The Messenger - June 2015

themessenger Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church June 2015

VOLUME 104

ISSUE 6 FROM THE RECTOR

IN THIS ISSUE: Finance Report Page 2 Parish News Page 3 Adult Formation Page 4 Parish Retreat Pics Page 5 Youth Ministries Page 6

Children & Family Page 7 Birthdays Page 8

A Chance to Be With One Another “Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?” BCP p. 304 When we recite the baptismal covenant in worship, we are asked about how and when we will be involved in community. There are many ways we do this, but Sundays are always a good opportunity. Despite the old joke about Episcopalians thinking that God trusts us enough to take the summer off, there are wonderful opportunities to still participate in our common life when you are in town.

During the summer our pace shifts, as does our service schedule. These changes bring with them new opportunities. I want to really encourage you to take advantage of the many offerings we have over the summer. Whether it is coming to Vacation Bible School, the Youth Summer Outreach Weekend, or volunteering in one of our many ongoing outreach ministries, the summer gives us a wonderful chance to try something new.

In our One Body, Many Menu group gatherings, there has been a consistent theme articulated around our deep desire to know one another. Being creatures of habit, we might typically go to a particular service and then miss out on the opportunity to know people who attend other services.

The combined 10am service in the summer gives us a great opportunity to see people we might not normally see and worship with one another. If you have plans later in the day, why not come and try the 7:45 am Rite I service? Looking for something more contemplative? Try the 4pm service in Bethlehem Chapel.

Christian formation on Sundays also continues at 9am throughout the summer for all ages. I am particularly excited about an adult offering we will feature. Each week, different people from the parish will share their favorite bible stories and how it has formed their spiritual journey. Join us at 9am in Bethlehem Chapel to learn more about one another in the context of our common biblical story.

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

There are also many special outreach opportunities coming up this summer, so read in this issue and our weekly e-news about ways you can think about making that a part of your routine as well.

However you decide to participate, take the time to meet someone in the parish you haven’t had a chance to know. Don’t worry about whether they have been members for decades or are visiting for the first time. Just offer the gift of yourself and the relationship we already share in Jesus Christ.

Peace,

Beth+

FINANCE REPORT

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

Parish Clergy The Rev. Beth Knowlton Rector The Rev. Carol Morehead Associate Rector Making a Gift of Their Service The Rev. C. Douglas Earle Assisting Priest The Rev. Mary Earle Assisting Priest The Rev. Dr. John Lewis Co-Director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Dr. Jane Patterson Co-Director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Linda Ricketts Assisting Priest Staff Todd Allison Youth Director Priscilla Briones Finance Manager Catherine Cardenas Children’s Ministry Intern Janet Carrizales Nursery Director Joseph Causby Director of Music & Organist Emmet Faulk Parish Business Administrator Erin Hughes Youth Ministries Assistant Director Gail Jackins Children & Families Ministries Director Marsha Kimura Music Department Administrator Jesse “Chuy” Mendoza Kitchen Manager/Chef Ruby Merrill Facilities Supervisor & Receptionist Pat Hutchison Noble Community of Care Amanda Quisenberry Youth Ministries Assistant Dr. Edwin A. Rieke Dir. of Music & Organist Emeritus Callie Sanchez Families & Children’s Ministries Intern Derek Shively Head Sexton Leah Thomas Special Events Coordinator

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

Emmet Faulk, | Parish Business Administrator | efaulkjr@stmarks-sa.org

2015 Giving Update Below is an update on giving as of Wednesday, May 27, 2015. At this point, we are below our projections for 2015. If you have not pledged, please consider pledging today. Thank you!

As of: 5/27/15

2015 Pledge

Up

Down

New

$183,358

($30,235)

$76,982

176

32

36

$4,769

$1,042

($945)

$2,138

$2,400

$325

($463)

$1,650

TOTALS $1,659,598 # Pledges 348 AVERAGE Median Pledge

NoCH 104

ONLINE PLEDGING IS NOW AVAILABLE! If you have not already pledged, please visit our website at http://stmarks-sa.org/#/home/2015-pledge

April Financial Report Below is the budgeted financial report for April 2015.

2015 FINANCIAL REPORT Actual for Period Pledge Revenue

Budgeted for Period

$209,615

$151,667

$6,327

$13,375

Open Plate Giving/Seasonal Giving

$13,594

$12,064

Other Revenue (e.g., parking lot)

$40,037

$46,123

TOTAL REVENUE:

$269,573

$223,229

TOTAL EXPENSES:

$202,231

$221,177

REVENUE OVER EXPENSES:

$67,342

$2,052

Non Pledged Giving

2

PARISH NEWS What Makes a Ministry Successful?

By Dina Aboul-Saad The Commission on Ministry, in asking about the status of the Saint Mark’s Science Initiative, has prompted this question: What makes a ministry successful? Should it be measured by longevity? By the number of volunteers? Or by the measurable impact?

A group of concerned St. Mark’s parishioners made up of education administrators, teachers, and parents convened in 2005/2006 to discuss the need to nurture an interest in math and science among elementary and middle school children in San Antonio. We faithfully set about researching the issue, identifying partners, and establishing relationships – particularly with the Hawthorne Academy.

Our core thinking revolved around how to identify aptitude among students who hadn’t had the opportunity to wonder and hypothesize and experiment without the pressure of standardized tests. We set about providing the resources requested by the school, both in volunteer hours and funding for software and an on-campus summer academy.

Over the course of six years, we built up a rapport and partnership with the teachers and administration that led to enthusiasm among students for science. After two years of the summer science academy, two to three weeks of full day science programming, the school developed a waiting list. Parents were calling the teachers to find out how to enroll their children. And by the measure of student diaries, pre and post assessments, and even test scores, we were making progress. In a related initiative, dozens of you engaged as coaches to motivate and encourage students to compete in UIL, an inter-school academic competition program. You offered your expertise in math, science, geography, language, art, and music. Maybe most importantly, you made an offering of your friendship and attention to Hawthorne students.

Since we started working with the Hawthorne Academy in 2006, over 650 students have benefited from enrichment programming made possible by the generosity of this parish.

And now this ministry has come to a conclusion due to a variety of constraints. But by every measure that matters – abiding with our neighbors, caring about the needs of others, and meeting need where we find it – it has been a success.

A wise school administrator once told me, “everything in its time.” Isn’t ministry healthiest when the energy of the parish intersects with the need of the wider community? If so, then ministry surely follows a natural life cycle. Thanks to all who invested time, talent, and treasure in this ministry.

3

Adult Christian Formation The Rev. Carol Morehead | Associate Rector | cmorehead@stmarks-sa.org

T

his summer we welcome members of the parish who will share with us their favorite bible stories. Join us on Sundays at 9:00am in Bethlehem Chapel to hear how God has worked through the written word to lead those with whom we share this community of faith. For more details, see the website or email Carol at cmorehead@stmarks-sa.org.

Sunday Offerings Bible Stories: How the Word Shapes and Transforms Us June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26 August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30

Tina Kuykendall - I John 4: How a Southern Baptist made me a better Episcopalian Dan Morehead - Forcing God to Do the Right Thing: Jacob Wrestle with God Andrew Morrison - Genesis 1:31: And Behold, It was Very Good: Why Christians should not hate the world Mary Carolyn Watson - The Story of Esther: Redefining Comfort Zone NO CLASS Jill Vassar - Ecclesiastes 3: Godly Play - The Church Calendar Gillian Cook - God Intended It for Good': The Story of Joseph - and Us Carl Leafstedt - Psalm 95: Let us Make a Joyful Noise. Or, What Goes Through the Mind of a College Music Professor When Singing Hymns at St. Mark's Don Lucas - Gender, Sex, Marriage, and Power—One Psychologist’s Perspective on Adam and Eve Jane Patterson - Jacob's Ladder: Meeting God in the Middle of Nowhere Sylvia Maddox James Dennis - John 21: Three Questions and a Charcoal Fire Go to Fall Schedule; Ministry Faire

Midweek Offerings Wednesdays Mid-Week Bible Study will resume on September 9th.

Daughters of the King Book Study will resume on September 9th.

Thursdays Time Out Bible Study will continue the close reading of the gospel of Mark on September 10th.

Mesa Redonda is taking June off; stay tuned for further plans.

4

Parish Retreat at Mustang Island

5

YOUTH MINISTRIES Todd Allison, Youth Director | Erin Hughes, Assistant Youth Director | AmandaQuisenberry, Ministry Assist. | youth@stmarks-sa.org WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SMCYOUTH

@SMYGSA

#SMYGSA

YOUTH GATHERINGS

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,“plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

SUMMER 2015

Jeremiah 29:11

CLASS OF 2015

Youth Formation - 9am Sundays (Youth Suite) Summer Outreach Weekend - June 5-7 Episcopal Night at the Ball Park - July 12 Youth Night Out! - August 19 Acolyte Training/Meeting - August 23 (8:30am)

Parker Cassidy William Cotton Alexandra Dorn Claire Johnson Macky Lopez Juan Carlos Rodriguez Jonah Slocum Donnie Soward Albert ‘Seis’ Steves VI Wilson Taylor Margaret Vassar

HAPPENING 131 August 7-9, 2015, St. Mark’s, San Antonio

St. Mark’s would like to recognize our senior acolytes for their faithful dedication, service, and leadership.

Happenings are spiritual renewal weekends for high school students in grades 10 through 12. The diocese sponsors three weekends each year in various locations. For more information, contact Todd Allison or Erin Hughes, or visit http://www.dwtx.org/calendar-events/happening/

Alexandra Dorn Claire Johnson Margaret Vassar

7th ANNUAL ST. MARK’S YOUTH MINISTRIES

F R I D A Y, J U N E 5 GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER & TAKING IT TO THE STREETS DINNER

S A T U R D A Y, J U N E 6 SA PETS ALIVE & SIX FLAGS

S U N D A Y, J U N E 7 10AM WORSHIP AT ST. MARK’S

PER PERSON (INCLUDES SIX FLAGS)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 21st (SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE)

6

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES Gail Jackins | Director of Children and Families Ministries | gjackins@stmarks-sa.org

2015 VBS at St. Mark’s St Mark’s is excited to host Camp Discovery VBS this summer from 9:00am to noon, Monday through Thursday, June 22-25. Mrs. Shea Pollom and the Vacation Bible School committee are planning a wonderful experience for children age 4 and older, including programming for younger children of adult volunteers. At Camp Discovery, kids have fun as they explore the Bible, make new friends, sing songs, and learn how Jesus works through them in their everyday lives. Campers discover Bible truths that excite and challenge them. Jesus, our True North, gives campers the wisdom and the courage to step out in faith and serve—whether they’re at school, playing with friends, or helping out at home. There will also be an Outreach component for VBS. Pick up a list of items we are collecting, and help others while having fun together.

Register campers at stmarks-sa.org/#/formation-ministries/2015-vbs.

Please remember to mail in the suggested fee of $25 per child with a family cap of $50.

After registering, mail your fee to St Mark’s, 315 East Pecan St, 78205.

Camp Capers Day Camp

at St Mark’s

Summer Sunday mornings Once again this summer, we will combine all Sunday School classes from 1st to 6th grade on the 2nd floor. Our regular children’s formation ministers will be on summer break. Miss Callie and Miss Gail will keep the program going for the summer, but they will need an occasional substitute. Please email gjackins@stmarks-sa.org if you’re available to occasionally be a substitute – we always have two adults in any room with children.

This summer, St. Mark’s will host Camp Capers Day Camp on June 15 to 19. Day campers will be here from 9:00 to 3:00 and bring a lunch from home each day. This new offering is designed for children who haven't been to Camp Capers before but are This summer’s class will coordinate with the Bible lessons that considering attending, children who don’t sleep away we hear in church on that Sunday. We will continue Children’s from home, and inviting other children who would Chapel during the 10:00 service during the summer. enjoy a fun, meaningful week sharing the transforming, unconditional love of Jesus Christ. St Mark’s will provide facilities and supplies, snacks, volunteers, and host families who will provide housing for the Camp Episcopal Night at the Missions Baseball Game Capers staff. Camp Capers counselors and staff will be The annual Episcopal Night at the Missions game will be held the leaders of programs and activities.

Sunday, July 12, when the San Antonio Missions take on the Specifically, we are in need of Tulsa Drillers at 6:05 p.m. The Puffy Taco will be available for *7 host families to provide room, meals, and daily pictures with the first 500 children, and children can run the transportation to/from St Mark’s for pairs of 2 bases after the game. Tickets are $8.00 each (ages 2 and under Camp Capers Staffers for the week; are free); and you can also purchase a voucher for a hot dog, *Funds to purchase craft supplies; soda, and chips for $6.00. Use the link below to order tickets, *Snacks for the Day Campers and Capers staff; then mail a check to the Diocese of West Texas, and your tickets *Adults and older teens to volunteer that week.

If you have questions or are interested in supporting this new opportunity for Camp Capers and St Mark’s, contact Gail at gjackins@stmarks-sa.org.

can be picked up beginning July 7 at the church you list on the form. Questions? Contact Leigh Saunders in the diocesan office. http://www.dwtx.org/download_file/view/1851/ 7

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/Editor-in-Chief: The Rev. Beth Knowlton Layout & Graphic Design: Emmet Faulk e-mail articles efaulkjr@stmarks-sa.org

Article deadline is 3rd Friday of each month

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

12-Jun 13-Jun

1-Jun

2-Jun 3-Jun 4-Jun 5-Jun 6-Jun 7-Jun 8-Jun 9-Jun 10-Jun

11-Jun

14-Jun 15-Jun 16-Jun

Daisy Bousquet, Leo Bowen, Doan Brahm, Ruth Burink, Susan Frost, Jessica Hall, Meredith Key, Jason Luce, Bob Szczepanski, Jean Van Gee, John Watson Sadie Kaliski, Ruby Merrill, Pat Noble, Angela Torres-Lopez William Cotton, Mollie Zachry Stephen Cavender, Harry Greer, Steve Hays Beau Watson Josie Breazeale, Elizabeth Cave, Tom McCloskey, David Solis, Tim Ward Sharon Bothe, Matthew Gish, Jim McNeel, Angus Ranson W. B. Cavender, Mike Duffey, Tammy Edmondson, Deborah Yancy Randy Barber, Phoenix Braly, Ashley Gilroy, Erin Klanica Laura Galindo, Fayth Ham, Victoria Locke, Amanda Quisenberry, Gloria Villanueva, Julie Wilkinson Christopher Check, Todd Piland, Ava Redmond, Andrew Sherwood, Sara Sherwood, Jim Zachry

17-Jun 18-Jun 19-Jun 20-Jun 21-Jun 23-Jun 24-Jun 25-Jun 26-Jun 27-Jun 28-Jun 29-Jun 30-Jun

8

Blake Bonner, Peter Gainey, Kate Smelko, Edward Steves David Hernandez, Claire Johnson, Mitchell Maren, Maren Mitchell, Julia Scheibe, Donnie Soward Laura Cadwallader, Henry Dent, Deborah Hays Andy Besing, Joan Blakemore, Ed Keetch Hannah Minister, Bailey Voight, Christina Zimmerhanzel Mike Check, John Frierson, Lila Paige Griffin, Frank Jones, Will McDonough, Craig Stokes Nils Pearson, Adam Thomas Jonathan Cotton, Quinn Moody Grey Hawkins Norb Cole, Bill Matthews, Catherine McNeel Sam Clements, John Long, Lisa Lucas, Tripp Voight Kim Casey, Lily Ruth Doyle, David Foglesong, Lee Holder, Travis Long, Robert Tucker Hewitt Matthews, Devin Mullen, Felicity Orgill, Ann Sampson Rowe Blount, Susan Bowman, Genevieve Lillibridge, Kate Vetters, Golly Younger Adam Duncan, Rebekah Redmond Anne Ivy, Ava Satel, Henry Satel, Jose Sena, Juliana Wilson Annabell Ames, Anne Connor, Beth Hawkins, Ben McPherson, Alex Westmoreland Mike Gonzalez, Laura Lye, Bea McFadden, Sarah Taylor Talaat