Dear Friends

This Sunday is Pentecost, which corresponds with the Jewish festival of Shavuot. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost marks the coming of the Spirit and the birth of the church while in the Jewish tradition Shavuot commemorates the giving of the law, or Torah.  Historically, both Pentecost and Shavuot have coincided or been merged with harvest festivals, and thus have been joyful celebrations.
 
The Islamic season of Ramadan has also just begun. Its emphasis on fasting, humility and remembrance makes it more-similar to the Christian season of Lent than to a harvest festival.
 
As we come together on this Pentecost Sunday, we will celebrate our life as one body, and share communion.  We will also recognize and dedicate the team from St. Mark’s who will be helping to build a school outside Tijuana on Saturday, June 10.  We are partnering with International Relief Teams, who is coordinating the many details of this project.  Our team will be joining with others to finish the first phase now, with the school expected to be finished and occupied this summer.
 
We have been getting updates on the site preparation.  The concrete slab was poured two weeks ago.  See the picture below.  Also below is the planned layout of the school.
 
One hundred fifty desks have been donated, and we at St. Mark’s have collected 150 packs with school supplies, which the team will be taking to the site.  Thanks to all who so generously bought and donated supplies!  The team has also been raising money to defray the cost of the build.  If you’d like to make a financial donation, make your check out to the church and designate it for “school build.”
 
I am very grateful to Eric Robinson, who initiated this service project and the home build last December.  He is a gifted leader.
 
See you in church!
 
Craig