April 2014
St. Mark’s News
Volume 17/Issue 4
From the Assistant Rector I was recently given a book by François Fenelon, a 17th century French Roman Catholic Archbishop, called Meditations of the Heart. The book has proven timely for me, as I have had a number of Lenten conversations with my friends and family. Inevitably, within these conversations, we move to the questions of why some give things up and why some begin new patterns (and often people choose to do both), which invariably lead to discussing why we practice Lent. With so many devoting themselves to sacrificing things near and dear for forty long days, it helps to discuss why we enter into an exercise of self-denial. Why it’s good to take stock of our lapses in piety and why this season of restarting is so beneficial. Said differently, why the penitential path is where our hearts yearn to tread. Archbishop Fenelon’s meditation called A Holy Mind seems a good place to begin to answer these worthy questions: There is a great difference between a clever mind, a great mind, and a holy mind. The clever mind is pleasing because of its charm. The great mind excites our admiration because of its depth. But only a right spirit can save and make us happy through its consistency and uprightness. Do not conform your ideas to those of the world. Distrust the mind as much as the world esteems it. What we call “mind” is a certain facility for producing brilliant thoughts. But nothing is more vain. We make an idol of our minds, just as a woman who thinks herself beautiful makes an idol of her face. Our thoughts reflect who we are.
In this Issue
From the Assistant Rector .......... 1 Vestry Highlights ........................ 2 Holy Week Schedule .................. 3 Easter Schedule ......................... 3 Upcoming Events ....................... 4 Kudos! ........................................ 5 Outreach ..................................... 6 Parish Life .................................. 6 Christian Formation .................... 7 Parishioner Highlights .............. 10 Caffeine Ministry....................... 10 Celebrations ............................. 11 ROTA .................................. Insert
We must reject not only this false glitter of mind, but also every trace of human wisdom, no matter how sincere and useful it may seem. Like little children, we must enter into simplicity of faith, into forthrightness and innocence, into dread of sin, into humiliation—and into the sacred folly of the cross. What has been traditionally a season of preparation, the goal of Lent is not simply to punish ourselves. The goal of this preparation is much more profound than merely throwing a sack-cloth and ashes on ourselves. Atonement is not our nature, but it is a gift from God, a pathway to uncovering our true natures and true yearnings, thereby reflecting on God’s true nature. We judge ourselves; taking stock of what tendencies, what habits may need to be stopped for a while or for good in order to see a little clearer. In acknowledging that we have strayed and been distracted from our true heart’s desire and from our true Love…we reset ourselves; body, mind and spirit.
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April 2014 Sacrifice and penance are ways we can begin to see that we have gotten bogged down with our own selfabsorption, seeing life through our own self-seeking lens. And when we fast, when we give up those things we think are dear to us, clarity happens. The act of humiliation, as Fenelon puts it, or humbling ourselves…stepping away from our “needs” for a time. The mind begins to clear, reflecting what the body is doing: simplifying, de-cluttering, paying more attention to our deeper desires. Lent is not about retribution from God. It’s about preparation, movement to Him, our True Love. We repent to see Him more clearly and thereby seeing ourselves more clearly…seeing that we are His and He is in us. When we do as He did, we feel that something is different about us—we are acting as we were made to act. Our sacrifice is His sacrifice. Our temporary pain is an entrance into the pains of the Cross. In some beautiful and mysterious manner, the further we step away from our cluttered patterns the better we can see His patterns and feel how they are the deep yearnings of our mind, our bodies, and our souls. All of it is His gift: the clarity, the joining into His story of the cross and the awareness that He is always with us. May you experience the devotion and the self-denial as the perfect preparation for His resurrection, understanding that enjoining with Christ, our True Love, death necessarily means you will soon enjoy His resurrection…the purpose of Lent. ~ Travis+
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s Vestry met on Tuesday, March 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Bennett Wing Classroom. The meeting began with an opening prayer: the Collect for Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem (386). February’s discussion about provision of health insurance for St. Mark’s lay employees was continued and concluded. The rector reported that she had contacted several other Austin parishes, and the Diocese’s treasurer, Bob Biehl. Even though the Diocese requires provision of insurance for lay employees working 30 hours a week, the local parishes are providing it to employees working over 20 hours. The parishes with whom Elizabeth spoke provide insurance through CPG (Church Pension Group). St. Matthew’s only gives the option of the HMO, which is $772/month. Elizabeth+ talked to Bob Biehl about paying a certain amount to each employee and he agreed that it would be a good idea to do so, and to offer it to all five of our lay employees. After additional discussion the vestry voted to approve a monthly amount of $350, effective with the April payroll. Diana Stangl drafted a Health Insurance Policy which requires each employee to have proof of insurance. If for some reason the employee cancels the medical insurance, the stipend will be stopped. Elizabeth+ has recently talked with Charles Brewer about getting estimates for having the building resided with HardiePlank and for replacing our windows with double pane glass to save on utility costs. It was also suggested by vestry members that we might add insulation to the estimate. Travis+ reported on his work with The Well, with the youth, and on the Italian San Lorenzo feast scheduled for Friday, May 23. Travis+ and Meredith Childs attended an all-day training for Newcomer welcome and ministry on Wednesday, March 11.
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April 2014 Bo Overstreet gave the Finance Committee report: we moved the 2013 surplus of $52,000 to a designated fund entitled Previous Year Surplus; we are going to spend $4,218 from the Memorial Reserves for new green and white altar fittings; our overall income to date is at 142.48%. Diana Stangl gave the Outreach Committee report: the Habitat Build is on March 22; this month we are collecting adult diapers for the Austin Diaper Bank; in April we will participate in the Caritas Faith Food Drive; in July we will once again participate in the Family Eldercare fan drive; and in August we will once again schedule a blood drive (August 17). There was some discussion about how we might be most helpful to parishioners in need of home projects without establishing a precedent that puts projects beyond our capabilities (financial and volunteer time/ability). One suggestion was that we might see how we can be helpful with putting people in touch with other resources (such as Hands on Housing and 1House at a Time). Nancy Kibler gave the Day School report. The two major issues the Day School board is addressing are teacher pay/benefits and playground improvements. Elizabeth+ encouraged vestry members to help with the Meditation Trail clean up scheduled for April 12, and to be present for all of our Holy Week services (and the April 14 Seder). She also thanked David Johns for the work he was been doing in the area near the dumpsters – clearing out some of the invasive trees and shrubs.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday
Holy Eucharist at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.
Monday
6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist in Grace Chapel 6:30 p.m. Seder in the Parish Hall
Tuesday
6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist in Grace Chapel
Wednesday
6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist in Grace Chapel
Maundy Thursday
7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar, in the Church
Good Friday
Noon Stations of the Cross - Meditation Trail 2:00 p.m. Liturgy for Good Friday, in the Church
Holy Saturday
8:00 a.m. Contemplative Prayer
Easter Sunday, April 20 Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia 7:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite I Holy Eucharist, Rite II Easter Egg Hunt Holy Eucharist, Rite II
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Upcoming Events Spring is a busy time for St. Mark’s. We have the following upcoming events:
Meditation Trail Clean Up: Saturday, April 12 The Meditation Trail clean up needs YOU! Please plan on helping us get the Meditation Trail ready for our Good Friday service of Stations of the Cross. We need to chip wood to remulch the trail and we need to trim, to clean, and to scrub graffiti off the cross at the outdoor classroom. The more help we have, the more quickly the work will go. Lunch will be provided at noon.
Passover Seder: Monday, April 14 St. Mark’s will hold a Seder meal on Monday, April 14. The Passover Seder is both a religious service and a family meal. It is a celebration of the deliverance of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. The Angel of Death passed over the household if the doorposts were marked with the blood of a lamb. Inside, the Israelites feasted on the sacrificial lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. When we gather for the Seder, it is the traditional feast and order of worship much as Jesus and the disciples would have observed it. We will start at 6:45 p.m. and conclude around 9 p.m. Children age six and over can enjoy the evening and have an important part to play in the celebration. The Seder is divided into two sections. The first part of the evening is full of praise, prayer and the telling of the story of the first Passover and God’s faithfulness. The second part is the actual eating of the feast, which included unleavened bread, wine, and other ceremonial foods, followed by a much shorter liturgical conclusion. There will be great food and singing! Come join us and see Jesus in the symbols and significance of this night! A sign-up sheet is in the Parish Hall. Space is limited to 60 people.
Holy Baptism: Sunday, April 27 Our next scheduled service for Holy Baptism is Sunday, April 27. If you are, or have, a candidate for Holy Baptism please contact the church office.
FWYC Lunch on the Deck, Sunday, April 27, after the 11 a.m. service BBQ sandwiches plus all the fixins' will be provided. Families can RSVP via the sign up sheet in the Parish Hall or email Elizabeth Mufich at emccurry@gmail.com for more details.
2014 St. Mark’s Scholarship Golf Tournament: May 10 Presented by the St. Mark’s Men’s Group to endow scholarships for high school graduates When: Saturday, May 10, 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start Where: Plum Creek Golf Course Golf Course Format: Four-man scramble—Enter your own team or we will match you up. Register/Pay By April 12: $70 per player Register/Pay After April 12: $75 per Player Entry Fee includes: • Green fees, Cart, practice balls • Four Man Scramble Format (Enter your own team or we will match you up. Handicap or avg. score required.) • Great Prizes & refreshments! • Awards Luncheon For registration: Phil Aboussie (512-447-2255) or Andrew Poynot (512-529-7309) or apoynot@yahoo.com. If you would like to either be a Hole Sponsor ($125), Patron ($75) or Supporting sponsor ($50), please contact Phil or Andrew for more information.
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Men’s Group Fishing Trip: June 8-‐10, 2014 Become a part of the fishing tradition here at St. Mark’s! This trip is a valuable time for St. Mark’s men, young and seasoned, to bond over exaggerated story-telling, cold beer and enjoying God’s creation. After a long day on the boats, Captain’s Quarters Inn has a pool to lounge around and relive the day and there are plenty of restaurant choices near the motel. We will be leaving right after church on June 8 and carpool to the coast, returning either late Monday evening or Tuesday afternoon, depending on your schedule. The cost at The Captain’s Quarters Inn per person will be $62/night ($121.00 for both nights, based on double occupancy). Currently, the total price of lodging and fishing is estimated at approximately $300/person, not including gas, food and other incidental expenses. Since it is a chartered trip, the more people that come, the lower the price. Both deep-sea fishing and bay fishing are available, and included in either excursion is rod, reel and guides. For more information, please contact Jim Casparis (512) 444-3096 or Travis Smith+ (512) 444-1449 or tsmith@stmarksaustin.org.
Mark Your Calendars! The Annual Chicken Barbeque is Saturday, May 3, at 4:00 p.m. Delicious smoked chicken; bring a side to share and your favorite beverage.
Kudos! Michael Brode chosen for pilgrimage to London
St. Mark’s to receive Pat Hazel Award
We are proud to announce that one of St. Mark’s youth has been chosen by the Youth Ministry Office of the Diocese of Texas to participate in a Pilgrimage to London this summer. Michael Brode is one of 10 graduating seniors who will be traveling to England to visit sites such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canterbury, British Library, Tower of London, London Eye, Hyde Park, All Souls, Langham Place, Tate Modern museum, and Westminster Abbey.
This year, Trinity Center is honoring St. Mark’s at its annual Barbara Jordan Celebration and Cocktail hour on April 29. St. Mark’s is receiving the Pat Hazel Award for the devoted partnership St. Mark’s has maintained over the years with the Sunday Trinity Streets services and with the Tuesday women’s shower ministry.
Matt Blank, Missioner for Youth and Young Adults for the Diocese, and Kim Rogers, Director of Children’s and Youth Formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Houston, will lead the youth on this fun and spiritual journey. The group will journey “in the spirit of prayer, self-sacrifice and service” as they reflect on how God has worked in the lives of holy people throughout history. With spiritual guidance from the leaders, the youth will spend time focusing on God’s will in their own lives. Michael will be doing fund raising over the next few months in order to help cover the cost of the trip. Please help support him, as you are able.
Trinity Center was founded with money set aside in Congresswoman Barbara Jordan’s will to help Austin’s downtown homeless population. The Pat Hazel Award is named after a remarkable priest at St. David’s who was the spiritual heart of the Trinity Center until his death a few years ago. The Trinity Center gets significant fundraising support from the proceeds of this prestigious benefit, which supplements its mission of improving the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of people experiencing homelessness and poverty. The Rev. Travis Smith and Pat Bullock will be there to accept the award on behalf of St. Mark’s. Trinity Center is hoping that St. Mark’s parishioners will consider buying tickets ($125 apiece) to help honor St. Mark’s and support the Trinity Center: trinitycenteraustin.givezooks.com/events/2014-barbarajordan-celebration
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April 2014
Outreach Caritas Food Drive this April Pick up a list of items requested by Caritas Food Pantry in the Parish Hall or Narthex and help fill up the bins! Grocery gift cards and monetary donations are also gladly accepted. You don’t need to purchase everything on the list—anything helps! Caritas of Austin has been fighting poverty, hunger and homelessness since 1964. Please return items
on or before Sunday, April 27. Call for Scholarship Applicants
Parish Life First Friday Book Group 11:00 a.m. Bennett Wing Classroom Here’s the list of books we are going to read, from April 2014 – May 2015: 2014 April 4 May 2 June 6 July Aug. 1 Sept. 5 Oct. 3 Nov. 7 Dec. 5
Heft Canada The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry No Meeting And the Mountains Echoed Orphan Train State of Wonder Wonder Someone
2015 Jan. Feb. 6 March 6 April 3 May 1
No Meeting Tell the Wolves I’m Home The Burgess Boys The Invention of Wings Still Life with Bread Crumbs
Education for Ministry
Liz Moore Richard Ford Rachel Joyce Khaled Hosseini Christina Baker Kline Ann Patchett R.J. Palacio Alice McDermott
Carol Rifka Brunt Elizabeth Strout Sue Monk Kidd Anna Quindlen
St. Mark’s Men’s Group Scholarship Application Requirements: Due May 1, 2014 1.
Submit a completed St. Mark’s Scholarship Application. Hard copies available in the church office. The neatness and completeness of the answers are important. Attach extra sheets if necessary. 2. Submit an acceptance letter or equivalent that the applicant has been accepted into a college, university, junior college, or an accredited trade or vocational school within six months of the time of the application. 3. Submit two letters of recommendation, one from an adult, non-relative member of St. Mark’s and one from a high school teacher. 4. Submit an essay of no less than 200 words and no more than 400 words on the following topic: How Being at St. Mark’s Has Influenced the Applicant’s Christian Life. 5. Submit a list of youth activities and accomplishments at St. Mark’s for the past four years. Turn in the application and other documents to the St. Mark’s Church office by May 1, 2014.
Are you looking to enhance your spiritual life and gain a fuller knowledge of the Bible and what it means to you as a Christian walking through the 21st century? Then EfM may be just the program for you. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the church. We are now taking applications for the fall of 2014. An informational meeting for those interested will be held on May 18 after the 11:00 service in the Bennett Wing. Please make plans to attend! Lisa Martin
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April 2014
Music Notes -‐ Mozart for Maundy Thursday The service of Maundy Thursday recalls Christ’s final meal with his disciples. We remember his new commandment (maundatum) of love for one another, exemplified by his washing of the disciples’ feet. We prepare the church for the coming sorrow of Good Friday as we strip from the church all decoration and adornment. We commemorate the institution of the Lord’s Supper, the Passover meal that would become our Holy Eucharist. Many churches keep vigil following the service. The faithful are asked to follow Christ’s instruction to “keep watch” through night, often in the presence of the consecrated sacrament. The choir will sing choral works of Mozart appropriate to this service in which we reflect on the gift of Holy Communion. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his Missa Brevis in D minor for the opening of a 40-hour Lenten prayer vigil at the University Church in Salzburg held on February 5, 1769. In contrast to larger concert settings of the Mass, a Missa Brevis is intended for liturgical use in the context of a communion service. Like the traditional Maundy Thursday vigil, this 40-hour vigil would have involved long nights of prayer focused on the Blessed Sacrament. Mozart’s Missa Brevis helped usher the congregation into the beginning of Lent in 1769. We will sing it in 2014 as way to focus on the Holy Eucharist and remember Christ’s gift of himself for us. Psalm 117 (Laudate Dominum), “O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever,” is often sung in liturgies of special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. It proclaims God’s love for all people, a statement that takes on added significance in the context of Christ’s new commandment to “love one another, as I have loved you… by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Mozart’s setting of this psalm, composed in 1780 for the Salzburg cathedral, features a lovely soprano solo sung by Suzann Dvorken. Ave verum corpus (Hail, true body) is an “elevation hymn,” intended to be sung at the moment in the Eucharistic Prayer when the priest raised the consecrated host for all to see. Mozart’s setting of this text was written for the feast of Corpus Christi in 1791. The choir will sing it at the close of communion as a final reminder of Christ’s great love for us before we strip the altar and depart in silence. Please plan to attend the 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday service on April 17 as we sing the music of Mozart in thanksgiving for God’s gift of love and in preparation for the sacrifice of the cross.
Women’s News The first of the Lenten Wednesday night soups were prepared by the Women of St. Mark’s. We had a wonderful array of soups and I wish to thank the following cooks: Carol Todd, Lisa Martin, Diana Stangl, Judy Elkins, Brenda White, Cynthia Archer, Jill Collins, Judith Dullnig, Michele Bonner, Doris Edgar and Barbara Wilson. To add a discipline to your Lenten spiritual growth, the Women of St. Michael’s have invited the Women of St. Mark’s to attend their covered dish and guided labyrinth walk on Thursday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m. St. Michael’s is located at 1500 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. If you plan to attend, RSVP at gr7211@austin.rr.com. Bring a dish and/or a beverage to share. Mark your calendars! Saturday, April 26, at 8:30 a.m., we are going to LaGrange for a fun day. We will head out Hwy. 71 East and make our first stop at Weikel’s Bakery for morning coffee and kolaches. We will go to the LaGrange business district for sightseeing. There is a Czech Heritage and Cultural Center; the historic Czech Megal House from the 1890s; a world-famous Quilt Museum; the ruins of the oldest brewery in Texas at Monument Hill State Park. After lunch (place to be determined) we’ll finish the day by shopping or checking out places we may have missed. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Parish Hall. Spring Fundraiser begins March 30! Look for us in the Parish Hall where we will be selling lovely Geraniums from Fredericksburg Farms. Geraniums will be available to order for Mother’s Day gifts and for your summer flower gardens. All women of St. Mark’s are members of the Diocese of Texas ECW whose mission is to bring women together for sharing gifts of fellowship, service and outreach. This fundraiser will help us meet our yearly Fair Share financial assessment to the Diocese of Texas Episcopal Church Women. ~Dee Ann Thomasson, President
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April 2014
Christian Formation For Youth, by Cathy Nelson, DRE Easter is about more than chocolate bunnies! We have come to the last Sunday of the Season of Lent, and will soon celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Lent has offered us opportunities to question and explore God’s presence in our lives and world. In the lectionary, we have heard stories of the God’s promises of redemption and salvation. And we have journeyed with God’s chosen people, preparing ourselves for the fulfillment of these promises through Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, preparing for Easter. For adults, the message might be clearer than it is for children. When we talk about Easter, we understand that it means life after death and new life now. As Christian Educator, Carolyn C. Brown says in her book Sharing the Easter Faith with Children, the good news of resurrection, salvation and atonement that adults hear is different from the message of good news that children hear. This theology is too abstract for children to process. The good news that children recognize is that “God is proven more powerful than any “bad guys” in the universe when Jesus is raised. It is Good News because Jesus is with us always. It is Good News because it shows that God forgives us. At different ages different aspects of this Good News is the Best News for children.” Brown goes on to say that our job is to “tell them the stories in ways that are Good News to them where they are and, in the process, lay the foundations for growing understanding and deepening faith.” Later, she says that skimming over the story is a disservice to children and adults. “The children are denied an opportunity to begin hearing and claiming the Easter message, and adults (both parents and teachers) miss a chance to stretch their own faith as they share it with the children.” Brown warns that when children miss this storytelling, they jump straight into Easter when they “munch on chocolate rabbits, and not encounter the biblical Easter story until they are teens.” Brown says, “no one of any age can get to Easter joy without knowing what happened on Friday.” Although it is not always possible to bring our children to every class or service, we can talk with them about the lectionary, the significance of the Church year and the services that happen at the church, and the colors used to decorate the sanctuary to remind us of the seasonal messages of Lent. Families can read together the Bible stories that lead up to the story of Easter. Some children’s books about Easter can be found in our church library. If your family needs to buy a children’s Bible, a list of favorite children’s Bibles is posted on the Christian Formation bulletin board, or available at this link http://www.buildfaith.org/2010/07/19/how-to-choose-a-childrens-bible/. St. Mark’s families can deepen their experience of the journey to Easter by bringing your children to one or more of the Holy Week services. The week begins with Palm Sunday. The procession of palms around the church building and the readings bring the story to life. On Monday, the congregation is invited to take part in a Seder Meal and experience the story of Jesus’ last supper with his friends. Maundy Thursday is a moving service when families will hear the stories of the Passover meal Jesus shared with his followers. All are invited to help strip the altar, carrying items out of the church in silence, in preparation for washing the altar. The Stations of the Cross walk along the meditation trail on Good Friday is a wonderful way to experience the story of Jesus’ path to the cross. Depending on the age of your children, the services here at St. Mark’s during Holy Week can help us participate in our own reenactment of this most important story of Christianity, and prepare us for the celebration of the mystery of new life that is Easter.
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April 2014
Church School Classes Godly Play: children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade will hear the final story of the Faces of Easter series. This story will focus on the faces of Christ on the cross and on Easter. On the 27th the Godly Play class will hear the Ukrainian Folktale about Easter Eggs. Godly Play Two will return to their stories about prophets and hear The Story of Daniel. 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Class: Read the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross on April 6. On the 27th, they will return to stories about the early Church, beginning with the story of Paul’s and Barnabas’s decision to go separate ways (Acts 15:36-16:5 & 6:16-40). Youth Class will meet with Travis Smith and teachers, Danielle Adkins, Jay Brown, and Kathy Genet for Bible study on April 6 and 27. Palm Sunday, April 13: All classes will take a break on Palm Sunday to make palm crosses in a multi-generational event in the Parish Hall. Children and their parents will process around the outside of the church at 8:45 a.m. and at 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 20: We will have our traditional Easter Egg Hunt around the church grounds at 10:00 a.m. Parent and youth help is needed for the Easter Egg Hunt! The youth will be asked to help hide the eggs during the 9:00 a.m. service, and direct the children to their hunting areas, helping children out as needed. Easter Eggs needed! Each family is asked to bring at least a dozen pre-stuffed eggs per child for the hunt. Place your donations in the plastic bins in the Parish Hall on or before April 13. Thank you! Registration is open for St. Mark's Vacation Bible School, Pentecost. VBS will be held the week of June 16-20, 2014. Please register your child through our website, www.stmarksaustin.org. VBS is listed under the Christian Formation heading. And don’t forget to tell us how you will be helping during the program! You may turn in your check and a copy of your insurance information to the front office.
Adult Formation: 10:00 a.m. in Grace Chapel Sunday, April 6
Philip Turner will conclude his Lenten series on a Christian Perspective on Death and Dying
Sunday, April 13
Palm Sunday, no class
Sunday, April 20
Easter, no class
Sunday, April 27
TBD
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April 2014
Parishioner Highlights How fortunate we were when Jill and Jonea began attending St. Mark’s! Between careers of military service and heath care the two have been instrumental in making a difference in peoples’ lives and certainly have continued to make a difference in ours while chairing and serving on many worthwhile committees and championing St. Mark’s causes. So I thank you for being such good friends and we all thank you for your many contributions. ~Beth Chenoweth
Jonea Raney and Jill Collins We came to St. Mark’s in 2003. We had been searching for a community and from the start felt very welcome. We began attending on Wednesday evenings and then began attending the 7:30 service, which we still attend. We love the warm accepting community we experience at St. Mark’s. We are both involved in the Daughters of the King, and we serve as LEMs, lectors, ushers, and on the Altar Guild. We are also yard sale queens. Jonea has been Jr. & Sr. Warden and President of the Daughters of the King; she has served on the building committee and established a Health Ministry. She has also presented End of Life Planning classes twice, and she is currently working on establishing a Community of Hope for our parish. Jill has been on the Stewardship Committee and has chaired two yard sales. Jonea is a native Texan and was born in Austin. She is a graduate of the University of Texas Nursing School and has devoted her life to
healing with an emphasis on elder care, wound care, and hospice. In 2000 she built her dream of providing care for the elderly in small personal care homes in which residents could age in place. As the aging process continued, so did the level of care until end of life. Jill came to Austin in 1997 for her last assignment as an Air Force Officer. She retired in 2003 as a Colonel with 32 years of service. Her military career began in basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and she spent 12 years as an enlisted member of the Air Force. During that time she attended night school and worked toward a commission. Jill graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1982 with a Masters Degree in Social Work. She was commissioned in the Air Force in 1983. Jill served as a Human Relations Officer, Personnel Officer, Military Training Officer, Mission Support Commander, and an Executive Staff Officer. We love to travel, camp, and anything that involves being outdoors. We currently reside in Buda with our dogs, Cletus and Esperanza, and our cat, Cheddar Cheese.
Caffeine Ministry 6
Early: Late:
Margaret Schlankey Jim and Becky Nolan
20
(Easter) Late: Ann and Roger Seyler
13
(Palm Sunday) Late: Sean and Eve Nunes
27
Early: Late:
Marie Peterek Ross Ramsey and Becky Brownlee
Early: Arrive 15 minutes before 9 a.m. service, make lemonade, set out cookies, etc. (Coffee will already be made.) Late: After 11 a.m. service, replenish cookies, and other supplies. After hospitality time, clean up all containers. Complete instructions are in the kitchen above the coffee maker. *If you are unable to make your time, contact the vestry member for April, David Randle.
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April 2014
Celebrations Birthdays Alyssa Gallardo
04/01
Jack Sullivan
04/11
Nancy McCandless
04/01
Alma Sullivan
04/11
Clarence Bonnen
04/03
Mairin Bachschmid
04/12
Kristen Grulke
04/03
Samantha Harwood
04/12
Christina Papalexandrou
04/03
Jodi Doran
04/14
Beth Brode
04/04
Patricia Rogers
04/14
Christopher Mitchell
04/04
James Keahey
04/15
George Pazdral
04/04
Andrew Poynot
04/15
Kelly Cromack
04/05
Delda Skinner
04/15
Jaylon Loyd
04/05
Kevin Sullivan
04/16
Gary Taylor
04/05
Robert Hicks
04/18
Chuck Bryant
04/06
Thomas Huston
04/19
Kevin Farley
04/06
Adelaide Harwood
04/21
Sylvia Fitz
04/06
Arthur Portman
04/21
Michael Stangl
04/06
Adam Poynot
04/22
Carlisle Farley
04/07
Dee Ann Thomasson
04/22
Vicenzo Moreno
04/07
Ellie Reshetnikov
04/23
James Pazdral
04/07
Sally Russell
04/23
Jennifer Pollard
04/07
Kenneth Hicks
04/26
Jesse Poynot
04/07
Erin Portman
04/26
Cole Rudy III
04/07
Jack Whalen
04/26
Cynthia Cabler
04/08
Elisa Turner
04/27
Karen Milton
04/08
Emmaline Baxter-Harwell
04/28
Vivian Reshetnikov
04/08
Shirley Schwartz
04/28
Shannon Schulz
04/10
Irma Glover
04/29
Martin Bludworth
04/11
Jason Smith
04/29
Asher Poynot
04/11
Sara Thiessen
04/29
Amber Ramsey
04/11
Bonnie Nolan
04/30
Anniversaries Carol & Rich Oppel
04/01
Jodi & Jay Doran
04/16
Jennifer & Reed Shaw
04/04
Greta & Henry Olivas
04/18
Amanda & David Lindeman
04/05
Nicole Flores & Daniel Aja
04/19
Clara & Paul Berndt
04/06
Ester & Gary Taylor
04/25
Sally & Robert Russell
04/10
Erin & Michael Portman
04/26
Shannon & Matt Schulz
04/10
Shelly Botkin & Ryan Marquess
04/27
Sarah & Philip Tso
04/10
Danielle & Bill Adkins
04/28
George & John DeMarines
04/11
Millie & Jim Casparis
04/29
Cindy & Dan Bogard
04/12
Mai & John Rogers
04/29
Page 11
April 2014
Vestry Kathy Genet, Sr. Warden J.P. Kloninger, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Dan Bogard, Susan Bonnen, Shelly Botkin, Mark Breen, Suzann Dvorken, Becky Janes, David Johns, Nancy Kibler, Karen Milton, Jim Nolan, Bo Overstreet, David Randle, and Diana Stangl
Committees Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel, Mary Cromack, Kim Kiplin, and Kim Buckner Altar Guild: Millie Casparis Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose Daughters of the King: Lisa Martin Women of St. Mark’s: Dee Ann Thomasson Facilities: Ray Smith
Deadline for the May 2014 St. Mark’s News is Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Finance: John Edgerton Outreach: Becky Poynot and Laurie Mayor Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney Stewardship: Amelia Sondgeroth
Staff Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner Assistant Rector The Rev. Travis Smith Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarians Vivian Orndorff Tom Schneider Head of Day School Anne Wingler Parish Administrator Joanne Foote Newsletter Editor Becky Janes
Ushers: Henry Olivas St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, TX 78704 512.444.1449 www.stmarksaustin.org stmarksaustin@gmail.com
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
April 2014
April 2014 ROTA April 13
April 20
April 27
April 6
Palm Sunday* Youth Sunday
Easter Day
Youth Sunday
LECTOR LEM / ACOLYTE
Jill Collins
Amelia Sondgeroth
Jon Dullnig
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
Jonea Raney
Nancy Middlebrook
Jonea Raney
Nancy Middlebrook
Jill Collins
USHERS
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Judith & Jon Dullnig
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Jill Collins Jonea Raney
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
LECTORS
Glenn Lightsey (1) Cindy Bogard (2)
Sydney Doidge Jenna Ramsey
Bill Kibler (1) Nancy Kibler (2)
YOUTH
Kevin Childs (1) Meredith Childs (2)
Tom Schneider Carol Oppel Connor Lightsey Clay Buckner Abigail Goff Eleanor Goff Carol
Kim Buckner Bill Kibler
Mike Thomasson Tom Schneider
Vivian Orndorff Gary Taylor
Tom Schneider Lynn Edgerton
Bennett Whalen Ariston Awitan IV Julia Comer Claudia Janes Kim B., Carol
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Hunter Rogers Carol
Connor Fuhrman Davis Fuhrman Ethan Fuhrman TBD Kim B., Carol
Connor Lightsey Clay Buckner Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey Kim B., Carol
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Ariston Awitan Dan Bogard
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Mark Breen Mike Brode Ken Whalen John Edgerton
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack
Cindy & Dan Bogard
Kim Buckner Michael Meigs
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack
7:30
TIME MINISTRY
9:00 a.m.
LEM
ACOLYTES
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomason Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
USHERS
GREETERS Maria & Mike Fuhrman
May 4
Karen Milton (1) Michael Meigs (2)
Mehron Azarmehr (1) Barbara Dody (2)
Rex White (1) Meredith Childs (2)
Chris Blanding (1) Melissa Blanding (2)
Michele Bonner (1) Jim Crowson (2)
LEM
Vivien Orndorff Dru Cabler
Michelle Bonner Tom Schneider
Jay Brown Vivian Orndorff
Vivian Orndorff Roger Seyler
Rex White Brenda White
Wenlan Lawrence Sophie Lawrence Elijah Gallardo Evan Overstreet Cindy, Jay
Wes Johns Matt Forrest Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Cindy, Jay
Michael Brode Bonnie Brode Elijah Gallardo Evan Overstreet Cindy, Jay OUT
Winston Baxter-Harwell
ACOLYTES
Patrick Camp Max Genet Josef Genet Claire Cabler Cindy, Jay
USHERS
Carolyn & James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works
GREETERS
Jean & Frank Severn
Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess Jay Doran Diana Stangl
Henry Olivas Lark Anthony Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Shelly Botkin & Ryan Marquess
Frank & Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns Lark Anthony Barbara Dody
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Tina Stonebarger Pat Bullock
Diana Stangl-TC Millie Casparis Liz Davis Lynn Edgerton Henry Olivas
ALTAR GUILD WORK PARTY Apr. 19
Diane Brewer
Jim Casparis
John De Marines
Bo Overstreet
Jim Nolan
WED. 6 p.m.
April 2
April 9
April 16
April 23
April 30
Lectors
Soup & Eucharist TBD
Soup & Eucharist - TBD
Jonea Raney
Kevin Childs
Dodie Wells
ALTAR GUILD
11:00 a.m.
LECTORS
Depositor
Meredith Childs-TC Darlene Goodnight Dee Ann Thomasson-TC, Debbie Thornal Dodie Wells, Barbara Dody, Helen Anderson Judy Elkins, Karen Milton, Cynthia Archer, Elijah Gallardo Susan Baxter-Harwell
*Passion Gospel: 7:30 a.m. — Jonea Raney, Jill Collins, Jon Dullnig, Amelia Sondgeroth, Margarita Moreno 9:00 a.m. — Willah Peers, Connor Lightsey, Connor Fuhrman, Abbe Kelly, Davis Fuhrman, Suzanne Lightsey 11:00 a.m. — Rex White, Phil Aboussie, Liz Davis, Suzann Dvorken, Andrew Poynot, Kimberly Horne
Asher Eaton
Emmaline Baxter-Harwell
Evelyn Eaton Cindy, Jay Carolyn & James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works Jean & Frank Severn Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Lynn Edgerton Henry Olivas