February 2015
St. Mark’s News Volume 19/Issue 2
From the Assistant Rector “Sin” is a word you don’t hear used that often anymore. For many, it is a word with ugly connotations, because of the ways that some Christians have used it in the past. Too often, we have used the word “sin” in order to attack other persons—that is, used it as a label used to condemn or write off other persons as fundamentally different or worse than us—so performing a kind of rhetorical violence against them. There are many problems with this way of using the word, but Christians should be chiefly concerned with this one: that’s not how our scriptures talk about sin. In the first place, when the Bible talks about sin, it’s never to create an artificial division between peoples and persons––where some are “sinners” and others are “saints.” Rather, the language of sin always points to a shared human reality, and thus marks the profound likeness of all human beings. Sin, in other words, is ultimately egalitarian. As St. Paul writes: “we all have sinned” (Rom. 3.23). Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, the biblical language of sin implies that it is not itself fundamental to human being. In other words, human being is not “intrinsically” sinful, so that human beings are sinful by “nature.” Rather, the Bible says that In this Issue humanity is made in the “image of God,” and is thus (by nature) “good” (Cf. From the Assistant Rector ......... 1 Gen. 1.26-31). This goodness is therefore basic to our humanity, such that it Vestry Highlights........................ 3 can never be taken away. So, when the Bible talks about “sin,” it always refers to something that is unnatural to us. To sin is to act against our nature as human beings, to act in a way contrary to the goodness in which and for which we are made. This is why the most basic sense of “sin” in Scripture is to “miss the mark.” We do not sin because we are bad. What we do is called sin because it is not true to who we are.
Parish Life ................................. 4 Outreach.................................... 6 Day School News ...................... 7 Christian Formation ................... 7 Parishioner Highlights................ 9 Caffeine Ministry ...................... 10 Celebrations ............................ 11 ROTA ...................................... 12
That being said, when we sin, it is also not without effect upon our nature. To be more precise, when we sin, we slowly change ourselves over time. We develop sinful habits, which turn into sinful dispositions, which, finally, change our orientation toward the good for which we were made. Overindulging in food (i.e. the sin of “gluttony”) is a good (and safe enough to share!) example of how this works in my own life. When I eat in excess, it changes me. For starters, it not only causes immediate damage to my body—by raising my cholesterol and blood pressure—but also, it damages my health in such a way that it becomes harder to stay healthy. When I put on weight, for example, it adds stress on my joints, effects my mood and energy levels, and so makes it harder for me to exercise. But the effects are not limited to my physical health alone. There is analogy between the effects it has upon my physical health and the effects it has upon my soul. For, when I eat in excess, my appetites (i.e. my “desires”) change as well. I become more inclined to eat in excess. Eventually, I grow used to eating in excess. Eating in excess becomes a habit. Until eventually, this way of eating becomes natural to me. My fundamental orientation toward food has changed. Rather than receiving it as a good gift to be appreciated and used, it now
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February 2015 becomes a matter of consumption. Overtime, I don’t just consume. I become a consumer. And in so doing, I act in a way contrary to goodness in which and for which I was made. I’m sure you can find on your own the parallels between what I’ve just said about eating in excess and other things Christians have traditionally called sinful––like greed, or lust, or anger (to name a few). But by now, you’re probably starting to wonder: what’s the point of all this? Well, believe it or not, I take the above to be good news. For, if our faults and flaws (as bad as they are) are not something we are by nature, but something we have trained ourselves into, there is some hope that these faults and flaws might not always remain. Think again about eating in excess. Those of us whose health has been damaged by this bad habit do not need to remain as we are. We can take up new disciplines, and alter our habits––until our appetites no longer control us as they once did, and our health can be restored. It may be hard. It may take sacrifice. We may stumble and fall along the way. But in the end, change is possible. We need not continue to “miss the mark” in our eating (etc.), but can eat in a way fitting to the goodness in which and for which we are made. This is good news. And it is the good news, more specifically, of the season we are about to enter into: Lent. Lent is what the church calls a “penitential” season––a time in the life of the church where Christians practice extended and focused liturgical repentance for our sins. The most prominent way in which this penance is practiced, of course, is through the various forms of fasting and self-denial that are generally taken up throughout the forty days. But these fasts, despite being prominent, are largely misunderstood. We do not fast, for example, as a way of showing how much better we are than those who don’t. Neither do we fast as a form of self-harm or self-mutilation. Rather, when Christians fast, we fast in hope. Put differently, the fasts we take up in Lent look forward to Easter. In fasting, we take up new disciplines, which can begin to alter our habits, and so loosen some of the control that our disordered appetites have upon us. And in so doing, these fasts prepare us for the Easter celebration, reminding us that our faults and our flaws do not get the last word—that, one day, we “will be changed” (1 Cor. 15.52)—and the desires and habits that have so strong a hold on us today will, on that day, be finally broken. This is what we do in Lent. Of course, this is not all we do in Lent. But, I’ll say more about what else Lent is for once we’ve come through Easter…and most of us have broken our Lenten fasts a few times . Until then, NJL+
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall Tuesday, February 17, will be your last day to finish off the candy you were given on Valentine’s Day! And you can have a final carb and sugar rush at St. Mark’s when we gather for a delicious Shrove Tuesday meal of pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, and fruit cups. No need to cook at home that night, and there is plenty of time to get home and get the homework done. Join us!
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February 2015
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:00 p.m. on January 20. Elizabeth+ opened the meeting with the Collect for St. Fabian (Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250). New vestry members were welcomed and all members introduced themselves by saying how long they had been members of St. Mark’s, ways in which they are involved in the life of the parish, and what they do professionally. Diana Stangl was nominated to serve as Jr. Warden. The nomination was approved and Diana was elected. The Rector reported on numerous things: Christmas service attendance was down from last year; there were 5 baptisms on 1/11 with 3 more scheduled for 2/8; and there have been 3 funerals (12/27, 1/6, 1/12). Elizabeth+ also reported on the numerous repairs since Jan. 6: a broken pipe out near the BBQ pits that caused us to close the Day School early on the 6th and all day on the 7th; a gas leak and repair on 1/7; a roof repair on 1/12; and 4 days (to date) of attempted drain repair; and Google Fiber work on the corner. Bishop Harrison will be at St. Mark’s for our service of Confirmation (5 teens and 8 adults: 2 receive, 5 confirm, 1 reaffirm). Elizabeth+ then distributed a New Vestry Orientation sheet that describes the responsibilities of the vestry. The Assistant Rector talked about a new “Missional Community” initiative that he and Meredith Childs are initiating on February 2. They are using Meetup.com to invite people interested in the topic “Questioning Christianity” to meet at Thai Fresh for discussion each Monday evening. The Senior Warden, JP Kloninger, shared plans for a mission trip to Costa Rica the week of July 4-12. John Cooper and Karen Dulaney Smith offered to work with him on the planning and coordination. We hope for 12-15 participants, including both youth and adults. David Randle and Diana Stangl gave the Finance Committee report, and walked the vestry through each line item and category to help clarify how to read the monthly financial report. At the end of 2014 we had a $59,000 surplus and our overall contribution income was at 117.25%. Other reports included Outreach (Ms. Botkin), Parish Like (Ms. Milton), Newcomers (54 new members in 2014), and Day School. The meeting concluded with Compline.
The Season of Lent Ash Wednesday is February 18 and our services that day are at 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. There is imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist at all three services. At the 7:00 p.m. service there is music and a homily. Lenten Quiet Day on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Daughters of the King will host a Lenten Quiet Day that is for everyone—not just for Daughters of the King. These Quiet Days are lovely ways to begin a meditative and penitential season. Please mark your calendars for that Saturday of prayer, reflection, and Holy Eucharist. And bring a friend! Sundays in Lent: February 22 (with the Great Litany), March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29 (Palm Sunday). At the 11:00 service during Lent we will use Rite I rather than Rite II. Wednesdays in Lent: Soup Suppers & Lenten Program, Wednesday evenings, beginning February 25. @ 6 p.m. Join us for a simple dinner of soup, followed by our Lenten Program with meditations & music. This year's theme is Sermon on the Mount. Guest Musician: Iona Williams, viola & voice selections.
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February 2015
Knowing, Following, and Sharing Jesus One of the blogs I read is “Clergy Confidential,” and on January 20 the post was entitled “Ripping Jesus from the Headlines.” The author, the Rev. Timothy Schenck (of Lent Madness fame), says that if all he knew about Christianity was learned through the media he would not be a Christian. Among the examples he cites are the Westboro Baptist Church protests, sexual predators masquerading as priests, and Christians who deny the value of scientific inquiry. “Or to put it another way, if you went up to a bunch of non-church-going strangers and asked them what came to mind when they thought of Christians you’d likely hear: judgmental, hypocritical, holier than thou, irrational, out of touch, and intolerant.” He asks how we might change this perception of the church and of God’s people and he makes three suggestions:
Know Jesus. “It all starts with relationship, which only happens through an active prayer life. Read the Bible regularly, pray daily, worship weekly and you will come to know Jesus.”
Follow Jesus. “It always comes back to discipleship. Model your faith in the way you live your life. Use your hands and heart to make a difference in the world in ways both great and small.”
Share Jesus. “You have likely experienced moments of grace and transcendence in your own life. Have you hoarded them in your heart or have you shared them with others?”
“We know and proclaim a God of love and justice and inclusion; a God who is accessible and inviting and compassionate. A God who is full of joyful surprises and absolutely nothing like the God of the headlines. Know Jesus. Share Jesus. Follow Jesus. It’s time to take our faith back.” EZT+
Parish Life Brown Bag Bible Study - Tuesdays at noon in the Bennett Wing Classroom We are using Lectionary B, so on Sunday mornings we will most often hear portions of Mark’s gospel. On Tuesdays in Bible study we are studying one chapter of Mark each week. Philip Turner+ is leading our study. Join us as you are able!
First Friday Book Group Join us on the first Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing classroom for the St. Mark’s First Friday Book Group. Here is the list of books we will be discussing over the next several months: February 6
Tell the Wolves I’m Home
Carol Rifka Brunt
March 6
The Burgess Boys
Elizabeth Strout
April
no meeting because of Good Friday
May 1
The Invention of Wings
Sue Monk Kidd
June 5
Still Life with Bread Crumbs
Anna Quindlen
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February 2015 Women’s News Annual Champagne Brunch Saturday, February 7 @ 11:00 a.m. All women of St. Mark’s are invited for fun, fellowship, a little business, and the election of the 2015 officers. Visit the sign-up sheets on the Parish Hall bulletin board if you haven’t signed up yet. Come for the champagne and scrumptious eats. On Sunday, February 15, the United Thank Offering boxes, aka “the little blue boxes,” will be handed out after each service. Through United Thank Offering (UTO), men, women and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God. The blue UTO boxes will serve as our Lenten alms/mite boxes: we will give alms and thanks during the season of Lent! Lent: The women’s group will be providing soups for the first Lenten Soup Suppers on Wednesday, February 25. Watch for Soup Suppers sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall as the date gets closer. There will be NO Potluck/Bunco on Monday, February 23.
From the garden ~ When temperatures are low, skies overcast, and daylight short, we find ourselves inside more than usual. While some of us gardeners choose this time to have necessary foot surgery, as in the case of Becky Nolan, some of us spend our time reading and googling. Google is probably one of the newer listings in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary! It is a fun word and one that allows us to explore and discover. Recently, excavation work has been taking place all along Barton Hills Drive while workers lay new Google fiber to bring Austin closer to its technical pinnacle. Failing to accurately Google, however, workers recently drilled through our wastewater line, plunging the church into a week of plumbers diagnosing the problem, which ultimately resulted in the City of Austin having to dig up the street to repair the line! Two weeks prior to this event, a pipe near the BBQ pits developed a crack that caused a serious leak. To stop the flow, water to the church and day school had to be shut off entirely and the day school had to shutter its doors for about 24 hours. In the midst of this, the plumber discovered a gas leak on the front lawn when he went to shut off the water. The outcome resulted in Texas Gas Service digging up our sidewalk to repair the leak, so at the moment we have a temporary sidewalk surface. As of this writing, all pipe issues have been repaired, with the exception of the sprinkler system, which was damaged during the drilling of Google fiber lines, and the resulting repairs. However, it looks like our crepe myrtles out by the street survived the chaos, but only springtime will tell us the true story. This past month, Miss Becky (Nolan) and her elves managed the miracle of removing the holiday finery by Epiphany, January 6th, in spite of cold, damp weather and the aforementioned surgery, which has our garden guild chair in another boot. We wish her well, and send our love and appreciation to her and to other guilders who have planted in such a way that the church grounds look handsome in spite of winter dormancy. The coming month will bring forth early spring and more unpredictable weather, but gardeners will prevail! We can anticipate colorful bulbs, snapdragons, pansies, and petunias during the softer spring weather. Enjoy these last weeks of winter and think of ways you too can adopt a Spot! The earth laughs in flowers ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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February 2015 Youth Group Happenings in February February 1st is the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. The youth will be stationed near the doors and in the parish hall after the 9 and 11 o’clock services to collect donations for the Capital Area Food Bank. This is the eighth year that St. Mark’s has participated in the Souper Bowl. Last year, St. Mark’s youth collected over $1,000. Also on February 1st, we’ll be making our first visit of the year to the Trinity Center. As on previous visits, we’ll have a worship service and prepare and serve lunch for the Trinity Center neighbors. We’re very happy to have Fr. Nate joining us to celebrate the Eucharist. We’re having a lock-in!!! The long-awaited youth group lock-in will take place on Friday, February 27th. We’ll meet in the parish hall at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and an evening full of fun activities. We’ll wrap up with breakfast on Saturday morning and head home at around 9:00 a.m. Also beginning in February, seminarian Thom Temperli will meet with the youth on the first Sunday of each month to lead us in Contemplative Prayer. 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.
Camp Allen Weekend Retreats Feb. 2022 For grades 4th—8th The Division of Youth has winter retreats designed to give diocesan youth a chance to take a break and draw nearer to God for a weekend of relaxation, fun, and worship. Think of it as a weeklong camp crammed into two-and-a-half days! Each retreat is directed by a youth or children’s minister in the diocese and staffed with a team of adult sponsors and college counselors.
Summer Activities for St. Mark’s Children Mark those calendars for St. Mark’s Summer Activities!
Vacation Bible School for children 4 years through 7th grade will be held on June 15 through 19. There will be childcare for young children of parent leaders. We are looking for adult and youth volunteers to help with VBS. We’d love to share this great experience with both you and your children! Application forms will be coming in the mail or you can download them from our website: www.stmarksaustin.org.
Summer camp information is available! Camp Allen camps and events for children ages 8 through 17 years open on June 7. See Camp Allen’s website, www.campallen.org/summercamp, for on-line registration, registration forms, information, and the calendar for campers and counselors.
Cost: $75, which covers lodging, food, and a really cool tshirt. Registration Deadline: Friday the week before retreat. To register: http://www.epicenter.org/formation/division-ofyouth/winter-retreats/ **If you are an adult or college student interested in staffing any of the winter retreats, please contact Matt Blank at mblank@epicenter.org.
Outreach Collections for El Buen Samaritano . In February we will be collecting rice, and in March we will be collecting beans. Please bring donations to the blue bin in the Parish Hall.
Hospice Austin Food Pantry We be collecting fruit cups, instant breakfast, Ensure, and canned goods.
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February 2015
Day School News The Day School will soon be accepting applications for the 2015 – 2016 school year! Priority applications for active members of St. Mark's Church will be processed from February 16 through March 2. Applications will be available for church members in the Parish Hall beginning Sunday, February 15. Current Day School students, siblings of current and former students, and family members of Day School staff can apply beginning Monday, March 2. On that day, applications will be emailed to all families of currently enrolled children, and at pick-up time, a hard copy will be in each student’s cubby as well as in the office. All other applicants are given the opportunity to apply beginning on Monday, March 23. Priority will be given to families who have paid to be placed on the waitlist.
Christian Formation for Children by Cathy Nelson, DRE In the lectionary during the season of Epiphany, we hear the stories of the baptism of Jesus; the calling of the disciples; the miracles of Jesus and the Transfiguration of our Lord, along with themes of healing, justice and compassion, and discipleship. And we can teach our children that in these stories Jesus calls us to be baptized into God’s family and to help do his work in the world, sharing his love and light. On the St. Mark’s calendar this month, there are many events that show that we are doing God’s work. We will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Elizabeth’s ordination in recognition of her work; the youth will collect money for the Capital Area Food Bank on Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday; the youth will lead the service and serve the neighbors at the Trinity Center; we will celebrate the baptisms of some of our young parishioners; and we will begin the Season of Lent with its many opportunities to attend services and soup suppers, to worship and listen to beautiful music. At our services during this time, children can experience the liturgical worship that accompanies one of the most important times of the Church year—a time that defines who we are and what we believe as God’s people. And as they participate in and learn how we worship in community, we all benefit. Children benefit because they are being formed as they experience faith and they develop a sense of belonging to the community of the family of God. And adults benefit because we learn from children. We are moved by their fresh, open excitement and curiosity. We learn from their questions and as we model the traditions and rituals of our worship. I hope you and your children can join us for these services and other community events!
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February 2015 On February 17 at 6:00 p.m., families are invited to celebrate the end of the Season of Epiphany together at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. On February 18, plan to attend an Ash Wednesday service at any of these times: 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to observe the beginning of the season of Lent. Families can pick up Lenten materials to use during the season of Lent. This year, we invite everyone to try a Lenten discipline recommended by parishioner, Cindy Cabler. Last year, each day of Lent, Cindy set aside some time each day to read and think about the thought or scripture of the day as she colored the drawings on the Join the Journey through Lent calendar illustrated by the Rev. Sidebotham. This year, we will have a coloring contest, or at least a “show and tell” display of our artistic endeavors. The calendars will be available at the Pancake Supper. Other Lenten practices families might include are “giving up” or “taking on” things. Giving up things as a reminder of the sacrifices that Jesus made for us, and taking on something extra during Lent—saying special prayers, collecting money or food for the poor, reading the Bible or spending more time at church—as a reminder of what Jesus took on for us. United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church can be used as a family offering during Lent. Look for the little blue boxes in the Parish Hall and learn about UTO’s call for giving thanks in the form of money and prayer, as well as, hearing about some of the work that UTO does with our offerings at www.episcopalchurch.org. Christian Formation Schedule On February 1, we take a break to celebrate Elizabeth’s 30th anniversary of her ordination. This is a special occasion and reminds us of how blessed we are by the work and ministry of the Rev. Elizabeth. I hope your family will be here to celebrate with us! On February 8, the Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners and Kindergartners will hear The Parable of the Good Shepherd, and the Godly Play Two class for 1st through 5th graders will hear The Story of Samuel. On the last two Sundays of the month, as we move into the Season of Lent, both classes will hear The Mystery of Easter and the first two of seven stories from Jesus’ life in the series The Faces of Easter. The children will make the journey with Jesus from his birth to the cross and his resurrection, as they prepare for the Mystery of Easter. The Youth Class will meet on February 8, 1, and 22 with their adult leaders Danielle Adkins, Kathy Genet, and Jay Brown and with teen leader Ellise Johnson for Bible study.
Christian Formation for Adults
February 1 – No Adult Formation February 8 – Fasting in a Culture of Excess (Thomas Temperli) February 15 – Praying the Hours (Tom Schneider) February 22 – Keeping a Holy Lent
March 1, 8, 15, 22: Sunday mornings in Lent. Our Sunday morning Lenten series will begin on the 2nd Sunday in Lent (March 1). The Rev. Cecilia Smith will teach a four-week course entitled Community Gathered, Community Scattered. The adult class will hopscotch through history to look at Christian Community from the apostolic era to today. Over a span of 2000 + years Christian community has been
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February 2015 shaped, fragmented, and reshaped by scripture, politics, wars, theological controversies, migrations of peoples, and historical paradigm shifts. Obviously, this will be like skipping a stone across a pond, looking widely but not deeply. Our purpose will be to assess the idea that Christian community is primarily formed, shaped, and strengthened in corporate worship. And that for us as Episcopalians, communal worship equips us to carry out the mission of the church as it is defined in the Book of Common Prayer’s Baptismal Covenant: to pray, worship, proclaim the Gospel and promote justice, peace, and love.
Parishioner Highlights Wow, what an interesting read! The Coopers’ lives will take you through the multiple places in which they have lived, the many degrees and occupations they have achieved as well as their involvement in “church and state” as the saying goes. Their children follow in some pretty big footsteps which they seem to do gracefully. We whole heartily thank you John and Barbette as well as your family for all your involvement in and with St. Mark’s! Beth Chenoweth
John and Barbette Cooper Barbette began visiting St. Mark’s Church in 1989 and was baptized by Father Scotty that same year. John and Barbette were married by Father Scotty in 1991, and soon after John was received into the Episcopal Church. We began our volunteer work at St. Mark’s doing the cash deposit on Sundays after the service (in a written ledger before we had computers!). We also served on the coffee ministry, just like many newcomers, in order to meet people. Soon, John was called to be on the vestry by Father Tom. John got involved in the Men’s Group about that time, going on a few fishing trips, and started ushering. When Father Bill came to St. Mark’s, many more committees were formed, and he asked John to be Usher Captain. John served on several committees over the years: Long Range Planning, Stewardship, Finance (chair), and the Building Committee for the chapel extension. Barbette helped for several years with Children’s Christian Formation and then Godly Play. John and Barbette enjoyed the company and camaraderie of two different dinner groups.
John and Barbette helped start the Young Families ministry in 1997 when their kids were young and many more young families have since joined St. Mark’s. John chaired that effort for several years and was on the vestry again for three years under Father Bill. John served on various search and discernment committees and in 2008, started an Environmental Stewardship Committee, which didn’t endure, but left us with racks of coffee cups, and we hope, a raised sensitivity on environmental issues. Barbette served on the vestry with Mother Elizabeth for three years, finishing a few years ago. Briefly, Barbette and John were a part of the greeting teams for newcomers. John has been a part of the Men’s Group for years, got involved with the Scholarship Golf Tournament five years ago, and recently became the new chairman of the tournament (come see me, please!). Blake and Wesley grew up at St. Mark’s. Both were baptized here as babies, then active in the Youth Group and many years of Christmas pageants. They were both acolytes for years, Wesley was an usher, and both helped in Children’s Chapel. Wesley did his Eagle Scout project on the south side of the church lot, along Barton Hills Drive, planting rosemary plants where only weeds grew before. Blake enjoyed volunteering with the ladies of the Trinity Center Shower Ministry on many occasions, and she helped with a Habitat for Humanity build. We’ve been in Austin a long time. John and Barbette watched Austin grow up with them. John started 8th
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February 2015 grade in 1970 at O. Henry Jr. High, and Barbette started 9th grade in 1971 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. Prior, Barbette lived in Little Rock (birthplace), Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City, Sherman, and Harlingen before moving to Austin. John lived in San Angelo (birthplace); Salina, Kansas; Canal Winchester, Ohio; and Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada prior to Austin (Dad was in the Air Force). Barbette spent a year in Houston finishing her UT undergrad degree in 1979, but has otherwise called Austin home since moving here. John wandered around in his 20s, spending time between Austin and Appalachia, Hilton Head, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Nassau, Wilmington NC, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Calgary and most recently, Fredericton New Brunswick in northeastern Canada. Blake and Wesley were born and raised here in Austin and Westlake, attending Bridge Point Elementary, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and Westlake High School. Blake has done her share of traveling, on orchestra trips to Austria, Germany, and Italy. In her senior year, she went to Ireland to perform in the Irish Youth Dance Festival. This month, Blake is doing a mission trip to Guatemala and has plans to spend a semester in Spain next fall. Wesley has traveled with Boy Scouts to New Mexico, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Manitoba, Canada. Blake is currently studying Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, while Wesley is studying Business with a focus on International Business at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Barbette started her career in Medical Technology, working in the Brackenridge Hospital laboratory for six years. She returned to UT to earn an MBA in 1989, and she went on to a finance specialty at state agencies, and now, with non-profits, most recently
Austin Partners in Education, which coordinates volunteers in the classroom for the Austin Independent School District. John studied sciences (pre-med) at Rice and UT, then French/Art at UT, finally getting a BA in Government at UT in 1986 (hope for all parents, no BA until 11 years after high school!). John almost got a Masters in Government in 1988, then dropped it, but returned later to pursue an MBA at UT. John worked in restaurants in Austin off and on from 1976-1986. After getting a degree, John helped open, then later ran the Texas Senate Research Center for eight years. Earning an MBA in 1994, John worked for an electric utility for seven years, then Dell for two, and for ten years he was an independent consultant in communications/electricity on a variety of cutting edge projects. John has authored two books and numerous publications; the 2nd edition of his book on the future of electricity (The Advanced Smart Grid) will be published in February 2015. John currently works for Siemens as a consultant to the utility industry. John and Barbette share a love for UT football and wine, and John enjoys golf when he gets a chance, and of course, there is writing (he is starting a novel). Blake has pursued an interest in dance since she was little, with eleven years at Ballet Austin (playing just about every student role in the Nutcracker), and now, she enjoys a variety of dance activities in college. Wesley was active in Scouts (Eagle Scout) and martial arts (Black Belt) while growing up, and now is looking forward to working on his snow skiing skills up in chilly Vermont. St. Mark’s has become our home over the past 26 years, and you guys our family. It’s been a wonderful journey, and we have learned—and lived—so much. We’re very thankful to be here in Austin as well as with our St. Mark’s family.
February Caffeine Ministry 1
Early Late
Janna and Tim Green Cookie and David Bowman
8
Early Late
Phil Harwell and Susan Baxter-Harwell Katherine and Beth Holmes
Early Late
Cheryl Smithers Rose Jennings and Amy Farley
Early Late
Mary-Alis and Brian Kelly Pam and David Johns
15
22
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 February: Karen Milton.
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February 2015
February Celebrations Birthdays Trish Dew Sherrie Johnson Annaclaire Kepple Evelyn Eaton Casey Smith Jennifer Baumgart Connor Lightsey Mateo Moreno Ted Smouse Barbara Wilson Juliette Li Quincy Dew Sam Green Phillip Harwell Michael Huston Maria Lubeck Joseph Moldenhauer John Chenoweth Jonathon Mayor David Anthony Heather Azarmehr Joe Eaton Adam Gates Stephen Sharpe Laura Van Wyk Brian Kelly Michael Portman David Randle Vicky Hill Phyllis Millirons Ariston Awitan Michael Brown
02/01 02/02 02/02 02/03 02/04 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/07 02/08 02/08 02/08 02/09 02/09 02/09 02/10 02/10 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/13 02/13 02/13 02/14 02/15 02/16 02/16
Sarah Chacko Morgan Dew Maria Fuhrman Robert Glover Jim Clark Cort Considine Sloan Kurak Avery Loyd Clint Rogers Audrey Stephenson Kava Lipp Margaret Schlankey Tim Hendricks Dolores Minor James Nelson Pam Wood Nicholas Berndt Meredith Childs Manuel de la Rosa Beth Holmes Greta Olivas Millie Casparis Stephanie Craven Jeanne Erichson Emily Cannon Wenlan Lawrence James Beesley Laurie Mayor Chaz Ripoll Michael Yeager Liz Badger Amy Newman
02/16 02/16 02/16 02/16 02/19 02/19 02/19 02/20 02/20 02/20 02/21 02/21 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/24 02/24 02/24 02/26 02/26 02/27 02/27 02/27 02/27 02/28 02/28
Anniversaries Darcy & Eric Goff
02/02
Jean & Frank Severn
02/02
Gloria & Edward Mickler
02/16
Kay & Jay Brown
02/25
Jewellyn & Scott Forrest
02/27
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February 2015
February ROTA
7:30
TIME
MINISTRY
February 1
February 8 Youth Sunday Choristers
February 15
February 22 Youth Sunday
March 1
LECTOR
Amelia Sondgeroth
Pattie Rose
Margarita Moreno
Jonea Raney
Nancy Middlebrook
LEM / ACOLYTE
Wes Raney
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
Jill Collins
Wes Raney
USHERS
Jill Collins Jonea Raney
Judith & Jon Dullnig
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
LECTORS
Mike Thomasson (1) Lynn Edgerton (2)
Audrey Doidge Ethan Fuhrman
Kevin Childs (1) Meredith Childs (2)
YOUTH
Mary-Alis Kelly (1) Brian Kelly (2)
LEM
Kim Buckner Tom Schneider
Gary Taylor Becky Janes
Thom Temperli Lynn Edgerton
Tom Schneider Pam Castles
Bill Kibler Thom Temperli
Ariston Awitan IV Ethan Fuhrman Ryan Dempsey Claire Dempsey Kim B., Carol Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
Ariston Awitan IV Claudia Janes Henry Janes Matthew Awitan Kim K.
Suzanne Lightsey Meredith Childs Elijah Gallardo TBD Kim K.
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Hunter Rogers Kim B.
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Michael Brown TBD
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Aidan Brady Clay Buckner Hunter Rogers TBD Kim K. Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
9:00
ACOLYTES
ALTAR GUILD
11:00
USHERS
GREETERS
Maria & Mike Fuhrman
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack
Laura Merritt Kim Buckner
Michael Meigs Diane Stangl
Maria & Mike Fuhrman
LECTORS
Melissa Blanding (1) Chris Blanding (2)
Kay Brown (1) Rex White (2)
Andrew Poynot (1) Beth Holmes (2)
Bill Willis (1) Kimberly Horne (2)
Phil Aboussie (1) Dodie Wells (2)
LEM
Sandy Sterzing Tom Schneider
Jay Brown Dru Cabler
Thom Temperli Sandy Sterzing
Thom Temperli Michele Bonner
Tom Schneider Ann Seyler
ACOLYTES
Max Genet Karen Milton Josef Genet Meredith Shaw Jay, Cindy
Bonnie Brode Claire Cabler Emma Kloninger Elijah Gallardo Jay, Cindy
Matt Forrest Karen Milton Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Jay, Cindy
Winston Baxter-Harwell Asher Eton Evelyn Eton Emma Baxter-Harwell Jay, Cindy
Sophie Lawrence Luke Thiessen Ryan Dempsey Claire Dempsey Jay, Cindy
USHERS
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works Jean & Frank Severn
Jean & Frank Severn Jodi Doran Jay Doran Pam Johns David Johns Sue Borel Steve Niemeyer Barbara Dody
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works
GREETERS
Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Karen Milton
Henry Olivas Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Sandy Sterzing Jay Doran
Meredith Childs-TC Dee Ann Thomasson-TC Tina Stonebarger Dodie Wells Henry Olivas Helen Anderson Judy Elkins Millie Casparis Susan Baxter-Harwell Cynthia Archer Barbara Dody Elijah Gallardo
Diana Stangl-TC Liz Davis Lynn Edgerton Debbie Thornal Darlene Goodnight
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Helen Anderson
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Frank Severn
February 25
March 4
Depositor
Bo Overstreet
Jim Nolan
WED. 6 p.m.
February 4
February 11
February 18
Frank Severn
Ash Wednesday* 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Lector
Jonea Raney
Jean & Frank Severn
Soup Supper & Lenten Program: TBD
Page 12
Vestry J.P. Kloninger, Sr. Warden Diane 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, Mary Cromack, Kim Kiplin, and Kim Buckner Altar Guild: Millie Casparis Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose Daughters of the King: Lisa Martin Women of St. Mark’s: Dee Ann Thomasson Facilities: Ray Smith Finance: John Edgerton
Deadline for the March 2015 St. Mark’s News is Friday, February 13, 2015. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Outreach: Becky Poynot and Laurie Mayor
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 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