the messenger - october 2015
DESCRIPTION
The monthly newsletter of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, San Antonio.TRANSCRIPT
IN THIS ISSUE:
Finance Report
Page 2
Adult Formation
Page 3
Parish News
Page 4
Special Pull Out:
Vestry Nominees
Page 5-8
Youth News
Page 9
Children’s News
Page 10
Music News
Page 11
ST. MARK’S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 315 E. Pecan St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 226-2426
www.stmarks-sa.org
Office hours: Monday thru
Friday 9.00am-5.00pm
Emergency Pastoral Care:
210-507-0256
Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
themessenger October 2015 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 9
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
It is impossible for me to believe that I have been here at St. Mark’s for over a year now.
It has been a year of excitement and energy. As we have commenced our regular fall
routines there is an ongoing sense of commitment to one another and excitement for the
future. We have resumed our One Body, Many Menu gatherings and these have been
continued opportunities to reflect on the core vocation of St. Mark’s and what it means to
each of us. We had an incredibly successful funding appeal over the summer and will
look forward to welcoming a third clergy person to our staff in the near future. Because
of the generous response of this community we will also be able to address our
outstanding debt and realize immediate savings in next year’s budget. It is a testament to
the faith of our members that we are willing to give so generously to ensure that we are
answering the calling God has for us in this particular place and time.
Using our theme of One Body, Many Members, we have been able to reflect in the past
year about the may ways in which we individually contribute to the ministry we enact as
the Body of Christ in this place. In the coming month as we prepare for our Stewardship
Ingathering on All Saints Sunday, November 1, 2015, we will hear from various people
who have seen the impact our generosity has made in their lives and this community.
We will hear from our outreach recipients, our youth, our choir members, and those who
have been fed by the ministry of this place. Hopefully by hearing the stories with one
another, we are reminded of just how much our generosity is able to accomplish. It is
only through the efforts of many that we are able to fully live into our calling.
On All Saint’s Sunday in addition to our pledge ingathering, we will have the annual
parish meeting. This will allow us to update the community about the past year and elect
next year’s vestry class. I am delighted that ten wonderful people have offered
themselves to serve. There is an important insert contained here that will allow you to
discern who you might vote for. It is an ongoing affirmation of this community that such
people of faith desire to serve. I hope you are as energized as I am about the coming
year. I remain so grateful to be called to St. Mark’s. The generosity, kindness, and deep
faith I encountered in the search committee, is only surpassed by my experience of these
same elements throughout the parish. There are so many opportunities for ministry here.
I hope you have found one that enriches your sense of purpose in your life. If you
haven’t, let’s find one for you. I am sure it is here!
Peace, Beth+
A Community of Generosity F R O M T H E R E C T O R
2
Emmet Faulk, | Parish Business Administrator | [email protected]
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 Director of Youth Ministry
Priscilla Briones
Finance Manager
Janet Carrizales Director of Nursery
Joseph Causby, PhD
Organist & Choirmaster
Emmet Faulk
Business Administrator
Erin Hughes
Assistant Director of Youth
Ministry
Marsha Kimura
Music Department Administrator
Richard Maldonado
Chef
Jesse “Chuy” Mendoza
Kitchen Manager/Chef
Ruby Merrill
Facilities Supervisor &
Receptionist
Pat Hutchison Noble
Community of Care
Amanda Quisenberry
Interim Director of Children’s
Ministry
Dr. Edwin A. Rieke
Director of Music &
Organist Emeritus
Callie Sanchez
Children’s Ministry Intern
Derek Shively
Head Sexton
Robert Stubbs
Organ Scholar
Leah Thomas
Special Events Coordinator
St. Mark’s Episcopal
315 E. Pecan St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
www.stmarks-sa.org
Below is the budgeted financial report for as of August 31, 2015.
FINANCE REPORT
Financial Report (Year-to-Date)
2015 Pledges $1,666,398
# Pledges 353
AVERAGE $4,721
Median Pledge $2,400
2015 FINANCIAL REPORT
66.67% of annual budget Actual (YTD) Budgeted (YTD)
Pledge Revenue $1,143,051 $1,213,333
Non Pledged Giving $117,689 $107,000
Open Plate Giving/Seasonal Giving $28,066 $26,510
Other Revenue (e.g., parking lot, wed-
dings) $235,181 $223,653
Endowments/Funds Revenue $77,508 $145,333
TOTAL REVENUE: $1,601,495 $1,715,829
TOTAL EXPENSES: $1,575,820 $1,769,419
OVER/(UNDER): $25,675 ($53,590)
2015 STEWARDSHIP
UPDATE
If you need to catch up on your
pledge, go to
http://tinyurl.com/STMgiving
and use our online giving portal.
We accept Visa/Mastercard/Discover
and e-Check.
You may also contact
Priscilla Briones at
210-226-2426.
3
Sunday Offerings Season After Pentecost The Rector’s Forum: Living a Life of Prayer and
Thanksgiving, Gish Hall
You are invited this fall to come and reflect on what
impact the way of prayer has on our daily
lives. Often times we feel pulled in so many
different directions our worship can feel cut off
from our daily life. There is a case to be made that
actually what we do in worship is mirrored in many
of our daily activities. What can we take from the
various parts of the Holy Eucharist that actually
impact the way we experience God outside of
Sunday worship? How can we gather those insights
during the week and then come to worship in a way
that allows us even greater grounding in the liturgy?
September 27 Hearing the Word
October 4 Our Common Creed
October 11 Turning Again towards God
October 18 Enacting Reconciliation
October 25 Lifting Our Hearts in
Thanksgiving
November 8 Remembering the Larger
Story
November 15 Being Fed
November 22 Going Forth into the World
Midweek Offerings Wednesday Evening Bible Study, Every
other week, 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Dean Richardson Room (2nd floor)
We continue our study of the Gospel of
Mark. Class will meet October 7 & 21,
November 4 & 18, and December 2 & 16.
Led by The Rev. Carol Morehead
Time Out Bible Study, Weekly, Thursday
mornings 10.00am - 11.30am, Youth Suite
Time Out meets weekly and is studying the
Gospel of Mark. Led by The Rev. Dr. John
Lewis and The Rev. Carol Morehead
Thursday Evening Book Study,
Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus
by Michael B. Curry, Room 102
Come and meet our Presiding Bishop-Elect
Michael B. Curry through this book study --
and hear anew Jesus’ call to follow. The
study will meet on Thursday evenings at
6.00pm, and will be led by The Rev. Cliff
Waller. Books will be available at the first
class.
See the St. Mark’s Parish Life
Handbook for further Adult
Formation offerings.
Adult Christian Formation The Rev. Carol Morehead | Associate Rector | [email protected]
The Gifted Years Book Study The Gifted Years continues this fall and will read
Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of
Assisi by Richard Rohr. This study helps us be
guided “on the path of evolving life toward
integrated wholeness" and covers a wide range of
topics. Since this book has so much to offer, we
plan to do the first half in the fall and continue with
it in the spring. Mark your calendars for the fall
sessions, which will be on Tuesday mornings from
10.00-11.30am, beginning October 6 and continuing
through November 10. All are welcome. The study
is led by Lillian Morris and Lou Taylor; mentored by
Betty Anne Cody.
Wednesday Night with
Bishop Lillibridge
September 30 at 6.30pm
Bishop Gary Lillibridge will be visiting on
September 30th to provide an update on the
proceedings at this year's General Convention. Join
us in Gish Hall at 6.30pm to hear his perspective
and how we will move forward as a Diocese.
Beforehand, join us for dinner at Cafe Kairos at
5.00pm and mid-week Eucharist at 5.30pm in
Bethlehem Chapel.
4
Parish News
Ministry Architects Join us on October 3 for a Ministry Architects town hall meeting as
we evaluate how to shape our children's ministries in the coming
years. Ministry Architects is a consulting firm that specializes in
helping churches develop sustainable ministries that meet the specific
needs of a parish. The feedback collected during this session and
other smaller gatherings with our Children's and Family Ministry
committee will shape our search for the next Director of Children's
Ministries.
Join us in Gish Hall at 11.00am. There will be light refreshments.
Please RSVP to the church for child care by Wednesday, September
30 or email Janet at [email protected].
Annual Parish Meeting Sunday, November 1, 2015
10.10a.m., Gosnell Hall, 1st floor
Our annual parish meeting and vestry election will be held on November 1. In addition to the elections, we
will hear from the senior warden, the treasurer, and the rector. A printed annual report will be available
summarizing our activities in 2015 and 2014 financials. All members are encouraged to attend this
important annual meeting. We hope to see you there.
BOOKSTORE NOTES: Return of an old favorite!!!!
We now have in stock the 2016
Daily Planner Social Capers.
Inside is a calendar for each month
and then week by week; with large
spaces to write morning,
afternoon, and evening activities.
There is also a place to make quick
notes on each page. The total size is
5” x 7", so it is easy to carry
everywhere you go. Come by the
Bookstore and pick one up, or give it
as a Christmas gift.
Blessing of the Animals and Holy Eucharist
On Sunday, October 4, at 4.00pm, there will be a Blessing of the Animals and Holy Eucharist in honor of St.
Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. We will gather in the Plaza (grass lawn) on the south side of the
church. The Children and Youth Choirs will sing. All are invited to bring your pets to receive a blessing, not
just cats and dogs!
One Body, Many Menus
This is your opportunity to meet other members in small gatherings to talk about
St. Mark’s future and get to know Beth better in a social setting. Sign up is availa-
ble online under Calendar and Events. Remaining gatherings are:
Thursday, Sep. 24 , 6.00pm-7.30pm - Jimmy and Jane Satel
Friday, Oct. 2nd, 6.30pm-8.00pm - Joe and Karen Perretta
Saturday, Oct. 3, 6.00pm-7.30pm - Thompson/Villa co-host (at Thompson’s)
Sunday, Oct. 18, 4.00pm-5.30pm - John and Mary McClung
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6.00pm-7.30pm - Kelly and Stephen Cavender
5
Vestry Nominees Class of 2018
The Discernment Committee is pleased to announce the following nominees for the Vestry Class of 2018. Each
of the parishioners on the following pages has been considered in coordination with the Vestry Goals and
Challenges, as well as being vetted to meet the canons, and each has accepted the call to ministry by allowing
their names to stand for the Vestry election to be held on November 1. Elections are held in the fall so the new
Vestry members may go through an orientation process before they take office in 2016.
As in any election, we do not have to know each person in order to vote for them. Because of this, these
questions and answers are designed to help the parish be well informed as we approach the Fall Parish Meeting
and election. Please read their biographical information, review the criteria for this Vestry class, and prayerfully
consider before November 1.
These questions were asked of all candidates. Their answers follow.
1. Why do you feel called to serve on the vestry of St. Mark’s?
2. Please describe your participation at St. Mark's and/or in the community, indicating experiences that
you think will be helpful for the vestry.
3. St. Mark’s Core Vocation is feeding San Antonio with the Bread of Life: Feeding the hungry with real
food; feeding those who are hungry for knowledge and meaning; feeding those who are hungry for beauty
and creativity. How do you envision the vestry working in support of this vocation?
4. When did you join St. Mark’s and what continues to draw you to this community?
Paul Allen 1. Being a member of the Episcopal Church my entire life, I have been the beneficiary of the good
works that the church provides. Now that I'm trying to raise my family with good Christian values, I
believe it's the right time to show my children it is important to not just attend church but also to give of
your time and skills when possible.
2. As a member of a manufacturing business, I know first-hand how easy it is to get pulled in many
different directions all at once. Even though it is difficult, it is important to remain focused on the task at
hand to ensure it is completed as thoroughly as possible. This is not to downplay the value of multi-
tasking, but rather to suggest that more can be accomplished with a well thought out plan to which the
team adheres.
3. The vestry's purpose is to enable the parishioners of the church to achieve their goals. My goal is to help St Mark's continue
to exceed at community outreach while honing our ability to bring tremendous benefits to downtown San Antonio.
4. I joined St. Mark's in 2003 when I moved to San Antonio. My wife and I were married in the church in 2004 and both of our
children Charlotte, 7, and Penelope, 4, were baptized at St. Mark's. The congregation has always been so warm and
welcoming. While it is home to many of our family members, we have formed new friendships here as well.
Dawna Boudreaux 1. I feel called to serve on the vestry of St. Mark’s because I love being a part of the St. Mark’s
community. This church is a place where my family and I feel at home and we truly feel supported and
embraced by this parish. I want to do everything that I can to support the ministry and vision of St. Mark’s
and hopefully, by doing that, I can make other families and individuals feel as welcomed as I do .
2. As a member of the Daughters of The King, I have a duty to prayer and service. I participate at St.
Mark’s by serving as a Lector, a part-time Sunday School teacher, on a Funeral Reception team, with
Lenten Lunches, and with children’s events. Outside of St. Mark’s, I have volunteered with Habitat for
Humanity; developed a fitness and nutrition program for the Good Samaritan Center; participated in
Olmos Park clean up, Back to School Immunization events and health fairs; and I speak at several career fairs throughout
the year. I am currently participating in the Lenten Offerings Committee which is an important ministry that affects the
future of our Lenten programming that I believe will be helpful to the vestry. I also feel that my commitment to community
service will allow me to continue to make that an important part of the St. Mark’s outreach ministry.
6
Vestry Nominees
Dawna Boudreaux, continued:
3. I would like to see St. Mark’s continue to look for opportunities to feed the needy with real food. I know that we do have a
kitchen ministry that serves at Haven for Hope, but it would be nice to expand our offerings to include individuals who may
still have a need outside of the Haven campus. I am excited about the recent offerings of speakers for the adult education
hour and sponsored by the bookstore, and hope to bring in more individuals in the future. I am also really excited about what
has been happening with art at St. Mark’s, from the art being displayed and the art show that we had, to the painting classes
that were held over the summer. I definitely want these types of events to continue along with the amazing music program
that we have.
4. I joined St. Mark’s in 2007 and I continue to be drawn to this parish by the sense of community that is felt here. We are
committed and involved with each other on so many levels, from church services to music, children’s ministry, and
community service, and I love that about St. Mark’s.
Julie Mock 1. If I am elected to serve on the vestry, I will consider it an opportunity to serve God. I have a long-
standing love of St. Mark’s and I have filled multiple leadership roles both here and in my career,
2. I am spiritually fed by the services, activities and classes in which I have been involved at St. Mark’s.
What most deeply fills me is the music at Sunday morning services. When I sing with the choir and
congregation, I am truly praying twice! I have taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and worked
on Lenten Luncheons, Ruby’s Kitchen, and Haven for Hope for years. I currently serve on Altar Guild, both
at St. Mark’s and at St. John’s Chapel at the Bishop Jones Center (BJC). I am on a Funeral Reception team
and I am the Facilitator of the weekly Wednesday Bible Study that meets at the BJC. I also held leadership
roles at the school from which I retired, both as school-wide Facilitator for a reading program developed at Johns Hopkins
University and later as the Instructional Interventionist. Currently I am the State Treasurer for the National Society of
Colonial Dames of America in the State of Texas.
3. To support St. Mark’s core vocation of feeding the San Antonio community with the Bread of Life, I believe vestry members
must allocate outreach resources - both financially and “hands on”- by serving as role models in these areas. We must also
feed our membership with worship, educational, volunteer, and social opportunities.
4. I am a lifelong Episcopalian, born and raised in our local Eagle Pass church, the Diocese of West Texas, and Camp Capers. I
first joined St. Mark’s when I married a lifelong member and we raised both our daughters here. My history at St. Mark’s
started some 50 years ago!
Joey Oliver 1. I feel encouraged by others that my talents, experience, and demeanor could possibly be an attribute to
St. Mark’s leadership. I feel willing to share my perspective, and hope that it represents others so that my
potential involvement in the vestry could help to represent their voice as well as mine. I feel a
responsibility to address what I believe could be improved by and for the St. Mark’s community.
2. My professional career involves managing businesses through change, including turnarounds and
startup companies. My experience is in rationalizing situations – where things currently stand, where they
need to go and how to best get there. St. Mark’s is in a period of exciting change. While at St. Mark’s, I
have served on the Finance Committee and as an usher, as well as supported my wife, daughters, and others
in their valuable volunteer commitments.
3. My belief is that the vestry, through its collective talents and teamwork, should be aware and attentive to “feeding” in a
variety of ways, both within the parish and within the local communities, with a loving and compassionate heart, based on
prioritized needs and an understanding and appreciation of resources in a fiscally conscious and responsible manner.
4. Our family joined St. Mark’s in 2001 after moving here from Houston. Patrice and I were married 35 years ago in a
downtown Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi by a female priest. We found ourselves comfortable in a downtown
Episcopal Church with female priests on staff, a living example of diversity in leadership for our two young daughters. St.
Mark’s has been a good community for our family and for our own individual spiritual maturation.
Harold Sager 1. Feeling called to serve on the vestry came as a response to two members of the Vestry Discernment
Committee who, over lunch, asked that I stand for election to the vestry. With care and thoughtfulness
they also explained why they were asking me to do so. I feel honored to have been nominated and if
Class of 2018
7
Harold Sager continued:
2. Participation at St. Mark's includes 12 years in St. Mark's Choir, serving on the Generosity Commission with an emphasis on
gift planning, organizing and leading a luncheon event that focused on end of life issues, joining St. Mark's Gryphons'
Cycling Club, and from time to time being one volunteer among many who delivered flowers following worship, prepared
and served meals at Christmas to the Street, waited tables at Lenten Lunches, contacted members during stewardship drives,
and made presentations at Wednesday Family Ministry. I am currently a Board Member of the San Antonio Chamber Choir.
3. I envision the vestry working together--some primarily in one area, some in another. Personal involvement by members of
the vestry in the activities that fulfill the Core Vocation is essential. Given the number who serve on the Board, along with
the wealth of experiences and the variety of interests that each one possesses promises that different ways of feeding with the
Bread of Life will receive broad support and encouragement from St. Mark's governing body.
4. I became a member of St. Mark's on May 15, 2003, and the experiences that I have had here has drawn me closer to this
community than I felt on the day that I joined. Listening to lively and thoughtful proclamations of the Gospel from the pulpit,
the joy of singing and listening to hymns and anthems led by superb and personable musicians, the privilege of getting to
know long-time and recent members as well as people whose life stories and age differ greatly from my own, for the myriad
opportunities offered for fellowship, and of being included in a never ending stream of wonderful conversations and
humorous banter--these are several of the reasons I think St. Mark's is an exuberant community of saints and sinners always
dependent upon our Lord for, to paraphrase the Eucharistic Prayer C, Rite2, solace and strength, for pardon and renewal.
Trey Thompson
1. I am inspired by the direction of the Holy Spirit and willingness to listen that I see in the leadership
and congregation and I want to become more involved in the community life of St. Mark's.
2. I have primarily been a worshipper at St. Mark’s. This is where I fill my tank in order to live my life
in the most authentic and joyful way possible. I have been an Episcopalian as long as I can remember. I
have been an acolyte, youth group member, college Canterbury member, summer camp staff, Sunday
school and confirmation class teacher, vestry member, junior warden, and senior warden.
3. St. Mark’s Core Vocation is a beautiful translation of the Gospel into a particular time here at St.
Mark’s in downtown San Antonio. The three elements of the vocation provide us with a rich foundation
for exploring our individual and community connection to the life of Jesus. I want the vestry to support and develop
activities that help us more deeply experience and share the Bread of Life seven days a week.
4. I have been attending St Marks since we moved here in 2002 because it feels like a safe place to pursue my spiritual journey.
There is a sense of respect for one another that allows me to be open to uncomfortable challenges from God within the
comfortable and beautiful traditions of the Episcopal Church.
Angela Torres-Lopez
1. It is important to contribute time and talent to those things that are life giving. In many ways I am in a
unique position to represent a part of our community. Through this representation, I hope to make
worthwhile contributions to St. Mark's, filling in the pieces of the picture that make us the dynamic
community we are, all the while continuing my walk with Christ.
2. I am currently a member of the Commission on Ministries and the Children and Family Ministries
Committee; and volunteer at St. George Episcopal School (including serving on the PTO Board as Lower
School Coordinator). Additionally I’ve been active with the St. Mark's Delegation to the Annual Diocesan
Council (2014, 2015), St. Benedict's WorkShop pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Time Out Bible Study,
WorkShop events, St. Mark's Bookstore as bookkeeper, 20s-30s-40s Connections, Cherub Choir, Lenten Luncheons, Haven
for Hope worship service ministry, Lenten Creative Worship Team, Generosity/We Give! Committee, and the Come As You
Are (CAYA) worship service as a Lector.
3. It's important for the vestry to serve as a model of true and genuine relationships in Christ. I am passionate about building
and strengthening these authentic relationships in our community. When individuals feel truly comfortable with one another,
they connect and engage by sharing their knowledge and experiences. This holds us accountable to one another as we delve
deeper in our search for spiritual meaning, empowering us to love Christ more fully and make Christ known as we set out to
do the work he has given us to do. With this in mind, we can better aim to feed those who are hungry for knowledge,
meaning and beauty.
4. My family joined St. Mark's in January 2011; Fran and I were received that November. I vividly remember John Lewis's
sermon discussing the Epiphany on our first Sunday. It took only that one morning of listening to the service and witnessing
acts of hospitality toward our family for us to notice that St. Mark's is a community that strives to reflect God's love and
presence. Furthermore, one simply cannot find a comparable offering of formation opportunities. My family deeply
appreciates the congregation's desire to build a community with one another. I am eager to see how these relationships grow
deeper and more meaningful in the coming years.
8
Ralph Voight 1. I believe my active involvement in various individual committees has given me a solid understanding
of the ministries and heart of St. Mark’s. I believe it is now time to use this knowledge and leadership
experience to help move St. Mark’s forward as a member of the vestry.
2. I’ve been an active member of the St. Mark’s community since my confirmation; serving as Head
Usher, Parish Picnic Co-Chair, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Finance Committee Member, Lenten Luncheon
Volunteer and various other roles in ministries and committees throughout the years. Most recently, I
served as a member of the New Rector Search Committee.
3. As a vestry member, my priority is outreach. I believe that as a downtown church there are many
opportunities for the St. Mark’s community to steward our Core Vocation in the broader community. I believe St. Mark’s
can expand our programs to feed others with real food and knowledge through outreach to the downtown area.
4. I moved to San Antonio in June of 2000 and quickly found a church home at St. Mark’s. After attending for a year, I made
the decision to officially join the Episcopal Church and was confirmed in 2001. I continue to be drawn to our community by
fellowship and stewardship. I am Vice President of Visitor Experience at the Witte Museum and serve on the Board of the
Brackenridge Park Conservancy. I recently celebrated my 14-year anniversary with the Witte Museum. I am passionate
about my work there and hope to bring my experience in mission-based leadership to the St. Mark’s community. My wife
Robin and I were married at St. Mark’s in June 2000. We have two sons, Tripp and Bailey.
Agatha Wade
1. I have served on the vestry previously and know it works best when it contains a good mix of folks. I
am called to try to articulate well and share my aspirations for St. Mark's and our communal future if se-
lected for the vestry.
2. My church activities include the Altar Guild, being a Lay Eucharistic Minister, serving on the second
Sunday supper team at Haven for Hope, and participating in the Mesa Redonda study group and Outreach
Grant Committee. In the community, I am active in a group that promotes cultural diversity and another
that raises funds for cancer research. I have studied the consensus decision-making approach and am glad
that it is employed by our vestry as it provides space for minority positions that often get overlooked or
shut down.
3. I believe the vestry serves as eyes and ears for the parish and to help bring forward ideas already in the parish that warrant
consideration. The vestry works to support St. Mark's Core Values by examining these values when deliberating or taking
action. Our vestry has and should continue to examine our resources and do what it can to fulfill the needs of our members
and the community whether it is with real food, knowledge, or an opportunity for beauty.
4. I came to St. Mark's as I was entering seventh grade, just in time for confirmation. Since then, I have been a parish member
whenever I have lived in San Antonio. St. Mark's keeps me grounded both emotionally and spiritually and as such has pro-
vided me a community that I could not do without!
Susan Wilson
1. When asked why membership in this parish is so special and so different, I welcome the chance to
say that I have always felt accepted and valued, that questioning, seeking, and doubt are welcomed, di-
versity is evident and honored, and that the only certainty is that we must take care of each other. It will
be an honor to share the blessings and experience I have gained at St. Mark’s if I’m elected to the vestry.
2. Working behind the scenes is where I’m most comfortable, so I have found opportunities to contrib-
ute time and treasure by teaching Sunday School, by designing, making and maintaining the props for the
Christmas Pageant, by serving on the Altar Guild, and by responding quietly to the needs of others when
they are in difficulty.
3. Through the years I have been fed and formed by worship, prayer, teaching, healing, music, friendship, and service. Having
been fed in many ways by St. Mark’s, I believe service on the vestry would enable me to move from consumer of mystical
bread to being a baker and distributer of both physical and spiritual bread in the ministries we proclaim to our community.
4. I was baptized in the Congregational church in Casper, Wyoming as a child, confirmed in the Presbyterian church during
elementary school, and joined St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Midland, Texas while I was an eighth grade student at what
is now Trinity (Episcopal) School. The words and order of the Liturgy connected with my soul. I have been a member of St.
Mark’s for over 30 years, and I will be here forever, since my husband of 40 years, Jim, and I have reservations in the col-
umbarium. Further aspects of my life include teaching elementary school for 25 years, nurturing and launching 3 children,
savoring 2 grandchildren (so far), travel - especially to Wyoming, collecting children’s literature, gardening, collecting rocks
and fossils, and creating glass beads with a torch.
9
Youth News
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SMCYOUTH @SMYGSA #SMYGSA
Todd Allison, Youth Director | Erin Hughes, Assistant Youth Director | [email protected]
FALL 2015 YOUTH EVENTS
Wednesday Night Fellowship August 26 through December 16
Sunday Night LIVE September 13, October 11, November 8
New Beginnings (6th-8th grade) Friday-Sunday, October 9-11
Fall Lock-In Friday, October 23
Happening #132 (10th-12th grade) Friday-Sunday, November 20-22
11th Annual Christmas to the Street Fri., December 18; Youth Lock-In
Sat., December 19; Barbeque Event
SPRING 2015 YOUTH EVENTSMid-Winter at Camp Capers (Sr. High) Friday-Sunday, January 8-10
Mid-Winter at Camp Capers (Jr. High) Friday-Sunday, January 15-17
Sunday Night LIVE Dates TBD
Pancake Supper& Parish Talent Show Tuesday, February 9
Youth In Action; Service Day Saturday, February 13
Happening #133 (Sr. High) Friday-Sunday, March 4-6
Sr. High Mustang Island Retreat Monday-Wednesday, March 14-16
Holy Week Sunday – Sunday, March 20-March 27
Youth Confirmation (9am Service) Saturday, April 24
Senior Recognition/Youth Sunday Sunday, May 8
8th Annual Summer Outreach Weekend Friday-Sunday, June 3-5
Youth & Youth Choir Mission Trip to Washington
D.C. July 6-11, 2015
My Faith, My Life - 8th Grade Formation Offering
My Faith, My Life, a study for all 8th graders, begins on
September 13th and runs through April; it will also serve as
our Youth Confirmation class. Participants will meet on
Sunday mornings at 10.10am as well as participate in offsite
outreach activities during the class. If you have any
questions or want to be on the email list for the class please
contact Todd Allison at [email protected].
Want to get involved? Here are some ways!
Acolytes are vital part of our Sunday worship for youth in
grades 6 through 12 and are scheduled for both the 9.00am &
11.15am Sunday services throughout the year, as well as
Christmas Eve, Holy Week, and special services like
weddings. For more information please contact Todd Allison.
Wednesday Night Fellowship (WNF) is the weekly
gathering for all youth on Wednesday nights from
5-7pm. Youth gather for fun, fellowship, food, and
meaningful discussions on topics impacting their daily lives.
WNF meets during the school year from late August to early
May.
Christmas to the Street Led by the Youth Ministry
program and with the help of volunteers, donations, and
generous contributions from local businesses, Christmas to
the Street has grown from 100 meals to providing over 1000
in three locations. Now entering our 11th year and continuing
our partnership with Haven for Hope, Christmas to the Street
continues to embrace the role St. Mark’s plays as a
downtown church. For details on how you can join this
amazing ministry please contact Todd Allison.
Welcome, Rising 6th Graders! This fall all rising 6th graders will join the youth program on
Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. We are excited for
you to be a part of the Youth Group. If you are not already on
our email list please contact Todd, Erin and Amanda at
[email protected] so we can include you in news and
schedules this fall.
10
Children’s Ministry News AmandaQuisenberry, Interim Director | Children & Family Ministry | [email protected]
Children's Chapel is a
special time for kids to
experience the Liturgy of
the Word in a fun and
instructive way during the
9.00am service. Designed
for children ages 4 - 1st
grade, children gather in
the Jerusalem Chapel for
while parents are
participating in church.
The children process out of
the church, following a crucifer during the Sequence
Hymn before The Gospel, and they return during The
Peace. The kids will return and participate in the
Eucharist with their family.
Children's
Chapel
Did you know that St.
Mark's Children and
Family Ministry has a
Facebook page?
“Like” it next time you’re on Facebook so you can
keep up with what’s happening!
https://www.facebook.com/stmarksfamily
In 2015-2016, once a
month, we will have the
opportunity to grow in
faith through fellowship
with our community at
St. Mark's. Come join in
as we share an evening
of food and fun! Mark
your calendar, and plan
to join us on these dates
beginning at 5.30pm.
(unless otherwise noted).
September 30
October 28
November 18
December 16
January 6
February 3
March 27 (Sunday)
April 20
May 18
Watch for details in
The Messenger!
Children's Ministry invites all children
ages 4-11 to Wonderful Wednesdays
11
Joseph Causby, PhD | Organist & Choirmaster | [email protected]
Music News
The practice of singing evening prayers is as old as the
church itself. The Anglican service of Evening Prayer
was a result of the joining of two of the ancient monastic
offices—Vespers and Compline—into one service. This
compilation was conceived by Thomas Cranmer, first
Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury and author of the
first Book of Common Prayer (1549). When prayers are
set to music and sung, either by the congregation, or on
behalf of the congregation by the choir, it is called
“Evening Song” or “Evensong” in Elizabethan English.
Choral Evensong is sung daily in many cathedrals and
parish churches in England and throughout the Anglican
Communion. Consider the possibility that at any given
moment, somewhere on earth, someone, in some
language, is offering up a voice of sung prayer.
Choral Evensong is essentially a service of reflection—
of leaving oneself open that God may speak to us
through psalms and readings and canticles, which are at
the core of the service. The traditional canticles of
Evensong are the Magnificat (the song of Mary, on
hearing that she would be the Mother of Christ) and the
Nunc dimittis (the song of Simeon on recognizing the
Christ Child in the Temple.) Choral settings of these
canticles have been written by major composers since
the sixteenth century and continue to be written today.
You may find that this service is a bit less “interactive”
from a congregational standpoint. Since meditation and
reflection can be an important part of worship, it is the
choir’s hope that the congregation will join
wholeheartedly into the spirit of this service. Evensong
is one of the great treasures of our Anglican heritage,
and it is our desire that this service, offered within this
hallowed space, may allow you to forget the ceaseless
activity of daily life and obtain a measure of tranquility
and peace.
Please join us on October 25 at 5.00pm as the choir
sings music of Williamson, Leighton, Howells, and
Finzi.
Music from St. Mark’s
2015-16 Season All performances are at 5.00pm unless otherwise indicated. Music
from St. Mark’s is always free and is made possible by the generous
support of the members of the St. Cecilia Guild.
September 27: A service of Taize at the University of the
Incarnate Word- with harp, flute, and our
children’s and youth choirs.
October 25: Choral Evensong
November 8: Remembrance Sunday
December 6: Advent Lessons and Carols
January 6: A service for the Feast of the Epiphany
Wednesday at 6.00pm
February 21: A concert at the University of the Incarnate
Word for the season of Lent (featuring the Tallis
‘Lamentations of Jeremiah’)
March 6: Choral Evensong with guest conductor Wilma
Jensen
April 24: Fiesta Concert- Benjamin Britten’s ‘Noye’s
Fludde’ featuring the combined choirs of St.
Mark’s with orchestra and guests from Judson
Montessori School and St. Paul’s Episcopal
Montessori School.
May 15: Our own Jacquelyn Matava will present a solo
recital of art songs and arias.
Choir Schedule
Wednesdays 4.30-5pm: Royal School of Church Music Voice
for Life training
5-6pm: Novice Choir, grades 1-2
5-6pm: Boy and Girl Choristers
7-8pm: Youth Choir
Thursdays: 5.30-6.30pm: Treble Choir
(auditioned - begins August 26)
6.30-8.45pm: St. Mark's Choir
(adults begin on August 20)
About Choral Evensong
12
The Messenger (USPS 514-020)
Published Monthly 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. Beth Knowlton Editor: The Rev. Carol Morehead
e-mail articles [email protected]
Article deadline is 3rd Friday of each month
Café Kairos Menus
Join us on Wednesday and
Thursday evenings beginning
at 5.00pm for dinner! Meals
are $8 each, and all proceeds
go back into the ministries of
St. Mark’s.
October 7 & 8 ,2015 :
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Caesar Salad
Steamed Vegetables
Garlic Breadsticks
Cheesecake Bars
October 14 & 15 , 2015 :
Oven Roasted Baked
Chicken
Spinach Casserole
Twice baked potatoes
Dinner Rolls
Chocolate Cake
October 21 & 22, 2015:
Beef Enchiladas
Rice
Beans
Garden Salad
Tres Leche Cake
October 28 & 29, 015 :
Garden Salad
Baked Chicken Strip
Macaroni & Cheese
Steamed Broccoli
Rolls
Cupcakes