The land between the Jordan and the Mediterranean is the source of so many teachings about peace -- loving one's neighbor; loving the stranger; loving one's enemy! And yet, it is currently the scene of so much killing and violence in the ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians. Each side has its narratives of victimization; of outrage and pain.

Several recent books, including one by former President Carter, shed light on the difficulties of finding peace in Israel and the Occupied Territories. The situation so often seems hopeless. What are the prospects? Is there any possibility that Israelis and Palestinians might begin to see each other, to hear each other, to engage in conversation? Is there any way to transcend the narratives and to work toward resolution?

Worship Associate Millie Phillips will assist with the service, and the guest musicians will be David Jones, tenor; Laurel Sprigg, soprano; and Bill Ganz, piano.

Children are invited to join their families in the pews. Childcare for youngsters under 5 will be available.

After the service, Rev. Craig Scott and his wife, Karen Paull, will facilitate a forum for further discussion of these crucial issues.

San Francisco's families are increasingly under stress of making ends meet in one of the nation's highest cost urban environments. Health care, earning a living wage, and impoverished schools are just some of the challenges.

Presenters Eleanor Milroy, Bay Area Organizing Committee (BOAC), and Thomas Atwood, the Society's BOAC coordinator, will lead the Forum in exploring the issues facing families in the City.

Working with a score of other congregations and trade union locals, the Bay Area Organizing Committee with the participation of our congregation, will be conducting a conference Wednesday (July 25) at St. Mark's Lutheran Church (1031 Franklin St.) between 6:30 pm and 8 with key city officials to make family views known and work towards civic solutions to these difficult issues.

The program will start at 9:45. Come at 9:30 for conversation, coffee, and (for a slight charge) a light breakfast.

from Nancy Evans, Executive Director

It's happening! Elevator construction begins Monday (July 23).

Dinwiddie Construction will work Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 4:00.

Storage items and bulletin boards have been re-located. A partition in the center of the garage will contain dust and safeguard workers. Another partition will be installed on the main floor.

Please avoid parking in the garage because 12 spaces will be out of service and there will be debris around!

The elevator is scheduled to be completed in mid-October.

What is a church community without families? What will San Francisco be like when the last family has left? How many Society members commute to our church from outside the city? What are the connections between the proposed 33-story medical center across the street and health care for all city residents?

The answers lie in the power of personal relationships. We can harness relational power by getting to know one another better and sharing our stories. We can learn how to see the connections. We can make a difference. We can tap into the wisdom of the circle.

Everyone is welcome to join after worship for Wisdom Circles, consisting of lunch and a Congregation-wide conversation about pressures on the family. (A $4 donation for lunch is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.)

Bring a personal story about pressures in your own life, practice deep listening with fellow members, and learn how getting organized can help.

Silas was 87. He lived a full and satisfying life.

Our sympathy is extended to his wife, Judy, his children, and to his extended family and many friends.

Silas was Moderator of this Society in 1977-78, and remained an active contributor to the community. He served as a Worship Associate, and was free with his friendship and humor.

A celebration of Silas' life is being planned for September 8 here at the church.

The San Francisco Pilgrims Choir and the rest of the pilgrims were all very saddened to hear about Greg's appendicitis and surgery.

Please give him our love and tell him we all are thinking abut him and praying about him — the praying part comes easy in this part of the world.

We sang a few days ago at the church in Kolozsvár. What an experience.

The organ is in disrepair, but Reiko managed to make it beautiful in any case. Reiko says, "Tell Greg we're doing our best to be good will ambassadors."

Love to all, from everyone here!