"No Joke"
A pastor, a rabbi, and an imam... No, this is not a joke. It's the story of three faith leaders who have woven a relationship of love and mutual respect for each other. We watched the film last Sunday. It is truly inspirational. Now plan to join us this Sunday, July 23rd at 10:30 AM as we talk about what we watched and how it can shape our lives. For more information about the "No Joke" project, visit http://nojokeproject.com/.

In the midst of increased peasant uprisings, Martin Luther addressed another challenging social issue:  the future of Christian-Jewish relations in Europe. In 1514, Luther broke with the practice of suppressing Jews and opposed the burning of Jewish writings. Then nine years later, Luther published an essay stating "That Jesus Christ was Born a Jew" (1523). He reminded his readers that Christianity had its roots in Judaism and that the Savior himself was Jewish at birth. He sought the conversion of Jews:  "I hope that if one deals in a kindly way with the Jews and instructs them carefully from Holy Scripture, many of them will become genuine Christians and turn again to the faith of their fathers, the prophets and patriarchs.” During the next decade, however, that call bore few results. Instead, members of the Jewish faith resisted Protestant efforts to convert them. Deeply disappointed, Luther realized his effort was in vain. Between 1538 and 1543, using harsh language, he reversed his earlier views and called for the expulsion of Jews from German society. His goal was to separate the dominant Christian community from contact with Jews. Unlike his later call for the violent suppression of peasants, Luther never called for the killing of Jews. Indeed, his last public words about Jews again called for their conversion. Nevertheless, the story of Luther and Judaism, as well as his response to the peasant uprisings, remain to this day as sad chapters in the life of a man otherwise dedicated to a free and just society.

FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

After a year of mutual discernment with the congregation, the Council has set the fall Worship schedule as follows:

Our Vacation Bible School is one week away! There's still time to register your children and grandchildren. We'd like to thank the congregation for everything you have done to help us prepare for this exciting week. Please check the VBS bulletin board for more details about how many cucumbers, tomatoes, limes, etc. we need and if you can help. We will need food donations to be brought to the Narthex or kitchen by Thursday, July 28. Volunteers are also welcome. Questions? Contact H 571-435-3975, Harriet Latta , 571-435-3975 or Christine Soileau , 910-987-6064.

Softball

Next spring, Men of St. Mark's will participate in the Christian Fellowship Softball League. One need not be a member. Friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues are all welcome! This is about fellowship and outreach through a fun (and competitive) softball league. If you are interested, please sign up on the column in the narthex or email Pastor Albert at atriolo@stmarks-elca.org. We need regulars and backup players. The games are Monday or Tuesday from either 6-8 or 8-10 (PM) in Springfield.

17th Annual Free School Physical Examination School Supplies
With generous donations we have been able to provide each child with a backpack filled with school supplies for their grade level. This year we expect to serve 100 or more children on August 5th.  Any school supplies left over will be distributed among ECHO, Crestwood, Lynbrook and Garfield Elementary Schools, the Springfield/Franconia Family Resource Center and Crestwood Family Center, all locations where they are badly needed.