The Messenger - December 2021 / January 2022

THE MESSENGER from St. Mark’s

December 2021/January 2022

Advent and Christmas Offerings Confirmation Classes Parish Meeting Summary

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O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL! “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.”

It is hard to fathom that we are so close to the season of Advent, followed by Christmastide and Epiphany. I am filled with new hope this year, especially as our construction efforts are yielding real fruit and some of our most treasured community rhythms are returning. You will see in this issue a return to our Advent intergenerational events and a combined 10 am service.

We are also adding new elements to those events, including an opportunity to “green the church” on Advent IV to help beautify our sanctuary before Christmas. The Christmas pageant will once again include live animals and the faces of our beautiful children outdoors! Acknowledging that it’s been a difficult time for many, we will offer a special service in Bethlehem Chapel for those who are struggling with the holidays this year.

Our beloved offering to the city through Christmas to the Street is also returning as well as our ongoing support for Crockett Academy families!

You will see that we will have our Christmas Eve services in the church again this year. All of our offerings will continue to be streamed, now that we have permanent capacity in the church. We will however adapt from the fun we had in the park last year to make our 4.00pm service more interactive and family friendly! We have some wonderful musical offerings, including the return of our Christmas Pops concert and Lessons and Carols.

I continue to be amazed by the creativity and resilience of this community. We have stayed engaged and faithful. We have gleaned lessons all along the way, whether from the scaffolding or the pandemic. All of this points to the deep faithfulness of our community and the willingness to be transformed, even in the midst of challenges. So, Rejoice!

Jesus Christ is born again!

FROM THE RECTOR

Peace,

The Rev. Elizabeth Knowlton

ADVENT SERVICE TIMES For the Sundays in Advent (November 28 – December 19), we will continue our normal schedule of 7.45am Rite I liturgies but will combine the later services into one Rite II liturgy at 10.00am. Ms. Cathy will lead Children’s Chapel in the Jerusalem Chapel (2nd floor of the Parish House) during the first half of the 10.00am liturgy. Intergenerational formation opportunities will be offered at 9.00am each of these Sundays.

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Christmas Eve | December 24

3.45pm Prelude, 4.00pm Family Service Holy Eucharist with interactive sermon and Children’s Choirs (Nursery available) 7.45pm Brass Prelude, 8.00pm Holy Eucharist, Rite II with St. Mark’s Choir (Nursery available) and Brass 10.00pm Choral Prelude, 10.30pm Holy Eucharist, Rite II with St. Mark’s Choir, Brass, and Incense

Christmas Day | December 25 10.00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Christmas Hymns

First Sunday After Christmas December 26 10.00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Second Sunday After Christmas January 2

7.45am Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10.00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II with hymns

The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord January 9

7.45am Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9.00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Baptisms and St. Mark’s Choirs 11.15am Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Baptisms and St. Mark’s Choirs Nursery is available for infants through Pre-K every Sunday beginning November 28.

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CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY WORSHIP

CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY SERVICE TIMES

ADVENT INTERGENERATIONAL FORMATION

Advent I | November 28 | Creating an Advent Wreath 9.00am with Breakfast | Pecan St. Courtyard Advent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions of Northern Europe. Wreaths of evergreens were decorated with candles to symbolize life and light during the dark months of winter, and they’ve been a part of the Christian church’s Advent traditions since the 8th century. The light of the candles reminds us that the light of Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. The Advent wreath is a way of marking time in this Season of Advent as we gradually add more light each Sunday until Christ, our Light, comes at Christmas. We’ll create our own take- home versions of this traditional tool, which doubles as a beautiful decoration.

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Advent II | December 5 | Outreach Project and Visit from St. Nicholas | 9.00am with Breakfast | Pecan St. Courtyard The Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6) commemorates this famous 4th century bishop whose selfless giving, especially of secret gifts, became the stuff of legend. We know his spirit to live on, of course, in Santa Claus.

Honoring his feast this year includes a family-friendly outreach project that will benefit our broader San Antonio Community. While we work, we’ll be visited

by St. Nicholas himself, and there may be some surprises along the way.

Advent III | December 12 | Christmas Pageant and Living Nativity | 9.00am with Breakfast | Pecan St. Courtyard The Christmas Pageant is always a wonderful celebration for our whole parish family; our children get to experience the nativity stories from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew in new ways. This year we return to a beloved series of tableaus created by our costumed children with the living nativity animals from our favorite petting zoo! After breakfast in Tucker Courtyard, small groups of adults will be guided through each scene by our Vestry “shepherds” answering the call of the angels to go and see. Together we will sing some of your favorite Christmas hymns and experience once again the joy and wonder in this story of God becoming human. Rehearsal will take place on Saturday, December 11, at 9.30am.

ADVENT QUIET EVENING Led by The Rev. Matthew Wise Wednesday, December 8 | 6.00-8.30pm Bethlehem Chapel

Advent IV | December 19 | The Greening of the Church | 9.00am with Breakfast | Pecan St. Courtyard

“In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

A new tradition begins this year! Please join us for the greening of the church. Together we’ll hang garland and wreaths, arrange candles, and put up other decorations to make the inside of our church even more beautiful for our Christmas celebrations. We’ll have breakfast outside and then move into the church while festive music sets the tone for our decorating efforts.

During this holy season of watching and waiting, come away for a few hours of retreat to pray and prepare for the coming of our Lord. Dinner is available from 5.006.00pm.

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CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

CHRISTMAS TO THE STREET

You are invited to make a contribution for Christmas flowers in memory of, in honor of, and in thanksgiving for family and friends. Use the enclosed envelope or go online to the Advent page at www.

StMarks-SA.org. Include a $25 donation for each memorial or honorarium. Thank you for adding to the seasonal beauty of St. Mark’s! Direct questions to Amanda Talaat at 210-744-8245 or abtalaat80@ gmail.com.

Christmas to the Street began in 2004 with the goal of providing a generous home-cooked meal to our neighbors 150 youth and adults in downtown San Antonio. Over 100 prepare, cook, and serve over 1,500 1,700 meals to our neighbors at St. Mark’s and Haven for Hope. To volunteer, visit the Advent/Christmas page www.StMarks-SA.org.

December 10 & 11

DURING ADVENT

December 9 deadline for forms with donations

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WOMEN OF ST. MARK’S COME AND GO CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Thursday, December 9 | 11.30am - 1.30pm

A Service for Grief During the Holidays Wednesday, December 15 | Bethlehem Chapel | 6.30pm

Come enjoy fellowship and conversation with other St. Mark’s women at this come-and-go gathering.

This year’s luncheon is hosted by Kelly Cavender at 707 W El Prado Dr, San Antonio, TX 78212. Please RSVP by Sunday, December 5 at StMarks-SA.org on the Advent/Christmas page or call the church at 210-226-2426.

Holiday rituals can be comforting, celebratory reminders of the hope and joy God gives us in our lives, but grief may also arise this time of year – particularly when we have experienced loss. This quiet liturgy in our beautifully restored chapel is meant for those who long for the solace and hope of the Lord without the pressure to be merry. Join us for this simple service as we recall how the light of Christ shines in the darkness.

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CHRISTMAS POPS

A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

December 12 | 5.00pm 5:00

DURING ADVENT

The Christmas Pops concert is a highlight of the Advent Season for the whole family, featuring many of San Antonio’s finest brass and percussion performers and Jon Johnson, organist. Highlights include Sleigh Ride, scenes from The Nutcracker, and a special appearance by St. Mark’s own Rev. Beth Knowlton as narrator in ‘Twas the night before Christmas!

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5.00pm December 19 | 5:00

Join St. Mark’s and the combined St. Mark’s choirs in the enduring and beloved Anglican tradition of King’s College Cambridge shared by millions around the world since 1918 — readings, carols, hymns, and anthems telling of the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING EPIPHANY BABY SHOWER Sunday, January 9 | 2nd floor foyer in Parish House 10.10am Honor the presence of Christ in every child by bringing a gift to share. The St. Mark’s Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King will host the annual Epiphany Baby Shower on Sunday, January 9 at 10.10am. In the tradition of the Magi, your bagged or wrapped gifts for babies and toddlers will be donated to Good Samaritan Community Services (Good Sam).

Items requested: diapers (sizes 3 and higher), pull-ups, newborn infant and toddler clothing (3 months-5T), baby wipes, blankets, baby toiletries, and sleeper/PJs. Please leave price tags attached or include receipt for accounting purposes. Monetary donations for formula and supplies are also welcome.

Good Sam began as a downtown mission of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and was established in 1951 by the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, under the leadership of Bishop Everett Jones. The community center provides support in San Antonio and throughout South Texas to youth, families, and seniors working to improve their lives and to overcome the challenges of poverty.

SECOND SUNDAYS WITH SOLI CHAMBER ENSEMBLE January 9 | 5.00pm

ADULT FORMATION

A Practical Theology of the Eucharist: Part II Led by the St. Mark’s Clergy Sundays January 16 – January 30 | 10.10am | Room 212 If you want to know what we Episcopalians believe, the best place to start is the liturgy. In this class, we continue to explore how our practices in the Eucharistic liturgies embody our theology, comparing different rites, prayers and individual pieties. Am I supposed to be crossing myself right now? What does it mean that Jesus is really present in the bread and wine? What is transubstantiation and is it contagious? What does participating in the Eucharist on Sunday morning equip me to do or be Monday through Saturday?

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SEASON OF EPIPHANY

St. Mark’s is pleased to welcome back SOLI Chamber Ensemble to Music from St. Mark’s. Known for their engaging performances of contemporary classical music, SOLI will present a program of distinct compositional colors and voices. Works include Carlos Simon’s transcendent reimagination of Be Still and Know, Arvo Pärt’s mesmerizing Fratres, and movements from The Clearing and the Forest - a multisensory work exploring landscape, migration, and refuge by Scott Ordway.

CONFIRMATION Adult Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

Adult Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation Led by The Revs. Ann Fraser and Matthew Wise Adult Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation class will be held on Wednesday evenings January 12, 19, 26 and February 2 and 9 from 6.15pm-7.30pm.

Each class builds on the previous class, so plan to attend every session. If you are interested in participating but know you must miss a class, prior arrangements should be made. We will also gather for a Retreat at the Bishop Jones Center on Saturday, February 12th from 9.00am-2.00pm, where we will share a meal, meet the bishop, and cover some additional ground. The class is open to all those seeking to be confirmed or received, or who would like a refresher.

Confirmation will be on Sunday, May 22nd, at the combined 10.00am service. For more information, email The Rev. Matthew Wise at mwise@stmarks-sa.org.

Youth Confirmation

Led by The Revs. Ann Fraser and Matthew Wise, and Meredith Rogers Youth Confirmation classes will be held from 10.10am-11.00am on the following Sunday mornings: January 16, 23, February 6, 13, 27, March 20, 27, and April 24.

CONFIRMATION

Youth Confirmation is for 8th-grade youth and any high school students who would like to be confirmed. The youth will be led in discussion of topics including: church history, the sacraments, becoming a young adult, the community of the church, and living a life of faith. Students are allowed to miss only two classes. Students are also expected to attend the Confirmation retreat on Saturday, February 12th, from 9.00am-2.00pm and participate in the Day of Prayer and Service on Sunday, April 3rd. Confirmation will be on Sunday, May 22nd, at the combined 10.00am service. For more information, email The Rev. Matthew Wise at mwise@stmarks-sa.org.

NEWCOMERS GATHERING

January 23, 2022 | Dean Richardson Room Following the 11.15 am service Many people begin a new year with a desire to open ourselves to spiritual development and connection, with patterns of life that help lead us toward the abundant life in Christ we long for. We hope to find a place in which our spirits can be nurtured and fed, often through worship, learning and formation, fellowship and belonging; and we look for a place in which we can offer our gifts in community. Join St. Mark’s clergy, current members, and other newcomers for lunch and conversation following the 11:15am service. Discover how you can find sustenance for the spiritual journey and take part in the life of the community. RSVP at StMarks-SA.org on the I’m New page.

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DIOCESAN COUNCIL From February 24-26, 2022, St. Mark’s will host the annual gathering of Diocesan Council in San Marcos, Texas.

Diocesan Council is the governing structure of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas where 300-400 clergy and lay representatives of the 87 congregations meet annually to elect leadership and discern the business of the diocese. The co-chairs of our host committee are Amy Wise and Holly Zook. We will need more than 100 volunteers to serve on different teams during the three days of Council, so if you are able and willing to serve, please email The Rev. Matt Wise at mwise@stmarks-sa.org.

PARISH MEETING We gathered in the church on October 31 at 10.10am for our Annual Parish Meeting. Our newest slate of Vestry members was approved by consent — Linda Addington, David Harris, Beth Hawkins, Steve Hays, Lindsay Irvin, and Brandon Raney. We heard reports from Brooks Englehardt (outgoing Senior Warden), Lisa Uhl (outgoing Treasurer), and The Rev. Beth Knowlton. If you were not able to make the meeting or would like to hear the reports again, visit our website at www.StMarks-SA.org and search “Parish Meeting” in the search bar. There, you will be able to listen to the meeting in full.

A special thank you goes to our outgoing Vestry class – Brooks Englehardt, Emily Foster, Marisa Peterson, Trey Thompson, and Chris Villa. Thank you also to Lisa Uhl for serving as the Treasurer for the past three years! Starting in January, George Spencer is our incoming Senior Warden and Bob Pollom is our incoming Treasurer. Join in thanking them for answering the call to serve this community.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

The Messenger, USPS 514-020 Vol 19, Issue 3, Published bi-monthly St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 315 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, Texas 78205

Phone: 210-226-2426 www.stmarks-sa.org Editor: communications@stmarks-sa.org Article Deadline: 1st Friday of month preceeding bi-monthly issue

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Postage paid in San Antonio, TX POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Rector: The Rev. Beth Knowlton

PARISH BUSINESS

We are off to a good start with pledges for 2022. Thank you to all who submitted pledges by the November 7 Ingathering. We have received 132 pledges totaling totalling $1,048,000; 69% of them are increases over last year. Thank you so much! As we ready ourselves for Advent, please take the time to make your pledge for the coming year if you haven’t already. Our commitments to St Mark’s and each other as a community determine how we live into our Core Vocation. However you engage at St. Mark’s, we depend on your generosity to Feed San Antonio with the Bread of Life. Pledges are welcome by mail or online at StMarks-SA.org/Give. We are nearly half way to our 2021 pledge level of 292 pledges.

PERIODICAL

IN REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING (THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2021) In Memory of:

John Joseph Franco, Jr., by Mary Stuart Irwin, Randy Smith, Nicole Lake, & Shell Roufail, Mary & Doug Earle, Philip & Barbara Salemi, Pat Bridwell & John Lewis, Jack & Carol Hebdon, and Heidi Moseley Vernon Helmke, by Julie & Damon VanZandt Cal Koontz, by Ellen Martin (to Willard Simpson Fund) John Lamont McFadden, McFadden by Beatrice McFadden, Kate Kies, & Robert Danes Mary Lynch, by Richard Lynch Jane Raven Smith, by Ben & Liz Utt, Joan Rodriguez, Marilyn & West Richardson, John & Janice O’Brien, Pat Bridwell & John Lewis Carrie Spencer, by Ellen Martin (to Willard Simpson Fund)

Lillian Wilfong, by Ellen Martin (to Willard Simpson Fund) Bartell Zachry, by Ellen Martin (to Willard Simpson Fund) In Honor of: Al Hartman’s 80th birthday by Polly & George Spencer Tookie Spoor’s birthday by Molly Webster (to St. Cecilia) Sarah & Sam Steveses’ anniversary by Martha Steves (to Horizon Endowment) Megan Steves’ birthday by Martha Steves (to Horizon Endowment)

CLERGY AT ST. MARK’S Parish Clergy: The Rev. Elizabeth Knowlton, Rector; The Rev. Ann Benton Fraser, Associate Rector for Outreach, Pastoral Care, and Parish Life; The Rev. Matthew Wise, Associate Rector for Liturgy, Adult Formation, and Family Ministry Making a Gift of Their Service: The Rev. Michael Chalk, Rector Emeritus; The Rev. C. Douglas Earle, Assisting Priest; The Rev. Mary Earle, Assisting Priest; The Rev. Dr. John Lewis, Director, St. Benedict’s Work+Shop

PHOTO CREDITS

Cover photo: Eric Nelson Photos in this issue provided by: Eric Nelson, Patrice Oliver, Al Rendon, Meredith Rogers

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