November 2015
St. Mark’s News Volume 19/Issue 10
From the Rector On All Saints’ Sunday, November 1, the Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry will be installed as the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church at a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the Washington National Cathedral. Most recently he has served as Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. He was elected Presiding Bishop on the first ballot at the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church on June 27 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bishop Curry will be the first African American to serve as Presiding Bishop, and the length of his term will be nine years. In the Episcopal Church, the Presiding Bishop is the chief pastor and Primate of the national church and its nine ecclesiastical provinces. “The Presiding Bishop is charged with responsibility for leadership in initiating, developing, and articulating policy and strategy, overseeing the administration of the national church staff, and speaking for the church on issues of concern and interest.” Originally the Presiding Bishop was the senior Diocesan bishop who presided over the House of Bishops. In 1919 the office was transformed into an elected one. In the 1940s the decision was made that the person elected Presiding Bishop would resign as Bishop of his/her Diocese. Until that time the Presiding Bishop would continue to live in his Diocese and serve as its Bishop. The In this Issue Presiding Bishop lives in an apartment at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City. From the Rector ......................... 1 So what are we to think about this newly elected Presiding Bishop? Bishop Curry’s father was a priest in Buffalo, New York. +Michael grew up steeped in Anglo-Catholic liturgy. He grew up steeped in hymns and Bible verses. He grew up steeped in the 1960s civil rights movement. He remembers leaving a movie theater with his father at the age of 7, having just seen the movie Exodus and what his father had to say: “I want you to remember that the Lord didn’t make anybody to be under anybody’s foot. He made everybody to be free.” That, said +Michael, “was formative.”
Vestry Highlights ........................ 2 Outreach .................................... 4 Parish Life .................................. 5 Healthy Highlights ...................... 6 Susie W. Bain............................. 7 Parishioner Highlights ................ 8 Christian Formation .................... 9 Celebrations ............................. 10 Caffeine Ministry ...................... 11 ROTA ....................................... 12
One of his constant themes/injunctions is “Go to Galilee” as shorthand for embodying the gospel in the world. The underlying concept is a threefold conviction that a disciple’s transformed life begets joyful witness, public acts of justice, and potentially contagious faith. Anyone who has had the privilege of hearing him preach knows that his is a joyful and contagious witness of faith. He also has a commitment to public acts of justice. During the recent General Convention he led 1,500 participants in a Bishops United Against Gun Violence Procession. The Bishop of Maryland, Eugene Sutton, said society faces an “unholy trinity” of poverty, racism, and violence. Bishop Curry said they had gathered at 7:15 a.m. because “That unholy trinity threatens the life of all of us.” He said they gathered because there is another Trinity—the Holy Trinity that is holy and life-giving. Perhaps it should not be notable that a Bishop of our church speaks of his love for Jesus but unfortunately it is. But +Michael speaks and preaches enthusiastically of this love. He has a passion for living the Great
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November 2015 Commandment, and he said, “We want to know that people are living the Great Commandment: that they really are loving God and loving their neighbor and living in loving, healthy, responsible ways in their lives— and that is true for everybody.” The past nine years in the life of the Episcopal Church have been years of conflict and division. They have been years of parishes leaving dioceses and of dioceses leaving the national church. One of the impressive things about the Diocese of North Carolina is that during these same nine years only one parish left the Diocese. At their 2004 Diocesan Convention, after the consecration of Gene Robinson, Bishop Curry said, “We have had to be intentional about encouraging holy and respectful conversations as we wrestle with concerns where there are deep differences among us.” I am hopeful and confident that during the next nine years, during his tenure as Presiding Bishop, he will bring that same commitment to holy and respectful conversation within the Episcopal Church and the larger Anglican Communion. Pray for Presiding Bishop Curry, and for our Church.
EZT+
Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s Vestry met in the Bennett Wing Classroom at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20. The meeting opened with the Prayer For a Church Meeting (BCP 818). The agenda and the September minutes were approved with the addition of a request for a mirror in the vesting room that allows someone in the hall the ability to see around the corner. (Mark Breen installed said mirror on Saturday, October 17.) The Rector reported the following:
She left Clergy Conference at Camp Allen early to return in time for vestry – it concludes Wednesday after lunch. There were 3 excellent Plenary speakers: Stanley Hauerwas (Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law at Duke Divinity School), Chris Russell (Advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury for Evangelism and Witness, and Vicar of St. Laurence, Reading, UK), and Shane Claiborne (Founder and Co-Director of Simple Way/Red Letter Christians). Elizabeth also had a conversation with Kai Ryan, Canon to the Ordinary, and was given names (or the promise of) for a possible Assistant.
The Mission and Ministry meals have gone well so far, and the panel discussion has been well received though fewer parishioners have signed up to attend than we had last year.
Diocesan Council will meet in the Woodlands February 12 and 13 and we will need 4 Delegates from St. Mark’s.
The representative from Google Fiber contacted the Rector recently and said they are still working on reimbursement to St. Mark’s for the $6,800 plumbing bill incurred by the ruptured waste water line.
Two new air conditioning units for the church were installed last week and the third for the choir loft will be installed later this week, weather permitting. The total cost for the 3 units is $17,340.
The hot water heater in the Sacristy needed to be replaced. Jill Collins purchased it and Wes Raney installed it.
Senior Warden, J.P. Kloninger, announced the formation of the Nominating Committee for new Vestry Members. Anyone who might be interested in serving on the Vestry or who might like to recommend someone please contact a member of the committee: J.P. Kloninger, David Johns, Shelly Botkin, Nancy Kibler, or Jim Nolan. J.P. also mentioned the trip to Costa Rica at the end of January 2016 as precursor to a summer mission trip. Diana Stangl gave the Finance Committee report: contributions year-to-date are at 106.66%. Overall expenses are lower than the budgeted total. September income exceeded expenses by $20,000. Nancy Kibler reported that Day School enrollment is where it was hoped it would be: 101 students, with another 2 potential students for the pre-K class. Other reports included Outreach, Parish Life, Pastoral Care, and Newcomers (there will be a Newcomers luncheon at noon on November 8).
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November 2015
Something Old but also New Colors play an important part of the worship of the Church. They change according to the seasons of the Church year. Colors are a primary source of symbolism, and as such tell us much about what we believe about the lessons we hear during the Liturgy of the Word. This year St. Mark’s will be using the color Sarum blue during the Advent Season, which can be traced back to Saint Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury in the 11th century and used initially in his cathedral and diocese. It later became prevalent throughout southern England and came to be used throughout most of England, Wales, Ireland, and (later) Scotland, until the reign of Queen Mary I and King Philip. Although abandoned after the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation, his ordering of the services was a notable influence on the pattern of Anglican liturgy represented in the Book of Common Prayer. Royal Blue is the color of royalty to welcome the coming of a King. It can also symbolize the night sky in which the star appeared to announce the birth of Jesus. Blue also symbolizes the water over which God’s Spirit moved in Creation to begin the process of life, and it symbolizes the water of Baptism which is the starting place for all Christians who anticipate the coming of Christ into their lives. Blue is the color of hope, expectation, confidence and anticipation, a fitting description of the season of Advent. Fr. Mike Davis (cobbled from several internet sources)
Newcomers Lunch Sunday, November 8 at 12:15 (Childcare provided) If you are new to St. Mark’s in the last year, please join us for lunch following the 11:00 service in the Common Room. This is a good opportunity to meet St. Mark’s staff, some parishioners who have been around for a while, and other newcomers. Please mark your calendars and R.S.V.P. Meredith Childs (mpeterson@dunaganchilds.com ) or the Rev. Elizabeth Z. Turner (ezturner@stmarksaustin.org)
Wear Pink Sunday: November 15 Sunday, November 15, is the date for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at 1800 Congress Avenue (near the Bullock State History Museum). Anyone who might want to walk or run the course that morning as a St. Mark’s group can contact Jonea Raney (jcsrcch@gmail.com). Those who participate in the event can “make it to the church on time!” All of us are invited to wear pink that Sunday.
Thanksgiving Eve Service November 25 at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday night, November 25, our celebration of the Holy Eucharist will be in the church at 7:00 p.m., rather than in the chapel at 6:00 p.m. Mark and the choir will lead us in hymns of praise and thanksgiving as we gather to thank God for a cornucopia of blessing, mercy, and goodness. Prior to our Thursday feast, let us worship at our Lord’s Table. Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. BCP 246
Intergenerational Wreath Making November 29 at 10:00 a.m. Join us for the annual Advent Wreath-Making Event on the first Sunday of Advent. Gather in the Parish Hall on November 29 at 10:00 a.m. to make or freshen up an Advent Wreath for your family. Wreath bases, candles, plastic and real greens and decorations will be available. Bring a base from previous seasons or order a new base and start fresh! Sign up in the Parish Hall to reserve your materials.
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November 2015
Outreach Give Hunger a Holiday! During November we will be supporting El Buen Samaritano's Hands for Hope event, which provides families in need with food for a Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 21st. Their goal is to provide food for 1,000 families. Please stop by the Hands for Hope poster to help purchase turkeys. This year feathers are $20; however any amount is appreciated, and there are envelopes to take home if you'd like to mail in your donation. Thank you for your continued support of this Episcopal mission! Meal distribution Day: Saturday, November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. To volunteer to help distribute meals to 1,000 families in need, sign up in the Parish Hall or contact Laurie Mayor at laurie.mayor@yahoo.com or Lesly Reynaga at lreynaga@elbuen.org.
Parish Life First Friday Book Group – 11:00 a.m. Bennett Wing Classroom November 6
The Good Lord Bird
James McBride
December 4
Girl Meets God
Lauren Winner
Daughters of the King Fall Coat Drive. The Daughters are sponsoring a Fall Coat Drive. Please bring new or gently-used coats & jackets to the collection tub in the Parish Hall. Donations will be accepted through the month of November and will be given to Coats for Kids. Advent Quiet Day in December. DOK is hosting an Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for preparing our hearts for Christmas. It is a time for meditation, quiet reflection, and listening to God's voice. We provide a simple lunch and end the day with Eucharist. Quiet Days are for men as well as women and members of other parishes are invited. Watch for a sign-up sheet. Junior DOK Chapter. This year we are investigating having a Junior Daughters of the King chapter. This is open to all baptized girls from ages 7 to 21. At age 16 they can become Senior members. If you have a daughter who might be interested in joining this ministry of prayer and service, please contact the church office (512-444-1449) or Judy Elkins at 512-312-9690.
Gardeners in the Midst If you have walked by the Day School building and into the playground lately, you have probably noticed a quiet transformation underway, with new life sprouting up in a multitude of ways. In mid-October, the basil plants were at their peak, and harvested to make pesto. Carrots are spreading their roots below the soil. Other containers and beds are filled with fall seedlings, including radishes, lettuce, kale, snow peas, and other surprises. Plants aren’t the only things growing in the gardens. The tire frog and fan-blade butterfly, crafted by Becky, watch over the area. Bright red and white toadstools are popping up in the beds. The whole area is cheerful and full of life, including artwork displayed throughout the area. Becky Nolan and other Day School teachers have been creating a garden that the children can call their own. The children help plant and
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November 2015 harvest and even cook with the food. “I think it is so important for children to connect where their food comes from, that it doesn’t just come from the grocery store,” expressed Becky. Besides Becky's work at the school, we can see her contributions to many activities and events at the church, from many of the kitchen hand towels, to the seasonal tablecloths used in the Parish Hall during the week. As the leader and member of our wonderful Garden Guild, Becky has taken on seasonal decorations around the church sign on the corner, as well as near the doors of the church. In October, she spruced things up with pumpkins and hay bales for the fall season. Thank you, Becky!
Music Notes Last Sunday to Purchase Choir Poinsettias and Wreaths. Sunday, November 1, is the last opportunity to purchase poinsettias and wreaths from members of the choir. Be sure to stop by the table in the Parish Hall during coffee hour following the 9:00 and 11:00 services. Red, Pink, and White poinsettias are $12 each. 20inch diameter wreaths are $27 and 30-inch wreaths are $35. If you did not place your order, but would like to purchase poinsettias or wreaths, please contact Mark Reed by 5:00 pm on Monday, November 2: mreed1685@gmail.com or 512-203-1780.
66 Million - A Benefit Concert Supporting Girls in Our Global Community through the Malala Fund. On Saturday afternoon, November 14, at 2 pm, St. Mark’s will host a local children’s choir benefit concert. The Children’s Performing Arts Academy of Austin will present a musical celebration of community and compassionate action. Voice Recital Presented by Thomas Middleton. Baritone Thomas Middleton, a singer in our St. Mark’s choir, will present a recital in the St. Mark’s Chapel at 4 pm on Sunday, November 22. Thomas has degrees in vocal performance from the Boston Conservatory and from Furman University in South Carolina. He will be singing a wide-ranging program including operatic arias and art songs by C.P.E. Bach, Duparc, Dowland, Gounod, Rossini, and Vaughan Williams. Please join us for an enjoyable afternoon of music in our lovely Grace Chapel.
ECW News Bunco Night. Monday, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Lisa Martin, Nominating Committee Chair, will present the proposed slate of officers for 2016. Bring a covered dish or drink and $3 for Bunco. All women of the parish are invited! Camp Allen Retreat. The women's 114th annual retreat at Camp Allen is fast approaching! St. Mark's own Lisa Martin serves as President of the ECW, and Ann Seyler serves as Communications Chair, both on the Diocese of Texas ECW Board. As of now, we have 22 St. Mark's women registered to attend and participate in hosting this event. We received an immediate response from the St. Mark's women when the initial request for volunteers was made in October 2014, and preparations have been underway since the last retreat ended. It began with selecting the theme for the 2015 event ("And Who Is My Neighbor?"). Once we had the theme, Tina Stonebarger and her committee began work on finding just the right registration bag and items to fill it. Dee Ann Thomasson and her decorations committee member, Brenda White, are making the floral arrangement in pumpkins ready for the tables at Camp Allen. Laura Merritt and Bradley Johnson are in the kitchen, along with those who have volunteered to make cookies/cake balls, and will be bringing 500 cookies/200 cake balls to the retreat. Judy Elkins is ready with greeters to make everyone who enters the doors at Camp Allen feel welcome. Mother Elizabeth and Lisa Martin have put together our worship service, and Mother Elizabeth will deliver the sermon on Sunday morning. Bishop Fisher will give the sermon on Saturday morning. Irit Umani,
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November 2015 executive director of the Trinity Center, will be the opening plenary speaker on Friday evening and Donna Emory, Community First! Village, will be the closing plenary speaker on Sunday morning. In addition, there will be three workshops on Saturday with a variety of subjects to choose from. What a great line-up! St. Mark's Shower Ministry is the outreach project for the retreat. Registrants are asked to bring donations of Target and Wal-Mart gift cards. In addition to hosting the retreat, St. Mark's will also have a booth in the marketplace where we will sell aprons, pumpkins, napkins, pillowcases and other hand-made items. St. Mark's has the most talented and generous women in the diocese - your contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you to the 22 women hosting the 114th annual retreat. My scarf is off to all of you for the hard work you've put in so far! - Pat Bullock
Healthy Highlights National Diabetes Awareness Month “All for 1”– “Type None Walk” on November 1. Parishioner Cindy Bogard shares her personal story and information about Diabetes. There are two kinds of diabetes, called Type 1 (or juvenile or insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (or adult onset). There are about 1 million Americans with T1 diabetes and 16 million with T2 diabetes. November 1 is the annual fundraising walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which my family will be participating in, as we have every year since my daughter Clara was diagnosed with Type 1. Clara was an acolyte for five years and is now in the adult choir. Clara was diagnosed with T1D in fourth grade when she was 10 years old. It was the day of her tenth birthday party, and we were at her annual checkup. In the three months prior to this checkup, Clara had lost 15 pounds. You might think I’m the worst parent on the planet—how could I not notice that my daughter had lost 15 pounds? Well, she was a bit overweight prior to her checkup, and I assumed that she had grown a bit, which made her seem slimmer. I remember her PE teacher saying, “They grow out before they grow up. Clara looks great.” The pediatrician asked a few questions about whether Clara might have developed an eating disorder then tested her blood for excessive sugar. An hour later, Clara was admitted to Dell Children’s Hospital, and I thought we might never stop crying—me because I was scared, and Clara because we canceled her birthday party. Signs of Type 1 Diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, sunken eyes (due to dehydration), rapid weight loss, fruity or acetone smelling breath, nausea, and exhaustion. Half of the people who are diagnosed with T1D are under the age of 18 and half are older than 18. It is not limited to children (which is why the common name has changed from Juvenile diabetes to Type 1 diabetes).
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, the cause of which is not known. It does not have a strong genetic component, and many people who are diagnosed are the only people with the disease in their families. In Type 1, the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, greatly diminishing or eliminating the cells that produce insulin, a hormone that is necessary for life. Without treatment of injectable insulin, T1 diabetes is 100% fatal. Type 1 Diabetes cannot be treated with pills. Insulin has three main functions:
It acts as a bridge to allow glucose (sugar), the cells’ food, to pass from the bloodstream into the cells.
It acts as a bridge between the blood stream and the liver. Extra sugar is stored in or released from the liver, as the body senses need.
It acts as a barrier to prevent the cells from breaking down fat as a source of energy.
Without insulin, sugar from food stays in the blood stream, “sweetening” the blood, which is bad, and depriving the cells of nutrients, which is also bad. T1D is managed through the frequent checking of the blood sugars (up to 10 times a day). The ideal range is between 70 and 140. Lower is better, until you cross the 70 threshold. Insulin is injected (either with a shot or through a pump) to provide “background insulin,” insulin that is circulating in all healthy systems all the time. In addition, Clara checks her sugar with a finger prick and calculates the carbohydrates for everything she eats, injecting insulin to counteract the carbs. For those of you who think that an insulin pump is like a cure—sorry, it’s just a machine and
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November 2015 does what it’s told. It has no intelligence at all and does not learn. The advantage that a pump offers is that it eliminates shots every time insulin is needed. Ideally this would be the end of it, but managing T1D is definitely not like a straightforward math equation when 1 + 1 always = 2. It’s not even 1 + 1 usually = 2. So many other factors influence the management of diabetes: the accurate amount of carbohydrates in food (does that banana have 20 carbs or 25 or maybe 35?); the fact that blood sugar meters are permitted to be plus or minus 20% accurate; the havoc that hormonal responses (stress, growth, anxiety, frustration, excitement, exercise,
and menstruation) can play on the workings of insulin; and medical issues (allergies, asthma, feeling/being ill, and lack of sleep) that add their own randomness to the situation. JDRF is funding some promising research that will make managing diabetes easier and will hopefully someday eliminate it all together. Won’t you please donate to Clara’s walk team, St. Pancr(e)as and help turn Type 1 into Type None? Our walk team donation link is http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=5309&pg=personal&px =1582045
St. Mark’s Parishioner Susie W. Bain, Member of the WASP 44W4 Over Memorial Day weekend 2015, St. Mark’s parishioner Susie Bain attended a reunion of the WASP 44W4. Here is the story of her time as an Air Force pilot, by her daughter, Debby Bain McCray.
1922. Susie Marie Winston was born in Markham, Texas on July 21, 1922. She spent a happy, carefree childhood in Bay City, Texas, 60 miles south of Houston.
1940. Susie entered the University of Texas in the fall. All went well until the following year, 1941, and the news of Pearl Harbor attack carne blaring across the radio. Many students were forced to resign from UT for financial reasons, my morn included. She worked a year as a typist for a CPA firm in Houston, Texas.
1942. She heard from a friend that Jacqueline Cochran, famous woman pilot, had finally won her battle to use women to free male pilots for combat duty. The women trained for various flying jobs such as towing targets, slow time and ferrying new planes within the US to airfields throughout this country and many other duties.
1943. Previous requirements for admission had been dropped (by degrees) from 500 hours to 35 hours so her 45 minutes of flight time didn't quite "cut the mustard." Her boss was not interested in increasing her monthly salary from $85 to $90 a month as "everybody knows that a women does not belong in the cockpit of an airplane." My mom said she worked a little harder, ate a little less and finally logged the necessary hours for an interview and believe it or not, was actually accepted! She reported to Sweetwater, Texas, on November 1 and became one of the 1074 Women Air Force Service Pilots to get her wings from Avenger Field. After all, "if Rosie the Riveter, could rivet, why couldn't I fly?"
1944. One hundred and three "hopefuls" from 44W4 began training with same instructors, planes, curriculum, etc. as the male pilots. Fifty-three young ladies graduated on May 23, 1944. Mom's first assignment was ferrying planes at Love Field, Dallas, Texas. Then she was sent to Garden City, Kansas, to test-fly BT13s after repairs, and she finally was sent to Laredo, Texas, co-piloting B-26s. WASPs knew that a bill to authorize military status was still pending in Congress. Result: bill was defeated (188-169) on June 21 and WASPs were ordered to "go home; thanks for dropping by." On December 20, 1944, all Women Air Force Service Pilots ceased to exist. Military records were stamped “classified,” sent to government archives, and securely stored. No account was recorded by historians until the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to remaining WASPs and all their recipients on March 10, 2010. It was a time and moment that WASPs never dreamed would come to fruition.
Personal Note from Susie W. Bain WASP 44W4. Is it true that a woman, just because of the accident of birth, does not share the same love of our country as a man? We tried to, and did, replace male pilots for duties that were necessary at home. Everyone was lamenting our dire need for pilots, so why were we not more graciously received? Drew Pearson, noted columnist, was positive that all we did was put on lipstick, pull up our hose, and flirt with the male pilots. I often wonder how we were able to fly over 60 million miles if all we did was flirt with the guys!
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Parishioner Highlights Active, service oriented and well-traveled are inadequate words to Bill and Nancy Kibler! They raised 2 daughters, are well traveled, and joined us during Father Bill’s tenure. Teaching language was one of their callings and it makes me wonder how medieval French differs from the French of today. As you look around the church and parish hall you will see many of Bill’s (with daughter Mary-Alis’s help) exquisite wood working creations. We are indeed blessed to have them and their family in our midst and thank them for their many talents that they share with St. Mark’s. -
Beth Chenoweth
Bill and Nancy Kibler Bill and Nancy have two daughters, Mary-Alis Kelly and Charlotte Mata. Mary-Alis, her husband Brian, and their children, Abbe, Will, and Nora, live in Austin and attend St. Mark’s. Charlotte, her husband Sonny, and their children, Charlie and Katie, live in Houston. Nancy is originally from western New York state. Bill grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee. They met in graduate school in Chapel Hill, N.C., in the spring of 1967. They married in June 1968 and moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Bill had been teaching medieval French language and literature for a semester. Nancy continued to study in Fayetteville for the year they lived there before Bill accepted a job teaching here at UT. While the girls were growing up, Nancy taught French and Spanish part-time at ACC and Texas State, and she directed All Saints’ Day School. Once college loomed for Mary-Alis and Charlotte, she began full-time teaching at Austin High, where she remained for 16 years before her retirement in 2006. Nancy and Bill have lived in Barton Hills since 1979. Their first Austin house was near Crockett High. When they moved, Nancy’s one requirement was that the lot have at least one tree older than she was. The hills are an added bonus, reminding them of the mountains of upper east Tennessee and the rolling hills of Chautauqua County, NY.
They both exercise regularly: Bill loves to play squash; Nancy prefers to spend time in the garden when the weather permits. They also love to travel. Before they retired, they went mostly to France, connected to research or conferences for Bill, or to Canada, where Bill is part owner with his sisters of a cottage on an island in the St. Lawrence River. Since retirement, they have been around South America; to French Polynesia, Costa Rica, Jordan, and Egypt; twice to Turkey; and many times to the Caribbean to escape cedar fever. In November they will travel from Miami to Manaus, Brazil, and back. Besides squash, Bill is a serious woodworker. He and Mary-Alis built the Baptismal Font in the church and the altar and tables in the chapel. They also have spent many happy Wood-Working-Wednesdays building the bookcases, small figures, and miniature church furniture for St. Mark’s Godly Play program. Nancy came to St. Mark’s from All Saints’ when Father Bill became rector. She was raised Methodist, but was determined to find her own church home when she went to Chapel Hill for graduate school. After a month of visiting churches, she found the Chapel of the Cross. From the moment she knelt for prayer, she knew that she’d found what she’d long yearned for. Bill was raised Roman Catholic, but was received in St. Mark’s by Father Bill in 2001. They participate in the supper groups. Bill is a lay reader and a LEM and has been on the vestry. Nancy is currently a vestry member, a member of the Day School Board, and the coach of our youth lay readers. This year they will both again be part of St. Mark’s Habitat team.
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Christian Formation for Youth by Cathy Nelson, DRE This month, we will be celebrating two important parish events during the Education hour at 10:00 a.m. Church School classes will only take place on November 8, 15, and 22. On November 1, St. Mark’s will celebrate Mission and Ministry Sunday. Families are asked to turn in their pledge cards during the offering at all three services. We also will celebrate All Saints’ Sunday and baptisms during the services. Between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., the Youth Group will host a taco fundraiser in the Parish Hall. Following the 11:00 a.m. service, there will be an Instructed Eucharist for families in the Sanctuary. I hope you and your families will be able to join us for these important events. Save the date for the Intergenerational Advent Wreath-Making Event, which will be on Sunday, November 29, at 10:00 a.m. Making or refreshing an Advent wreath with your children is a wonderful way to begin the season of Advent. And before we know it, Christmas Pageant preparations will begin. On Sunday, November 29, following the 11:00 a.m. service, we will hold a lottery to pick the speaking parts played by older children. Watch for more information in your email boxes. The pageant is held on Christmas Eve during the 5:30 p.m. service and is performed and narrated by St. Mark’s children. Christian Formation Classes
The Godly Play class will hear more of the sacred stories of our faith this month. The following stories are scheduled on November 8, 15 and 22, respectively: The Ark and the Temple, the Exile and Return, and the Advent story.
The Godly Play Two class for 1st and 2nd graders will hear the stories The Exodus, The Ten Best Ways, and the Advent story and The Mystery of Christmas. Thank you, storytellers for helping to make the stories come alive each Sunday!
The 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade class will dig into the final scriptures of the season of Pentecost using the Episcopal curriculum Lesson Plans that Work. The lessons from the Book of Mark include the themes Gratitude and Giving, Our Temples and Buildings and Kingdom. Thanks to David Genet for leading this class, and parents for assisting!
The Youth Class will move into the Bennett Wing Classroom. The seventh graders will join them now that Confirmation Class is finished. Ellise Johnson will continue the year-long study of King David. Thank you Ellise, Danielle Adkins, and parents for leading the class this fall.
The classes will take a break during the seasons of Advent and Christmas, so I’d like to thank the parents and teachers who have faithfully led the Church School classes this fall!
Christian Formation for Adults November 1 is All Saints’ Day, and Mission and Ministry Sunday, at St. Mark’s, so on that Sunday we will gather in the Parish Hall for fellowship and youth-provided breakfast tacos and there will be no Adult Formation class. (And don’t forget to return your 2016 Pledge card). And the last Sunday of the month is Advent 1 (November 29), when we gather in the Parish Hall for intergenerational Advent Wreath making. On November 8 and 15 the Rev. Dr. Philip W. Turner will lead a discussion of his recently published book, Christian Ethics and the Church: Ecclesial Foundations for Moral Thought and Practice. Philip will also sign copies of his book that may be purchased on Amazon. On November 22 Jonea Raney will lead a discussion of the planning guide, Five Wishes.
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November Birthdays Wes Johns Greg Stangl Glen Baumgart Allison Camp Anne Geraci Lynn Edgerton Marjie Lawrence Dylan Lewis Davis Fuhrman Ashley Phillips Dunaven Kurak Adin Kurak Jace Castleberry Resa Dunn Lucie Minne Susan Slattery Mary Smith Margaret Delamater Mike Thompson Michael Gehrig II Karen Dulaney Smith
11/01 11/01 11/03 11/04 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/07 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/11 11/11 11/12 11/13
John Hicks Rosemary Spindler Dean Denny Todd Sanders Melissa Blanding Bo Overstreet Beth Chenoweth John DeMarines Rose Jennings William Kelly Glenn Lightsey Max Peers Daniel Aja Esme Barker Christianne Castleberry Diane Silver Claudia Janes Elizabeth Wood Mary Jones Neil Kepple Mike Thomasson
11/13 11/13 11/14 11/14 11/15 11/15 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/17 11/17 11/20 11/20 11/20 11/20 11/22 11/22 11/23 11/23 11/23
Susan Albers Nina Erichson Anjuli Martinez Nicole Pike Jay Doran Cilla Peterek Evan Randall Marissa Bates Amy Farley Audrey Randall Jeffrey Siegismund Ben Crozier Elizabeth Li Amalia de la Rosa Christie Stockstill Susan Erwin Matthew Forrest Gabriella Hartline Mayumi Tomicek
11/24 11/24 11/24 11/24 11/25 11/25 11/25 11/27 11/27 11/27 11/27 11/28 11/28 11/29 11/29 11/30 11/30 11/30 11/30
November Anniversaries Mary & Kevin Cromack Cynthia & Mark Zuniga Barbette & John Cooper Andrea Michael & Chuck Ragland Valerie & Ken Walker Laurie & Jonathon Mayor Jennifer & Todd Sanders Cindy & Dru Cabler
11/01 11/02 11/09 11/10 11/10 11/11 11/11 11/18
Lynn & John Edgerton Angelica & Ben Joyce Brenda & Rex White Amalia & Manuel de la Rosa Marie & Bob Peterek Marcy & Sam Marcy Greer Carolyn Foote & Gregg LaMontagne Becky & Jim Nolan
11/19 11/22 11/22 11/24 11/25 11/26 11/28 11/30
November 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+ November: Vestry Contact: JP Kloninger 1 8 15 22 29
Kim and Wade Buckner Cindy and Dru Cabler Kevin and Meredith Childs Barbette and John Cooper Liz Davis and Linda Crannell
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November 2015
November ROTA
9:00
7:30
TIME
MINISTRY
November 1 All Saints Day Choristers @ 9am
November 8
November 15
November 22 Youth Sunday
November 29 1 Advent
LECTOR
Jill Collins
Amelia Sondgeroth
Pattie Rose
Jon Dullnig
Nancy Middlebrook
LEM/ACOLYTE
Pattie Rose
Jonea Raney
Wes Raney
Wes Raney
Margarita Moreno
USHERS
Jonea Raney Jill Collins
Danielle Adkins Stephen White
Ed Shipsey Al McKinney
LECTORS
Phil Aboussie (1) Ginny Acker (2)
Karen Milton Michael Meigs
Dodie Wells (1) Mike Thomasson (2)
LEM
Neal McGowan Pam Castles
Meredith Childs Gary Taylor
Kim Buckner Mike Thomasson
Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith Suzanne Lightsey Davis Fuhrman Ethan Fuhrman Carol Oppel Neal McGowan
ACOLYTES
Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly Luke Breen Kim B., Carol
Suzanne Lightsey Karen Milton TBD TBD Carol
Ariston Awitan IV Clay Buckner Matthew Awitan TBD Kim B., Carol
Aidan Brady Karen Milton Emma Kloninger Hunter Rogers Kim B., Carol
Claudia Janes Ethan Fuhrman Henry Janes Hunter Rogers Carol
USHERS
Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomasson Dodie Wells
Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen Michael Brown Ariston Awitan III
John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack
Mark Breen Mike Brode Ken Whalen John Edgerton
GREETERS
Yvette Web
Kevin Cromack Ellie Reshetnikov
Laura Merritt
Michael Meigs Diana Stangl
Laura Merritt
LECTORS
Michele Bonner (1) Stephen Raines (2)
Barbara Dody (1) Karen Milton (2)
Suzann Dvorken (1) Rex White (2)
Beth Holmes (1) Christie Stockstill (2)
Chris Blanding (1) Melissa Blanding (2)
Roger Seyler Ann Seyler Max Genet Jay Brown Josef Genet Karen Milton Jay, Cindy
Dru Cabler Neal McGowan Joseph Peers Luke Thiessen Emma Kloninger Meredith Shaw Cindy Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess Meredith Childs Jay Doran
Rex White Brenda White Sophie Lawrence Claire Cabler Xander Stockstill Morgan Dew Jay, Cindy
Neal McGowan Michelle Bonner Bonnie Brode TBD Josef Genet Ryan Dempsey TBD
Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
Jim Casparis Neal McGowan Matt Forrest TBD Ben Forrest Sam Forrest Jay Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns Steve Niemeyer Barbara Dody
LEM
11:00
ACOLYTES
Lynn Edgerton (1) Gary Taylor (2) Becky Janes Meredith Childs
USHERS
Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines
GREETERS
Jean & Frank Severn
Sat. 9:00
Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock
Diana Stangl-TC Helen Anderson Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal
Millie Casparis-TC Tina Stonebarger Jennifer McGowan Judy Elkins
Meredith Childs-TC Liz Davis Karen Milton Henry Olivas
Dee Ann ThomassonTC Susie Baxter-Harwell Lynn Edgerton Barbara Dody
Depositor
John De Marines
Bo Overstreet
Jim Nolan
Shelly Botkin
Al McKinney
Lector
Michele Bonner
Pattie Rose
Jonea Raney
Mike Thomasson
Jill Collins
ALTAR GUILD
Henry Olivas Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Sandy Sterzing
Jon & Judith Dullnig
Carolyn Wier Jim Casparis Henry Olivas Frank Severn Shelly Botkin Ryan Marquess
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November 2015
Vestry J.P. Kloninger, Sr. Warden Diana Stangl, Jr. Warden
Vestry members: Clarence Bonnen, Michele Bonner, Shelly Botkin, Mark Breen, Jill Collins, John Cooper, Karen Dulaney Smith, Suzann Dvorken, David Johns, Nancy Kibler, Karen Milton, Jim Nolan, and David Randle
Committees
Staff
Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel, Cindy Cabler, Kim Kiplin, and Kim Buckner
Rector The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner
Altar Guild: Millie Casparis
Director of Religious Education Cathy Nelson
Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose Daughters of the King: Judy Elkins Women of St. Mark’s: Pat Bullock
Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed Seminarian Neal McGowan Head of Day School Anne Wingler
Facilities: Ray Smith Deadline for the December 2015 St. Mark’s News is Friday, November 13, 2015. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.
Finance: John Edgerton Outreach: Laurie Mayor Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney
Parish Administrator Joanne Foote Newsletter Editor Becky Janes
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
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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