August 2015
St. Mark’s News Volume 19/Issue 7
From the Rector On occasion it is important to remember that St. Mark’s is part of the Diocese of Texas, part of the larger national church, and a constituent member of the wider Anglican Communion. What this boils down to is that neither St. Mark’s nor the Diocese of Texas are at liberty to do whatever we want, however we choose to do it, when it comes to certain aspects of our life together. The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church that meets every three years. The Convention is a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Deputies (clergy and lay people) and the House of Bishops. Deputies and bishops representing each diocese carry out the work at Convention. This year the 78th General Convention met in Salt Lake City, Utah, from June 25 – July 3. In 2018, General Convention will meet in Austin and St. Mark’s will, no doubt, be asked to help host in some capacity or another. At the beginning of the new program year in September, when we resume our Adult Formation classes, we will spend a couple of Sundays sharing and discussing some of the legislative decisions that were made at the most recent General Convention. On Thursday, August 13, Bishop Doyle has scheduled a meeting with the clergy at Camp Allen to discuss the recent legislation and what the decisions might mean for our diocese and for our parish. At this point I simply want to note some of the highlights (as reported by the Episcopal News Service):
In this Issue From the Rector .........................1 Outreach ....................................3 Parish Life ..................................3 Christian Formation ....................4 Rally Day ....................................6 Women’s Storybook Project .......8 Parishioner Highlights ................9 Celebrations ............................. 10 Caffeine Ministry ...................... 10 ROTA ....................................... 11
A new Presiding Bishop (the 27th), the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, was elected on the first ballot, by a vote of 800 to 12. Bishop Curry is currently the Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, and he will be the first African-American presiding bishop. The Presiding Bishop is elected for nine years, and his term will begin in November. +Michael and I both graduated from Yale Divinity School in 1978. In the wake of the June 26 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in every state, General Convention followed suit on July 1 with canonical and liturgical changes to provide marriage equality for Episcopalians. There was a canonical change eliminating language that defines marriage as between a man and woman and two new marriage rites were authorized for use beginning in Advent 2015. The triennial budget for 2016-2018 includes additional monies for evangelism and for a new initiative on racial justice and reconciliation. General Convention made mandatory what is currently a voluntary diocesan budgetary asking system. As of 2019 dioceses will be required to pay their full assessment. General Convention passed two resolutions aimed at environmentally responsible investing and creating a climate change advisory committee. Convention approved two resolutions making major changes to the structure of the Episcopal Church: expanded Executive Council’s appointment power concerning 3 members of the executive staff, and reduced the number of the church’s standing commissions from 14 to 2 (Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons and the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music). Convention passed two resolutions on peacemaking, and voiced support of Christians in Israel and the occupied territories. The resolution also urged Episcopalians to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
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Convention called for revision of both the Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnal. Plans for revision will be presented to the 2018 General Convention in Austin. There will also be a revised version of Holy Women, Holy Men (commemoration of various saints and other notable people of faith) entitled A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Convention passed three resolutions on the issue of alcohol and drug abuse: ordinands should be questioned at the beginning of the discernment process about addiction and substance abuse in their lives and family systems; acknowledged the church’s role in the culture of alcohol and drug abuse; and created a task force to review and revise the current policy on substance abuse, addiction and recovery. These resolutions were primarily the result of the recent arrest of Bishop Heather Cook for killing a cyclist while intoxicated and texting while driving. Convention passed several resolutions expressing concern for persecuted Christians in several countries. The Bishops led a procession of @ 1,500 General Convention attendees in a Bishops United Against Gun Violence march.
And NOT having to do with General Convention . . . Sunday, July 12, was Nate’s last Sunday with us at St. Mark’s, the Sunday before he and Janna were married at St. David’s on July 18. So now the question is who next? The short answer is that I don’t yet know. By the time Nate was called by All Saints’ in Chevy Chase, all of the curates had been placed. As I said in my introduction to the General Convention summary, there are some things that require diocesan permission and involvement and bringing a clergy person into this diocese from another is one of those things. The diocesan Canon to the Ordinary, Kai Ryan, who is responsible for deployment, gave me one man’s name in May. At the time of our conversation he was quite certain he would be accepting a curate position in Baton Rouge, LA, largely because it was closer to his family in Mississippi and because the cost of living would be more conducive to his wife being able to be a stay-at-home mom for a couple of years. Kai subsequently gave me the name of another man from the Diocese of Wisconsin, but whose home and family were in Columbia, SC. Again, the pull of home and family were stronger than Austin and he accepted a position at a parish in his hometown. There is a recent Duke Divinity graduate with whom I have been in conversation and who I think would be a good match for us. As of today (July 27) we are looking forward to a weekend visit (July 31 - August 2) by Timothy McLeod and his wife Caitlin, having received permission from Kai Ryan to do so. Come meet them at church on August 2 and pray that they might be called to make a move from Durham, NC, to Austin. To be continued . . . EZT+
Rally Day and Backpack Blessing on August 30 Sunday, August 30, is the last Sunday for services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.: we return to the three-service schedule (7:30, 9:00, and 11:00) on September 6, and classes resume on September 13. August 30 is also the Sunday for blessing backpacks, for distributing crosses, and for blessing our teachers at the 10:00 service. Following the 10:00 service we will move into the Parish Hall for our Rally Day festivities. In the next several weeks I encourage you to pray and to ask how your gifts might serve the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s. There are opportunities for serving in our liturgical ministries (choir, reading, chalice bearing), for teaching in our church school, for working with our youth, for welcoming newcomers, for serving the wider community on the Outreach Committee . . . . Rally Day is also great fun. It is a time to catch up with friends and to make new ones. Join us!!
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Outreach Thank you for all the donations to help those in our community. Approximately $500 in checks and gift cards was donated to the Austin Disaster Relief Network to help those still recovering from the May floods. The Family Eldercare Fan Drive is still ongoing, but so far we have received and donated close to $500 in funds.
School Supply Drive in August! Our annual school supply drive will begin the first Sunday of August and conclude on Sunday, August 23. El Buen Samaritano’s after-school programs will be the recipients of our donations. Pick up a flyer in the parish hall for needed items. Also, please let Laurie Mayor or Cathy Nelson know if you'd like to help deliver the items to El Buen. Blood Drive in September: Save the date! Be on the lookout for a sign up sheet for St. Mark's Blood Drive, which will be on September 13, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. El Buen Samaritano Food Collection for El Buen Samaritano for August is RICE (brown or white). Community First! Village St. Mark’s has purchased a micro-home for the Community First! Village. The youth made and sold breakfast tacos, and with the $400 they brought in they are going to purchase some of the home’s essentials. What are some of the other things that we can do as a parish in the months to come? Donna Emery, from Mobile Loaves and Fishes, will return to St. Mark’s to continue this discussion and dreaming with us on Sunday, August 9 at 11:00 a.m. If you have yet to see the Village, I encourage you to do so.
Parish Life First Friday Book Group Join us on the first Friday of each month for a lively discussion of our book of the month! We gather in the Bennett Wing classroom at 11:00 a.m. Here is what we are reading for the next several months: August 7 September 4 October 2 November 6 December 4
All the Light We Cannot See The Boys in the Boat Beautiful Ruins The Good Lord Bird Girl Meets God
Anthony Doerr Daniel James Brown Jess Walter James McBride Lauren Winner
Women’s News On Saturday, July 18, Lark Anthony, Pat Bullock, Liz Davis, Lisa Martin, and Barbara Wilson enjoyed lunch at the Gristmill Restaurant and shopping at Gruene Market Day as well as swing music at the Gruene Hall. On July 27, a group of women saw the movie Mr. Holmes at Barton Creek Cinema.
Please mark your calendars for the following events in August: August 16 - salad/sandwich luncheon (volunteers needed to help with set up. Please contact Liz Davis or Pat Bullock). August 24 - potluck/bunco
Shower Ministry On June 23, volunteers Beth Chenoweth, Kim Buckner, Stephanie Young, Liz Davis, DeeAnn Thomasson, Brenda White, Susan Willis, and Pat Bullock joined the neighbors for lunch to celebrate the 5th year anniversary of the Shower Ministry. The Trinity Center provided the lunch and we brought a cake. We also handed out summer goodie bags to the neighbors that included flip flops, lip balm and socks. The Shower Ministry is happy to announce that Susan Willis has joined Team 4 - welcome back, Susan!
August 30 - Rally Day (volunteers needed for the Women's Group table. Please contact Liz Davis or Pat Bullock if you can help).
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August 2015 Music Notes You are invited to sing in a St. Mark’s choir this year! Sunday, August 30 is Rally Day—a time to explore the various ministry opportunities available at St. Mark’s. I hope that as you explore the many excellent opportunities for service and fellowship, that you will consider singing with a choir. St. Mark’s has two outstanding choirs, and the singers in both groups would be thrilled to welcome you! The Adult Choir (open to youth!) sings great choral music in a variety of styles and genres. Our repertoire is grounded in the Anglican choral tradition and also includes selections from the classical, modern, folk, spiritual, and gospel styles. In addition to singing at the 11:00 a.m. service during the academic year, the Adult Choir sings for special liturgies surrounding the holy seasons of the church. We welcome singers with varying levels of experience. Some music reading ability is helpful, but several first-time choir members sing in the group. Though we especially need men, all voice parts are encouraged to join. There is no audition. The Choristers (primarily elementary school kids) are a group of children who enjoy singing, learning about music and worship, playing games, and having lots of fun! By participating in Choristers, children not only develop their musical skills, but they also strengthen their faith by joining a community and building friendships within the church. They sing approximately once a month at the 9:00 a.m. service during the academic year. They also participate in festive liturgies such as Lessons and Carols and Palm Sunday. I hope that you will prayerfully consider singing with us! Please contact Mark Reed by email (mreed1685@gmail.com) or phone (512-203-1780) for more information, or just stop by the music table on Rally Day.
Adult Choir First Rehearsal: Wednesday, September 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Choristers First Rehearsal: Wednesday, September 9 from 6:15-7:00 p.m. in the Common Room.
Christian Formation by Cathy Nelson, DRE After a nice, and hopefully restful, summer break it is time to prepare for the return to regular fall programming at the church. Because we are the church and the church is you, the parishioner, our preparation includes you! Church School teachers and Adult Ed presenters, Mark Reed and members of the choristers, acolyte masters and acolytes, to name a few ministers and volunteers who serve St. Mark’s, will help finalize plans and schedules to be ready when we return to three services and resume Christian Formation. The many ministries and committees that serve the St. Mark’s community will be highlighted on Rally Day, August 30, at 11:00 a.m. As you look over the list (found in this newsletter) and visit the tables on Rally Day, please consider how you can contribute to the life of this parish and lives beyond our doors. As we worship and work together the Church grows and our lives are enriched in return. Our ministries with children are a very important part of the work we do together at St. Mark’s. As baptized Christians, children are equal members in our liturgy and worship. They also represent the future of the Church. And most importantly, they are a gift from God, and we are responsible for providing ways for children to develop spiritually and emotionally while they are with us. Christian Formation for children occurs in many ways: when children walk in the doors and know they are welcome; as they are cared for in the nursery; when they attend a Church School class or take part in the liturgy of Children’s Chapel and worship services; when they play on the playground after church; and later when they serve at the altar, sing in the choir or attend youth group; when they attend or help lead Vacation
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August 2015 Bible School; and when they serve others alongside their family and friends at the Trinity Center or the Capital Area Food Bank. In St. Mark’s Church School and Children’s Chapel, children hear the stories of our faith, and then are given time and space to reflect on them. This reflection is important because children need to Calling St. Mark’s Parents and others who work with St. Mark’s have time to wonder, imagine, question, and children and youth: sort through these stories and to make them Safeguarding God’s Children Certification their own. And these stories are significant! In The final promise of our Baptismal Covenant urges us to “Strive for justice Offering the Gospel to Children, author and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human Gretchen Wolff Pritchard says that these being.” The Safe Church Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas can stories, “the story of God’s people – our story – help us live out this promise. The programs ensure an environment free of is not a collection of object lessons or abuse, exploitation, and harassment. http://www.epicenter.org/safechurch/ heartwarming anecdotes, but a long story of Safeguarding God’s Children is part of the Safe Church Ministry. In unbearable loss - and unbearable hope.” accordance with Safeguarding God’s Children Policies any program for children and youth at St. Mark’s will be staffed by at least two unrelated
In a chapter called “The Death That Heals” she adults aged 21 years or older who have been certified in Safeguarding God’s writes, “For Christians, the stories of Christ’s Children. The Safeguarding God’s Children certification process requires volunteers and employs to fill in an online application, have reference checks life, death, and resurrection are the most and a background check run, sign a code of conduct and attend a three-hour powerful ‘fairy tale’ or ‘myth’ in the world. class to learn about signs of sexual abuse and how to prevent it from They also happen to be true. But it is the occurring. The information in the program adds to the overall health and enormous power of these stories that exerts safety of the community, and is invaluable information for families who are raising children, as well as for others who help form a circle of care around such a pull on our imaginations and drives us to our children. act them out in springtime, and Sunday by Sunday throughout the year. ‘Christ has died, St. Mark’s is proud that our church is the kind of place where families are comfortable bringing their children. And it is our parents and other Christ is risen, Christ will come again’; ‘Take volunteers, along with all St. Mark’s adults, who help create this and eat: this is for you.’ This story, which is environment. In order to continue to provide this kind of loving circle around ‘so captivating’ to child and adult alike, though our children, we need the help of all adults, especially parents. Please sign we can not put our finger on why it so moves up for an upcoming class and join us in providing a safe and loving environment for our children. and exalts and nourishes us, is what we share with each other in the life of the church; and the For information, please contact Cathy Nelson, 512-444-1449 or cnelson@stmarksaustin.org. ‘difficult situation’ it helps us ‘cope with’ is our own mysterious, inexplicable life: our birth, our alienation, our need for love, our fear of death, and our assurance that the Christ who died and rose again has somehow brought us home to the heart of God.” “It deserves to be told – our children deserve to experience it – over and over again, directly as a gospel and liturgy, and also as it is mirrored in fairy tale, myth, and other works of art. And our children deserve the opportunity to respond to this story, with clay, paint, and crayons, with their bodies and their voices, with their imaginations and their hearts, in worship, in sacrament, in celebration and in play.” As children interact with other children and their teachers, faith and a sense of belonging to this community of believers grows. And adult leaders, who welcome the children, pass on the stories and support the classes through their response, are given the opportunity to remember and renew their own faith. Serving St. Mark’s Church School in this way can be a blessing. I pray that you and your children will join us on this journey of faith. Classes will begin on September 13 at 10:00 a.m. Join us on Rally Day, Sunday, August 30, when we mark the beginning of our Church program year. For St. Mark’s, Rally Day is our opportunity to begin again with renewed resolve. This annual tradition, when we set up tables in the Parish Hall with information about the many groups, committees, programs and events available at St. Mark’s, calls parishioners to consider how we will participate in the St. Mark's community
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August 2015 during the upcoming year. It is a time for families to sign their children up to acolyte, to sing as a chorister, to attend Christian Formation classes and youth group, to be an usher or youth lector. Besides Rally Day festivities, there will be the Blessing of Backpacks and Crosses during the 10:00 a.m. service. Students of all ages heading out to school this fall are invited to receive a back-to-school cross; and the congregation will join in a prayer for students and teachers as they begin a new school year. Also, St. Mark’s Outreach Committee will be collecting school supplies for Austin school children who are in need. Watch for information about our drive in this newsletter and in other communications from St. Mark’s. On September 6, we will return to three services, and Christian Formation classes will begin at 10:00 a.m. on September 13. Families can register their children for Christian Formation classes on our website: www.stmarksaustin.org. Parents, don’t forget to mark which jobs you are interested in volunteering to do for our programs on the registration form. Your help is greatly appreciated! Thank you! I am looking forward to seeing all of you on Rally Day.
Rally Day St. Mark’s Rally Day is on August 30. Rally Day is an opportunity to learn more about the various ways parish members can become involved in our church community. Below is some information on the ministries available. See if there is a ministry (or two) that speaks to your heart and then, on Rally Day, look for the signup sheet and contact person to gather more information. Acolytes - Acolytes are a dynamic group of young people and adults who are an integral part of the worship services, through carrying the torches, Gospel book or cross during services. Youth from 4th grade through high school are invited to participate. Adult acolytes are invited to serve at the 11:00 service. We are in need of acolytes at the 9 a.m. service! Contact: Jay Brown, Acolyte Master Altar Guild - Members of the Altar Guild are responsible for the care of the church linens, hangings, vestments, and traditional decorations for special services and are charged with care of the altar and its preparation for the Eucharist. Members serve on a rotating schedule. Contact: Millie Casparis Choir & Choristers - The Adult Choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. service and at other times during the liturgical year. St. Mark’s Choristers (children’s choir): All children and youth grades first and up are invited to join the Choristers to make music, have fun, and to learn to live out our faith in worship. Instrumentalists, solo and ensemble offerings are a welcome addition to the program. Contact: Mark Reed, Organist/Director of Music Children’s Christian Formation - Christian Formation is offered to children ages three through High School. Our program provides a nursery for crawling babies through three years of age, Godly Play classes, and age appropriate classes for older children and young adults. Confirmation classes are offered to 7th graders (and older) on a yearly basis. Children’s Chapel is provided during Sunday services for children aged 4 - 6 years. Contact: Cathy Nelson
Contemplative Prayer Group - This form of centering prayer prepares our heart and mind to receive the gift of God’s presence. The group meets on Saturday mornings from 8 - 9 a.m. in Grace Chapel. Contact: Liz Badger Correspondence Ministry - Through the art of letter writing, members of this ministry write notes on behalf of St. Mark's to members of the parish during important times of their lives. Contact: Cathy Nelson St. Mark’s Day School - An accredited school through the SAES (Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools), our Day School serves the needs of children 2 years through pre-kindergarten. Programs offered during the academic year include: gym magic, music, outdoor play, field trips, as well as individual classroom learning activities. Contact: Anne Wingler, Director Dinner Groups - Dinner Groups are formed in the fall and meet approximately once a month, throughout the year. Contact: Karen Milton The Order of the Daughters of the King - The Daughters of the King (DOK) is an order for laywomen who are communicants of the Episcopal Church. The Daughters make a courageous commitment to serve God and the church through prayer, service and evangelism. Contact: Pam Johns Education for Ministry (EfM) - EfM is a four-year Christian course, developed by the Sewanee Seminary. We meet once a week each Tuesday from 6-9 p.m., from September through May. Contact: Linda Crannell
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August 2015 Facilities Committee - The Facilities Committee of St. Mark’s meets on an ad hoc basis to provide needed repairs and upkeep to parish facilities. We need men and women with particular hands-on skills. Contact: Ray Smith Finance Committee - Responsible for preparation and oversight of the annual budget, the Finance Committee meets once a month. Committee members are appointed by the Rector. Garden Guild - The Garden Guild maintains the beautiful gardens and grounds of St. Mark’s. Volunteers create and nurture the thriving landscape. Members adopt an area to plant, water, and tend. Contact: Becky Nolan Health Ministry - Health Ministry is a living witness to the healing activity of God encouraging whole person health through: Integration of body, mind, spirit; increased selfknowledge; personal responsibility; interdependence among God’s people. The success of the Health Ministry comes from the commitment of volunteers willing to serve others. Contact: Jonea Raney Lectors and Chalice Bearers - Lay Readers, Lectors and Chalice Bearers are adults who take a prominent part in the parish worship. Those interested in offering these gifts to the parish should contact the Rector. Liturgy and Worship Committee - The Liturgy and Worship Committee assists the Clergy with planning and design of worship services. Particular attention each year goes into the planning of the season of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Contact: Rev. Elizabeth Turner Long Range Planning/Building Committee - The Long Range Planning Committee dares to dream, and consider what would make St. Mark’s a better place. We are not constrained by reality. Members appointed by the Rector. St. Mark’s Marthas, (Parish Life Committee) - The Marthas coordinate special functions at St. Mark’s to support our fellowship with one another. Through this connection we laugh, play, share, eat, and pray within a spirit of community. Contact: Brenda White Men’s Group - Meeting on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m., the Men’s Group enjoys food, and fellowship. Dinner duties are shared by cooking groups. (No charge to first time attendees!) This group also sponsors an annual Golf Tournament, which provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Contact: Bob Peterek Newcomers’ Incorporation Ministry - We greet visitors and welcome them into the parish. “Greeters” help out before and after Sunday services once per month. Contact: Meredith Childs Office Volunteers - Office volunteers do a variety of jobs in the St. Mark’s office, which include: answering the phone, folding Sunday’s bulletins, greeting visitors, record-keeping,
computer data entry, and handling occasional special projects. Volunteers usually work a few hours each week. Contact: Joanne Foote, Parish Administrator Outreach Committee - Our goal is to offer St. Mark’s parishioners opportunities for serving the outside community through a variety of programs such as: Capitol Area Food Bank, Communities in Schools, El Buen Samaritano, Habitat for Humanity, Trinity Streets, the Shower Ministry, and the Women’s Storybook Project. Contact: Laurie Mayor Pastoral Care/Meals Commission - We offer support to parish members during illnesses, deaths, and difficult family situations. Members volunteer to provide food, transportation, visitation, or any other special help. Contact: Jonea Raney and Diana Stangl Quilters Group - Quilters meet approximately on the last Friday each month and bring quilting projects they’re working on. The quilters also make baby quilts for our newborn members. Contact: Pat Bullock Shower Ministry - At the Trinity Center at St. David’s, female Trinity Street neighbors are given the opportunity to shower on Tuesday mornings. Volunteers from St. Mark’s greet the neighbors, provide clean towels, toiletries and oversee shower times. Contact: Pat Bullock Stewardship Committee - The Stewardship Committee coordinates the annual Mission and Ministry stewardship meals and program. This committee meets from April through November each year. Ushers - Ushers play a vital role in facilitating a smooth service: acting as a first contact for newcomers— representing the church community, assisting the infirm to insure participation, and monitoring the environment. Ushers are organized into teams assigned to one service per month. Contact: Henry Olivas Women of St. Mark’s - Involved in diverse ministries inside and outside the Parish, the Women of St. Mark’s have opportunities to gather together for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service. Social highlights include monthly potluck dinners & Bunco, and occasional Chick Flicks, museum trips, & retreats. Contact: Pat Bullock FWYC-Families With Young Children - We get together to share fun and fellowship, as well as to learn to raise Christian children. Our ministry includes social gatherings including Picnic & Playtime on the Deck, and events at Halloween & Christmas. We also have kid-free events for parents. Contact: Abby Raines Youth Group - The St. Mark’s Youth Group is a vibrant, funfilled and faith-filled group of kids. We typically meet for two hours every Sunday for social events, field trips, or outreach activities. Contact: Michele Bonner. Youth Lectors - Youth Lectors read twice a month during Sunday service at 9:00 a.m. Nancy Kibler is the coach.
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Women’s Storybook Project It all started here! The power of a small idea in living out your Christian faith. Judith Dullnig, a St. Mark’s parishioner who usually attends the 7:30 service, had an idea 12 years ago after a visit with a friend in Kentucky. Her idea involved a way to help incarcerated mothers maintain contact with their child or children during their prison time. Mothers who qualified were able to read a book to their child; the reading was recorded by volunteers; then the book and the tape were mailed to the child in care of his or her guardian. She talked to Bill Bennett (our then rector), and to Elizabeth Turner, and with their support took her idea to the Outreach Committee. After Judith made the necessary connections and got all the appropriate approvals from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (which took a very long time), a small project began with volunteers from St. Mark’s. Initially financed by the Outreach Committee and a Diocesan Cooperative Project Grant, 4 volunteers took 4 tape recorders and 25 books and traveled to the Hilltop Unit in Gatesville, meeting with Anne Mooney, the social worker who helped design the program. Volunteers paid for their own gas to the prison and the postage to mail the books to the children. Most of the first volunteers who initially went to Gatesville were from St. Mark's, among them, Andrea Michael (who played an important role in getting the project started and in the early trips to Gatesville), Sylvia Fitz, Mary Cromack, and Lark Anthony. Liz Davis became involved and in a few years, she became a Team Leader. Sylvia offered her home for annual gatherings so the growing volunteer base could meet one another and bring friends. Sylvia and Judith shopped TJ Maxx and other discount stores to buy appropriate books for $1. Sylvia became the Supplies Chairman. Early on, Judith started giving talks to other churches and synagogues. Soon she had gathered volunteers from a synagogue and book donations from holiday
shoppers at local bookstores. Today Women's Storybook Project of Texas has 191 volunteers serving six of the nine female prisons in Texas. Two of the prisons are in Dayton, and volunteers from Baytown and Houston serve them. New volunteers are still needed. Volunteers must first be trained and cleared by the prison, and then they make a commitment of one Saturday four times a year to travel to the nearest state female prison. St. Mark’s participation has dwindled to one long-time volunteer, Liz Davis, plus two recently added women—Berit Kragas and Sue Borel—who journey to Gatesville. Those who have volunteered over the years continue to comment about how meaningful their experience has been. The Austin Statesman published a superb feature article about the Project in April that vividly tells its full story; you can read it from the home page of the Storybook Project: http://storybookproject.org Recently, the Project has received more outstanding publicity on a wider level: In December 2014, a 7minute video, The Story of Storybook, aired on KLRU’s PBS NewsHour Weekend; this July two articles have appeared in the Motherlode Blog in the New York Times, one from the perspective of a fairly new volunteer, and the second, a moving account from the perspective of an incarcerated mother. Lastly, HuffPost Live posted a video interview on the web with volunteer Kristin Sample and Judith Dullnig. St. Mark’s is proud to have played a part in the beginning of the project and equally proud of its director and the way she is showing forth Christ’s commandment to love one another. For more information about volunteering, contact Judith Dullnig (info@storybookproject.org) or Liz Davis (bbqliz@gmail.com).
Weblinks referred to in article: http://storybookproject.org: a link to the Austin Statesman article can be found here A volunteer’s perspective: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/06/capturing-the-voices-of-mothers-in-prison/?module=BlogPost-
Title&version=Blog%20Main&contentCollection=U.S.&action=Click&pgtype=Blogs®ion=Body An incarcerated mother’s perspective: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/07/behind-bars-finding-meaning-in-a-book-read-aloud/ HuffPost Live video: http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/whats-working-prison-reading-programs/559ebff12b8c2a635500034c
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August 2015 A Letter From a Former Inmate Served by The Women’s Storybook Project of Texas My name is Lauri Arrington. I spent a little over 5 years of my children’s lives away from them in a maximum-security prison. When I left them my daughter was 22 months old and my son was 16. It was in prison that I learned about the Storybook Project. On my quest to better myself as a person and as a mom, I signed up for a parenting class. After the parenting class was completed I learned I qualified to participate in the Storybook Project. I started out as a participant and eventually became the mentor. I remember the first book that I read to my daughter: a Dr. Seuss book. As I sat down to start reading to her I felt a mixture of things. Prison not only takes your freedom but can take your identity as well. After so long you become “mom” by title only when someone else cares for your children on a daily basis. What I remember most was an unshakeable joy of knowing as long as I was reading that book I was “mom” again. It was surreal knowing my daughter would receive and hold in her hands the very same book that I held in my hands that day. We would occupy the same space even if it was at different times. After reading books to my daughter as a participant I was asked by the parenting teacher if I would be willing to sign up as the mentor. A mentor is an inmate who sets up the books, keeps track of who has read, and puts everything away when everyone is done. I was honored to be asked. I knew I would get to help other incarcerated moms through the emotional process I had just gone through. After my daughter received her books I learned that the books I sent to her went beyond her in many ways. My entire family was touched and helped through these books. When my son missed me he too would listen to my voice on tape. When my mom and dad had a rough day taking care of my many responsibilities, they found forgiveness and hope in the sound of my voice. My voice on those tapes was entertaining to my daughter, but was a lifeline for my entire family. I have been home for a little over two years now. I came home to a 6-year-old little girl and a 20-year-old man. It’s not easy to become “mom” again. The Storybook project is still very dear to my heart. When I have my own rough days taking care of my own responsibilities I will pick up one of my daughter’s books and read it. It is a very tangible reminder to cherish even the most difficult of days. Thank you Storybook Project for the hope you gave me in a hopeless place! I personally know several women who were changed on the inside while “inside” because of your amazing volunteers.
Parishioner Highlights We are blessed to have Bill and Danielle in our midst. They met while working in the banking business, have raised three boys, and chose St. Mark's as their home. Bill's carpentry talents abound: he works with furniture and extends his craftsmanship to their Barton Hills house and their New Bedford home. Danielle, who has been very involved at St. Mark's, currently works with our youth and the Shower Ministry. She comes to our rescue often as a substitute at the Trinity Center. So we salute another dynamic St. Mark's couple!
Beth Chenoweth
Danielle and Bill Adkins I have always been a member of an Episcopal church. Growing up in Miami, Florida, my family belonged to St. Phillip’s in Coral Gables. I was baptized and confirmed at St. Phillip’s. When I moved to Austin, I originally was a member of St. Christopher’s in Oak Hill for four years before joining St. Mark’s in 2000. Bill and I were married by Bill Bennett in 2001. I am very proud to call St. Mark’s my church family. My involvement with St. Mark’s includes my past term on the Vestry, Youth Group, Usher at 7:30 service, Vacation Bible School, and Shower Ministry. Bill and I are both bankers and have been our entire professional careers. We actually met while working for the same bank back in 1998. I work in the Wealth Management Group at Wells Fargo, strictly managing Special Needs Trust. Bill is an Executive Senior Vice President at ABC
Bank. Bill has his undergraduate in Economics from A&M and his MBA from UT. I have my undergraduate in Economics from St. Edward’s. Bill and I enjoy traveling, especially to New England where we are currently renovating an old family home in the small town of New Bedford. Our goal, over time, is to be able to spend as much of the summer as possible there. Living in the Barton Hills neighborhood, we have enjoyed our three boys attending Barton Hills Elementary, swimming at Barton Springs Pool, living close to downtown and most of all, only driving two minutes in the car to St. Mark’s. While Bill enjoys building furniture, my hobbies include: exercising and cooking. We adopted our family pet Tonka, a tiny Dachshund, three years ago. She was seven at the time and is now considered a “senior.” For a dog who only weighs nine and a half pounds, she certainly has control of the house!
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August 2015
August Celebrations Birthdays Douglas Joyce Kim Kiplin Quincy Raines Wesley Raney Nancy Hicks Margaret Azarmehr Kimberly Cromack James Crowson Chris Delfausse Berit Kragas Steven Siegismund Sue Crowson Kerstan Turman Danielle Adkins Willah Peers Dodie Wells Laura Delfausse Lisa Martin Audra Bogard Katie Harwood Britt Sitzes Yvonne Chavez Scarlett Lewis Virginia Acker
08/01 08/01 08/01 08/01 08/02 08/03 08/03 08/03 08/03 08/03 08/03 08/04 08/04 08/05 08/05 08/05 08/06 08/06 08/08 08/09 08/09 08/10 08/10 08/11
Jenny Greer Avery Lindeman Liam Sullivan Jeff Doidge Julia Greer Roger Seyler Mark Zuniga Lark Anthony Penny Considine Delia Greer Leigh Ann Hendricks Lucas Ruiz Nicole Flores Cole Francis Bodhi Pitt Jonea C. S. Raney Ken Walker Cathy Chadwick Ester Taylor Eric Goff David Martinez Max Azarmehr Kevin Cromack Ryan Dempsey
08/11 08/11 08/11 08/12 08/12 08/12 08/12 08/13 08/14 08/14 08/14 08/14 08/15 08/15 08/15 08/15 08/15 08/16 08/16 08/17 08/17 08/19 08/19 08/19
Claire Dempsey Morgan Li Lucy Joyce Jack Minor Juana Antokoletz Kate Bonnen John Edgerton David Manlin Lee Siegismund Becky Janes Charlie Berndt Marcy Greer Kenzie Randall Barbette Cooper Emily (Bee) Dolan Clara Berndt Marquita Dubach Rich Janes Michael Brode Perry Juneau David Lindeman Barbara Wilson Rick Albers Aby Gomez
08/19 08/19 08/20 08/20 08/21 08/21 08/21 08/21 08/21 08/23 08/24 08/24 08/25 08/26 08/27 08/28 08/28 08/28 08/30 08/30 08/30 08/30 08/31 08/31
Anniversaries Diane & Perry Juneau Patricia & Joe Bullock Amelia & James Sondgeroth Lorraine & David Bowman Amy & Seth Randle Lisa & Neil Kepple Susan & Rick Albers Meredith & Kevin Childs Lisa Leach & Jeff Doidge
08/01 08/07 08/07 08/10 08/11 08/14 08/15 08/15 08/15
Barbara & Glenn Dody Carol & Gary Todd Cathy & James Nelson Cathy Chadwick & Glenn Peers Amy & Nassos Papalexandrou Dee Ann & Mike Thomasson Jill Collins & Jonea C. S. Raney Rose & Jim Jennings
08/17 08/18 08/22 08/24 08/27 08/29 08/30 08/31
Caffeine Ministry August Vestry Contact: Shelly Botkin 2 9 16 23 30
Sallie and Bill Yeager Cynthia and Mark Zuniga Barbara and Stephen Wilson Dan Aja and Nicole Flores Marthas (Rally Day)
Arrive 15 minutes before 10 a.m. service make lemonade, set out cookies, etc. After service, clean-up coffee urns, etc. If you are unable to make your time, contact someone on the list above to arrange a trade or contact the designated Vestry Member.
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August 2015
August Rota 2015 Please note: We will return to three services on Sunday, September 6. MINISTRY
August 2
August 9
August 16
August 23
August 30
LECTOR
Pattie Rose
Amelia Sondgeroth
Margarita Moreno
Nancy Middlebrook
Pattie Rose
Jill Collins
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
Wes Raney
Margarita Moreno
USHERS
Pattie Rose Mary Smith
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
LECTORS
Mike Fuhrman (1) Ginny Acker (2)
Rex White (1) Michele Bonner (2)
Mike Thomasson (1) Suzann Dvorken (2)
Karen Milton (1) Michael Meigs (2)
Brian Kelly (1) Mary-Alis Kelly (2)
LEM
Carol Oppel Liz Davis
Jay Brown Pam Castles
Ann Seyler Roger Seyler
Rex White Brenda White
Becky Janes Meredith Childs
Matt Forrest Ethan Fuhrman Ben Forrest Sam Forrest
Max Genet Meredith Childs
Aidan Brady
Meredith Shaw
Suzanne Lightsey Clay Buckner Ryan Dempsey Claire Dempsey
Henry Janes Elijah Gallardo
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Hunter Rogers
Jay, Kim K.
Kim B.
Kim B., Kim K.
Jay
Carolyn Wier James Wier John Works Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines
Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess
Henry Olivas Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Sandy Sterzing
Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns
Carolyn Wier Jim Casparis Henry Olivas Frank Severn
Maria & Mike Fuhrman
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack
Kim Buckner Laura Merritt
Diana Stangl Michael Meigs
Steve Niemeyer Barbara Dody
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock
Millie Casparis-TC Dodie Wells Susan Baxter-Harwell Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal
Dee Ann Thomasson-TC Lynn Edgerton Tina Stonebarger Helen Anderson
Meredith Childs-TC Judy Elkins Cynthia Archer Elijah Gallardo Barbara Dody
Diana Stangl-TC Karen Milton Liz Davis Henry Olivas
Depositor
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Frank Severn
Diane Brewer
Jim Casparis
WED. 6 p.m.
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26
September 2
Lector
Eric Panter
Jill Collins
Dodie Wells
Michele Bonner
Rex White
8:00 a.m.
TIME
LEM / ACOLYTE
10:00 a.m.
ACOLYTES
USHERS
ALTAR GUILD
GREETERS
Sat. 9:00
Josef Genet
Claudia Janes
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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
Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner
Altar Guild: Millie Casparis
Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson
Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose Daughters of the King: Pam Johns Women of St. Mark’s: Pat Bullock Facilities: Ray Smith
Deadline for the September 2015 St. Mark’s News is Friday, August 14, 2015. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Staff
Finance: John Edgerton Outreach: Laurie Mayor
Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarian Thom Temperli Neal McGowan Head of Day School Anne Wingler Parish Administrator Joanne Foote
Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney
Newsletter Editor Becky Janes
Stewardship: Amelia Sondgeroth Ushers: Henry Olivas
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, TX 78704 512.444.1449 www.stmarksaustin.org office@stmarksaustin.org
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