April 2015
St. Mark’s News Volume 20/Issue 3
From the Assistant Rector How’s Lent been going for you? Confession time for me: mine’s been pretty uneven. This year, I took up two disciplines, and one good work. The first discipline was to “eat no meat.” That’s been going remarkably well, and to be honest, I think a big reason is that I’ve been slowly working up to this fast over the last three years. Seriously. During Lent 2013, I made my first big step toward this year’s prohibition on meat––I decided to only eat one meat meal a day. Sound a little silly? With the way my diet was at the time, it was actually really hard. I still remember (vividly), the day after Ash Wednesday (which just so happened to be Valentine’s Day), feeling like my stomach was going to eat a hole in itself by dinnertime. I remember this because Valentine’s Day 2013 was also one of the first big romantic things Janna and I ever did together. I was so hungry by dinnertime that I (no exaggeration) ate twelve dinner rolls before my steak came. It’s a miracle Janna ever went out with me again. So, that discipline has been going a little bit better, and in doing so, reinforces the idea that disciplines often take time to develop. The second discipline I took up was to “observe all posted speed limits.” I’ve got one word for how this has been going: yikes. Over the years, I’ve gotten so used to speeding that I hardly even realize I’m doing it anymore. And, when I am conscious of how fast I’m In this Issue driving, it’s usually because I’m running behind, and feel like I have to From the Assistant Rector ......... 1 decide between speeding and being late (you can guess which one I tend to Vestry Highlights........................ 2 choose). In fact, I’ve been so bad at keeping this discipline that on March Holy Week & Easter Schedule .. 4 17th, I actually got cited for running a stop-sign in Waco––my first ticket in Parish Life ................................. 4 years. My attempt to try to curb my speeding habit has been a total and utter Music Notes ............................... 6 failure. And, while the one good work I tried to take up—saying compline Parishioner Highlights................ 6 every night with Janna—has not been quite the same failure, it also has been Outreach.................................... 7 far from a success. Christian Formation ................. 10 What about you? How’s Lent been going for you?
Caffeine Ministry ...................... 11 Celebrations ............................ 11 ROTA ...................................... 12
You don’t have to actually tell me—of course, you also can’t tell me, without picking up the phone or keyboard —but it’s worth reflecting on now that we’re coming to the end of this season. Back in February, I suggested that one reason we take up these disciplines was “to begin to alter our habits, and so loosen some of the control that our disordered appetites have upon us.” But what happens when, at the end of the forty days, my road rage and reckless driving have (if anything) gotten worse?
I’m sure you can substitute something from your own Lenten discipline here. Or, even if you kept your Lenten disciplines perfectly, I’m sure you can still substitute something here, right? After all, we all know that for every discipline we did keep (for me: giving up meat), there were a host of others we didn’t even dare to take on (for me: giving up alcohol…that’s one I’ll never do!). And so, in one way or another, through all our falling and failing and false starts, Lent leaves us with this question: Will we ever find our way back to the goodness in which and for which we were made? Can our nature ever be restored?
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April 2015 This week, the bad news comes first. Thursday night, there will be a trial. And Friday, there will be an execution. The first thing we learn through these forty days is that, as much relief as these disciplines might bring us, our nature has been corrupted beyond our own ability for repair. And so, the first word that Holy Week brings us is death. This is the first word. But it is not the last word. The corruption of our natures may put us in the grave. But thanks be to God, Holy Week brings us another word as well. We will not stay there. For the final and decisive word of Holy Week is nothing less than this: resurrection. On Easter, the corruption of our dying nature is unraveled and undone by the grace of our risen Lord’s life. On Easter day, the raising of his body raises and elevates our bodies as well. For Easter day draws we who are members of the body of Christ into his resurrected and divine life, making us partakers of it. Which means that we do not just, or do not only, go back to the “goodness” in which and for which we were made. Nor is our nature simply “restored.” By the grace of God in Jesus Christ, our natures will not be destroyed, but perfected. Or, to use more traditional Christian parlance: our God “will make all things new” (Rev. 21.5). All things. And all of us. Not merely those of us who abstain from meats. But those of us who can’t seem to stop speeding as well. In his famous “Paschal Homily,” St. John Chrysostom put this in such beautiful terms that I’ll let his words end this piece. If anyone has labored from the first hour, let them today receive the just reward. If anyone has come at the third hour, with thanksgiving let them feast. If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let them have no misgivings; for they shall suffer no loss. If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let them draw near without hesitation. If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let them not fear on account of their delay. For the Master is gracious and receives the last even as the first; He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, just as to him who has labored from the first. He has mercy upon the last and cares for the first; to the one He gives, and to the other He is gracious… Enter all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord, and, whether first or last, receive your reward. O rich and poor, one with another, dance for joy! O you ascetics and you negligent, celebrate the day! You that have fasted and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today! The table is rich-laden: feast royally, all of you! The calf is fatted: let no one go forth hungry! Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness. Let no one lament their poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn their transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Savior's death has set us free.
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April 2015
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s Vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:00 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day: March 17. The meeting opened with the Collect for St. Patrick. The agenda and the minutes from the February meeting were approved as presented. Elizabeth+ reminded the vestry that they were providing soup for the Wednesday evening Lent soup supper the next evening (3/18) and about the Meditation Trail cleanup on 3/21. On March 24, Joanne and Elizabeth+ will meet with representatives from Google Fiber, from the contractors, and with Terry Wilson (Wilson plumbing) to resolve payment issues re. the water main break by the Google Fiber contractors. On Sunday, March 22, Donna Emery will be at St. Mark’s to talk about the Community First! Village. This is the planned community for the chronically homeless and it has the potential of being an exciting ministry opportunity for St. Mark’s. At the April meeting of the Vestry time will be given to discussion of the money we have set aside for additional projects in 2015. Nate+ reported on the MeetUp.Com initiative and said numbers are growing, and that the discussions have been lively. The men’s fishing trip is scheduled for June (7-9), and Travis Smith+ is bringing some men from Angleton to join the St. Mark’s group. Nate+ and Janna were among the adult chaperones for the youth lockin. There is going to be a Newcomers wine and cheese reception at the home of Elizabeth and Philip Turner on April 19, which will include newcomers from the past several years. The senior warden, JP Kloninger, was traveling for Spring Break, so John Cooper gave a report on the planned July 4-12 mission trip to Costa Rica. The cost will be @ $1800. Any youth on the trip must be accompanied by a parent. Diana Stangl presented the February financials, using a new chart that was a helpful overall summary. Income contributions are at 132.09%, year to date. Because of the numerous repairs since January, the Facilities budget for the year is the line item that is currently over budget. Mr. Bonnen gave the Outreach Committee report, and there was further discussion about the Community First! Village. Mr. Breen has gotten two bids for parking lot restriping but Jill Collins may have a contact as well. The vestry agreed to accept the lower of the two bids—or a bid that comes in at or below that amount. Mr. Breen also said that the Habitat Faith Build is going to be in September and that Saturday September 19 will be the Saturday we request for our participation. The meeting closed with Compline.
Mark Your Calendars!
The Annual Chicken BBQ and Picnic is Saturday, May 2. Once again, we will enjoy a meal of delicious chicken and sausages cooked by the men of St. Mark’s. The rest of us bring a side dish, a favorite beverage, and an appetite for good food and fellowship.
The Men’s Fishing Trip is June 7-9. The fishermen will leave Austin following the 11:00 a.m. service and will carpool to the coast. Now is the time to make your reservation. Questions? See article in this newsletter, or ask Nate+!
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April 2015
Holy Week and Easter Schedule If you can arrange your schedule so that you can be in church each day during Holy Week, I encourage you to do. It is deeply moving to walk the way of the cross during those days between Palm Sunday and the Sunday of our Lord’s resurrection. The services on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Grace Chapel are not much longer than 30 minutes, and the Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 in the church is my favorite service of the church year. And then on Good Friday we literally carry the cross as we pray the Stations of the Cross on the Meditation Trail at noon. At 2:00 we do the Liturgy for Good Friday in the church, for those who might not be able to walk the Trail. On Sunday morning we joyfully sing and say “Alleluia, Christ is Risen; the Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!!”
Wednesday, April 1
6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 2
7:00 p.m. in the Church—Neil Harmon’s Requiem
Friday, April 3
Noon – Gather in the Church, then walk the Meditation Trail, praying the Stations of the Cross 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4
Grace Chapel
The Liturgy for Good Friday
8:00 a.m. Contemplative Prayer 9:00 a.m. Help Clean the Church for Easter!
Sunday, April 5
Easter Services at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00. Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m.
Parish Life First Friday Book Group The First Friday Book Group is not meeting in April because April 3 is Good Friday. Our next meeting will be on May 1. We have books chosen for May 1 and June 5, and by the next newsletter we will have another several month’s worth of reading list! Join us on the first Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing Classroom. May 1
The Invention of Wings
Sue Monk Kidd
June 5
Still Life with Bread Crumbs
Anna Quindlen
Youth Group The youth group meets in the Parish Hall each Sunday after the 11 o’clock service for food, fellowship, and fun. All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us. The following activities are planned for this month: April 5th – No youth group. Happy Easter! April 12th – Seminarian Thom Temperli will lead us in contemplative prayer April 19th – Lunch and activities in the Parish Hall April 26th – Youth group outing – TBD
Thanks to everyone who helped clean up the Meditation Trail on Saturday, March 28!
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April 2015 Newcomers Wine & Cheese: Sunday, April 19 As you all know, St. Mark's is a growing, thriving parish. This brings with it both the blessing and the challenge of continually integrating an increasing number of newcomers into our midst. In order to help streamline that process, we want to hear from you—St. Mark's newcomers! If you've joined the church in the last three years, we're inviting you to a special wine and cheese reception on April 19th @ 4:30 pm, hosted by the Rector in her home. In addition to great conversation and refreshment, we'll also conduct a process called "Appreciative Inquiry," which will allow us to hear from you about what drew you to the church, kept you here, and what you hope for future newcomers at St. Mark's. Stay tuned for an Evite or for more information, contact Nate+: njlee@stmarksaustin.org. We're really excited about this event. I hope you can make it! -NJL+
Women’s Group Thank you to everyone for supporting the Spring Fundraiser. The proceeds from geranium and Fredericksburg Farm food items will be used to host/attend the annual women's retreat at Camp Allen this November. Members of the host committee held their initial meeting and plans are underway for hosting this event. Chick Flick soon! Date to be determined. We will either go to a movie showing at a local theater or watch one here at the church. Look for more details on this in your pew sheet.
It’s BBQ Time: Saturday, May 2 Join Together for the Annual St. Mark’s BBQ and Potluck Dinner Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Chicken halves will be smoked on the church BBQ pits. Sausage links will be prepared and peach cobbler will be served for dessert. Bring your favorite side dish to share (no desserts needed). Sign-up sheets will be posted in the Parish Hall—to obtain numbers in attendance; to help with setting up tables and chairs; clean-up afterwards; to be a member of the Pit Crew. Sign-up deadline is Sunday, April 26. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to join us, and bring your favorite beverage!
Men of St. Mark’s Fishing Trip: June 7 - 9, 2015 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 7 and carpool to the coast, returning either late Monday evening or Tuesday afternoon (depending on your schedule). 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…so the more the merrier! 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 Nate Lee+ (703) 599-5114 or njlee@stmarksaustin.org.
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April 2015
Music Notes Maundy Thursday: Join us for the beautiful music of Neil Harmon’s Requiem on Thursday, April 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. The exquisite music for choir, harp, viola, and organ will be interwoven into a beautiful service of prayer, scripture, and Holy Communion. Easter Sunday: Festive music for choir, organ and trumpet including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Mark your calendars for a very special evening in July! On Sunday evening, July 19, the Chapel Choir of Christ United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh will present a concert at St. Mark’s as part of their annual summer choir tour. Located in suburban Pittsburgh, the 3,200 member Christ United Methodist Church is one of the largest Methodist congregations in the Northeast. Nearly 250 musicians participate in the church’s eleven choral and instrumental ensembles. Before moving to Austin, Mark Reed served as Organist and Associate Director of Music at Christ Church for seven years. The Chapel Choir is comprised of approximately fifty 7th- through 12th-graders. During the academic year, the Chapel Choir sings at the early service each Sunday morning. Every summer, the choir takes several of their favorite anthems from the year “on the road,” visiting four or five churches. This will be their first visit to Texas. Plan now to attend this exciting concert, and consider whether you might be willing to host two or more of the choir members at your home for the night.
Parishioner Highlights I am not sure whether I first met Jack and Dolores Minor at St. Mark’s or met Dolores at Seton’s Gift Shop while I was working in the Critical Care unit. My understanding from Dolores is that they “have returned to St. Mark’s several times” during their life in Austin. What matters is that they returned to the fold choosing St. Mark’s as their permanent church. How wonderful for all their grandchildren to get such a good educational start as they were introduced to St. Mark’s Day School’s wonderful program. Always warm and welcoming and ready to lend a hand, we thank you Jack and Dolores for the difference you have made in the Austin community and at St. Mark’s. Beth Chenoweth
Jack and Dolores Minor Jack and I are both retired: he from the Social Security Administration and I from owning a small home based business. I supplied hospital gift shops with a kit from which door bows were made. They were printed with “It’s a Boy” or “It’s a Girl.” I got the idea for the business when I was the manager of the Seton Gift Shop. Until recently, I volunteered at the information desk at University Medical Center Brackenridge. Our house hold consists of Jack, me, Eddy a long haired Chihuahua, and Dolly a terrier mix. Our son Paul graduated from St. Edward’s and has been in the music business here in Austin since he was a teenager. We have three grandchildren, all of whom attended St. Mark’s Day School. The youngest, Maria, graduates from St. Edward’s this semester.
We have lived in Baton Rouge, where Jack graduated from LSU, then Shreveport briefly, then Alexandria. Later we moved to Lamarque while Jack worked in Galveston. We lived in Houston for several years and for 7 years were part of a Christian community there as part of Church of the Redeemer Episcopal. We headed up one of 42 households consisting of anywhere from 5-18 members. From there we moved to Tallulah, Louisiana, where Jack managed the Social Security office. Thirty-four years ago we moved to our current home in near South Austin. We attended St. James’s for several years and transferred to St. Mark’s about 8 years ago. I enjoy doing the shower ministry. I love my team members, Kim and Kristen, and I think that our chairman Pat is amazing.
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April 2015
Outreach St. Mark’s Parish Trip To Costa Rica: July 4 - 12, 2015 Community Support, Education, Reflection, Relaxation, Worship The Diocese of Texas and the Dioceses of Costa Rica have established a companion relationship with one another. St. Mark’s vestry proposes to accept, on behalf of interested St. Mark’s members, an invitation to worship and participate in a community service project with the Episcopal Church of Guácimo, Costa Rica, while housed at Earth University, http://www.earth.ac.cr/en). High-school students in our parish have had outstanding experiences at this campus (through educational, schoolsponsored trips). Our senior warden, JP Kloninger, a native Costa Rican, has investigated the opportunity for us. Following are some initial details:
Guácimo’s main parish is dated and a US $45,000 master project to refurbish it is underway. In addition, the church desires to build a community center with a day center for the elderly, a small-scale soccer field for youth, and a dormitory to house future groups visiting from Episcopal churches abroad. Three days would be spent painting, repairing and finishing walls, and installing tile flooring. There will be daily, joint-parish morning prayer at the worksite and additional fellowship opportunity with another U.S. parish also staying at Earth University during our visit. Itinerary includes two days of rest and relaxation on the Caribbean Coast.
The Costa Rican parish is requesting monetary donations supporting the following needs:
Funds supporting the master project Soccer uniforms and gear for the 8-12 year-old children most likely for use at the new soccer facility. Items that St. Mark’s travelers could bring for the monthly care baskets that are currently given to needy families in the area.
This is a good outreach opportunity for us and small contributions can make a big difference. Estimated cost/expenses based on a group size of 17-20: If you are interested in this excellent outreach opportunity, please e-mail JP Kloninger ASAP at jpkloninger@hotmail.com, including the number in your group. We must have at least 15 people in order to continue planning the trip. A parent must accompany youth under high-school age.
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April 2015 Paving the Way Home (An Outreach Opportunity) At one time or another nearly every one of us has encountered a homeless person—and turned away. We have usually done so out of frustration that we knew of nothing we could do that would make a real difference in the lives of these, our neighbors. Now there is finally something that truly can make a difference!
Community First! The Village is a 27-acre master-planned community that will provide affordable, sustainable housing and a supportive community for as many as 250 of the disabled, chronically homeless people now living in Central Texas.
An innovative mix of affordable housing options Places for worship, study, and fellowship Memorial garden and columbarium A community garden featuring fruit- and nut-bearing trees and vegetables A chicken operation, bee hives producing fresh honey, and aquaponics A workshop with tool bank and art gallery for microenterprise opportunities A medical facility for physical and mental health screenings and support services including hospice and respite care Walking trails An outdoor theater and bed & breakfast for mission visits CAP Metro bus stop WiFi
Everything we do is about relationships. The biggest lesson we have learned over the years is that we are not a food ministry. We merely use food as a conduit to connect human to human and heart to heart. ALAN GRAHAM, Founder & President
Just as it has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, it will also take a large community to create and sustain this special village. By the time this newsletter is published, Donna Emery will have visited us on Sunday after services to tell the story of these efforts. During April please watch and prayerfully consider participating as our Outreach Committee encourages us to explore ways that St. Mark’s can use our gifts of time, talents, and money to join in this mission. There are ways that each of our ministries—and members of all ages (as singles or families)—can serve. Recalling Jesus’ words—“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” —we now know a new way to minister to those whom our Lord has called us to serve.
How this Ministry Idea Developed, and How We Know it Works! About sixteen years ago Mobile Loaves & Fishes began as a food truck ministry. Out of that relationship with people living on the streets came an awareness of the need for simple housing, and Habitat on Wheels was created. HOW helped establish these neighbors in small RVs scattered in several parks. That experience has been extremely effective: over the last nine years HOW has lifted 99 disabled, chronically homeless neighbors into housing with 87% successfully lifted off the streets. But out of experience with HOW grew an awareness (and the strong conviction and commitment) that people need more than merely housing — they need community! http://mlf.org/community-first/
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April 2015
Christian Formation for Youth, by Cathy Nelson, DRE Many of us have colored our way through Lent. Now that we have come to Easter, we can make our celebration more festive with an exhibit in the Parish Hall of our Join the Journey through Lent calendars! Please share your personal expression of Lent with the community to add color to the Season of Easter! As we celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 5, we will hear the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Our children will recognize that this is a very special time, not just because of their new Easter clothing or the annual Easter Egg Hunt. They will know because most Christians will try to make it to an Easter service and the pews will be filled. They will hear jubilant music sung by our choir and by the congregation. It is a joyous service, one through which we try to express the mystery and awe Christians feel about this principle story of our faith. We bring our children to church on Easter, despite the crowds, because we want them to know and experience this joy. We want them to hear the Easter story, and to know that it is part of who we are and what we practice. Recently, I came across another way of sharing what we believe with our children. In the book, To Bless a Child, the Rev. Roy G. Pollina explains how to bless your child and why it is important do it. In the introduction, he writes about his family’s special ritual at school drop off time. At the time of separation in the morning I would lay a hand on my child and say, ‘God bless you and keep you, God make his face to shine upon you, and be with you always.’ I blessed my children because I was their father and I felt it was duty, my solemn honor and holy privilege, to pronounce God’s gracious favor upon them. Pollina concludes by saying that the purpose of his book is “to show that the act of blessing a child is not a practice reserved for the church, but a ritual that strengthens family ties and empowers children to live and share the blessings of God.” In a chapter called “Words of Hope,” Pollina writes, “We have a story to tell our children, a story of hope and of love. The story begins with a word from God that begins creation. We read in Genesis that God called all of creation good. We need to tell our children this story of God’s hopeful, loving relationship to creation. This is the story found in the Bible. And while the Bible story is foundational, there is another story we can tell. It is the story of our relationship with God. Every Sunday morning a family tells part of the story.” And, he continues, whatever the family does on Sunday and throughout the week becomes the family’s story about their relationship with God. Christianity is about our relationship with “God through the Son of God who became a human being” and died on the cross and rose again to create a new relationship with God.
Vacation Bible School June 15-19, for children 4 years old through 5th grade. We’d love to share this great experience with both you and your children! We are looking for adult and youth volunteers to help with VBS. There will be childcare for young children of parent leaders. Registration & application forms for participants & volunteers a are on our website: www.stmarksaustin.org.
Pollina points out that there are many other stories calling out to our children, our cultural stories, the marketing stories of those hoping to sell products to our children and us, and the stories found in books, movies, television shows and video games, among others. When we bless our children with words of “love, goodness and hope, of a God who remains true when so much else is false” we share with our children the story of God’s infinite grace. In My Grandfather’s Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging, we find another story of blessings, these passed down from a grandfather to his granddaughter. Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., weaves her grandfather’s teachings and blessings into a story about her own life of blessings and service to others. In her introduction Remen, says that her grandfather, Rabbi Meyer Ziskind, taught her that “blessings strengthen life
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April 2015 and feed life just as water does. When we bless someone, we touch the unborn goodness in them and wish it well.” Early in the book, Remen describes Friday afternoons spent with her grandfather. Like many practicing Jews, Friday was their day for special blessings. After sharing traditional Russian tea with him, her grandfather would pray and then bless her. Rabbi Ziskind would lay his hands on her head and thank God for her and for making him her grandpa. Then he would tell God about something specific she had been struggling with that week and say something about her that was true, maybe how she had been honest after making mistakes; or how hard she had tried to do something even if she had failed; or her bravery when dealing with something difficult. Finally, her grandfather would give her his blessing and ask Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah and Leah to watch over her. When Remen was seven years old, her grandfather died. She says it was hard because “He had looked at me as no one else had and called me by a special name, Neshume-le, which means beloved little soul.” Although, she was worried that without him to see her and tell God who she was she might disappear, over time, she discovered that “in some mysterious way, I had learned to see myself through his eyes. And that once blessed, we are blessed forever.” May God bless you and keep you, God make his face to shine upon you, and be with you always.
Christian Formation Schedule Church School classes will take a break as we celebrate Easter on April 5. During the 9:00 a.m. service, the youth will help hide the Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. Their help is very much appreciated! Many thanks to our bunnies! On April 12, 19, and 26, regular Church School classes resume. The Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners and Kindergartners will hear Easter Eggs, a Ukrainian folk tale that ties the tradition of Easter eggs to the celebration of the mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed by Jesus and the Twelve and The Good Shepherd and World Communion. The Godly Play Two class for 1st through 5th graders will focus on the next stories of the saints of the Church. This month, they will hear St. Catherine of Siena, St. Julian of Norwich, and St. Columba. The Youth Class will meet with their adult leaders Danielle Adkins, and an occasional visit from Father Nate and with teen leader Ellise Johnson for bible study and breakfast.
Adult Formation in April and May The Adult Formation class will meet at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Chapel during April and May, starting after Easter Sunday, which is April 5. April 12
Dramatic Reading of the Martyrdom of Polycarp
April 19 & 26, May 3 & 10
The Tradition of Christian Socialism (Philip Turner)*
May 17
General Convention, 2015
*On Sunday, April 19, Philip Turner will begin a four-week series on Christian Socialism. He will focus his attention on its roots in mid-19th century Britain and America.
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April 2015
Caffeine Ministry 5
Easter Day Early Late
Marthas Becky and Jim Nolan
12
Early Late
Marie Peterek Ashley and Travis Phillips
19
Early Late
Al McKinney Becky and Andrew Poynot
Early Late
Ross Ramsey and Becky Brownlee Abby and Stephen Raines
26
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: Diana Stangl.
April Celebrations Birthdays Alyssa Gallardo Clarence Bonnen Kristen Grulke Christina Papalexandrou Beth Brode George Pazdral Kelly Cromack Jaylon Loyd Gary Taylor Marcus Yax Chuck Bryant Kevin Farley Sylvia Fitz Nancy Santos Michael Stangl Carlisle Farley Vincenzo Moreno Jennifer Pollard Jesse Poynot
04/01 04/03 04/03 04/03 04/04 04/04 04/05 04/05 04/05 04/05 04/06 04/06 04/06 04/06 04/06 04/07 04/07 04/07 04/07
Cole Rudy III Cindy Cabler Karen Milton Vivian Reshetnikov Shannon Schulz Asher Poynot Amber Ramsey Jack Sullivan Alma Sullivan Mairin Bachschmid Samantha Harwood Jodi Doran Patricia Rogers James Keahey Andrew Poynot Delda Skinner Kevin Sullivan Robert Hicks Thomas Huston
04/07 04/08 04/08 04/08 04/10 04/11 04/11 04/11 04/11 04/12 04/12 04/14 04/14 04/15 04/15 04/15 04/16 04/18 04/19
Adelaide Harwood Arthur Portman Parker Yax Adam Poynot Dee Ann Thomasson Ellie Reshetnikov Sally Russell Kenneth Hicks Erin Portman Jack Whalen Vanessa Joyce Elisa Turner Emmaline Baxter-Harwell Shirley Schwartz Irma Glover Sara Thiessen Bonnie Nolan
04/21 04/21 04/21 04/22 04/22 04/23 04/23 04/26 04/26 04/26 04/27 04/27 04/28 04/28 04/29 04/29 04/30
Anniversaries Carol & Rich Oppel Jennifer & Reed Shaw Amanda & David Lindeman Clara & Paul Berndt Kelly & Philip Dixon Sally & Robert Russell Shannon & Matt Schulz Sarah & Philip Tso George & John DeMarines Cindy & Dan Bogard
04/01 04/04 04/05 04/06 04/06 04/10 04/10 04/10 04/11 04/12
Jodi & Jay Doran Nicole Flores & Daniel Aja Ester & Gary Taylor Erin & Michael Portman Shelly Botkin & Ryan Marquess Danielle & Bill Adkins Virginia & Stuart Sullivan Millie & Jim Casparis Mai & John Rogers
04/16 04/19 04/25 04/26 04/27 04/28 04/28 04/29 04/29
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April 2015
April ROTA
9:00
7:30
TIME
MINISTRY
April 5 Easter Day
April 12 Youth Sunday
April 19
April 26 Youth Sunday
May 3
LECTOR
Jill Collins
Nancy Middlebrook
Amelia Sondgeroth
Pattie Rose
Margarita Moreno
LEM / ACOLYTE
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
Margarita Moreno
Wes Raney
Jill Collins
USHERS
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Judith & Jon Dullnig
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
LECTORS
Nancy Kibler (1) Mary-Alis Kelly (2)
YOUTH
Meredith Childs (1) Kevin Childs (2)
YOUTH
Mike Fuhrman (1) Dodie Wells (2)
LEM
Tom Schneider Bill Kibler
Thom Temperli Lynn Edgerton
Tom Schneider Becky Janes
Mike Thomasson Pam Castles
Thom Temperli Lynn Edgerton
ACOLYTES
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Hunter Rogers Kim B.
Clay Buckner Meredith Childs TBD TBD Kim K.
Ariston Awitan IV Claudia Janes Matthew Awitan Henry Janes Kim B.
Aidan Brady Karen Milton Hunter Rogers Will Kelly Kim B., Kim K.
Claudia Janes Ethan Fuhrman Henry Janes Hunter Rogers Carol, Kim K.
USHERS
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Michael Brown Ariston Awitan III
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
GREETERS
Maria & Mike Fuhrman
LECTORS LEM
11:00
ACOLYTES
USHERS
ALTAR GUILD
GREETERS
Sat. 9:00
Kimberly Horne (1) Rex White (2)
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack Michael Meigs (1) Karen Milton (2)
Kay Brown (1) Beth Holmes (2)
Michael Meigs Diana Stangl Bill Willis (1) Ann Seyler (2)
Thom Temperli Michele Bonner
Tom Schneider Dru Cabler
Tom Schneider Jay Brown
Thom Temperli Meredith Childs
Rex White Brenda White
Matt Forrest Karen Milton Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Jay Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works Jean & Frank Severn Laura Merritt
Bonnie Brode Jay Brown Emma Kloninger Meredith Shaw Jay, Cindy Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
Sophie Lawrence Suzanne Lightsey Ryan Dempsey Claire Dempsey Jay, Cindy
Max Genet Luke Thiessen Josef Genet Elijah Gallardo Jay, Cindy Frank & Jean Severn Jodi Doran Jay Doran Pam Johns David Johns Sue Borel Steve Niemeyer Barbara Dody
Winston Baxter-Harwell Asher Eaton Evelyn Eaton Emma Baxter-Harwell Jay, Cindy Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Millie Casparis Judy Elkins
Meredith Childs-TC Dodie Wells Karen Milton Henry Olivas Lynn Edgerton
Kim Buckner
Henry Olivas Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Sandy Sterzing Yvette Webb Jay Doran Dee Ann Thomasson -TC
Tina Stonebarger Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Barbara Dody Susan Baxter-Harwell
Maria & Mike Fuhrman Andrew Poynot (1) Michele Bonner (2)
Jean & Frank Severn
Diana Stangl -TC Helen Anderson Liz Davis Cynthia Archer Elijah Gallardo
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock
Depositor
Jim Nolan
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Frank Severn
Diane Brewer
WED. 6 p.m.
April 1
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29
Lector
Rex White
Jonea Raney
Eric Panter
Pattie Rose
Dodie Wells
Page 12
Vestry J.P. Kloninger, Sr. Warden Diana Stangl, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Clarence Bonnen, Michele Bonner, Shelly Botkin, Mark Breen, Jill Collins, John Cooper, Karen Dulaney Smith, Suzann Dvorken, David Johns, Nancy Kibler, Karen Milton, Jim Nolan, and David Randle
Committees Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel, Cindy Cabler, 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: Pat Bullock Facilities: Ray Smith Finance: John Edgerton
Deadline for the May 2015 St. Mark’s News is Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
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. Nathaniel Jung-Chul Lee Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarians Tom Schneider Thom Temperli 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 office@stmarksaustin.org
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED