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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
Office hours: Monday thru
Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Emergency Pastoral Care:
210-507-0256
Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
themessenger July/August 2015 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 7
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+
A Place of Welcome F R O M T H E R E C T O R
2
2015 Giving Update
Emmet Faulk, | Parish Business Administrator | [email protected]
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!
ONLINE PLEDGING IS NOW AVAILABLE!
If you have not already pledged, please visit our website at
http://stmarks-sa.org/#/home/2015-pledge
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
St. Mark’s Episcopal
315 E. Pecan St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
www.stmarks-sa.org
Below is the budgeted financial report for May 2015.
FINANCE REPORT
May Financial Report
As of: 6/25/15 2015 Pledge Up Down New NoCH
TOTALS $1,656,148 $183,808 ($31,235) $80,482
# Pledges 352 177 33 37 105
AVERAGE $4,733 $1,038 ($947) $2,175
Median Pledge $2,400 $338 ($500) $1,800
2015 FINANCIAL REPORT
Actual for Period
Budgeted for Period
Pledge Revenue $113,407 $151,667
Non Pledged Giving $23,062 $13,375
Open Plate Giving/Seasonal Giving $2,393 $2,064
Other Revenue (e.g., parking lot) $50,725 $46,123
TOTAL REVENUE: $189,587 $213,229
TOTAL EXPENSES: $185,486 $221,178
REVENUE OVER EXPENSES: $4,101 ($7,949)
3
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 [email protected].
Sunday Offerings
Bible Stories: How the Word Shapes and Transforms Us
July 19 Gillian Cook - God Intended It for Good': The Story of Joseph - and Us
July 26 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 August 2 Don Lucas - Gender, Sex, Marriage, and Power—One Psychologist’s Perspective on Adam and Eve August 9 Jane Patterson - Jacob's Ladder: Meeting God in the Middle of Nowhere August 16 Sylvia Maddox - John 14:2-3: Prayer as Pilgrimage Home August 23 James Dennis - John 21: Three Questions and a Charcoal Fire August 30 Go to Fall Schedule; Ministry Faire at 10:10am
Midweek Offerings will resume in September
Adult Christian Formation The Rev. Carol Morehead | Associate Rector | [email protected]
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+
4
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.
5
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 [email protected]; or
Pat Bridwell at [email protected]; 210 621-8288.
MINISTRY NEWS
6
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 [email protected].
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.
7
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+
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.
8
YOUTH MINISTRIES
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SMCYOUTH @SMYGSA #SMYGSA
Todd Allison, Youth Director | Erin Hughes, Assistant Youth Director | AmandaQuisenberry, Ministry Assist. | [email protected]
HAPPENING 131 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/
‘My Faith, My Life’ - 8th Grade Formation Offering
‘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
Youth Ministry Program News!!!
Beginning this fall all rising 6th graders will join the youth
program on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. 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 as the fall approaches.
Youth Night Out! August 19th
Save the date for a Youth Night Out, August 19th. Details to
follow!!!
Acolyte Meeting/Training – August 23rd
All current acolytes and anyone wishing to begin to acolyte
(those entering 6th grade) at St. Mark’s are asked to attend a
meeting/training on Sunday, August 23rd at 8:30am. To be
included in the acolyte communications please email Todd
Allison at [email protected] and include your child’s
name, grade, parent and child email, and a phone number.
More information on the meeting will be sent in August.
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.
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.
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
service, the youth returned to the church building where everyone
shared their service experiences. Conversations were about what the
youth saw, experienced, and helped with throughout the day.
Saturday morning we went to work with San Antonio Pets Alive near
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
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
of the process of socialization, getting dogs ready for their adoptive
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
Flags before returning to St. Mark’s.
It isn’t often that a young person is willing to spend the first day of
their summer vacation volunteering. But at St. Mark’s, we had 30 of
these amazing young people. They gave their time and energy to
complete three service projects in our community. These youth enjoy
the opportunity to serve and to allow God to work through them to
serve others. It is fitting that the diocesan theme for the year is Called
to Serve; and the St. Mark’s Youth Group answered that call!
9
Called to Serve:
Loving God and Our Neighbors
10
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 Micaela Mangan
Taylor Allison Katie McDonough
Jonathan Check Liam Morehead
Guy Chipman Elizabeth Raney
Lilly Chipman Kristin Roach
Denise Dahm Callie Sanchez
Derrick Dodge Jacob Schenk
Craig Donegan Neel Scott
Pat Donegan Sara Sherwood
Rachel Doyle Martha Steves
Renee Faulk Julie Van Zandt
Mary Lew Finster Caroline Vassar
Magda Hamza Dell Villa
Kathy Kelly Robin Voight
Matthew Knowlton Bailey Voight
Kathy Lawrence Mary Carolyn
Hannah Mangan Watson
Faithfully,
Mrs. Shea Pollom
Photos by Liam Morehead
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES
| Children & Family Ministry | [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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.
11
Joseph Causby, PhD | Organist & Choirmaster | [email protected]
MUSIC MINISTRIES
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.
12
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 [email protected]
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