November 2013
St. Mark’s News Volume 16/Issue10
From the Rector The Gospel reading for October 13 was the account of Jesus healing ten lepers – only one of whom returned to give praise to God and to thank Jesus for healing him. That evening we were having dinner with friends from All Saints, during which the question was asked if gratitude and thankfulness are synonymous. Initially, our answer was “yes” but then it was suggested that gratitude has an object (God/the one who gives), whereas thankfulness has a subject (that for which we are thankful). In the weeks since I have found myself thinking about both gratitude and thankfulness. A dictionary definition of gratitude is “a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favors.” A dictionary definition of thankfulness is “Aware and appreciative of a benefit; expressive of gratitude.” So, according to these two definitions, gratitude is the feeling of appreciation, and thankfulness is its expression. November is a good month for considering those things for which we are grateful, and for expressing our gratitude by being thankful. November is also a good month for considering the source of those people and things for which we are grateful and for taking the time to offer thanks and praise. The month of November begins with our ingathering of pledge/commitment cards for the Mission and In this Issue Ministry of St. Mark’s, and concludes with our national holiday, Thanksgiving. From the Rector ................. 1 While it is true that the Mission and Ministry of St. Mark’s is the recipient of our Vestry Highlights ................ 2 pledges, they are meant to be an expression of both gratitude and thankfulness; Outreach ............................ 4 an expression of thankfulness for those benefits bestowed on us by God. Our Parish Life .......................... 4 pledges are both gifts and obligations: the obligation of giving back to God 10% Music Notes ....................... 6 of what God has given us. And then there is that Thanksgiving feast at the end of Christian Formation ............ 7 the month – a feast that calls to mind pilgrims, Native Americans, and harvest. Parishioner Highlights ........ 9 Caffeine Ministry .............. 10
It may be the case that there is only a small distinction between gratitude and Celebrations ..................... 11 thankfulness, but upon reflection I would argue that we can have an “attitude of ROTA ............................... 12 gratitude” even if we may not be thankful for all of our current circumstances. Gratitude requires attention and cultivation. Melanie Greenberg, a clinical psychologist says, “Experiencing and expressing gratitude is an important part of any spiritual practice. It opens the heart and activates positive emotion centers in the brain. Regular practice of gratitude can change the way our brain neurons fire into more positive automatic patterns. The positive emotions we evoke can soothe distress and broaden our thinking patterns so we develop a larger and more expansive view of our lives. To begin bringing gratitude into your life, you can deliberately meditate on all the things in your own life that help you or give you pleasure. You can write a gratitude diary, posting pictures and writing about the things you feel grateful for each day.” Gratitude has both psychological and spiritual benefits. Here are a few quotes about gratitude:
“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.” (Lionel Hampton)
November 2013
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” (Albert Einstein) “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” (Melody Beattie) “Let us rise up and be thankful for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and of we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so let us all be thankful.” (Buddha) Indeed, let us be thankful. Let us cultivate gratitude. Let us be like that one leper who recognized he had been healed, who turned around and offered praise and thanks to the One who had healed him. What gifts have we received from God for which we are thankful; for which we are grateful? EZT+
Vestry Highlights St. Mark’s vestry members met in the Bennett Wing classroom on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting opened in a prayer of commemoration for St. Teresa of Avila, and closed with Compline. The agenda included:
Discussion of the Diocesan Assessment change: in 2014 the Diocese will have a unified budget, so rather than an Assessment and an Asking, there will only be the Assessment. This change is due in large part to the sale of St. Luke’s Hospital. In 2013 St. Mark’s Assessment was $58,864; in 2014 it will be $45,364. Diocesan Council will be in Galveston February 7-9. St. Mark’s will send four lay delegates to Council, so if any parishioners are interested in being delegates let Elizabeth+ know, It is time for the Vestry Nominating Committee to begin their work of identifying 5 parishioners to serve on the vestry. If you are interested in serving, or have someone to nominate, please contact the chair of the Nominating Committee: Andrew Poynot. As of the end of September our income was at 107% of that which was budgeted. The Yard Sale netted about $3,600. Travis+ reported that the youth group is going well, and that he is thankful for the adult help he is receiving; that on November 3 the youth will prepare and sell breakfast tacos; that there will be a Newcomers reception on November 10; and that after December there will be a change of leadership for the Families with Young Children. Mr. Poynot reported on the most recent Outreach Committee meeting and on upcoming Outreach projects – especially the El Buen Samaritano Thanksgiving collection, and the December Angel Treel Ms. Genet and Mr. Ramsey gave a Building Committee report: Steve Drenner, an Entitlement Attorney, and parishioner Tim Hendricks, are working together to see if St. Mark’s might after all be able to increase the footprint of our worship space.
Congratulations! Congratulations to those couples who were married in October and to those who will be married in November: Lauren Davis and Jason Chane on October 26, Cindy Sexton and Mark Zuniga on November 2, and Chase Almond and Lucy Joyce on November 9.
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November 2013
All Saints (Nov. 1/3) and All Faithful Departed (Nov. 2/6) We will celebrate All Saints’ Day on the actual feast day (November 1) with an outdoor, contemplative Eucharist on the Meditation Trail at 6:30 p.m. and we will celebrate during our Sunday worship on November 3. The feast of All Saints is the only one of 7 principal feasts of the church that may be observed on the following Sunday, in addition to its fixed date. It is also one of the four days recommended in the Prayer Book for the administration of Holy Baptism. All Saints is a commemoration of those who, having professed faith in the living Christ in days past, have entered the near presence of God – and especially those who either died heroic deaths or whose lives were in some other way iconic of the life of Jesus. All Faithful Departed began in the 10th century as a sort of extension of All Saints – an occasion for remembering the vast body of the faithful who are not known to the wider fellowship of the Church. It is a day for particular remembrance of family members and friends. On Wednesday, November 6, at 6:00 p.m. in Grace Chapel we will remember those whom we have loved who are now in the near presence of God. Bring a photo or other memento of your loved one. We will light votive candles in their memory and offer the Eucharist in thanksgiving for their lives.
Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:00 p.m. on November 27 The Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving our celebration of the Holy Eucharist will be at 7:00 p.m. (rather than 6:00 p.m.) in the church (rather than in Grace Chapel). Join us as we sing praise and offer thanks to God for all good things we have received by his gracious hand. Almighty and gracious Father, we give thee thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we beseech thee, faithful stewards of thy great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen (BCP p.194)
Save the Date! Sunday December 1: Intergenerational Advent Wreath Making @ 10 a.m. Join us in the Parish Hall to make or freshen up your family Advent Wreath. Wreath bases candles greens and decorations will be available. And although it is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner St. Mark’s children will be thinking about it soon. The Christmas Pageant which is held on Christmas Eve at the 5:30 p.m. service is traditionally performed and narrated by St. Mark’s children. This year following the 11:00 a.m. service on December 1 we will hold a lottery to pick the speaking parts played by older children. Watch for more information in your email boxes.
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November 2013
Outreach St. Mark's is committed to supporting Hands for Hope this November. Hands for Hope is El Buen Samaritano's annual Thanksgiving program that feeds over 1,000 local families. You can help in two ways, either by donating money and/or time:
Come purchase a feather for $10, which goes towards purchasing turkeys for El Buen. Look for the turkey poster and a member of the Outreach Committee in the Parish Hall on Sundays if you would like to assist in this way. Hands-on community action, Saturday, Nov. 23—volunteers are needed to help sort, package and distribute turkeys and a bag full of Thanksgiving trimmings to pre-registered families. For volunteer sign-ups, go to http://www.elbuen.org/calendar/events/hands-for-hope-event/. This is a family friendly event so bring the kids!
Also, the Outreach Committee is collecting canned vegetable soup for El Buen Samaritano in November.
Showing of Angels Sing on November 2, 2013, at Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane to benefit Welcome Table Inc. Angels Sing is a heartfelt movie about the importance of family ties, overcoming tragedy and the undeniable magic of the Christmas season. This film, beloved by movie goers of all ages, stars Harry Connick Jr., Connie Britton, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Lyle Lovett. One of the producers is Fred Miller from St. James’ Episcopal Church. Angels Sing is a sure-fire way to get your holiday season off to a great start. But more importantly, there is an opportunity for you to see a great movie and support a group close to our heart: Welcome Table Inc. Welcome Table Inc. is the umbrella charity that includes Neighbor 2 Neighbor, the Community Garden, and 3 other outreach programs in east Austin at St. James’ Episcopal Church. The November 2nd 7:00 pm showing at the Alamo Drafthouse on Slaughter Lane will benefit Welcome Table Inc. Make your reservations on the Welcome Table Inc. website at www.welcometableaustin.org. The reservations cost $25 each plus $1.62 handling charge for EventBrite.
Parish Life First Friday Book Group; Bennett Wing Classroom at 11 a.m. Below is the reading list for the First Friday Book Group. Join us any month you are able to do so, and add to our list of must-reads! November 1: In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson December 6: Eventide by Kent Haruf
Advent Quiet Day The Daughters of the King will sponsor an Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, November 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s. All are invited to participate.
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November 2013
Women of St. Mark’s The Women's Group of St. Mark's would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Men's Group for generously giving us fish from their fishing trip. Our thanks also go out to Suzann Dvorken for her professional secrets in creating a delectable fish dinner. November 21 - 23: The 112th Annual Retreat for Women at Camp Allen. The Retreat will take place November 21 - 23, 2013, at Camp Allen. For the first time, the Altar Guild Retreat will be combined with the ECW Retreat, so please look closely at registration information. Registration is available for either retreat separately, or if you plan to attend both, they may be combined. Altar Guild Retreat: Nov 21 @ 1 p.m. – Nov. 22 @ noon Women’s Retreat: Nov. 22 @ 1:30 p.m. – Nov. 23 @ 1 p.m. This two-day event includes inspirational worship, breath-taking music, unique and enlightening workshops, relaxation time, and opportunities to connect with your sisters in Christ. Information is posted in the Parish Hall near the kitchen. The Registration deadline is November 11. For online retreat information and registration: http://www.epicenter.org/ecw-annual-retreat/. New Year = New Leadership! There's exciting news for the New Year for the Women of St. Mark's—in 2014, we will bring about an election of new leadership. The Women's group will elect a President, VicePresident, and Secretary. Helen Anderson will continue her role as Treasurer. We will also vote on the new Bylaws for the Women of St. Mark's. The election for these new positions will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2014, during our annual Brunch. Bunco Date Change. Please note that Potluck/Bunco will be combined for November & December. We will meet on Monday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. Wishing you all a happy and abundant Thanksgiving!
Families With Young Children Sat., Nov. 16: Dads’ outing at noon for lunch and the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company. http://theabgb.com/ Sunday, Dec. 15 Manna Bags and a pot-luck dinner at 5 p.m.
The Well . . . Discussing the Bible over Drinks The Well, a discussion group for 20 and 30 somethings, will be meeting on the following Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.: November 7 and December 5. The Well meets at Thai Fresh/Thrice Café, which is located at 909 West Mary.
November Youth Events 1st – All Saints’ Service on Meditation Trail at 6:30 3rd – Breakfast Taco fundraiser beginning at 9 a.m. 10th – Kitchen, Games, and Contemplative Prayer after 11 a.m. service 17th – Kitchen, Games, and Prayer after 11 a.m. service 24th – Eat lunch out, then Blazer Tag after the 11 a.m. service
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November 2013
From the garden ~ Beautiful October is behind us, but all the fun of fall is still with us. St. Mark’s Gardeners have been working hard over the past month, especially new gardener Jay Doran. Jay recently adopted the columbarium garden. He was interested in making big improvements in an area that had suffered from both an aging planting and drought. By early October Jay began to clear out dead vines, undergrowth, and the everpresent tree seedlings that pop up in the space. The clean-up alone has made a big difference. Next, he has plans for relocating our sun-starved roses to McKinney Isle and planting pockets of color for spring bloom. He plans to fertilize, mulch, and fine-tune what is already in place. He would also like to bring in some new shrubbery and small trees and is exploring ideas for the terraced areas which have never been graveled or planted. This beautiful space is a worthy canvas for the landscaping expertise Jay received in his continuing education. So many of us enjoy this quietly beautiful area as a resting place for our lost friends and family and ourselves down the road. The improvements, which Jay will be doing over the coming months, are both greatly anticipated and appreciated. Joanne embraced the cooler weather and again revised some of the planting in the Foote-path. With our dicey weather some of the shrubs needed replacing, and now it all looks fresh and attractive again! Joanne and Dee Ann keep the area irrigated and clean. Becky Nolan continues the work of culling and trimming on the corner, and her seasonal touches, including fall mums at the church entrance and also around the St. Mark’s sign at the street corner, make us all smile. McKinney Isle continues to receive Al’s love and attention, and fall gives back its colorful rewards. The cooler air and sometimes rain helps everything revive and give back. There is always more to see and do in our grounds. Adopt a Spot! Diane Brewer and Becky Nolan Coordinators “The earth laughs in flowers,” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Music Notes One Sunday Left to Purchase Choir Poinsettias and Wreaths This coming Sunday, November 3rd, is the last opportunity to purchase poinsettias and evergreen wreaths from members of the choir. Be sure to stop by the table in the Parish Hall during coffee hour following the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. Flowers and wreaths may also be ordered by contacting Mark Reed, the Director of Music (email: mreed1685@gmail.com; phone: 512-203-1780). Poinsettias come in 6" pots, with 4 – 6 blooms per pot. Each plant comes in a green decorative "hat cover," so they are ready to use right away, no repotting necessary! Red, white, or pink flowers are available. Each poinsettia is $12. Fresh premium mixed green wreaths with cones are handmade to order in the Pacific Northwest. They will be a stunning addition to your home decorations. They are available in either 20" or 24" diameter sizes. Holiday wreaths cost $27 (20") or $35 (24"). Please pay by check or cash (exact change) when you place your order during coffee hour. The poinsettias and wreaths will be available for pick-up on Sunday morning, December 8th. The proceeds from the sale further the ministry of the Choir and Choristers. Your support is greatly appreciated!
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November 2013
Mark Your Calendars! Sunday, December 15th will be our annual Service of Advent Lessons and Carols at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. We hope you’ll plan to attend this special service of beautiful music and profound readings that help us to prepare for Christ’s coming.
Christian Formation For Children and Youth (by Cathy Nelson, Director of Religious Education) Our Christian formation programs for children have been in session for two months this fall. The children have been learning many Old Testament stories that recount the history of God’s people and their relationship with God. These stories also teach how God expects us to relate to those around us. Looking back over the last two months of classes, I am more and more grateful for the adults who help lead the programs, teachers, as well as Chapel Leaders, Youth Lectors coaches, Youth Acolytes masters, Youth Group leaders and other parent volunteers. The time they spend with the children and each other is a period of time that is blessed through the kind of interactions that most of us would have nowhere else in our lives. The adults, along with the children, are learning together, while creating relationships in a space in time that is graced by the presence of God. The October edition of Episcopal Teacher, a magazine from the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary, carried an article by the Rev. Jerome Berryman, founder of Godly Play, entitled “The Middle Realm” introducing his new book The Spiritual Guidance of Children: Montessori, Godly Play and the Future.(https://www.vts.edu/ftpimages/95/download/episcopal_teacher_fall2013_interactive.pdf). The editor of the magazine introduced the article by asking readers to enter into a space of spiritual reflection with Berryman as he explores the “middle realm:” “that place many of us find while mentoring children in playfully reflecting and exploring time with God.” In the article, Berryman reminds us of the paradox of Christian living taught by Jesus: To be spiritually mature we need to be like a child. The center that holds, then, begins with children and their unconscious, naïve, and undifferentiated knowledge of God’s presence. It develops toward becoming conscious and non-naïve as one gradually lives into the necessary paradox, which links the child’s original grace with the graceful adult. The middle realm has much to do with this link, because when Christian language is absorbed in the middle realm it becomes activated in a way that supports the child’s quest. If we can invite children into the middle realm to learn the art of speaking the Christian language fluently, then they have a better chance, as they mature, to be Christian in a fluent way. Berryman explains that creating a space for children to absorb and activate classical Christian language is essential: It gives children the means to bring the limits to their being and knowing into consciousness so they can live in God’s likeness as creators, working out their daily decisions with this larger picture in mind, the experience of God in their bodies, and God’s image deep in their identity. . . . Knowing this language --- the sacred stories, parables, liturgical action, and contemplative silence --- gives the rest of one’s program depth and provides the basic equipment for the journey toward becoming graceful people.
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November 2013 Berryman is speaking specifically about the Godly Play program, but I believe something of this “middle realm” is found in our interactions anywhere in our time together as Christians, deliberately coming together to worship God. There is potential for a “thin place” between the everyday and the divine as we see Christ in each other. So, thanks to all of you who spend time with the children of St. Mark’s, helping them learn the language of the Church. Another article in the Lens from the Episcopal News Service, called “Making ‘digital’ disciples, Christian formation meets technology” by Pat McCaughan (http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/10/11/19617/) about ways churches are using the internet to make it easier for people to tap into all things religious, cited the Diocese of Texas Logos Project. At the Diocese website, you can watch a video entitled Jerome Berryman: Children and Mature Spirituality (http://vimeopro.com/epicentervideos/logos/) to hear Berryman explain his theories about children’s spirituality and its connection to a mature and graceful adult spirituality. While you are at the website, you may want to view the other free videos!
In Church School Classes… On November 3, we will celebrate our annual Mission and Ministry Sunday at 10:00 a.m., so Church School classes will not meet. On this day, families are asked to turn in their pledge cards during the offering at all three services. We will also be celebrating a baptism and All Saints Day during the services. The Youth Group will be selling their homemade breakfast tacos at 10:00 a.m., so come hungry! I hope you and your families will be able to join us for these important events. Godly Play Classes: In Godly Play, we will hear more of the sacred stories that make use of the desert box, The Ark and the Temple and the Exile and Return. On November 24, the younger children will prepare for Christmas with the story of Advent. In the Godly Play Two class the older children will hear The Story of Samuel and The Story of King David on November 10 and 17. On November 24, in preparation for Advent, the class will hear a longer, more in-depth story about Jesus’ birth and life that incorporates the frescos by Giotto found in the Scrovegni Chapel that are used in Madeleine L’Engle’s book The Glorious Impossible. 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Classes: The Biblical drama continues with stories from Genesis about Ishmael, Isaac, Abraham, Rebecca, Jacob and Esau. The children, led by David Genet and parent assistants have been dramatizing many of the stories in class using puppets and other materials and experiencing some of the action in games and art activities. Youth Classes: Confirmation class concluded in October so the class will rejoin the 6th and 8th graders in the Youth Class. The class will move to the Bennett Wing classroom for their study of the Old Testament with Travis Smith+.
For Adults: 10 a.m. in Grace Chapel There will be NO Adult Formation class on November 3. On that Sunday we will welcome the newly baptized, we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints, and we will present our pledge/commitment cards for 2014. At 10:00 a.m. our youth will cook and sell breakfast tacos to help support the youth program. Come to church hungry for food and fellowship! On November 10, 17, and 24, Philip Turner will teach a 3-week series entitled Heresies and Creeds. The Church’s creedal statements were formulated as responses to particular heresies dominant at the time. Join us in this discussion of the genesis of the historic creeds.
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November 2013
Parishoner Highlights Sylvia Fitz and family joined St. Mark’s in the mid 70s. I remember her family as taking such an active part in the parish and thought what great role models they were. I have always admired her style, participation in parish events, and her great accent from across the pond that goes with her fun personality. “Active” does not begin to describe her lifestyle, so take a deep breath and enjoy reading about her and her family. Beth Chenoweth
Sylvia Fitz I come from a family of eight, with me being the fifth child. We grew up in Longford Coventry, Warwickshire England. My parents and three brothers are now deceased. My oldest sister, Joy, still lives in England and my younger sister, Gillian, is in the process of moving from Oregon to California. I'm fortunate to see them typically once a year.
did not have the draw that we were looking for. Wow, has Austin changed! We lived in Dallas for a few years, with Michael traveling quite a bit and me coaching track and field at J. J. Pearce High School in Richardson. At the time, Tracy was in grade school and Glenn in junior high. Glenn and Tracy were both confirmed at the Church of Transfiguration in Richardson, our church prior to moving to Austin. Both boys are true Episcopalians with Michael converting (“laying on of hands”) and me coming from the Church Of England.
I attended school in Coventry prior to marrying a Navy officer, Michael. I then continued my schooling with The University of Pennsylvania once we moved to the United States. I acquired my citizenship in readiness for a move to Morocco, North Africa, with my husband and our two sons, Glenn and Tracy. This move was a significant one as it gave Michael more shoretime after spending about eight years aboard destroyers at sea. And, it was a dream assignment as Michael could use his entrepreneurial skills. Those that knew him know what I'm talking about! Michael was in charge of the military base PX, snack bars, beauty shops, etc. and most importantly was the main morale builder for the skipper of the communication base. Michael received very high accolades as a result.
Our move to Austin was in June 1973, and soon after our arrival, we joined St. Mark's. I've lived in the same house since (just down from "my" church), and both boys graduated from Austin High School and The University of Texas. Glenn is currently Settlement Officer of Appeals with the IRS in Dallas, and Tracy is the Area Director of Marketing with Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, also in Dallas. Glenn and his wife Mary, have my oldest granddaughter, Taylor, who is a senior and excels in volleyball and soccer. Tracy and Nannette have my second granddaughter, Gillian, who excels in ballet.
His last tour of duty was Key West, Florida, where we bought a house and I worked for the only CPA on the island. At the time, Key West was yet to be fully developed, and I believe that fate brought us to Texas, where Michael was asked to run a large pharmaceutical warehouse. We then moved to Dallas, as Austin at that time
When we joined St. Mark's, Father Raish was the priest, with Bill Anthony assisting. Both boys were acolytes through high school and I was involved with the choir and enjoyed time rehearsing and performing with The Red Door Players. (When's the next play, Diane?) Summertime always brought my grandchildren to Austin for a visit and to attend Vacation Bible School. The boys assisted with the small children their last year. I retired from the US Treasury (IRS) after 25 years of service. I was in management and also an analyst most of my career. In addition to
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November 2013 choir, which I still very much enjoy today, I was the treasurer for ECW, President of the Chicken BBQ, participated in the bake sale for the fall festivals, and housed visiting church group members. I am currently still on the Altar Guild and a member of the Martha's. I also enjoyed the outreach clean up from both hurricanes Katrina and Ike, where the people from St. Mark's made it so rewarding.
players, and considered building our own tennis court; however, the city would not approve selling us the necessary additional three to four feet behind our house on the green belt. So, we built the swimming pool, which you all know I still very much enjoy today. Water skiing on Lake Travis was also a favorite way to spend time. We all learned to ski in Key West, where I also taught the boys to swim off the old pier.
Tracy stayed active with the youth group when he was at UT. This was with Father Scotty's persuasion. It’s still so nice to see our church leaders with the youth, keeping that area growing today. I notice that we now have boys instead of girls at Vacation Bible School assisting.
Travel was, and still is, a front runner for me. I have traveled with many friends from St. Mark's and happy times were had by all. Cooking and entertaining is still something I enjoy, but miss Michael for the help in the kitchen and clean up. Knitting and reading are also a favorite, and I bowl twice a week. And then there's the neighborhood. Barton Hills is where we built and where I still live today. Many of the same neighbors are still here. I manage to stay in touch with a wide range of friends from the neighborhood and from our time spent in Dallas, Key West, Virginia Beach, Scotland, and Morocco.
October 17, 1979, was a happy time for all of us at St. Mark's as we dedicated the "new church." That meant we were no longer a mission and no more meeting in the parish hall for service. Of course money was an issue then, like it is today, as we needed to fund the new church. Michael and I even took out a second mortgage for a few years to help pay our share. In addition to my life with St. Mark's, I have had many hobbies. Michael and I were avid tennis
I am blessed to have my family as well as so many family ties with St. Mark's. Also I still feel as though I am part of the Church of England. It’s like I never really left.
November Caffeine Ministry 3
10
17
24
Early
(M & M Sunday: no one)
Late
Mike and Beth Brode
Early
Wade and Kim Buckner
Late
Dru and Cindy Cabler
Early
Robert Chambers and Amity Worrel
Late
Kevin and Meredith Childs
Early
Scott and Julia Comer
Late
Jim and Sue Crowson
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 November, Kim Buckner.
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November 2013
Celebrations November Birthdays Wes Johns
11/01
Scott Hoopman
11/12
Jenny Smith
11/22
Greg Stangl
11/01
Karen Dulaney Smith
11/13
Elizabeth Wood
11/22
Glen Baumgart
11/03
John Hicks
11/13
Neil Kepple
11/23
Allison Camp
11/04
Rosemary Spindler
11/13
Mike Thomasson
11/23
Anne Geraci
11/05
Deen Denny
11/14
Susan Albers
11/24
Meridith Schmittou
11/05
Melissa Blanding
11/15
Nina Erichson
11/24
David Sharpe
11/05
Bo Overstreet
11/15
Anjuli Martinez
11/24
Lynn Edgerton
11/06
Beth Chenoweth
11/16
Nicole Pike
11/24
Marjie Lawrence
11/06
John DeMarines
11/16
Jay Doran
11/25
Dylan Lewis
11/06
William Kelly
11/16
Cilla Peterek
11/25
Davis Fuhrman
11/07
Kelly Whiteknact
11/16
Amy Farley
11/27
Ashley Phillips
11/08
Sean Williamson
11/16
Jeffrey Siegismund
11/27
Dunaven Kurak
11/09
Glenn Lightsey
11/17
Ben Crozier
11/28
Adin Kurak
11/09
Max Peers
11/17
Amalia de la Rosa
11/29
Jace Castleberry
11/10
Daniel Aja
11/20
Christie Stockstill
11/29
Resa Dunn
11/10
Esme Barker
11/20
Susan Erwin
11/30
Lucie Minne
11/10
11/20
Matthew Forrest
11/30
Mary Smith
11/10
Christianne Castleberry
Gabriella Hartline
11/30
Diane Silver
11/20
Claudia Janes
11/22
Margaret Delamater
11/11
Mike Thompson
11/11
November Anniversaries Mary & Kevin Cromack
11/01
Barbette & John Cooper
11/09
Andrea Michael & Chuck Ragland
11/10
Valerie & Ken Walker
11/10
Laurie & Jonathon Mayor
11/11
Cynthia & Dru Cabler
11/18
Lynn & John Edgerton
11/19
Brenda & Rex White
11/22
Amalia & Manuel de la Rosa
11/24
Marie & Bob Peterek
11/25
Marcy & Sam Greer
11/26
Carolyn Foote & Gregg LaMontagne
11/28
Becky & Jim Nolan
11/30
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November 2013 November ROTA
7:30 SERVICE
TIME
MINISTRY
November 3
Youth Sunday
December 1 Advent 1
LECTOR
Jon Dullnig
Jonea Raney
Amelia Sondgeroth
Nancy Middlebrook
Jonea Raney
LEM / ACOLYTE
Pattie Rose
Jill Collins
Pattie Rose
Jonea Raney
Jill Collins
USHERS
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Judith & Jon Dullnig
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
LECTORS
Nancy Kibler (1) Ken Whalen (2)
YOUTH
Mary-Alis Kelly (1) Brian Kelly (2)
YOUTH
Kevin Childs (1) Meredith Childs (2)
Carol Oppel Vivian Orndorff Connor Lightsey Clay Buckner Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey Carol, Kim K.
Bill Kibler Kim Buckner Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Hunter Rogers Kim B., Carol
Vivian Orndorff Lynn Edgerton Bennett Whalen Ariston Awitan IV Abigail Goff Eleanor Goff Kim K., Carol
Tom Schneider Mike Thomasson Carson Buckner Clay Buckner Julia Comer Claudia Janes Carol, Kim B.
Vivian Orndorff Gary Taylor Connor Lightsey Clara Bogard Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey Kim K.
John Edgerton Mike Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Ariston Awitan III Dan Bogard
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart
Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack
Cindy & Dan Bogard
Kim Buckner Michael Meigs
Maria & Mike Fuhrman
SERVICE
9:00 a.m.
LEM
ACOLYTES
USHERS
SERVICE
ALTAR GUILD
11:00 a.m.
GREETERS Maria & Mike Fuhrman
November 10 Youth Sunday
November 17
November 24
LECTORS
Michael Meigs (1) Karen Milton (2)
Michele Bonner (1) Matt Lamon (2)
Andrew Poynot (1) Kimberly Horne (2)
Ann Seyler (1) Roger Seyler (2)
Jim Crowson (1) Barbara Dodie (2)
LEM
Brenda White Rex White
Tom Schneider Liz Davis
Vivian Orndorff Jay Brown
Dru Cabler Matt Lamon
Tom Schneider Michele Bonner
ACOLYTES
Wenlan Lawrence Sophie Lawrence Claudia Janes Evelyn Eaton Jay, Cindy
Michael Brode Bonnie Brode Elijah Gallardo Evan Overstreet Jay, Cindy
Winston Baxter-Harwell Asher Eaton Emmaline Baxter-Harwell Evelyn Eaton Jay, Cindy
Wes Johns Matt Forrest Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Cindy
Patrick Camp Max Genet Josef Genet Claire Cabler Jay
USHERS
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works
GREETERS
Jean & Frank Severn
Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess Jay Doran Diana Stangl
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Lynn Edgerton Karen Milton
Diana Stangl-TC Millie Casparis Judy Elkins Barbara Dody Dodie Wells
Dee Ann Thomasson-TC Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Helen Anderson Tina Stonebarger
Meredith Childs-TC Cynthia Archer Elijah Gallardo Henry Olivas Pat Bullock Liz Davis
John De Marines
Bo Overstreet
Jim Nolan
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Depositor
Henry Olivas Lark Anthony Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Shelly Botkin & Ryan Marquess
Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns Lark Anthony Barbara Dody
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines Jean & Frank Severn
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Karen Milton
WED. 6 p.m.
November 6
November 13
November 20
November 27
December 4
Lector
Jonea Raney
Pattie Rose
Dodie Wells
Rex White
Meredith 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
Deadline for the December 2013 St. Mark’s News is Friday, November 15, 2013. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, TX 78704 512.444.1449 www.stmarksaustin.org office@stmarksaustin.org
Committees
Staff
Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel, Mary Cromack, Kim Kiplin, and Kim Buckner Altar Guild: Millie Casparis Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose Daughters of the King: Jonea C.S. Raney Women of St. Mark’s: Yvonne Chavez and Judy Elkins Facilities: Ray Smith Finance: John Edgerton Outreach: Becky Poynot and Laurie Mayor Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney Stewardship: Amelia Sondgeroth Ushers: Henry Olivas
Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner Assistant Rector The Rev. Travis Smith Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarians Vivian Orndorff Tom Schneider Head of Day School Anne Wingler Parish Administrator Joanne Foote Newsletter Editor Becky Janes
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED