2010 Annual Report

Table of Contents
Pastors’ Reports
Lead Pastor......................................................................... 2
Associate Pastor ................................................................. 2

Church Council Reports

President ............................................................................ 3
Treasurer ............................................................................ 5

Martin Luther Tower Board Report

President ............................................................................ 6

Staff Reports
Director of Music ............................................................... 6
Director of Church Administration & Operations .............. 7

Church Committee and Ministry Team Reports

Discipling & Outreach ........................................................ 8
Education - Adult Forum .................................................... 8
Education - Sunday School ................................................. 8
Education - Youth & Family Ministry ................................. 9
Endowment ........................................................................ 9
Hospitality .......................................................................... 9
Human Resources ............................................................ 10
Journeys in Faith .............................................................. 11
Mutual Ministry ............................................................... 11
Organ................................................................................ 12
Property ........................................................................... 12
Social Ministry .................................................................. 13
Stewardship ..................................................................... 14
Women of the ELCA (WELCA) .......................................... 15
Worship ............................................................................ 15

Statistical Summary ............................................................... 16

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
PASTORS’ REPORTS
Lead Pastor
REV. ELIZABETH EKDALE
“Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter: All are welcome, all are
welcome, all are welcome in this place.”
Hymn 641, All Are Welcome, vs. 4
Text and Music by Marty Haugen
It is with great joy and pride that I commend to you the following reports
of our ministry together at St. Mark’s. I encourage you to read them and
celebrate the vibrant and vital ministries which are described in these
pages. We are an active congregation and the “proof” of our activities is
described by our staff and volunteers in this Annual Report. It is a
privilege to serve as the Lead Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Our
staff and leadership have served us well this past year and I thank them
for their faithful and thoughtful ministry in our midst.
Above all, I want to thank you . . . each and every person who claims St.
Mark’s as their church community. Thank you for your presence and
commitment to our ministries. Thank you for volunteering when asked or
even better, volunteering when not asked! Thank you for serving Jesus
Christ when you go back to your homes and places of work after you have
been fed and nourished by Word and Sacrament. Thank you for being
part of this Body of Christ and committing yourself to a life of service,
prayer, and discipleship out in the world.
We need one another. We need to support each other. We need to listen
to one another’s hopes and fears. We need to deepen our relationships
with each other. When you are not at St. Mark’s on Sunday morning, we
miss you. Our liturgy, prayer and song are not the same when you are not
present. I encourage everyone to come and be fed, come and be a part of
this community of faith through your presence in worship. Together we
pray, listen, celebrate, lament, cry, and laugh. We receive the Living Christ
in bread and wine, word and liturgy. We are recharged for the upcoming
week. Come and center your lives and deepen your faith in our living,
loving God who longs to speak a personal word to you through our
worship services.
I hope you will enjoy reading the following reports for they are really all
about you and your life in faith. If there is a particular ministry you are
PAGE 2
curious about or want to participate in, step forward
and jump in. If you have questions about something,
don’t hesitate to speak with one of the current leaders
involved or myself or Pr. Jennert. We are here to
support you and make good use of the gifts God has
given you. Both Pr. Jennert and I are available and
eager for conversation. We want to hear from you and
value your feedback. Together our ministries can grow
and our faith will deepen.
Let us keep building a house where all are truly
welcome…
Associate Pastor
REV. CHRISTIAN JENNERT
Pastors must remember that their call has to do with
the gospel. Whatever other duties they must or may
assume, their people count on them to do what God has
designed their calling to do, “preach the Gospel,
administer the sacrament, forgive sins, judge doctrine
and condemn doctrine that is contrary to the Gospel...
not by human power but by God’s Word
alone” (adapted from the Augsburg Confession; in:
Robert Kolb, “The Doctrine of Ministry in Martin Luther
and the Lutheran Confessions”)
2010 in Review: “The Three Firsts”
2010 has been a year of “firsts” for me at St. Mark’s. It
was a rewarding and refreshing year thanks to my
*first* sabbatical as a pastor that I took from May
through July. I want to express my gratitude to the St.
Mark’s community for making it possible to go on
Sabbatical. Some of my sabbatical highlights were my
time in Guatemala. I had such an eye-opening,
wonderful time in Xela that helped me see the reality
of how people in developing countries live. My visit to
Central America made me aware how important it is for
congregations in the Northern hemisphere to build
relationships with churches in developing countries to
learn from another, to grow in faith and to see how the
Gospel is proclaimed in different contexts. My trip to
Holden Village with my partner Christopher was like a
second eye-opener for me. Living in remote wilderness
in the beautiful Cascade mountains made me aware of
God’s amazing creation on which we so heavily rely.
Living in Holden made me aware of God’s presence in
one another, in praying and singing and in nature, but
especially when we came together for worship. I took
classes in English poetry by renowned English
professors, attended daily Bible study, took a long hike
and made new friends every day. What a unique and
wonderful place! Another gift of my sabbatical was
worshiping in different congregations on Sunday
mornings. One of the churches I especially enjoyed was
Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle. It is
nationally known for its wonderful catechumenate
ministry. The mere “being” in worship, listening to
sermons, singing and praying was a gift in and of itself.
I learned quickly not to “judge” the various services,
but instead to enjoy the Spirit speak to me in Word and
Sacrament and appreciate how others prepare with
diligence and love their worship. Also, simply being
with family, having time to exercise, read (I read five
books cover to cover), pray and gain new perspectives
was a gift that I will truly treasure!
The second “first” was St. Mark’s Strategic Planning
Process with Roy Oswald. I found the process
invigorating. I have never participated in such a
structured strategic planning and found it immensely
helpful to engage in the brainstorming and
development of goals for St. Mark’s future. I am
looking forward to our 2011 Council Retreat where we
will meet with Roy again to check in and keep the goals
in front of us.
My third “first” was a seminar on “Emotional
Intelligence and Human Relations” (EI-HR). I
participated in this training at Louisville Presbyterian
Seminary in Kentucky under the facilitation of Roy
Oswald and members of his team on EI-HR. It was a
fascinating process as I was thoroughly reviewed by
leaders and parishioners from St. Mark’s, as well as
family and friends to help assess my “EI”. In an intense
small group process I learned more about my strengths
and growth areas as it relates to connecting and
relating with others, and in regard to my social
intelligence. This seminar was very insightful and
helped me develop my leadership skills while gaining a
better understanding of how I operate and work. I am
planning to do a follow up training sometime in 2011
and have been approached by the EI-HR Board to
participate in an EI Coach training.
2010 Ministry Highlights
One of my personal highlights reflects more a changed
reality of where we are as a church. One week after my
return from sabbatical, St. Mark’s hosted a Rite of
Reception for seven pastors formerly precluded from
serving on the ELCA’s roster. With the changed church
rules, all are now invited to serve openly and freely in
our Lutheran church, and the Rite of Reception as
highlighted the new reality so poignantly.
We celebrated many wonderful ministry events at St.
Mark’s. I just want to seize the opportunity to thank
everyone who is involved with the Senior Center
Ministries. St. Mark’s serves eleven gourmet luncheons
a year. Thanks to Dean and his kitchen crew (Geri,
Jerry and Mark) we are able to serve 45+ three-course
meals for a very low cost. Additionally, MLT residents
and St. Mark’s seniors are invited to participate on 12
exciting outing per year around the bay. My thanks
goes to Dean Atkinson and MLT residents Robert
Tiedemann for supporting these trips by driving and
helping residents who need some assistance.
St. Mark’s “Journeys in Faith” team ministered
faithfully to accompany many new members to the
waters of baptism or the affirmation of baptism. We
observed World AIDS Day with our ecumenical sisters
and brothers and with our bishop Mark Holmerud
presiding. St. Mark’s continues being a teaching parish
and helps seminarians learn the role of pastor. Rose Beeson is our current
student; former student Jeremy Fuerst will be ordained on February 26 in
Nebraska. St. Mark’s offers a variety of different worship opportunities—
from more formal to relaxed and even meditative. I cannot count all that
has happened in the past year, but the many programs and events speak
for themselves.
Outlook for 2011: Creating a joyful and gracious “Beloved Community”
My vision and hope for 2011 is that St. Mark’s continues being a
wonderfully engaged and committed congregation. I pray that our “faith
in action” continues to support ministries to those on the margins, so that
we may become an even more hospitable and welcoming place of
worship. I am excited that the church council has taken on the issue of
racism (and all that goes with it) for 2011. I am committed to being an
active partner in dismantling racism in our community. My biggest goal
for 2011 is to make St. Mark’s a beloved community in which God’s grace
not only richly abounds, but manifests itself in our joyfulness and
graciousness with one another. If joy, grace and hospitality towards
friend and stranger cannot be made palpable and experienced in all that
we do, we are lacking the vital elements of what it means to be beloved
community. I pray that we use our gifts wisely to strive for creating an
exciting and active community that overflows with joy and grace and
reaches, out with a loving heart to all for the sake of the Gospel.
It is a privilege to serve in this place and sheer joy to work alongside
such gifted colleague, staff, lay leaders, community partners and
everyone involved in the ministry of this great parish! 
CHURCH COUNCIL REPORTS
Church Council President
JAN CHARTER
They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he
was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:32 (from the story of the Road to Emmaus)
“Hearts burning within us” – in 2010, there were many times when we
could feel this at St. Mark’s. Many of these times involved events or
activities that, in and of themselves, would have been major
accomplishments, but taken together demonstrate the extraordinary
depth of vision and commitment characteristic of St. Mark’s.
Strategic Planning
We began the year with strategic planning to assess where we came from,
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ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
where we are, and where we want to go. From February to May, we held
a series of gatherings – history night, house meetings, norms identification
night, and a Saturday afternoon spent expressing our preferences from
among many alternatives. Many of you took part in this process and spoke
passionately about where you want it to take us. The process culminated
in the selection of seven goals to guide St. Mark’s leaders and the
congregation for the next 3-5 years. Many of you have continued to be
involved in the implementation of these goals.
Congregational Retreat
In June, as a way to emulate Pastor Christian’s sabbatical, the
congregation was invited to go on a pilgrimage, a weekend retreat, a gift
of time to focus on our spiritual needs while leaving the stresses and cares
of everyday life behind. The theme of the retreat was the Road to
Emmaus, where Jesus left his disciples on fire as he spoke to them on the
road. Those attending the retreat were also able to experience the
passion of discipleship.
Youth Trip
Also in June, our youth went on a learn-and-serve trip to Germany. This
was not part of a national or regional event, but was conceived, planned,
and implemented entirely by members of this congregation. Imagine the
feelings of these youth and their chaperones as they visited the places
made famous by Martin Luther and used their energies to serve the
people of another culture.
Rite of Reception
In July, St. Mark’s was the proud host of the ELCA’s Rite of Reception,
which celebrated the reception and reinstatement of seven pastors from
the roster of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. 650 people squeezed into
our church to witness this historic event. 650 people! It was beyond
imagining. Those attending felt the fire of the Holy Spirit, as the love of
God for all of God’s children was celebrated and reaffirmed. The event
also put St. Mark’s on the map as demonstrating the ability to host such a
significant event.
Endowment Fund
And now, something we hope to launch at the annual meeting is the
establishment of an endowment fund. Our Endowment Committee has
considered many options, strategies, and goals in coming up with a
recommendation for a fund that will ensure the growth of St. Mark’s well
into the future.
youth and children, and joined each other in fellowship,
including during a new coffee hour after the 10 am
service.
The most extraordinary thing about all of these events
and activities is the number of volunteers who devoted
their time and energies to bring them about. We can
and do accomplish so much through volunteers, all of
whom deserve the thanks of every member of this
congregation.
Thanks, too, go to our pastors, who do so much more
than preach and preside at worship services. They pray
with us, inspire us, guide us, celebrate our joys, comfort
us in our sorrows, all while managing the staff and the
work of our volunteers. We must also recognize our
dedicated staff, which is crucial to the work and mission
of St. Mark’s. We could not do what we do without
them.
In addition to our pastors, staff, and volunteers, we
need to thank the Board of Martin Luther Tower (also
volunteers, of course), especially Jonathan Moeller,
Mark Hammitt, and past Board member Susan Munn,
who have now completed the long and difficult task of
the sale of the tax credits which, in part, enabled St.
Mark’s to finance the retrofit of our beautiful church
building. At the end of December, $880,000 was
transferred to St. Mark’s, which then went to pay down
our loan from Thrivent, taking the loan balance from
$1.2 million down to $340,000. We are so grateful for
the leadership of the MLT Board and their commitment
to St. Mark’s.
Thanks go as well to the former congregation of Golden
Gate Lutheran Church, which donated $20,000 to St.
Mark’s. Although we are saddened at the closure of
this church, we are grateful for the gift and for the five
new St. Mark’s members from that congregation. If the
endowment resolution is approved at the annual
meeting, the Council will designate the Golden Gate gift
for the endowment fund.

And now, getting back to where I started with this

report, I am excited to describe what we have
accomplished so far toward our strategic goals:

1. Broaden Opportunities for Adult Education

2.
Amidst all of these significant events are the daily, weekly, monthly, and
yearly activities that also deserve to be recognized. We fed and housed
the homeless, knit for the elderly, welcomed new members, fed ourselves
spiritually through Bible study and contemplative services, celebrated our
accomplishments, blessed Pastor Christian with a sabbatical, taught our
(liaisons Roger Ostrem and Dan Pharr) – the team
working on this goal is in the process of forming a
new Adult Education Ministry Team and has
proposed several significant goals for 2011,
including a weekly Bible study, a speaker series, a
film series, a book club, and classroom-type
courses.
Create Lay Ministry Program (liaisons Dean
Atkinson and Jan Charter) – since the time we
identified our strategic goals, two workshops have
been held in the Bay Area, which provided a
comprehensive introduction to Stephen Ministry, a
system for training and organizing lay people to
provide one-on-one Christian care to hurting
people in and around the congregation. Ten

PAGE 4
 people from St. Mark’s attended one of these
workshops – Dean Atkinson, Roberta Brouhard,
Jan Charter, Diana Gomez, Erin Horne, Mary
Carlton Lull, Sharon Reinbott, Gordon Stevenson,
Marlo Tellschow, and Pastor Jennert. The next step
will be to have some members trained so they can
train others to be Stephen Ministers.
3. Improve Support for Clergy and Staff (liaisons Geri
Bailey and Suzanne Smith) – these Council
members are actively working with the HR and
Mutual Ministry Committees to provide assistance
on such things as work-life balance suggestions
and celebrating significant events in the lives of
our pastors, as well as finding ways to thank them
for all they do for us.
4. Creating Healthy Communications (liaisons Jerrold
Allen and Susan Sall) – the team working on this
goal has held three brainstorming sessions, which
resulted in four projects to work on in 2011. This
team is transitioning from strategic planning to
implementation of activities, and will be reaching
out to the teams working on some of the other
goals to share progress and support shared
objectives.
5. Expand Local and Global Ministry with Mission
Partners (liaisons Liv Beck and Aron Bohlig) – on
the global mission side, the team in charge of this
goal is working with Pastor Norma Castillo of
Cordero de Dios on a trip to El Salvador in
November 2011. Concerning the expansion of local
mission activity, St. Mark’s will participate in the
Interfaith Food Pantry by handing out food six
Saturdays a year. Jay and Joleen Jessen have
agreed to be in charge of coordinating volunteers
for these events.
6. Create a Marketing Strategy (liaisons Marge Jencks
and Adam Renslo) – one of our newest members,
Robert Dickinson, has agreed to offer his
professional marketing skills and experience to
lead St. Mark’s marketing effort. He is currently
analyzing the ideas that have been put forward to
date, evaluating the skills of those who have
shown interest in marketing, and is analyzing data
regarding our membership and attendance with
the goal of developing a strategy designed to fill
the pews of St. Mark’s.
7. Renew Commitment to Install an Elevator (all
Council members) – our current capital campaign
includes setting aside 5% of the money raised by
the campaign to go toward the costs of installing
an elevator. With the progress we have made now
toward paying down the Thrivent loan, we
anticipate a future capital campaign which will
make this goal a reality.
While we have made a significant start, much needs to
be done to accomplish the ambitious proposals
associated with all of these goals. A number of
volunteers have stepped forward to work on them, but,
as you can see, the proposals to accomplish the goals
are very ambitious and will require additional people to
commit their time and energies. Imagine what we
could accomplish if every person in the congregation
participated in the implementation of one of these goals or in some other
St. Mark’s activity. Yes, we accomplished a tremendous amount during the
past year, but we could do even more. Participation in the work of the
church enables us to live out our calling as Christ’s disciples. May we all
feel “our hearts burning within us” as we do the work Jesus calls us to do
and feel his presence among us at St. Mark’s. 
Church Council Treasurer
ARON BOHLIG
2010 Operating Results of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (SMLC) and the
Urban Life Center (ULC)
Overall we had an operating loss of approximately $29,000 in 2010. The
primary contributors to the loss were:
The following income shortfalls:
 $11,321less than budget for contributions
 $16,740 less than budgeted building use and parking income
And the following expense overruns:
 Approximately $9,000 in excess maintenance expenses
 $7,194 in unbudgeted water expenses (related to a rate increase and
new irrigation system at MLT)
 Individual expenses that exceeded budget by $1000 - $2000 in the
following areas: Van expense, conference and travel, general
business expense, non-water utilities
These were partially offset by cost reductions elsewhere, and by a $13,155
contingency budget.
Consistent with our policy of performing an audit every two years, we will
perform an audit in 2011.
Plan to Reduce Debt
The current principal amount of the Thrivent Loan is $347,182. We have a
“reserve” of $91,000 set aside to ensure that we can make monthly
payments and expect to receive a total of $206,949 in final capital
campaign pledges. Net of interest payments this would leave us with a
balance of $61,978. We will evaluate our cash situation through the year
and make principal payments while retaining enough of a reserve to pay
for mandatory interest payments.
Trust Fund
The Trust Fund is being replaced by the new Endowment Fund.
2011 Major Budgetary Assumptions
The assumptions below represent budgeted changes relative to 2010
actuals:
SMLC
 $19,000 increase in contributions
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ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
 $28,000 increase in building use at St. Marks (group rentals, weddings
and other rentals)
 $3,300 increase in worship expenses (including one time musical
maintenance and equipment)
 $3,350 increase in social ministry
 We are budgeting nearly $12,000 in contingency amounts
 $9,000 decrease in property maintenance
 In 2011 we plan for a 1.5% COLA and some individual changes to
bring staff close(r) to Synod guidelines
The ULC
 $9,100 increase in building use (office rental) and parking income
 $8,400 decrease in property maintenance and utility expense
Thank you again to the congregation, Pastors, staff and Council of St.
Mark’s for their faith and support. Once again I would like to recognize the
hard work of Jun Ranches, Director of Church Administration and
Operations, and Cheryl Garcia, St. Mark’s Bookkeeper. 
MARTIN LUTHER TOWER BOARD
REPORT
Martin Luther Tower (MLT) Board
MARK HAMMITT
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 2.5 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; a guest suite; and – new this year – a
non-profit produce market every Wednesday. Some St. Mark’s members
are residents of MLT, but the vast majority is not.
Thanks to the dogged efforts of our Treasurer, Jon Moeller, we finally
received our final tax credit installment, allowing us to transfer $880,000
to the church and replenish the MLT Trust Fund from which we had
borrowed. This completes the financial commitment Martin Luther Tower
made to help the church with its retrofit. In total, we’ve transferred $9.4
million to St. Mark’s.
2010 was the third full calendar year for our management company, EAH,
PAGE 6
and we appreciative their smooth handling of MLT’s
operations. We thank Ron Dirks, Property Supervisor,
recently succeeded by Todd Koppman; Jearold Loyola,
Property Manager; Irene Guevara, Assistant Property
Manager; John Hunter, Maintenance Supervisor;
Kenneth Zhang, Maintenance Technician; Sonia
Jimenez, Receptionist; and Richard Gallo, Resident
Services Coordinator. Jearold was promoted from
assistant manager last year, and the transition was
seamless. Occupancy rates, I should note, have been
around 99%. We also approved the installation of a
building-wide Wi-Fi service that was implemented in
January.
Also last year, Scott Taylor, Barbara Bock, and Robert
Rathmell put the Rent Assistance program into effect.
This program is designed to provide short-term rent
assistance to residents who experience a disruption in
their income or a large, unexpected expense (e.g., a
medical issue). This program relies on a fund that is
fueled by tax-deductible donations from friends,
former residents, and St. Mark’s parishioners. Please
consider this when you contemplate your charitable
giving this year. You can contact Scott, Barbara, Robert
or Jearold if you’d like to make a donation.
The Board also thanks the following:
 Pastors Jennert and Ekdale, who, through their
work in the Senior Center, continue to enrich
residents’ lives through activities and field trips.
 Jun Ranches for his exceptional management and
growth of the Urban Life Center, and his work in
support of MLT.
 St. Mark’s members Dean Atkinson and Jan
Charter for cooking and entertaining at St. Mark’s
events, and Suzanne Smith for her work as liaison
with the Congregational Council.
 The MLT Residents Association, especially its 2010
officers: Larry Monroe, President; Joe Klecha, Vice
President; Carol Snodgrass, Secretary; and Barbara
Crocker, Treasurer.
The MLT Board of Trustees consists entirely of St.
Mark’s members, specifically: Mark Hammitt,
President; Adrienne Nelson Brown, Vice President; Jon
Moeller, Treasurer; Omer Voss, Secretary; Pastor
Elizabeth Ekdale, Barbara Bock, Lin Cerles, Brad Hubert,
Steven Krefting, Jonathan Ocker, and Scott Taylor. 
CHURCH STAFF REPORTS
Director of Music
DR. TIMOTHY ZERLANG
I received an interesting comment this year from a
professional colleague. After he heard the
congregational singing at our Advent Service of Lessons
and Carols, Chris Tietze, Director of Music from St.
Mary's Cathedral, told me he had forgotten how fun it
was to play organ for a Lutheran congregation. He was
thrilled to hear a congregation that sings. I am Synod joined St. Mark’s for one of several Strategic Planning sessions. We
privileged to lead the song of the faith community here accommodated almost 700 guests and clergy at the Rite of Reception
at St. Mark's. Please know that your music ministers to sponsored by Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. We held a screening of
me, as I hope mine does to you. the acclaimed documentary, “Race to Nowhere.” We hosted the San
Francisco Conference’s annual meeting. And, we celebrated our Strategic
Some highlights of the year: Planning goals with a lively Oktoberfest.
 104 Sunday Services
 10 additional services (Christmas Eve, Christmas, As has been the case for many years, the offices and meeting rooms of the
etc.) Urban Life Center (ULC) continue to be used by various community
 40 Wednesday evening services organizations. We continue to share office space in the ULC with various
 Memorials and weddings ministry and social service organizations. Several Alcoholics and Narcotics
 Advent Lessons and Carols service with St. Mary's Anonymous groups make good use of the Auditorium and Fireside Room
Cathedral almost every day of the week. And while certain expectations for the use
 Organ Recital of our space in the ULC were unmet, opportunities to do new things were
born.
 Improved piano in Sanctuary

Thanks to:
 Pastors Ekdale and Jennert - with whom it is a
pleasure to work
 Fellow staff members - that are more than patient
with me
 Our Choir members - This group of dedicated
volunteers prepared and presented over 100
works (Psalms, chorales, anthems, etc.) this past
year. I greatly appreciate these musicians who
answered the call to this ministry. Get in touch
with me if you would like to join them!
 Susan Sall - who continues to work with the
Sunday School children
 Joleen Caron & Lin Cerles - our wonderful In 2010, we helped revive the weekly Friendship Banquet by hosting it in
instrumentalists at the 9 am service Heritage Hall. We christened a freshly-renovated Fireside Room and a new
 Stacy Cullison - who accompanied our 9 am “blue” Conference Room. We refurbished several offices and hallways in
worship through Easter Sunday this past year the ULC with new paint and carpet. We installed new gates to improve
 Fred and Jo Ann Wentker - who continue to work security on the Square. And we implemented a new online calendar,
to bring the Taylor and Boody Organ project to which will soon allow church members and other groups to tentatively
completion  reserve meeting rooms and other spaces.

Director of Church Administration and Another highlight in 2010 was the hiring of our new Wedding
Operations Administrator, Elizabeth Baldridge. As the “first face” of St. Mark’s to
prospective wedding couples, Elizabeth is responsible for managing
JUN RANCHES
wedding inquiries and the
administrative tasks related to
Reflecting on 2010, I imagine myself on one of the
reserving wedding ceremonies at
craziest roller coasters I’ve ever ridden. It was definitely Thank you to the following people
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. She
a year full of ups and downs. And while it’s easy to who served as office volunteers in
has a passion for weddings and
cringe at the steep downward slopes, I’d prefer to 2010:
has already made several positive
focus on the anticipation of the climb and the thrill and
contributions to this important
excitement of what lies ahead. Geri Bailey Marge Jencks
ministry of St. Mark’s.
Jim Benson Dan Pharr
St. Mark's Square, which includes the Urban Life
It is with much thanksgiving that I Earline Bryan Sig Sigafoos
Center, Martin Luther Tower, and St. Mark's Lutheran
write this report. I thank God for Jerry Charter Suzanne Smith
Church, continues to serve as an active hub of ministry
the opportunity to be a part of this Eunice Childs Marlo Tellschow
and outreach in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
active church and community. I Linda Jackson
Throughout 2010, the Square faithfully accommodated
am grateful and honored to work
the mission and ministries of St. Mark's as well as those
with the Church Council, the MLT
of other churches, non-profit organizations, and
Board and the leadership of this
community and performing groups.
caring faith community. And of course, I thank my fellow roller-coaster
riders, the staff - Carl, Duc, Elizabeth, Cheryl, Ann, Tim, Pr Christian and
We are a busy church on a bustling Square with a buzz
especially, Pr Elizabeth – I’ve enjoyed our ride together and look forward
of activity. While every event is important, certain
to continuing it with you as we welcome the twists and turns ahead. 
special occasions in 2010 come to mind. We kicked the
year off by hosting the annual Winter Shelter
sponsored by the San Francisco Interfaith Council. The

PAGE 7
ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
CHURCH COMMITTEE REP ORTS
Discipling and Outreach Team
JAN CHARTER
The functions of the Discipling & Outreach Team have been incorporated
into other groups – the discipling function is now part of the Journeys in
Faith ministry, and outreach is being handled by those leading the effort
to implement the strategic planning goal concerning marketing strategies.
As a result, members of the Discipling & Outreach Team have been
assisting these two groups, and will explore whether a need exists for the
continuation of the Discipling & Outreach Team as an independent entity.
 please contact Dan Pharr, our new adult forum leader,
Education – Adult Forum
SUZANNE SMITH
The Adult Forum Planning Committee arranges for a variety of educational
events on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. from September through June. We aim to
create an environment that presents adults with opportunities to grow in
a vibrant relationship with God and God’s creation and to serve and
witness as Christ’s disciples. We have presentations on Scripture, theology
and ethics, church activities, social ministries and other topics relevant to
our life and times.
In 2010 our scriptural and theological studies focused on “Rereading
Romans: How Can I Find a Gracious Community?” led by Dr. Everett Kalin
from our Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The forum also focused
on “Scripture and Worship” with Dale Loepp and “Lutherans and the
Sacraments” and “Language and Ritual” with Kyle Schiefelbein. Pastors
Ekdale, Jennert and Ilagan introduced us to St. Barnabas, St Therese of
Lisieux, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Elisabeth of Thuringia and Archbishop
Oscar Romero during Lent. We also had the opportunity to learn about
“Katy Luther” from Debra Papageorge and “Bonhoeffer and Ecology” from
Dr. Lisa Dahill.
Our autumn series began with Dr. Margaret McLean leading us in looking
at the proposed ELCA Social Statement on Genetics. Then our Director of
Music, Timothy Zerlang and the choir led us in looking at St. Francis’
Canticle of the Sun and how Jean Berger enhances our understanding
through his musical setting and Albert Carpentier through his painting of
St. Francis.
Discussion ranged far and wide over the ideas presented on “Forgiveness”
by Pastors Ekdale and Hoch and their leading us in looking at “In God’s
PAGE 8
Name”, a DVD about various world religious leaders
and their thoughts about responding to violence.
Reports on activities from those in our own
congregation included reports from the Sierra Pacific
Synod Assembly, Pastor Jennert’s sabbatical and the
Lean N’ Serve Senior Youth Trip to Germany. Our new
Parish Teaching Student, Rose Beeson, introduced
herself to us and began her ministry among us.
We are looking forward to more interesting learning
opportunities in 2011. If anyone has ideas for topics to
be covered or is interested in presenting at a forum,
or our pastors. 
Education – Sunday School
JENNY HART
Curriculum: We have continued to use the Spark
curriculum from Augsburg Fortress. This is our 2nd full
year using this curriculum and we’ve settled into using
it effectively. We’re happy with the curriculum across
all age groups; the curriculum seems to be improving as
we become more familiar with it. This year we have
also revisited “Teaching Godly Play”, by Jerome W.
Berryman. We have starting using some of the
strategies for teaching as well as restructuring the
physical layout of the rooms to accommodate more
interest in our materials.
Attendance: Our numbers are consistent with the past
years. Average attendance for the first 3 months of this
school year: 13 students, plus at least 3 teachers every
Sunday. However, there has been a big change in the
numbers of students per class. Last year we had a huge
Preschool/Kindergarten group, which has graduated
into the Grade 1-2 group. This year the breakdown is as
follows:
Preschool and Kinder: 6 students
Grades 1-2: 16 students
Grades 3-5: 7 students
Activities: We have continued with our traditional Big
Group activities: Stockings for the Homeless, Valentines
for MLT residents, Mardi Gras party before Lent, Seder
Meal, Reformation Sunday celebration, Thanksgiving
cards for MLT residents, Christmas Pageant, and
Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels. This year we
have added Trick or Treating at MLT with the
confirmation class and Parents with Kidlettes, a big hit
that we hope will continue this coming year.
Communication: We continue to communicate via e-
mail with all Sunday School families. We have started
to coordinate activities with the younger children,
Parents with Kidlettes (Trick or Treating at the Towers
and Christmas Caroling at the Towers) and the
Confirmation Class ( Trick or Treating as well as
coordinating Stockings for the Homeless distribution-
the Sunday School kids made the stockings, the
Confirmation class distributed the stockings when they
served the homeless.)
Budget: We stayed within our budget this past year.
Being mindful of the economic environment Sunday
School has decreased our budget for the coming year
by 20%. This should not be a hardship or in any way
diminish the quality of our program. Through careful
planning and resourcefulness the Sunday School
teachers have committed to using only 2 seasons of
Spark curriculum, instead of 3. We are supplementing
our curriculum with other resources for the coming
year. 
Education - Youth and Family Ministry
REV. ELIZABETH EKDALE
Our Parents with Kidlettes group has flourished under
the direction of Lara Dickinson. They meet monthly for
support and conversation and plan activities for all of
the children at St. Mark’s. Among other activities this
past year, the children trick or treated and sang
Christmas carols at Martin Luther tower. It was a
wonderful opportunity for children and residents of
MLT to meet one another.
Currently, we have four confirmation students
journeying toward Affirmation of Baptism. The Pastors
and seminarians meet with them regularly for teaching
and conversation about our faith as Christians. The
students visited Mt. Cross Camp, assisted with worship
at Central Gardens Nursing Home, and take field trips
together. Confirmation ministry is for 6th – 8th graders
and anyone interested can speak with Pr. Ekdale for
more information.
Our older youth participated in the Learn and Serve trip
to Germany. It was a once in a lifetime experience for
them and exciting for us as a congregation to support
their endeavor. Thank you to Tom Benson and the
other adult volunteers who participated in this trip.
Meredith Gardener, our former teaching parish
student, also volunteered time with our High School
students. In late December, she received a full-time
youth ministry position in Faith Lutheran Church, Chico.
Sadly, we said goodbye to her and are actively looking
for volunteers to support our youth ministry programs.

Endowment Committee
DEBRA VARIAN
The Endowment Committee was very busy during 2010,
meeting, creating and finalizing its recommendations
for a revitalized endowment program. Three meetings
with the Church Council to fine tune details and
respond to questions culminated in unanimous
approval of the Committee’s recommendation in
December. In December, a letter was mailed notifying
the congregants that the Council proposes modifying
the by-laws of St. Mark’s to reflect the establishment of
an endowment fund with the Lutheran Community
Foundation. This modification requires a congregational
vote at the annual meeting on January 30.
To prepare congregants for what the congregational vote entailed, the
Church Council recommended that informational and Q&A sessions be
held on January 9, 2011. Information was also posted on St. Mark’s
website for congregants who could not attend.
The Church Council and the Endowment Committee have put in over two
years of time and effort to carefully discern the best way to set up the
endowment fund structure for St. Mark’s. We believe that congregants
and other potential donors will feel very comfortable with the
simplification and standardization of policies, procedures, and
administration of the fund. We hope that that this comfort and ease will
enable a clear understanding of legacy giving through bequests and other
charitable planned giving alternatives, so that planned giving becomes an
attractive option for many and so that the endowment fund has great
potential for significant growth in the long term.
After the congregation approves the establishment of the fund, the newly
appointed Endowment Committee, with the support of professional gift
planners at the Lutheran Community Foundation, will begin an ongoing
process of education and promotion that raises awareness of the fund so
that when potential donors do their estate planning, they will know the
various ways to include St. Mark’s endowment fund as one of the
charitable beneficiaries of their estate. During this ongoing process you
will hear us continue to use the “St. Mark’s Living Heritage” label to refer
to the legacy and planned giving elements of the endowment fund.
The members of the Endowment Committee would like to thank the
Church Council for their support throughout the process.
The members of the Endowment Committee to date are:
Aron Bohlig, Stacy Cullison, Aaron Greig, Brad Hubert, Greg
Jahnke, Marge Jencks, Margaret McLean, Roger Ostrem and
Debra Varian. I would like to thank these members for their
continual support and their faith in the great long-term
potential of an endowment fund to support the mission and
ministries of St. Mark’s into the future.
Plant seeds of joy; grow gifts of faith; to benefit the future of St. Mark’s 
Hospitality Committee
DEAN ATKINSON AND GERI BAILEY
2010 Hospitality Committee activities began February 17th with the start
of the Lenten Season. During Lent, soup and salad dinners were served
prior to the Wednesday evening services.
On February 20th, we held a potluck dinner accompanied St. Mark’s
PAGE 9
ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
Strategic Planning Day. This was followed by another Strategic Planning
dinner on March 13th.
April saw the culmination of the Lenten activities. The Easter Vigil service
was followed by a Hors d ’Oeuvres Buffet. The traditional buffet-style
Pancake Breakfast was served on Easter morning.
Wednesday night services continued as did the dinners prior to the
services. There was a brief summer break.
On May 22nd a dinner was held for all Confirmands and their families. The
menu was selected by the youth. There was good food and fellowship.
This year also brought three memorial services for St. Mark’s member and
two residents of Martin Luther Towers.
October 2nd, saw St. Mark’s Oktoberfest with a traditional German meal
which included sauerkraut and bratwurst as well as many other wonderful
offerings.
In November the annual new member dinner was held for 35 people.
Those attending were new members, adult and children with their
families. The meal and fellowship was enjoyed by all.
The annual Thanksgiving Luncheon was held on November 20th. The
luncheon took place on Commitment Sunday and as usual, the luncheon
was very successful – a day of fellowship and good food.
In addition, there was a pie reception following the Thanksgiving Eve
service.
Coffee Hour continues each Sunday. All Coffee Hour Group Chairs, Co-
Chairs and members are doing wonderful ministry providing food for our
St. Mark’s Sunday fellowship. Your ministry 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 or Dean
Atkinson. 
Human Resources Committee
MATT HELLAND
Primary responsibilities of the Human Resources (HR) Committee are to
advise and assist the pastors on human resources issues and make
recommendations to Church Council.
The HR Committee is comprised of Pr. Ekdale, Matt Helland, a lawyer who
PAGE 10
represents employees in workplace disputes, Kurt
Putnam, also a lawyer, and Geri Bailey, a Church
Council member. Matt Helland is the HR Committee
chair. The HR Committee meets every 3 or 4 months or
as needed to address employee issues, such as staffing
needs, job descriptions, hiring, human resources
policies, personnel issues, California and federal
employment laws, salary recommendations, cost‐of‐
living increases, and employee benefits.
There are currently four full‐time and eleven part‐time
employees of St. Mark’s: Lead Pastor, Associate Pastor,
Director of Music, Director of Church Administration
and Operations, Administrative Coordinator,
Bookkeeper, Wedding Administrator, Supervisor of
Buildings and Grounds, a security monitor, and two
nursery attendants. In addition, a pool of volunteers
provides office support during the week, working
designated shifts and assisting office staff and pastors.
Jun Ranches, Director of Church Administration and
Operations, has been at St. Mark’s for 6 years and is the
key manager of operations, administration, and
financial functions. He monitors, coordinates, or
participates in many functional activities of the church
community, including financial oversight, financial
reports and statements, fundraising, the capital
campaign, the annual budget, space rentals, website
design and trouble‐shooting, and online donations. St.
Mark’s has become a sought‐after venue for weddings,
concerts and other special events. Jun historically has
handled inquiries and bookings for group events and
weddings as well as developing policies for such events.
He also acts as church office manager.
Ann Dayton, Administrative Coordinator, gathers
appropriate information for and produces the worship
bulletins, announcements, newsletter, flyers, brochures
and posters. She helps update the website, sends out
weekly e-blasts and assists in maintaining the church
database. She also handles church-related facility
scheduling.
Cheryl Garcia, Bookkeeper, tracks and processes
accounts receivable and accounts payable, working
closely with Jun and the church treasurer.
Elizabeth Baldridge, Wedding Administrator, began at
St. Mark’s on November 1, 2010. Elizabeth manages
wedding inquiries and the administrative tasks related
to reserving wedding ceremonies at St. Mark’s
Lutheran Church. She works with the Lead Pastor and
Director of Church Administration to schedule
weddings, provides tours of St. Mark’s to prospective
couples, and arranges staffing for weddings.
Dr. Tim Zerlang was hired in September 2009 as the
Director of Music. Tim works with the pastors to design
and coordinate St. Mark’s music ministry. Tim serves as
the organist and pianist for both the 9:00 and 11:00 am
services and Wednesday night worship and directs the
adult choir. Tim is also a Professor of Music at Stanford
University.
Duc Huynh, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for St.
Mark’s Square, has been with St. Mark’s for 21 years
and is known to be able to “fix anything.” He also
serves as weekday custodian.
Carl Storey is responsible for security during Sunday
mornings.
Elvira Markov and Johanna Najera are the current
primary Nursery Attendants.
Staff members received annual evaluations from his/
her supervisor. Agenda items for the HR Committee
during the past year included: reviewing and revising
the role of the Director of Music, reviewing staff
compensation increases, and discussing potential job
positions to assist Jun and the office staff with certain
functions. The HR Committee also announced a
standing recommendation that St. Mark’s pastors
should receive yearly salary increases according to
Sierra Synod Pacific guidelines. The Committee
communicated this recommendation to the Church
Council. It is the Committee’s sincere hope that St.
Mark’s is able to adopt this recommendation each and
every year. 
Journeys in Faith Team
KYLE SCHIEFELBEIN
We have had another good year in the Journeys in Faith
ministry. Since some questions and misconceptions still
exist about this ministry, I thought I would describe
what we do. Journeys in Faith is the ministry through
which those who wish to become part of the St. Mark’s
community participate, either to affirm their baptisms
(for the case of those who are baptized) or to be
baptized. Current members who wish to explore their
faith as baptized Christians are also invited to
participate. Participants gather each week for about
five months (January-May or July-November) to dwell
together in the gospel reading for that Sunday and to
reflect on an important question about faith. The
gatherings are facilitated by a member of the team,
who is also equipped to answer any questions that may
arise through the guidance of the Lutheran tradition.
Some catechesis does occur in these gatherings, but
this is not the same as Confirmation; the gatherings are
also about community-building and fellowship. A
sponsor journeys alongside each participant. The
congregation publicly prays for and blesses the
participants through a series of liturgical rites that
happen during worship.
During this past year, we have had two cycles of
Journeys in Faith. In the first cycle, which culminated at
the Vigil of Easter, two catechumens were baptized and
four people affirmed their baptisms. In the second
cycle, which culminated on All Saints Sunday, nine
people affirmed their baptisms. During each of the
cycles, participants gathered for a retreat in which we
talked about baptism and also created symbols of
baptism through art.
St. Mark’s has become the place in the synod for the catechumenate,
which is the historical term for this ministry. Dale Loepp presented at the
synod catechumenate training last February, and Dale and I presented on
the catechumenate at the synod assembly. “Perspectives on Journeys in
Faith,” a short video that provides viewpoints of different people who
have participated in this ministry, is on the St. Mark’s website, and the
ELCA page that deals with the catechumenate links to the video. The
pastors and staff from St. John’s Lutheran in Sacramento visited St. Mark’s
in September to find out more about Journeys in Faith. Dale and I are
currently preparing for the upcoming synod catechumenate training,
where we will both have major roles.
This year has also brought about some transitions on the team. Erin Horne
and Dale are currently taking a break from the team. Dean Atkinson has re
-joined the team, and Geri Bailey (who participated in the second cycle)
has joined the team. Others have expressed interest in joining. The other
team members are Liv Beck (co-chair), Jan Charter, and Suzanne Smith. 
Mutual Ministry Committee
JOHN VARIAN
The St. Mark’s Mutual Ministry Committee concentrates on promoting
and supporting healthy relationships between staff, pastors and
parishioners with the goal of helping the church to stay focused on
mission and ministry. The continuing committee members are Shelly
Taylor, Jo Chadwick, Marge Okuley, Brian Richards, Pastor Elizabeth,
Pastor Christian and John Varian, who serves as Committee Facilitator.
John Elford was a member of the Committee but resigned at the end of
the year. We will be looking to add a new member to the committee in
order to allow us to support each of the staff at St. Mark’s.
The Mutual Ministry Committee supports the partnership between the
pastors and parishioners in living out our baptismal calling. We scan the
congregation for developing trends, listen to the needs of members and
provide recommendations to the pastors and Church Council to help
calibrate the mission of congregation at large.
The Mutual Ministry held three regular meetings in 2010. As an outcome
of the parish’s Strategic Planning process, the Committee was assigned
the goal of improving support for clergy and staff. With this goal in mind,
the Committee led the congregation in Clergy Appreciation day on
October 31st when five clergy who are Members of St. Mark’s parish were
recognized publically for their commitment to God’s service. We also
made recommendations to the Church Council as to our view of ways to
celebrate the service of our pastors and staff on an ongoing basis.
Each member of the church staff is assigned to a Committee Member who
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ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
acts as a sounding board and advisor to that staff member. In particular,
Shelly Taylor drew upon her vast skill base to suggest ideas that may be
helpful in the running of the church office on a day-to-day basis.
We strive to continue in our mission to support church staff and listen to
the members of St. Mark’s on an ongoing basis. Please seek us out ‐ we’re
here to listen and to represent you in respect to our larger faith
community. 
Organ Committee
FRED WENTKER
St Marks has been struggling with what to do with its organ requirements
since at least 1969 when a committee was formed for this purpose. Our
1942 circa Moeller organ was falling apart and literally held together with
tape and wire and some notes simply could not be made to function.
When we decided to remodel and retrofit the church building it was clear
that there needed to be a replacement. About 10 years ago a revitalized
organ committee was formed with Walter Capp and Jo Ann Wentker as co
-chairpersons. Many others also worked on the committee. Our former
organist and choir director Rodney Gehrke interviewed various organ
builders and with his recommendation we selected Taylor & Boody Organ
Builders of Staunton, VA. They inspected our Sanctuary, ran numerous
sound tests, and recommended that the organ (and choir) be relocated to
the rear upper balcony, and the congregation agreed. The final designs for
the organ were settled with Rod’s assistance and construction began. The
scope of time was about 3-4 years start to finish.
Ordering the organ required prior payment of most of the cost and final
payment on completion. Our retrofit plans became delayed with city and
state regulations and we found ourselves with a completed organ and no
place to put it. We made the final payments and had a wonderful
instrument but couldn't use it. We also could not leave it at Taylor &
Boody nor would it be advisable to crate it up and store it. Fortunately
Taylor & Boody found a church near their shop that could use the organ
for several years while they were awaiting delivery of another organ to be
installed in their church and so “our” organ was used for three years by
them.
In another small stroke of luck the finishing of our retrofit in 2006
coincided with the need to move our organ from the church in Virginia so
Taylor & Boody dismantled it and loaded into a giant semi-truck and sent
it to San Francisco. The last months of 2006 and early 2007 were required
to install the organ, but with a problem. We had run out of money for the
complete organ as designed. One missing stop, a large 16 foot Fagott
(bassoon) pipe was donated ($30,000) and installed immediately. That left
four remaining stops costing about another $110,000. The committee
believed it would not be feasible to ask the full congregation for
contributions when the economy and our budget were so strained. But we
PAGE 12
did not want to give up. Jo Ann and Fred Wentker and
Gary Shilling agreed to try to find donors who could
fund the remaining stops and we started on this
mission a year ago.
SUCCESS!
We now have the money for completion! The Viol da
Gamba and Cornet stops were paid for by a legacy from
the Westberg family (former members) and smaller
gifts from church members. The Gemshorn stop was
paid for by a non-member friend, some estate gifts
designated by the Council and a gift from a member.
The final stop, Mixtur for the pedal section was funded
by a gift from a member at the end of 2010. The
contracts are signed but unfortunately it will be mid-
2012 before the remaining stops can be manufactured
and installed.
Our Director of Music, Dr. Timothy Zerlang, says the
wait will be worthwhile. The result will be an organ
with a fuller, richer more melodious and much more
vibrant sound. He promised to “knock your socks off”
with the final instrument.
One final note for the newer members: the organ is
designed in the German style principally to accompany
singing. It is also a wonderful concert organ with the
completion of the final stops. It is a “Tracker” organ
with no electrical power action. The keys actually
connect to the pipes physically with rods and other
mechanical connections. There is an electrically
powered blower for air supply but that can be
disregarded and there is a foot pump for an energetic
assistant to power the organ in the old fashioned way.
Thus the organ can be played just as it would have
been played 500 years ago. The organ can be
dismantled and moved (but what a job!) It will last
three hundred years or longer if maintained- that is not
an exaggeration. It is a treasure for many, many future
generations. 
Property Committee
GARY SCHILLING
The Property Committee maintains and improves our
facilities in support of the mission and programs at St.
Mark’s. In 2010, we completed or coordinated the
following improvements to make our church building
and grounds more welcoming and functional:
 Installing window shades in Heritage Hall
 Expanding the capabilities of our audiovisual
system to include a new Camcorder and HD
broadcasting capabilities to the monitor in
Heritage Hall & installing new microphones in the
nave for recording
 Repairing and painting the sign at the front of the
church and reinstalling on new concrete footings
 Repairing the wood flooring at the chancel and
nave
 Installing shelving for music, janitorial supplies,
decorations and property items; hooks for
 wreaths; and organizing the materials in our
storage spaces
 Cleaning and “sprucing up” the building for special
occasions
 Patching and painting throughout the building
 Repainting the contrasting-color warning stripes at
the interior stairs
 Maintaining our grounds and landscaping: picking
up trash, weeding, pruning
To further support our congregation’s goals and
strategic planning, the Property Team prepared a
report for the Church Council that itemizes the major
capital projects (such as the elevator, art glass repairs,
new wood flooring, etc.) that we could not complete as
part of our recent major renovation project. We have
also worked with a graphic designer to develop a
proposal for improved signage in the building and at St.
Mark’s Square. These are important projects that we
will continue to develop in 2011 and beyond.
On behalf of the Property team, I want to acknowledge
the help of many dedicated volunteers who have
gathered on Saturday mornings throughout the year to
help complete these projects: Dean Atkinson, Jerry
Charter, Ed Chitty, Cal Culp, Gail Culp, Pastor Elizabeth
Ekdale, Grace Ekdale-Hoch, Barbara Engmann, Diane
Haavik, Hans Hoch, Pastor Christian Jennert, Steven
Krefting, Philip Krikau, Jeremy McClain, Art Michel, Tom
Munn, Sig Sigafoos, Elise Semonian, Gordon Stevenson,
Omer Voss and Tim Zerlang (with apologies to anyone
I’ve failed to mention). I also want to thank the church
staff for their support throughout the year. Jun Ranches
and Duc Huynh are always ready and willing to
coordinate and implement repairs, maintain our
facilities and assist the Property Team. 
Social Ministry Committee
MARY RITTER
First, thanks to the congregation for the support of
many projects for the hungry, poor and needy in 2010.
Social Ministry looks forward to the many ways to
minister to those in need here in San Francisco as well
as throughout the country and around the world in
2011.
 We at St. Mark’s are currently in the midst of a
longer-than-usual 4 week Interfaith Homeless
Shelter, hosting 60 men for dinner, a warm safe
place to sleep, and breakfast in the morning before
they head out for their day, some of them to work.
Thanks to the many of you who provided
breakfasts and suppers as well as monetary
support. The Sunday School prepared socks filled
with toiletries, which the Confirmation Class gave
the men along with scarves which were “Knit for
the Streets” by members and friends of St. Mark’s.
Our 60 guests will have colorful scarves around
their necks and new warm socks this winter!
 We continue to advocate with Bread for the World
for the poor. Many St. Mark’s members wrote to
their Congressional representatives this year as legislation providing
food to hungry children and tax credits for poor families in the US
was considered and passed in the U.S. Congress.
 We continue our accompanying relationship with our sister parish,
Cordero de Dios in El Salvador. 5% of the current Forward in Faith
Capital Campaign has been designated to go to our shared ministry
with Cordero de Dios. We hope to send a group of St. Mark’s
members to visit Cordero de Dios in the near future. Watch for
information about our Sister Parish relationship!
 We continue our support of Pr. Arden Strasser and his family in
Zambia, and Pr. Noel Ilagan and Connie with the Lutheran Church in
the Philippines, and of the Rwanda Lutheran Project of the Lutheran
Church of Rwanda. We give and receive much from our relationships
with people all over the world!
 Locally, we continue to support our Lutheran Social Services partners
at Bernal Gateway. For the past year, one of our members has been
doing volunteer work on Tuesday afternoons at Bernal Gateway,
helping them with their weekly food pantry. Once a week, Bernal
Gateway receives a shipment of food from the SF Food Bank and the
people at LSS, plus a few volunteers, bag it up and distribute it to the
residents. We also sponsored a Christmas party for the residents.
About 65 Bernal Gateway residents attended. We (LSS & St. Mark’s)
provided a buffet dinner along with Santa Claus and presents. Our St.
Mark’s volunteer is going to need to cut back on his food pantry work
this year, so we will need recruits to take on the project. It involves
spending 1 to 1.5 hours there on Tuesdays. After a prompt arrival at
3pm, he helps with bagging up the food from SF Food Bank. At
4:00pm, distribution of the food to the residents occurs. The primary
responsibility is to help get things set up for the 4:00 distribution. If
you are interested in volunteering in that project, please contact
Mary Ritter, Roger Ostrem or John Elford.
 Our 2010 Lenten Boxes offering totaled $1521.64 and was split
between the Rwanda School Project and to the San Francisco Night
Ministry. Watch for information about the 2011 designation.
 We continue our support of higher education at California Lutheran
University at Thousand Oaks, and in doing so were able to help our
own Victoria Krikau, who will graduate from CLU in 2011 and
reported to us about her experiences there.
 We had a St. Mark’s Knit-In in September to teach several new
knitters how to knit squares to make lap robes for the residents of
Central Gardens Nursing Home in San Francisco. We provide Sunday
worship for this community on the second Sunday of every month.
 We promote and drink Fair Trade coffee at our Coffee Hour, and sell
Fair Trade chocolate periodically through the year. It is good to
promote products which are farmed and marketed justly - and they
are delicious too!
 Our community garden project has come to fruition. Social Ministry is
working with the Property committee with the membership of Martin
Luther Tower, and with the Garden Project of San Francisco Welcome
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ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
2010 Annual Report
to create a community garden. Jerry Charter is our St. Mark’s Garden
contact. The garden provides food, a safe community space, and a
welcoming place for all, including the marginalized. Watch the area
on St. Mark’s Square just south of the kitchen and Nursery – things
are growing!
 We went a “2nd Mile” in 2010, adding our support to several of the
Sierra Pacific Synod’s ministry partners, as well as St. Mark’s San
Francisco ministry partners. Individual members of St. Mark’s
supported with the following gifts:
 January – El Salvador Sister Parish Travel Reserve - $800
 February through April – Lenten Boxes went to Rwanda
School Project and SF Night Ministry - $760.82 to Rwanda &
$760.82 to Night Ministry
 May – Mt. Cross ELCA Lutheran camp - $175
 June – Lutheran Office of Public Policy - $100
 July – SF Night Ministry - $575
 August – California Lutheran University - $485
 September – ELCA Disaster funds to Pakistan flood victims,
Haiti Earthquake victims and San Bruno explosion victims -
$400 to Pakistan, $390 to Haiti, $180 to San Bruno
 October – SF Food Bank - $470
 November – Lutheran Social Services - $200
 December – Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary - $335
 We hope to be able to support and participate in the newly formed
Interfaith Food Pantry at Old First Presbyterian Church in San
Francisco. This would involve a team of 20 or so volunteers 6 to 8
Saturdays a year. St. Mark’s would purchase $250 worth of healthy
food – fruits and vegetables, protein and packaged foods – to be
distributed to many households of working poor in the
neighborhood. Our ability to participate is dependent on St. Mark’s
finances and its ability to take on new projects. We are very hopeful!!
Thanks to all who help with this work! 
Stewardship Committee
ROGER OSTREM
“Forward in Faith… Growing in Grace” has been this year’s campaign
slogan for our annual season of stewardship at St. Mark’s. It is based on
our sincere belief that stewardship is a fundamental component of
Christian life. As our members faithfully contribute to the financial well-
being of the church, they are forwarding the ministry of God’s church as
well as experiencing God’s wonderful gift of grace in their own personal
lives.
The Stewardship Committee at St. Mark’s has the responsibility of raising
funds for the congregation’s general fund. The Church Council then
allocates the general fund as needed to carry out the mission and
ministries of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church throughout the next calendar
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year. Although the Stewardship Committee’s focus is
primarily on the general fund, the Stewardship
Committee is also intertwined with two other parish
committees, the Endowment Fund Committee and the
Capital Campaign Committee. Together the three
groups provide the financial foundation that our church
rests upon. Much like a three legged stool, all three legs
are required if the church is to maintain its financial
stability.
The Stewardship Committee has been quite active in
2010 but has definitely been challenged by the
economic downturn experienced both locally and
nationally. The economy is in recession and
unemployment rates are high. Both of these
circumstances have negatively impacted our
committee’s ability to raise funds. We are not alone;
national news reports indicate that funding to churches
and other non-profit organizations has decreased
approximately 10% this year compared to the previous
year. Despite these less than desirable economic
conditions, the congregation at St. Mark’s has risen to
the challenge. As of this date, the total amount pledged
to the general fund stands at $362,269. This pledge
total represents an increase of $5,469 (+1.5%) over last
year’s pledge total. This year 59% of our member
households made a pledge to the general fund
compared to 53% last year.
The Stewardship Committee began planning its fall
season of stewardship in September. The campaign
was introduced to the congregation on October 17th
when we installed our new “Forward in Faith… Growing
in Grace” banner on the back altar. Over the course of
the following weeks we prepared and distributed
pledge packets, presented four temple talks, provided
regular Sunday announcements to the congregation
about the status of our pledge drive, gave our members
a small gift of truffles filled with grace (what else?),
listened to our Pastor’s messages from the pulpit about
stewardship and the gift of grace and celebrated the
giving of our pledges by enjoying a Thanksgiving meal
prepared by Chef Dean Atkinson. Our committee
members continue to follow up with phone calls and
personal conversations with members who have not
yet made a pledge in the hope that additional pledging
will be realized. Going forward, our Stewardship
Committee intends to reinforce the concept of
stewardship as an on-going and integral part of
everyday Christian life.
The Stewardship Committee consists of Greg Jahnke,
Kacie Meyer McDonald, Erin Horne and Roger Ostrem.
The Stewardship Committee would like to extend our
sincere gratitude and thanks to all of the St. Mark’s
members who have been so encouraging and
supportive of our efforts and especially to those
persons who have stepped forward in these rather
difficult economic times with their generous gifts. Your
gifts of pledging to St. Mark’s will help our community
of faith to continue to grow in grace. 
Women of the ELCA (WELCA)
GERI BAILEY
In 2010, The Women of the ELCA of St. Mark’s and St.
Paulus continued their monthly meetings. The
meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
It is a time of Bible study, prayer, singing and
friendship. Our Bible study continued in January with
our Bible Study, Session 4: “Moved to a New Address”.
Jan Charter continued to lead us in song during our
meetings. Her generosity of time and talent is very
much appreciated.
During the year, we had two guest speakers. Pastor
Elizabeth presented the Bible study in February and in
May, Meredith Gardner, one or our Teaching Parish
Students and a student at PLTS spoke to us about her
faith journey.
In 2010 our knitting ministry continued with scarves for
the homeless, lap robes for Central Gardens residents
and prayer shawls for those who are ill or need
comfort. The knitting ministry also held a knitting day,
inviting anyone who wished to learn to knit or wanted
fellowship with our knitters. A member of the ministry
is usually available at every coffee hour to help those
who need it with their knitting project.
In January, after sending our financial contribution to
the Sierra Pacific Synod, we also contributed to other
organizations. It was decided that our benevolence gifts
for 2010 be given to the following groups, with each
receiving $100.00:
 Maya Works
 Kerry’s Kids
 Cordero de Dios Lutheran Church (sister
congregation to St. Mark’s)
 Living Waters Lutheran Church (sister congregation
to St. Paulus)
 Rwanda School Project
 San Francisco Safe House for Women
In March, Suzanne Smith, Darlyce Sandrock and Marlo
Tellschow attended the Fore-Mothers Symposium at
PLTS.
At the beginning of May, Lucy Walda, a beloved and
longtime member of WELCA, passed away. WELCA
contributed $100 in her memory to St. Francis Lutheran
Church, her home church.
Our “WELCA Celebrates Summer” Luncheon was held
in July at Eliza’s Restaurant where we experienced
wonderful Chinese dishes. This luncheon is an annual
event.
After our August summer break, we resumed our
WELCA activities in September. September begins the
new Bible study year. The September 2010 - May 2011
Bible study is “The People of God: Unity in the Midst of
Diversity”. The first session was “Reading the Bible.
In November, we had our election of officers. The
officers are: Nadine Robinson and Geri Bailey, Co-
Presidents, Pam Ruh, Secretary, Suzanne Smith, Treasurer and Marlo
Tellschow, Program.
“Journey To Bethlehem: The Christmas Story and Carols” was the theme
for the WELCA Christmas Gathering. It was a festive and joyful event.
Darlyce Sandrock and Pam Dannenberg planned the program. The
program included Bible reading and carols. Jan Charter provided the music
and gave a history of each of the carols she performed. The luncheon was
planned and prepared by Dean Atkinson.
The women of St. Mark’s and St. Paulus meet from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
the second Tuesday of each month. The meeting is held in the Fireside
Room in St. Mark’s Urban Life Center. Please bring your sandwich or salad
for lunch. Dessert and coffee is provided. Join us for prayer, Bible study,
fellowship and fun. If you would like more information please contact
Nadine Robinson or Geri Bailey. 
Worship Committee
KYLE SCHIEFELBEIN
One of the many ways in which St. Mark's stands out among the other
Lutheran congregations in the Bay Area is in the centrality of worship and
music to the life of the congregation. Christ-centered worship, with Word
and Sacrament at its heart, is a strong part of the identity of St. Mark's.
Because of this, St. Mark's is often "the place" where larger worship
services occur. In 2010 we were honored to host the Rite of Reception,
the liturgy in which seven pastors were received on to the clergy roster of
the ELCA. Last month the World AIDS Day liturgy was held in our
Sanctuary with Bishop Holmerud presiding; many ecumenical partners
took part in this liturgy.
The Worship Committee has some responsibility for planning worship for
the congregation. One of its main tasks is to look at an entire liturgical
season thematically. Currently, this theme is primarily communicated
through a principal hymn for the season. To aid us in this task, we look at
the resources produced by the ELCA and Augsburg Fortress, including
Sundays and Seasons. These resources serve as guides rather than
blueprints since what we do at St. Mark's must work for our context.
One of the goals for the upcoming year is to think holistically and connect
with the other ministries of the congregation, helping bridge the
sometimes-present gap between worship (Sunday) and the other activities
of the congregation (the rest of the week). Another goal is to form a
liturgical arts team that would connect the seasonal theme with the
physical space of the congregation.
A second task of the committee is to deal with the “behind the scenes”
aspects of worship. This includes assessing the festival liturgies, such as
those surrounding Christmas and Easter. Often, the importance of these
PAGE 15
assessments requires us to meet beyond our normally scheduled meetings, such as the case with the Christmas liturgies. Input from the
congregation is always welcome; you may e-mail worship@stmarks-sf.org.

In order to fulfill these tasks, the Committee meets every other month from 12:30 to 2:00 pm in the vestry. Given the necessity of planning
quite a ways ahead, we face the “Christmas in July” challenge. However, we have managed to stay ahead of the schedule for the year. Our
meetings for 2011 are February 6 (special meeting), March 13, May 8, July 10, September 11, and November 13. If you are interested in our
worship life together, and would like to participate in its shaping, you are more than welcome to attend a meeting and join the committee.

Standing members of the Worship Committee are Ed Chitty, Kathy Lautz, Kyle Schiefelbein, Richard Boyle, Tim Zerlang, Pastor Christian, and
Pastor Elizabeth. Other participants have included Sharon Reinbott, Erin Haavik, and Rose Beeson. 

STATISTICAL SUMMARY

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Baptisms 13 4 14 13 8
Confirmations 0 4 0 4 2
Weddings 0 12 18 15 11
Deaths 1 2 6 3 1
New Members Received 36 20 22 14 26
Baptized Members 521 523 537 532 403*
Confirmed Members 440 443 444 435 317*
Average Worship Attendance 182 190 194 187 178
* In 2010, 151 members (15 baptized and 136 confirmed) members were removed from the Parish Register by membership status adjustment.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

1111 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 928-7770
(415) 928-8534 fax
www.stmarks-sf.org
A “Reconciling in Christ” Congregation