St. Mark's News: September 2014

September 2014

St. Mark’s News Volume 18/Issue 8

From the Assistant Rector From my first moments on this campus this place has been special to me. Driving up to interview with Elizabeth, seemingly a lifetime ago, the moment the church came into view I simply knew St. Mark’s was where it would begin for me. Sitting with my soon-to-be-boss, nervous, sweaty, and extremely unproven…I rested in the assurance this was where God wanted me to be. Both Suzanne and I knew we belonged here. That afternoon has colored every day after.

That assurance was surely galvanized by you, each of you. I have never felt anything but loved by you.

These two years have been so dear to me. I am a better person for them and for you. It has all been a gift: the Sunday morning coffee routine, every sermon, every service beside Elizabeth, each Eucharist with you, every second with the youth, every time we cook, each ‘ah ha’ moment experienced, every Bible Study, the quick chats between services, all the meaningful sit-downs during the week, the Day School’s children’s chapels, the beer tours, the Well meetings, all the emails! I cherish it all, because of all of you.

I am humbled by how I am changed since that first interview. It is a mystery to me how July of 2012 can seem so recent and yet seem like a lifetime ago. So much life has happened since. Noah, our St. Mark’s baby, was born just days after I began my curacy. Suz and I marvel how he and Luke (who was barely walking then) horse around in the Parish Hall and pine for butter cookies as they always have…only now they reach for the cookies themselves when no one is looking. Our boys will be constant reminders of our days here in Barton Hills. Your loving ways have set a high bar; we leave a well-loved family.

In this Issue From the Assistant Rector ......... 1 Vestry Highlights........................ 2 Outreach.................................... 3 Parish Life ................................. 4 Music Notes ............................... 5 Border Refugee Crisis ............... 6 Christian Formation ................... 7 Parishioner Highlights................ 9 Celebrations ............................ 10 ROTA ...................................... 11

I leave most grateful for being raised up by my rector, for being nurtured by my curate committee, for being encouraged by the friends with whom we have been gifted, for being inspired by the most incredible group of teens and pre-teens in all the world. I leave changed by God through each of you. I leave more confident because of how seriously you carried out your role as mentors and care-takers of my heart, our hearts. I leave ready, and a little heavyhearted, for the task God would have me to do. How does one begin to say thank you? How can I ever express my appreciation?

While these answers will elude me for another lifetime, I imagine, I know that, in these final weeks, I will stand before you, watching my beloved church family sing the processional hymns, admiring your beautiful voices, and I will enjoy to the fullest the youth’s silly jokes and belly laughs (and hopefully improved knife skills). I will joyfully fill coffee pots and turn on lights as I have these two years. Know that I am thanking God for you during all of it.

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September 2014 And whatever becomes of me, Suzanne, and the boys, your kindness and generosity of spirit, your character, your charm, your indelible mark shall be upon us. You have loved us well. And we hope to honor you in kind. And our leaving leads to another “hello” for us—one that also rests in the very same assurance I felt a lifetime ago.

With my deepest gratitude and affection, Travis

Vestry Highlights The St. Mark’s Vestry met on Tuesday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The meeting began with prayer and a Whole Foods boxed meal arranged for by Jr. Warden, J.P. Kloninger. During dinner we spent some time sharing “What I did on my summer vacation.”

The Finance Committee was not able to meet the week before the Vestry meeting, but Treasurer Lucy Joyce provided a detailed summary of the financials for the month of July. July pledge income was under budget, but the year-to-date income is well above the budgeted amount.

There was a $1,000 expenditure for repairs to the sprinkler system. The City of Austin is requiring inspection of all commercial properties. Austex Sprinklers made necessary repairs. Next an inspector approved by City of Austin will check the system and if they find anything else, Austex will return to make any additional repairs.

St. Mark’s recently received two wonderful and most appreciated gifts: a new refrigerator for the kitchen, and a $10,000 gift to help with the cost of re-siding the buildings. Charles Brewer presented bid proposals for the work: one for replacing the siding with Hardie Board, and the other with stucco. The decision was made to go with the stucco so that there would be continuity with the church and the Bennett Wing. In addition to the stucco we have installed new double pane windows.

The new program year for Christian Education begins on Sunday, September 7 – when we also return to our three-service Sunday schedule.

The youth have met both on Sundays after church and on Mondays for various field trips. Travis+ will be greatly missed, but we also have dedicated lay persons who will ensure continuity with several ministries he has overseen. There will be a farewell reception for Travis and his family on Sunday, September 28 at noon. The vestry had the opportunity to hear from Travis about the call process for his new ministry in Angleton.

Three Sunday Services Schedule Resumes on September 7 SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 – MAY 31, 2015 7:30 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:00 a.m.

Christian Formation for Adults and Youth 11:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, Rite II* *During the season of Lent our worship at the 11:00 service is according to Rite II.

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September 2014

Sunday, September 21 is Invitation Sunday!

Once again this year we are invited and encouraged to join with churches of all denominations across the nation in Invitation Sunday. All that is asked of each of us is that we extend an invitation to a neighbor, to a friend, or to a family member inviting them to join us for church on September 21. Statistics indicate that 82% of those who are unchurched are somewhat likely to attend a church if they are invited, but only 2% of those who have a church home extend an invitation.

I would like to encourage every one of us at St. Mark’s to take this challenge of evangelism. On Sunday August 17 and 24 we were once again reminded of what a wonderful and lively parish St. Mark’s is. On August 17 nearly 100 people gathered in the Parish Hall for our annual sandwich/salad potluck. As always, there was more than enough food to feed the multitudes. It was a wonderful time for fellowship. And then on August 24 we blessed backpacks and distributed crosses to returning students at the 10:00 service, followed by Rally Day in the Parish Hall – an opportunity to offer our gifts to the various ministries at St. Mark’s.

Sunday, September 28: Farewell to, and Thanksgiving for, Travis Smith+ and his Family at Noon Travis Smith+ began his ordained ministry at St. Mark’s in July 2012. Only days later little Noah was born, so for the past two years we have had the privilege of having Travis, Suzanne, Luke, and Noah be part of our St. Mark’s community and family. Unfortunately for us there is a parish (Holy Comforter) in Angleton that has called Travis+ to serve as their next rector. Travis has been a wonderful leader to our youth in the past two years. He has prepared and served us (with lots of St. Mark’s parishioner help) delicious Cajun and Italian food. He has introduced some of the men in the parish to the best beer, burgers, and chicken fried steak. Most important of all he has shared his deep love for God and his faithfulness with us. We will miss him, and we will miss his dear family. Join us on September 28 as we say “thank you” and pray for God’s presence with them in their new home and ministry.

Mission and Ministry Meals in October It’s time to sign up to attend one of our three Mission and Ministry meals in October (12, 19, and 26). We gather at noon for a meal in the Parish Hall for a presentation of the next year’s budget and for distribution of pledge/commitment cards. Our program this year will be our youth giving us a glimpse of what happens at Trinity Street Sunday meals. Sign-up sheets will be in the Parish Hall every Sunday for the next month.

Outreach We are volunteering with the Capital Area Food Bank on Saturday, September 13 from 1:30-4:30 pm. This opportunity is for people 16 and older only. Sign up in the Parish Hall.

Save the Date!

The 2014 Annual Retreat for Women on October 17, 18, and 19 at Camp Allen.

Hosted by Grace Church Georgetown and the Diocese of Texas ECW Board. All women in the Diocese of Texas are invited! This year’s theme is Let Your Light Shine. For more information, visit www.epicenter.org/ecw-annual-retreat/

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September 2014

Parish Life Tuesday Brown Bag Bible Study - Noon in the Bennett Wing Classroom Our Tuesday Brown Bag Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, September 2. As is our custom, we will begin the year not with a Brown Bag lunch, but with pizza! Our study will begin with the book of Psalms. We will use as our resource a series of articles written by the Rev. Frank A. Spina, professor of Old Testament at Seattle Pacific University.

First Friday Book Group - 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing Classroom Join us for lively discussion of (mostly) novels the first Friday of each month.

September 5 October 3 November 7 December 5

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline State of Wonder by Ann Patchett Wonder by R.J. Palacio Someone by Alice McDermott

St. Mark's Men's Group Presents an “Italian Pasta Feast” September 20, 2014, from 6 – 8 PM in the Parish Hall Adults – $15.00 Children 6-16 $5.00 Tickets on sale in Parish Hall on Sundays or from any Men's Group Member.

All Proceeds benefit the St. Mark's Scholarship Fund Women’s News September marks the beginning of the Christian Education and Activities year at St. Mark’s, and Rally Day, August 24, brought out a lot of folks seeking opportunities to participate. Of particular importance to the Women was the collection of dues which help underwrite our women’s group’s obligation for the assessment request from the ECW of the Diocese of Texas. Thanks to all of you who have paid and for those who haven’t, please pitch in to support their many charitable activities. It’s only $5.00 and the money does a lot of good in many, many places.

Day Trip on September 13. Mark your calendar for September 13th when we will make a day trip to La Grange to shop, lunch (and snack on kolaches) and visit local attractions like the well-respected Quilt Museum. Details and sign-up sheets will be posted in the Parish Hall.

Bunco & Potluck: September 22 at 6:30. We’ll return to our regular monthly potluck and Bunco. This is a really fun activity and if you are new to St. Marks or even a long-time member, who has never participated, come join us. It’s always good food, a little wine and laughs all around. Hope to see you there.

Daughters of the King Fall Assembly Friday, September 12 – Saturday, September 13 at Camp Allen Saints Mary and Martha Chapter of the Daughters of the King at Holy Trinity in Dickinson invite our Sisters of the Diocese of Texas to attend “Enhancing Your Spiritual Life and Connecting with God.” Cost is $105.00. Please visit www.dokdot.org for more information.

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September 2014 Music Notes September is the perfect time to join a choir! Both choirs are gearing up for the season – starting new songs, enjoying favorite tunes, visiting with familiar friends, and making new ones. If you are interested in singing with us and being part of a smaller family within the larger community of the church, we invite you to join us on Wednesday evening!

The St. Mark's Adult Choir. Open to high school students and adults. This choir sings challenging music in a variety of styles, focusing on traditional sacred repertoire. We will be learning two major works this year in addition to preparing our weekly anthems. We work hard and have lots of fun. Prior choral experience and basic music reading skills are a plus but not necessary. Our choir members range from first-time singers to professional musicians. No audition necessary!

The St. Mark's Choristers. Open to children in grades one and higher. (Depending on the individual child, Kindergarteners may be able to join also.) The Choristers practice for 45 minutes each week and sing in church approximately once a month during the school year. We learn how to sing together as an ensemble, we talk about the meaning of the songs we sing, we play games, and we have lots of fun. Children in Choristers form strong friendships that last throughout their time at St. Mark's. Singing in church choir helps builds musical skills and engages children in worship in a unique way.

Choristers Practice is from 6:15 – 7:00 each Wednesday evening in the Common Room.

Adult Choir Practice is from 7:00 – 8:30 each Wednesday evening in the Parish Hall.

For more information, contact Mark Reed, Organist and Director of Music.

From the Garden On Sunday, August 10th, Philip+ spoke about our use of the biblical phrase "walks on water" to infer that someone is extraordinary in our lives. He mentioned Elizabeth+ as one who “walks on water” and of course, everyone concurred. We are fortunate to have extraordinary people in our lives, who don’t literally super-navigate watery expanses, but who, metaphorically, are extremely special and whose lives grace ours. There are many at St. Mark’s who fit in this category for their giving spirit and the works they do. The Garden Guild has several.

The work of replacing our windows and rot-prone siding with lasting stucco began in mid-August. To prepare for the work, we realized that the shrubbery would need to be moved or leveled to allow access to the exterior walls of the building. The temperatures remained in triple digits for days, yet Al McKinney stepped up to save the church expense by trimming the bushes back for the project. Al’s talent and vision is evident every day, but we never cease to appreciate the heavy work he is willing to do along with the delicate beauty he also creates. After Al’s work on the hedgerow of nandinas and Asiatic jasmine, there was a consensus that the trimming so improved the walkway it should be maintained as such. He also trimmed the shrubbery alongside the other parts of the building. McKinney Isle has flourished all summer; the driveway’s collection of altheas and lantana has remained lovely, and the recently cleared undergrowth behind the barricade remains clean and clear. Thank you, Al, for your endless gifts to our grounds.

Replacing the double doors and windows at the office entrance required disturbing the lovely aspidistra (iron plants) that Joanne Foote planted last year. She willingly scooped them up to make way for the workers, who lifting heavy windows, could dance around shrubbery. Thank you, Joanne for taking care of that replanting them, too. The improvements to the building will certainly take the appearance or St. Mark’s to the next level. We appreciate the vestry and Elizabeth+ investing in our building.

As Rally Day will have come and gone prior to the newsletter’s publishing, we cannot mention our newest volunteers this month, but fresh ideas are always welcome, and new recruits delightfully received. There is work large and small to do in the Garden Guild. Contact Becky Nolan if you are ready to “Adopt a Spot!”

The earth laughs in flowers... Ralph Waldo Emerson Page 5

September 2014

The Border Refugee Crisis and Our Response: St. James Mission Trip

By Lisa Martin There has been a lot of information in the media lately regarding the refugee crisis at the Texas/Mexican border. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 unaccompanied minor children from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador will cross the border in 2014. Please note that this does not include the many thousands of refugees that are coming across as families. Many of the folks are fleeing from gang violence and human trafficking concerns. In hopes of lending assistance, St. James Episcopal Church organized a mission trip to McAllen in late July to lend a hand however possible.

The response that St. James received was amazing.

People from all corners of the community responded with generous hearts and helping hands. Our traveling team included about 45 people.

We departed from St. James on Sunday, July 27.

Our trip headquarters was at the La Union Del Pueblo Entero (LUPE). LUPE is a community-based union that organizes for dignity and human rights in the colonias and low-income neighborhoods of Hidalgo County. They focus on improved housing and living conditions, health care, immigrant rights and building the political power of colonia residents. Cesar Chavez founded LUPE in the belief that members of the lowincome community have the responsibility and obligation to organize themselves.

Each day our group was split up into different teams: the Food Bank, with Proyecto Azteca, the Salvation Army or Sacred Heart Catholic Charities. The RVG Food Bank was where we spent our first day. All donations going to aid the refugees are brought to the Food Bank. The warehouse is huge with no airconditioning. The staff was more than happy to see our group as donations had been pouring in that needed to be sorted, labeled and repacked for later distribution. It was hot! By the end of the day we were a sweaty, filthy mess. However, we had sorted through a huge amount of donations and felt that we had made a significant contribution.

The next morning we toured the grounds of LUPE and then set off to take a firsthand look at the colonias. In the afternoon we had our first chance to work directly with refugees. Sacred Heart Catholic Charities serves 150-200 people a day. At least 100 of these are children. All of the folks that are served by Sacred Heart are refugee parents and children who have

other relatives that already live in the U.S. The refugees are either apprehended or turn themselves in to the Border Patrol, and after going through the processing center they are given a hearing date and bus tickets to join their family while they wait for their hearing. The majority of the refugees are single adults (usually women) with one to three children. The refugees we assisted were from Honduras and El Salvador. They come to Sacred Heart dirty, tired, and hungry.

When they enter the doors of Sacred Heart, all of the volunteers stop what they are doing and applaud. You could see the scared faces brighten as for the first time the refugees are truly welcomed to our country.

They are offered a simple chicken soup with vegetables and fresh fruit. While they are dining, the volunteers find clothes and shoes for them. They are then escorted to a trailer that houses eight showers.

They are then offered medical care, if needed, and go through a very simple legal briefing. They are allowed to make a telephone call and then most catch the bus within the next hour. The adults are given one set of clothes and the children are allowed two changes of clothes. Babies are allowed three changes of clothes.

They are also given a backpack, toiletries, and snacks for the bus ride.

On our last morning we worked with Proyecto Azteca roofing a home and installing new windows. In the afternoon, we went back to Sacred Heart. That afternoon I assisted a mother and teenage daughter from El Salvador. They left due to the daughter being threatened if she didn't go into prostitution. They were picked up in the middle of the river by the Border Patrol and made to lay face down on the boat’s floor.

The daughter was unbelievably frightened. She brighten a little as the afternoon went on, but it will be a long time before she can put this behind her. They were both grateful to get cleaned up, and then they were on their way to Boston.

Every family had a different story. One family explained that they left their home country because they awoke to find their neighbor had been beheaded and his head was sitting on his front porch. Others were escaping the threat of human trafficking. The stories go on and on. I was certainly humbled to assist the sweet souls on their journey. May God bless them all.

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Month YEAR

Christian Formation for Children by Cathy Nelson, DRE Once again St. Mark's begins another year of programming! And St. Mark's parishioners are ready to meet the new challenges.

This fall, we have some significant changes in our children’s programs. We will be saying good-bye to the Rev. Travis Smith. He has been an important part of our children’s ministry, along with many other aspects of St. Mark’s life. He will be missed! Thankfully though, Travis leaves behind wonderful teams of leaders to continue the work with the youth in the Church School class and the Youth Group.

A second change is that David Genet will be out of town working on a project through the fall and will not be able to lead our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade class. David has been the long-time, faithful and much appreciated teacher for this group, and he also will be greatly missed!

In preparation for these changes, Travis and I and the teams of teachers discussed how best to continue the work of these two leaders. Travis has asked some of the teens to take a leadership role in the classroom, leading Bible study and making choices about curriculum. And they have agreed! Our children and youth continue to inspire us by taking seriously their roles as members of St. Mark's and the greater Church, with gifts to share and jobs to do, within the community and outside our walls. We see them working as acolytes, lectors, choristers, and assistants in Children's Chapel and as volunteers in outreach activities. This kind of leadership and participation makes us proud, and should encourage us as we make our own efforts to participate in the work of the Church.

The Rev. Drew Downs, the rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in St. Claire, Michigan, writes about these efforts in blogs about the roles of all ages in the church. Together, these blogs are in a collection titled “Engaging Everyone in Church.” http://drewdowns.net/2011/10/25/engaging-everyone-in-church/ Downs introduces his series with these primary operating assumptions: Church is the people not the building.

Every part of the church (the people) is essential.

Every person has gifts.

In baptism, we are all equal.

Our expression of church should match our operating assumptions.

As I read his suggestions concerning children, pre-teens and youth, I realized that many of them have been in place at St. Mark's for a long time. Still, we might benefit from considering some of his ideas about how we each fit into the life of the church. In each blog, recurring themes are found: everyone needs a space, but also to be integrated into the congregation and have a say in what and how we are the Church; leadership is expected of each group, not just within the group, also amongst the groups; discussion of difficult questions is necessary, not just asking what, but why; and we should all learn from each other.

Here at St. Mark’s, we are blessed to have many adults involved with our programs for children and youth.

But others are welcome, of course, along with ideas for what engaging everyone in St. Mark’s might look like!

Both the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade class and the Youth Class have had wonderful adult leaders who encouraged frank discussions about the Bible stories, concepts and theology. They have had asked difficult questions and shared their own ideas about Christianity. Now, with Travis and David's absence this fall, we plan to continue with this kind of programming.

While David is out, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Class will join the 1st and 2nd graders in the Godly Play Two class. Although the stories told in this class will be more sophisticated, this move will be a challenge for the teachers and the older children. But the multi-age class will allow the older children to interact with different age groups, share different perspectives and take on leadership roles. And as recommended by the Rev.

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September 2014 Downs, they will have a say about the class structure and response time.

In the Youth Class, Ellise Johnson, youth member of the class, will take the lead in discussions of some of the difficult questions about faith using the Sticky Faith curriculum, Can I Ask That?, and curriculum from Rob Bell's Nooma videos. Travis has been working with her and other youth to prepare them to take responsibility of the class, along with other adult leaders.

Christian Formation classes for children and youth from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade will resume on September 7, offering education to children in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade at 10:00 a.m.

The Godly Play class for children in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten meets in the Common Room. This class will have an orientation on Sunday, September 7 to introduce the children and parents to the program.

They will hear the story The Circle of the Church Year. The following Sundays, the class will hear The Holy Family, which is told each time we begin a new season of the Church year, and stories about God’s presence among his people in the story of Creation and The Flood and the Ark. The storytellers for this class are Jen Baumgart, Scott Forrest and JP Kloninger.

The Godly Play Two class for 1st through 5th graders will meet in the Parish hall behind the portable walls. This group will hear many new stories this year. In stories from Volume 6 of Godly Play, we dig deeper into the lives of many of the central figures of the Old Testament stories. Once a month, the class will hear a story about the saints of the church. In September, following the story of The Circle of the Church Year and the Communion of Saints, which introduces the seasons of the church year and the twelve saints included in the series of stories about saints, the children will hear St. Teresa of Calcutta, The Second Creation: “The Falling Apart” and The Story of Abraham. Henry Olivas and I are the storytellers for this class. Parent volunteers will continue to be class helpers.

Adult Formation in September Adult Formation resumes on Sunday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Chapel.

September 7: Meet our new Middler Seminarian, Thom Temperli September 14: Faith in the Public Square (Ross Ramsey) September 21: Faith in the Public Square (Bee Morehead) September 28: Witness – What I Believe, Why I Believe, and How it Matters (Lisa Martin)

The Youth Class will continue to meet for breakfast and discussion using new, exciting resources in the Bennett Wing classroom. Ellise Johnson, Kathy Genet, Danielle Adkins, and Jay Brown will lead the class.

There will be a Confirmation Class for 7th graders wanting to be confirmed. The class will meet on Sunday mornings in October and November during the 10:00 a.m. Christian Formation class period (October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 9 and 16). We have postponed the Confirmation Class so all teens can attend the Youth Class in September. Confirmation is on January 25.

When we return to three services on September 7, Children’s Chapel services for 4 to 6 year olds will be available during both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. In order to provide a safe environment in which our children can worship and play, we will continue to ask a parent to help our Chapel leaders during each Chapel service. Chapel leaders this year are Nancy Bachschmid, Anna Bryan-Borja, Kevin Cromack, Amy Farley, Henry Olivas, Cathy Nelson, and Ellie Reshetnikov.

Once again, welcome back! And thank you for supporting our children’s programs.

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September 2014

Parishioner Highlights Diane Silver is a fascinating parishioners who has had multiple careers. As one door closed another opened due to her insight and initiative in looking at careers and foreseeing what the future held. I think you will agree she continues to lead a fascinating life as it relates to the field of education. We also thank Diane for all her support of St. Mark's.

Beth Chenoweth

Diane Silver My family (including daughter, Julie, and son, Greg) moved from central Illinois to Austin and into our new home in Barton Hills in 1971.

History at St. Mark’s. I was raised in the Methodist Church and was very active through college. While I was a graduate student in Bloomington, Indiana, a roommate invited me to Trinity Episcopal Church. I loved the service, especially the music and singing the liturgical responses. I was confirmed in 1966 and attended the Episcopal Church until I married. (My ex-husband was of a different faith, so we chose to be married by a Unitarian minister. We attended Unitarian churches sporadically in Kansas and Illinois, but failed to find a sense of connection with the congregation in Austin.)

I began coming to St. Mark’s shortly after the arrival of Fr. Scotty Innes as priest in 1984. The people were warm and welcoming, and I became increasingly involved in programs and activities. I served on the Altar Guild for over eight years, filled an unexpired term on the Vestry, was a member of the Red Door Players, and am a member of the Daughters of the King. I was reconfirmed at St. Mark’s in 1988. Both Greg and Julie were baptized during their college years, and Julie and her husband (Dante) were married in the church by Fr. Scotty in 1993.

Despite moving to Allendale in north central Austin in 1991, I remain a member of St. Mark’s.

Unfortunately, the explosion in both Austin’s population and traffic makes it much more difficult to be as involved in church activities as I would like.

However, it is always the case that when I enter the sanctuary I feel that I’m coming home.

States lived in and careers. I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and lived there until leaving home to attend Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. After receiving my B.A. in Psychology, I spent the next four years at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, working on my doctorate. I lived for one year in Kansas City, Kansas, while completing my clinical Internship at Western Missouri Mental Health Center and then moved with my (then) husband and my daughter, Julie, to Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

During college and graduate school, I had a variety of jobs and student assistantships – things ranging from a summer Public Health Internship in Reno, Nevada, to two summers as a staff Psychologist at the state reception center for delinquent youth in Louisville, Kentucky. While at ISU, I taught as an Adjunct Professor and was a Staff Psychologist at the University Student Counseling Center and at Family Services of McLean County.

In Austin, once both children were in school, I worked for the Texas Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (TACLD) to set up the state headquarters office in Austin. My work at TACLD led to involvement with parents of all types of special needs children and a term as president of the local ACLD chapter. My involvement in these organizations continued long after leaving TACLD. In 1978, I was accepted into the Women in Science (WIS) program designed to teach programming to women who already had college degrees. (Yes, girls can code!) It resulted in a rather fortuitous and seismic career shift for me since it was much easier to find a job in IT than in psychology. After completing the WIS program, I began a 30-year IT career in state government. I spent the last twenty years as a Sr. Project Manager leading teams that replaced old systems with new automated solutions. A year after taking a job with the state, I was awarded my Ph.D. in Psychology. Shortly thereafter, I began teaching evening classes in Psychology for ACC. Although I recently retired from the state, I am still an Adjunct Professor at ACC and continue to teach.

Hobbies and Interests. I have always been an avid reader and now have time to enjoy neighborhood book group. For eight years, I took classes to learn the art of working with fused glass. When the Art Glass Fusing Center closed, I shifted gears, and have enjoyed taking classes in photography through the Lifetime Learning Institute. I am also a member of LAMP – one of the lifetime learning programs at UT. I recently completed training and have begun doing volunteer work at the Austin Assistance League.

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Month YEAR

September Celebrations Birthdays Marty Clark Miles Barker Cindy Bogard Andrea Michael Gregory Knapp Frank Severn Max Reshetnikov Connor Fuhrman Dillon Johns Emily Lehrach Jacob Sondgeroth Megan Crigger Anna Mazac Rosemary Nolan Martin Mufich Dayna Blazey Anna Bryan-Borja Alexandra Geraci Kemble White Chris Dammert Megan Frederick Jackie Whalen Barbara Dody Al McKinney Betty Lee

09/01 09/02 09/02 09/03 09/04 09/04 09/05 09/06 09/06 09/06 09/06 09/07 09/07 09/07 09/08 09/09 09/09 09/10 09/10 09/11 09/11 09/11 09/12 09/13 09/14

Kyle Way Zephyr Gates Dan Bogard Sydney Doidge Logan Pugh Sonnie Barham Kim Buckner John Etue Lorraine Bowman Clay Buckner Jill Collins Emily Rogers Carolyn Wier Elizabeth Turner Raymond Gallardo III Carol Oppel Kyle Rush Marsha Topham Michael Fuhrman Tim Glover Adam Stockstill Rick Tennant Susan Baxter-Harwell Trent Weems Josephine Baumgart

09/14 09/15 09/16 09/16 09/16 09/17 09/17 09/17 09/18 09/18 09/18 09/18 09/18 09/19 09/20 09/20 09/20 09/21 09/22 09/22 09/22 09/22 09/23 09/23 09/24

Bryn Delfausse Stella Kloninger Emily Mazac Kate Nogarede Claire Cabler Shannon Eaton Estella Minne Lansing Pugh Suzann Dvorken Katherine Frederick Jim Nolan Kathy Overstreet Pam Johns Benton Tso Rex White Christopher Elliott Benjamin Forrest Samuel Forrest Mehron Azarmehr Aaron Barker Josef Genet Laura Merritt Diana Stangl Henry Janes Michelle Lehrach

09/24 09/24 09/24 09/24 09/25 09/25 09/25 09/25 09/26 09/26 09/26 09/26 09/27 09/27 09/27 09/28 09/28 09/28 09/29 09/29 09/29 09/29 09/29 09/30 09/30

Anniversaries Mina Kumar & James Spindler Diana & Greg Stangl Nancy & John Hicks Liz Badger & Lansing Pugh Irma & Tim Glover

09/03 09/03 09/07 09/09 09/10

Jana & Tim Green Suzanne & Travis Smith Penny & Christopher Considine Beth & John Chenoweth Amity Worrel & Robert Chambers

09/12 09/13 09/14 09/19 09/20

September Caffeine Ministry 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 September, Susan Bonnen.

7 14

Early Late Early Late

Beth Chenoweth Susan Baxter-Harwell and Phil Harwell Danielle Adkins Chris and Melissa Blanding

21 28

Early Late Early Late

Terry Dempsey and Marsha Topham Clarence and Susan Bonnen Amelia Sondgeroth Dru and Cindy Cabler

Page 10

September 2014

ROTA

7:30 SERVICE

TIME

MINISTRY

September 7

September 14

September 21

September 28 Youth Sunday

October 5

LECTOR

Amelia Sondgeroth

Jill Collins

Margarita Moreno

Amelia Sondgeroth

Jonea Raney

LEM / ACOLYTE

Jonea Raney

Nancy Middlebrook

Wes Raney

Pattie Rose

Jill Collins

USHERS

Ed Shipsey Al McKinney

Jonea Raney Jill Collins

Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith

Danielle Adkins Stephen White

Jon & Judith Dullnig

LECTORS

Phil Aboussie (1) Cindy Bogard (2) Kim Buckner Tom Schneider

Kevin Childs (1) Meredith Childs (2) Thom Temperli Mike Thomasson

Lynn Edgerton (1) Mike Fuhrman (2) Tom Schneider Gary Taylor

ACOLYTES

Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly TBD

Ariston Awitan IV Abigail Goff Eleanor Goff Matthew Awitan Kim B.

USHERS

Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomason Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart

SERVICE

9:00 a.m.

LEM

TBD Clay Buckner Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey

Suzanne Lightsey Ethan Fuhrman Hunter Rogers TBD Kim B.

Abbe Kelly Will Kelly Nora Kelly TBD Kim B.

Mike Brode Phil Aboussie Ross Ramsey

Ken Whalen Ariston Awitan Dan Bogard

John Edgerton Lynn Edgerton Kevin Cromack

Mark Breen Dee Ann Thomason Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart

Meredith Childs Kevin Cromack

Cindy & Dan Bogard

Kim Buckner Michael Meigs

Maria & Mike Fuhrman

LECTORS

Michael Meigs (1) Karen Milton (2)

Chris Blanding(1) Melissa Blanding (2)

Kay Brown (1) Barbara Dody (2)

Liz Davis (1) Dave Elkins (2)

Michael Meigs (1) Karen Milton (2)

LEM

Dru Cabler Michele Bonner

Rex White Brenda White

Jay Brown Thom Temperli

Ann Seyler Roger Seyler

ThomTemperli Sandy Sterzing

Winston Baxter-Harwell

Evelyn Eaton Cindy, Jay

Bonnie Brode Elijah Gallardo Evan Overstreet TBD Cindy, Jay

Katey Orndorff Ethan Fuhrman Hunter Rogers TBD Cindy

Jay Brown Max Genet Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey

Matt Forrest Ben Forrest Sam Forrest TBD Cindy, Jay

Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works

Jim Casparis Charles Brewer Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess

Henry Olivas Lark Anthony Yvonne Chavez Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal

Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran Pam Johns David Johns

Carolyn Wier James Wier Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant John De Marines John Works

Jay Doran Diana Stangl

Shelly Botkin & Ryan Marquess

Lark Anthony Barbara Dody

Jean & Frank Severn

Meredith Childs-TC Millie Casparis Cynthia Archer Elijah Gallardo Karen Milton Barbara Dody

Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Liz Davis

Jim Casparis

John De Marines October 1 Jonea Raney

Asher Eaton

SERVICE

11:00 a.m.

GREETERS Maria & Mike Fuhrman

Mike Thomasson Kim Buckner

Becky Janes (1) Brian Kelly (2) Lynn Edgerton Bill Kibler

YOUTH

ACOLYTES Emmaline Baxter-Harwell

USHERS

GREETERS Jean & Frank Severn

Dee Ann ThomassonTC

Diana Stangl-TC Liz Davis Judy Elkins Henry Olivas Susan BaxterHarwell

Depositor

Al McKinney

Frank Severn

Dodie Wells Tina Stonebarger Darlene Goodnight Debbie Thornal Helen Anders Diane Brewer

WED. 6 p.m.

September 3

September 10

September 17

September 24

Lectors

Rex White

Kevin Childs

Jill Collins

Pattie Rose

ALTAR GUILD

Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins Carolyn Wier Pat Bullock Lynn Edgerton

Sat. 9:00

Page 11

September 2014

Vestry Kathy Genet, Sr. Warden J.P. Kloninger, Jr. Warden

Vestry members: Dan Bogard, Susan Bonnen, Shelly Botkin, Mark Breen, Suzann Dvorken, Becky Janes, David Johns, Nancy Kibler, Karen Milton, Jim Nolan, Bo Overstreet, David Randle, and Diana Stangl

Committees 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: Lisa Martin Women of St. Mark’s: Dee Ann Thomasson Facilities: Ray Smith Finance: John Edgerton

Deadline for the October 2014 St. Mark’s News is Monday, September 15, 2014. Please submit your article by email as an attachment to: office@stmarksaustin.org.

Outreach: Becky Poynot and Laurie Mayor Parish Life: Brenda White Pastoral Care/Health Ministry: Jonea C.S. Raney Stewardship: Amelia Sondgeroth

Staff 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 Tom Schneider Thom Temperli 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

Page 12