february newsletter
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Episcopal Church Newsletter Austin, TXTRANSCRIPT
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February 2015
St. Mark’s News Volume 19/Issue 2
From the Assistant Rector
“Sin” is a word you don’t hear used that often anymore. For many, it is a word with ugly connotations, because
of the ways that some Christians have used it in the past. Too often, we have used the word “sin” in order to
attack other persons—that is, used it as a label used to condemn or write off other persons as fundamentally
different or worse than us—so performing a kind of rhetorical violence against them.
There are many problems with this way of using the word, but Christians should be chiefly concerned with this
one: that’s not how our scriptures talk about sin. In the first place, when the Bible talks about sin, it’s never to
create an artificial division between peoples and persons––where some are “sinners” and others are “saints.”
Rather, the language of sin always points to a shared human reality, and thus marks the profound likeness of
all human beings. Sin, in other words, is ultimately egalitarian. As St. Paul writes: “we all have sinned” (Rom.
3.23).
Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, the biblical language of sin implies that it is not itself fundamental to
human being. In other words, human being is not “intrinsically” sinful, so
that human beings are sinful by “nature.” Rather, the Bible says that
humanity is made in the “image of God,” and is thus (by nature) “good” (Cf.
Gen. 1.26-31). This goodness is therefore basic to our humanity, such that it
can never be taken away.
So, when the Bible talks about “sin,” it always refers to something that is
unnatural to us. To sin is to act against our nature as human beings, to act in
a way contrary to the goodness in which and for which we are made. This is
why the most basic sense of “sin” in Scripture is to “miss the mark.” We do
not sin because we are bad. What we do is called sin because it is not true to
who we are.
That being said, when we sin, it is also not without effect upon our nature.
To be more precise, when we sin, we slowly change ourselves over time. We develop sinful habits, which turn
into sinful dispositions, which, finally, change our orientation toward the good for which we were made.
Overindulging in food (i.e. the sin of “gluttony”) is a good (and safe enough to share!) example of how this
works in my own life. When I eat in excess, it changes me. For starters, it not only causes immediate damage
to my body—by raising my cholesterol and blood pressure—but also, it damages my health in such a way that
it becomes harder to stay healthy. When I put on weight, for example, it adds stress on my joints, effects my
mood and energy levels, and so makes it harder for me to exercise.
But the effects are not limited to my physical health alone. There is analogy between the effects it has upon my
physical health and the effects it has upon my soul. For, when I eat in excess, my appetites (i.e. my “desires”)
change as well. I become more inclined to eat in excess. Eventually, I grow used to eating in excess. Eating in
excess becomes a habit. Until eventually, this way of eating becomes natural to me. My fundamental
orientation toward food has changed. Rather than receiving it as a good gift to be appreciated and used, it now
In this Issue
From the Assistant Rector ......... 1
Vestry Highlights........................ 3
Parish Life ................................. 4
Outreach .................................... 6
Day School News ...................... 7
Christian Formation ................... 7
Parishioner Highlights ................ 9
Caffeine Ministry ...................... 10
Celebrations ............................ 11
ROTA ...................................... 12
February 2015
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becomes a matter of consumption. Overtime, I don’t just consume. I become a consumer. And in so doing, I
act in a way contrary to goodness in which and for which I was made.
I’m sure you can find on your own the parallels between what I’ve just said about eating in excess and other
things Christians have traditionally called sinful––like greed, or lust, or anger (to name a few). But by now,
you’re probably starting to wonder: what’s the point of all this?
Well, believe it or not, I take the above to be good news. For, if our faults and flaws (as bad as they are) are not
something we are by nature, but something we have trained ourselves into, there is some hope that these faults
and flaws might not always remain. Think again about eating in excess. Those of us whose health has been
damaged by this bad habit do not need to remain as we are. We can take up new disciplines, and alter our
habits––until our appetites no longer control us as they once did, and our health can be restored. It may be
hard. It may take sacrifice. We may stumble and fall along the way. But in the end, change is possible. We
need not continue to “miss the mark” in our eating (etc.), but can eat in a way fitting to the goodness in which
and for which we are made.
This is good news. And it is the good news, more specifically, of the season we are about to enter into: Lent.
Lent is what the church calls a “penitential” season––a time in the life of the church where Christians practice
extended and focused liturgical repentance for our sins. The most prominent way in which this penance is
practiced, of course, is through the various forms of fasting and self-denial that are generally taken up
throughout the forty days. But these fasts, despite being prominent, are largely misunderstood. We do not fast,
for example, as a way of showing how much better we are than those who don’t. Neither do we fast as a form
of self-harm or self-mutilation. Rather, when Christians fast, we fast in hope.
Put differently, the fasts we take up in Lent look forward to Easter. In fasting, we take up new disciplines,
which can begin to alter our habits, and so loosen some of the control that our disordered appetites have upon
us. And in so doing, these fasts prepare us for the Easter celebration, reminding us that our faults and our flaws
do not get the last word—that, one day, we “will be changed” (1 Cor. 15.52)—and the desires and habits that
have so strong a hold on us today will, on that day, be finally broken. This is what we do in Lent.
Of course, this is not all we do in Lent. But, I’ll say more about what else Lent is for once we’ve come through
Easter…and most of us have broken our Lenten fasts a few times .
Until then,
NJL+
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall
Tuesday, February 17, will be your last day to finish off the candy you
were given on Valentine’s Day! And you can have a final carb and
sugar rush at St. Mark’s when we gather for a delicious Shrove Tuesday
meal of pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, and fruit cups. No need to
cook at home that night, and there is plenty of time to get home and get
the homework done. Join us!
February 2015
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Vestry Highlights
The St. Mark’s vestry met in the Bennett Wing classroom at 7:00 p.m. on January 20. Elizabeth+ opened
the meeting with the Collect for St. Fabian (Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250). New vestry members were
welcomed and all members introduced themselves by saying how long they had been members of St.
Mark’s, ways in which they are involved in the life of the parish, and what they do professionally. Diana
Stangl was nominated to serve as Jr. Warden. The nomination was approved and Diana was elected.
The Rector reported on numerous things: Christmas service attendance was down from last year; there were
5 baptisms on 1/11 with 3 more scheduled for 2/8; and there have been 3 funerals (12/27, 1/6, 1/12).
Elizabeth+ also reported on the numerous repairs since Jan. 6: a broken pipe out near the BBQ pits that
caused us to close the Day School early on the 6th and all day on the 7th; a gas leak and repair on 1/7; a roof
repair on 1/12; and 4 days (to date) of attempted drain repair; and Google Fiber work on the corner. Bishop
Harrison will be at St. Mark’s for our service of Confirmation (5 teens and 8 adults: 2 receive, 5 confirm, 1
reaffirm). Elizabeth+ then distributed a New Vestry Orientation sheet that describes the responsibilities of
the vestry.
The Assistant Rector talked about a new “Missional Community” initiative that he and Meredith Childs are
initiating on February 2. They are using Meetup.com to invite people interested in the topic “Questioning
Christianity” to meet at Thai Fresh for discussion each Monday evening.
The Senior Warden, JP Kloninger, shared plans for a mission trip to Costa Rica the week of July 4-12. John
Cooper and Karen Dulaney Smith offered to work with him on the planning and coordination. We hope for
12-15 participants, including both youth and adults.
David Randle and Diana Stangl gave the Finance Committee report, and walked the vestry through each
line item and category to help clarify how to read the monthly financial report. At the end of 2014 we had
a $59,000 surplus and our overall contribution income was at 117.25%.
Other reports included Outreach (Ms. Botkin), Parish Like (Ms. Milton), Newcomers (54 new members
in 2014), and Day School. The meeting concluded with Compline.
The Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday is February 18 and our services that day are at 7:15 a.m., 12:15
p.m., and 7:00 p.m. There is imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist at all three
services. At the 7:00 p.m. service there is music and a homily.
Lenten Quiet Day on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The
Daughters of the King will host a Lenten Quiet Day that is for everyone—not just for
Daughters of the King. These Quiet Days are lovely ways to begin a meditative and penitential season.
Please mark your calendars for that Saturday of prayer, reflection, and Holy Eucharist. And bring a friend!
Sundays in Lent: February 22 (with the Great Litany), March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March
29 (Palm Sunday). At the 11:00 service during Lent we will use Rite I rather than Rite II.
Wednesdays in Lent: Soup Suppers & Lenten Program, Wednesday evenings, beginning
February 25. @ 6 p.m. Join us for a simple dinner of soup, followed by our Lenten Program with
meditations & music. This year's theme is Sermon on the Mount. Guest Musician: Iona Williams, viola &
voice selections.
February 2015
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Parish Life
Brown Bag Bible Study - Tuesdays at noon in the Bennett Wing Classroom We are using Lectionary B, so on Sunday mornings we will most often hear portions of Mark’s gospel.
On Tuesdays in Bible study we are studying one chapter of Mark each week. Philip Turner+ is leading
our study. Join us as you are able!
First Friday Book Group Join us on the first Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. in the Bennett Wing classroom for the St. Mark’s
First Friday Book Group. Here is the list of books we will be discussing over the next several months:
February 6 Tell the Wolves I’m Home Carol Rifka Brunt
March 6 The Burgess Boys Elizabeth Strout
April no meeting because of Good Friday
May 1 The Invention of Wings Sue Monk Kidd
June 5 Still Life with Bread Crumbs Anna Quindlen
Knowing, Following, and Sharing Jesus
One of the blogs I read is “Clergy Confidential,” and on January 20 the post was entitled “Ripping Jesus from
the Headlines.” The author, the Rev. Timothy Schenck (of Lent Madness fame), says that if all he knew
about Christianity was learned through the media he would not be a Christian. Among the examples he cites
are the Westboro Baptist Church protests, sexual predators masquerading as priests, and Christians who
deny the value of scientific inquiry. “Or to put it another way, if you went up to a bunch of non-church-going
strangers and asked them what came to mind when they thought of Christians you’d likely hear: judgmental,
hypocritical, holier than thou, irrational, out of touch, and intolerant.”
He asks how we might change this perception of the church and of God’s people and he makes three
suggestions:
Know Jesus. “It all starts with relationship, which only happens through an active prayer life. Read the
Bible regularly, pray daily, worship weekly and you will come to know Jesus.”
Follow Jesus. “It always comes back to discipleship. Model your faith in the way you live your life. Use
your hands and heart to make a difference in the world in ways both great and small.”
Share Jesus. “You have likely experienced moments of grace and transcendence in your own life. Have
you hoarded them in your heart or have you shared them with others?”
“We know and proclaim a God of love and justice and inclusion; a God who is accessible and inviting and
compassionate. A God who is full of joyful surprises and absolutely nothing like the God of the headlines.
Know Jesus. Share Jesus. Follow Jesus. It’s time to take our faith back.”
EZT+
February 2015
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Women’s News
Annual Champagne Brunch
Saturday, February 7 @ 11:00 a.m.
All women of St. Mark’s are invited for fun, fellowship, a little business, and the election of the 2015
officers. Visit the sign-up sheets on the Parish Hall bulletin board if you haven’t signed up yet. Come for
the champagne and scrumptious eats.
On Sunday, February 15, the United Thank Offering boxes, aka “the little blue boxes,” will be handed
out after each service. Through United Thank Offering (UTO), men, women and children nurture the
habit of giving daily thanks to God. The blue UTO boxes will serve as our Lenten alms/mite boxes: we
will give alms and thanks during the season of Lent!
Lent: The women’s group will be providing soups for the first Lenten Soup Suppers on Wednesday,
February 25. Watch for Soup Suppers sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall as the date gets closer.
There will be NO Potluck/Bunco on Monday, February 23.
From the garden ~
When temperatures are low, skies overcast, and daylight short, we find ourselves inside more than usual. While
some of us gardeners choose this time to have necessary foot surgery, as in the case of Becky Nolan, some of us
spend our time reading and googling.
Google is probably one of the newer listings in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary! It is a fun word and one that allows
us to explore and discover. Recently, excavation work has been taking place all along Barton Hills Drive while
workers lay new Google fiber to bring Austin closer to its technical pinnacle. Failing to accurately Google, however,
workers recently drilled through our wastewater line, plunging the church into a week of plumbers diagnosing the
problem, which ultimately resulted in the City of Austin having to dig up the street to repair the line!
Two weeks prior to this event, a pipe near the BBQ pits developed a crack that caused a serious leak. To stop the
flow, water to the church and day school had to be shut off entirely and the day school had to shutter its doors for
about 24 hours. In the midst of this, the plumber discovered a gas leak on the front lawn when he went to shut off
the water. The outcome resulted in Texas Gas Service digging up our sidewalk to repair the leak, so at the moment
we have a temporary sidewalk surface. As of this writing, all pipe issues have been repaired, with the exception of
the sprinkler system, which was damaged during the drilling of Google fiber lines, and the resulting repairs.
However, it looks like our crepe myrtles out by the street survived the chaos, but only springtime will tell us the true
story.
This past month, Miss Becky (Nolan) and her elves managed the miracle of removing the holiday finery by
Epiphany, January 6th, in spite of cold, damp weather and the aforementioned surgery, which has our garden guild
chair in another boot. We wish her well, and send our love and appreciation to her and to other guilders who have
planted in such a way that the church grounds look handsome in spite of winter dormancy. The coming month will
bring forth early spring and more unpredictable weather, but gardeners will prevail! We can anticipate colorful
bulbs, snapdragons, pansies, and petunias during the softer spring weather.
Enjoy these last weeks of winter and think of ways you too can adopt a Spot!
The earth laughs in flowers ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
February 2015
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Youth Group Happenings in February February 1st is the annual Souper Bowl of Caring. The youth will be stationed near the doors and in the
parish hall after the 9 and 11 o’clock services to collect donations for the Capital Area Food Bank. This is the
eighth year that St. Mark’s has participated in the Souper Bowl. Last year, St. Mark’s youth collected over
$1,000.
Also on February 1st, we’ll be making our first visit of the year to the Trinity Center. As on previous visits,
we’ll have a worship service and prepare and serve lunch for the Trinity Center neighbors. We’re very happy
to have Fr. Nate joining us to celebrate the Eucharist.
We’re having a lock-in!!! The long-awaited youth group lock-in will take place on Friday, February
27th. We’ll meet in the parish hall at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and an evening full of fun activities. We’ll wrap up
with breakfast on Saturday morning and head home at around 9:00 a.m.
Also beginning in February, seminarian Thom Temperli will meet with the youth on the first Sunday of each
month to lead us in Contemplative Prayer.
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.
Outreach
Collections for El Buen Samaritano . In February we will be collecting rice, and in March we will be collecting beans. Please bring donations
to the blue bin in the Parish Hall.
Hospice Austin Food Pantry We be collecting fruit cups, instant breakfast, Ensure, and canned goods.
Camp Allen Weekend Retreats Feb. 20-
22 For grades 4th—8th
The Division of Youth has winter retreats designed to give
diocesan youth a chance to take a break and draw nearer to
God for a weekend of relaxation, fun, and worship. Think of it
as a weeklong camp crammed into two-and-a-half
days! Each retreat is directed by a youth or children’s
minister in the diocese and staffed with a team of adult
sponsors and college counselors.
Cost: $75, which covers lodging, food, and a really cool t-
shirt.
Registration Deadline: Friday the week before retreat.
To register: http://www.epicenter.org/formation/division-of-
youth/winter-retreats/
**If you are an adult or college student interested in staffing
any of the winter retreats, please contact Matt Blank at
Summer Activities for St. Mark’s
Children
Mark those calendars for St. Mark’s Summer Activities!
Vacation Bible School for children 4 years through 7th
grade will be held on June 15 through 19. There will
be childcare for young children of parent leaders. We
are looking for adult and youth volunteers to help with
VBS. We’d love to share this great experience with
both you and your children! Application forms will be
coming in the mail or you can download them from our
website: www.stmarksaustin.org.
Summer camp information is available! Camp Allen
camps and events for children ages 8 through 17
years open on June 7. See Camp Allen’s website,
www.campallen.org/summercamp, for on-line
registration, registration forms, information, and the
calendar for campers and counselors.
February 2015
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Day School News
The Day School will soon be accepting
applications for the 2015 – 2016 school year!
Priority applications for active members of
St. Mark's Church will be processed from
February 16 through March 2. Applications
will be available for church members in the
Parish Hall beginning Sunday, February 15.
Current Day School students, siblings of
current and former students, and family
members of Day School staff can apply
beginning Monday, March 2. On that day,
applications will be emailed to all families of
currently enrolled children, and at pick-up
time, a hard copy will be in each student’s
cubby as well as in the office.
All other applicants are given the opportunity
to apply beginning on Monday, March 23.
Priority will be given to families who have
paid to be placed on the waitlist.
Christian Formation for Children by Cathy Nelson, DRE
In the lectionary during the season of Epiphany, we hear the stories of the baptism of Jesus; the calling of
the disciples; the miracles of Jesus and the Transfiguration of our Lord, along with themes of healing,
justice and compassion, and discipleship. And we can teach our children that in these stories Jesus calls
us to be baptized into God’s family and to help do his work in the world, sharing his love and light.
On the St. Mark’s calendar this month, there are many events that show that we are doing God’s work.
We will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Elizabeth’s ordination in recognition of her work; the youth will
collect money for the Capital Area Food Bank on Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday; the youth will lead the
service and serve the neighbors at the Trinity Center; we will celebrate the baptisms of some of our young
parishioners; and we will begin the Season of Lent with its many opportunities to attend services and soup
suppers, to worship and listen to beautiful music.
At our services during this time, children can experience the liturgical worship that accompanies one of
the most important times of the Church year—a time that defines who we are and what we believe as
God’s people. And as they participate in and learn how we worship in community, we all benefit.
Children benefit because they are being formed as they experience faith and they develop a sense of
belonging to the community of the family of God. And adults benefit because we learn from children.
We are moved by their fresh, open excitement and curiosity. We learn from their questions and as we
model the traditions and rituals of our worship. I hope you and your children can join us for these services
and other community events!
February 2015
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On February 17 at 6:00 p.m., families are invited to celebrate the end of the Season of Epiphany
together at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. On February 18, plan to attend an Ash Wednesday
service at any of these times: 7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. to observe the beginning of the season of
Lent. Families can pick up Lenten materials to use during the season of Lent.
This year, we invite everyone to try a Lenten discipline recommended by parishioner, Cindy Cabler. Last
year, each day of Lent, Cindy set aside some time each day to read and think about the thought or
scripture of the day as she colored the drawings on the Join the Journey through Lent calendar illustrated
by the Rev. Sidebotham. This year, we will have a coloring contest, or at least a “show and tell” display
of our artistic endeavors. The calendars will be available at the Pancake Supper.
Other Lenten practices families might include are “giving up” or “taking on” things. Giving up things as
a reminder of the sacrifices that Jesus made for us, and taking on something extra during Lent—saying
special prayers, collecting money or food for the poor, reading the Bible or spending more time at
church—as a reminder of what Jesus took on for us.
United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church can be used as a family offering during Lent. Look for
the little blue boxes in the Parish Hall and learn about UTO’s call for giving thanks in the form of money
and prayer, as well as, hearing about some of the work that UTO does with our offerings at
www.episcopalchurch.org.
Christian Formation Schedule
On February 1, we take a break to celebrate Elizabeth’s 30th anniversary of her ordination. This is a
special occasion and reminds us of how blessed we are by the work and ministry of the Rev. Elizabeth. I
hope your family will be here to celebrate with us!
On February 8, the Godly Play class for Pre-Kindergartners and Kindergartners will hear The Parable
of the Good Shepherd, and the Godly Play Two class for 1st through 5th graders will hear The Story of
Samuel. On the last two Sundays of the month, as we move into the Season of Lent, both classes will
hear The Mystery of Easter and the first two of seven stories from Jesus’ life in the series The Faces of
Easter. The children will make the journey with Jesus from his birth to the cross and his resurrection, as
they prepare for the Mystery of Easter.
The Youth Class will meet on February 8, 1, and 22 with their adult leaders Danielle Adkins, Kathy
Genet, and Jay Brown and with teen leader Ellise Johnson for Bible study.
Christian Formation for Adults
February 1 – No Adult Formation
February 8 – Fasting in a Culture of Excess (Thomas Temperli)
February 15 – Praying the Hours (Tom Schneider)
February 22 – Keeping a Holy Lent
March 1, 8, 15, 22: Sunday mornings in Lent. Our Sunday morning Lenten series will begin on the 2nd
Sunday in Lent (March 1). The Rev. Cecilia Smith will teach a four-week course entitled Community
Gathered, Community Scattered. The adult class will hopscotch through history to look at Christian
Community from the apostolic era to today. Over a span of 2000 + years Christian community has been
February 2015
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shaped, fragmented, and reshaped by scripture, politics, wars, theological controversies, migrations of
peoples, and historical paradigm shifts. Obviously, this will be like skipping a stone across a pond,
looking widely but not deeply. Our purpose will be to assess the idea that Christian community is
primarily formed, shaped, and strengthened in corporate worship. And that for us as Episcopalians,
communal worship equips us to carry out the mission of the church as it is defined in the Book of
Common Prayer’s Baptismal Covenant: to pray, worship, proclaim the Gospel and promote justice,
peace, and love.
Parishioner Highlights
Wow, what an interesting read! The Coopers’ lives will take you through the multiple places in which
they have lived, the many degrees and occupations they have achieved as well as their involvement in
“church and state” as the saying goes. Their children follow in some pretty big footsteps which they seem
to do gracefully. We whole heartily thank you John and Barbette as well as your family for all your
involvement in and with St. Mark’s!
Beth Chenoweth
John and Barbette Cooper
Barbette began visiting St. Mark’s Church in 1989 and
was baptized by Father Scotty that same year. John
and Barbette were married by Father Scotty in 1991,
and soon after John was received into the Episcopal
Church. We began our volunteer work at St. Mark’s
doing the cash deposit on Sundays after the service
(in a written ledger before we had computers!). We
also served on the
coffee ministry, just
like many
newcomers, in
order to meet
people. Soon, John
was called to be on
the vestry by Father
Tom. John got
involved in the
Men’s Group about
that time, going on a few fishing trips, and started
ushering. When Father Bill came to St. Mark’s, many
more committees were formed, and he asked John to
be Usher Captain. John served on several
committees over the years: Long Range Planning,
Stewardship, Finance (chair), and the Building
Committee for the chapel extension. Barbette helped
for several years with Children’s Christian Formation
and then Godly Play. John and Barbette enjoyed the
company and camaraderie of two different dinner
groups.
John and Barbette helped start the Young Families
ministry in 1997 when their kids were young and
many more young families have since joined St.
Mark’s. John chaired that effort for several years and
was on the vestry again for three years under Father
Bill. John served on various search and discernment
committees and in 2008, started an Environmental
Stewardship Committee, which didn’t endure, but left
us with racks of coffee cups, and we hope, a raised
sensitivity on environmental issues. Barbette served
on the vestry with Mother Elizabeth for three years,
finishing a few years ago. Briefly, Barbette and John
were a part of the greeting teams for newcomers.
John has been a part of the Men’s Group for years,
got involved with the Scholarship Golf Tournament
five years ago, and recently became the new
chairman of the tournament (come see me, please!).
Blake and Wesley grew up at St. Mark’s. Both were
baptized here as babies, then active in the Youth
Group and many years of Christmas pageants. They
were both acolytes for years, Wesley was an usher,
and both helped in Children’s Chapel. Wesley did his
Eagle Scout project on the south side of the church
lot, along Barton Hills Drive, planting rosemary plants
where only weeds grew before. Blake enjoyed
volunteering with the ladies of the Trinity Center
Shower Ministry on many occasions, and she helped
with a Habitat for Humanity build.
We’ve been in Austin a long time. John and Barbette
watched Austin grow up with them. John started 8th
February 2015
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grade in 1970 at O. Henry Jr. High, and Barbette
started 9th grade in 1971 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal
School. Prior, Barbette lived in Little Rock
(birthplace), Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City, Sherman, and
Harlingen before moving to Austin. John lived in San
Angelo (birthplace); Salina, Kansas; Canal
Winchester, Ohio; and Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada
prior to Austin (Dad was in the Air Force). Barbette
spent a year in Houston finishing her UT undergrad
degree in 1979, but has otherwise called Austin home
since moving here. John wandered around in his 20s,
spending time between Austin and Appalachia, Hilton
Head, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Nassau, Wilmington
NC, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Calgary and most
recently, Fredericton New Brunswick in northeastern
Canada.
Blake and Wesley were born and raised here in
Austin and Westlake, attending Bridge Point
Elementary, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and
Westlake High School. Blake has done her share of
traveling, on orchestra trips to Austria, Germany, and
Italy. In her senior year, she went to Ireland to
perform in the Irish Youth Dance Festival. This month,
Blake is doing a mission trip to Guatemala and has
plans to spend a semester in Spain next fall. Wesley
has traveled with Boy Scouts to New Mexico,
Colorado, Wisconsin, and Manitoba, Canada. Blake
is currently studying Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, while
Wesley is studying Business with a focus on
International Business at Champlain College in
Burlington, Vermont.
Barbette started her career in Medical Technology,
working in the Brackenridge Hospital laboratory for six
years. She returned to UT to earn an MBA in 1989,
and she went on to a finance specialty at state
agencies, and now, with non-profits, most recently
Austin Partners in Education, which coordinates
volunteers in the classroom for the Austin
Independent School District. John studied sciences
(pre-med) at Rice and UT, then French/Art at UT,
finally getting a BA in Government at UT in 1986
(hope for all parents, no BA until 11 years after high
school!). John almost got a Masters in Government in
1988, then dropped it, but returned later to pursue an
MBA at UT. John worked in restaurants in Austin off
and on from 1976-1986. After getting a degree, John
helped open, then later ran the Texas Senate
Research Center for eight years. Earning an MBA in
1994, John worked for an electric utility for seven
years, then Dell for two, and for ten years he was an
independent consultant in communications/electricity
on a variety of cutting edge projects. John has
authored two books and numerous publications; the
2nd edition of his book on the future of electricity (The
Advanced Smart Grid) will be published in February
2015. John currently works for Siemens as a
consultant to the utility industry.
John and Barbette share a love for UT football and
wine, and John enjoys golf when he gets a chance,
and of course, there is writing (he is starting a novel).
Blake has pursued an interest in dance since she was
little, with eleven years at Ballet Austin (playing just
about every student role in the Nutcracker), and now,
she enjoys a variety of dance activities in college.
Wesley was active in Scouts (Eagle Scout) and
martial arts (Black Belt) while growing up, and now is
looking forward to working on his snow skiing skills up
in chilly Vermont.
St. Mark’s has become our home over the past 26
years, and you guys our family. It’s been a wonderful
journey, and we have learned—and lived—so much.
We’re very thankful to be here in Austin as well as
with our St. Mark’s family.
February Caffeine Ministry 1 Early Janna and Tim Green 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
February: Karen Milton.
Late Cookie and David Bowman
8 Early Phil Harwell and Susan Baxter-Harwell
Late Katherine and Beth Holmes
15 Early Cheryl Smithers
Late Rose Jennings and Amy Farley
22 Early Mary-Alis and Brian Kelly
Late Pam and David Johns
February 2015
Page 11
February Celebrations
Birthdays
Trish Dew 02/01
Sherrie Johnson 02/02
Annaclaire Kepple 02/02
Evelyn Eaton 02/03
Casey Smith 02/04
Jennifer Baumgart 02/06
Connor Lightsey 02/06
Mateo Moreno 02/06
Ted Smouse 02/06
Barbara Wilson 02/06
Juliette Li 02/07
Quincy Dew 02/08
Sam Green 02/08
Phillip Harwell 02/08
Michael Huston 02/09
Maria Lubeck 02/09
Joseph Moldenhauer 02/09
John Chenoweth 02/10
Jonathon Mayor 02/10
David Anthony 02/12
Heather Azarmehr 02/12
Joe Eaton 02/12
Adam Gates 02/12
Stephen Sharpe 02/12
Laura Van Wyk 02/12
Brian Kelly 02/13
Michael Portman 02/13
David Randle 02/13
Vicky Hill 02/14
Phyllis Millirons 02/15
Ariston Awitan 02/16
Michael Brown 02/16
Sarah Chacko 02/16
Morgan Dew 02/16
Maria Fuhrman 02/16
Robert Glover 02/16
Jim Clark 02/19
Cort Considine 02/19
Sloan Kurak 02/19
Avery Loyd 02/20
Clint Rogers 02/20
Audrey Stephenson 02/20
Kava Lipp 02/21
Margaret Schlankey 02/21
Tim Hendricks 02/22
Dolores Minor 02/22
James Nelson 02/22
Pam Wood 02/22
Nicholas Berndt 02/23
Meredith Childs 02/23
Manuel de la Rosa 02/23
Beth Holmes 02/23
Greta Olivas 02/23
Millie Casparis 02/24
Stephanie Craven 02/24
Jeanne Erichson 02/24
Emily Cannon 02/26
Wenlan Lawrence 02/26
James Beesley 02/27
Laurie Mayor 02/27
Chaz Ripoll 02/27
Michael Yeager 02/27
Liz Badger 02/28
Amy Newman 02/28
Anniversaries
Darcy & Eric Goff 02/02
Jean & Frank Severn 02/02
Gloria & Edward Mickler 02/16
Kay & Jay Brown 02/25
Jewellyn & Scott Forrest 02/27
February 2015
Page 12
February ROTA
TIME MINISTRY February 1
February 8
Youth Sunday
Choristers
February 15 February 22
Youth Sunday March 1
7:3
0
LECTOR Amelia Sondgeroth Pattie Rose Margarita Moreno Jonea Raney Nancy Middlebrook
LEM /
ACOLYTE Wes Raney Jonea Raney Pattie Rose Jill Collins Wes Raney
USHERS Jill Collins
Jonea Raney Judith & Jon Dullnig
Ed Shipsey
Al McKinney
Beth Chenoweth
Mary Smith
Danielle Adkins
Stephen White
9:0
0
LECTORS Mike Thomasson (1)
Lynn Edgerton (2)
Audrey Doidge
Ethan Fuhrman
Kevin Childs (1)
Meredith Childs (2) YOUTH
Mary-Alis Kelly (1)
Brian Kelly (2)
LEM Kim Buckner
Tom Schneider
Gary Taylor
Becky Janes
Thom Temperli
Lynn Edgerton
Tom Schneider
Pam Castles
Bill Kibler
Thom Temperli
ACOLYTES
Ariston Awitan IV
Ethan Fuhrman
Ryan Dempsey
Claire Dempsey
Kim B., Carol
Ariston Awitan IV
Claudia Janes
Henry Janes
Matthew Awitan
Kim K.
Suzanne Lightsey
Meredith Childs
Elijah Gallardo
TBD
Kim K.
Abbe Kelly
Will Kelly
Nora Kelly
Hunter Rogers
Kim B.
Aidan Brady
Clay Buckner
Hunter Rogers
TBD
Kim K.
USHERS
Mark Breen
Dee Ann Thomasson
Dodie Wells
Glen Baumgart
Mike Brode
Phil Aboussie
Ross Ramsey
Ken Whalen
Michael Brown
TBD
John Edgerton
Lynn Edgerton
Kevin Cromack
Mark Breen
Dee Ann Thomasson
Dodie Wells
Glen Baumgart
GREETERS Maria & Mike Fuhrman Meredith Childs
Kevin Cromack
Laura Merritt
Kim Buckner
Michael Meigs
Diane Stangl Maria & Mike Fuhrman
11
:00
LECTORS Melissa Blanding (1)
Chris Blanding (2)
Kay Brown (1)
Rex White (2)
Andrew Poynot (1)
Beth Holmes (2)
Bill Willis (1)
Kimberly Horne (2)
Phil Aboussie (1)
Dodie Wells (2)
LEM Sandy Sterzing
Tom Schneider
Jay Brown
Dru Cabler
Thom Temperli
Sandy Sterzing
Thom Temperli
Michele Bonner
Tom Schneider
Ann Seyler
ACOLYTES
Max Genet
Karen Milton
Josef Genet
Meredith Shaw
Jay, Cindy
Bonnie Brode
Claire Cabler
Emma Kloninger
Elijah Gallardo
Jay, Cindy
Matt Forrest
Karen Milton
Ben Forrest
Sam Forrest
Jay, Cindy
Winston Baxter-Harwell
Asher Eton
Evelyn Eton
Emma Baxter-Harwell
Jay, Cindy
Sophie Lawrence
Luke Thiessen
Ryan Dempsey
Claire Dempsey
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
Jean & Frank 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 Shelly Botkin
Ryan Marquess 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
Karen Milton
Meredith Childs-TC
Dodie Wells
Helen Anderson
Millie Casparis
Cynthia Archer
Elijah Gallardo
Dee Ann Thomasson-TC
Tina Stonebarger
Henry Olivas
Judy Elkins
Susan Baxter-Harwell
Barbara Dody
Diana Stangl-TC
Liz Davis
Lynn Edgerton
Debbie Thornal
Darlene Goodnight
Jonea Raney-TC
Jill Collins
Carolyn Wier
Pat Bullock
Helen Anderson
Depositor Bo Overstreet Jim Nolan Shelly Botkin Al McKinney Frank Severn
WED. 6 p.m. February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25 March 4
Lector Jonea Raney Frank Severn Ash Wednesday*
7:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. & 7
p.m. Soup Supper & Lenten Program: TBD
Vestry Committees Staff
J.P. Kloninger, Sr. Warden
Diane 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,
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:
Lisa Martin
Women of St. Mark’s:
Dee Ann Thomasson
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 March 2015 St.
Mark’s News is Friday, February
13, 2015. 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
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED