March 2016
St. Mark’s News Volume 20/Issue 3
From the Rector During this month of March we will make our way from the wilderness of Lent to Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to the Last Supper, to his arrest and Passion, to his crucifixion, and then on the last Sunday of the month to his glorious resurrection. We are invited to walk the Way of the Cross, before we stand with the women at that empty tomb on the day of Resurrection. As we anticipate that day of Resurrection I want to share John Updike’s poem, Seven Stanzas at Easter: Make no mistake: if He rose at all it was as His body; if the cells’ dissolution did not reverse, the molecules reknit, the amino acids rekindle the Church will fall. It was not as the flowers, each soft Spring recurrent; it was not as His Spirit in the mouths and fuddled eyes of the eleven apostles; it was as His flesh: ours. The same hinged thumbs and toes, the same valved heart that—pierced—died, withered, paused, and then regathered out of enduring Might new strength to enclose. Let us not mock God with metaphor, analogy, sidestepping, transcendence; making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the faded credulity of earlier ages: let us walk through the door.
In this Issue From the Rector ........................ 1 Vestry Highlights ....................... 2 Holy Week & Easter Schedule .. 4 Outreach.................................... 5 Parish Life ................................. 5 Mission Trip to Costa Rica......... 7 Christian Formation ................... 8 Caffeine Ministry ...................... 11 Parishioner Highlights ............. 10 Celebrations ............................ 11 ROTA ...................................... 12
The stone is rolled back, not papier-mâché, not a stone in a story, but the vast rock of materiality that in the slow grinding of time will eclipse for each of us the wide light of day.
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March 2016 And if we will have an angel at the tomb, make it a real angel, weighty with Max Planck’s quanta, vivid with hair, opaque in the dawn light, robed in real linen spun on a definite loom. Let us not seek to make it less monstrous, for our own convenience, our own sense of beauty, lest, awakened in one unthinkable hour, we are embarrassed by the miracle, and crushed by remonstrance. EZT+
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s Vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Elizabeth+ opened the meeting by reading about the Ugandan Archbishop and martyr, Janani Luwuum, in Holy Women, Holy Men and by praying his appointed Collect. The agenda and the minutes from the January meeting were approved. The five new Vestry members were welcomed. The first order of business was to elect a Junior Warden. Clarence Bonnen was nominated for, and elected to, the position. Laura Merritt volunteered to serve as secretary, beginning in March. Elizabeth+ handed out a “New Vestry Orientation” sheet with a summary of canonical duties and expectations for St. Mark’s vestry members (pledge, faithfully attend worship and other parish activities, serve as liaison to one or more ministries, take an active role in welcoming newcomers . . . ). Elizabeth+, Karen Milton, Michele Bonner, and Diana Stangl shared their perspectives on the recent Diocesan Council meeting in the Woodlands. During Council, Karen and Elizabeth+ initiated contact with Trevor Floyd about the possibility of creating a new St. Mark’s processional banner. Vestry members expressed their appreciation for the recent Bishop’s Visitation and all agreed that they learned several new things during the luncheon conversation with Bishop Harrison. Vestry members will be providing soup for the first Lenten soup supper on 2/17 (and Laura also volunteered to collect soup recipes and make a Drop Box file). Elizabeth+ also reported that Austin Energy is partnering with Super Green Solutions to pay a portion of the costs involved in switching to LED lights throughout our facility. Elizabeth+ will meet with the representatives later in the week to get the bid. David+ expressed his appreciation for the support he received for the Wednesday evening Eucharist on 2/3 to which veterans were invited to attend. St. Mark’s will now be “home” to David’s ministry with the Episcopal Veterans Fellowship. Elizabeth+ has three copies of David’s book, Death Letter: God, Sex, and War to lend to any interested parishioners. Diana Stangl, Liz Davis, and Sylvia Fitz were recently in Costa Rica on an exploratory trip to see about possible summer mission opportunities. (See Diana’s account of the trip elsewhere in this issue). We have reserved July 23 – 30 for a St. Mark’s trip. We will need 10 – 12 parishioners to make a commitment to participate. The anticipated cost for the week is @ $1,500. David Randle presented the Finance Committee report. Because we received pre-paid pledges in the amount of $28,000 our total income is, Year to Date, at 183.22%. At the end of 2015 our income exceeded our expenses,
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March 2016 and so we now have, in designated funds, $122,176 that will be redistributed to other categories in the next month or so. Other committee reports included Outreach and Parish Life. Melissa Blanding volunteered to assume leadership of the Families with Young Children. Laura Merritt and Becky Poynot offered to be of consultative help. Elizabeth+ shared a written report about the Day School, sent by Anne Wingler. The Day School’s fundraising event, Lion’s Pride (formerly Fiesta) is Friday, February 26. On February 12 and 13 members of the Board and faculty met with two consultants from SAES for a Strategic Planning retreat. Nancy Kibler hosted a dinner for participants on 2/12. In “Other Business” Jill Collins said that we will have a Yard Sale in August or September (suggestions welcome) and that she is looking for someone who will co-chair the event. Mike Brode encouraged us to be more intentional about promoting Camp Allen to our families and youth.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas Diocesan Council February 12 - 13 in The Woodlands St. Mark’s was represented at Diocesan Council by its clergy and by four lay delegates: Michele Bonner, Michael Meigs, Karen Milton, and Diana Stangl. The preacher for the opening Eucharist was the Rev. Phillip A. Jackson, Vicar of Trinity Wall Street. Here is the summary from the Diocese: Delegates at the 167th Council of the Diocese of Texas heard Bishop Andy Doyle’s strident call for unity and a focus on mission, passed a $10M budget, adopted a much needed reordering of Canons, approved voting rights for youth delegates, honored retiring Treasurer Bob Biehl, and welcomed a new diocesan transition minister, the Rev. Francine Young. The only controversial vote was the omnibus action to reorder the canons and to omit Canon 43 (499 votes in favor; 144 votes against). This is the text of the omitted canon having to do with Moral Discipline of Clergy: All members of the clergy, having subscribed to the Declaration required by Article VIII of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church, shall be under obligation to model in their own lives the received teaching of the Church that all of its members are to abstain from sexual relations outside Holy Matrimony. As used in this Diocese, Holy Matrimony shall mean the physical and spiritual union of a man and a woman, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of the heart, mind, and will, and with the intent that it be lifelong; and the moral qualifications of a person, as that term is used in the Canons of the Episcopal Church, shall include conformity to the obligation set forth above. This canon was added in 1997 and for the past 19 years has been a point of controversy at every Diocesan Council. There have been attempts each year to omit the definition of marriage. For the past two years Bishop Doyle has requested that there be no resolutions having to do with Canon 43. With the redefinition of marriage at the most recent General Convention, omission of the canon does not put the Diocese of Texas in conflict with the national church canons and no longer constrains the Bishops in discerning who may and may not be ordained.
Meditation Trail Work Day, Saturday, March 19 It’s that time again when we bring in a wood chipper, clear brush, and make mulch to spread along the Meditation Trail in preparation for Good Friday. Bring your weapons of brush destruction, your rakes, and your wheelbarrows and help us clean up the trail.
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March 2016
Holy Week and Easter Schedule Palm Sunday Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 20. At the 9:00 and 11:00 services we gather in the Parish Hall for the distribution of palms. We then move outside and gather on the lawn outside of the Chapel for The Liturgy of the Palms, and to begin our Procession from the Chapel to the Church while we sing “All glory, laud, and honor.” The Gospel reading for Palm Sunday is the Passion Gospel. At 10:00 a.m. the youth will be making and selling breakfast tacos so be prepared to eat breakfast at church that morning!
Holy Week We will have services each day during Holy Week. I encourage you to observe each day because when we walk the Way of the Cross it makes our Easter celebration that much more joyous! On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday our services are at 6:00 p.m. in Grace Chapel. On Monday, March 21, the Eucharist will be followed by a Seder meal in the Parish Hall. On Maundy Thursday our celebration of the Holy Eucharist is at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. The Maundy Thursday service is always powerful: the choir sets the tone of the service, we strip the altar in silence, and leave the darkened church in anticipation of Good Friday. On Good Friday we have two services: The Stations of the Cross on the Meditation Trail at noon; and the Liturgy for Good Friday in the church at 2:00 p.m. On Holy Saturday the Contemplative Prayer Group meets at 8:00 a.m. and at 9:00 a.m. the Altar Guild needs extra hands to help get the church ready for our Easter services.
Easter On March 27 we will joyfully proclaim our Lord’s resurrection: Alleluia, Christ is Risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! We will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00, and at 10:00 there is the annual Easter Egg hunt when it is as much fun to watch the hunt as it is for the hunters!
Mark Your Calendars in April! Saturday, April 9 is the build day for the Community First! Village build of the St. Mark’s micro-home, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We need 10 -12 able bodied builders, but we also need a large gathering of parishioners to provide lunch and to write blessings and prayers on the exterior of the home. Bring your families and enjoy an afternoon at this remarkable 27 acre community. Sunday, April 24 is the day before our St. Mark’s patronal feast day. To mark our feast day (and Elizabeth’s+ last Sunday prior to her sabbatical) we are going to have our first St. Mark’s 5K. Our running Assistant, David Peters+, is mapping a route that will include St. Mark’s initial worship location: what was in 1959 a Taxidermy shop. Come to church in your running/walking clothes and we will take off after the 11:00 service. And of course there will be refreshments for post-run/walk refreshing.
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March 2016
Outreach
Outreach Committee, The El Buen Samaritano community center is on the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church grounds in South Austin, not far from William Cannon and Manchaca. The chapel is beautiful; if you get the chance, you should stop by for a visit or a service. The food pantry is open to serve clients Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. Rosa Carroll is the food pantry manager and she serves about 125 families per week. She needs 2 or 3 volunteers per shift. I have been volunteering at the food pantry for the past year. I usually volunteer one shift per week. I help the clients select their food and let them know the choices available based on what is in stock. It helps to know a bit of Spanish, but it is not required. I also help to stock shelves and prep bulk foods. We usually have staples like rice, beans, pasta, and fresh as well as canned fruits and vegetables. Sometimes, we have eggs and milk or other dairy products. Foods are collected from local area churches, schools, grocery stores, and other sources. The generosity of these associations in our area is impressive. A homegrown volunteer group called Helping Hands comes in periodically to stock shelves and do other food prep, which is resourced by home school kids and their parents from the area. It is really inspiring to see young children getting involved in helping others. During the weeks before Thanksgiving, I was asked to work on a project which I really enjoyed called Hands for Hope. The project provides Thanksgiving meals to needy families. Lesly Reynaga managed the project and all the logistics. This is an impressive feat considering 1,100 families registered to receive Thanksgiving Turkeys along with canned foods and other fixings. Distribution day was joyful for volunteers and families who received their meals. There was even a surplus of some dry goods that went to the food pantry shelves—area churches and schools helped with donations and stocking. Please donate to the monthly food collection at St. Mark's. Sometimes, we do run short on supplies, and your contributions do make a difference. If you'd like to volunteer with other St. Mark's members, contact Laurie Mayor of the Outreach committee. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” Matt. 25:35. Regards, Ed Mickler
Parish Life First Friday Book Group. 11:00 a.m. Bennett Wing Classroom March 4 April 1 May 6 June
Above the East China Sea Lila Ordinary Grace No Meeting
Sarah Bird Marilynne Robinson William Kent Krueger
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March 2016
ECW News The next bunco get-together for the Women's Group will be in April. There are no events planned for March. The 2016 officers were elected at the annual champagne brunch held on February 6: Pat Bullock, President; Diana Stangl, Vice President; Susan Willis, Secretary; Helen Anderson, Treasurer. A calendar of events is posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Please check out upcoming events and plan to join us as your schedule permits! Lenten Tea - St. James' Episcopal Church will be hosting a Lenten Tea on Sunday, March 6, from 3 - 5 pm. The address is 1941 Webberville Road. If you would like to carpool from the church, please email Pat Bullock at pnjbull1965@aol.com. Vera Gang Scott Scholarship is available for women in the Diocese of Texas. For those interested in applying, applications are available on the Diocese of Texas website under ECW Funds/Vera Gang Scott Scholarship Fund: http://www.epicenter.org/ecw-funds/. The scholarship eligibility requirements are:
A female communicant in good standing, Acceptance or enrollment in an academic institution of college rank, Pursuing professional certification or a degree from an accredited institution, and Ability to show real financial need All applications for 2016 scholarship awards must be received by March 31, 2016.
Music Notes March will be a month of beautiful music at St. Mark’s! On March 4th, the Adult Choir will sing the beautiful anthem Bread of Heaven by Houston-based composer David Ashley White. On March 13th, the Adult Choir will sing an anthem by early 17th-century British composer Orlando Gibbons. This contemplative work is entitled Drop, Drop Slow Tears, and is a fitting piece for Lent. A beautiful organ part has been added to the original anthem by American composer Ronald Arnatt. March 20th is Palm Sunday. The Choristers and Adult Choir will sing at 9:00 and 11:00. We’ll begin with a festive introit and handbells outside. Following the procession into the church and the reading of the Passion Gospel, the Adult Choir will sing a beautiful anthem from the English Cathedral tradition. A Passiontide Carol was written by the late Sir Philip Ledger (1937-2012), former director of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. On Maundy Thursday, March 24th, the Adult Choir will sing two beautiful pieces that Mozart wrote in the last year of his life (1791). The first will be the Lacrimosa (weeping) movement from his Requiem. We’ll be singing his beautiful motet Ave verum corpus (Hail, true body) at communion. It will be a quiet and meaningful service as we prepare for Good Friday. March 27th is Easter Sunday. Ariston Awitan III and Ariston Awitan IV will play trumpet for the hymns and anthems. The Adult Choir will sing the offertory anthem Easter Rejoicing by Michigan-based composer James Biery. Our communion motet will be This Is the Day by an anonymous 16th-century British composer. We’ll finish the services with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Mark your calendars now for a Service of Choral Evensong for Pentecost – Sunday, May 15th, at 5:00 p.m. The Adult Choir will present a stunning and varied assortment of choral works celebrating the Holy Spirit.
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March 2016
Mission Trip to Costa Rica this Summer! Sylvia Fitz, Liz Davis, and I just returned from a Mission Exploration trip to Costa Rica along with five members from St. David’s Episcopal Church. We had the privilege of spending an entire day with the Bishop of Costa Rica, The Rt. Rev. Hector Monterroso. Bishop Monterroso has definite ideas of how to grow the church and is excited about the partnership between the Diocese of Texas and the Diocese of Costa Rica. We have tentatively scheduled a mission trip for the week of Saturday, July 23 - Saturday, July 30. To confirm the trip, we will need firm commitments from at least 10 people. The trip would be open to both youth and adults, and we can also invite folks from other churches if we don’t have 10 people from St. Mark’s. I have talked with Travis Smith and he is going to check with members of his congregation at Holy Comforter to see if there is interest there. There are several different projects we could work on, and we will need to Bishop Monterroso decide quickly which one we want to take on. I believe that the trip would cost at most $1,500 and would probably come in at a lower cost if we had more than 10 people. A rough schedule would be: Saturday, July 23 – fly to San Jose; time permitting travel on to either Guacimo or Limon to attend Sunday service with the parish we would be working with. Sunday, July 24 – attend church and meet the parish we are working with. Monday, July 25 – Thursday, July 28 – work on our project alongside local parish members. Friday, July 29 – some sort of tourist activity Saturday, July 30 – return home. There are three projects for us to select from: 1. The church in Guácimo wants to add on a dormitory that can sleep about 20 for mission groups. The Bishop also envisions clergy meeting there for conferences or as a stop between San Jose and Limón. We could also possibly do a Vacation Bible School program.
Church in Guacimo
2. The church in Germania would like a Vacation Bible School program. 3. The church in Limón would like to build a wall around the property to make the large front yard and entire property a safer place for them to hold programs. They have seen an increase in drug sales around the church, and the church is the only property we saw on our trip that was not enclosed by a wall and a fence. We could also do a Vacation Bible School program for them as well. The building projects would be done under the supervision of professional contractors. If we select a project in Guácimo or Germania we would stay at either Earth University or a hotel right outside Guácimo. If we decided on the project in Limón we would stay at a hotel in Limón. Our next step is to determine interest so that we can make the decision on whether to fully commit to the trip. Please notify the church office at stmarksaustin@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more! We will schedule a meeting as soon as we have some confirmation of interest. Sylvia, Liz, and I are available to answer questions about our experience—just give us a call or email! Diana Stangl – 512-557-5218 – dstang@austin.rr.com Sylvia Fitz – 512-441-8997 – sylviafitz36@gmail.com Liz Davis – 512-762-2821 – bbqliz@gmail.com
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Christian Formation by Cathy Nelson, DRE This month, as we make our way through the liturgical calendar, we observe the last of the season of Lent, and then celebrate Easter Sunday. During the final weeks of Lent, we hear stories of Jesus’ final movements: teaching and ministering to the needy; celebrating the Passover meal with his disciples; his prayer on the Mount of Olives; his betrayal by Judas; his arrest and trial; and finally his crucifixion and burial. And on Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus’s resurrection. Each year, we return to this central story of the Christian faith, and in the context of the whole story of God’s relationship with his people with readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms and the Epistles of the Apostles to the early Churches, God’s love becomes more apparent. We hear of God’s promises fulfilled and prophecies of hope, actions of mercy and compassion for the people of Israel, as well as calls to the early Church, and us, to become a “new creation” reconciled to God through Christ’s sacrifice. We see that through God’s actions in the world, we also are invited to be a part of this amazing story. We celebrate and experience anew what it means to “share Christ’s life on earth,” says Joseph P. Russell, editor of The New Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education. Each year we have the opportunity to see something new and develop a deeper understanding, faith and commitment. “The church year gives us, as it has given Christian people throughout the ages, a way to live with Christ so that every year becomes the Year of Our Lord. So we mark our calendars Anno Domini, and with “those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored” we “pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.” St. Mark’s will join with Christians around the world to remember and celebrate this story. Families are invited to take part in the Sunday services and extra services and events that lead up to Easter. During Holy Week and Easter, the services and traditions and rituals developed over the centuries will help tell this great story, and children and adults alike experience the story as it is reenacted through the liturgy. Children in particular seem to understand the symbolism in our rituals at a very early age, possibly because they are more willing to just accept as they move through the actions its significance and the message of hope, grace and love found in the story. In Why Easter is Greek to Me: Xristos Anesti! by Rita Wilson, she describes the Lenten, Holy Week, and Easter rituals and celebrations in the home and churches of Greek Orthodox families living in America. http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2007/04/08/why-easter-is-greek-to-me-xris/2812 Her vivid descriptions of childhood memories that inform her understanding of what Easter means to her and the traditions she shares with her family today remind me of the Chinese proverb, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” I have to say, the Greeks know how to do Easter. Make no mistake. This is the most important holiday in our church. It is a beautiful week. I haven’t even begun to touch on what the week is really like. This is a sampling of a sampling of what it is like. It is so much more deep, so much richer than I have written here. But one thing is clear. It is a powerful, beautiful, mysterious, humbling, healing and moving week. It is filled with tradition and ritual. It is about renewal and faith. And even though it is still too early to say, Xristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Truly, He has Risen! Christian Formation Schedule On March 6 and 13, both the Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners and Kindergartners and the Godly Play Two class for 1st and 2nd graders will hear the final stories in our Lenten Series, The Faces of Easter, in preparation for Palm Sunday. Jesus Offers Bread and Wine follows Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Sunday and to the temple on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; and on Thursday to the upper room to share the Passover meal with his disciples; and finally, to the Mount of Olives where Judas betrays him. The last story, The One Who Was Easter and Still Is, tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and the empty tomb. “Jesus
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March 2016 died on the cross, but somehow he was still with them as he is with us, especially in the bread and the wine.” Knowing that crucifixion and Easter always go together, “and you cannot pull them apart. This is the Mystery of Easter, and that makes all the difference…” The 3rd, 4th and 5th grade class will continue to explore the Gospel readings for the season of Lent using the Lesson Plans that Work curriculum. The discussions focus on a deeper understanding of God’s compassion and mercy found in “this amazing gospel of grace.’ “Will that image of grace energize us to do the spiritual housekeeping we need to be ready for the "new thing" God is doing in Easter?” The Youth Class for 6th through 12th Grades will meet in the Bennett Wing with Ellise Johnson, Danielle Adkins and other adult leaders for breakfast and Bible study covering the story of David. All Church School classes will take a break on Palm Sunday, March 20 and Easter on March 27. On Easter Sunday, during the 9:00 a.m. service, the youth will help hide the Easter eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. Their help is very much appreciated! Many thanks to our bunnies! St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School is four months away and planning is underway! The program is on June 13 through 17 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. We are looking for adult (parents, grandparents and other parishioners are welcome!) and youth volunteers, 6th through 12th graders to help with VBS. If you would like to be part of the planning team, please let me know: Cathy Nelson, 512-444-1449, or cnelson@stmarksaustin.org. There will be childcare for young children of parent leaders. Our VBS is a wonderful experience for all, filled with fun, formation and friends!
Summer Activities for St. Mark’s Children Below is summer camp information suitable for a variety of ages. St. Mark’s hosts a VBS session in June, our Day School offers sessions for children ages 2-5 in June & July, and Camp Allen has summer sessions for rising 3rd graders up through high school seniors. Vacation Bible School (VBS), Signs of Faith, will be held on June 13 through 17 for children potty-trained 3-year-olds through 5th grade. Application forms for attendees and staff are at our website: http://stmarksaustin.org/christian-formations/vacation-bibleschool/
Camp Allen camps and events for children ages 8 through 18 years. Check the board in the Parish Hall for applications, or go to Camp Allen’s website, http://www.campallen.org/summercamp/calendar, for on-line registration, registration forms, information, and the calendar for campers and counselors.
St. Mark’s Day School Summer Camps: June 6-July 29, for children 2-5 years-old. The theme is Camp Innovations, integrating S.T.E.M curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Applications are in the Parish Hall or contact the Day School: stmarksdayschoolaustin.org, or 512-444-9401.
Adult Formation Our Sunday morning Adult Formation series (Sin: the Devil Made Me Do It) will continue, and conclude, on March 6 and 13. There is no Adult Formation on March 20 (Palm Sunday) or March 27 (Easter). March 6 – The Final Four (Deadly Sins, that is): Lust, Anger, Sloth, and Envy March 13 – Sin: Pushing Back
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March 2016
Parishioner Highlights I can’t really say when I met the Brodes other that it must have been sometime in the 80s. I remember how friendly and welcoming they were and admiring Beth’s gorgeous head of red hair. Watching their children grow up has been fun and I can’t believe that I will no longer have Bonnie to buy my perfunctory “2 cases” of Girl Scout cookies from for my husband’s birthday. As you will read they have also been founding members of several of St. Mark’s groups. All four family members have been active in serving the needs of our parish as well as the community and we thank them all for their dedication and service.
Beth Chenoweth
The Brode Family Mike, Beth, and their children, Michael and Bonnie, are all life-long Austinites. Beth was raised in Barton Hills and claims that while attending St Mark’s kindergarten in the mid-60s, she convinced her parents to take her to a Sunday service there. They soon joined the St. Mark’s congregation and Beth’s dad, Jim Sherrard, is also still a member. Mike grew up in North Austin and was raised in the Baptist church. He and Beth met through a mutual friend while in college. Mike joined St. Mark’s in 1983 and he and Beth were married there in 1984. Mike has his own Audio-Video business, Brode Communications. He is currently a member of the St. Mark’s vestry and also serves as an usher and a member of the golf scholarship committee. His hobbies include just about any outdoor activity—especially boating, hunting and fishing. Beth is an Interior Designer. Her career has been focused primarily in the homebuilding industry and the lighting industry. She has taken a break from work recently to spend more time with family, but looks forward to working with residential clients again in the near future. Beth and Mike were among the founders of the Young Families group and Beth is currently a member of the Daughters of the King and
volunteers monthly with the Shower Ministry. In her spare time she enjoys being with friends and shopping for bargains. Michael is a sophomore at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and is majoring in Environmental Science. He’s currently the Academic VP of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and has worked with the youth group at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Corpus. Prior to college, Michael served as an acolyte and was very involved in the youth group. In 2012 his Eagle Scout project was a massive cleanup of St. Mark’s meditation trail, including installation of identification posts at each of the Stations of the Cross. This summer will be Michael’s second year on Senior Staff at Camp Allen. He has attended Camp Allen in some capacity since he was in 3rd grade. Bonnie is a junior at Anderson High School. She’s on the Varsity Volleyball team and involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Leadership Council and Young Life. Bonnie is a Girl Scout (1st year of not selling cookies - after 10!) and is currently working toward her Gold Award. She serves as an acolyte and a Children’s Chapel assistant. Bonnie is very active in the youth program and is a founding member of the new Jr. DOK. Bonnie is traveling to Spain in March with her school’s Spanish exchange program. This summer will be her 2nd summer to work as a Cabin Counselor at Camp Allen—after also attending since 3rd grade. We are very proud of Michael and Bonnie’s accomplishments!
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March Celebrations Birthdays Samuel Smith Bennett Whalen Cheryl Beesley 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 Jennifer Santos Finneas Randall Silvia Gates Renay Jones
03/01 03/01 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 03/08 03/09 03/10 03/10
Cecilia Smith Debbie Thornal Robert Pitt Georgia Sanders Ann Williams Phil Aboussie Joey Albers Kelly Dixon Gregg LaMontagne Landon Phillips Tara Pitt Stephen Raines Lindy Siegismund Reynard Wellman Bill Yeager Greta Gonzales Jim Ramsey Patricia Bullock Nancy Bachschmid Hunter Rogers Robert Dew Dominic Mayor Becky Poynot
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
L.A. Williams Matt Schulz Julia Zuniga Ford Gehrig Edward Mickler Emily Rogers Reagan Tso Christine Duke Nicholas Forrest Christopher Considine Ryan Yard Jon Nogarede John Rogers Sarah Stasney-Chun Mike Brode Amanda Lindeman Elizabeth Minne Kierra Francis Mark Santos James Spindler John Delamater
03/21 03/22 03/22 03/24 03/24 03/24 03/24 03/25 03/25 03/26 03/26 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 03/30 03/30 03/31
Anniversaries Sue & James Crowson Becky Brownlee & Ross Ramsey Cheryl & James Beesley Claire & Chaz Ripoll Jeannie & Glenn Lightsey Carolyn & James Wier Joanne Foote & Ariston Awitan Judy & Dave Elkins
03/02 03/07 03/17 03/17 03/20 03/20 03/21 03/30
Caffeine Ministry You will notice a change on this Caffeine Ministry list. Dear and faithful Beth Chenoweth makes the lemonade and sets out the cookies before the 7:30 service, so this schedule only has a team for cleaning up after the 11:00 service. All that is asked is that the assigned team stays after coffee fellowship to wash coffee pots, put away leftover cookies, and clean counters. (So, no early duty---help is now only needed after the 11 a.m. service) Thank you! EZT+ March 6 13 20 27
Trish and Robert Dew Mike and Lindsey Gehrig Kathy and David Genet (Palm Sunday) Susie and Phil Harwell (Easter)
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March 2016
ROTA
7:30
TIME
MINISTRY
March 6
March 13
March 20 Palm Sunday*
March 27 Easter Day
April 3
LECTOR
Jonea Raney
Margarita Moreno
Amelia Sondgeroth*
Jon Dullnig
Pattie Rose
LEM/ ACOLYTE
Margarita Moreno
Pattie Rose
Wes Raney
Jill Collins
Jonea Raney
USHERS
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Jon & Judith Dullnig
Danielle Adkins & Stephen White
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
Nancy Kibler (1) Bill Kibler (2) Neal McGowan Meredith Childs Ariston Awitan IV Karen Milton Matthew Awitan Henry Janes Kim B. Carol
Carol Oppel Pam Castles Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Luke Breen Kim K.
USHERS
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Michael Brown TBD
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells
GREETERS
Yvette Webb Pam Castles
Kevin Cromack Meredith Childs
Laura Merritt Ellie Reshetnikov
Michael Meigs Diana Stangl
Yvette Webb Pam Castles
LECTORS
Chris Blanding (1) Melissa Blanding (2)
Ann Seyler (1) Christine Stockstill (2)
Michelle Bonner (1)* Liz Davis (2)*
Rex White (1) Karen Milton (2)
Barbara Dody (1) Bill Willis (2)
LEM
Rex White Brenda White
Neal McGowan Jay Brown
Dru Cabler Brenda White
Jay Brown Michelle Bonner
Neal McGowan Rex White
ACOLYTES
Sophie Lawrence Claire Cabler Emma Kloninger Meredith Shaw Jay, Cindy
Matt Forrest Karen Milton Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Michele B.
Max Genet No Gospel Josef Genet Sam Forrest Jay
Sophie Lawrence Claire Cabler Ryan Dempsey Meredith Shaw Jay, Cindy
Luke Thiessen Joseph Peers Xander Stockstill Morgan Dew Jay, Cindy
USHERS
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines
Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess
Henry Olivas Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Sandy Sterzing
Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines
GREETERS
Jean & Frank Severn
Jay Doran
Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
Steve Niemeyer Barbara Dody
Jean & Frank Severn
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Jennifer McGowan
Meredith Childs-TC Helen Anderson Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Lynn Edgerton
Dee Ann Thomasson-TC Tina Stonebarger Susan Baxter-Harwell Sandy Sterzing Henry Olivas Barbara Dody
Altar Guild Work Party Diana Stangl-TC Millie Casparis Liz Davis Karen Milton Judy Elkins
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Lynn Edgerton
Jim Nolan
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Frank Severn
Diane Brewer
March 23
March 30
Jonea Raney
Rex White
LECTORS
ACOLYTES
ALTAR GUILD
11:00
9:00
LEM
DEPOSITOR
YOUTH
Michael Brown (1)* Dodie Wells (2)* Neal McGowan Kim Buckner Suzanne Lightsey No Gospel Torches: TBD Kim B.
WED. 6 p.m.
March 2
March 9
March 16
Lector
Soup Supper & Lenten Program: TBD
Soup Supper & Lenten Program: TBD
Soup Supper & Lenten Program: TBD
Becky Janes (1) Ken Whalen (2) Michael Brown Neal McGowan
YOUTH Bill Kibler Meredith Childs Aidan Brady Claudia Janes Emma Kloninger Henry Janes Kim B., Becky J.
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Luke Breen
**PALM SUNDAY: Passion Gospel: 7:30 a.m. — Amelia Sondgeroth, Wes Raney, Jonea Raney, Jill Collins, Margarita Moreno, Jon Dullnig Passion Gospel: 9:00 a.m. — Michael Brown, Dodie Wells, Lynn Edgerton, Meredith Childs, Kevin Childs, Mike Thomasson Passion Gospel: 11:00 a.m. — Michele Bonner, Liz Davis, Michael Meigs, Karen Milton, Suzann Dvorken, Stephen Raines
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March 2016
Vestry Diana Stangl, Sr. Warden Clarence Bonnen, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Melissa Blanding, Michele Bonner, Mark Breen, Mike Brode, Jill Collins, John Cooper, Karen Dulaney Smith, Suzann Dvorken, Ryan Marquess, Laura Merritt, Karen Milton, Becky Poynot, and David Randle
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: Pam Johns Women of St. Mark’s: Pat Bullock
Staff Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner Assistant Rector The Rev. David W. Peters Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarian Neal McGowan
Facilities: Ray Smith Finance: John Edgerton Deadline for the April 2016 St. Mark’s News is Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Outreach: Laurie Mayor Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney Stewardship: Amelia Sondgeroth
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
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