August newsletter final

August 2013

St. Mark’s News

Volume 16/Issue 7

Page 1

From the Curate Many of you have kindly noticed how nice it is to see the kitchen full of teenagers milling about after Sunday services. I agree: what you are witnessing is something truly special, something being built each week one meal at a time, one silly game at a time, one prayer at a time, truly being guided by the Holy Spirit.

This previous January, the youth began carving out their niche. Choosing to begin the year in a new direction, the consensus was to enjoy God and church in ways that best reflected the abundant talents and interests of this group. They decided they would cook, pray, and play together, seeking to navigate relational waters both with God and among themselves. As the months have passed, the youth are creating something beautiful yet still blossoming; something that I hope makes God smile.

Each Sunday we create, prepare meals, and enjoy each other’s company as an extension of the Feast we all share in worship. The youth are trying new flavors and learning skills that will prove handy as they become more independent—and they are learning the nuances of textures and seasoning, food pairings, and knife skills. We haven’t lost a finger yet! The best part of it all, when everything is prepared, we sit together as a group to enjoy the feast. Teens who seem to have very little in common sit across from each other and find connections. It is my favorite part of Sunday afternoons.

Following the meal, we continue our conversations over crazy card games or Trivial Pursuit, and their creativity begins to shine! Before we end our time together, we walk as one into the chapel to pray. Our contemplative guru, Guy Yeadon, walks us through the infinite expanse of the universe in the hopes of finding “home.” We reinforce that this is their time and their space to enjoy being away from the hectic world.

If this weren’t impressive enough, our St. Mark’s youth have chosen to share their talents with the neighbors at the Trinity Center three times so far this year. We have received rave reviews from the Trinity Center director, who routinely says that our teens are the friendliest and most engaging; the homeless love our youth!

Rather than take the summer off, our youth group joined forces with the wonderful youth from St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Each Monday in July we toured Austin looking for places to cool off: bowling, kayaking in the rain (amazing!), having a game day at St. Albans, and finally swimming at Blue Hole in Wimberley. We also helped with Vacation Bible School and worked on painting and personalizing the new youth shed!

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and I look forward to continued sacred afternoons, with expectations of something truly special. I have no idea what the future holds, but I am more than confident it will be worth noticing. One meal, one, game, one prayer has proven truly transformational. Thanks be to God. ~Travis+

In this Issue

From the Curate ................. 1 Vestry Highlights ................ 2 Ministry Opportunities ......... 3 Parish Life .......................... 4 Outreach ............................. 7 Christian Formation ............ 7 Music Notes ........................ 8 Parishioner Highlights ........ 9 Caffeine Ministry ................. 9 Birthdays & Anniversaries 10 ROTA ............................... 11

August 2013

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Vestry Highlights

The St. Mark’s Vestry met at 7:00 p.m. on June 18, 2013, in the Parish Hall (the Bennett Wing classroom was set up for Vacation Bible School art). In the Rector’s report, Elizabeth+ reported that:

• Travis+ is on vacation through the end of June • Elizabeth+ will be on vacation July 8 – 28 • Four scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors on Graduation Sunday, June 2 (Allison Camp,

Bonnie Nolan, Katey Orndorff, and Carey Stangl) • Jeremiah Griffin, Mary Ann Huston, and Beccy Smith were among the eleven people ordained deacons on

Saturday, June 15 • On June 18 St. Mark’s received the undesignated $3,000 bequest from the estate of Bobby Waldrop.

Bobby was a faithful member of the Altar Guild for many years, so Elizabeth+ proposed that the gift be used for the purchase of new white altar fittings. The vestry concurred.

 Andrew Poynot reported on the recent Habitat for Humanity Build (June 1), on the June 15 St. Mark’s bike ride from Buda to San Marcos and back, and on the repainting of the deck.

Vacation Bible School had 64 children enrolled, including the 15 teen helpers.

Kathy Genet said that the youth program is going very well, with a dedicated core group of youth. On Sunday, June 23 they are going to have a work party in the shed that will be their youth space.

JP Kloninger gave the Finance Committee report. Pledge income was below budget for the month of May, but our overall income is at 113.07%. Our Investment income dropped a bit in May. We are overbudget YTD for water consumption.

Kathy Genet and David Johns reported on a recent meeting of a Building subcommittee. If we were to add 100 seats to our worship space it would be approximately 1,000 square feet. It may be possible to (1) find 1,000 square feet of impervious cover to eliminate or (2) get an exemption for the additional 1,000 square feet.

Building repairs for the month of June included repair to an AC unit due to ants, and treatment for said ants by ABC Pest Control. Bill Kibler made two new tables for the chapel prior to his summer departure for Canada. James Wier and Rick Tennant replaced the kitchen faucet.

There will be a Newcomers’ lunch on Sunday, June 23. During the week of June 17 we entered five new people into our membership rolls.

The Day School summer camps are currently under enrolled; admission numbers for the school year are good.

There will be no Vestry meeting in July. The August meeting will be a Vestry meeting/retreat on Saturday, August 17.

The Yard Sale is Coming, The Yard Sale is Coming! Saturday, September 28

Yard Sale preparation is beginning to take place. Jill Collins, event coordinator, is in need of a co-chair! Please contact Jill by email if you are available to serve as co-chair: [email protected]. Early details:

• We will have a container in the St. Mark’s parking lot 30 days prior to the sale date. Please hang on to your donations until that time! Sign-up sheets will be posted in the Parish Hall soon regarding specific areas that will need a leader (children’s area, household, furniture, etc.).

• Assistance will be needed with heavy lifting on Friday, September 27, to set up the sale.

Notes regarding donations: All donations need to be in clean, working order, particularly any electrical appliances, TVs and computer equipment. No adult clothes will be accepted!

August 2013

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St. Mark’s Rally Day is on August 25! Rally Day is an opportunity to learn about the various ways parish members can become involved in our church community. Below is information on the ministries available at St. Mark’s. See if there is a ministry (or two) that speaks to your heart and then, on Rally Day (at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall), look for the sign-up sheet and contact person to gather more information.

Acolytes - Contact: Jay Brown. An integral part of the worship services, Acolytes

carry the torches, Gospel book, or cross during services. Youth from 4th grade through high school participate in this ministry. Adult acolytes are invited to serve at the 11:00 a.m. service.

Altar Guild - Contact: Millie Casparis. The Altar Guild is responsible for the care of church linens, hangings, and vestments as well as the preparation for the Eucharist. Members serve on a rotating schedule.

Choir & Choristers - Contact: Mark Reed, Organist/Director of Music. The Adult Choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. service and at other times during the liturgical year. St. Mark’s Choristers (children’s choir): Open to youth first grade and up. Choristers make music, have fun, and learn how we live out our faith in worship. Instrumentalists, solo and ensemble offerings are a welcome addition to the program. Children’s Christian Formation - Contact: Cathy Nelson, Director of Religious Education. Available to children ages three through High School, including a nursery for crawling babies through three years of age, Godly Play, and age-appropriate classes for older children and youth. Confirmation classes are offered to 7th graders and older on a yearly basis. We offer a Children’s Chapel during Sunday services.

Contemplative Prayer Group - Contact: Liz Badger. This form of centering prayer prepares our hearts and minds to receive the gift of God’s presence. The group meets on Saturday mornings from 8 - 9 a.m. in Grace Chapel.

Correspondence Ministry - Contact: Cathy Nelson. Through the art of letter writing, members of this ministry write notes on behalf of St. Mark's to members of the parish during important times of their lives.

Day School - Contact: Anne Wingler, Director. An accredited school through the SAES (Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools), St. Mark’s Day School serves the needs of children 2 years through pre-kindergarten. Programs offered include Gym*Magic, music, outdoor play, field trips, and classroom learning activities.

Dinner Groups - Contact: Karen Milton. Dinner Groups, consisting of 8 people, are formed in September and meet every month or so, throughout the year.

The Order of the Daughters of the King - Contact: Lisa Martin. An order for laywomen who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, The Daughters make a courageous commitment to serve God and the church through prayer, service and evangelism.

Education for Ministry – Contact: Lisa Martin. EfM is a four-year Christian course developed by the Sewanee Seminary. We meet once a week each Tuesday from 6-9 p.m., from September through May.

Environmental Stewardship. Explores various ways that St. Mark’s and its members can be responsible stewards of creation. Our goal is to facilitate recycling, as well as other ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Facilities Committee - Contact: Ray Smith. Meets as needed to repair and maintain parish facilities. We need men and women with particular hands-on skills.

Garden Guild - Contact: Diane Brewer. Maintains the gardens and grounds of St. Mark’s. Members adopt an area to plant, water, and tend.

Health Ministry - Contact: Jonea Raney. Health Ministry is a living witness to the healing activity of God encouraging whole person health. The success of the Health Ministry comes from the commitment of volunteers willing to serve others through the use of their God-given talents.

Lectors and Chalice Bearers - Contact: The Rev. Elizabeth Z. Turner. Lay Readers, Lectors, and Chalice Bearers are adults who take a prominent part in the parish worship.

Liturgy and Worship - Contact: The Rev. Elizabeth Z. Turner. Assists the Clergy with planning and design of worship services. Particular attention each year goes into the planning of the season of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

Long Range Planning/Building Committee. Our current activity is considering how best to expand our space to accommodate our growing congregation. Members appointed by the Rector.

August 2013

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St. Mark’s Marthas (Parish Life) - Contact: Brenda White. Coordinates special functions at St. Mark’s to support our fellowship with one another. Through this connection we laugh, play, share, eat, and pray within a spirit of community.

Men’s Group - Contact: Bob Peterek. Meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. for fun, food, and fellowship. This group also sponsors an annual Golf Tournament that provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Newcomers’ Incorporation Ministry Contacts: Jay Doran & Kevin Cromack. Greet visitors and welcome them into the

parish. “Greeters” help out before & after Sunday services once per month.

Office Volunteers - Contact: Joanne Foote, Parish Administrator. Assist with a variety of jobs in the St. Mark’s office, including answering the phone, folding bulletins, greeting visitors, record keeping, computer data entry. Time commitment: a few hours/week.

Outreach Committee - Contacts: Becky Poynot and Laurie Mayor. Offers opportunities for serving the community through programs such as Capitol Area Food Bank, Communities in Schools, El Buen Samaritano, Habitat for Humanity, Trinity Streets, the Shower Ministry, and the Women’s Storybook Project.

Pastoral Care/Meals Commission - Contact: Jonea Raney and Diana Stangl. Offer support to parish members during illnesses, deaths, and difficult family situations. Members volunteer to provide food, transportation, etc.

Quilters Group - Contact: Pat Bullock. Quilters meet approximately once a month at St. Mark’s and bring whatever quilting project they’re working on.

Shower Ministry - Contact: Pat Bullock. At the Trinity Center at St. David’s, female Trinity

Street neighbors are given the opportunity to shower on Tuesday mornings. Volunteers from St. Mark’s greet the

neighbors, provide clean towels and toiletries, and oversee shower times.

Stewardship Committee – Amelia Sondgeroth. The Stewardship Committee coordinates the annual Mission and Ministry stewardship meals and program. This committee meets from April through November each year.

Technology/Communications - Contact: Pattie Rose. Assists the church staff with networking, computer issues and communication improvements.

Ushers - Contact: Henry Olivas. Ushers play a vital role in facilitating a smooth worship service: acting as a first contact for newcomers, representing the church, & assisting the infirm. Ushers serve on a rotating schedule.

Women of St. Mark’s - Contacts: Judy Elkins and Yvonne Chavez. Involved in diverse ministries, there are many opportunities to gather together for fellowship, spiritual growth, and service. Social highlights include monthly potluck dinners and Bunco and occasional Chick Flicks, museum trips, and retreats.

FWYC-Families With Young Children - Contacts: Laura Merritt and Bradley Johnson. We get together to share fun and fellowship as well as learning to raise Christian children. Social gatherings include Picnic and Playtime on the Deck and events at Halloween and Christmas. We also have parent-only events.

Youth Group – Contact: Rev. Travis Smith. A vibrant, fun-filled and faith-filled group of kids. We typically meet for two hours every Sunday for social events, field trips, or outreach activities.

Young Adults - Contact: Rev. Travis Smith. Meets together for social events, monthly meetings of The Well, and outreach activities.

Youth Lectors - Contact: Nancy Kibler. Youth Lectors read twice a month during the Sunday service at 9:00 a.m.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

August 11 – 13: Men’s Fishing Trip August 18: Annual Parish-Wide Salad and Sandwich Potluck Luncheon August 25: Rally Day and Blessing of the Backpacks September 1: Return to Three-Service Schedule September 8: Christian Formation begins September 28: Yard Sale

August 2013

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Parish Life First Friday Book Group: Bennett Wing Classroom at 11 a.m. Below is the reading list for the First Friday Book Group. Join us any month you are able to do so!

2013 2014 Aug. 2 God’s Hotel Victoria Sweet Jan. 3 Illuminations Mary Sharratt Sept. 6 Flight Behavior Barbara Kingsolver Feb. 7 Rules of Civility Amor Towles Oct. 4 Me Before You Jojo Moyes March 7 Benediction Kent Haruf Nov. 1 In the Garden of Beasts Erik Larson April 4 Heft Liz Moore Dec. 6 Eventide Kent Haruf May 2 Canada Richard Ford

Women’s News Summer is Served! The Annual Parish-wide Salad & Sandwich Potluck Luncheon will be on Sunday, August 18, 2013, at 11 a.m. Join us for refreshing ways to cool off from the summer heat with flavorful assorted salads & enticing sandwiches. Sign-up sheet is in the Parish Hall. Rally Day is Sunday, August 25th following the 10:00 a.m. service. This is the time to investigate all the opportunities for service. So whether you are a “Georgia” or a “George” please consider where you best fit in to serve our community. è Diocesan Fair Share Assessment: Each woman 18 years or older is encouraged to contribute $5.00.

Look for us at our table on Rally Day! è ECW Fundraiser: You will also want to bring some jingle in your pocket for the special sale on

Fredericksburg Farm items. Stock up your pantry and support the ECW fundraiser. All of the dip mixes, seasonings, salsa, queso, jams, jellies, and BBQ sauces are made with natural ingredients.

Finally, with Rally Day behind us, it's time to party with Bunco on Monday, August 27. Set-up is at 6:00 p.m. and potluck starts at 6:30 p.m. This is also a great way for moms to unwind after the first day back to school for their kids!

Remember to Keep a Smile on Your Face and Love in Your Heart! ~Yvonne Chavez

Fredericksburg Farms Comes to St. Mark’s on Rally Day

Fredericksburg has always been a favorite spot to shop. Don’t you just love browsing through all the quaint little antique and food stores? The only down side is the travel time it takes getting there. Well, the ECW has solved that problem for you.

We will be offering a special sale on Fredericksburg Farms items on Rally Day as a fundraiser for the ECW. Offerings include dry dip mixes, seasonings and rubs, a variety of salsas and queso, jams and jellies, and grilling and barbeque sauces. You will have the opportunity to place your order at the ECW table on Rally Day and again the following Sunday in the Parish Hall. These delicious products are made with all natural ingredients right here in Texas. Prices range from $5 to $12.

Your order will be shipped to St. Mark’s and you will be contacted for pick up when received. So, plan ahead! Get a head start on your Christmas shopping, make a list now of all those people with upcoming birthdays and anniversaries, and then bring your check book on Rally Day and help support the St. Mark’s ECW.

August 2013

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Men of St. Mark’s Fishing Trip August 11-13, 2013 Become a part of the fishing tradition here at St. Mark’s! On August 11, we will depart right after church and carpool to the coast, returning either late Monday evening or Tuesday afternoon, depending on your schedule. The cost at The Captain’s Quarters Inn per person will be $62/night ($121.00 for both nights, based on double occupancy).

Currently, the total price of lodging and fishing is estimated at approximately $300/person, not including gas, food, and other incidental expenses. Because it is a chartered trip, the more people who come, the lower the price. Both deep sea fishing and bay fishing are available, depending on your preference. Rod, reel, and guides are included in either excursion.

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, the pool at the Inn is great for lounging around and reliving the day. There are plenty of restaurant choices near the motel. For more information, please contact Jim Casparis (512) 444-3096, or Travis Smith+ (512) 444-1449.

From the garden ~ Brief showers have occasionally broken summer’s heat, but not enough to really sustain the green, lush look of wetter years. The ongoing work and hand watering of our hard-working gardeners Joanne Foote, Al McKinney, Dee Ann Thomasson, and Becky Nolan, however, continue to reflect the nurturing care they give our landscape. The Foote-Path is flourishing! Joanne’s arrangement of shade-loving greenery and blooming hardies is still quite lovely. The entrance has never looked better. Dee Ann’s watering and tending has made the Thomasson Triangle patch a delightful array of sturdy texture and color. After Dee Ann removed an overgrown holly from the sign area, Elizabeth+ hired help to do some much-needed pruning of overgrown shrubbery both in front of the sanctuary and along the classroom walls. The other shrubs trimmed are as old as the sanctuary itself, and needed shaping too. The building looks very neat and trim now. The beauty of McKinney Isle recently inspired James Wier and the Men’s Group to fund a wooden carving of St. Francis to watch over the superbly improved island. By mid-July, James had already carefully installed the completed piece near the beautiful Celtic Cross he created last year. The statue is the work of local chainsaw artist and musician Doug Moreland. The island is now a completed work of devotion and beauty.

Also relating to James, this St. Mark’s willing volunteer repaired the gate hardware to the Columbarium garden just perfectly in June – but not before several of us, including Elizabeth+--found ourselves trapped on several separate occasions. James is one of those folks who contributes much behind the scenes. The Columbarium Garden wall bears another beautiful cross created by James. People like him are what make this parish work.

More excitement in mid-July! Eagle Scout candidate Wesley Cooper and volunteers completed a wonderful project in a long-neglected area of our grounds. The sidewalk leading along the southwest edge of our property has always been a tangle of underbrush and poison ivy. Wesley cleared the area, defined it with Ryerson steel edging and weed-cloth, and planted dozens of prostrate rosemary plants which are drought hardy and beautiful. In time they will cascade down the slope. He then finished it with natural mulch. It is beautiful work! Our young Eagles have really done a lot for St. Mark’s over the years. Thank you, Wesley.

Rally Day 2013 is just ahead, and the Garden Guild is always looking for fresh ideas and parishioner willingness to create and maintain. Come visit and sign up!

“The earth laughs in flowers!” Ralph Waldo Emerson Diane Brewer, Coordinator

August 2013

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Outreach As we prepare for the start of school with our own children, let us take time to remember children who face challenges of poverty, violence, and hunger on a daily basis. Austin ISD's Communities in Schools program supports these students throughout the year, and getting a positive start is a great first step to staying in school. This year, St. Mark’s will help students by donating new backpacks. Details will be coming soon! Watch for more information in the weekly bulletin announcements and email newsletter.

Christian Formation For Children and Youth (by Cathy Nelson, Director of Religious Education)

In July, the Rev. Cecilia Smith preached a sermon on Luke 10:25-37, which includes the parable of the Good Samaritan. In the reading, a lawyer asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. When Jesus asked the man what was written in the law, he replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Jesus told the man that he was correct, then added, “Do this and you will live.” But that was not a clear enough answer for the lawyer, who wanted to know who exactly was his neighbor. In answer, Jesus told the parable of the Samaritan.

While walking through the parable with us, Cecilia used the phrase “go and do” several times to sum up Jesus’ response in this reading, as well as many others. Just do it! Don’t hesitate! Just love your neighbor. We can spend much time questioning, planning, sorting things out in our minds, preparing, but ultimately, Christianity is most often about going out to do as Jesus would have done in a situation. “Go and do!”

In the book Will Our Children Have Faith?, John Westerhoff says  “Faith, as I have used the word, is a verb. Faith is a way of behaving which involves knowing, being and willing. The content of faith is best described in terms of our worldview and value system, but faith itself is something we do.” Later, he says, “Our children will have faith if we are faithful. Both we and our children will have Christian faith if we join with others in a worshipping, learning, witnessing Christian community of faith. To evolve this sort of community where people strive to be Christian together is the challenge of Christian education in the years ahead.”

With this in mind, I invite you to come and do! Join us on Rally Day, Sunday, August 25. This is our opportunity to begin again with renewed resolve. This annual tradition, when we set up tables in the Parish Hall with information about the many groups, committees, programs and events available at St. Mark’s, calls parishioners to consider how we will participate in the St. Mark's community. It is a time for families to sign their children up to acolyte, to sing as a chorister, to attend Christian Formation classes and youth group, to be an usher or youth lector. Most importantly, it is a time for parents to make resolutions to be faithful to these programs and St. Mark’s. “Go and do!”

Thanks for Making Vacation Bible School a Success!

Many thanks to the 80 volunteers and attendees at St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School! It was a wonderful week! We learned about Noah and the ark and the covenant God made with Noah and all humankind.

It is not too early to think about how you can help us next year! VBS will be in June 2014. Please contact Cathy Nelson, [email protected] with questions.

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In addition to the Rally Day Festivities on August 25, we will have the Blessing of Backpacks and Crosses during the 10:00 a.m. service. Students of all ages are invited to receive a back-to-school cross; and the congregation will join in a prayer for students and teachers as they begin a new school year.

Also at this time, there will be an opportunity to show our love for our neighbors. St. Mark’s Outreach Committee will be collecting school supplies for Austin school children who are in need. See the Outreach section on page 7 of this newsletter for details.

Calendar Notes: On September 1, we will return to three services. On September 8, Christian Formation classes will begin at 10:00 a.m. Registration for Children’s Christian Formation classes is available on our website: Childrens Christian Formation Registration (www.stmarksaustin.org/Christian formation).

Parents, remember to mark which jobs you are interested in volunteering to do for our programs on the registration form. Your help is greatly appreciated! I look forward to seeing all of you on Rally Day.

~ Cathy Nelson, DRE

The St. Mark’s Music Ministry Welcomes You! As you explore the varied ministry and service opportunities available to you at St. Mark’s I hope you will consider joining us in a choir.

The St. Mark’s Choirs are a family within the larger church community. They are a place to grow musically and spiritually, while forming lasting friendships in a welcoming and caring environment. The choirs offer a unique and important way to praise God and contribute to the life of our church; while developing your skills and having fun.

You are wholeheartedly invited to try singing with a choir this year. We welcome members of all levels of experience. Try us out, and experience how rewarding it can be to join your voice in praise!

My singing is a prayer, O Lord, a prayer of thanks and praise; in music, Lord, I worship thee; thy beauty fills my days.

I give my talents, Lord, to thee, my mind and heart and voice, for thou alone art worthy, Lord; in thee do I rejoice.

Accept the worship of my heart, accept my music, too: help me to live always for thee, Lord, keep me strong and true.

O bless me, Lord, and help me sing thy love so full and free; and bless all those who listen, Lord, help them to worship thee.

St. Mark’s Adult Choir St. Mark’s Choristers

Wednesday Rehearsal 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Rehearsal 6:15 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Warm-Up 10:15 a.m. Sing in church about once a month.

Sunday Service 11:00 a.m. First Wednesday Rehearsal September 4

First Wednesday Rehearsal August 28

For more information, please contact Mark Reed

[email protected] 512-203-1780

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Parishioner Highlights Millie and Jim Casparis have been part of St. Mark’s parish since the early 80s. Millie holds the Guinness Book of Records for the length of time she has held the Altar Guild Directorship title. Jim has not only been available to serve in leadership positions but also to pick up the pieces when things fall apart. I mean this quite literally such as when our St. Mark’s church & school sign was toppled, he did a dynamite repair job and our sign was upright in no time flat! So thanks to you both for all your ongoing support and service to St. Mark’s!

Beth Chenoweth

Millie and Jim Casparis We bought our home on Farnswood Circle in January 1974. We drove by St. Mark’s each day on our way to work and watched construction of the sanctuary. Millie attended St. Mark’s for a

couple of years and joined on November 10, 1982, when Father Raish was rector. Jim joined Millie at St. Mark’s a few years later.

We have a son and a daughter. Carey Casparis Poole married Bo Poole and they have three children: Maddie, Tanner, and Jackson. They live in Montgomery, Texas.

Our son, Jason Casparis, married Ashley Gorman on September 30, 2012, and they live in Spring, Texas.

When our children were in Barton Hills Elementary School, we started making wooden crafts for the school fall fund raisers. This resulted in our craft business, Wooden Magic. Currently we sell our items in our shop in Wimberley during Wimberley Market Days.

Millie retired after many years as a personal secretary to a family in Austin.

Jim retired in 1996 after many years in Federal Law Enforcement.

Since joining St. Mark’s, we have tried to do what we could do to become a part of this welcoming community. We have both been involved in the Backdoor Players, chicken BBQs, bake sales, bazaars, yard sales, and coffee houses. Millie is a member of the Marthas and the Daughters of the King, and she helps prepare food for members of the church when necessary. She is also a member of St. Mark’s Gaining Health Group and the Women of St. Mark’s. She has always been involved in the Altar Guild, and she has been the director for more than 20 years.

Jim has been honored to serve on the Vestry several times and has been both Junior and Senior Warden. He is also a member of the St. Mark’s men’s group and he serves as a church depositor, acolyte, LEM, and usher.

Traveling with St. Mark’s and our friends has been an important part of our lives. We have been to some wonderful places in the world. St. Mark’s is a major part of our lives and we would be lost without our St. Mark’s family.

August Caffiene Ministry August 4 - Ken and Jackie Whalen

August 11 - L.A. and Ann Williams

August 18 - Ginny Acker and Deen Denny

August 25 - Marthas

Arrive 15 minutes before 10 a.m. service make lemonade, set out cookies, etc. After service, clean-up coffee urns, etc. If you are unable to make your time, contact someone on the list above to arrange a trade or contact the designated Vestry Member, Susan Bonnen.

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Celebrations August BirthdaysChad Dobbs 08/01

Kim Kiplin 08/01

Nancy Hicks 08/02

Margaret Azarmehr 08/03

Kimberly Cromack 08/03

James Crowson 08/03

Berit Kragas 08/03

Courtney Sharpe 08/03

Steven Siegismund 08/03

Sue Crowson 08/04

Danielle Adkins 08/05

Willah Peers 08/05

Dodie Wells 08/05

Lisa Martin 08/06

Audra Bogard 08/08

Katie Harwood 08/09

Britt Sitzes 08/09

Yvonne Chavez 08/10

Scarlett Lewis 08/10

Virginia Acker 08/11

Jenny Greer 08/11

Barbara Keahey 08/11

Avery Lindeman 08/11

Liam Sullivan 08/11

Jeff Doidge 08/12

Julia Greer 08/12

Roger Seyler 08/12

Mark Zuniga 08/12

Lark Anthony 08/13

Creighton Hicks 08/13

Leigh Ann Baughman 08/14

Penny Considine 08/14

Delia Greer 08/14

Sarah Price 08/14

Lucas Ruiz 08/14

Tracy Eilers 08/15

Nicole Flores 08/15

Jack Hourin 08/15

Bodhi Pitt 08/15

Jonea C. S. Raney 08/15

Ken Walker 08/15

Claire Woiton 08/15

Cathy Chadwick 08/16

Christine Havens 08/16

Ester Taylor 08/16

Eric Goff 08/17

David Martinez 08/17

Catherine Dickey 08/18

Max Azarmehr 08/19

Kevin Cromack 08/19

Ryan Dempsey 08/19

Claire Dempsey 08/19

Lucy Joyce 08/20

Jack Minor 08/20

Juana Antokoletz 08/21

Kate Bonnen 08/21

John Edgerton 08/21

Lee Siegismund 08/21

Becky Janes 08/23

Charlie Berndt 08/24

Whitney Bludworth 08/24

Marcy Greer 08/24

Roberta Pazdral 08/24

Barbette Cooper 08/26

Emily (Bee) Dolan 08/27

Clara Berndt 08/28

Marquita Dubach 08/28

Rich Janes 08/28

Alexia Rodriguez 08/28

Travis Smith 08/29

Amity Worrel 08/29

Michael Brode 08/30

David Lindeman 08/30

Theda Marty 08/30

Rick Albers 08/31

August Anniversaries Patricia & Joe Bullock 08/07

Amelia & James Sondgeroth 08/07

Amy & Seth Randle 08/11

Lisa & Neil Kepple 08/14

Susan & Rick Albers 08/15

Meredith & Kevin Childs 08/15

Lisa Leach & Jeff Doidge 08/15

Barbara & Glenn Dody 08/17

Carol & GaryTodd 08/18

Cathy & James Nelson 08/22

Cathy Chadwick & Glenn Peers 08/24

Dee Ann & Mike Thomasson 08/29

August 2013

Page 11

August ROTA

TIME MINISTRY August 4 August 11 August 18 August 25 Rally Day

September 1 (Return to 3 Services)

7:30 a.m.

8:00

a.m

. SE

RVI

CE

LECTOR Jonea Raney Pattie Rose Amelia Sondgeroth Jonea Raney Amelia Sondgeroth

LEM/ACOLYTE Jill Collins Jonea Raney Pattie Rose Nancy Middlebrook Pattie Rose

USHERS Ed Shipsey Stephen White

Ed Shipsey Al McKinney

Beth Chenoweth Mary Smith

Jonea Raney Jill Collins

Ed Shipsey Al McKinney

10:0

0 a.

m.

SER

VIC

E

LECTORS Barbara Dody (1) Dave Elkins (2)

Chris Blanding (1) Melissa Blanding (2)

Kevin Childs (1) Meredith Childs (2)

Phil Aboussie (1) Becky Janes (2)

9 a.m. Nancy Kibler (1) Ken Whalen (2)

11 a.m. Andrew Poynot (1)

Rex White (2)

LEM Dru Cabler Kim Buckner

Carol Oppel Lynn Edgerton

Jay Brown Mary Cromack

Rex White Brenda White

9 a.m. Lynn Edgerton

Bill Kibler

11 a.m. Liz Davis

Dru Cabler

ACOLYTES

Carson Buckner Clara Bogard Clay Buckner Claire Cabler Kim B., Mary

Katey Orndorff Clara Bogard Abigail Goff Julia Comer Carol, Jay

Michael Brode Bonnie Brode Elijah Gallardo

Evan Overstreet Mary, Jay

Connor Lightsey Suzanne Lightsey Claire Dempsey Ryan Dempsey Kim B., Mary

9 a.m. Abbe Kelly Will Kelly

Julia Comer Claudia Janes

Carol, Jay 11 a.m.

Wes Johns Winston Baxter-Harwell

Emmaline Baxter-Harwell Claire Cabler

USHERS

Carolyn Wier James Wier

Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant

John De Marines

Jim Casparis Charles Brewer

Bob Peterek Manuel de la Rosa

Jim Nolan Ryan Marquess

Henry Olivas Lark Anthony

Yvonne Chavez

Frank Severn Jean Severn Jay Doran Jodi Doran

9 a.m. Mark Breen

Dee Ann Thomasson Dick Wells

Dodie Wells Glen Baumgart

11 a.m. Carolyn Wier James Wier

Bo Overstreet Rick Tennant

John De Marines

GREETERS Barbette & John Cooper

Cindy & Dan Bogard Kim Buckner

Michael Meigs Jean & Frank Severn

9 a.m. Barbette & John Cooper

11 a.m. Jean & Frank Severn

ALT

AR

G

UIL

D

Sat. 9:00

Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins

Carolyn Wier Tina Stonebarger

Barbara Dody

Diana Stangl-TC Millie Casparis Lynn Edgerton Cynthia Archer

Pat Bullock

Dee Ann Thomasson-TC Helen Anderson

Karen Milton Susan Baxter-Harwell

Meredith Childs-TC Liz Davis

Judy Elkins Henry Olivas

Jonea Raney-TC Jill Collins

Carolyn Wier Cynthia Archer

Depositor Shelly Botkin Al McKinney Frank Severn Diane Brewer Jim Casparis

WED. 6 p.m. August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28 September 4

Lector Kevin Childs Dodie Wells Jonea Raney Michele Bonner Meredith Childs

August 2013

Page 12

Vestry Committees Staff Andrew Poynot, Sr. Warden Kathy Genet, Jr. Warden Vestry members: Dan Bogard, Susan Bonnen, Shelly Botkin, Kim Buckner, Lynn Edgerton, Becky Janes, David Johns, Nancy Kibler, J.P. Kloninger Jim Nolan, Bo Overstreet, Ross Ramsey, Rex White

Acolytes: Jay Brown, Carol Oppel, Mary Cromack, Kim Kiplin, and Kim Buckner Altar Guild: Millie Casparis Building Committee: Amelia Sondgeroth Christian Formation: Cathy Nelson Communications: Pattie Rose Daughters of the King: Jonea C.S. Raney Women of St. Mark’s: Yvonne Chavez and Judy Elkins 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

Curate The Rev. Travis Smith

Director of Religious Education

Cathy Nelson

Organist/Director of Music Mark Reed

Seminarians

Vivian Orndorff

Head of Day School Anne Winkler

Parish Administrator

Joanne Foote

Newsletter Editor Becky Janes

Deadline for the September 2013 St. Mark’s News is Thursday, August 14,

2013. Please submit your article by email as an

attachment to: [email protected].

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, TX 78704 512.444.1449 www.stmarksaustin.org [email protected]

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED