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April 2015

St. Mark’s News Volume 20/Issue 3

From the Assistant Rector

How’s Lent been going for you?

Confession time for me: mine’s been pretty uneven. This year, I took up two disciplines, and one good work.

The first discipline was to “eat no meat.” That’s been going remarkably well, and to be honest, I think a big

reason is that I’ve been slowly working up to this fast over the last three years. Seriously. During Lent 2013, I

made my first big step toward this year’s prohibition on meat––I decided to only eat one meat meal a day.

Sound a little silly? With the way my diet was at the time, it was actually really hard. I still remember

(vividly), the day after Ash Wednesday (which just so happened to be Valentine’s Day), feeling like my

stomach was going to eat a hole in itself by dinnertime. I remember this because Valentine’s Day 2013 was

also one of the first big romantic things Janna and I ever did together. I was so hungry by dinnertime that I (no

exaggeration) ate twelve dinner rolls before my steak came. It’s a miracle Janna ever went out with me again.

So, that discipline has been going a little bit better, and in doing so, reinforces the idea that disciplines often

take time to develop. The second discipline I took up was to “observe all posted speed limits.” I’ve got one

word for how this has been going: yikes. Over the years, I’ve gotten so used to speeding that I hardly even

realize I’m doing it anymore. And, when I am conscious of how fast I’m

driving, it’s usually because I’m running behind, and feel like I have to

decide between speeding and being late (you can guess which one I tend to

choose). In fact, I’ve been so bad at keeping this discipline that on March

17th, I actually got cited for running a stop-sign in Waco––my first ticket in

years. My attempt to try to curb my speeding habit has been a total and utter

failure. And, while the one good work I tried to take up—saying compline

every night with Janna—has not been quite the same failure, it also has been

far from a success.

What about you? How’s Lent been going for you?

You don’t have to actually tell me—of course, you also can’t tell me,

without picking up the phone or keyboard —but it’s worth reflecting on

now that we’re coming to the end of this season. Back in February, I suggested that one reason we take up

these disciplines was “to begin to alter our habits, and so loosen some of the control that our disordered

appetites have upon us.” But what happens when, at the end of the forty days, my road rage and reckless

driving have (if anything) gotten worse?

I’m sure you can substitute something from your own Lenten discipline here. Or, even if you kept your Lenten

disciplines perfectly, I’m sure you can still substitute something here, right? After all, we all know that for

every discipline we did keep (for me: giving up meat), there were a host of others we didn’t even dare to take

on (for me: giving up alcohol…that’s one I’ll never do!). And so, in one way or another, through all our falling

and failing and false starts, Lent leaves us with this question: Will we ever find our way back to the goodness

in which and for which we were made? Can our nature ever be restored?

In this Issue

From the Assistant Rector ......... 1

Vestry Highlights........................ 2

Holy Week & Easter Schedule .. 4

Parish Life ................................. 4

Music Notes ............................... 6

Parishioner Highlights ................ 6

Outreach .................................... 7

Christian Formation ................. 10

Caffeine Ministry ...................... 11

Celebrations ............................ 11

ROTA ...................................... 12

April 2015

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This week, the bad news comes first. Thursday night, there will be a trial. And Friday, there will be an

execution. The first thing we learn through these forty days is that, as much relief as these disciplines might

bring us, our nature has been corrupted beyond our own ability for repair. And so, the first word that Holy

Week brings us is death.

This is the first word. But it is not the last word. The corruption of our natures may put us in the grave. But

thanks be to God, Holy Week brings us another word as well. We will not stay there. For the final and decisive

word of Holy Week is nothing less than this: resurrection.

On Easter, the corruption of our dying nature is unraveled and undone by the grace of our risen Lord’s life. On

Easter day, the raising of his body raises and elevates our bodies as well. For Easter day draws we who are

members of the body of Christ into his resurrected and divine life, making us partakers of it. Which means that

we do not just, or do not only, go back to the “goodness” in which and for which we were made. Nor is our

nature simply “restored.” By the grace of God in Jesus Christ, our natures will not be destroyed, but perfected.

Or, to use more traditional Christian parlance: our God “will make all things new” (Rev. 21.5).

All things. And all of us. Not merely those of us who abstain from meats. But those of us who can’t seem to

stop speeding as well.

In his famous “Paschal Homily,” St. John Chrysostom put this in such beautiful terms that I’ll let his words

end this piece.

If anyone has labored from the first hour,

let them today receive the just reward.

If anyone has come at the third hour,

with thanksgiving let them feast.

If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour,

let them have no misgivings; for they shall suffer no loss.

If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour,

let them draw near without hesitation.

If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour,

let them not fear on account of their delay.

For the Master is gracious and receives the last even as the first;

He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,

just as to him who has labored from the first.

He has mercy upon the last and cares for the first;

to the one He gives, and to the other He is gracious…

Enter all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord,

and, whether first or last, receive your reward.

O rich and poor, one with another, dance for joy!

O you ascetics and you negligent, celebrate the day!

You that have fasted and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today!

The table is rich-laden: feast royally, all of you!

The calf is fatted: let no one go forth hungry!

Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness.

Let no one lament their poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one mourn their transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the Savior's death has set us free.

April 2015

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Vestry Highlights

The St. Mark’s Vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:00 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day: March 17. The

meeting opened with the Collect for St. Patrick. The agenda and the minutes from the February meeting were

approved as presented.

Elizabeth+ reminded the vestry that they were providing soup for the Wednesday evening Lent soup supper the

next evening (3/18) and about the Meditation Trail cleanup on 3/21. On March 24, Joanne and Elizabeth+ will

meet with representatives from Google Fiber, from the contractors, and with Terry Wilson (Wilson plumbing)

to resolve payment issues re. the water main break by the Google Fiber contractors. On Sunday, March 22,

Donna Emery will be at St. Mark’s to talk about the Community First! Village. This is the planned community

for the chronically homeless and it has the potential of being an exciting ministry opportunity for St. Mark’s.

At the April meeting of the Vestry time will be given to discussion of the money we have set aside for

additional projects in 2015.

Nate+ reported on the MeetUp.Com initiative and said numbers are growing, and that the discussions have

been lively. The men’s fishing trip is scheduled for June (7-9), and Travis Smith+ is bringing some men from

Angleton to join the St. Mark’s group. Nate+ and Janna were among the adult chaperones for the youth lock-

in. There is going to be a Newcomers wine and cheese reception at the home of Elizabeth and Philip Turner on

April 19, which will include newcomers from the past several years.

The senior warden, JP Kloninger, was traveling for Spring Break, so John Cooper gave a report on the planned

July 4-12 mission trip to Costa Rica. The cost will be @ $1800. Any youth on the trip must be accompanied by

a parent.

Diana Stangl presented the February financials, using a new chart that was a helpful overall summary. Income

contributions are at 132.09%, year to date. Because of the numerous repairs since January, the Facilities budget

for the year is the line item that is currently over budget.

Mr. Bonnen gave the Outreach Committee report, and there was further discussion about the Community First!

Village. Mr. Breen has gotten two bids for parking lot restriping but Jill Collins may have a contact as well.

The vestry agreed to accept the lower of the two bids—or a bid that comes in at or below that amount. Mr.

Breen also said that the Habitat Faith Build is going to be in September and that Saturday September 19 will be

the Saturday we request for our participation.

The meeting closed with Compline.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Annual Chicken BBQ and Picnic is Saturday, May 2. Once again, we will enjoy a meal

of delicious chicken and sausages cooked by the men of St. Mark’s. The rest of us bring a

side dish, a favorite beverage, and an appetite for good food and fellowship.

The Men’s Fishing Trip is June 7-9. The fishermen will leave Austin following the 11:00 a.m.

service and will carpool to the coast. Now is the time to make your reservation. Questions?

See article in this newsletter, or ask Nate+!

April 2015

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Holy Week and Easter Schedule

If you can arrange your schedule so that you can be in church each day during Holy Week, I encourage you to

do. It is deeply moving to walk the way of the cross during those days between Palm Sunday and the Sunday

of our Lord’s resurrection. The services on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Grace Chapel are not much

longer than 30 minutes, and the Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 in the church is my favorite service of the

church year. And then on Good Friday we literally carry the cross as we pray the Stations of the Cross on the

Meditation Trail at noon. At 2:00 we do the Liturgy for Good Friday in the church, for

those who might not be able to walk the Trail. On Sunday morning we joyfully sing

and say “Alleluia, Christ is Risen; the Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!!”

Wednesday, April 1 6:00 p.m. Grace Chapel

Thursday, April 2 7:00 p.m. in the Church—Neil Harmon’s Requiem

Friday, April 3 Noon – Gather in the Church, then walk the Meditation

Trail, praying the Stations of the Cross

2:00 p.m. The Liturgy for Good Friday

Saturday, April 4 8:00 a.m. Contemplative Prayer

9:00 a.m. Help Clean the Church for Easter!

Sunday, April 5 Easter Services at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00. Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m.

Parish Life

First Friday Book Group The First Friday Book Group is not meeting in April because April 3 is Good Friday. Our next meeting

will be on May 1. We have books chosen for May 1 and June 5, and by the next

newsletter we will have another several month’s worth of reading list! Join us on

the first Friday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing Classroom.

May 1 The Invention of Wings Sue Monk Kidd

June 5 Still Life with Bread Crumbs Anna Quindlen

Youth Group The youth group meets in the Parish Hall each Sunday after the 11 o’clock service for food, fellowship,

and fun. All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us. The following activities are planned for

this month:

April 5th – No youth group. Happy Easter!

April 12th – Seminarian Thom Temperli will lead us in contemplative prayer

April 19th – Lunch and activities in the Parish Hall

April 26th – Youth group outing – TBD

Thanks to everyone who helped clean up the Meditation Trail on

Saturday, March 28!

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Newcomers Wine & Cheese: Sunday, April 19 As you all know, St. Mark's is a growing, thriving parish. This brings with it both the blessing and the

challenge of continually integrating an increasing number of newcomers into our midst. In order to help

streamline that process, we want to hear from you—St. Mark's newcomers!

If you've joined the church in the last three years, we're inviting you to a

special wine and cheese reception on April 19th @ 4:30 pm, hosted by the

Rector in her home. In addition to great conversation and refreshment, we'll

also conduct a process called "Appreciative Inquiry," which will allow us to

hear from you about what drew you to the church, kept you here, and what

you hope for future newcomers at St. Mark's. Stay tuned for an Evite or for more information, contact

Nate+: njlee@stmarksaustin.org.

We're really excited about this event. I hope you can make it! -NJL+

Women’s Group Thank you to everyone for supporting the Spring Fundraiser. The proceeds from geranium and

Fredericksburg Farm food items will be used to host/attend the annual women's retreat at Camp Allen this

November. Members of the host committee held their initial meeting and plans are underway for hosting

this event.

Chick Flick soon! Date to be determined. We will either go to a movie showing at a local theater or

watch one here at the church. Look for more details on this in your pew sheet.

It’s BBQ Time: Saturday, May 2 Join Together for the Annual St. Mark’s BBQ and Potluck Dinner

Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Chicken halves will be smoked on the church BBQ pits. Sausage links will be prepared and peach

cobbler will be served for dessert. Bring your favorite side dish to share (no desserts needed). Sign-up

sheets will be posted in the Parish Hall—to obtain numbers in attendance; to help with setting up tables

and chairs; clean-up afterwards; to be a member of the Pit Crew. Sign-up deadline is Sunday, April 26.

Invite your friends, family and neighbors to join us, and bring your favorite beverage!

Men of St. Mark’s Fishing Trip: June 7 - 9, 2015 Become a part of the fishing tradition here at St. Mark’s! This trip is a valuable time for St. Mark’s men,

young and seasoned, to bond over exaggerated story-telling, cold beer, and enjoying God’s creation.

After a long day on the boats, Captain’s Quarters Inn has a pool to lounge around and relive the day and

there are plenty of restaurant choices near the motel.

We will be leaving right after church on June 7 and carpool to the coast, returning

either late Monday evening or Tuesday afternoon (depending on your schedule).

Currently, the total price of lodging and fishing is estimated at approximately

$300/person, not including gas, food and other incidental expenses. Since it is a

chartered trip, the more people that come, the lower the price…so the more the

merrier! Both deep-sea fishing and bay fishing are available, and included in either

excursion is rod, reel, and guides. For more information, please contact Jim Casparis (512) 444-3096, or

Nate Lee+ (703) 599-5114 or njlee@stmarksaustin.org.

April 2015

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Music Notes

Maundy Thursday: Join us for the beautiful music of Neil Harmon’s Requiem on Thursday, April 2nd, at 7:00 p.m.

The exquisite music for choir, harp, viola, and organ will be interwoven into a beautiful service of prayer, scripture,

and Holy Communion.

Easter Sunday: Festive music for choir, organ and trumpet including Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

Mark your calendars for a very special evening in July! On Sunday evening, July 19, the Chapel Choir of Christ

United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh will present a concert at St. Mark’s as part of their annual summer choir tour.

Located in suburban Pittsburgh, the 3,200 member Christ United Methodist Church is one of the largest Methodist

congregations in the Northeast. Nearly 250 musicians participate in the church’s eleven choral and instrumental

ensembles. Before moving to Austin, Mark Reed served as Organist and Associate Director of Music at Christ Church

for seven years.

The Chapel Choir is comprised of approximately fifty 7th- through 12th-graders. During the academic year, the

Chapel Choir sings at the early service each Sunday morning. Every summer, the choir takes several of their favorite

anthems from the year “on the road,” visiting four or five churches. This will be their first visit to Texas.

Plan now to attend this exciting concert, and consider whether you might be willing to host two or more of the

choir members at your home for the night.

Parishioner Highlights

I am not sure whether I first met Jack and Dolores Minor at St. Mark’s or met Dolores at Seton’s Gift Shop while I was

working in the Critical Care unit. My understanding from Dolores is that they “have returned to St. Mark’s several

times” during their life in Austin. What matters is that they returned to the fold choosing St. Mark’s as their permanent

church. How wonderful for all their grandchildren to get such a good educational start as they were introduced to St.

Mark’s Day School’s wonderful program. Always warm and welcoming and ready to lend a hand, we thank you Jack

and Dolores for the difference you have made in the Austin community and at St. Mark’s.

Beth Chenoweth

Jack and Dolores Minor

Jack and I are both retired: he from the Social

Security Administration and I from owning a small

home based business. I supplied

hospital gift shops with a kit from

which door bows were made. They

were printed with “It’s a Boy” or “It’s a

Girl.” I got the idea for the business

when I was the manager of the Seton

Gift Shop. Until recently, I volunteered

at the information desk at University

Medical Center Brackenridge. Our

house hold consists of Jack, me, Eddy a long haired

Chihuahua, and Dolly a terrier mix.

Our son Paul graduated from St. Edward’s and has

been in the music business here in Austin since he

was a teenager. We have three grandchildren, all of

whom attended St. Mark’s Day School. The youngest,

Maria, graduates from St. Edward’s this semester.

We have lived in Baton Rouge, where Jack graduated

from LSU, then Shreveport briefly, then Alexandria.

Later we moved to Lamarque while Jack worked in

Galveston. We lived in Houston for several years and

for 7 years were part of a Christian community there

as part of Church of the Redeemer Episcopal. We

headed up one of 42 households consisting of

anywhere from 5-18 members.

From there we moved to Tallulah, Louisiana, where

Jack managed the Social Security office. Thirty-four

years ago we moved to our current home in near

South Austin. We attended St. James’s for several

years and transferred to St. Mark’s about 8 years ago.

I enjoy doing the shower ministry. I love my team

members, Kim and Kristen, and I think that our

chairman Pat is amazing.

April 2015

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Outreach

St. Mark’s Parish Trip To Costa Rica: July 4 - 12, 2015 Community Support, Education, Reflection, Relaxation, Worship

The Diocese of Texas and the Dioceses of Costa Rica have established a companion relationship with one

another. St. Mark’s vestry proposes to accept, on behalf of interested St. Mark’s members, an invitation to

worship and participate in a community service project with the Episcopal

Church of Guácimo, Costa Rica, while housed at Earth University,

http://www.earth.ac.cr/en). High-school students in our parish have had

outstanding experiences at this campus (through educational, school-

sponsored trips). Our senior warden, JP Kloninger, a native Costa Rican, has

investigated the opportunity for us. Following are some initial details:

Guácimo’s main parish is dated and a US $45,000 master project to

refurbish it is underway. In addition, the church desires to build a

community center with a day center for the elderly, a small-scale soccer

field for youth, and a dormitory to house future groups visiting from

Episcopal churches abroad.

Three days would be spent painting, repairing and finishing walls, and

installing tile flooring.

There will be daily, joint-parish morning prayer at the worksite and

additional fellowship opportunity with another U.S. parish also staying at

Earth University during our visit.

Itinerary includes two days of rest and relaxation on the Caribbean Coast.

The Costa Rican parish is requesting monetary donations supporting the

following needs:

Funds supporting the master project

Soccer uniforms and gear for the 8-12 year-old children most likely for use at the new soccer facility.

Items that St. Mark’s travelers could bring for the monthly care baskets that are currently given to

needy families in the area.

This is a good outreach opportunity for us and small contributions can make a big difference.

Estimated cost/expenses based on a group size of 17-20:

If you are interested in this excellent outreach

opportunity, please e-mail JP Kloninger ASAP at

jpkloninger@hotmail.com, including the number in

your group.

We must have at least 15 people in order to

continue planning the trip.

A parent must accompany youth under high-school

age.

April 2015

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Paving the Way Home (An Outreach Opportunity) At one time or another nearly every one of us has encountered a homeless person—and turned away. We

have usually done so out of frustration that we knew of nothing we could do that would make a real

difference in the lives of these, our neighbors. Now there is finally something that truly can make a

difference!

Community First!

The Village is a 27-acre master-planned community that will provide affordable, sustainable housing and

a supportive community for as many as 250 of the disabled, chronically homeless people now living in

Central Texas.

An innovative mix of affordable housing options

Places for worship, study, and fellowship

Memorial garden and columbarium

A community garden featuring fruit- and nut-bearing

trees and vegetables

A chicken operation, bee hives producing fresh honey,

and aquaponics

A workshop with tool bank and art gallery for micro-

enterprise opportunities

A medical facility for physical and mental health

screenings and support services including hospice and

respite care

Walking trails

An outdoor theater and bed & breakfast for mission

visits

CAP Metro bus stop

WiFi

Just as it has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, it will also take a large community to create

and sustain this special village. By the time this newsletter is published, Donna Emery will have visited us

on Sunday after services to tell the story of these efforts.

During April please watch and prayerfully consider participating as our Outreach Committee encourages

us to explore ways that St. Mark’s can use our gifts of time, talents, and money to join in this mission.

There are ways that each of our ministries—and members of all ages (as singles or families)—can serve.

Recalling Jesus’ words—“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst

of them.” —we now know a new way to minister to those whom our Lord has called us to serve.

How this Ministry Idea Developed, and How We Know it Works!

About sixteen years ago Mobile Loaves & Fishes began as a food truck ministry. Out of that

relationship with people living on the streets came an awareness of the need for simple housing, and

Habitat on Wheels was created. HOW helped establish these neighbors in small RVs scattered in several

parks. That experience has been extremely effective: over the last nine years HOW has lifted 99 disabled,

chronically homeless neighbors into housing with 87% successfully lifted off the streets.

But out of experience with HOW grew an awareness (and the strong conviction and commitment)

that people need more than merely housing — they need community! http://mlf.org/community-first/

Everything we do is about relationships. The

biggest lesson we have learned over the years

is that we are not a food ministry. We merely

use food as a conduit to connect human to

human and heart to heart.

ALAN GRAHAM, Founder & President

April 2015

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Christian Formation for Youth, by Cathy Nelson, DRE

Many of us have colored our way through Lent. Now that we have come to Easter, we can make our

celebration more festive with an exhibit in the Parish Hall of our Join the Journey through Lent calendars!

Please share your personal expression of Lent with the community to add color to the Season of Easter!

As we celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 5, we will hear the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Our

children will recognize that this is a very special time, not just because of their new Easter clothing or the

annual Easter Egg Hunt. They will know because most Christians will try to make it to an Easter service and

the pews will be filled. They will hear jubilant music sung by our choir and by the congregation. It is a joyous

service, one through which we try to express the mystery and awe Christians feel about this principle story of

our faith.

We bring our children to church on Easter, despite the crowds, because we want them to know and experience

this joy. We want them to hear the Easter story, and to know that it is part of who we are and what we

practice. Recently, I came across another way of sharing what we believe with our children. In the book, To

Bless a Child, the Rev. Roy G. Pollina explains how to bless your child and why it is important do it. In the

introduction, he writes about his family’s special ritual at school drop off time.

At the time of separation in the morning I would lay a hand on my child and say, ‘God

bless you and keep you, God make his face to shine upon you, and be with you always.’

I blessed my children because I was their father and I felt it was duty, my solemn honor

and holy privilege, to pronounce God’s gracious favor upon them.

Pollina concludes by saying that the purpose of his book is “to show that the act of blessing a child is not a

practice reserved for the church, but a ritual that strengthens family ties and empowers children to live and

share the blessings of God.”

In a chapter called “Words of Hope,” Pollina writes, “We have a story to

tell our children, a story of hope and of love. The story begins with a

word from God that begins creation. We read in Genesis that God called

all of creation good. We need to tell our children this story of God’s

hopeful, loving relationship to creation. This is the story found in the

Bible. And while the Bible story is foundational, there is another story we

can tell. It is the story of our relationship with God. Every Sunday

morning a family tells part of the story.” And, he continues, whatever the

family does on Sunday and throughout the week becomes the family’s

story about their relationship with God. Christianity is about our

relationship with “God through the Son of God who became a human

being” and died on the cross and rose again to create a new relationship

with God.

Pollina points out that there are many other stories calling out to our children, our cultural stories, the

marketing stories of those hoping to sell products to our children and us, and the stories found in books,

movies, television shows and video games, among others. When we bless our children with words of “love,

goodness and hope, of a God who remains true when so much else is false” we share with our children the

story of God’s infinite grace.

In My Grandfather’s Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging, we find another story of blessings,

these passed down from a grandfather to his granddaughter. Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., weaves her

grandfather’s teachings and blessings into a story about her own life of blessings and service to others. In her

introduction Remen, says that her grandfather, Rabbi Meyer Ziskind, taught her that “blessings strengthen life

Vacation Bible School

June 15-19, for children 4 years old

through 5th grade. We’d love to share

this great experience with both you and

your children! We are looking for adult

and youth volunteers to help with VBS.

There will be childcare for young

children of parent leaders. Registration

& application forms for participants &

volunteers a are on our website:

www.stmarksaustin.org.

April 2015

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and feed life just as water does. When we bless someone, we touch the unborn goodness in them and wish it

well.”

Early in the book, Remen describes Friday afternoons spent with her grandfather. Like many practicing Jews,

Friday was their day for special blessings. After sharing traditional Russian tea with him, her grandfather

would pray and then bless her. Rabbi Ziskind would lay his hands on her head and thank God for her and for

making him her grandpa. Then he would tell God about something specific she had been struggling with that

week and say something about her that was true, maybe how she had been honest after making mistakes; or

how hard she had tried to do something even if she had failed; or her bravery when dealing with something

difficult. Finally, her grandfather would give her his blessing and ask Sarah, Rachel, Rebekah and Leah to

watch over her.

When Remen was seven years old, her grandfather died. She says it was hard because “He had looked at me

as no one else had and called me by a special name, Neshume-le, which means beloved little soul.” Although,

she was worried that without him to see her and tell God who she was she might disappear, over time, she

discovered that “in some mysterious way, I had learned to see myself through his eyes. And that once blessed,

we are blessed forever.”

May God bless you and keep you, God make his face to shine upon you, and be with you always.

Christian Formation Schedule Church School classes will take a break as we celebrate Easter on April 5. During the 9:00 a.m. service, the

youth will help hide the Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m. Their help is very much

appreciated! Many thanks to our bunnies! On April 12, 19, and 26, regular Church School classes resume.

The Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners and Kindergartners will hear Easter Eggs, a Ukrainian folk tale

that ties the tradition of Easter eggs to the celebration of the mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection, followed

by Jesus and the Twelve and The Good Shepherd and World Communion.

The Godly Play Two class for 1st through 5th graders will focus on the next stories of the saints of the Church.

This month, they will hear St. Catherine of Siena, St. Julian of Norwich, and St. Columba.

The Youth Class will meet with their adult leaders Danielle Adkins, and an occasional visit from Father Nate

and with teen leader Ellise Johnson for bible study and breakfast.

Adult Formation in April and May

The Adult Formation class will meet at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Chapel during April and May, starting after Easter

Sunday, which is April 5.

April 12 Dramatic Reading of the Martyrdom of Polycarp

April 19 & 26, May 3 & 10 The Tradition of Christian Socialism (Philip Turner)*

May 17 General Convention, 2015

*On Sunday, April 19, Philip Turner will begin a four-week series on Christian Socialism. He will focus his

attention on its roots in mid-19th century Britain and America.

April 2015

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Caffeine Ministry

5 Easter Day

Early Marthas

Late Becky and Jim Nolan

12 Early Marie Peterek

Late Ashley and Travis Phillips

19 Early Al McKinney

Late Becky and Andrew Poynot

26 Early Ross Ramsey and Becky Brownlee

Late Abby and Stephen Raines

April Celebrations

Birthdays

Alyssa Gallardo 04/01

Clarence Bonnen 04/03

Kristen Grulke 04/03

Christina Papalexandrou 04/03

Beth Brode 04/04

George Pazdral 04/04

Kelly Cromack 04/05

Jaylon Loyd 04/05

Gary Taylor 04/05

Marcus Yax 04/05

Chuck Bryant 04/06

Kevin Farley 04/06

Sylvia Fitz 04/06

Nancy Santos 04/06

Michael Stangl 04/06

Carlisle Farley 04/07

Vincenzo Moreno 04/07

Jennifer Pollard 04/07

Jesse Poynot 04/07

Cole Rudy III 04/07

Cindy Cabler 04/08

Karen Milton 04/08

Vivian Reshetnikov 04/08

Shannon Schulz 04/10

Asher Poynot 04/11

Amber Ramsey 04/11

Jack Sullivan 04/11

Alma Sullivan 04/11

Mairin Bachschmid 04/12

Samantha Harwood 04/12

Jodi Doran 04/14

Patricia Rogers 04/14

James Keahey 04/15

Andrew Poynot 04/15

Delda Skinner 04/15

Kevin Sullivan 04/16

Robert Hicks 04/18

Thomas Huston 04/19

Adelaide Harwood 04/21

Arthur Portman 04/21

Parker Yax 04/21

Adam Poynot 04/22

Dee Ann Thomasson 04/22

Ellie Reshetnikov 04/23

Sally Russell 04/23

Kenneth Hicks 04/26

Erin Portman 04/26

Jack Whalen 04/26

Vanessa Joyce 04/27

Elisa Turner 04/27

Emmaline Baxter-Harwell 04/28

Shirley Schwartz 04/28

Irma Glover 04/29

Sara Thiessen 04/29

Bonnie Nolan 04/30

Anniversaries

Carol & Rich Oppel 04/01

Jennifer & Reed Shaw 04/04

Amanda & David Lindeman 04/05

Clara & Paul Berndt 04/06

Kelly & Philip Dixon 04/06

Sally & Robert Russell 04/10

Shannon & Matt Schulz 04/10

Sarah & Philip Tso 04/10

George & John DeMarines 04/11

Cindy & Dan Bogard 04/12

Jodi & Jay Doran 04/16

Nicole Flores & Daniel Aja 04/19

Ester & Gary Taylor 04/25

Erin & Michael Portman 04/26

Shelly Botkin & Ryan Marquess 04/27

Danielle & Bill Adkins 04/28

Virginia & Stuart Sullivan 04/28

Millie & Jim Casparis 04/29

Mai & John Rogers 04/29

Early: Arrive 15 minutes before 9 a.m. service,

make lemonade, set out cookies, etc. (Coffee

will already be made.)

Late: After 11 a.m. service, replenish cookies,

and other supplies. After hospitality time, clean

up all containers.

Complete instructions are in the kitchen above

the coffee maker. *If you are unable to make

your time, contact the vestry member for April:

Diana Stangl.

April 2015

Page 12

April ROTA

TIME MINISTRY April 5

Easter Day

April 12

Youth Sunday April 19

April 26

Youth Sunday May 3

7:3

0

LECTOR Jill Collins Nancy Middlebrook Amelia Sondgeroth Pattie Rose Margarita Moreno

LEM /

ACOLYTE Jonea Raney Pattie Rose Margarita Moreno Wes Raney Jill Collins

USHERS Danielle Adkins

Stephen White

Jonea Raney

Jill Collins Judith & Jon Dullnig

Ed Shipsey

Al McKinney

Beth Chenoweth

Mary Smith

9:0

0

LECTORS Nancy Kibler (1)

Mary-Alis Kelly (2) YOUTH

Meredith Childs (1)

Kevin Childs (2) YOUTH

Mike Fuhrman (1)

Dodie Wells (2)

LEM Tom Schneider

Bill Kibler

Thom Temperli

Lynn Edgerton

Tom Schneider

Becky Janes

Mike Thomasson

Pam Castles

Thom Temperli

Lynn Edgerton

ACOLYTES

Abbe Kelly

Will Kelly

Nora Kelly

Hunter Rogers

Kim B.

Clay Buckner

Meredith Childs

TBD

TBD

Kim K.

Ariston Awitan IV

Claudia Janes

Matthew Awitan

Henry Janes

Kim B.

Aidan Brady

Karen Milton

Hunter Rogers

Will Kelly

Kim B., Kim K.

Claudia Janes

Ethan Fuhrman

Henry Janes

Hunter Rogers

Carol, Kim K.

USHERS

Mark Breen

Dee Ann Thomasson

Dodie Wells

Glen Baumgart

Mike Brode

Phil Aboussie

Ross Ramsey

Ken Whalen

Michael Brown

Ariston Awitan III

John Edgerton

Lynn Edgerton

Kevin Cromack

Mark Breen

Dee Ann Thomasson

Dodie Wells

Glen Baumgart

GREETERS Maria & Mike Fuhrman Meredith Childs

Kevin Cromack Kim Buckner

Michael Meigs

Diana Stangl Maria & Mike Fuhrman

11

:00

LECTORS Kimberly Horne (1)

Rex White (2)

Michael Meigs (1)

Karen Milton (2)

Kay Brown (1)

Beth Holmes (2)

Bill Willis (1)

Ann Seyler (2)

Andrew Poynot (1)

Michele Bonner (2)

LEM Thom Temperli

Michele Bonner

Tom Schneider

Dru Cabler

Tom Schneider

Jay Brown

Thom Temperli

Meredith Childs

Rex White

Brenda White

ACOLYTES

Matt Forrest

Karen Milton

Ben Forrest

Sam Forrest

Jay

Bonnie Brode

Jay Brown

Emma Kloninger

Meredith Shaw

Jay, Cindy

Sophie Lawrence

Suzanne Lightsey

Ryan Dempsey

Claire Dempsey

Jay, Cindy

Max Genet

Luke Thiessen

Josef Genet

Elijah Gallardo

Jay, Cindy

Winston Baxter-Harwell

Asher Eaton

Evelyn Eaton

Emma Baxter-Harwell

Jay, Cindy

USHERS

Carolyn Wier

James Wier

Bo Overstreet

Rick Tennant

John De Marines

John Works

Jim Casparis

Charles Brewer

Bob Peterek

Manuel de la Rosa

Jim Nolan

Ryan Marquess

Henry Olivas

Yvonne Chavez

Darlene Goodnight

Debbie Thornal

Sandy Sterzing

Frank & Jean Severn

Jodi Doran

Jay Doran

Pam Johns

David Johns

Sue Borel

Carolyn Wier

James Wier

Bo Overstreet

Rick Tennant

John De Marines

John Works

GREETERS Jean & Frank Severn

Laura Merritt

Shelly Botkin

Ryan Marquess

Yvette Webb

Jay Doran

Steve Niemeyer

Barbara Dody Jean & Frank Severn

ALT

AR

GU

ILD

Sat.

9:00

Jonea Raney-TC

Jill Collins

Carolyn Wier

Pat Bullock

Millie Casparis

Judy Elkins

Meredith Childs-TC

Dodie Wells

Karen Milton

Henry Olivas

Lynn Edgerton

Dee Ann Thomasson -TC

Tina Stonebarger

Darlene Goodnight

Debbie Thornal

Barbara Dody

Susan Baxter-Harwell

Diana Stangl -TC

Helen Anderson

Liz Davis

Cynthia Archer

Elijah Gallardo

Jonea Raney-TC

Jill Collins

Carolyn Wier

Pat Bullock

Depositor Jim Nolan Shelly Botkin Al McKinney Frank Severn Diane Brewer

WED. 6 p.m. April 1 April 8 April 15 April 22 April 29

Lector Rex White Jonea Raney Eric Panter Pattie Rose Dodie Wells

Vestry

Committees

Staff

J.P. Kloninger, Sr. Warden

Diana Stangl, Jr. Warden

Vestry members:

Clarence Bonnen, Michele

Bonner, Shelly Botkin, Mark

Breen, Jill Collins, John

Cooper, Karen Dulaney Smith,

Suzann Dvorken, David Johns,

Nancy Kibler, Karen Milton,

Jim Nolan, and David Randle

Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel,

Cindy Cabler, Kim Kiplin, and Kim

Buckner

Altar Guild: Millie Casparis

Building Committee:

Amelia Sondgeroth

Christian Formation:

Cathy Nelson

Communications:

Pattie Rose

Daughters of the King:

Lisa Martin

Women of St. Mark’s:

Pat Bullock

Facilities: Ray Smith

Finance: John Edgerton

Outreach: Becky Poynot and

Laurie Mayor

Parish Life: Brenda White

Pastoral Care/Health Ministry:

Jonea C.S. Raney

Stewardship:

Amelia Sondgeroth

Ushers: Henry Olivas

Rector

The Rev. Elizabeth Zarelli Turner

Assistant Rector

The Rev. Nathaniel Jung-Chul Lee

Director of Religious Education

Cathy Nelson

Organist/Director of Music

Mark Reed

Seminarians

Tom Schneider

Thom Temperli

Head of Day School

Anne Wingler

Parish Administrator

Joanne Foote

Newsletter Editor

Becky Janes

Deadline for the May 2015 St.

Mark’s News is Wednesday,

April 15, 2015. Please submit

your article by email as an

attachment to:

office@stmarksaustin.org.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

2128 Barton Hills Drive

Austin, TX 78704

512.444.1449

www.stmarksaustin.org

office@stmarksaustin.org

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED