beck’s experiences with Cordero de
Dios our sister parish in El Salvador. As part of our
Fling Wide the Doors celebrations, Rod Gehrke and the
choir led a fun and informative Forum in the sanctuary
on possibilities for liturgy and music, and Gary
Schilling with Kurt Schindler (ELS) presented a
wonderful pictorial review of the church retrofit.
We are looking forward to interesting learning
Education – Sunday School
Over the last year, Sunday School has continued with
many of the same traditions, and we’ve introduced
some new ones. The biggest change has been in our
curriculum by using lectionary based curriculum from
the same publisher in each class. This allows the
teachers and students to share ideas and knowledge
across all age groups. It also reinforces lessons and
readings from the weekly church service. Every week
all 3 teachers prepare age appropriate lessons using the
new curriculum. The lessons involve Bible study,
crafts and hands on activities-all specific to each age
group.
Many of the Sunday School students participated in the
annual Christmas pageant, as did all the Sunday School
teachers. This year we’ve collected toiletries and are
making stockings to distribute to the men at the
homeless shelter. We have also just sent out our first
Sunday School e-mailing. We hope this will facilitate
communication among families and teachers
Sunday School meets at least once a month as a large
group. Our upcoming large group lessons will include:

10
• A Clergy-taught lesson on the sacrament of
Baptism
• Observing the beginning of Lent as a group
• Making Valentines which will be distributed to
Martin Luther Tower residents
• Palm Sunday lesson and reenactment
• Pentecost story telling and role-playing
Cooking activity with Liv Beck who will share stories
about her visit to our Sister Parish in El Salvador
This academic year we are stressing community service
and prayer. We plan on closing out the school year
with emphasis on Bible Study.
Sunday School at St. Mark’s is thriving. Our numbers
have been constant, our teachers are very dedicated and
the children are a joy! We welcome new students
throughout the year and parents are always welcome as
well.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Hart
Hospitality
2007 Hospitality Committee activities began in
February with the Lenten Season. During Lent, light
lunches and soup and salad dinners were served just
prior to Wednesday noon and evening services,
respectively. The Lenten activities culminated in the
Easter Vigil Hors d’Oeurves Buffet following the
service, which included Confirmation. A buffet-style
Pancake Breakfast was served on Easter morning.
11
In March, a dinner honoring the young people, who
were to be confirmed, and their families was prepared.
The meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all who
attended.
In April, the special Easter Coffee Hour gave the
congregation the opportunity to say Bon Voyage to
Pastor Elizabeth and her family as she embarked on her
sabbatical.
In June, the Hospitality Committee was involved in the
preparation of a Spaghetti Lunch to help raise funds for
the teenage youth who were going to Tennessee. They
were participating in philanthropic activities with
Lutheran Youth from around the country.
September 27th we provided a San Francisco
Conference Dinner at St. Mark’s.
A new member dinner was held in October. The
fellowship and conversation during these dinners is up-
lifting.
On November 18th the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
was served. As before, it was a very successful event.
During the last year, the St. Mark’s kitchen has gone
“green”. We are no longer using paper plates or cups
or plastic utensils. The move to eliminate paper and
plastic products is going well. This change applies to
all meetings and events held in Heritage Hall. There
are enough plates, cups, glasses and utensils for most
of the events. We are hoping to get dinner-size plates
in the near future. In addition to going green, we are
now using fair-trade coffee exclusively.
Coffee Hour continues each Sunday. All Coffee
Hour Group Chairs, Co-Chairs and members are
doing a fantastic job. St. Mark’s is known for
wonderful coffee hours. Your participation is
greatly appreciated!
There is a need for additional Coffee Hour Chairs.
As a Coffee Hour Chair you are provided a
wonderful opportunity to work with your St.
Mark’s friends, as well as, getting to know other
members. If you are interested in becoming a
Coffee Hour Chair, please contact Geri Bailey at
(415) 391-8234 or gernjeff@pacbell.net.
Respectfully submitted,
Geri Bailey and Dean Atkinson, Co-chairs
Discipling and Outreach (formerly
Evangelism)
The Evangelism Committee has renamed itself the
Discipling and Outreach Committee. As the new name
suggests, the focus of this committee is to reach out as
disciples of Christ to show His love and bring others to
Him.
To that end, 2007 was an eventful year. There were
three sets of discipleship classes (during the Epiphany,
summer and fall), as well as reception of new members
in January, July, and on Reformation Sunday. During
October, we also hosted a dinner for new members. In
July and October, Pastors Beckman and Jennert held
training sessions for church members interested in
ensuring that St. Mark’s is welcoming to visitors. An
essential part of this effort is follow-up with visitors
and guests by mail, e-mail, phone, and personal
conversations. We also publicize the giving and caring
community that is St. Mark’s through our Yellow
Pages ad and the Evangel (thanks to Jun Ranches) and
through St. Mark’s website (thanks to Ann Dayton).
Exciting plans are underway to institute a
Catechumenate program at St. Mark’s, which will
involve a more public process of incorporating and
assimilating prospective new members into our
congregation through lay leadership. In preparation for
this, Dean Atkinson, Liv Beck, Jan Charter, and Pastor
Jennert spent three days in Mt. Angel, Oregon, in
November learning about this process, and
subsequently have been discussing the best way to
bring this to the St. Mark’s community. We believe it
will be enriching not only for new members but for the
entire congregation. We feel inspired, humbled, and
blessed to be participating in this new activity, and
encourage anyone with questions about it to contact
any or all of us.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Charter
Social Ministry
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is active in social ministry,
working on behalf of the poor and needy in The City as
well as around the country and throughout the world.
Here is a sample of what has happened in 2007.
• 60 to 70 men were again sheltered and fed for three
weeks in January in the Interfaith Homeless Shelter
in St. Mark’s Urban Life Center. Many church
members prepared meals and supported the effort.
• Members and pastors of the congregation
advocated for the needy in San Francisco,
especially regarding health care, in a number of
actions with the Bay Area Organizing Committee.
• Our “Lenten Boxes” decorated by the Sunday
School children collected more than $800 which
was divided among three beneficiaries: 1) the
secondary school sponsored by the Lutheran
Church of Rwanda, 2) our sister parish in
Soyapango, El Salvador, and 3) a Lutheran World
Relief “Peace Project”.
• We sent Liv Beck as a representative of the
congregation to the first Sister Parish Event in El
Salvador. She was able to personally reconnect and
strengthen our relationship with our sister parish,
Cordero del Dios, in Soyapango.
• We celebrated with Drs. Tim and Holly Nelson and
their family as they completed their work in
Cameroon as ELCA mission doctors.
• We began a new supportive relationship with
ELCA Pastor Arden Strasser and his family in
Zambia.
• We continue to support the San Francisco Food
Bank with monthly food donations.
• Many congregational members and friends knitted
370 cotton bandages which were blessed, packed
and shipped to Global Health Ministries to be sent
to recipients in Africa who have tropical ulcerative
diseases.
• Congregational members joined in the building of
homes for Habitat for Humanity
in San Francisco.
• The congregation resumed
the use of Fair Trade coffee for
Coffee Hour and other
fellowship events.
• Members of the
congregation participated in the
work of the Synod Hunger
Committee, including a
workshop in Davis, CA.
12
• Members of the congregation assembled and
packed 100 Midwife Kits, including another 100
lovely hand knit caps, which were shipped to
Global Health Ministries for ELCA Lutheran
medical providers in Africa. These will be life
saving for women and their newborn babies.
• We continue to pray for and support the work of
Pastor Noel and Connie Ilagan in Cambodia.
• Members of the congregation advocated for the
hungry locally as well as globally by writing letters
and personally visiting legislators, both in the
legislators’ local and Washington, DC offices. We
continue to be a “Bread for the World Covenant
Congregation” and welcomed Bread staffer David
Gist as we learned about advocacy for reform of
the 2007 Farm Bill.
• We enjoyed an African Bazaar on Rally Day,
featuring the wares from women’s cooperatives in
Tanzania and Uganda brought to us by Asante.
(“Asante” is “thank you” in Swahili.)
• We provided sweets and socks for the Cornell
Halfway House in the Tenderloin.
• Fair Trade coffee and chocolate and Alternative
Giving options were purchased by many in
November and December for Christmas.
• We helped and participated with our partners of
Lutheran Social Services at a Christmas Party with
the residents of Bernal Gateway.
Thanks to all who advocated, assembled, baked, built,
celebrated, cooked and served, donated, fairly traded,
hammered, knitted and crocheted, mailed, met,
packed, participated, partnered, prayed, represented,
shared, shipped, shopped, simplified, spoke out,
sponsored, supported, wrote … . . . . . . . . . !
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ritter
13
Worship
This past year we have
been getting used to
our "new" building.
The doors have
repeatedly been flung
wide open, setting the
tone and precedent for
our worshipful
ministry to continue in
this pattern long into
the future. We're
proud, we sing loud
and we're grateful.
Our fresh building has, I believe, had the effect of
freshening our worship. The new hymnbooks are fresh
and easy to use. The seat cushions are fresh (!) thanks
to our generous and anonymous, to me, donor, thank
you! The choir has fresh new robes and sings from a
location on high, with a lively new sound. The organ,
well, words fail me to describe how fabulous it is in our
worship. Personally, I brag to my non-St. Mark's
friends about the large number of hymns we sing every
Sunday, all the verses, thank you very much. The new
lighting makes everything bright and easy to see, and
can be dimmed when needed, such as for the Christmas
pageant, at which even the congregation, each one, had
a shiny new halo. The sound system helps everyone
hear everything, and the new hearing aid system is
quite popular with those who need its assistance. The
pastors stand just a little bit taller in the new vestments.
The sacristan has become even more inspired in the
thoughtful decoration of the altar area. Even the
mundane, our kitchen and bathrooms, bring joy to our
Sundays.
So, now what. Is it "perfect?" No, and I hope not. Our
goal here on earth is not "perfect," our goal is love. Our
goal is to be like Christ, to one another, and to the
world. In this, I suspect that all of us are far from
perfect. But we certainly have been given a fresh
perspective on our congregational life together, and for
this we can be very grateful to God. It is not amiss to
carefully preserve our fresh building because it feeds a
grateful attitude. Would that we use this wonderful new
physical environment we are blessed with to glorify
God, and act like Jesus to each other and the world.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Kathy Lautz
Worship Committee
Stewardship
From Whom All Blessings Flow - Stewardship 2007
“From whom all blessings flow” was the theme for the
stewardship campaign in 2007. This was especially
apropos given the myriad talents called upon of the
Stewardship Committee members. If you participated
on this committee last year, you wore many hats
whether you played the role of recruiter, public
speaker, phone bank operator, photographer, organizer,
or aquarium keeper.
What is becoming tradition in the fall at SMLC, are the
‘Temple Talks’ series. This past year five members
from the congregation came forward to share their
experiences on blessings. As always, the experiences
shared were warm, moving, and exemplary of Gods
generosity in our lives. In another show of blessings
and giving, the children of SMLC gathered on pledge
Sunday to pledge their Time and Talent. In return for
their pledges, the children each received live gold fish
from SMLC to care for as gifts. And, as always, being
present each Sunday in our beautiful sanctuary is a
reminder of our continued commitment to giving and
thankfulness for blessings.
Behind the scenes, the Stewardship committee was
busy throughout the year meeting together, meeting
with our consultant, and planning how the budget
needs will be met. A look at the 2008 numbers shows
the following: general fund pledges are $370,343 from
126 household (59% of total households) and building
fund is $694,615 from 130 households (60% of
households). These are improvements over 2007, both
in terms of actual dollar amounts and number of
households giving. This is progress, but there remains
plenty of room to improve to 100%
participation. Imagine how much better off financially
SMLC would be if everyone gave, even just something
small. What a blessing!
Each Sunday that I am in church is special for me when
I sit in a pew and look at the alter and see no crack on
the wall behind it. This reminds me of how much we
have accomplished over the last several years and I
realize how blessed we are as a church.
Faithfully God’s witness to his blessings,
Paul Peterson
Forward in Faith
“Forward in Faith . . . celebrating a new era”
In 2007 the St. Mark’s community enjoyed its first full
year utilizing the newly restored and retrofitted church
building. This would never have been possible without
the generous support of members and friends who have
given to the “Forward in Faith” capital campaign. On
November 1, 2007 we ended the second full year of the
three year campaign.
The core committee of the campaign continued to
monitor the progress of giving by meeting with our
consultant, John Clark of James & Co., by working
with the staff, especially Jun Ranches, who maintains
the giving records, and by creating reports to the
congregation through the Evangel and in occasional
“Forward in Faith” newsletters.
As we move into the final year of the campaign it is
essential that giving continue in a strong manner.
When you review our 2008 congregational budget you
will see that we have significant interest payments due
on our loans with Thrivent Financial and Plant
Construction. The majority of income that will pay
these interest payments will come from your pledge
payments. Therefore it is critical for the financial
health of our ministry that you continue to honor and
pay your pledges. The core committee, on behalf of
the entire St. Mark’s community, is grateful for your
generosity. Let’s finish strong!
Gregory R. Jahnke
Co-chair of “Forward in Faith”
14
Martin Luther Tower
Martin Luther Tower (MLT) is a 121 unit, 13 story
apartment building, located at 1001 Franklin Street that
provides affordable, independent living for seniors.
MLT was built in the sixties as a mission of St. Mark’s,
and St. Mark’s continues that mission today in the form
of activities, pastoral care, and corporate oversight.
Other services provided for MLT residents include an
on-site social worker 3 days per week; a weekly Bible
study; laundry facilities; a small computer lab; a lounge
stocked with DVDs and games; monthly luncheons and
field trips; informational seminars; a weekly movement
class; and a guest suite. About 10% of MLT’s
residents are members of St. Mark’s.
Maximum rents are set by the State of California for
about 80% of MLT’s apartments, and the residents in
those units have to annually demonstrate that their
incomes are no more than 60% of San Francisco’s
median. Because MLT agreed to accept these
maximum rent restrictions until 2060, MLT received
substantial tax credits that we were able to sell to a
syndicate of tax paying investors, while strengthening
our commitment to affordable senior housing.
A major focus of 2007 was the switch to a new
management company, EAH Housing. The Board
selected EAH after a long evaluation process, starting
in 2006 that considered a handful of well-regarded,
non-profit management companies, culminating in
detailed proposals from each of the finalists. Among
the companies we considered was Christian Church
Homes of Northern California, which had managed
MLT since 1995. EAH was selected based on its
mission, management practices, and experience with
rent-regulated
communities
similar to MLT.
EAH took over
at the end of
June and the rest
of the year was
consumed by the
transition. The
Board thanks the
following
members of the
EAH staff: Mary
Murtagh,
President; Jeff
Kohler, Vice
15
President of Property Management; David Kim,
Property Supervisor; Zuly Cruz, Property Manager;
Cherry Calvin, Maintenance Technician; Richard
Gallo, Resident Services Coordinator; Heather
Gladding, special projects; and Angie Noble, special
projects. The Board also thanks four residents who
provided standby support: Pat Anderson, Louise Jones,
Carol Snodgrass, and Irene Williams. By year’s end,
EAH had maintained MLT’s full occupancy level,
streamlined several aspects of MLT operations, and
dramatically improved MLT’s tax credit compliance
systems.
The MLT Residents Association was invaluable in
evaluating the management company candidates and in
helping EAH ease into its operation of MLT. The
Board especially thanks Jo Chadwick, President;
Jacque-Lynn Randich, Vice President; Marbeth Munn,
Secretary; and Seline Heath, Treasurer. Their
leadership added stability to the transition while the
Residents Association as a whole sustained the open
communication and active social calendar MLT is
known for.
The MLT Board of Trustees consists entirely of St.
Mark’s members, specifically: Mark Hammitt,
President; Susan Munn, Vice President; Jon Moeller,
Treasurer; Adrienne Nelson, Secretary; Pastor
Elizabeth Ekdale, Barbara Bock, Jonathan Ocker,
Steven Krefting, Carry Krehlik, Andrew Sallach, and
Scott Taylor.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Hammitt
St. Mark’s Renovation Commission and
Property Committee
2007 was a celebratory year for St. Mark’s, filled with
activities that commemorated the completion of our
renovation and the dedication of our new Taylor &
Boody organ. Our congregation sponsored community
events, organ concerts and a special celebration on
Reformation Sunday that included a presentation about
the renovation and the closing of a new time capsule
for future St. Mark’s members to open in 50 years. We
have had an opportunity to settle into our beautiful
building and reclaim it as our spiritual home. 2007 was
a year to gratefully celebrate the accomplishments that
we have achieved with God’s generous gifts of time,
talent and funds to the people of St. Mark’s.
 • Marge Jencks and the Time Capsule Committee for
In addition to our own ministries, St. Mark’s facilities coordinating the 2007 time capsule
have served many community organizations this past • Rune Heden for reupholstering the kneelers
year. San Francisco Architectural Heritage held their • George Irvin for his many years of Property
annual meeting at St. Mark’s in June. Many choral and Committee leadership
instrumental groups, including the American Bach
• Jun Ranches, Ann Dayton, Cheryl Garcia and Duc
Soloists, have come to love the intimacy and acoustic
Huynh for administrative and hands-on support
of our Sanctuary and have made St. Mark’s their San
Francisco venue. Indeed, our visibility has expanded
• And of course, the many people who have offered
their advice and support as we worked to close out
beyond the Bay Area. St. Mark’s, ELS Architecture
our monumental renovation project, especially:
and Plant Construction were honored this year as one
Pastor Ekdale, Margaret McLean, Barbara
of a dozen renovation projects statewide recognized by
Engmann, Herb Lembcke, Carol Quitmeyer, Aron
the California Preservation Foundation. And our Taylor
Bohlig, Susan Munn and Rodney Gehrke.
& Boody organ has “put us on the map” globally
among organists and church musicians.
2008 promises to be a year of many projects at St.
Mark’s. Just as the improvements to one’s home seem
The 2007 Property Committee/Renovation
to never end, we still have many items on our “to do”
Commission activities focused on closing out the
list, but with the major work complete, the small jobs at
renovation project: This year, our activities included:
St. Mark’s can bring satisfaction with minimal effort.
• Preparing a punch list for all remaining projects Come join the Property Committee and help to make
and tasks including work by the ELS, Plant
our renewed home even better!
Construction, Decker Electric, Construction Audio
Services and others
Respectfully submitted by:
• Coordinating additional work required by the Gary Schilling, Property Committee Interim
Building and Fire Departments
• Coordinating the delivery and installation of
the nave runner and the new sanctuary chairs
• Developing a landscape plan with Stephen
Wheeler Landscape Architects for
implementation in 2008
• Installing artwork and historic photographs
• Modifying hardware and installing temporary
signage to support our Safe Congregation
Policy
• Organizing storage and renovation records

Many of our members have helped with property

and renovation issues this year and I am grateful to
all of you for your help and support. I would
especially like to thank:
• Tom Munn for his continued fine-tuning of our
lighting system
• Tom Breice and Rod Gehrke for their
assistance and advice with the audio system
• Landscape Architect, Stephen Wheeler for
donating his professional services for our
landscape design and Pastor Elizabeth, Steven
Krefting, Margaret McLean, Jim Benson and
others for their review and recommendations
as we developed the landscape plan
• Gail and Cal Culp for hanging artwork and
installing UV-filtering glass at the South Hall

16
Human Resources related to operations, administration, and financial
functions. He is a valuable resource at St. Mark’s,
The Human Resources (HR) Committee advises the working tirelessly to oversee and coordinate office
pastors on human resources issues and makes operations, staff, and the myriad activities of our
recommendations to Church Council. The current church community. Jun is the man-of-the-hour in
committee members are: Pastor Ekdale, Marie-Jose coordinating functions related to finances, fundraising,
Baum, Geri Bailey, Marge Okuley, and Marge Jencks. capital campaign, annual budget, space rentals in
Urban Life Building, scheduling meeting space for
HR meetings are held as needed to address employee outside users and member use, designs for banners,
issues, such as staffing configuration, job descriptions, flyers, and brochures, Web site design and
lay person hiring, human resources policies, ensuring troubleshooting, monitoring secure payment option on
compliance with California employment laws, salary the Web site for online donation by credit card,
recommendations, cost of living increases, and developing policies and brochures for weddings and
employee benefits. Five other events for consideration by pastors and Church
meetings were held in Council, to name a few. With completion of the
2007, in January, March, renovation, the beautifully restored sanctuary is a
May, June, and sought-after venue for weddings and special events,
November. such as concerts and other musical performances,
calling for increased oversight of the use of the
St. Mark’s has ten paid sanctuary and other facilities on St. Mark’s Square.
employees: Lead Pastor,
Associate Pastor, Ann Dayton, Administrative Assistant, gathers
Director of Music and information and produces weekly worship bulletins and
Liturgy, Office Manager, announcements, designs and produces The Evangel
Administrative Assistant, newsletter, and updates the Web site weekly.
Bookkeeper, Supervisor Bookkeeper Cheryl Garcia tracks and processes
of Buildings and accounts receivable and accounts payable, working
Grounds, custodian, and closely with Jun and the Church Treasurer.
two nursery attendants.
Currently, there are also Director of Music and Liturgy Rodney Gehrke takes
Building Attendants and great pleasure in our beautiful new Taylor and Boody
a Wedding Coordinator organ. The inaugural year of the new organ brought
who are part-time many concerts to St. Mark’s by outstanding organists.
contractors. Several Rod is instrumental in planning for organ, choir, and
volunteers who work other musical programs. Long time employee Duc
designated shifts during Huynh is Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for St.
the week provide support Mark’s Square and serves as weekday custodian. Carl
and lend helping hands to Storey is weekend custodian, and Elvira Markov and
office staff and pastors. Gladys Pozo are nursery assistants in the new nursery
behind Heritage Hall.
Jun Ranches, Office
Manager, is pivotal in Staff members received annual evaluations by his or
managing many duties her supervisor, as well as notes of appreciation on

17
behalf of the HR committee in honor of Administrative
Professionals Day.
Following are some of the issues discussed and acted
upon by HR during 2007: job descriptions for current
employees; onsite monitors during events at St.
Mark’s; summer hours for office staff; childcare on
Sundays; nursery guidelines and policies; job
descriptions for possible future positions relating to use
of our facilities, weddings at St. Mark’s, and
coordination of nursery activities; vacation time; cost-
of-living adjustments; and percent time for Associate
Pastor Jennert’s employment.
Respectfully submitted,
Marge Jencks, Chair of HR Committee
Women of the ELCA (WELCA)
In 2007 WELCA of St. Mark's and St. Paulus expanded
their Program, by alternating speakers with Bible
Study. We enjoyed speakers such as Liv Beck, Rev.
Stacy Bourne, Rev. Susan Strouse, Judith Dancer and
Rev. Elizabeth Ekdale.
As is our custom after sending a contribution to Sierra
Pacific Synod to help with their work, we also
contributed money from our offerings to worthy
groups. This year we were able to help ELCA'S
WORK with Women and Children, Iglesia Luterana
Cordero de Dios, Kerry's Kids, the Rwanda School
Project, San Francisco Network Ministries, Safe House
for Women and Salem Lutheran Home.
We shared in planning and hosting a memorial service
for our own Marilyn Schrick. We will miss her as well
as Shirley Warren who went home to the Lord this
year.
We had a wonderful lunch out together in June and
then took a break during July and August.
In November Geri Bailey gave a report on the trip she,
Nadine Robinson and Suzanne Smith took to the Sierra
Pacific Synod Biannual Convention in Fresno,
California.
We also had elections in November and Geri Bailey
was elected as Co-president for 2008 to replace out
going Co-president Donna Dindia.
WELCA's annual Christmas Luncheon in December
was a festive and joyful affair. Some said the best
ever. Dean Atkinson planned and prepared a delicious
meal. Suzanne Smith wrote a wonderful program of
scripture and carols. Pastor Elizabeth Ekdale discussed
the importance of Jesus mother Mary, which was the
theme of the program. Jan Charter, Pastor Christian
Jennert and Rod Gehrke entertained us. We shared
great food, fellowship and business together this year.
It was a very good year.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Dindia, out going co-president
Nadine Robinson, co-president
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 Five Year Statistical Summary
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Baptisms 4 16 7 13 4
Confirmations 0 0 7 0 4
Weddings 5 4 1 0 12
Funerals 7 7 0 1 2
New Members Received 33 40 45 36 20
Baptized Members 420 454 496 521 523
Confirmed Members 365 385 427 440 443
Average Worship Attendance 184 190 191 182 190

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