Dear Friends,

Is it just me, or are there more visitors in San Diego this summer than last? The most-recent numbers from the San Diego tourism authority show that through May, we had 12.8 million visitors, an increase of just one-tenth of one percent from last year.  But they did spend 3.4% more money than visitors during the same period last year.

My drive to St. Mark’s each day brings me west on I-8 to I-5 each day, and I can report anecdotally that there are more people in rental cars headed to the beach each day than there were last year.  A number of them are confused and accidentally running people off the road.  

Also, there appeared to be many more people walking, running, and bicycling through Mission Bay Park during Church at the Beach at 8:30 on the first two Sunday mornings of August.  Many are accepting cold water that we are handing out, and one runner stopped for communion.

A more-than-usual number of members and friends of St. Mark’s told me they were going to be gone on vacation for part of the summer.  This is fine, but remember that you must arrange for someone to attend church in your place when you’re gone. 

It really is a great idea for you to go away for a while to get a change of scenery and come back energized and with new perspectives.  That way you’ll be ready to be elected to a new committee when you get back.  Or, the election could happen when you’re gone.

Summer is such a good time to take a look at how things are going in our lives--to reassess our priorities and to be clearer about what in our daily and weekly lives needs more attention.

Maybe you need more fun and inspiration in your life.  You can do something about that right now!  My advice is to give our newly-renewed Vacation Bible School a try.  It runs Monday August 22 through Friday August 29 from 9 to noon.  We have quite a few signups, and lots of great activities planned.  And lunch, too!  Come to help, and come to participate!  It’s always a good time.

We in the church office are delighted to welcome a new pastoral presence back this week.  Hint: his name begins with “J” and rhymes with “bake.”

Oh yeah, we’re glad Rev. Jeri’s back from vacation, too.  She looks well rested.  She’s on some new committees.  We haven’t told her yet.

See you Sunday for Church at the Bay at 8:30 and in the sanctuary at 9:30!

Craig