The Messenger St. Mark's Episcopal Church, San Antonio

themessenger Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

July/August 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: Finance Report Page 2 Adult Formation Page 3 Parish News Page 4 Ministry News Page 5-6 Diocesan News Page 7 Youth Ministries Page 8-9 Children & Family Page 10 Music News Page 11 Save the Date Page 12

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 104

ISSUE 7

FROM THE RECTOR

A Place of Welcome

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”

Matthew 19:14

As I write these words I am thinking with gratitude on a wonderful week of young children’s voices raised in praise, song, and learning at Camp Discovery, our Vacation Bible School offering this year. I am so grateful for the many adult and teen volunteers who worked to make it such a success. I had hoped early in my tenure that we might have a Vacation Bible School offering here at the parish, and it was wonderful to see it come into being.

It has been a year of transition as we have begun to know one another; the ten One Body, Many Menu gatherings we have had in the past year have been a wonderful way to hear from you. We have another ten scheduled this fall, and I know we will continue to discern as a community where God might be calling us.

One area that has been consistently raised in our gatherings is ensuring the future of our children and youth ministries. Having vibrant children, youth, and family programming is essential for our long term health and growth as a community. As you likely know by now, our Director of Children and Family Ministry, Gail Jackins, has taken another position at St. Cuthbert’s church in Houston. We wish her well and thank her for her presence with us during this time of transition.

I want to make sure that I am transparent with the community as we move forward. This transition gives us an important and exciting opportunity to really assess what our needs are in the area of children and youth ministry. Prior to knowing of Gail’s departure, I had already asked Robert Pollom and Elizabeth Raney from the Vestry and Angela Torres-Lopez and Bill Smith from the Commission on Ministry to form and organize a committee to discern what is working well and where we might have opportunities for growth in this ministry. They have invited, and the following people have agreed to also serve with them: Courtney Beauchamp, Josie Dorris, Renee Faulk, Graham Matthews, Greg Merritt, Patrice Oliver, and Mary Carolyn Watson. Thank you for your willingness to serve!

This group will convene in July to discuss our next steps. In the meantime I will look for an Interim Director of Children and Family Ministry to make sure our programs are covered as we engage in this discernment. I will not be hiring a permanent person for the position until we do the important work of really discerning what our needs are now and for the future. The work of the committee will be supported by a consulting firm that specializes in assisting churches in developing a strategic plan for children’s and youth ministry. The firm is called Ministry Architects and comes highly recommend by the diocese and clergy who have used them in the past. There will be listening sessions as part of their work which will ensure we hear from a broad representation of the parish to make sure we have a ministry that best meets the needs of our members. I also hope to have them look at our youth programming to make sure our programming is coordinated. I have spoken to Joseph Causby and Todd Allison, and they are supportive of this approach.

I am excited by the possibilities that are ahead of us. We have a wonderful community and one that can form children and youth to be disciples of 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 Dina Aboul Saad Director of Communications, Stewardship, & Gift Planning Todd Allison Youth Director Priscilla Briones Finance Manager Janet Carrizales Nursery Director Joseph Causby, PhD Organist & Choirmaster Emmet Faulk Parish Business Administrator Erin Hughes Youth Ministry Assistant 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 Ministry Assistant Dr. Edwin A. Rieke Dir. of Music & Organist Emeritus Callie Sanchez Children & Family Ministry Intern Derek Shively Head Sexton Leah Thomas Special Events Coordinator

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

2015 Giving Update Below is an update on giving as of Wednesday, June 25, 2015. At this point, we are below our projections for 2015. If you have not pledged, please consider pledging today. Thank you!

As of: 6/25/15

2015 Pledge

Up

Down

New

$183,808

($31,235)

$80,482

177

33

37

$4,733

$1,038

($947)

$2,175

$2,400

$338

($500)

$1,800

TOTALS $1,656,148 # Pledges 352 AVERAGE Median Pledge

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

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

2015 FINANCIAL REPORT Actual for Period Pledge Revenue

Budgeted for Period

$113,407

$151,667

$23,062

$13,375

$2,393

$2,064

$50,725

$46,123

TOTAL REVENUE:

$189,587

$213,229

TOTAL EXPENSES:

$185,486

$221,178

REVENUE OVER EXPENSES:

$4,101

($7,949)

Non Pledged Giving Open Plate Giving/Seasonal Giving Other Revenue (e.g., parking lot)

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

NoCH

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

O

ur summer series continues as 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 July 19 July 26 August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30

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 - John 14:2-3: Prayer as Pilgrimage Home James Dennis - John 21: Three Questions and a Charcoal Fire Go to Fall Schedule; Ministry Faire at 10:10am

Midweek Offerings will resume in September

St. Mark’s Treasurer—New Appointment Thank you to Len Briley! Welcome to John McClung!

I am pleased to announce that John McClung has accepted the invitation to serve as St. Mark’s Treasurer for the coming three years. John brings to these duties a wealth of skill and commitment to the people of St. Mark’s. As we prepared to welcome him, we offer our deepest thanks to Len Briley. Len has faithfully served as our treasurer for over four years. His grace and commitment have been exemplary, especially as we have gone through such profound transitions in recent years. He has left us in a strong position for the transition and graciously agreed to continue to serve on the finance committee for the coming year.

Beth+ 3

PARISH NEWS Comings & Goings New Director of Communications, Stewardship, and Gift Planning We are delighted to announce that we have hired a new staff member at St. Mark’s.

Ms. Dina Aboul-Saad will be joining us part-time as of July 1st and then full time after the first of the year. Dina comes to us with many gifts and talents that will serve the people of St. Mark’s in the coming years. She has a degree in journalism and is a certified fundraising executive. She has a strong background non-profit work including communications, financial development of endowments, and annual giving campaigns. She comes to us from her work at the American Research Center in Egypt, where she has been since 2007.

Dina, is well known to us at St. Mark’s. She and her husband Chuck Harvey have been long time members and their daughter Hannah is a familiar face in our youth choir. Dina has served in many leadership capacities through the years here. She has been on the vestry, served as senior warden, facilitated the St. Mark’s Science Initiative, and was a co-chair of the Rector Search Committee. She brings with her a deep love of St. Mark’s and our core vocation. Her vision and energy will bless us for many years to come.

New Organ Scholar Robert Stubbs (Bobby), comes to us following a year as the music intern of West End United Methodist Church, in Nashville, TN. Originally from the Washington, DC area, Bobby studied at Westminster Choir College as an undergraduate and received a Masters degree in organ performance from Indiana University in 2014.

Bobby is very excited to join the staff of St. Mark’s, and looks forward to working with all of our choirs in the coming year. His first day is August 1st.

Farewell to our Director of Children & Families Ministry It is with mixed emotions we announce the departure of Gail Jackins, who has accepted a new position at St. Cuthbert’s in Houston. Her last Sunday with us was July 12. Gail has served as the Director of Children & Family Ministries for nearly two years. We are grateful for all Gail has done during this time of transition. We wish her well and God’s blessing on her new job.

New Altar Guild Leadership The St. Mark’s Altar Guild welcomed a new slate of leaders at their annual luncheon in May. The leaders for 2015-16 are: Megan McPheron, Chair; Agatha Wade, Co-Chair; Ann Leafstedt, Treasurer; Sissy Tietz, Baptisms; Dean Glass, Funerals; Jody Kelly, Weddings; Susan Wilson, Linens; Ann Coiner, Flowers; Patrice Oliver, Chapel; Deems Smith, EV Kits; and Pat Donegan, Clergy Vestments. The past leaders were thanked for their faithful service, especially during the time of transition.

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MINISTRY NEWS WHAT’S ST. MARK’S DOING AT HAVEN FOR HOPE?

By Pat Bridwell For those of you unfamiliar with Haven for Hope, it’s a downtown campus located about one mile from St. Mark’s doorsteps. It provides programs and resources on the cutting edge of nationwide efforts to help individuals experiencing homelessness recover and reach their full potential to live self-directed lives.

Covering over 22 acres and initially costing $101 million dollars, the campus has the capacity to provide safe shelter and transformational services to roughly 1500 individuals – the largest transformational campus in the United States. And it’s done this and more in only five years of operation.

Members of St. Mark’s have supported Haven for Hope since the beginning. This includes projects coordinated by St. Mark’s and others that were not. Our initial involvement centered on food ministries. We have teams who prepare delicious, filling main courses in St. Mark’s kitchen for transport to Haven for their food partners, the San Antonio Food Bank and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to serve to hundreds of hungry people. We have teams who help prepare and serve full meals on the Haven main campus and in the Courtyard on a regular monthly basis. Our Youth and adults prepare the annual Christmas to the Street BBQ dinner and it is served at Haven by St. Mark’s members on the Saturday before Christmas each year.

St. Mark’s members have led worship services at the Chapel at Haven. We have sponsored Java & Jams programs to provide music, conversation and refreshments for residents in the Courtyard. Families moving into permanent housing got a helping hand from St. Mark’s members when we participated in the 70 in 7 project to move seventy families in seven months from Haven into independent housing. And, this doesn’t include other activities individual members of St. Mark’s are involved in at Haven. We have been living our core vocation in this setting.

Now, we are expanding the information network to let St. Mark’s members know about lots of other volunteer opportunities available at Haven. And, perhaps you have an idea about what you’d like to offer to Haven and want to share it with others. We’re calling it THE ST. MARK’S HAVEN FOR HOPE VOLUNTEER NETWORK. Our hope is to provide a means for St. Mark’s members and others in our community to connect with other people and to access information, with the goal of efficiently offering diverse, satisfying volunteer opportunities that fit with our mission statement and core vocation.

We’re just getting started. We’ll keep you informed as we move forward and solicit your ideas and participation. Over the summer we will be conducting a book collection drive to provide books to residents at the main campus and the Courtyard at Haven. Information will be available in the E-news and Sunday bulletin about how you can contribute to the drive. A book fair is being planned for the Fall at Haven. We will take the books donated and personally distribute them on campus. If that is something you are interested in, please join us.

For more information: Please contact Patsy Jordt at (210)827-1949 or patsyjordt@sbcglobal.net; or Pat Bridwell at pbridwell@att.net; 210 621-8288.

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MINISTRY NEWS Update on the St. Mark’s Lenten Offerings Task Force The St. Mark’s Lenten Offerings Task Force was charged by the Vestry to “discern a new direction for a Lenten Offering that builds on the traditions of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and is in keeping with our Mission Statement and Core Vocation.” Under the guidance of Rev. Mary Earle, Lewis Fisher, and Rev. Dr. John Lewis, we have had study sessions on What Is Lent?, a brief church history, examining St. Mark’s role and perception in the community, and discernment and consensus. We have studied our Parish Profile carefully. Using our Mission Statement and Core Vocation as guideposts, we identified and are focusing on the ways St. Mark’s embodies Christ’s presence in our community.

Over the summer, we have been in “investigative mode”. Working in teams, the Task Force members are contacting Episcopal churches within our Diocese and across the United States as well as churches of other denomination in our city to learn what others are offering. This information will be reviewed as our group meets again at the end of August.

While we are not working with a definite deadline, we are hoping to come to some recommendations beginning this fall and will make an up-to-date report at the Parish Meeting in November. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact one of us. The members of the Task Force include: John Beauchamp, Dawna Boudreaux, Stephen Cavender, Laurin Cothren, Darin Digby, Mike Kuykendall, Katie McDonough Brandon Raney, David Ribble, Anne Rochelle, Suzy Tackett, Robin Voight, Susan Waltrip, the Rev. Mary Earle, who serves as Chaplain, and Pat Bridwell and Martha Steves, who serve as Co-Facilitators. We ask that you keep the work of this group in your prayers.

Vestry Discernment Committee Update The Vestry Discernment Committee has begun its work for the next Vestry election in the fall. Its members have developed a list of the Vestry Goals & Challenges for 2016, issues that will most likely shape the vestry's agenda in the coming year. Following the list of challenges is a list of qualities, characteristics, and experiences that are desirable to see embodied by the new vestry members. These can be found on the St. Mark’s website.

Members of the congregation are invited to contribute names to the list of people that the Discernment Committee is considering. The Discernment Committee will then take all of the names that have been suggested, and match them with the qualities and characteristics desired for the incoming vestry class, together with other considerations such as balancing ages, gender, and areas of parish involvement.

Please keep in mind that any vestry nominee must be: • • • •

At least 18 years old A communicant in good standing in the Episcopal Church (baptized, confirmed, received) A pledging member of the parish, working towards tithing Regular in attendance and participation

Names may be submitted to any member of the committee: Carl Leafstedt, Suzy Tackett, Tina Kuykeydall, Don Lucas, Nancy Reed, Anne Connor, The Rev. Carol Morehead, or emailed to stmarks@stmarks-sa.org.

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DIOCESAN NEWS The 78th General convention of the Episcopal Church was held in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 25 July 3. The General Convention, which meets every three years and is the governing body of The Episcopal Church, is a bicameral legislature that includes the House of Bishops, with approximately 200 members; and the House of Deputies, with more than 800 lay and clergy members from 109 dioceses and missionary jurisdictions. During its triennial meeting, deputies and bishops consider a wide range of important matters facing the Church. Actions of the 2015 General Convention included the election and confirmation of the 27th Presiding Bishop; the report of The Episcopal Church Task Force on the Study of Marriage which was commissioned by the 2012 General Convention; consideration of proposed changes in the Episcopal Church's structure; and the review and approval of the church’s triennial budget.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry was elected and confirmed as the 27th Presiding Bishop. The House of Bishops elected Curry, presently Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, from a slate of four candidates on the first ballot. The House of Deputies then confirmed the election by a vote of 800 to 12. Curry will be installed Nov. 1 at the Washington National Cathedral, the day The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the current Presiding Bishop, completes her nine-year term.

Report on Marriage Resolutions from General Convention Among the many resolutions and items for consideration at last month’s General convention, there were two resolutions that passed related to marriage in the Episcopal Church. The two resolutions dealing with marriage are entitled A054 and A036. A fuller description of the resolutions and the trial liturgies can be found on our website which includes a letter from Bishop Lillibridge. As a result of the actions of General Convention, liturgies for marriage of same gendered couples have been approved for trial use as of Advent of 2015 in the Episcopal Church. How this is to be enacted in individual diocese is still to be developed.

There are interpretive questions to be determined as to how this resolution is carried out, what discretion each Bishop has in the process in each diocese, and what the full ramifications will be. Our delegation from West Texas and our Bishops voted as they felt called to do so, and they were not of a single mind on the issue. I suspect they very much reflect the spectrum of opinion that exists in the diocese and in our parish.

In terms of next steps for St. Mark’s I expect the passage of these resolutions will change the current process that was laid out by the Bishop in April. That process granted permission to three parishes and only three parishes to use the trial rites in the diocese in the coming year. None of us know the next steps in our diocese, and I am grateful for the Bishop’s leadership and clarity. I have no doubt that he will be in contact in the coming weeks about what the Diocese of West Texas can expect.

There will be a desire by some in our parish to explore usage of these liturgies that have received approval and I have already had conversations with people expressing that desire. There are also those who are not exactly sure how they feel and what might be the impact on our common life. There are those who are concerned about moving forward. Wherever you may find yourself, please know that I am available and willing to hear from you. I am happy to answer questions and hear your thoughts. We will also engage in an intentional community process once we hear from the Bishop.

I will in the coming weeks discern with the leadership of our vestry, clergy, and all of you how to best commence a conversation at St. Mark's. We have yet to do this in an intentional way, and it will be a vital step as we move forward.

As faithful Christians, I am asking you to do what you already do so well, which is to be a presence of calm steady love that is only possible through the love we have received from Jesus Christ. We are in a strong and positive place as a parish, and we have a tradition of respecting and supporting one another in Christ-like love. Patience will be important as we await guidance and have a chance to discern how to best proceed in our community. It will be important for us to do this with care and deliberation. I have every confidence that we will do this with faith and grace. As always, I am grateful for this calling to be amongst you as priest and companion as we answer God's calling.

Peace,

Beth+ 7

YOUTH MINISTRIES Todd Allison, Youth Director | Erin Hughes, Assistant Youth Director | AmandaQuisenberry, Ministry Assist. | youth@stmarks-sa.org WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SMCYOUTH ‘My Faith, My Life’ - 8th Grade Formation Offering

@SMYGSA

#SMYGSA

Called to Serve: Summer Outreach Weekend 2015

Each year, the youth of St. Mark’s welcome the end of the school year by giving back to our local community as part of the annual Summer Outreach Weekend.

Friday youth met at St. Mark’s for a quick orientation before loading up for the first project of the weekend. Originally scheduled to assist at the Good Samaritan Center, the devastating floods in the hill country shifted our focus and we headed to Wimberley to assist with relief. The group spent the day sorting and organizing donations, and handing them out to people who came in needing assistance or looking to replace even the most basic of needs. We returned to San Antonio and the next outreach opportunity. Thanks to the help of the St. Mark’s kitchen staff, youth loaded up pasta, salad, and bread to serve dinner to those in need in partnership with the Taking it to the Streets Ministry.

Youth Ministry Program News!!!

In an empty lot near 9th Street, youth and other volunteers set up tables, made sandwiches, plated food, poured drinks, picked up trash, and served over 250 of our neighbors in need. After a long day of Beginning this fall all rising 6th graders will join the youth program on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. If you service, the youth returned to the church building where everyone shared their service experiences. Conversations were about what the are not already on our email list please contact Todd, Erin and Amanda at youth@stmarks-sa.org so we can include you youth saw, experienced, and helped with throughout the day.

Saturday morning we went to work with San Antonio Pets Alive near in news and schedules as the fall approaches. the San Antonio Zoo. Youth were given a tour of the facility before it opened and educated on the roll of San Antonio Pets Alive. Under the Youth Night Out! August 19th close eye of staff, 30 dogs enjoyed their mile and a half stroll in Brackenridge Park before returning to the center. These walks are part Save the date for a Youth Night Out, August 19th. Details to of the process of socialization, getting dogs ready for their adoptive follow!!! families. As is the tradition of Summer Outreach Weekend, hard work comes with a fun reward as the group headed for an afternoon at Six rd Acolyte Meeting/Training – August 23 Flags before returning to St. Mark’s.

It isn’t often that a young person is willing to spend the first day of All current acolytes and anyone wishing to begin to acolyte their summer vacation volunteering. But at St. Mark’s, we had 30 of (those entering 6th grade) at St. Mark’s are asked to attend a these amazing young people. They gave their time and energy to complete three service projects in our community. These youth enjoy meeting/training on Sunday, August 23rd at 8:30am. To be the opportunity to serve and to allow God to work through them to included in the acolyte communications please email Todd serve others. It is fitting that the diocesan theme for the year is Called Allison at tallison@stmarks-sa.org and include your child’s to Serve; and the St. Mark’s Youth Group answered that call! name, grade, parent and child email, and a phone number.

‘My Faith, My Life’ will be a study for all 8th grade youth beginning in September running through April and will also serve as our Youth Confirmation class. Participants will meet on Sunday mornings during the formation hour as well as participate in a number of offsite outreach activities during the class. Full schedule and class details are still being put together but if you have any questions or want to be on the email list for the class please contact Todd Allison at tallison@stmarks-sa.org.

More information on the meeting will be sent in August.

HAPPENING 131

Leadership Weekend 2015 - September 11-13, Camp Eagle High School Juniors and Seniors mark your calendars for the Leadership Weekend September 11-13 at Camp Eagle. We will spend the weekend working on team building, small group discussions, and preparing you with tools necessary to serve in a leadership role in the youth program, parish, and community. Details on the weekend will be available I the coming weeks.

August 7-9, 2015, St. Mark’s, San Antonio 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/ 8

Called to Serve: Loving God and Our Neighbors

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CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES | Children & Family Ministry | stmarks@stmarks-sa.org

2015 VBS at St. Mark’s

The Bible theme for our wonderful week at Camp Discovery was “We love because God first loved us.” We are grateful for a GREAT week at VBS! We want to thank everyone who gave of their time, talents, faith, and love to make this week a success. We’ve listed all the adults and teens who helped out at VBS (we apologize if we’ve forgotten anyone) and also appreciate everyone who prayed for our week. Special thanks to the staff at St. Mark’s, especially the sextons and kitchen staff.

Linda Addington Taylor Allison Jonathan Check Guy Chipman Lilly Chipman Denise Dahm Derrick Dodge Craig Donegan Pat Donegan Rachel Doyle Renee Faulk Mary Lew Finster Magda Hamza Kathy Kelly Matthew Knowlton Kathy Lawrence Hannah Mangan

Micaela Mangan Katie McDonough Liam Morehead Elizabeth Raney Kristin Roach Callie Sanchez Jacob Schenk Neel Scott Sara Sherwood Martha Steves Julie Van Zandt Caroline Vassar Dell Villa Robin Voight Bailey Voight Mary Carolyn Watson

Faithfully, Mrs. Shea Pollom Photos by Liam Morehead

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 adult volunteers will keep the program going for the summer, but they will need an occasional substitute. Please email stmarks@stmarks-sa.org if you’re available to occasionally be a substitute – we always have two adults in any room with children. This summer’s class will coordinate with the Bible lessons that we hear in church on that Sunday. We will continue Children’s Chapel during the 10:00 service during the summer.

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MUSIC MINISTRIES Joseph Causby, PhD | Organist & Choirmaster | jcausby@stmarks-sa.org On June 29, seven girls (grades 5-12) from our choirs, arrived in Houston, Texas for the week-long Gulf Coast Royal School of Church Music Camp. The Gulf Coast course is one of several summer camps, located all over the country, that offer intensive musical experiences for children and youth.

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) was founded on December 6, 1927 (the Feast of St. Nicolas), by Sir Sydney Nicholson, Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey. Over the decades, the RSCM has fostered a sense of excellence and tradition within the Anglican Communion, and we at St. Mark’s enjoy membership in this well-respected organization.

Our choristers joined with other young singers from all over the world to prepare services of Choral Evensong and a sung Eucharist- presented in different churches and venues around Houston. In addition to the treble voices, a group of professional adult altos, tenors, and basses joined the ranks to create a full English cathedral choir ensemble.

Beth and I enjoyed hearing our girls sing at the Wednesday Evensong, offered in the organ recital hall of the Shepherd School of Music (Rice University). Additionally, Kathy Kelly, from our music staff, spent the week observing and assisting the course manager, Anna Teagarden. Here are a few thoughts, shared by our Choristers: Catherine Diel: RSCM was very fun. I made lots of new friends and learned a lot about the music. It's a really good program.

Natalie Dorn: After my week at RSCM, I not only came back with a better understanding of music but with several amazing new friendships. I hope to return next year to see my friends again and continue to make more beautiful music with them.

Samira Maus: It was really fun and it inspired me to sing even more!

Olivia Briley: RSCM challenged me as a singer as well as a leader. It was a great experience to be able to sing in beautiful churches with new friends who love music as much as I do. After a week of hard work, I feel that I've grown as a musician.

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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 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

Save the Date August 23

Celebration for Joseph Causby, PhD Following the 10:00am service

August 26

Café Kairos Returns

August 30

Return to Fall Service Schedule

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