11/16/11- The Messenger-Vol. 100 Issue 11

themessenger MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH VOL 100 | ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2011

Hopes and Dreams for St. Mark’s 2012

By The Rev. Mike Chalk, Rector

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t the parish meeting in October, I shared some of the great news of the life of this parish. As I look forward to the coming year I am excited about the direction and growth at St. Mark’s.

We have experienced new energy and excitement in our worship, formation, community life, and our mission beyond the

church walls.

The Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry at St. Mark’s have quickly grown to become truly dynamic centers of excellence in family ministry. These ministries, led by Heather Herschell, Director of Children’s Ministries and Todd Allison, Director of Youth Ministries, are supported by many generous and creative volunteers. It’s time to share our model of ministry growth and children’s formation with young leaders looking for hands-on training, and utilize the creativity of these leaders as our programs grow. Two paid internships for youth and children’s ministries would be valuable to the leadership team of St. Mark’s. My hope is that our 2012 budget will support these two positions.

I also see a new opportunity for strengthening our clergy leadership team. We have seen growth in young adult

membership at St. Mark’s and a renewed interest in creative worship leadership. Utilizing the Work+Shop model that allows us to receive the theological training and skill of Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson on a part-time basis, we are pursuing an exciting initiative that will allow us to bring on a new clergy leader on a strategic, part-time basis, focusing on young adults, Christian formation and worship leadership.

If we are going to grow in ministries inside the church walls then we need to grow in support of ministries beyond. For several years we have given $90,000 of our annual budget to outreach, supporting many outstanding organizations in the San Antonio area. These gifts have provided essential resources for a broad range of initiatives serving the hungry, the under-served, the poor and the lonely. It is time to increase our outreach funds by $10,000 to more accurately represent the energy and support this parish has for organizations that strengthen our neighbors.

Growth calls us to respond intentionally and creatively.

Conditions are right for us to consider how we can strengthen the leadership team and outreach funding of St. Mark’s in ways that further cultivate and nourish the growth we see. With your help and with your generosity, and with the vision and leadership of the vestry, St. Mark’s is poised to take crucial steps in the (Continued on page 2)

315 E. Pecan St. | San Antonio, TX 78205 | (210) 226‐2426 | www.stmarks‐sa.org

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The Messenger is published monthly and is available in magazine format online at www.stmarks‐sa.org

Parish Clergy The Rev. Michael D. Chalk Rector The Rev. Jonathan Wickham Assistant Rector Assis ng Clergy The Rev. Dr. John Lewis Co‐director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Dr. Jane Pa erson Co‐director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Andrew Lobban Assis ng Priest Making a Gi of Their Service The Rev. Mary Earle Assis ng Priest The Rev. Cliff Waller Assis ng Priest Staff Todd Allison Youth Director Priscilla Briones Accoun ng Janet Carrizales Nursery Coordinator Joseph Causby Director of Music Bill Edwards Parish Administrator Elaine Enloe Clergy Execu ve Administrator Database Manager Sandy Falkenberg Cherub Choir Conductor Emmet Faulk Community Forma on Director Heather Herschell Children’s Ministries Director Melanie Lizcano Communica ons Director Ruby Merrill Facili es Manager Pat Hutchison Noble Community of Care Dr. Edwin A. Rieke Dir. of Music & Organ Emeritus Kris n Roach Assistant Director of Music Sara Talley Asst. Director Youth Ministries

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 315 East Pecan St. San Antonio, TX 78205 www.stmarks‐sa.org

coming years.

If you have not pledged for 2012, consider what hopes and dreams we could fulfill with your financial commitment. As a member of St. Mark’s family I would ask you: “How do you plan to support the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s for 2012?”

It is imperative that people of all ages pledge and commit financially to our important work of Christ.

When Paula and I started pledging at age 26, our budget was tight since we had a new baby. But making a pledge at that early age was an act of faith that we felt was very important to our growth in Christ. To begin to pledge is perhaps the most challenging step in the process of growing into a church community member.

What we give has a lot to do with what kind of church we become. God is calling us to an exciting ministry. Your support can make these hopes and dreams become reality.

A New Way to Begin a New Year

By The Rev. Jonathan Wickham, Assistant Rector

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her late pregnancy, a large portion of which was spent on the back of a donkey on the road to Bethlehem. We wait with questions in our hearts and minds with Joseph, Mary’s fiancée, who walked with her and the donkey, perhaps wondering what he’d gotten himself into, or maybe what God had gotten him into.

hile it may not feel like the new year, and according to the calendar January 1st is still a month away, November 27 does begin a new year on the Church calendar. The liturgical year of the church calendar begins on the First Sunday of Advent. This four Sunday season of preparation for the birth of Jesus marks the renewal of the annual cycle of creation, life, death, rebirth and transformed life.

Proclamation, preparation and waiting. What a way to begin the New Year. As you make your way to Advent this year consider what you will proclaim with your words, your life, your actions. What preparations are you making for the coming of Emmanuel, God With Us, into your life? What questions, fears, hopes do you have as you await the coming of the Christ?

Liturgical (“having to do with the worship of a religious community”) calendars have been in use by the church since the earliest times. As new converts and their families were brought to the “Prepare the way of the Lord.” church they were immersed in the story-telling pattern of the As you ponder these things, come religious community. The early church used the to church and join a community that is asking life cycle of Jesus as the first portion of their these questions together. You might find yourself story calendar, so they began with the beginning, strengthened and empowered to make this New the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. The four Sunday Year the best one yet. season of Advent is a time of thoughtful entry into the life-story of Jesus. It is a big story, and Happy New Year! we need to prepare to enter it well.

Advent is about proclamation, preparation and waiting. Throughout the season we join with the voices of prophets and seers as we proclaim along with John the Baptist “Prepare the way of the Lord.” We also make preparations for the coming new birth, joining with Mary, Jesus’ mother, as we remember her patient endurance of

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“And I mean to be one too…”

By Heather Herschell, Director of Children’s Ministries

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incredible event for, hosted by, and extending beyond our children’s ministry area on the second floor.

esbia Scott took on a somewhat ordinary task- she wrote a little song for her children to help them learn about church history. Then something extraordinary happened- that little song became a beloved hymn sung by hundreds of faithful people in churches around the world, especially on All Saints Day.

On the day of the event the children set up their projects and quite literally stood by their incredible work in Gosnell Hall. The youth group came down from the third floor and helped facilitate hands-on activities tied to the symbolism of each saint. We decorated heart-shaped cookies for St. Augustine of Hippo, built churches like St. Francis did, poured scented oil in remembrance We wanted the children in our Christian of St. Mary Magdalene, and hammered golf formation programs here at St. Marks to get a “I sing a song of the saints tees into pumpkins to honor St. Joseph the sense of how a few other ordinary people of God, pa ent and brave carpenter. All of rdthe formation classesdecided to live extraordinary lives for children ages 3- 3 grade attended and had a great time. Parents and teachers learned quite a God. These ordinary people were so committed and true, who toiled and bit too. They all commented on how hard their to following Christ that after a while they didn’t fought and lived and died seem so ordinary any more. In fact, they became for the Lord they loved and children had worked- many of them outside of Sunday school time to complete their saints! Our fourth and fifth grade Sunday school knew…” presentations. class set out to discover just what life was like for some of these heroes in church The final words of Lesbia Scott’s beloved hymn still fill many history. Using a project-based approach to Sunday school, they worked in small groups to research and create presentations about churches on All Saints Day. They speak to the idea that “folks like me” can have a heart like the saints after all. We don’t get to the saints that captured their interest. let ourselves off the hook by leaning on the notion that we are We believed that the 4th and 5th graders could share what they learned about the saints by hosting an All Saints Fair. They just regular people and therefore can’t live up to the example set did! They invited parents, parishioners and other Sunday school

by Christ. What we can do is both start small and think big in classes to attend the fair the Sunday just before All Saints pursuit of this goal. We can even do things like take an ordinary Day. These students had their hands in all phases of the class of Sunday school kids and make an extraordinary morning project. They toured St. Mark’s, selected Gosnell Hall as their happen- right here at St. Marks! venue, met with Ruby to request a menu that reflected the kinds of foods their saints may have eaten and they even filled out event request forms for Elaine Enloe! The result was an

DECEMBER 4 ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS

On December 4 at 4:00p.m., we con nue the St. Mark’s tradi on of Advent Lessons and Carols. The service will include the 100 combined voices of the Boy and Girl, Youth and Parish Choirs. Please plan to join us as we prepare for the season of Advent in this beau ful, candlelit service.

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Annual Shopping Day at St. Mark’s Nursery

St. Mark’s Music Ministries ANNUAL COOKIE WALK

By Heather Herschell, Director of Children’s Ministries

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eed to do some holiday shopping without the kids? Our annual shopping day at St. Mark’s Nursery is Saturday, December 10th from 10:00a.m.4:00p.m. Send children ages 6 weeks through 8 years with either a packed diaper bag or a sack lunch. Please let us know you are coming so we can staff the rooms appropriately.

Parishioners have priority registration until Friday, December 2. After that, we begin offering spots to our Parents” Day Out families and other friends. The final day to sign up will be Wednesday, December 7th. What’s the best gift you’ll get that day? This service is free of charge!

You can register by phone with Janet Carrizales at 319‐9817 or by email at jcarrizales@stmarks‐sa.org.

lk a W kie o o C al u n n A

Saturday, December 10 11:00 a.m.

Gosnell Hall All of your holiday baking in one place!

Would you be a baker?

The Cookie Walk is a wonderful yearly success because of the many beautiful holiday treats lovingly prepared by supporters of the Choir Tour Fund. We would like to reach 900 dozen this year!

There will be a drop-off time on Friday afternoon, December 9 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the church’s kitchen.

Here are some guidelines to help you prepare: ● Please make 10 dozen cookies of one kind or two kinds (10 dozen each). ● Please put cookies in a marked box, clearing marking the name of the cookie and if they contain nuts or not. ● Cookies may be baked ahead of time and frozen. You may bring them to the church to be stored in the church’s freezer. ● Since this is a holiday event, cookies should be “holiday attractive” and your very best! Save the Rice Krispy Treats, etc. for another time. Also, smaller cookies tend to fit better in the boxes. ● If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any member of the Parish Choir. Thanks so much for your participation. We are very grateful to you.

Please call or e-mail Joe Causby at jcausby@stmarks-sa.org or 226-2426 if you intend to participate so we can anticipate the number of tables.

FINAL DAY TO SIGN UP IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7!

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Speaker Series for the Holiday Season

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uring the holiday season, several speakers will address the notion of peace in Tom Gish Hall, beginning November 20.

The title for the series is The Gift of Shalom. The Hebrew word shalom can be defined as well-being or wholeness. In a world of great complexity and anxiety, most people yearn for that “peace of God, which surpasses understanding,…” (Phil. 4:7) Our guest speakers will present this important concept from their own tradition or discipline of study.

On November 20, Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth-El, San Antonio, a popular speaker at St. Mark’s, will begin our series. During the summer, Rabbi Stahl is the Theologian-in-Residence & lecturer at Chautauqua Institution in New York state. He is the author of Making the Timeless Timely: Thoughts and Reflections of a Contemporary Rabbi Samuel Reform Rabbi. His second book, Boundaries, M. Stahl Not Barriers: Some Uniquely Jewish Perspectives on Life, was published recently.

St. Mark’s Science Ini a ve at the Hawthorne Academy

Rev. Dr. Paul Parks

Nov. 27

Advent Wreath Festival

Dec. 4

The Rev. Dr. Paul Parks, Executive Director, Ecumenical Institute of Religion & Health

Dec. 11

Dr. Don Lucas, Chair of the Psychology Department at Northwest Vista College, author of Being: Your Happiness, Pleasure, and Contentment

Dec. 18

The Rev. Michael Chalk

Dr. Don Lucas

Welcome Erin Hughes to the Youth Ministry Staff

By Todd Allison, Director of Children’s Ministries

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t is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Erin Hughes to our Youth Ministry program at St. Mark’s. Erin has jumped in helping with Wednesday Night Fellowship, Sunday Formation classes and the All Hallows Eve Lock-In. Erin Hughes

Ar cle and photo by Dina Aboul‐Saad

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e are well underway with two initiatives at the Hawthorne Academy, a neighboring San Antonio Independent School District. Volunteers from St. Mark’s are coaching elementary and middle school kids for this year’s academic competitions (UIL). Last year, our kids excelled, taking 10 awards at the middle school competition.

We are also offering sponsors who are working with each grade level to identify and purchase needed supplies not covered by the school’s limited budget.

So far this year 22 St. Mark’s volunteers are involved.

The students at Hawthorne want your help. If you would like to be a coach or a sponsor, email Dina Aboul Saad at dhsaad@gmail.com. No prior experience needed, just a desire to get involved.

A native of Marietta, NY, just outside of Syracuse, NY, Erin has a BA in English and her MA in Teaching. Erin taught middle school English the last two years in New York and she is continuing her teaching in San Antonio as a recent hire at Kruger Middle School teaching 8th grade Pre-AP and GT English.

Outside of her teaching career, Erin has always had a passion for sharing her knowledge and love of God with youth and has been involved with the Episcopal Church at many levels. She comes to St. Mark’s after serving as Youth Minister at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Camillus, NY for three years. More recently Erin worked for the Diocese of Central New York organizing and running the New Beginnings Weekend for youth, a retreat for 6th-9th graders.

This past July, Erin married her best friend of over eight years, Sean.

Together with their dog, Raynah they moved to Texas, hoping to find new opportunities and adventures.

We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring Erin on board and look forward to the growth her presence and experience will bring to the youth program at St. Mark’s.

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2011 Christmas Pageant

By Kris n Roach, Pageant Director Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together. Isaiah 40:3,5

We look forward to this joyous re-telling of the Christmas Story in one of St. Mark’s most favorite traditions!

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he time has come for St. Mark’s 20th annual Christmas Pageant! (There really is nothing like watching a Pre-K angel fly to get you into the Christmas spirit!)

Rehearsals: December 3rd and 10th 9:00a.m.-11:00a.m. (children must register and attend both rehearsals in order to participate)

Mark your calendars for December 11, at the 9:00a.m. service. NOW is the time to sign up if you would like to participate. Blank sign-up cards, located in the church and on the 2nd floor Sunday School area, can be returned to the marked boxes, or you may sign up online at www.stmarks-sa.org. We will need many volunteers this year, as our Children’s Ministries continue to grow!

Pageant: December 11 at the 9:00a.m. service Photo by Emmet Faulk

Time Marches On...

Courtesy of Alice Cummins, Mary Jane Adams, Minta Cook, and Judy Rux

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ver 100 yeas ago the Parish Aid began sewing Lavabos-small towels used at Baptisms. The year was 1875. In 1939 the women of the church organized St. Nicholas Guild and began sewing small pillows for the American Cancer Society.

Two years ago the groups joined ranks continuing their sewing projects. With only 4 remaining members we are sorry to announce the end of an era. All remaining monies have been sent to the Good Samaritan Center for their use in helping those less fortunate.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS TO ADORN THE CHURCH

Christmas Flowers

In memory of ________________________________________ In honor of ____________________________________

Christmas flowers to adorn the church may be given in memory or in honor of loved ones.

On the occasion of ______________________________ Your Name __________________________________________ Phone (

) ___________________________

$10.00 dona on for each memorial or honor

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2011 All Hallows Eve Youth Lock‐In

By Sara Talley, Co‐Director of Youth Ministries

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instructed to choose the bravest member of their team to step forward before they began to carve their pumpkins. Little did they know, being considered the bravest in their group was not the best attribute to have because Todd and Erin emerged with fists full of whipped cream that was spread all over their faces! The real pumpkin contest began as the teams raced to pull the “pumpkin guts” from each of their pumpkins and toss (gently) the seeds on the face of their ‘bravest’ teammate. The team with the most seeds stuck on their The night started in Gosnell teammate’s face at the end of Hall with loud chattering, three minutes was declared the laughing, and running as we winner!

The youth enjoy themselves at the lock in. played games designed to “break the ice” and make After everyone caught their learning names and interacting breath and cleaned their faces, the with one another easy and fun teams were able to showcase their to enjoy the long night as a skills by carving their (now group and not leave anyone seedless) pumpkins. out.

The evening came to a close with The group traveled into the a compline service led by our high main sanctuary to learn about school participants before setting how Halloween originated and up for a movie in Tom Gish Hall. why the church celebrates All Back to the Future was no match Saints Day before moving onto for the exhaustion of the nights a ‘creative, and slightly activities and the late hour as most spooky’ version of the story of of the group was fast asleep “Don’t be surprised if you accidentally step before Marty McFly and his Dean Richardson. What on a pumpkin seed or two while walking in DeLorean traveled back to 1955. happened next is best the breezeway of the parish house.” described by one of the Jr. High participants, so you will This event grows in participation have to ask one of them… but I can say that there is each year and is truly a favorite among students who something eerie that happens at youth group events come back year after year. Although it is sad that the when Dean Richardson’s name comes up.

All Hallows Eve lock-in has come and gone, this means the Christmas to the Street lock-in and service Don’t be surprised if you accidentally step on a project is right around the corner! For more pumpkin seed or two while walking in the breezeway information on Christmas to the Street or how youth, of the parish house. This is because no “All Hallows parents and friends can participate please contact Todd Eve lock-in” would be complete without a pumpkin at tallison@stmarks-sa.org. carving contest! But this was no ordinary contest. The youth were divided into teams and were each given a pumpkin to carve as a group. The teams were first

he most anticipated fall event for the St. Mark’s youth group has come and gone, but the memories will be talked about among friends for months to come. I am, of course, talking about the annual All Hallows Eve lock-in. The night was filled with costumes, games, pumpkin seeds, a few screams, and very little sleep! All of these things made for a great night with over thirty five Jr. High (and High school) parishioners and their friends.

Not just another Sunday Service!

SNL is an opportunity for 9th‐12th graders, of all faiths and backgrounds, from around San Antonio to come together and share and discuss topics impac ng their lives.

SNL MEETS ON THE TMI CAMPUS NOVEMBER 13 AND DECEMBER 18 5:30p.m. – 7:00p.m. www.facebook/SNLSanAntonio 7

7th Annual Christmas to the Street Barbeque Saturday, December 17

By Todd Allison, Director of Youth Ministries

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further, as we hope to include the t. Mark’s will be hosting families from the Good Samaritan its annual Christmas to the Community Services.

Street Barbeque on Saturday, These continued and new December 17. Christmas to directions are the result of our the Street began in 2004 as an commitment to a hands-on outreach ministry led by the collaboration on behalf of our Youth and Kitchen homeless and near-homeless Ministries. The goal was neighbors. Overall, Christmas to simple: provide a generous the Street 2011 will serve over home-cooked meal of brisket 1500 meals to hungry men, and sausage with all the women and children. fixin’s to our neighbors in downtown San Antonio. Over To support this growth in faithful 2010 Christmas to the Street Work Crew the last six years the response service we depend on the from the community has continued to grow every year. generosity of neighbors, friends and family of St. Mark’s. This is where you come in. This is a youth ministry centered event and it Beginning with last year’s event our vision was expanded as we isn’t possible without the help of the St. Mark’s community. We are embraced our partnership with Haven for Hope Center for services looking for volunteers as well as ‘in-kind’ and financial to the homeless community. In addition to the almost 500 meals contributions to support this expanding ministry. served by our youth and volunteers at St. Mark’s for lunch, a team will also serve an additional 400 to 500 meals in Prospect’s If you would like to volunteer or contribute please visit the St. Courtyard on the Haven for Hope campus through the partnership with St. Vincent De Paul. In addition, for 2011, we have partnered Mark’s website www.stmarks‐sa.org or contact Todd Allison at with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide the 550 meals in the tallison@stmarks‐sa.org for addi onal informa on. main dining hall of Haven for Hope. Also, we look to expand even

BAKERS NEEDED! CALLING ALL BAKERS!

We are in need of bakers and their cookies, 4000 cookies to be exact. If you can offer your baking skills please contact: Patrice Oliver at poliver1@satx.rr.com WHAT IS NEEDED? Cookies, NO NUTS or PEANUT BUTTER PLEASE, to provide as dessert for the meals. 6-8 dozen per volunteer.

Cookies should be in a zip lock/freezer bag labeled with the type and number of cookies in bag along with your name.

Bags should be labeled C2S2011. Cookies can be brought to the church any time and placed in the freezer.

Please have all cookies to the church no later than Wednesday, December 14.

Youth Lock-In 8:30p.m. Friday, December 16 (open to all youth and friends 6th grade through 12th grade) Arrive at St. Mark’s (please eat dinner before arriving) for a night of fun and fellowship as we prepare for the 7th annual Christmas to the Street BBQ on Saturday. Youth will be assisting in preparing items for the 3 meals to be served on Saturday in addition to some fun surprises. The night’s work is a must for Saturday so bring friends and join us. There will be time for sleep to be as rested as possible for the next day’s activities.

COST: $10 INCLUDES: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch, t-shirt, and lots of fun!

All participants must complete a registration form at www.stmarks-sa.org/youth.kt

CHRISTMAS GREENERY PICKUP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 8:30a.m. to 12:00p.m.

All orders will be available in Gosnell Hall on the above dates and mes ONLY!

Children decorated shamrocks at the All Saints’ Fair in honor of St. Patrick.

Youth Confirmands with their mentors on Confirma on Day. “Hammered golf tees into pumpkins to honor St. Joseph the carpenter.”

Jennifer Allison and her helper lists the Saints they will study.

The children worked hard to gather informa on for their presenta ons.

The All Saints’ Fair presenta on in Gosnell Hall was a huge success!

A Thanksgiving Dinner for a Thanksgiving People “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.”

(Ps. 100:4) The St. Mark’s Thanksgiving Dinner is on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6:00p.m. Come together as we give thanks to God for the many blessings in our homes, our community, our church and our world. During the meal we join in a time of reflection, prayer and singing as we share our gratitude for all that God has done and is doing. Cost for the meal is $8 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families of four or more. On the menu is: Pork Loin, cornbread stuffing with sage sausage, with pork gravy, asparagus and bread. Please bring a dessert or a salad to pass.

RSVP to the church office (226-2426) and please let us know what you plan to bring.

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MONTHLY FINANCIAL UPDATE Information for October 2011 INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION Pledge Revenue .................................................................................................................................................................. $104,542 Non Pledge Giving .............................................................................................................................................................. $11,039 Open Plate ........................................................................................................................................................................... $2,235 TOTAL REVENUE ........................................................................................................................................................... $117,816 TOTAL EXPENSES .......................................................................................................................................................... $145,377 October Revenue Under Expenses by $27,561 Year to Date (January 2011 through October 2011) the revenue is over expenses by $32,931 If you have any questions about this report, please contact Priscilla Briones, Accountant, at (210) 226-2426 or email her at pbriones@stmarks-sa.org

Staff Members Par cipate in Con nuing Educa on Conferences and Classes

By Bill Edwards, Business Administrator & Melanie Lizcano, Director of Communica ons

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he Diocese offers financial assistance for church staff members to take college courses related to their field and/or to attend conferences, workshops, etc. offered by the Diocese or other organizations related to the church such as Shelby. The following staff members have participated in the various continuing education classes, workshops, and conferences.

Elaine Enloe, Clergy Assistant & Database Manager attended the Shelby conference in June, met other Shelby users and attended workshops on: Effective Time Management, Church Facility Management, Arena (a new Shelby database that’s “in the cloud”), Emergency Preparedness for Churches Generosity, Attendance (a Shelby v.5 module), Communicating Electronically Excel, and Constant Contact. Constant Contact®, Inc. helps small businesses, associations, and nonprofits connect with their customers, clients, and members.

Launched in 1998, Constant Contact champions the needs of small organizations and provides them with an easy and affordable way to build successful, lasting customer relationships. Constant Contact's leading email marketing, online survey andevent marketing tools—supported by its expert personal coaching and support—help all types of small businesses and organizations create professionallooking email newsletters and insightful online surveys and begin a dialogue with their customers. Shelby Systems supplies the software and financial tools needed to help ministries and organizations thrive.

Since 1976, Shelby Systems has been a leader in providing software to churches, parishes, denominational headquarters, independent ministries, and development organizations. There are over 24,000 users who are currently supported all over the United States and in several foreign countries.

Joseph Causby, Director of Music & Organist attended the Association of Anglican Musicians National Conference in the Carolinas in June. This is a gathering of Episcopal Church musicians from all over the country. At this conference, Joseph was elected chairman of Region VII of AAM. We (St. Mark’s) was also selected to host the Mid-Winter Conference for Region VII in January 2012.

Emmet Faulk, Community Formation Director attended Episcopal Lay Employee CREDO in April. As a benefit of the Church Pension Fund, CREDO Institute, Inc. provides a holistic approach to health and wellness and serves pension plan participants, active and retired, through a wellness program referred to as the CREDO Benefit. Emmet’s Lay Employee CREDO was held in Lake Logan Conference Center near Ashville NC. CREDO provided resources that helped Emmet examine, evaluate, and re-energize his health and well -being in significant areas of his life including spiritual, vocational, physical health, mental health, and financial.

Priscilla Briones, Accountant attended Shelby Extreme Reporting Workshop I.

Priscilla found this to be a great course about using Shelby v5 to get any report needed. Normally when someone requested a report, she would have to look up the information in Shelby then create an Excel spreadsheet that displayed the requested information properly. This course taught her how to use ShelbyQuery to get information by using the Query Builder then using the Report Designer to create a great looking report that is easy to read and shows all the information requested. Priscilla’s favorite part was learning how to design a contribution statement that looks appealing and is easy to understand. Our current contribution statement design still confuses many people so she looking forward to using the knowledge she gained from this class to fix that issue. The workshop also taught Priscilla how to link Shelby v5 to Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Word, Publisher, & Outlook). The class also focused on linking to Excel using pivot tables and this is another great way to create reports.

Kristin Roach, Assistant Director of Music and Assistant Organist attends yearly the convention of the Texas Choral Director's Association in August. This summer the keynote guest conductor was one of Kristin’s mentors from Eastman, the legendary Donald Neuen, longtime assistant to choral giant Robert Shaw. She also attended the Association of Anglican Musician national conference in South Carolina. At this conference Kristin was fortunate to dialogue with clergy and musicians from all over the (Continued on page 11)

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country. These opportunities to share ideas, hear and see what works in other places, and to meet colleagues face to face are invaluable. Kristin also continues private organ study.

Melanie Lizcano, Communications Director has attended several webinars and conferences all related to communications.

This year Melanie has participated in various webinars sponsored by Constant Contact about social media, event planning and newsletter design. She has also watched

several video tutorials and webinars offered

by Facebook about how to promote your non -profit organization using social media and tips on how to use Facebook for non-profit organizations. In June, Melanie attended the Shelby conference with Elaine. However, Melanie’s classes were based on technology and communications in churches. Some of the classes she attended were Technology in Modern Churches, Constant Contact, What’s Hot and What’s Not in Churches, Can the Cloud Simplify it? Part 1 & 2, Connect with Shelby on Social Media and Social Media and the Episcopal Church. Melanie also attended a Photoshop Expert Workshop in

November hosted by SkillsPath which she enjoyed very much. All webinars, workshops, and conferences were beneficial for Melanie and she looks forward to attending more in the future. In the Spring, Melanie will attend grad school to pursue a Master’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of the Incarnate Word.

With the support of the clergy and business administrator, staff members are encouraged to participate in continuing education opportunities yearly.

Birthdays of the Month

December December 1st Aidan Law, Melanie Law, Robert Park, Clayton Smith, Linda Trevino December 2nd Anne Godwin, Natalie Matthews, Susan Riordan, Susan Waltrip December 3rd Parker Cassidy December 4th Bill Bartley, Nino Osborn, Joan Petty, Lucy Wilson December 5th Mary Margaret Johnson, Emma Lewis, Stephen Perez, Alan Radke December 6th Matthew Conner, Tom Dukes, John Reesman, Duncan Tobar December 7th Jonathan David Check, Bettye Dawson, Robert Heller, Cayden Hoffman, Carolyn Hoffman, Marguerite Morgan, Harris Stephens December 8th Ben Bockerstette, Don Clausewitz, Sherene Rizvi, Peter Stanton, Jenni Stupka, Olivia Stupka, Lisa Uhl December 9th Philip Barr, Mary McClung, Chica Younger December 11th Bill Cothren, Carolyn Lane, Bryan Schiller, Arthur Uhl December 12th Carol Ann Baker, Paula Butt, Joyce Carothers, Katie McDonough, Eleanor Phelps, Tony Smith, Natalia Weatherbie December 13th Linda Lang, Jenny Therkelsen December 14th Aubrey Breazeale, Macky Lopez, Elsie Steg

December 15th Kate Bryan, Robert Cote, Elizabeth Raney, Pam Slocum December 16th Rich Butler, Veronica Davila, David Estes, Phyllis Hall, Dwayne Ham, Emily Volk December 17th Raymond Baird, Carlos Ibarra, Patsy Jordt, Carolyn Oatman, Adrianne Vaughn December 18th Walker Bryant, Darin Digby, Lewis Fisher, Paul Parker, Gloria Williams December 19th Rosalind Alderman, James Gonzalez, Keith Hughey, Marcella Whittaker December 20th Claudia Thornton December 21st Brooks Englehardt December 22nd Allyson Cavender, Marielle Holdsworth, Lane Tatum December 23rd Alice Cave, Mike Chalk, Richard Gray, Norrie Schiller, Polly B. Triche, Phillip A. Yochem December 24th Chris Amberson, Phyllis Beinhorn, Gary Egmon, Bunny Matthews, Mary Sue Miranda, Jane Satel December 25th Annette Eicke, Sarah Lee Gilliland, Carol Muir December 26th Randy Gladden December 27th Stuart Cavender, Blake Dobbins, Sonya Frederick, Megan Houliston, Tony Rogers

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December 28th Don Douglass, Matt Kitchen, Jennie Oliver, Leah Thomas, Leslie Todd December 29th Madeleine Bousquet, Jenny Clements, Josie Davidson, Joyce Dean, Catherine Diel, Irene Diettrich, Sable Kitchen, Linda Striekert December 30th Art Aiken, Donna Bruni, Matthew Gonzalez December 31st Josh Bockerstette, Kathy Timberlake A very special happy birthday to: Nino Osborn on her 95th (Dec 4) Phyllis Beinhorn on her 91st (Dec 24)

The Messenger (USPS 514‐020) Published Monthly (3rd Wednesday) ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 315 East Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205 Telephone: (210) 226‐2426 Periodicals Postage paid at San Antonio, Texas POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE MESSENGER c/o ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 315 E. Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205 Rector: The Rev. Michael D. Chalk Editor: Melanie Lizcano Layout & Graphic Design: Melanie Lizcano e‐mail ar cles to mlizcano@stmarks‐sa.org

Ar cle deadline is 2nd Wednesday of each month

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Christmas Worship Schedule Friday, December 23 ················································································· Office Closed at 12:00p.m.

Saturday, December 24············································································· 3:30p.m.-4:00p.m. Choir 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Eucharist 6:30p.m.-8:00p.m. CAYA Christmas Eve Eucharist 10:00p.m.-10:30p.m. Choir 10:30p.m.-12:00a.m. Eucharist Sunday, December 25 ··············································································· 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Eucharist Monday, December 26 ·············································································· Office Closed All Day Sunday, December 31 ··············································································· 7:45a.m. Eucharist 10:00a.m Eucharist Sunday Christian Formation classes will not meet.

11:11a.m. CAYA Eucharist For more information visit St. Mark’s calendar at www.stmarks-sa.org or call the church office at 210-226-2426.