February 2017
St. Mark’s News Volume 21/Issue 2
From the Associate Rector: Three Things I Learned from Slowly Reading Jeremiah For several months now, a small but dedicated cadre of St. Mark’s parishioners have been slowly reading the Old Testament book of the prophet Jeremiah. Every week, we take a chapter or two of the book. We pray, read the chapter, and examine the thoughts, historical situation, and themes of the prophet’s words. We ask the text questions, and the text asks us questions back. This slow journey through the book has been a first for me. I admit it is rare for me to read this slowly through one book of the Bible, especially one as long as Jeremiah. By the way, we still have room for more on this journey. Tuesdays at noon, snacks provided. Today we finished chapter 24, and there are several more to go. But, from this vantage point, the following themes have stuck with me in this fantastic journey through an ancient text. 1. No one ever listens. The prophet continues to repeat this theme like an exasperated parent. Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, is about to level the city, but no one thinks it will happen. Only Jeremiah thinks it will, so he preaches. He preaches in the streets and in front of the beloved and sacred Temple. His sermons are eloquent, vivid, and full of illustrations and metaphors. They are passionate appeals for his people to turn back to God. But no one ever listens. Really, they don’t.
In this Issue From the Associate Rector......... 1 Vestry Highlights ........................ 2 Parish Life .................................. 4 Outreach .................................... 5 Christian Formation .................... 6 Parishioner Highlights ................ 8 Caffeine Ministry ........................ 9 Celebrations ............................. 10 ROTA ....................................... 11
2. He’s not talking about me. Since I am removed by thousands of years, language, culture, and so much more, it is easy to think the Prophet is addressing only the people living in his own day. However, the more I read it with my community, the more I can hear him talking to me and to us. This is why the ancient community preserved these words. This was a monumental task back in the day since Jeremiah is a huge book. They did this because the Spirit was still speaking to it. John the Baptist and Jesus both echo themes found in Isaiah and I hope I do in my preaching and life.
3. There’s always some hope. In spite of the overwhelming ignorance of the people, in spite of the very real threat by Nebuchadnezzar, in spite of the reality that the entire nation would be exiled to a foreign land—in spite of all this, Jeremiah has hope. Well, at least, he has a shred of hope. Most of the hope is not for the people who will suffer, but for their children who will return from the exile. Most of the hope is fleeting, inserted between major sections of judgment and destruction. Hope is like that, I suppose, always fleeting, always a long shot, always a thin ray of light breaking into the darkness. - David+
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February 2017
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17 (a dark and stormy night). Elizabeth+ opened the meeting with three of the Prayers for National Life: For our Country, For the President of the United States and All in Authority, and For Sound Government (BCP 820 and 821). Elizabeth reported the following:
As of 12/20 we had 150 pledges for a total of $489,662. This is 13 fewer pledges and $43,800 less than last year. $34,000 of that was from 3 pledges lost to death, relocation, and changed financial circumstances. We have not made changes to the proposed budget, but will use money from Surplus from Previous Years. We were able to purchase the new church software (Church 360) before the end of 2016. The clergy and staff have an initial training session on Feb. 1. To facilitate Lucy’s use of the software we purchased a new computer for her at the end of the year. We had a total of 505 people attending our Christmas services: 290 at 5:30 p.m., 180 at 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve, and 35 on Christmas morning. Thanks to Jill Collins and Jonea Raney who provided a black eyed peas and greens brunch on New Year’s Day: 25 people RSVP’d, we set up for 40, but there were closer to 50 there – with leftovers. At the end of December we did an $1800 tree trim On January 3 we had painters in to patch and paint the Parish Hall ceiling, the patch in the Narthex where an AC unit had leaked, and outside under the eaves where we had roof repair and a new gutter installed In December we received the donation of a piano from Joe Moldenhauer for the choir loft. We used Special Project funds for the $950 moving cost and we sold the old piano for $600. Charles Brewer is overseeing the Columbarium expansion project. The architect of the Bennett Wing and Grace Chapel, Robert Jackson, has drawn the plan for the wall extension. When Bishop Doyle is with us on January 29 we will have 16 Confirmations, 5 of whom are youth. Also on January 29, Carol Oppel, a newly licensed lay preacher, will preach at the 7:30 and 9:00 services. We have a new outside light fixture, outside the Common Room In the next few months we have two significant ministry leadership changes due to relocation: Millie (Altar Guild) and Jim Casparis are moving permanently to their home in Montgomery and Lynn and John (Finance) Edgerton are moving to South Carolina. Millie and John have both served long, faithfully, and competently and of course Jim and Lynn have served in St. Mark’s in numerous ministry capacities over the years. These two couples will be greatly missed. Karen Milton will serve as the new Altar Guild Directress with Diana Stangl as her Assistant, and Diana Stangl will serve as the new chair of the Finance Committee.
David+ reported:
He is teaching the Adult Confirmation class on Saturdays from 10 – noon He accompanied the youth to the Trinity Center on Sunday, Jan. 15 At our Wednesday evening service February 1 he is inviting area Veterans to a commemoration of The Dorchester Chaplains: four chaplains on board the Dorchester when it was torpedoed during WWII. The chaplains moved among the men as the ship was sinking: assisting, calming, and passing out life jackets (even giving up their own to save the lives of others). They remained on board, arms linked in prayer, until the ship sank, claiming their lives. In December we had a Newcomers lunch for @ 12 people.
Diana Stangl said how much she has appreciated serving on the Vestry the past three years and gave the Finance Committee report. At the end of 2016 our total contributions were at 106% for the year, and we finished the year with surplus income of $18,000.
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February 2017 Other reports included Outreach, Parish Life, Families with Young Children, and Day School. The Outreach Committee is requesting suggestions from the Parish for new organizations/charities we might be involved with in the future. Please give suggestions to Laurie Mayor. Melissa Blanding is working on a 2017 calendar of activities for FWYC. The next event will likely be a game night at the church. The Day School now has 106 students, they exceeded their goal of $12,000 for the Annual Fund, and preparations are going well for the fund raising event, Lions Pride, on Feb. 24.
Looking Ahead . . . 168th Diocesan Council Scheduled for February 9-11 in Galveston Elizabeth+, David+, and St. Mark’s four lay delegates will be in Galveston February 9-11 for Diocesan Council. This year, Council has been extended for a day and will begin on Thursday rather than Friday. On Thursday evening there is an opening Eucharist followed by a dessert buffet. On Saturday there will be workshops and a business meeting in the morning. After lunch there will be two Plenary sessions: Who is my neighbor? and Which one was the neighbor to the one left for dead? The preacher for the Friday evening Festival Worship is the Bishop of Washington, The Rt. Rev. Mary Ann Budde. Saturday will be given to two business sessions.
Shrove Tuesday is February 28; Ash Wednesday is March 1. On Tuesday, February 28, plan on having dinner at St. Mark’s and join us for our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The Parish Hall will be transformed into the spirit of Mardi Gras, and the men will flip the pancakes. Also on the menu is sausage and fruit cups. IHOP cannot compete with our prices: $4 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-12; $1 for children under the age of 6…..and a maximum of $12 for a family.
Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday (March 1) we will have three services for Holy Eucharist and the Imposition of Ashes: 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. The choir will sing at the evening service.
Opportunity for Lenten Discipline As the world grows more sedentary, our spirituality must grow more active. Join us during Lent, when we will be using Anna Courie’s Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program. The book has daily meditations on health and spirituality designed to integrate our spiritual walk with Christ with simple, everyday healthy choices. If you are interested in reading the book together and participating in a weekly walking/hiking meeting, please contact Father David: dpeters@stmarksaustin.org. Books can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Walk-Spiritual-FitnessProgram/dp/081923169X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 or at your local bookseller (probably by ordering it).
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February 2017
Parish Life First Friday Book Group On Friday, February 3, the First Friday Book Group will meet at 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing classroom to discuss Fannie Flagg’s novel, The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion. Featured in this delightful book are the WWII WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots). Did you know one of these amazing women pilots is a member of St. Mark’s? Our own Susie Bain! Our book for March 3 is The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry.
Families with Young Children Game Night This event will be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 4:30 to 6:30. Dinner and babysitting will be provided. Please RSVP to the church office.
Youth Group February Schedule Youth group meets after the 11 a.m. service on most Sundays and is open to all students in grades 6th12th. The group is led by Eric Panter, along with Stephen Wilson, and Susan & Clarence Bonnen. We hope you can join us! Below is our tentative February schedule, but stay tuned to weekly emails and announcements. If you would like to be on the Youth Email list, please contact Eric Panter: eric.panter@yahoo.com. February 5: Cooking @ St. Mark's (recipe TBD) February 12: We are tentatively slated to cook for/fellowship with the UT Episcopal Students at the Episcopal Student Center. Nothing has been agreed upon yet, but we're interested and it's an available date. February 19th: We'll be going to Altitude Trampoline Park and will have lunch out. February 26: Pizza and a movie @ St. Mark's (movie TBD) *The Youth Group is actively seeking out fun, youth-friendly events and service projects. We welcome input or suggestions from the Youth, parents and St. Mark's community. Please send ideas or suggestions to Eric Panter: eric.panter@yahoo.com.
Men’s Group Monthly Meeting Tuesday, February 14 The Men's Group meets the Second Tuesday each month @ 6:30 p.m. for dinner and fellowship. Dinner is prepared by cooking groups that rotate each month. Men's Group is open to all men of St. Mark's. To get on the email list, contact Bob Peterek: rpeterek@austin.rr.com.
Get Your Rear in Gear 5K on February 25 St. Mark’s parishioners are invited to participate in the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K. The 5K will take place at Camp Mabry and is hosted by the Colon Cancer Coalition, which strives to help increase awareness and screening of colon cancer. Please consider joining Team Jen as a way to support Jen Baumgart and family. http://join.coloncancercoalition.org/goto/teamjenaustin
Women’s Group
February 25 is the annual Champagne Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please come and enjoy the fellowship, relaxation and good food. The proposed slate of officers will be voted on: President - Diana Stangl; Vice President - Sandy Sterzing; Secretary - Susan Willis; and Treasurer - Helen Anderson. UTO boxes will be distributed in February - check your pew sheet to see when you can pick one up. The ECW will be providing soup for the Lenten soup supper on March 8. Look for the sign-up sheet in the parish hall in mid-February. Members of the ECW National Board will be attending our 11 am church service on March 5. Board members will be visiting the area in anticipation of the Triennial that will be held in Austin in 2018.
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February 2017 Lenten Quiet Day in March The Daughters of the King are sponsoring the Lenten QUIET DAY which will be held from 10-2 on Saturday, March 4th. There will be a sign-up sheet posted for this in the Parish Hall. A quiet day is a wonderful opportunity to be still and listen for God's voice as you begin your spiritual journey through Lent. We gather for Morning Prayer, have several meditations followed by times to be alone, and end the day with Eucharist. A simple lunch is provided. If the weather cooperates, we will have opportunities to enjoy spending some time outdoors on the Meditation Trail, the Labyrinth, in the Memorial Garden, or in the lovely areas with benches. Come join us this year. You will be blessed!
Outreach Daughters of the King and Outreach Diaper Drive Did you know that 1 out of 3 families in our community struggle with the availability of diapers? This sad statistic holds true nationally as well. Diapers, a seemingly innocuous supply item, impacts not only the health of an infant, but a family's ability to get to work to earn a living. WIC provides food for infants and young families but does not cover the cost of diapers. Further, diapers are taxed as nonfood items at the grocery store adding hardship to getting a basic necessity. Many families who are living in or on the edge of poverty are sometimes forced to choose between paying the rent, getting groceries or getting diapers for their babies. These families have found ways to stretch out diaper use in a way that can cause diaper rash and other problems such as urinary tract infections.
The Austin Diaper Bank (www.austindiapers.org) collects diapers and distributes them to our neighbors in need. Having enough diapers means families can drop their children off at daycare so they can go to work to earn a living, and that the babies will stay healthier. Donated Diapers needed, any size. Place donations in labeled bins in the Parish Hall from February through April.
Or you can write a check to St. Mark's with "Diaper Drive" in the memo line, and your contribution will be sent to the Diaper Bank in a bulk donation. Let's help keep Austin babies dry and healthy!
United Thank Offering: How it Began On March 1, Ash Wednesday, the Women of St. Mark’s will begin their Lenten Discipline for the United Thank Offering. Below is a brief history of Julia Chester Emery, who began this ministry, taken from the book, Holy Women, Holy Men. Julia Chester Emery was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1852. In 1876, she succeeded her sister, Mary, as Secretary of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Board of Missions which had been established by the General Convention in 1871. During the forty years she served as Secretary, Julia helped the Church to recognize its call to proclaim the Gospel both at home and overseas. Her faith, her courage, her spirit of adventure and her ability to inspire others combined to make her a leader respected and valued by the whole Church. She visited every diocese and missionary district within the United States, encouraging and expanding the work of the Woman’s Auxiliary; and in 1908 she served as a delegate to the Pan-Anglican Congress in London. From there she traveled around the world, visiting missions in remote areas of China, in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Hawaii, and then all the dioceses on the Pacific Coast before returning to New York. In spite of the fact that travel was not easy, she wrote that she went forth “with hope for enlargement of vision, opening up new occasions for service, acceptance of new tasks.”
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February 2017 Through her leadership a network of branches of the Woman’s Auxiliary was established which shared a vision of and a commitment to the Church’s mission. An emphasis on educational programs, a growing recognition of social issues, development of leadership among women, and the creation of the United Thank Offering are a further part of the legacy Julia left to the Church when she retired in 1916. In 1921, the year before she died, the following appeared in the Spirit of Missions: “In all these enterprises of the Church no single agency has done so much in the last half-century to further the Church’s Mission as the Woman’s Auxiliary.” Much of that accomplishment was due to the creative spirit of its Secretary of forty of those fifty years, Julia Chester Emery.
Christian Formation For Children by Cathy Nelson, DRE The “Secret” Language of the Church St. Mark’s Christian formation for children includes Church School classes and Children’s Chapel services where children hear the stories of our faith, and then are given time and space to reflect on them in community. Their teachers and I are blessed to join them as they question and wonder about the vocabulary and the meaning of stories from another time and place, yet so clearly present. Sometimes during the wondering, when asked about the meaning of “Church” words or the meaning of a story, I recognize how out-of-the-ordinary these Christian encounters are for so many of us. In our everyday lives, we don’t use the language of the Church or the language of the Bible often. Recently, a young Chapel-goer asked what the word “sin” meant. Another boy explained that he sort of knew because he had seen a show where a girl had written a list that she called “Sins” and had crossed items off the list after she had “fixed them.” None of us were quite clear about his understanding of the meaning of the word after this definition but it was wonderful to hear the boy thinking through the concept. Even if families are not building the vocabulary of the Church in the everyday moments, our children are learning about God. Families are teaching children the lessons of the Bible all through the day, every day because they have a belief in this out-of-the-ordinary Christian faith. And parents bring their children to church because they have encountered something here that is worth sharing with their children. We understand that it is more important than the other life lessons we teach our children – not a place to make connections, learn a skill, build a resume – but a place where each of these are intertwined with something greater. We all have been touched by something that is important enough to celebrate on a Sunday morning despite how difficult it is to get to church. At church, we learn that we are a part of God’s Holy Temple. More vocabulary… The lectionary readings for the last four Sundays after Epiphany include many words, phrases and concepts that might require some explanations. When scrutinized with a child, adults may find new meaning in them too. Some of the words and concepts that appear in the readings include God’s wisdom; God’s love; following God’s commandments; calls to be holy as God is holy, practicing justice and compassion. We hear about God’s light shining in the darkness, about God’s spirit that brings God’s wisdom, strength and love to his people. In Jesus’ teachings, his followers are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, called to do good works and to give glory to God the father in heaven. Instead of coming to change God’s laws Jesus assures his disciples that he came to fulfill them and through Jesus we will be one with the Father. On the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Transfiguration Sunday, the Church hears the account of Moses encounter with God on the mountain and Jesus’ transfiguration. And we hear about being anointed, surrounded by “The glory of the LORD” and entering into the “Majestic Glory.” Jesus is “transfigured” and calls himself the “Son of Man.”
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February 2017 Here are some tips below for families in the elementary and youth classes that can be used at home to dig into the lectionary readings each Sunday.
If you would like to familiarize yourselves with the readings so you can share in the conversation about them you might begin with the www.lectionarypage.net. The lectionary-based curriculum the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders use has some good conversation starters for all ages. http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/lessons/epiphany-2/epiphany-year-a/ Check out this blog for leaders and children, including books that carry the lessons into everyday life.http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/p/lectionary-index.html
And don’t worry about knowing all the answers. We are all learning together. As Carolyn C. Brown, a Christian Educator and author, wrote about how to approach the readings on the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, “There are no acceptable answers to either of these puzzlers. Children, however, appreciate hearing them recognized, pondered briefly, and perhaps consigned to the list of interesting questions to ask, “when we meet the disciples in heaven.” http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/4615/worship-for-kids-january-222017
Christian Formation Classes In the Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners through 2nd grade, the children will hear the Parable of the Great Pearl, the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Leaven. On Sunday, February 26, the class will get ready for the Season of Lent with the transitional stories, The Holy Family and The Mystery of Easter. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class will make their way through the lectionary readings for the final Sundays after the Epiphany with David Genet. The Youth Class will also discuss the lectionary readings with Eric Panter.
Mark those calendars for Upcoming Activities! Intermediate and Junior High Midwinter Weekend Retreats at Camp Allen in February! Curious what Camp Allen is all about? This is the perfect way to give it a try! Retreats for children between 4th - 8th grade are offered. The Diocese of Texas Intermediate and Jr. High Retreats will be held on February 17-19 at Camp Allen. Registration: http://www.epicenter.org/winter-retreats/.Information about Happening, Y.E.S. and Missionpalooza can also be found at the link above. Cost for weekend retreat includes food and lodging: $75. Vacation Bible School for children 4 years through 5th grade will be held on June 12 through 16. There will be childcare for young children of parent leaders. It’s never too soon to throw your hat in to the Volunteer ring! Please contact Cathy Nelson (cnelson@stmarksaustin.org), if you are interested in helping with VBS this year. We’d love to share this great experience with both you and your children! Camp Allen Summer camp information is here & sessions fill up fast! Camp Allen camps and events for children ages 8 through 18 years open on June 4. Check out http://www.campallen.org/summercamp/calendar, for on-line registration, registration forms, information, and the calendar for campers and counselors.
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February 2017
Adult Formation Adult Formation classes resume on February 5, when Josh Houston of Texas Impact is with us to discuss this legislative session’s anticipated actions and the Austin area religious community. This from their website: Texas Impact is a statewide religious grassroots network whose members include individuals, congregations, and governing bodies of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. Texas Impact exists to advance state public policies that are consistent with universally held social principles of the Abrahamic traditions. Cecilia Smith+ will then teach a three-week series on Christian Mysticism. Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb. 26
Legislative Actions and the Religious Community (Josh Houston) Christian Mysticism in a Nutshell (Cecilia Smith+) Christian Mysticism Christian Mysticism
Parishioner Highlights When first reading this, I found tears in my eyes from the straightforward rhetoric that spoke to the everyday adventures of raising two boys, the accomplishments of the entire family, and their faith in the fact that it ALL would work out. Having attended multiple Episcopal churches, thanks to my husband’s Air Force career, I can honestly say that I have never had the pleasure of knowing and working with a finer Parish Administrator than Joanne! Ariston, whom my husband hired to assist in a building effort, also proved to be a man with great character and talents. It appears as though the boys--who have been very active in St. Mark’s--will be following in the footsteps of two wellaccomplished parents. So, Joanne and Ariston: for all that your family does for St. Mark’s and the community, St. Mark’s thanks you!
Beth Chenoweth
Joanne Foote & Ariston Awitan III’s Family I am a native south Austin girl and the youngest of three sisters. Carolyn, my oldest sister, lives in Austin, and my middle sister, Nancy, lives in Houston. My parents moved to Austin from San Antonio in the late 1950s and were founding members of St. Mark’s. (My parents, long since divorced are Pattie Rose, St. Mark’s member, and my dad, Don Foote, who attends St. Michael’s in Austin, with his current wife.) Our family took many vacations across the southwestern US in our VW Bus, christened The Shoe Box. No doubt this began my love of the road trip and the Rocky Mountains. Although I was baptized at St. Michael’s, the first church I really remember is All Saints near the UT campus, where I attended during my elementary and middle school years, and was later confirmed. During high school, I took a church hiatus. When my mom
returned to St. Mark’s in the 1980s I dipped my toe in, and then out, and then I waded deeper during Father Scotty Innes' tenure. My husband, Ariston Awitan III, (the oldest of four children), was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to the United States when he was five, initially living on the east coast: first Massachusetts and then Staten Island, NY. His father, an orthopedic surgeon, accepted a position at a hospital in the suburbs of Houston (Pasadena and Clear Lake), moving the family to Texas in the early 1970s. An avid band member and passionate trumpet player, Ariston III’s goal was to attend The University of Texas at Austin and become a member of the Longhorn Band. Goal achieved, he played with the Longhorn Band for two years, and then transferred to St. Edward’s, from which he graduated with his Bachelor’s in Business. He currently works for Apple. I took a different path for college, a longer, slower, path, as I worked my way through the pay-as-you-go plan, graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism degree from UT-Austin. During that time, a fateful decision
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February 2017 was made. Precisely when I should have been preparing for my Spanish final, instead I decided to go out with a friend to a local bar. My now husband happened to be at the same bar, and coincidentally, my friend knew Ariston through their time at St. Ed’s, and she introduced us. We immediately hit it off, and although we did not officially go out on a date for several months, one day I called him up and we reconnected. Our first official date was in March of 1987--you already know the ending to that story. Fr. Scotty Innes officiated at our wedding in March 1992 at the Seminary, and we will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this year! Through the years, we have enjoyed traveling together, both before kids, then with one kid, and then with two! We have traveled once to the Philippines, where my husband was able to meet many of his cousins for the first time, but mostly we have traveled by car to the west: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Colorado, and oh, did I say Colorado? But we have also traveled to the east, driving though 15 states in a two-week period to visit family in Delaware and New York. My favorite time is being in the car with the family, even with the bickering and the drink/snack/bathroom/stretch-thelegs stops every hour. Something special happens in that very intimate setting, be it in a car, or a tent, or hiking up a mountain trail. That’s when we are the happiest. Our oldest son, Ariston IV, is in his senior year at Austin High in the Academy for Global Studies program, and serves as an Acolyte, a Youth Lector, and plays the trumpet at church, either solo or with his father. Ariston is immersed in the world of college decisions. He is looking towards pursing a degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Studies/Sciences and continuing music in some capacity, and he hopes to depart the gross Texas weather wherever he goes.
He has been in the Marching Band all four years, and is also in the Jazz Ensemble and the Honor Band. Our youngest, Matthew, serves as an Acolyte (since third grade), and is of course, the complete opposite of his brother. He is in 7th grade at Clint Small Middle School in their Green-Tech Academy, and also plays the trumpet in the band. In fact, we are the house of the Trumpeting Awitans, and Matthew has thrown down the gauntlet that he will join his dad and brother on the trumpet at church next year. Personality wise, Matthew holds his own in most any crowd. Both boys were baptized at St. Mark’s: Ariston by The Rev. Bill Bennett and Matthew by The Rev. Elizabeth Turner. My husband was also received into the Episcopal church at St. Mark’s in March of 2010, he now claims himself to be a recovering Catholic. He has served as an usher, when his work schedule permits. After being a stay-home parent for 11 years, I slipped into the role of Parish Administrator at St. Mark’s in 2010. Before kids, I worked in a variety of careers: the public library, and as a Production Manager for a start-up company. After Ariston was born, I worked as a free-lance writer/photographer for a local community newspaper. St. Mark’s has been a mainstay for my family, a place where we feel comfortable and accepted. Our church home. A place my kids grew up knowing it was okay to just be a kid in church, when they would bring their Hot Wheels and drive them over the hymnals and across the pews (don’t gasp!). It has been a place that sustained us through some very challenging times, when I would walk in the door for work and wasn’t sure what I was going to eat, and there would be food leftover from an event. It sustained us with nourishment, provided words that helped us overcome fear and gave us courage, and helped us find strength and surrounded us with a loving, caring community. St. Mark’s has sustained us as a family, and in that, our faith has grown.
February Caffeine Ministry Vestry Contact: Clarence Bonnen 5 Barbette and John Cooper 12 Liz Davis and Amalia de la Rosa 19 George and John DeMarines 26 Lisa Leach and Jeff Doidge
The parishioners assigned for Caffeine Ministry are asked to do two things: replenish cookies, if needed and wash the coffee pots and counters after the 11:00 service (and put away any extra cookies).
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February 2017
February Celebrations Birthdays Trish Dew Sherrie Johnson Evan Kochelek Evelyn Eaton Wyatt Gonzalez Jennifer Baumgart Mateo Moreno Ted Smouse Barbara Wilson Kristen Kochelek Quincy Dew Phillip Harwell Joseph Moldenhauer Terri Seales John Chenoweth Maria Lubeck Jonathon Mayor Lindsey Stanley Heather Azarmehr Joe Eaton Adam Gates Laura Van Wyk Brian Kelly Michael Portman David Randle Vicky Hill Hieronymus Peters Phyllis Millirons Ariston Awitan Michael Brown Sarah Chacko
02/01 02/02 02/02 02/03 02/04 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/07 02/08 02/08 02/09 02/09 02/10 02/10 02/10 02/11 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/13 02/13 02/13 02/14 02/14 02/15 02/16 02/16 02/16
Morgan Dew Robert Glover Jim Clark Cort Considine Sloan Kurak Avery Loyd Brooklynn Parkison Clint Rogers Audrey Stephenson Margaret Schlankey Tim Hendricks Dolores Minor James Nelson Pam Wood Nicholas Berndt Meredith Childs Manuel de la Rosa Beth Holmes Millie Casparis Stephanie Craven Jeanne Erichson Jennifer Sanders Wenlan Lawrence James Beesley Laurie Mayor Chaz Ripoll Sallie Yeager Liz Badger Amy Newman
02/16 02/16 02/19 02/19 02/19 02/20 02/20 02/20 02/20 02/21 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/24 02/24 02/24 02/24 02/26 02/27 02/27 02/27 02/27 02/28 02/28
Anniversaries Darcy & Eric Goff Jean & Frank Severn Barbara & Stephen Wilson Kay & Jay Brown Jewellyn & Scott Forrest
02/02 02/02 02/12 02/25 02/27
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February 2017
February ROTA MINISTRY
February 5
February 12 Youth Sunday
February 19
February 26 Youth Sunday
March 5
LECTOR
Jon Dullnig
Jonea Raney
Amelia Sondgeroth
Pattie Rose
Jill Collins
LEM / ACOLYTE
Wes Raney
Jill Collins
Margarita Moreno
Wes Raney
Pattie Rose
USHERS
Jon & Judith Dullnig
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
LECTORS
Mike Thomasson (1) Mary-Alis Kelly (2)
YOUTH
Michael Brown (1) Cindy Bogard (2)
Ariston Awitan IV YOUTH
Christine Brunson (1) Brian Kelly (2)
Brian Prall Bill Kibler Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Mairin Bachschmid Carol, Nancy Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Amalia de la Rosa
Neal McGowan Pam Castles Claudia Janes TBD Hunter Rogers Henry Janes Carol, Kim K. Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey Stephanie Young
Christine Brunson Neal McGowan Aidan Brady Emmaline Baxter Harwell Beatrice Reshetnikov Emma Kloninger Carol, Jay
Carol Oppel Brian Prall Ariston Awitan IV Clay Buckner Matthew Awitan Luke Breen Carol, Nancy John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack Wade Buckner
Kim Buckner (need only one) Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Mairin Bachschmid Carol, Nancy Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Amalia de la Rosa
Yvette Webb Evelyn McMillen
Meredith Childs
Michael Meigs Diana Stangl
Yvette Webb Evelyn McMillen
Chris Blanding (1) Melissa Blanding (2) Rex White Brenda White Matt Forrest Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Nick Forrest Cindy Carolyn & James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines JP Kloninger
Karen Milton (1) Michael Meigs (2) Neal McGowan Liz Davis Max Genet Luke Thiessen Josef Genet Ryan Dempsey Cindy, Jay Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess
GREETERS
Jean & Frank Severn
Barbara Dody Dee Ann Thomasson-TC
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Millie Casparis
Depositor
7:30
TIME
LEM
9:00
ACOLYTES
USHERS
GREETERS
Ken Whalen Stephen Wilson Barbara Wilson Laura Merritt Ellie Reshetnikov Christine Stockstill (1) Rex White (2) Brian Prall Meredith Childs Bonnie Brode Karen Milton Xander Stockstill Morgan Dew Cindy Henry Olivas Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Sandy Sterzing Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
Phil Aboussie (1) Kevin Childs (1) Sarah Bancroft (2) Meredith Childs (2) Dru Cabler Jay Brown Neal McGowan (need only one) Jennifer McGowan Matt Forrest Claire Cabler Ben Forrest Meredith Shaw Sam Forrest Ryan Dempsey Nick Forrest Cindy, Jay Cindy Jean & Frank Severn Carolyn & James Wier Jodi Doran Bo Overstreet Jay Doran Rick Tennant Pam Johns John De Marines David Johns JP Kloninger Steve Niemeyer
Jean & Frank Severn
Helen Anderson Karen Milton Dodie Wells Evelyn McMillen
Diana Stangl-TC Tina Stonebarger Henry Olivas Susie Baxter-Harwell Lynn Edgerton
Meredith Childs-TC Judy Elkins Lynn Edgerton Debbie Thornal Darlene Goodnight
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Karen Milton
Jim Nolan
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Cecily Bennett
Diane Brewer
WED. 6 p.m.
February 1
February 8
February 15
February 22
March 1* Ash Wednesday 7 p.m.
Lector
Dodie Wells
Rex White
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
Meredith & Kevin Childs
LECTORS LEM
11:00
ACOLYTES
ALTAR GUILD
USHERS
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February 2017
Vestry Clarence Bonnen, Sr. Warden TBD, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Dan Aja, Melissa Blanding, Mike Brode, Dru Cabler, Jill Collins, John Cooper, Scott Forrest, Marjie Lawrence, Ryan Marquess, Laura Merritt, Becky Poynot, Pattie Rose, and Ann Seyler.
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: Judy Elkins Women of St. Mark’s: Pat Bullock Facilities: Ray Smith
Deadline for the March 2017 St. Mark’s News is Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Finance: John Edgerton Outreach: Laurie Mayor
Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner Associate Rector The Rev. Dr. David W. Peters Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarian Neal McGowan Brian Prall Head of Day School Anne Wingler
Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney 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
Staff
Parish Administrator Joanne Foote Newsletter Editor Becky Janes
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Page 12