March 2017
St. Mark’s News Volume 21/Issue 3
From the Rector A friend of mine recently asked this question: “How can I keep a particular person from eating up so much real estate in my head?” This question, this phrase, seems particularly apt during the season of Lent: what or whom is eating up real estate in our heads and in our hearts? How can we give that real estate back to God so that we accept the invitation to a holy Lent that is extended to us on Ash Wednesday? On Ash Wednesday we begin the season of Lent by praying one of my favorite prayers from the 51st Psalm: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me…. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” I want the real estate of my heart and head to be occupied by God and to be filled by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. When I was a student at the Yale Divinity School, it was my privilege to have as a professor Henri J.M. Nouwen. Henri was a Dutch Catholic Priest who wrote extensively on the spiritual life. One day in class he shared an experience he had while on a silent retreat. Henri was assigned a job working on the bread assembly line, but he was having trouble keeping In this Issue up bagging the bread on the conveyor belt. A monk gave him a disdainful From the Rector ......................... 1 look, and for the rest of the afternoon Henri fumed internally about that dirty Vestry Highlights ........................ 2 look. At the end of the day Henri met with his spiritual director and told him The Season of Lent ................... 3 about the day. His spiritual director asked Henri why he had given the monk Parish Life .................................. 4 so much power to ruin his day. The monk had occupied too much real estate Outreach .................................... 5 in Henri’s head. To whom or to what are we giving too much power, and Music Notes ............................... 6 how can we spend this Lenten season turning it over to God? Children’s Formation.................. 6 One of the resources that I will use this Lenten season is a collection of meditations: Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen. Let me give you a taste. His meditation for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday certainly fits the theme of Godly real estate.
Parishioner Highlights ................ 9 Celebrations............................. 10 Caffeine Ministry ...................... 10 ROTA ....................................... 11
Discipline: Preparing a Place for God Discipline in the spiritual life is the concentrated effort to create the space and time where God can become our master and where we can respond freely to God’s guidance. Thus, discipline is the creation of boundaries that keep time and space open for God – a time and a place where God’s gracious presence can be acknowledged and responded to. Holy God, give me the discipline it takes to keep my heart open to your word. Do not let the anger of resentment sidetrack me from the priority of seeking my true home with you. Please give me what it takes to recognize that any personal rejections, real or imagined, are only reminders of an imperfect world. Bestow your grace on me so that life’s disappointments will bring out the best in me and not the worst. Amen EZT+
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March 2017
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s Vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21. Elizabeth+ opened the meeting with two Prayers for the Church from the Book of Common Prayer: For the Church and For the Parish. Jill Collins nominated Melissa Blanding to be elected Jr. Warden. Melissa accepted the nomination, and the motion was approved. This was the first Vestry meeting for the new vestry members, so Elizabeth+ began the meeting with orientation information about the canonical responsibilities of a vestry, specifics about St. Mark’s vestry, and a reminder about the importance of confidentiality and loyalty. Vestry members also signed up to be Caffeine Ministry contact persons, and to bring soups to the Lenten supper on March 29. Elizabeth+ asked for volunteers to serve as vestry liaisons with various ministries and to serve on the Finance Committee. Elizabeth+ gave a report on several facility repairs: ABC pest control (for rats and/or raccoons); a faucet replacement in a Day School bathroom; and a just discovered leak behind the stone wall in the Parish Hall. Elizabeth+ also gave the Finance Committee report and walked the new vestry members through the financial report pages. Because of the way David+ has chosen to distribute his compensation between salary, FICA reimbursement, and housing the vestry was required to approve that distribution – which they did. David+ reported that the Episcopal Veterans Fellowship (EVF) had a booth at the Feb. 9-11 Diocesan Council meeting in Galveston. During the season of Lent, he will be leading a weekly walking/hiking group based on the book Christ Walk: A 40-Day Spiritual Fitness Program. Meredith Childs has faithfully led the Newcomers Ministry since its inception and has decided it is time to step aside from that ministry so Laura Merritt will step into the role in April. Melissa Blanding has a calendar of events for the Families with Young Children for the remainder of the year: lunch on the deck (March); inviting the moms to play Bunco with the women’s group (April); the cystic fibrosis walk (May); parents night out (June); a water event (July); lunch on the deck (August); game night (September); moms’ night out (October); and a service project in November. Becky Poynot gave the Day School report: the school is currently at full enrollment, enrollment for 20172018 is currently at 83; and enrollment for summer half full. There are two primary fundraising events: the Annual Fund ($13,143) and Lion’s Pride on February 24. On March 7 there will be a first-ever “Meet the Teacher Night” and on April 28 there will be a “Family Fun Fest.” There has also been recent reviews of Playground Use policies and disciplinary documentation and policy.
St. Mark’s Altar Guild Needs YOU We have reverent work dealing with sacred things. We have an ancient vocabulary, specific methodologies, but no secret handshake. We prepare for our community of fellow believers in honor of our most gracious Father. Think about joining us. We’re cool. Contact Karen Milton for more information: ksmilton@gmail.com
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March 2017
The Season of Lent The Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1. On that day we will have three services for the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist: 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, March 4 the Daughters of the King will sponsor a Lenten Quiet Day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a wonderful beginning to what we heard on Ash Wednesday: an invitation “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. On Sunday, March 5 we will pray the Great Litany (in procession at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00). Liturgically during the season of Lent we use Rite I at both the 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. And on that Sunday we begin our Sunday morning Adult Formation series, taught by the Very Rev. Dr. Philip W. Turner: Patterns of Life in the Spirit. Here is the description of the series: Patterns of Life in the Spirit A Discussion in Five Parts of Ways in Which Christians Have Sought to Grow in the Knowledge and Love of God (March 5, 12, 19, 26, and April 2) Through the ages, Christians have affirmed and re-affirmed their belief that grace rather than human effort brings us to the knowledge and love of God. Yet they have also sought ways in which they can grow in the grace they have received. This quest to grow in the knowledge and love of God has taken many forms. It has assumed not one, but many, patterns. For five of the six Sundays in Lent, we will look at several answers to this question. We will focus in particular on the works of St. Benedict, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Cranmer, Walter Rauschenbusch, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Also on that Sunday, our senior seminarian, Neal McGowan will begin a five-week study of the New Testament Epistle to the Galatians. That class will meet for 45 minutes from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Our Wednesday evening soup suppers (6:00 p.m.) and musical, meditative celebrations of the Holy Eucharist (7:00 p.m.) begin on March 8. Our theme this year is The Christian Virtues: Justice (March 8), Courage (March 15), Faith (March 22), Hope (March 29), and Love (April 15). Our musicians are Bethany Lawrence (oboe) on March 8, 22, and April 5, Iona Olive (piano and vocals) on March 15, and Christa Tumlinson (piano and vocals) on March 29.
Opportunities for Lenten Discipline Lenten Quiet Day 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!
United Thank Offering: Anyone is invited to pick up a little blue box in the Narthex, to use as one of your Lenten disciplines.
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March 2017
Lenten Bible Study Paul and the Gospel of Freedom: a Bible study over the book of Galatians. Each Sunday during Lent we will meet in the chapel after the 11:00 for a forty-five minute discussion of Paul's letter to the Galatians, which is all about Christian freedom. Paul and freedom? Yes, I promise it is not a contradiction! Whether you love Paul, hate him, or don't know who he is you are invited to wrestle with the Scriptures. Where: Chapel When: Right after the 11:00 for forty-five minutes Why: Because the Bible is awesome! Who:
Spiritual Fitness 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 are available for purchase in the Parish Hall on Sundays: $13/each. Checks should be made out to St. Mark’s, w/a note in the memo line: DWP-Christ Walk. They are also available on Amazon.
Parish Life First Friday Book Group 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing Classroom March 3 April 7 May5 June 2
The Secret Scripture The Nightingale Our Souls at Midnight My Name is Lucy Barton
Sebastian Barry Kristin Hannah Kent Haruf Elizabeth Strout
Men’s Group Meets Every Second Monday The Men's Group meets the second Monday 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.
Fish Fry On March 24, the Men’s Group is hosting a parish-wide Fish Fry from 5:30 to 7:30. Proceeds benefit The Men’s Group Scholarship Fund. Tickets will be on sale Sundays in the Parish Hall. Adults are $10 and kids are $5. The menu includes fried catfish, French fries, hush puppies, cole slaw, tea, and water.
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March 2017
Outreach Austin Diaper Bank Collection through April Please join the DOK & the Outreach committee in collecting diapers for the Austin Diaper Bank, now through the month of April. Diapers in all sizes are needed:
Larger sized diapers for babies are always in greater need Adult diapers/pull-ups are also needed
For a specific list of needs, follow this link: http://www.austindiapers.org/p/diapers.html. The Austin Diaper Bank also welcomes monetary donations.
El Buen Collection for March Canned tuna and meat! Thank you, Resa Dunn (our honorary turkey), for dropping off the February El Buen food items! If you are interested in sorting and handing out food at the El Buen Food Pantry, please contact Laurie Mayor for details.
Volunteer opportunity: It's My Park Day, March 4th Get your old jeans and your garden tools ready! On Saturday, March 4th, the Barton Hills neighbors will gather at the greenbelt to clean up our local green space in celebration of It's My Park Day. Register online & get an awesome t-shirt along with the satisfaction of helping keep our parks maintained: https://www.austinparks.org/volunteer/impd/ and the Barton Creek Greenbelt group information is at: https://austinparks.givepulse.com/event/36052-Barton-Creek-Greenbelt-Homedale-Access-withGreenbelt-Guardians. If you prefer to help at a different park, there are opportunities all around Austin— take a look at the site!
Gratitude Spare change and large bills really add up! The total collected during the two Souper Bowl of Caring Sundays was $772.77, which will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank! Thank you for helping others in our greater community!
Wilt thou forgive that sin, where I begun, which is my sin, though it were done before? Wilt thou forgive those sins through which I run, and do run still, though still I do deplore? Wilt thou forgive that sin, by which I won others to sin, and made my sin their door? Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun a year or two, but wallowed in a score? I have a sin of fear that when I've spun my last thread, I shall perish on the shore; swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore. Lenten Hymn 140, 141
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Music Notes St. Mark’s offers many opportunities for reflection and self-examination during the season of Lent. The poetry of hymns and anthems, set to beautiful music, provide us a way to experience these moments more deeply. Our choirs are preparing several works to lead us through our Lenten journey. Ash Wednesday (March 1) Our anthem is Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake by English composer Richard Farrant (1525-1580). This sublime piece of Renaissance polyphony perfectly encapsulates the message of Lent. Lent 1 (March 5) The Choristers will sing Living God’s Love by American composer Mark Patterson (b. 1969) at 9:00 a.m. It’s a piece that calls us to work together and serve the children of God all around us. At 11:00 two members of the Adult Choir will sing Wash me throughly, a duet from one of Handel’s (1685-1759) Chandos Anthems. The full choir will sing a chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Lent 2 (March 12) The Choir will sing the sumptuous setting of John 3:16, God so loved the world, by English cathedral composer John Stainer (1840-1901). Lent 3 (March 19) Our anthem will be another treasure of the Anglican cathedral repertoire, Dear Lord and Father of mankind by Charles H. H. Parry (1848-1918). The words of this anthem are taken from a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892). Lent 4 (March 26) The Choir will sing a breathtaking anthem by American composer Harold Friedell (1905-1958). Jesus, so lowly is a contemplation on the life and death of Christ, and the meaning our lives can find in his. Lent 5 (April 2) Our anthem will be a reworking of an 18th-century canon, familiar from its adaptation as a folk song in the early 1970s. By the waters of Babylon was one of several canons written by English composer Philip Hayes (1737-1797). In 1971, American musician Don McLean (b. 1945) recorded the canon for his American Pie album. Our version will incorporate both settings, along with a traditional Orthodox setting of the text and a guitar accompaniment. Palm Sunday (April 9) The combined choirs will begin our liturgy with a festive setting of the Sanctus for voices and handbells. The Adult Choir will sing a stunning new setting of one of Charles Wesley’s (1707-1788) great poems. And can it be pairs Wesley’s words with music by one of America’s greatest living choral composers, Dan Forrest (b. 1978). Maundy Thursday (April 13) The Adult Choir will be presenting the Mass in G Major by Austrian composer Franz Schubert (1797-1828) as part of our Maundy Thursday liturgy. This Mass is a lyrical, peaceful, and hopeful work that pairs the words of the liturgy with some of the most beautiful choral music ever composed. Easter Sunday (April 16) We celebrate the resurrection with the Gloria from Schubert’s Mass in G Major, an Easter anthem by American composer Alfred Fedak (b. 1953), and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Wednesday Evenings in Lent Throughout the season of Lent, oboist Bethany Lawrence, soprano and pianist Christa Tumlinson, and vocalist, violist, and pianist Iona Olive will take turns providing contemplative music for the special Chapel services.
Children’s Formation: Lent Through the Eyes of a Child We have just celebrated Shrove Tuesday at St. Mark’s. This family event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together with the parish family. And since we don’t really get ready for Lent any other way, Shrove Tuesday is a good conversation starter about the tradition passed down to us from the Middle Ages of using up the rich ingredients in the house to make pancakes and other rich foods in preparation for a more austere diet and the more somber Season of Lent.
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March 2017 Following the example of Jesus during his time of fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry and death, the church will spend the next forty days preparing for the sorrow of Jesus’ death, followed by the celebration of his resurrection on Easter. As we begin the Season of Lent, the children of St. Mark’s will feel the change in the tone of our worship, especially if they attend the different services offered this month. They might notice a change in the music we sign, the scriptures we hear, and most obviously, the lack of the use of the word “alleluia.” And they will wonder. In The New Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education in a section called “Lent Through the Eyes of a Child,” editor Joseph P. Russell says the lectionary during the first five weeks of the season of Lent provides us with a short course in the meaning of baptism. “First we turn away from evil and toward Jesus Christ (Lent 1 and 2). Then we look at what we thirst for in life and ask for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Lent 3 and 4). Then we put our whole life and trust in Christ, who leads us even through death into life (Lent 5). These complex topics can seem difficult to explain to children, often but children understand much more than we give them credit for understanding. For a more succinct list of to-do’s, it might be helpful to use Russell’s list below for ideas to help our children and ourselves participate in a more meaningful Lent. Lent is: a time for looking at the things we have done that are wrong, asking God’s and other people’s forgiveness; a time for giving up the things that keep us from being loving people; a time for doing extra things that will help us grow closer to God; a time to be more aware of what it means to love as God loves us; a time to ask God to help us to be more loving, remembering that God is always ready to strengthen us; a time to think about our baptism and what it means to be a child of God. We begin Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 1, with three services during which we are marked with ashes in the shape of a cross. And we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Solemn words that we might not want to say to our children, but words that point the way to our belief in a powerful God that can overcome death, an Easter God. And, if we don’t include our children from the beginning, they miss the real story that might just become a side note to the story of bunnies bringing us candy. In a posting by Carolyn C Brown at her Worshipping with Children website http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2014/01/year-ash-wednesday-march-5-2014.html, “Year A – Ash Wednesday,” she explains how children understand the meaning of Ash Wednesday at different ages. In her article, she sites a blog by Rebecca Kirkpatrick, a Presbyterian pastor, “Remember You Are Dust” http://www.breadnotstones.com/2012/02/remember-you-are-dust.html, about why attending Ash Wednesday is important for children. Both helpful articles! In the following excerpts from articles on the Grow Christians website, these fathers write about grappling with passing on their faith and practices to their children during Lent last year. “I bring my kids to Ash Wednesday worship. Here’s why.” by Derek Olsen http://www.growchristians.org/2016/02/08/i-bring-mykids-to-ash-wednesday-worship-heres-why/ Bring your kids to Ash Wednesday. Let them see and hear and participate in the Church’s admission of the hard edges of reality: that we sin; that we die. Let them ask you questions about what all of that means. Answer honestly—even if it’s a solemn, heart-felt, “I’ve got no clue…” Hear the invitation to the keeping of a holy Lent as an invitation to study the hard edges of reality with the conviction that a robust faith helps us grapple with reality as it is, not flee it for more comfortable and comforting fantasies.
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March 2017 Come to hear the truth—for the truth will set you free. Talking With Kids About The Hard Stuff In Lent, by Ben Irwin http://www.growchristians.org/2016/02/05/talking-with-kids-about-the-hard-stuff- in-lent/ This Lent, we’ll talk about the hard things as a family. We’ll consider our mortality, our frailty, our vulnerability. We will lean into the darkness rather than run from it. Because the painful yet glorious truth that Jesus demonstrated for us is this: the only path to resurrection runs through the grave. Like Advent, it’s a time for us to linger over the brokenness of our world and ourselves, so that we might fully experience together how the rest of the story—the triumph of Jesus—really does change everything. As parents of children who are being formed in the faith, I invite you to try to attend some or all of the Lenten offerings at St. Mark’s and to try to create your own disciplines to share with your family at home. Look for Lenten resources for children and teens in the Parish Hall.
Christian Formation Schedule Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners through 2nd graders: will hear stories in our Lenten Series, The Faces of Easter. This month, the children will hear the story of Jesus’ life, beginning with his birth and visit to the Temple as a child, followed by his baptism and blessing by God, his temptation in the wilderness, his ministry to the people and his final week in Jerusalem. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Class will explore the Gospel readings for the season of Lent using the Lesson Plans that Work curriculum. “Jesus understood that he had to face the temptations that come with ministry. He realized he needed to get as vulnerable as Vacation Bible School Registration is now open! possible to assure himself that he could stay grounded. So he fasted to get focus. St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School is ONLY four months away Vulnerability is the door to both growth and to and planning is underway! The program is June 12 - 16, 9:00 temptation. Jesus stares down the three a.m. - noon. Our VBS is filled with fun, formation and friends! temptation biggies: success, prestige, and We are looking for adult and youth volunteers, (6th through power. (Concept found in: Radical Grace, 12th graders) to help with VBS. We’d love to share this great Richard Rohr, St. Anthony Messenger Press. experience with both you. (Parents, grandparents and other 1993. Pages 294-297)” -Lesson Plans that parishioners are welcome!) Work. The Youth Class for 6th through 12th Grades will meet in the Bennett Wing with Eric Panter and Danielle Adkins for breakfast and Bible study covering the story of David.
Want to join the planning team? Contact Cathy Nelson: 512-4441449. Childcare offered for young children of parent leaders. For online registration: http://stmarksaustin.org/christian-
formations/vacation-bible-school/
Mark your calendars for these Summer Activities too! Camp Allen Summer Camp registration is open & sessions are truly filling up fast! To register students ages 8-18: http://www.campallen.org/summercamp. Cabin Counselor positions are also open: application deadline is March 22, with training sessions March 4/5 or March 25/26. Counselor positions are for students 15 years or older: www.campallen.org/summercamp/counselorinfo. St. Mark’s Day School Summer Camp Opportunties during June & July. For details: http://www.stmarksdayschoolaustin.org/summer-camp
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March 2017
Parishioner Highlights Andrew and Becky Poynot and their 3 boys are being featured this month. God seems to have a handle on who would be the best parents for boys! So I have loved watching as 2 more sons were added into their loving family to join the son that they already had upon arriving at St. Mark’s. Becky is active in St. Mark’s preschool, is currently on the vestry, was chair of Outreach and still serves on the committee. Andrew has been Sr. Warden and both have sung in the choir. So as you can see this is another family with abundant talents which helps make St. Mark’s the fantastic parish that it is! THANK YOU Poynots!
Beth Chenoweth
Andrew and Becky Poynot and sons Hello Everyone! We are the Poynot family. St. Mark’s is such a welcoming parish and we are so happy that we found it when we moved back to Austin in 2009. It has been a wonderful place to grow! Becky is a cradle Episcopalian and was baptized at St. Paul’s in Orange, TX and confirmed at St. Christopher’s in Houston, TX. She grew up active in the church serving as an acolyte, choir member and VBS volunteer. She went to The University of Texas and got a BA in Sociology in 2000. While there, Becky was very active in the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity and served as President her senior year. One day, an engineering graduate student named Andrew walked up to the HFH table on the West Mall and asked to join the club. And, the rest is history! But….there was a big kink in the grand plan. Becky was already accepted into the Peace Corps and was set to leave for the Federated States of Micronesia in 4 months! As luck would have it, there was a cholera outbreak in FSM, so Becky’s departure date got postponed for 1 month. Plenty of time to fall in love! Andrew is from Slidell, LA and grew up attending the Church of Christ. When he was 15, he was accepted into the prestigious Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. He completed high school there in Natchitoches, LA and continued on to study mechanical engineering at Tulane. He graduated Valedictorian in 1997 and went to work for Motorola in Ft. Worth. He decided to return to school for his Master’s Degree and chose the University of Texas.
So…while Becky was away building a library and teaching middle school on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Andrew completed his Master’s and moved to San Diego, CA. He proposed to Becky in her beach front shack and convinced her to move to CA on her completion of service. She happily complied! They got married on June 7, 2003. In San Diego, Becky and Andrew were active parishioners at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea. Andrew was baptized and confirmed there. Becky worked with at risk youth upon her return to the US and decided to get her Master’s Degree in Social Work. In 2009, they moved back to Austin to be closer to their families. Becky has worked with children and families from a wide range of backgrounds and is currently working at our very own St. Mark’s as an assistant preschool teacher. Andrew is a mechanical engineer for Signature Science. Our 3 boys, Asher (8), Jesse (6) and Adam (3) are our world and certainly keep us on our toes! Asher is in the 3rd grade at Mills Elementary. He sings with the choristers, is a Bear in the Cub Scouts, plays soccer and loves Pokemon. Jesse is in the 1st grade at Mills and he also sings in the choristers, is a Tiger in the Cub Scouts, plays soccer and football and loves Xbox! Adam goes to preschool here at St. Mark’s. He is a social butterfly who loves playing outside, swimming and keeping up with his brothers! We also have a dog named Finn (FN2187 for any Star Wars fans out there) and a cat named Penny. When we get the chance, we all love camping, crawfish boils and Mardi Gras in Louisiana, and trips to Schlitterbahn in the summer. As you can see, St. Mark’s is a huge part of our lives. The people make this church a wonderful place to call home. Currently we serve in many different ways, including vestry, choir and outreach, and cherish the relationships we continue to make here.
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March Celebrations Birthdays Walter Roloson Samuel Smith Bennett Whalen Cheryl Beesley Mateo Gonzalez Bonnie Brode John DeMarines Max Genet Evan Overstreet Emily Black Hudson Sanders Aimee Tennant Ken Whalen Robert Borja Drew Edgerton James Joyce Jean Main Liz Davis Asher Eaton Roy Smithers Ross Ramsey Eva Duffin Finneas Randall Silvia Gates Renay Jones
03/01 03/01 03/01 03/02 03/02 03/03 03/03 03/03 03/03 03/04 03/04 03/04 03/05 03/06 03/06 03/06 03/06 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/08 03/09 03/09 03/10 03/10
Cecilia Smith Debbie Thornal Brett Pitt Georgia Sanders Ann Williams Phil Aboussie Joey Albers Kelly Dixon Gregg LaMontagne Landon Phillips Tara Pitt Stephen Raines Lindy Siegismund Reynard Wellman Sallie Yeager Greta Gonzales Jim Ramsey Patricia Bullock Nancy Bachschmid Hunter Rogers Robert Dew Dominic Mayor George Anthony Pazdral Becky Poynot L.A. Williams
03/10 03/10 03/11 03/12 03/12 03/14 03/14 03/14 03/15 03/15 03/15 03/15 03/15 03/15 03/15 03/16 03/16 03/18 03/19 03/19 03/20 03/20 03/21 03/21 03/21
Connor Duffin Matt Schulz Julia Zuniga Grant Hartline Ford Gehrig Edward Mickler Emily Rogers Reagan Tso Christine Duke Nicholas Forrest Christopher Considine Lucille Prall Ryan Yard John Rogers Sarah Stasney-Chun Carol Cofer Mike Brode Amanda Lindeman Elizabeth Minne Kierra Francis James Spindler Ali Ashley John Delamater
03/22 03/22 03/22 03/23 03/24 03/24 03/24 03/24 03/25 03/25 03/26 03/26 03/26 03/27 03/27 03/28 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 03/30 03/31 03/31
Anniversaries Sue & James Crowson Becky Brownlee & Ross Ramsey Cheryl & James Beesley Claire & Chaz Ripoll Carolyn & James Wier Joanne Foote & Ariston Awitan Julie & Peter Lambert Judy & Dave Elkins
03/02 03/07 03/17 03/17 03/20 03/21 03/28 03/30
March Caffeine Ministry 5 12 19 26
Jodi and Jay Doran Resa Dunn and Becky Poynot Judy and Dave Elkins Jewellyn and Scott Forrest
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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March 2017
March ROTA
ALTAR GUILD
11:00
9:00
7:30
TIME
Depositor
MINISTRY
March 5 1Lent Choristers Sing
March 12 2Lent
March 19 3Lent
March 26 4Lent Youth Sunday
April 2 5Lent
LECTOR
Jill Collins
Wes Raney
Jonea Raney
Amelia Sondgeroth
Jon Dullnig
LEM / ACOLYTE
Pattie Rose
Nancy Middlebrook
Jill Collins
Pattie Rose
Margarita Moreno
USHERS
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
Judith & Jon Dullnig
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
LECTORS
Christine Brunson (1) Brian Kelly (2)
Michael Brown (1) Cindy Bogard (2)
Dodie Wells (1) Ken Whalen (2)
Bryant Johnson Will Kelly Nora Kelly
Mike Thomasson (1) Sherrie Johnson (2)
LEM
Kim Buckner Neal McGowan
Phil Aboussie Brian Prall
Michael Brown Lynn Edgerton
Bill Kibler Carol Oppel
Neal McGowan Becky Janes
ACOLYTES
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Mairin Bachschmid Carol, Nancy
Ariston Awitan IV Clay Buckner Matthew Awitan Luke Breen Carol, Kim K.
Aidan Brady Emmaline Baxter-Harwell Hunter Rogers Beatrice Reshetnikov Carol, Jay
Claudia Janes TBD Beatrice Reshetnikov Henry Janes Carol, Nancy
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Mairin Bachschmid Kim K., Nancy
USHERS
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Amalia de la Rosa
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey Stephanie Young
Ken Whalen Stephen Wilson Barbara Wilson
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack Wade Buckner
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Amalia de la Rosa
GREETERS
Yvette Webb Evelyn McMillen
TBD
Laura Merritt Ellie Reshetnikov
Michael Meigs Diana Stangl
Yvette Webb Evelyn McMillen
LECTORS
Suzann Dvorken (1) Beth Holmes (2)
Ginny Acker (1) Sarah Bancroft (2)
Michael Meigs (1) Karen Milton (2)
Jennifer Jones (1) Andrew Poynot (2)
Chris Blanding (1) Melissa Blanding (2)
LEM
Jay Brown (need only one)
Dru Cabler Neal McGowan
Brian Prall Liz Davis
Neal McGowan Barbara Dody
Brenda White Rex White
ACOLYTES
Matt Forrest Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Nick Forrest Cindy
Max Genet Luke Thiessen Josef Genet Emma Kloninger Cindy, Jay
Jennifer McGowan Michael Meigs Karen Milton Ryan Dempsey Cindy
Bonnie Brode Claire Cabler Carlisle Farley Meredith Shaw Cindy, Jay
Jay Brown Ryan Dempsey Morgan Dew Xander Stockstill Cindy
USHERS
Carolyn & James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines JP Kloninger
Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess
GREETERS
Jean & Frank Severn
Barbara Dody
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Susie Baxter-Harwell Karen Milton
Millie Casparis-TC Helen Anderson Judy Elkins Henry Olivas Sandy Sterzing
Diane Brewer
Ed Mickler
Henry Olivas Jean & Frank Severn Yvonne Chavez Jodi Doran Darlene Goodnight Jay Doran Debbie Thornal Pam Johns Sandy Sterzing David Johns Shelly Botkin Steve Niemeyer Ryan Marquess Dee Ann Thomasson-TC Diana Stangl-TC Dodie Wells Pat Bullock Tina Stonebarger Lynn Edgerton Evelyn McMillen Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal John De Marines
March 1* March 8 March 15 WED. 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday Soup Supper & Lenten Soup Supper & Lenten 7 p.m. program program Pattie Rose Lector TBD TBD Rex White *March 1, Ash Wednesday Services: 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday-Acolyte: Jay Brown; LEMS: Brenda White, Neal McGowan
Bo Overstreet
Carolyn & James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines JP Kloninger Jean & Frank Severn Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Evelyn McMillen Jim Nolan
March 22 March 29 Soup Supper & Lenten Soup Supper & Lenten program program TBD
TBD
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March 2017
Vestry Clarence Bonnen, Sr. Warden Melissa Blanding, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Dan Aja, 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 April 2017 St. Mark’s News is Wednesday, March 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
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