St. Mark's News

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August 2016

St. Mark’s News Volume 20/Issue 7

From the Assistant Rector Six Things I Learned about St. Mark’s During the Rector’s Sabbatical By The Rev. Dr. David W. Peters Decision: This summer our nation was rocked by some huge tragedies (Orlando, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis, Dallas, et cetera) that were full of hot-button controversial issues, which have historically caused tension in the church, not to mention the terrible losses of human lives. What do we say? What do I say? This summer I found out that the rector has to make rather quick decisions about all these things, weighing the pastoral needs of the congregation with the needs of the world. I found choosing and writing the prayers for our vigils in the chapel, the words in the bulletin, and how we announced all this to be a challenge. After going through this I’m thankful for how our Rector, Elizabeth, navigates St. Mark’s through turbulent waters of the modern world. People: Throughout the sabbatical I found myself interacting with

parishioners I did not get to know in my first few months here. Each time I was amazed by the specialization and expertise of each person here. I often learned that “Mark knows how to fix the Bell,” or “Carol knows the daughter of the person in the hospital who called the church earlier this morning.” By the way, I did go on the roof with Mark to untangle the bell rope between services. While I had a wonderful view of Zilker Park, I was happy to be back on solid ground. Simeon and Anna: Just as Anna and Simeon were daily in the

In this Issue From the Assistant Rector ......... 1 Parish Ministries ........................ 3 Outreach .................................... 5 Parish Life.................................. 5 Christian Formation ................... 6 The Gift of Sabbatical ................ 8 Caffeine Ministry ........................ 8 Parishioner Highlights ................ 9 Celebrations ............................ 10 ROTA....................................... 11 ROTA....................................... 11

Temple, so are some of St. Mark’s members daily in the Parish Church. Some water the plants, others haul old pieces of wood away, and all are a delight to see. St. Mark’s is a shrine in the sense that it represents the holy and the good and I am always thankful that people are drawing near to experience God’s Presence. Because of my studies last spring, I was often here and there, rushing around. During the sabbatical I’ve been a bit more grounded here and am thankful to see more of the Parish’s life during the week. Angels: When some anonymous dumper dumped their old furniture in front of our dumpster, I was notified. It

was then I realized Elizabeth does far more than anyone realizes. For rectors, in my experience, the angel (and devil too) is in the details. Numerous details, from how to work the thermostats, lights, and how to repair a sink are dealt with by Elizabeth every day. I found that most people at St. Mark’s avoid even attempting to figure out some of the thermostats. I tried, but was not always successful, in “being the Duck,” that is, floating peacefully along while paddling like crazy under the surface. Remembering: While helping Jim plan the Men’s Fishing Trip, getting ready for Sunday morning in the

office, or trying to figure out the coffee maker, I was able to participate in numerous historical discussions about the past of St. Mark’s. The past is the most reliable reference for how to do things in the present since most of us haven’t been to the future yet. As I listen to these stories of faith-filled moments from the past I realize they are not simply in the past, but present in the life of the storyteller. As I listen, I find that I am

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