December 2013
St. Mark’s News Volume 16/Issue 11
From the Assistant Rector The recent birth of a friend’s newest baby reminded me how significant picking a name can be. Our friends wanted their baby to have a name worth announcing! After weighing the options, narrowing them down to a short list, and mulling things over, everyone marveled that the parents did indeed pick the perfect name. Names matter. Parents have a sense that a good name inaugurates a good life; a name can affect a child’s future in uncanny ways. I know this was on our minds when Suzanne and I contemplated the names of both our boys. She and I loved the name Luke, and as we shared our reasons, we began to wonder if our firstborn was meant to have the name Luke. By the time our second was to be named we had similar feelings about the name Noah. We have speculated that rather than naming either one, we actually finalized something already chosen for them. Indeed, we gave careful consideration to our roles as heralds. One’s name is an introduction to the world. Our names have a way of honoring our past. Equally so, names can stake a claim as to our place throughout our lives, and they can speak to where we are going. As our days and lives unfold, our names have something to say about how it will happen. The name Travis means “crossroads.” This In this Issue single word has painted a huge swath of my life thus far; I have been living From the Assistant Rector ......... 1 out this characteristic of my personality for as long as I can remember. Vestry Highlights ........................ 2
Foreshadowing one’s fate through one’s character is certainly a Gospel Advent Schedule ........................ 3 feature. In thinking about the incarnation…anticipating the Savior being Christmas Schedule ................... 4 Outreach .................................... 4 born among us, Matthew’s story of naming Mary and Joseph’s baby is Parish Life .................................. 5 wonderfully telling. Brother Curtis Almquist writes, “in naming, things and Music Notes ............................... 7 people are set apart. Our name is what uniquely distinguishes us from Christian Formation .................... 8 others, our name also unites us to others insofar as others will call us by Caffeine Ministry ........................ 9 name and therefore can know us and have a certain claim on us.” (Twelve Parishioner Highlights .............. 10 Days of Christmas; Unwrapping the Gifts, p. 54). A careful reading of Celebrations ............................. 10 Christmas Eve ROTA ............... 11 Matthew’s lineage (Ch. 1) for baby Jesus, one sees that he was distinguished ROTA ....................................... 12 before he was even born and named. Jesus carries the past with him; indeed he draws forth the past into his every breath, his every action, his every word…but it is not what we might think. Embedded within the long list of names are four women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and “the wife of Uriah.” These women are not found in Luke’s lineage (the only other lineage we have for Jesus). This list is a heralding in its own right, but even before Jesus’ name is ever called out his past has helped define him for the world. These women do not carry stellar reputations. Tamar tricked her father-in-law into continuing the family line, Rahab was the prostitute in Jericho, Ruth was the widowed foreign daughter-in-law to Naomi, and Bathsheba was the married mistress of King David. While a scribe might normally seek to cover up such familial “indiscretions,” these women are kept in full view. We can only assume this is done on purpose. The significance of God’s name, Jesus, and his future is somehow linked to these names. Of all the names in this
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December 2013 list, about which many we know nothing, we know just enough about these women. Not only does each carry a culturally unsavory element in their stories, but more significantly, we read how important they proved to God’s divine story. We are privy to their legacies of faith: each, in their distinct way, contributing to Israel’s ultimate purpose of introducing the world to this new baby. Their names contributed to the meaning of the baby’s name. Strangely, the names are listed in a way that makes them fade into His name. Their legacies, as they are defining the name given to this boy, are also being redefined by His name. All the past, and therefore the rest of time, is new and purposed. This child relates to us not from a line of miscreants, but from a line of colorfully faithful people including these four women, the patriarchs (also with checkered histories), and most recently his mom and dad. Finally, like his ancestors of old, his mom and dad are faithful in their love for God and for each other. In this Gospel we read that though Joseph had no idea what to think of this “pregnant virgin,” he chose to be faithful to Mary, to believe her story, and to love her. Jesus’ own story reveals the love and the faithfulness in His parents’ lives and the lives that helped define him. And of course, His life will beautifully reflect the name given him…God with us. A name worthy of announcing to the world!
Travis+
Vestry Highlights St. Mark’s vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting opened with a prayer of commemoration for Elizabeth of Hungary, and closed with Compline. •
• • •
• • • • •
John DeMarines, the chair of the Endowment Committee, presented a proposed Statement of Investment Plan and Policies. “This statement of investment policy, objectives, guidelines and restrictions has been adopted by the Committee in order to: a) define and assign the responsibilities of all involved parties; b) establish a clear understanding for all involved parties of the investment goals and objectives of Endowment Fund assets; c) establish the relevant investment time horizon(s) for which the Endowment Fund assets will be managed; d) manage Endowment Fund assets according to prudent standards and socially responsible investment practices; and e) establish a basis for evaluating investment results. This statement is intended to be sufficiently specific to be meaningful, yet flexible enough to be practical and to allow prudent modification to be made in response to changing economic and market conditions.” There was some discussion about how we might best be “socially responsible,” and the vestry agreed that should the time come that we employ an Investment Manager we will flag that as a vestry concern. The vestry unanimously approved the Plan as presented. The Rector extended her thanks to the vestry for their help with the three Mission and Ministry meals, and to the youth for making and selling breakfast tacos on Mission and Ministry Sunday. The Rector gave a Stewardship update. As of 11/19 we had received 134 pledges for a total amount of $423,036. St. Mark’s has once again been generous to special appeals for help: $112.21 was collected for Unicef; $770 for El Buen’s Thanksgiving baskets; and $640 in cash and gift cards for Austin flood relief (in addition to bleach and canned foods). A new digital piano was purchased out of Memorial funds for use in the Parish Hall, where the choir is now rehearsing. Leaking windows in the kitchen will be replaced, as will that large window in the Parish Hall. We are going to get a bid on improving our lighting outside of the buildings. A $500 mini grant was given to the Trinity Center to help with the Christmas party. Travis+ reported on leadership changes for both the Families with Young Children (Elizabeth Mufich) and Newcomers (Meredith Childs). Many thanks to Bradley Johnson, to Laura Merritt (FWYC), and to Jay
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December 2013
• • • •
Doran (Newcomers) who have served as chairpersons for the past several years. The breakfast taco fundraiser raised $450 for the youth program. Andrew Poynot presented the slate of potential vestry nominees. In December the vestry will vote to approve the five names that will be presented at the Annual Parish Meeting in January. Bo Overstreet presented the Finance Committee report. Our year-to-date total of contributions is at 106.76%. Friday, November 22, is the Day School Fiesta – celebrating the school’s 50th Anniversary. All Fiesta proceeds go to the scholarship fund. The December meeting of the vestry will be at the home of Elizabeth and Philip Turner.
Advent Schedule of Services, Adult Formation, and Parish Activities December 1 (Advent I) 7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:00 a.m.
Advent Wreath Making Party
Wednesday, December 4 6:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II and prayers for healing (Grace Chapel)
Saturday, December 7 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Daughters of the King Advent Quiet Day
December 8 (Advent II) 7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:00 a.m.
Adult Formation: Objects of Devotion (Mike Thomasson)
Wednesday, December 11 6:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Grace Chapel)
December 15 (Advent III) 7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Lessons and Carols
10:00 a.m.
Adult Formation: Objects of Devotion (Mike Thomasson)
5:00 p.m.
FWYC, Youth, and everyone else: Pizza and Manna Bag party
Wednesday, December 18 6:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Grace Chapel)
Sunday, December 22 (Advent IV) 7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:00 a.m.
Cookie Exchange
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December 2013
Christmas Pageant Preparation begins December 1! The Church School program (10 a.m. education hour) will take a break during December to prepare for the Christmas Pageant. All St. Mark’s children are invited to take part in the Pageant on Christmas Eve at the 5:30 p.m. service. See the schedule below for all the details! December 1
Children interested in having a speaking role will meet in the Common Room at 10:00 a.m. to be part of a lottery to draw names.
December 8 and 15
Children and parents: stop by the Common Room to choose costumes for the Pageant and enjoy Christmas crafts and storytelling. Volunteers are needed to help label the costumes. Actors with speaking parts will practice with teen coaches in Classroom D.
December 23
Pageant practice in the Sanctuary at 10:20 a.m., after the Cookie Exchange. At noon, we will have a final practice for actors with speaking parts and stage managers.
December 24
Arrive to the church at 4:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve to dress for the pageant. All St. Mark’s children are invited to be a part of the pageant so please come early to get a costume if your child does not already have one. We will process into the sanctuary at 5:00 p.m. to pose for pictures. No cameras are allowed during the actual service.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II and Christmas Pageant 9:40 p.m. Choral Prelude 10:00 p.m. Festal Holy Eucharist, Rite II Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25 (no Wednesday evening service) 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II First Sunday after Christmas—December 29 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Christmas Carol sing
Outreach Beginning on Advent I, December 1, you may stop by the Angel Tree in the Parish Hall to pick out an angel and make Christmas more meaningful for you and others. This year, each angel on the tree will list gifts for Austin Children’s Shelter clients and a request for a $10 contribution to the Thermal Underwear Drive organized by House the Homeless. Please bring your gifts to St. Mark’s by Sunday, December 17, so we can deliver them the following week. For more information about these organizations, please view their websites: www.austinchildrenshelter.org and www.housethehomeless.org.
Also, on December 15 at 5:00 p.m., the FWYC and Youth—plus anyone else who’s interested—will be having pizza and making Manna Bags for the homeless.
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December 2013
Parish Life Advent Wreath Making It is not too late to join in St. Mark’s annual wreath making event to mark the beginning of the season of Advent. We will gather in the Parish Hall to make or freshen up an advent wreath for our homes on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1, at 10:00 a.m.
First Friday Book Group; Bennett Wing Classroom at 11 a.m. Join us for our last First Friday Book Group of 2013 on December 6. We will be discussing Eventide by Kent Haruf. Haruf returns to the high-plains town of Holt, Colorado, and to the aging McPheron brothers to whom we were introduced in Plainsong. “Eventide unveils immemorial truths about human beings; their fragility and resilience, their selfishness and goodness, and their ability to find family in one another.” In January (January 3) we will be reading and discussing Mary Sharratt’s book about Hildegard of Bingen: Illuminations.
December Youth Events st
1 th 8
kitchen, games, and prayer—the lighting of Zilker Tree starting at 6pm kitchen, games and prayer--Contemplative Prayer with Guy in Grace Chapel
15
th
kitchen then St. Marks caroling and (possibly) the Trail of Lights http://austintrailoflights.org/
21
st
Christmas Party at Michele’s place! 6-9 pm
22
nd
pageant practice (for all speaking parts) from 12:00 to 12:30 pm followed by grabbing a bite then seeing The Hobbit; part two (The Desolation of Smaug)
24
th
Christmas Eve services (including the Pageant)
29
th
Christmas Break
Women of St. Mark’s The year is quickly coming to an end and before we say goodbye to 2013, I would like to thank all the ladies who attended the Potluck/Closet Exchange on Monday, October 28th. Twenty-two ladies participated in the Exchange of clothes, shoes, jackets, shoes, jewelry and a potluck dinner. This ECW fundraiser brought in a total of $430.00. The leftover items from the Closet Exchange were donated to the Trinity Center, SafePlace & Dress for Success. All three organizations were greatly pleased & appreciated the generous donations. Thanks to all the ladies who helped put the ‘fun’ in this first-time event Fundraiser. Please remember that the combination November/December Potluck/Bunco is scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2013 @ 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. The hot topic at this meeting will be the nominations for new leadership for the Women's Group. We will be looking for a new President, Vice President and Secretary for the new year. The election for these new positions will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2014 during our annual Brunch. Cold weather gear needed! Brrrr....The cold weather is approaching & the Shower Ministry is asking the Women of St. Mark's to donate hats, gloves, earmuffs and scarfs for the Neighbors at the Trinity Center. We will collect these items on Monday, Dec. 2nd during our Potluck/Bunco meeting. Thank you in advance for your generous donations.
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December 2013 Congratulations and a standing ovation to our 2013 honored woman of the year: Mrs. Brenda White. Brenda White has done it all, and she’s done it with grace and finesse. She is much admired and loved by all who know and have worked with her. Brenda has worked on many projects throughout her years at St. Mark's. Presently, she is a member of the Daughters of the King, serves as a LEM, and is a team member of the Shower Ministry to homeless women in Austin. Last but certainly not least Brenda is most well known for her devoted years as the head of the Parish Life Committee (a.k.a. The Marthas). Brenda White is truly a gift to our church and to each of us who serve with her. This honor is to express in a small way how grateful St. Mark's is for her faithful service.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday Season & a Prosperous 2014! Remember to Keep a Smile on Your Face and Love in Your Heart
~Yvonne Chavez
About the Shower Ministry Every Tuesday volunteers from St. Mark’s work at the Trinity Center to provide a safe environment for homeless women to have 12 minutes of privacy to shower. During this time, the neighbors don’t have to worry about their belongings being stolen or someone whipping back the shower curtain to see if they are about finished. Some of the homeless women come several weeks in a row; some come just once; and a few of them have been coming every week the shower ministry started three years ago. One of the neighbors is so young that the staff at Trinity Center wonder if CPS should be notified, but she insists that she is eighteen. Another young lady wants a shower really badly but can’t seem to settle down. She talks about how she is kicking the meth habit by herself and how she’s going back to her mom, who lives in another state. She hasn’t slept in three days. A couple of the women are pregnant. One says she and her boyfriend are working on getting a place, and she hopes that this baby will be a new beginning for them. She has four older children she has had to give up for adoption. One elderly woman who comes for a shower is blind. Another young lady comes with many bags, some contain art supplies. She’s an artist and will be selling paintings at the November Art from the Streets show. They come out of the shower refreshed and thank us. “Be safe out there. God bless you,” we say. Pat Bullock Good news! In November the Shower Ministry received a $1,000 grant from the GOC Chapter of the LCRA Employees’ United Charities.
The Daughters of the King will start new classes for those interested in joining the DOK in January. If you feel that you are being called to join the Daughters, please contact Lisa Martin at 512-431-7716 or dmartin12@austin.rr.com.
Adult Inquirers’ Classes Are you interested in knowing more about our Anglican tradition and the Episcopal Church? On three consecutive Saturdays in January (4, 11, and 18) from 10:00 a.m. to noon we will offer an Adult Inquirers’ Class. These three classes are required for any adults interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church when Bishop Harrison is with us on Sunday, January 26 at 11:00. The class is open to anyone who is interested. We will look at our Anglican roots, at some of the church’s historical documents, at the Creeds, the Sacraments, and Holy Scripture. If you are interested, please let Elizabeth+ know so that we can plan accordingly.
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December 2013
From the garden ~ When temperatures drop, leaves fall, and living things go into some form of hibernation. Our gardens do the same. While plants and trees wait on inevitable spring, we Episcopalians are also charged with a season of waiting and anticipation, Advent. The splendid colors of November with its orange pumpkins and colorful trees and blooms give way to the purples of Advent and the literal sprucing up of our environments inside and out while we wait, anticipating the coming of the Christ child. Waiting is hardest for children during this time, but the joys of the season are made greater by the effort of waiting and anticipation. It is usual for gardeners to wait. We prepare the way, we sow the seeds, we anticipate the fruits of labor. Our gardeners this year have all been willing to invest their time and talent and their patience in the end result of nature’s beauty. McKinney Isle, the Foote Path, and the columbarium garden have all been adopted and the results are quietly unfolding. Our incredibly showy corner all fall, the ongoing project of Becky Nolan, will quietly be transformed from harvest golds to the purples of Advent when our agave struts its seasonable colors. Becky’s artistry is on display all through the season with wreaths and ornaments appropriately colored. Jay Doran, aided by Tom Delamater, completed his fall preparations in the columbarium garden during November when they spread warming pecan mulch in the area to protect the new plantings. Al McKinney is the epitome of patience, as his project has developed over several years to become the stunning destination it is. Dee Ann Thomasson’s patient tending of the entranceway and bedding areas has resulted in lovely greenery and seasonal colors, most of which can now flourish with less labor. Joanne Foote continues to tweak the pathway and we all so enjoy her work. Soon, Jim Casparis and Jay Brown will create beautiful wreaths for the sanctuary, and the altar guild will spread the vibrant hues of Christmas Eve with poinsettias. We will all light our homes reflecting the star of Bethlehem, the narthex will have the manger and magi, and the children will prepare their Christmas Pageant. The choir will fill the parish hall with the scent of poinsettias and wreaths as they distribute the plants and décor of their annual fundraiser, and they will prepare the music that makes our seasonal observances soar. At home we must take care to keep the reason for our preparations in balance with doing them. Once January comes, we can once more resume waiting for spring and thinking of Adopting a Spot! Diane Brewer and Becky Nolan Coordinators “The earth laughs in flowers,” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Music Notes The seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany are filled with beautiful music. There are hymns of expectation, yearning, and even urgency as we eagerly await Christ’s coming. There are gentle songs of reflection as we welcome Christ as an infant child. There are thrilling and jubilant carols as we join with the angels to share the glad tidings of salvation. Join us in worship throughout December and January as we experience the glorious music of the season! Sunday, December 15th is our annual Service of Advent Lessons and Carols. The choirs will sing anthems in a variety of styles at the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. services, bringing to life the Bible readings for Advent.. We begin with anticipation, as the world awaits the Savior. We end with wonder and exuberance as the angel Gabriel announces God’s plan to the blessed Virgin Mary. The timeless liturgy of Morning Prayer, the reading of scripture, and the singing of hymns, psalms, and anthems will help you prepare your heart for the coming of Christ this Christmas.
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December 2013 Tuesday, December 24th is Christmas Eve. The Choristers will sing for the early pageant service at 5:30 p.m. The St. Mark’s Choir will sing for the late service. Plan to come early -- a program of Christmas music will begin at 9:40 p.m., followed by the festive Christmas Eve service at 10:00 p.m. On Sunday, December 29th we will have our annual Christmas Carol Sing during morning worship. Come prepared to request your favorite Christmas songs from the hymnal. Thanks to everyone who ordered poinsettias and wreaths from the Music Ministry! If you haven’t yet paid, please bring checks made out to “St. Mark’s” to the church office, or give them to Mark Reed on Sunday. Please write “Choir Poinsettias” in the memo field of the check. Poinsettias and wreaths will be distributed on Sunday, December 8th. Best wishes for a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas, Mark Reed Organist and Director of Music
Christian Formation For Children and Youth (by Cathy Nelson, Director of Religious Education) Christmas seems to be here already, at least in the stores. Advent calendars, Christmas candy and decorations have been mixed together on the shelves in stores for weeks, since before Halloween! The retail event created for the holiday has been extended beyond the four weeks of Advent that the Church uses to prepare for Christmas. This week, we are beginning the Season of Advent, a time when we are invited to be more intentional about the way we prepare for Christmas. We are asked to wait, with eagerness and anticipation, of course, for the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. Both methods of preparation are important, of course. We must make plans for how we will celebrate Christmas, then shop, cook, clean, send out Christmas cards, make travel plans, to name a few items on our todo lists. And these things are important, but they can make it hard to focus on what we are celebrating. The Season of Advent provides ways for us to inject elements of the sacred into our celebrations. The word Advent means “coming,” the coming of Jesus the child, Jesus in our lives today and Jesus the future King. But what does all of this really mean? One of my favorite Episcopal educators wrote in the Advent edition of her business email, “At its deepest meaning the Advent season asks a question that is not easy to answer: What do we really believe is coming?” www.CandlePress.com This is a question that families can discuss together as they decorate for Christmas; set up a Nativity crèche and slowly move the characters into place; light Advent candles and read the accompanying devotional; open doors of an Advent calendar each day of Advent; celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6, The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, and St. Lucy's Day on December 13; or create a tradition of reading a Christmas story together during the season. This site has a great list of children’s books with stories or messages about Christmas: http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2011/08/christmas-story-books-for-worship.html. Families can make a Jesse tree with symbols representing the family of Jesse and those people who helped prepare the world for the coming of Jesus; have a drawing for their own Secret Santa giving during the season of Advent, but give compliments or gifts of love instead of the usual presents. One website offers The Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar with a printable list of suggestions. http://christmas.yourway.net/randomacts-of-kindness-advent-calendar/ There are many ideas to be found on the internet and some books in the St. Mark’s library with other ideas.
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December 2013 Join us in church to hear scripture that is full of hope, promises and love, along with calls to repent, to make changes in the way we live so that God’s love and kingdom are present and visible in us today. And don’t forget the Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve. We will have many outreach opportunities this season that children will enjoy participating in: the Angel Tree set up with angels listing gifts that will be distributed to less fortunate Austinites, shopping for the clients of the El Buen Samaritano food pantry, and attending the Families with Young Children Manna Bags party on Sunday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m. Look for more information about these in this newsletter. The Church School program will take a break during December so the children can join their families for the wreath-making event on the 1st and the Cookie Exchange on the 22nd and to prepare for St. Mark’s Christmas Pageant. All of St. Mark’s children are invited to take part in the Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve during the 5:30 p.m. service. Those children who wish to be in the pageant will spend some time on December 1, 8, 15 and 22 picking out their roles and costumes and practicing for the pageant. Parents will receive emails with the details and information about how you can help with the Advent activities and the Christmas Pageant.
For Adults: 10 a.m. in Grace Chapel The first Sunday in December is also the first Sunday of Advent. On Sunday, December 1, we will all gather in the Parish Hall to make or refresh Advent wreaths while enjoying ginger cookies, hot wassail, and one another’s good company. On December 8 and 15 the Adult Formation class will meet in the Parish Hall (rather than in Grace Chapel) for a two-week presentation by Mike Thomasson on Objects of Devotion. On December 22, the 4th Sunday of Advent, we will all gather in the Parish Hall for our annual cookie exchange. This is a wonderful way to have more diversity on your Christmas cookie platter. You get to take home the same number of someone else’s cookies as the number you brought (e.g. bring 2 dozen, take home 2 dozen) – delicious and fun!
December Caffeine Ministry 1
8
Early
Joe and Shannon Eaton
Late
Manuel and Amalia de la Rosa
Early
Amy Farley
Late
John and George DeMarines
15
22
29
Early
Beth Chenoweth
Late
Jay and Jodi Doran
Early
Cookie Exchange: no one
Late
Sam and Resa Dunn
Early
Bill and Nancy Kibler
Late
Scott and Jewellyn Forrest
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 December.
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December 2013
Parishioner Highlights I believe that I first officially met the Ramsey/Brownlees at Father Bill Bennett’s farewell party at the seminary. I thought what a handsome couple and later as is so often the case was able to apply the adage “Handsome/pretty is as handsome/pretty does!” And “does” they have done as they have both worked in, on, and with many St. Mark’s committees and community outreach efforts. I know that I and many of us have also enjoyed Ross’ eloquent adult education series topics related to religion and politics. Beth Chenoweth
The Ramsey/Brownlees Family members. Ross, Becky, Jenna, and Cleo the dachshund. History with St. Mark’s and involvement. With a young child at home, we decided to get involved with a church after years of not attending. We visited one church in Austin where, during an adult education session, a participant asked "How do we tell other people that we're right and they're wrong?" We decided that wasn't our kind of place. Soon after that, Becky found St. Mark's in the phone book and decided it was a good bet location-wise. Ross is a cradle Episcopalian. Becky grew up as a Disciple of Christ. We instantly took to St. Mark’s and the shopping was over. We have both served on the vestry and various committees over the years and really value the community and friends we've made here. Occupations. Ross is a journalist at The Texas Tribune; Becky is Director of Policy Development Support for the state Medicaid and CHIP programs. Hobbies/Interests. Fighting over baseball loyalties. Cooking. Going to movies. Eating. Reading. Walking around Town Lake (Becky). Thinking of reasons not to walk around Town Lake (Ross). Touring America's most expensive colleges and universities (all three of us) in preparation for Jenna’s venture into higher education. The family lives in the Deep Eddy neighborhood.
Celebrations December Anniversaries Megan & Paul Crigger
12/01
Pattie Rose & Mike Davis
Silvia & Adam Gates
12/04
Kim Kiplin & Don Camp
12/28
Susan & William Willis
12/10
Amy & Kevin Farley
12/29
Sloan & David Kurak
12/15
Shirley & Lloyd Schwartz
12/29
Amy Newman & Sandy Harwood
12/17
Berit Kragas & Dave Thiessen
12/31
Marty & Jim Clark
12/22 12/27
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December 2013
December Birthdays June Karrass
12/01
Robert Romero
12/17
Christopher Olivas Benjamin Ramsey
12/01 12/01
Jack Considine Terry Dempsey
12/18 12/18
Susan Randle Grace Crigger
12/04 12/05
Casey Edgerton William Pugsley
12/18 12/18
Elizabeth Mufich
12/05
Anne Rogers
12/18
Sharon Scarborough Ray Smith
12/05 12/07
Beverly Crozier Bradley Castleberry
12/19 12/20
Brodie Doidge
12/08
Rebecca Greenlee
12/20
Bill Adkins Gage Pitt
12/10 12/11
Will Price Judi Thompson
12/20 12/20
Paul Berndt Sue Borel
12/13 12/13
Sandy Harwood Sandy Sterzing
12/21 12/21
Mary Bridgewater
12/13
Zachary Borja
12/22
Yvette Webb Jim Casparis
12/13 12/14
Lily Phillips Flo Puryear
12/22 12/24
Brian Crozier
12/14
Jon Dullnig
12/25
Joyce Gosh Sonia Randle
12/14 12/14
Kelli Way Ann Seyler
12/25 12/27
Sam Dunn Kay Brown
12/15 12/16
Mary Carole Sitzes Emmanuel Kaghondi
12/27 12/28
Patrick Camp
12/16
Matthew Lamon
12/29
David Kurak Clara Bogard
12/16 12/17
Eve Nunes
12/31
Jenna Ramsey
12/31
Zachary Mayor
12/17
Christmas Eve ROTA 5:30 p.m. Lectors: Mary-Alis Kelly, Brian Kelly LEMS: Bill Kibler, Mike Thomasson Acolytes: Abbe Kelley, Will Kelly, Nora Kelly, Elijah Gallardo Ushers: TBD
10:00 p.m. Lectors: Meredith & Kevin Childs LEMS: Jay Brown, Dru Cabler Acolytes: Wes Johns, Sara Thiessen, Luke Thiessen, Claire Cabler Ushers: TBD
Welcome Newcomers! Tim Green Lisa Eppler Leigh Ann Baughman Nassos, Amy, & Christina Papalexandrou Beth Greenlee David & Lorraine (Cookie) Bowman Trish, Robert, Morgan, Quincy, & Emerson Dew Elizabeth Moses Emily, Mark, Marilyn, & Anna Mazac David Manlin Marissa, Aaron & Easton Bates Susan Slattery, Ted & Castle Smouse
June June June August August August Sept. October October November November November
Welcome the Recently Baptized! Emerson Miller Dew and Henry Alexander Janes
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December 2013 December 1 Advent I
December 8 Youth Sunday
December 15 Lessons & Carols
December 22 Youth Sunday
December 29 Carol sing
January 5
Jonea Raney
Amelia Sondgeroth
Margarita Moreno
Jill Collins
Jon Dullnig
Jonea Raney
Jill Collins
Nancy Middlebrook
Pattie Rose
Jonea Raney
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
USHERS
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Jon & Judith Dullnig
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
LECTORS
Kevin Childs (1) Meredith Childs (2)
Youth
Bill Kibler, Nancy Kibler, Mike Thomasson, Becky Janes, Lynn Edgerton
Youth
Kim Kiplin (1) Ken Whalen (2)
Glenn Lightsey (1) Mike Fuhrman (2)
7:30 a.m.
MINISTRY LECTOR LEM / ACOLYTE
Vivian Orndorff Gary Taylor Connor Lightsey Clara Bogard ACOLYTES Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey Kim K. Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson USHERS Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart Maria & Mike GREETERS Fuhrman
11:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
LEM
Mike Thomasson Tom Schneider Connor Fuhrman Davis Fuhrman Ethan Fuhrman Hunter Rogers Kim B., Carol
No Eucharist Meredith Childs (only Crucifer needed)
Vivien Orndorff Lynn Edgerton Carson Buckner Clay Buckner Abigail Goff Eleanor Goff Kim B.
Carol Oppel Bill Kibler Connor Lightsey Clay Buckner Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey Kim B. Mark Breen Mike Brode Ken Whalen John Edgerton
Kim Buckner Mary Cromack Bennett Whalen Ariston Awitan IV Julia Comer Claudia Janes Kim K. Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart Maria & Mike Cindy & Dan Bogard Fuhrman
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Ariston Awitan III Dan Bogard
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack
Cindy & Dan Bogard
Kim Buckner Michael Meigs
LECTORS
Andrew Poynot (1) Rex White (2)
Meh. Azarmehr (1) Kay Brown (2)
Rex White, Michael Meigs, Karen Milton, Ann Seyler, Roger Seyler
Dodie Wells (1) Bill Willis (2)
Suzanne. Dvorken (1) Christine Havens (2)
Dave Elkins (1) Liz Davis (2)
LEM
Tom Schneider Michele Bonner
Ann Seyler Roger Seyler
No Eucharist
Vivien Orndorff Michele Bonner
Rex White Brenda White
ACOLYTES
Patrick Camp Max Genet Josef Genet TBD Jay
Michael Brode Bonnie Brode Elijah Gallardo Evan Overstreet Jay, Cindy
Katey Orndorff Matt Forrest Ben Forrest Sam Forrest
Wenlan Lawrence Sophie Lawrence Elijah Gallardo Evan Overstreet Jay
USHERS
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works
Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess Jay Doran Diana Stangl
Dru Cabler Jay Brown Winston BaxterHarwell Asher Eaton Emmaline BaxterHarwell Evelyn Eaton Jay Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns Lark Anthony Barbara Dody
Carolyn Wier Jim Casparis Henry Olivas Frank Severn
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works
Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
Jean & Frank Severn
Millie Casparis-TC Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Helen Anderson
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Tina Stonebarger Karen Milton
Shelly Botkin
Bo Overstreet
GREETERS Jean & Frank Severn
Jay Brown (only Crucifer needed)
Henry Olivas Lark Anthony Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
ALTAR GUILD Sat. 9:00 NOTE: Altar Guild Work Party is Dec. 21!
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Dodie Wells
Diana Stangl-TC Tina Stonebarger Cynthia Archer Elijah Gallardo
Dee Ann Thomasson - Meredith Childs-TC, TC Henry Olivas, Pat Karen Milton Bullock, Barbara Susan Baxter-Harwell Dody, Liz Davis, Judy Lynn Edgerton Elkins
Depositor
Jim Casparis
John De Marines
Bo Overstreet
Jim Nolan
WED. 6 p.m.
December 4
December 11
December 18
December 25
January 1
January 8
Lector
Meredith Childs
Michele Bonner
Jill Collins
No evening service
No evening service
Kevin Childs
Page 12
Vestry Andrew Poynot, Sr. Warden Kathy Genet, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Dan Bogard, Susan Bonnen, Shelly Botkin, Kim Buckner, Lynn Edgerton, Becky Janes, David Johns, Nancy Kibler, J.P. Kloninger Jim Nolan, Bo Overstreet, Ross Ramsey, Rex White
Committees Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel, Mary Cromack, Kim Kiplin, and Kim Buckner
Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner
Altar Guild: Millie Casparis
Assistant Rector The Rev. Travis Smith
Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth
Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson
Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose
Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed
Daughters of the King: Lisa Martin
Seminarians Vivian Orndorff Tom Schneider
Women of St. Mark’s: Yvonne Chavez and Judy Elkins Facilities: Ray Smith
Deadline for the January 2014 St. Mark’s News is Monday, December 16, 2013. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Finance: John Edgerton Outreach: Becky Poynot and Laurie Mayor Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney Stewardship: Amelia Sondgeroth
Staff
Head of Day School Anne Wingler Parish Administrator Joanne Foote Newsletter Editor Becky Janes
Ushers: Henry Olivas
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, TX 78704 512.444.1449 www.stmarksaustin.org office@stmarksaustin.org
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED