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themessenger Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church OCTOBER 2013

IN THIS ISSUE: New Consecration Sunday -page 3 Vestry Nominees Bios and Photos -page 4 & 5 Advent Meditations -page 11

ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 315 E. Pecan St. San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 226-2426 www.stmarks-sa.org stmarks@stmarks-sa.org Office hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Emergency Pastoral Care: 210-507-0256

VOLUME 102

ISSUE 09

Vestry Class of 2016 Election The Discernment Committee is pleased to announce that the parishioners on the following pages have accepted the call to ministry by allowing their names to stand for the Vestry election to be held on October 20. Elections are held in October so the new Vestry members may go through an orientation process before they take office in February 2014. They will be wearing a special name tag that identifies them as nominees for the class of 2016. Please read their biographical information, review the criteria we used, and make an effort to meet them before the election. Only ballots that have voted for five nominees will be counted.

Qualifications and Characteristics to Consider of a Vestry Nominee The criteria for candidates for the Vestry are as follows: Canonical Law:  At least 18 years old  A communicant in good standing (baptized, confirmed, received) in the Episcopal Church  Not previously served a full term on the Vestry within the past 12 months Parish Qualifications:  Have regularly attended worship services of choice at St. Mark's and have supported parish wide functions for at least 12 months  Agree with the parish mission and vision statements and the vestry stewardship statement  Be a pledging member working towards tithing  Attend all Vestry meetings (5:30pm on the third Tuesday of each month) and special Vestry Meetings and willing to serve on a working Vestry sub-committee  Attend new Vestry

orientation and all Vestry retreat(s) Characteristics of a St. Mark’s Vestry Person: In addition to those requirements specifically set forth in the Canons and by the Parish, the Discernment Committee and the Vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church have identified particular personal characteristics, experiences and values that we believe will complement the gifts of those Vestry members whose terms continue.

The Characteristics we were looking for included:  Energetic, with a passion for St. Mark’s  Visionary and imaginative  Have a heart for doing Christ's ministry in the world as evidenced by being involved in at least one St. Mark's ministry  Committed to speaking the truth in the face of opposition  Open to disagreement

without being disagreeable  An attentive listener with openness to considering other viewpoints  Working toward becoming biblically literate  Demonstrate a mature and deep faith, with a commitment for discerning God’s will for St. Mark’s  Seek actively to grow the church  Exhibit conscientiousness, diligence, and perseverance  Possess a fiduciary attitude for the church’s finances  Possess a wisdom coming from life experiences  Exhibit a willingness to enter a process of decision-making by consensus rather than by majority vote, and an ability to embrace, support, and explain consensus decisions to the congregation  Systematic thinkers, people who can think through how systems need to work

VESTRY NOMINEES’ BIOS AND PHOTOS ON PAGE 4-5

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

Parish Clergy The Rev. Ned Bowersox Interim Rector The Rev. Carol Morehead Assistant Rector Assisting Clergy The Rev. Dr. John Lewis Co-Director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Dr. Jane Patterson Co-Director, The Work+Shop

Celebration

Making a Gift of Their Service The Rev. C. Douglas Earle Assisting Priest The Rev. Mary Earle Assisting Priest The Rev. Linda Ricketts Assisting Priest The Rev. Cliff Waller Assisting Priest Staff Todd Allison Youth Director Priscilla Briones Accounting Manager Janet Carrizales Nursery Director Benjamin Carlisle Assistant for Music & Liturgy Joseph Causby Director of Music & Organist Elaine Enloe Clergy Executive Administrator Database Manager Sandy Falkenberg Cherub Choir Director Emmet Faulk Parish Business Administrator Erin Hughes Youth Ministries Assistant Director Gail Jackins Families & Children’s Ministries Director Melanie Lizcano Director of Communications Mary Hayden Manning Children’s and Youth Ministries Asst.

Jesse Mendoza Kitchen Manager/Chef Ruby Merrill Facilities Supervisor & Receptionist Pat Hutchison Noble Community of Care Dr. Edwin A. Rieke Dir. of Music & Organist Emeritus Callie Sanchez Families & Children’s Ministries Intern Leah Thomas Special Events Coordinator

St. Mark’s Episcopal 315 E. Pecan St. San Antonio, TX 78205 www.stmarks-sa.org

St. Benedict’s WorkShop Celebration Sunday, October 6, 2013 5:00p.m.

In thanksgiving for each one of you and for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, who have encouraged and supported the ministry of the workshop from its beginnings in 2001 until today…

We are celebrating the past and future of the workshop with a reception at our offices at los patios, 2015 N.E. Loop 410.

We hope that you, who have been so important to the ministry of The WorkShop, will come to share in a toast to all the good things that lie ahead; new and continuing reflection groups; more Diocesan Bible studies and adult formation; a book on vocation; increased material for personal study on our website.

RSVP-kbuzzini@theworkshop-sa.org or 210-599-4224

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eport

Priscilla Briones, Accounting Manager pbriones@stmarks-sa.org

AUGUST FINANCIAL REPORT Pledge Revenue

$80,128

Non Pledge Giving

$6,098

Open Plate

$1,836

Total Revenue

$117,155

Total Expenses

$176,189

AUGUST REVENUE OVER EXPENSES

($59,034)

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Consecration Sunday is coming Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.

St. Mark’s Vestry has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.

New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”

During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.

Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.

If this sounds strange or uncomfortable to you, don’t worry. It is new to all of us. We encourage you to attend, even if you do not complete a card at that time. It’s important for everyone to participate. We will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.

Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.

Tom McGehee, 2013 Senior Warden

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Class of 2016

Craig Donegan joined St. Mark’s in 1997. He and his wife Pat have two sons, Richard and Sherman. Craig is a partner/co-manager of several small capital investments. He has been an usher for several years and was recently appointed coordinator for St. Mark’s usher teams. Craig is a member of the Search Committee, a member of the Liturgy Committee, a participant and facilitator in The WorkShop Men’s Group, a volunteer for Christmas to the Street and Haven for Hope cooking teams, and a participant in the Dinners for Eight. Both Craig and Pat stay at St. Mark’s because of the friends, teachers and spiritual mentors that have enriched their lives. Craig believes it is important to maintain and grow St. Mark’s as a dynamic center for theology and Christian formation with a focus on the intentional exercise of our faith in daily life and work. As a member of The WorkShop Men’s Group, he can help fulfill this vision.

Cathy Dawson has been an Episcopalian since 2005. She is married to Don Hessenflow. Cathy retired as the Executive Director of Good Shepherd Ministries and has a background in education and business. She participates in various ministries at St. Mark’s such as, Lenten Luncheons, SAISD Hawthorne Academy mentor program, Dinners for Eight, and Sunday flower delivery. Cathy also serves on the Finance Committee and the Outreach Committee. She is presently the Chair of the Generosity Commission that oversees Stewardship, Planned Giving, Attitude of Gratitude Committee, Formation (with respect to Stewardship), and Parish Life and Communications.

In addition, Cathy reworked all the altar frontals during sanctuary renovations under the auspices of the Altar Guild.

She loves that St. Mark’s is a vibrant, caring, inclusive and generous community; one in which she looks forward to continuing her faith journey.

Jill Vassar is a life-long Episcopalian and joined St. Mark’s in 1993. She and her husband, George have two children, Margaret, 16 and, Caroline, 13. They love that St. Mark’s is a diverse, downtown church and enjoy the music, history and people. Their children have been raised here in the midst of an extended family. Jill is currently the Director of Advancement at Good Samaritan Community Services. She is a former Vestry member and currently serves on the Stewardship Committee, teaches Godly Play during Sunday school, and serves as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor and Lector. Also, Jill is the Chair of the Diocesan Centennial Council, member of the Strategic Planning Committee, and sits on the Diocesan Executive Board. Jill is excited to be a Vestry candidate and, if elected, will add her skills in strategic planning to maintain the parish’s faithfulness during this time of transition.

Craig Stokes joined St. Mark’s in 1993. He and his wife, Laura have been life-long Episcopalians. They have two children, Maddy, 17 and, Trevor, 20. Craig is an attorney in agricultural law. He and his family enjoy coming to St. Mark’s. The community has helped them raise their children and provided them many opportunities for service and witness. Craig has volunteered for Christmas to the Street, participated in Honduras mission trips, No Ties Allowed, chaperoned the youth choir in Ely, served on the Vestry, and is a former Senior Warden. As a vestry member, Craig feels it is important to lead the parish and openly communicate with them, be the ears and voice for all and be open to hear all points of view.

Bill Yates has been a member of St. Mark’s for 25 years. Bill has been a psychologist in private practice for the past 18 years. He is a life-long Episcopalian who was baptized and grew up at St. Mark’s. His son, Matthew, and daughter, Lois Anne, were both confirmed at St. Mark’s. Over the years he has taught several adult classes and Sunday school, participated in the kitchen ministry, served on various committees, and represented St. Mark’s at the Diocesan Council. He has continued to serve as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Usher for the past 12 years.

Bill has especially enjoyed being a Eucharistic Visitor at the Chandler Home for the past year. He served on the Bishop’s Committee at the Church of the Holy Spirit in San Antonio for 3 years. Bill values the fellowship within the St. Mark’s community, their commitment to spiritual formation, and is willing to serve in a leadership role during this transition time. He has a special interest in community outreach, in developing programs for short-term missions, and in improving our access to spiritual retreat opportunities for both youth and adults. Bill is honored to be considered for the Vestry and would use his communication, problem-solving, and team building skills to continue to draw on God’s purposes for our highly talented and resourceful congregation.

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Beverly Bryars first joined St. Mark’s in 1961 and again when she returned to San Antonio in 1990. Beverly appreciates that St. Mark’s is a downtown church noted for its diversity, superior biblical teaching for all ages, and outreach programs. She has served 2 terms on the Vestry and is a former Senior Warden. In addition, Beverly has served on the Finance Committee, as a Delegate to Diocesan Council, as co-chair for hosting the Centennial Council, as Representative at the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Churches, on the Decorating Committee, as Team Chair for the Reception Committee, as a Lenten Luncheons’ server, as WorkShop Treasurer, as a member of WorkShop Advisory Committee, and currently attends the WorkShop Reflection Group and weekly Bible studies.

Beverly is pleased to be nominated as a Vestry member and believes communication with the new Rector and the congregation will be among the highest priorities for the new Vestry. The Rector will need help in learning who St. Mark’s is and will need insight into what he/she believes is the most essential as St. Mark’s moves forward.

Robert Pollom has been a member of St. Mark’s for 12 years. He was raised in south Texas and is a former member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in McAllen. He is a life-long Episcopalian. Since joining St. Mark’s in 2001, he has served on the leadership team of the CAYA service (formerly, the I.T. Service) and the Young Adults Planning Committee. He has served as an usher for the past 4 years and participates in the annual Christmas to the Streets as part of the men’s overnight grilling team. In 2013 he attended the Diocesan Council Meeting as an Alternate Delegate. Robert is a partner with the law firm Ketterman, Rowland and Westlund. He is a member of the Texas Bar Association, the San Antonio Bar Association, and the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association. He and his wife, Shea, were married at St. Mark’s in June of 2002. They have been blessed with three children, Ethan, Kate, and Caroline. Robert enjoys running, hunting, reading, watching sports and assisting with his children’s sports teams.

Patsy Jordt has been a life-long Episcopalian and joined St. Mark’s in 1999. She has participated in several outreach ministries such as Education for Ministry, Christian Assistance Ministry, SAMM Shelter night team, St. Vincent de Paul’s food service team at Haven for Hope, and the Haven for Hope Worship Team. In addition, Patsy has been a St. Mark’s docent and currently is a member of the Outreach Committee and volunteers at SAISD Hawthorne Academy. Patsy values hospitality and loves that St. Mark’s strives to be an inclusive, hospitable community. She enjoys volunteering and St. Mark’s provides many opportunities to grow into this vision. Her experience with strategic and operational planning can help the parish fulfill this goal. Patsy can add a perspective on what is available and help discern ways to accomplish this goal.

PARISH MEETING Sunday, October 20 10:10a.m.

Gosnell Hall, 3rd floor Vestry election will be held on October 20.

Elections are held in October so the new Vestry members may go through an orientation process before they take office in February 2014. They will be wearing a special name tag that identifies them as nominees for the class of 2016.

Only ballots that have voted for five nominees will be counted.

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2013-2014 YOUTH EVENTS October 2013-June 2014 2013 Christmas Greenery Fundraiser October 6 through November 10 Jr. High (6th-8th grade) Fall Lock-In Friday, October 18 to Saturday, October 19

Todd Allison, Youth Ministries Director Erin Hughes, Asst. Youth Ministries Director youth@stmarks-sa.org

Christmas Greenery Sales Place your orders October 6-November 10 Christmas Greenery orders may be placed with any youth group member or by completing an order form located in the Youth Suite on the 3rd floor.



Orders must be received by November 10!

Confirmation Sunday Sunday, November 3

25in. Balsam/Pine wreath w/bow

$25 each

28in. Balsam/Pine wreath w/bow

$28 each

Happening #126 (Sr. High) November 22-24: All Saints, Corpus Christi

30in. Balsam/Pine wreath w/bow

$30 each

25ft. Balsam/Pine Garland

$31 each

Centerpieces

$25 each

Red 6in. pot w/decorative cover

$12 each

9th Annual Christmas to the Street Fri., December 20: Youth Lock-In Sat., December 21: Barbeque Event 2014 Mid-Winter at Camp Capers (Sr. High) Friday, January 3 – Sunday, January 5 Mid-Winter at Camp Capers (Jr. High) Friday, January 10 – Sunday, January 12

Orders will be available for pickup on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.

Proceeds go to benefit the 9th Annual Christmas to the Street Community BBQ.

Youth In Action Fri., Feb. 21 - Sun., Feb. 23 (St. Mark’s, San Marcos) Pancake Supper & Talent Show Tuesday, March 4 Happening #127 (Sr. High) March 7-9: St. Peter’s, Kerrville Sr. High Mustang Island Retreat Monday, March 10-Wednesday, March 12 Youth Retreat Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 Parish Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 19: Bishop Jones Center Summer Outreach Weekend Fund Drive April 27 – June 1 Senior Sunday/Cinco de Mayo Celebration Sunday, May 4

Friday, October 18 7:00p.m. (Friday) Drop off 9:00a.m. (Saturday) Pick up at St. Mark’s $20.00

6th Annual Summer Outreach Weekend Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8 For additional information on youth events please visit www.stmarks-sa.org or www.facebook.com/smcyouth

Moon bounce, face painting, costume contest, pumpkin carving 6

Many Bodies. One Spirit.

Come join us!

Sunday Night LIVE is 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 impacting their lives.

FALL 2013 SNL DATES Oct. 13 Nov. 10 SNL meets from 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at the Bishop Jones Center 111 Torcido Dr. | SA, TX 78209

Happening #126 November 22-24 All Saints, Corpus Christi $50 registration fee Online registration is now open to all 10-12 grade students who would like to participate in Happening #126.

Happenings are spiritual renewal weekends for high school students.

For more information contact Todd or Erin at youth@stmarks-sa.org.

Registration link: www.dwtx.org/calendar-events/happening

Tug at the Collar Meet in the Youth Suite 6:00p.m.

Wednesday, October 9 with The Rev. Carol Morehead

Dinner is available at CafĂŠ Kairos. $5.00 Contact Todd Allison to be added to the Youth Ministries weekly enewsletter for important information. tallison@stmarks-sa.org

Scholarship assistance is available.

Faith Fellowship Service Community Outreach 7

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ommittee Search Committee continues the search for new Rector

By Dina Aboul Saad & Bill Smith, Search Committee Co-Chairs

The Search Committee was commissioned during the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on September 8th and met for the first time to review the process. We will be spending our first few meetings becoming formed as a community with a grounding in the biblical foundations that will guide our journey together.

Members from left to right: Bill Smith, Elizabeth Casiano, Ralph Voight, Tina Kuykendall, Suzy Tackett, Craig Donegan, Martha Steves, Bartell Zachry, Dina Aboul Saad, Carl Leafstedt, Elizabeth Raney

-Photo by Emmet Faulk

This month, we will be posting a brief ad posted on the Episcopal Digital Network and sent to deployment officers outside the Diocese of West Texas. While the news of our search is already spreading by word of mouth, these ads will be the first formal notification that we are entering the search process.

A committee of the Vestry is hard at work preparing the final Parish Profile document that will serve as the primary mechanism for expressing who we are as a parish and what we seek in a Rector. When this document is complete, it will be made available to prospective candidates and to the parish.

We invite your prayers and deeply appreciate your support as we begin our work to discern who God is calling to serve as the next Rector of St. Mark's.

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Joseph Causby, Director of Music & Organist jcausby@stmarks-sa.org

The charming cherubs are growing

By Sandy Falkenberg, Cherub Choir Director

Cherub Choir welcomes YOU

Six of our youngest choristers attended the first Cherub Choir Summer Camp. We had a great time learning about King David from his anointing by Samuel to his meeting with Goliath. We learned that David was responsible for writing many of the Psalms that we sing each Sunday. As of last Wednesday our roster has grown to nine Charming Cherubs. We meet each Wednesday from 5:00p.m. - 5:45p.m. in the Children's Chapel on the second floor. If your child is 4, 5 or 6 years old we would welcome them. If you are interested you may e-mail Sandy Falkenberg at sandymus09@yahoo.com or call at 210-805-9318.

Music department adds a new program for children Music is such an important part of a young child's development. A new program which addresses this development will begin soon. First Steps in music will be for children from 6 months to 3 years of age.

It is designed to help parents, grandparents or any caregiver explore ways that they can be an active partner in their child's music experience. It designed for parent and child interaction. We will get down on the floor with our little ones and sing songs and enjoy chants together in order to develop little ears that hear pitch and little hands that can feel the beat. We will begin our time together on Wednesday, September 25th at 1:00p.m. in the Children's Chapel on the second floor. We will discuss meeting times and get a preview of how the program works. If you have questions please e-mail me at sandymus09@yahoo.com or call me at 210-805-9318.

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Gail Jackins, Families & Children’s Ministries Director gjackins@stmarks-sa.org

10 Reasons to Bring Your Child to Sunday School

By Gail Jackins, Families & Children’s Ministries Director

While sleeping late can be nice, consider the benefits of Sunday School attendance for your child. Here are 10 reasons to make it a priority in your family.

7. Big Reward For a Small Investment: If you’re already coming to church, just plan on staying for Sunday School. That one change will equal over 800 hours of additional Christian teaching before your child graduates.

1. Age Targeted Teaching: Where else can your kids get regular Biblical instruction that’s focused toward their developmental abilities?

2. Friends: In Sunday School, your child will build positive friendships with their peers by discovering the Bible together.

3. It’s Fun: Sunday School is not Disney Land, but St Mark’s teachers do work hard to teach the Bible in ways that are relevant and fun for kids.

4. Spiritual Mentors: A dedicated teacher can be a Christian role model who supports you and helps inspire the faith of your child.

8. Send the Right Message: Making Sunday School a priority shows your kids that God really does matter more than pillow time.

5. Bible Learning: Our teachers give a broad foundation, so children will understand God’s goodness throughout history.

6. Praying Teachers: Our teachers consistently pray for your child’s faith to grow. Coming to Sunday School gives another occasion for God to answer those requests.

9. Adult Formation Opportunities: While the children enjoy their class, you can fellowship with other adults in your own class.

10. Comfort: Our classrooms are nicely air conditioned and heated, unlike the soccer fields and tennis courts . . . and there’s always a pot of coffee perking!

From page 829 of the Book of Common Prayer For the Care of Children: Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Young Persons: God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Come to the 2nd floor on Sunday mornings

We are off to a great start on the second floor. Our teachers are delighted that your children choose to spend Sunday mornings here. We are here to supplement your endeavor to raise them in line with the promise made at their baptism: “be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life”.

Participate at St. Mark’s on Wednesday evenings

We are back to our fantastic schedule of choirs, youth groups, classes, and activities, for YOU. From 6:00 to 7:00 there is a Lectionary Class in the Dean Richardson Room, and from 6:00 to 6:45 there will be Family Programming in Gosnell Hall while families are at their tables. In October the Family Programming will involve St Francis, Duct Tape, Christopher Columbus, The Lord’s Prayer, and pumpkins . . . come and find out more!

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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS October 1 Augie Clements, Katryn Lewis, Joan Lewis, Frates Seeligson, Susan Sheldon, Caroline Vassar October 2 Steve Matteson, Marjorie Montag, David Phipps, Bob Sohn, Shawn Tanner, Janice Tisdale October 3 Thelma Duffey October 4 Christopher Medley, Michael Minister, Lee Rux, Sharon Speer, Paige Sugg, Bill Wassberg October 5 Mike Vivroux October 6 Wayne Beers, Tyler Cobb, Chuck Cothren, Frannie Douglas, Katy Fowler, Terryn Soward October 7 David Cobb, Tyler Kuykendall, Greg Merritt, Molly Moody October 8 Howard Rainey, Beau Wilson October 9 Martha Ann Franco, Martha Newsom, Christopher Rodriguez, JulieAnne Wisloff October 10 Norma Baird, Francie Calgaard, John Evans, Anne Rochelle October 11 Chris Adkins, Mary Baldwin, Ginny Check, Margaret Gunn, Katherine Smelko

October 12 Suzanne Coker, Alec Crutchfield, Patrice Oliver October 13 John Colglazier, Elaine Enloe, Katrina Hamza, Lindsey Lundell October 14 Nancy Cobb, Marion Hall, Ana Lopez, Rick Roland, Presley Stupka October 15 Ann Barber, Mike Diel, Stacy Underwood October 16 Reagan Houston, Hamlet Newsom October 17 Charles Field, Beverly Krause, Barbara Striekert October 18 Cindy Clancey, Janet Howard, Agatha Wade, Patrick Wickham, Lyndon Woodall October 19 Rachel Dillon, Barbara Holder, Mary Olive Judson, Dan Kelly, Darcie Payne, Ruth Margaret Peyton, Elanor Somers, Larry Walker, Ricks Wilson October 20 Argyle Amberson, Mary Fietsam, Joan Gaither, Timmie Greer, Guizelle Lehman, Violet Villa October 21 Christopher Moa, Cheryl Thompson, Will Watson, Ellen Williams October 22 Olivia Briley, Andrew Goodenough, Eileen McCleary, Janis O’Connor, Elizabeth Reblin

October 23 Laura Briley, Mark Cavender, Jeanette Ross October 24 Courtney Beauchamp, Melissa Morgan October 25 Trinka McGehee October 26 Robert Bruni, Tom Duesing, Barbara Jordan, Sarah Joe LeMessurier, Maria Lozano, Caroline Rickards October 27 Ron Guerra, John Hauser, Tom Kingery, Jessica Miller October 28 Bill Alig, Penelope Allen, Andrew Dahm, Nelda Greer, Wallis Hager, Nancy Jackson, Katharine McMillan, Betty Russell, Aiden Somers October 29 Josephine Cothren, Felix Gonzales, Walter Goodwin, Chris Haff, Aaron Hawkins, Carol Morehead, Patricia Myers, Annette Nixon October 30 Christie Fryatt, Joseph Perretta, Clytie Phelps, Ryan Tanner October 31 Macon Cothren, Todd Minister

DINNERS FOR EIGHT It seems that our inaugural round of Dinners-for-Eight has been going very well. People are having a very nice time, new friendships have developed, and most importantly, some groups haven't finished this 'cycle' yet.

Several have reported that they have had a wonderful time getting to know each other better. “It has been great to have a social time outside of church and then to see each other at church on Sunday.” Because some groups got a late start and summer vacations prolonged the typical once-a-month meeting schedule, the plan is to have the next sign-up period on the first 3 Sundays in December, so the next series of Dinners-for-Eight can start in January.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Stewardship through volunteerism

By Leah Thomas, Special Events Coordinator

I had a discussion with Father Bowersox the other day and asked him if volunteerism would be addressed in the upcoming stewardship discussions at St. Mark’s. He said, "Absolutely. We will acknowledge the wonderful gifts of time, talent and treasure in our church community," and he invited me to share a few thoughts on volunteerism from a Kitchen Ministries perspective.

Because I'm the Special Events Coordinator at St. Mark's I think about volunteers all of the time. Volunteers are the engine that keeps the church running. This gift of service is immeasurable to St. Mark's because the generous care and attention we receive from our volunteers reaches a much deeper level than simply defraying costs.

We are taking care of each other and the community when we offer our time and talent as a volunteer in one of the many ministries at St. Mark's or display our hospitality by serving others during church events. Of course, as with everything Christian, you end up getting more emotionally out of volunteerism than you give. I've been a member of St. Mark's for over 20 years but, being on the shy side, I didn't really feel very comfortable at church until I joined a Bible study class and started working on some projects as a volunteer. Now I feel like

I belong to the community of St. Mark's - I figured out that my comfortable place at St. Mark's is the kitchen, this is where I feel at home.

Through the grace of God and the generosity of our members, we have been blessed with one of the most beautiful churches in the country. We are able to accept this abundant gift and show gratitude by utilizing it for our highest purposes. St. Mark's is God's house and ours. I believe we have been blessed with this beautiful home because we are supposed to use it well. We can let our creative ideas flow here. If our intentions are to serve God in faith, fellowship, hospitality and outreaching charity, we have the facility to bring our ideas to fruition. We have beautiful spaces and gardens for worship, fundraising, preparing meals for the homeless, luncheons and just having fun together.

All we need are intentions filled with love and people who love to serve God together.

If you would like to share the gift of your time and talent by volunteering in one of our many ministries, please ask for one of our Ministries of St. Mark's booklets and feel free to call the contacts listed. We can always find a place for you to serve!

Advent Meditations

By The Rev. Carol Morehead, Assistant Rector

Each year, we in liturgical churches get to celebrate the New Year twice. We celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year cycle, which begins on January 1st every year. But we also are formed by the rhythm of the liturgical year, which begins every year with Advent. Advent is a moveable season, meaning that rather than beginning each year on the same date (like the calendar year does), the beginning of Advent is determined by when another fixed feast, the Feast of the Nativity, or Christmas, falls. Since Christmas is fixed, always falling on December 25 th, the Sundays of Advent are always the four Sundays before Christmas Day, whether it occurs on a Sunday or a weekday.

So the first Sunday of Advent is always the beginning of the liturgical year.

This year, we are celebrating the beginning of the 2014 Liturgical year by creating our own Advent & Christmas Devotional Book.

All are invited to participate as we share the insights God is giving us during Advent & Christmas. While we will print a limited number of these booklets, each day’s reflection will be posted on our website and our Facebook page.

Sign up to share a reflection on the reading assigned for the day.

You may write a short reflection in prose or poetic form (limit 200 words) or you may submit an image, either color or black and white (.jpg format). Please just sign up once so that others also have the opportunity to share. Questions? Contact Carol Morehead at cmorehead@stmarks-sa.org or by calling the church office. Submission deadline is Friday, November 8, 2013.

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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 Interim Rector: The Rev. Ned Bowersox Editor: Melanie Lizcano Layout & Graphic Design: Melanie Lizcano e-mail articles to mlizcano@stmarks-sa.org

Article deadline is 2nd Wednesday of each month

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Beginning today, through November 1st, the St. Mark’s Choirs are taking orders for fresh cut Fraser-fir Christmas Trees. The trees will be cut and shipped directly to St. Mark’s from a tree farm in the Virginia mountains. The trees will arrive in San Antonio and will be ready for collection on November 30 and December 1st. In addition to the preordered trees, we will have extra trees on hand for purchase by our wider community.

The pricing is as follows: 3' tabletop= $25 5’-6’ = $50 6’-7’ = $75 7’-8’ =$100 8’-9’ = $150 9’-10’ = 200

Please see a member of our choirs to place your order.

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