INSIDE THIS

ISSUE

FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 101 ISSUE 2

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

315 E. Pecan St.

San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 226-2426

www.stmarks-sa.org

We are a downtown Church; committed to the Gospel, accountable to each other, loving Christ and making him known.

themessenger Monthly Newsletter of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Renew Campaign

Update

-page 2

CAYA Ending

-page 3

Lenten Luncheons

-page 8

P lease join us for the Winter Gathering of the parish to hear the goals and dreams of St. Mark’s for 2012. One principle way our story is told is through our annual budget that will be presented by our Treasurer Len Briley. Another important story is the Renew Campaign and the new work that will result from the generosity of so many. Jeff Rochelle and Todd Piland, co-chairs of the Renew Campaign, will share the exciting plans to restore the sanctuary and grounds. Another vital story is how the people of St. Mark’s have served our city by either cooking meals at the church for Haven for Hope or serving meals at Haven. Hawthorne Academy, a school in downtown San Antonio, has also been served by the people of this church and made quite a difference in the lives of those students. I invite you to hear our story as we gather in the name of Christ.

The Rev. Mike Chalk

Parish Meeting “Winter Gathering” Sunday, February 26

Gosnell Hall at 10:10a.m.

The Messenger is published monthly and is available in magazine format online at

www.stmarks-sa.org

Parish Clergy

The Rev. Michael D. Chalk Rector The Rev. Jonathan Wickham Assistant Rector

Assisting Clergy

The Rev. Dr. John Lewis Co-director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Dr. Jane Patterson Co-director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Andrew Lobban Assisting Priest The Rev. Matt Wise Assisting Priest

Making a Gift of Their Service

The Rev. Mary Earle Assisting Priest The Rev. Cliff Waller Assisting Priest

Staff Todd Allison Youth Director Priscilla Briones Accounting Janet Carrizales Nursery Coordinator Joseph Causby Director of Music Elaine Enloe Clergy Executive Administrator

Database Manager Sandy Falkenberg Cherub Choir Conductor Emmet Faulk Community Formation Director Heather Herschell Children’s Ministries Director Erin Hughes Youth Ministries Assistant Melanie Lizcano Communications Director Ruby Merrill Facilities Manager Pat Hutchison Noble Community of Care Dr. Edwin A. Rieke Dir. of Music & Organ Emeritus Kristin Roach Assistant Director of Music

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 315 East Pecan St.

San Antonio, TX 78205 www.stmarks-sa.org

O ne year ago the debt on earlier capital endeavors was $3.2 million dollars. Due to generous payments on the Rejoice campaign, our debt now stands at $223,000 and we expect it to be $0.00 by April! One of the critical components of the Renew campaign was to eliminate the debt and it is truly remarkable that this goal has been accomplished in such a short period of time. Reducing the debt this quickly has saved St. Mark’s thousands of dollars in interest.

Many thanks to all of you who have been so very generous!

Renew Campaign Success By The Rev. Mike Chalk, Rector

Calling all men of St. Mark’s!

O n Tuesday night, February 28, you are invited to a very special evening at the Witte Museum. We will gather from 5:30-8:00pm to celebrate the opening of the Witte’s new exhibit entitled Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on Its Head. Following a self-guided tour of the exhibit from 5:30-6:45, we will enjoy dinner and a theological conversation about the continuing impact of Darwin’s theory of evolution in the worlds of science, the church, universities and public schools, and our wider society. Three distinguished panelists from St. Mark’s will challenge us about how to engage these issues: Dr. David Ribble, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Trinity University; Gary Chambers, an educational consultant to Texas public schools and retired middle school principal; and The Rev. Andy Lobban, an Episcopal priest, a science and mathematics degree holder from MIT, and the chaplain at Good Samaritan Community Services. There is no charge associated with this event! But if you plan to attend, please RSVP to Katherine at 210-599-4224 or kbuzzini@theworkshop-sa.org no later than 5:00pm on Friday, February 24, to ensure there is plenty of food and drink for everyone. This event is sponsored by the St. Mark’s “No Ties Allowed” men’s group and The WorkShop, a ministry in partnership with St. Mark’s and an ecumenical community of supporters.

Charles Darwin: Friend or Foe to the Followers of Jesus? By The Rev. Dr. John Lewis

Portrait of Charles Darwin [Courtesy of Getty Images]

T en years ago St. Mark’s ventured into new territory as it began a new worship on Sunday mornings. “I.T. (Innovative Traditional) Worship” as it was called, sought to bring a new experience of music and creativity combined with traditional Episcopal liturgy. A group of lay and ordained creative leaders designed worship that offered tight community, conversational sermons, guitar based worship music and innovative use of technology. Even the unusual 11:11 service time was meant to playfully push the creative edge. The success of the I.T. service is well known, and clearly met a real need for many people. In the ensuing years much has changed at St. Mark’s, and at the 11:11 service. Even the name has been replaced with the now familiar CAYA (Come As You Are) Worship. In recent years some significant challenges have pressed us to carefully consider the future of this worship service. Changes in St. Mark’s clergy leadership make it impossible to assign one priest to weekly serve that community alone. Leadership needs such as music and A/V technology team, planning and creativity team, readers and chalice bearers, and set up teams, have challenged the resources of the worshipping community. And, significantly, the current schedule of the worship service on Sunday morning makes it “compete” with other services at St. Mark’s - a competition that helps no one. These and other challenges have weighed on the hearts and minds of many of the community leaders and members. What has persisted at the core of this worship experience is deep embrace of worship in a small group setting. Throughout all of the changes and transitions of I.T./CAYA it is the sense of intimate community in creative worship that endures. It is that community that is guiding CAYA through a new transition. We know that there is a very real need in this parish, and in this community, for creative, innovative and dynamic worship that explores traditions and expressions beyond that of the typical Sunday morning. In fact, our Anglican/Episcopal tradition invites us to worship in a number of ways such as Evening Prayer, healing services and Compline among

others. There are also many worship opportunities that involve artistic response, creative movement, contemplative chant and much more, that we have yet to explore. Embracing the need for creative worship while also discerning

that the 11:11 Worship is experiencing persistent challenges, we have decided to walk in faith into a new direction. The 11:11 Sunday Morning worship at St. Mark’s will draw to a close at the end of Epiphany, Sunday, February 19th. On that day we will celebrate, in word, song, prayer and movement, the wonderful work of ten years of I.T./CAYA. We will also look forward, as we embrace a new offering of creative worship at St. Mark’s. Many creative leaders from the 11:11 worship team have been gathering along with others from the St. Mark’s community to envision a new way to worship. We are forming a series of creative worship offerings on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 during Lent called “Going Where the Wild Things Are.” We are exploring the Lenten themes of journey, risk, challenge, and creativity in new ways, in new places, with new offerings of music, art and movement. Our hope is that while CAYA on Sunday mornings will come to an end, this new offering on Wednesdays in Lent will meet the

need for creative worship and attract new people from the entire church

community and beyond. This may be a place for a family who cannot get to church on Sunday mornings, or perhaps for the seeker who is looking for something more intimate, or maybe the couple looking for that mid-week time for centering and prayer. We hope to see many CAYA folks and friends on February 19th at 11:11 for the closing service and at the Wednesday evening worship services during Lent.

Changes in CAYA Worship By The Rev. Jonathan Wickham, Assistant Rector

Photo taken by Emmet Faulk “What has persisted at the core of this worship experience is deep embrace of worship in a small group setting.”

Photo taken by Emmet Faulk

T he great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once referred to the pipe organ as “The King of Instruments,” citing its vast resources, providing one person an entire orchestra at their fingertips. We at St. Mark’s have enjoyed this very resource in our worship life for over a century. From the first days of our current church building, there has been a pipe organ to lead our singing and praising of God. The original location of the instrument was on the north corner wall, directly to the left of the lectern. In Lewis Fisher’s book, 150 Years of Ministry in Downtown San Antonio, 1858–2008, there are photographs of this instrument, displaying its beautifully hand-stenciled façade pipes. This façade would have been the 8’ principal stop of the organ, literally, the main (or principal) stop on which the entire organ was tonally based. This instrument was one of two that served our congregation until 1959, when our third and current pipe organ, built by Austin Organs of Hartford Connecticut was installed. As with any piece of handcrafted machinery, there are mechanical issues and normal wear and tear that, no matter how carefully

maintained, run their course and need to be replaced. This was made visibly apparent in 2007 when the original Austin organ console (where the organist sits and plays) was replaced with our beautiful draw knob console built by Charles Kegg of the Kegg Organ Company of Hartville, Ohio. At this time, some unseen tonal and mechanical issues with the organ were also addressed as part of a larger renovation, which to date, remains unfinished. It is therefore a joyous occasion to discuss our pipe organ in terms of our current Renew Campaign. As part of this undertaking, we are delighted to announce the planned completion of the organ renovation, lovingly and carefully begun by our Director of Music and Organist Emeritus, Dr. Ed Rieke, who played this instrument for 30 years. The scope of work, to be completed by Mr. Kegg of Ohio, includes replacing poorly functioning organ pipes as well as a tonal refinishing of the full organ to better refine and blend all of the voices together. This refinement, as well as additional pipes being added to the organ, will help restore the instrument to its original state, producing a sound that is fuller, richer and more pleasing to the

listener as well as the artist playing the instrument. One of the most exciting pieces of this project is adding (or actually returning) a new façade of hand-stenciled organ pipes to their original location on the north corner wall, where they were first located in the late 1800s. Additionally, our pipe organ serves another purpose, other than its primary function of leading of our worship services- that of concert instrument. With the console having been made mobile in 2007, we are able to place the organ in full view so that we might visually and aurally enjoy the talents of our world famous artists that play our instrument as part of the Music from St. Mark’s Concert Series, currently celebrating its 20th anniversary this season. Following the completion of the renovation work, we at St. Mark’s will be the most fortunate guardians of one of the finest pipe organs in the Episcopal Church and can, with confidence, know that we are being good stewards and caretakers of our resources. If we had to replace our entire instrument in today’s market, the approximate cost would well exceed 1.3 million dollars.

St. Mark’s Organ Renovation By The Rev. Mike Chalk, Rector

For more information about St. Mark’s organ visit www.stmarks-sa.org and look under the “music program” section.

Creative Worship from 6:30 to 7:30pm “Going Where the Wild Things Are”

Join us for a creative worship experience exploring the journey through Lent.

COMING IN LENT ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

G erre Hancock, a dear friend of our parish, passed away on January 21st. Gerre’s relationship with St. Mark’s began almost twenty years ago when he was invited to play an organ recital on the Music from St. Mark’s concert series. Since

his first visit, Gerre continued his relationship with St. Mark’s by playing recitals, conducting the Parish Choir in evensongs and concerts and composing music for our choir and organ. It is rare that a church is able to enjoy such a relationship with a world famous musician, whose heart and generosity were as well-known as his musical talent. We will honor our dear “Uncle Gerre,” as he affectionately preferred to be called, in a memorial service on Saturday, February 25th . The service will begin at 11am and is to include Gerre’s organ music, hymn arrangements, and the anthem You are One in Christ, written for the celebration of Ed Rieke’s 25th anniversary as Director of Music and Organist. The following obituary was taken from the New York Times, published on January 25th, and helps to illuminate the wonderful man and musician that was Gerre. Requiscant in pace. The New York Times, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Gerre Hancock, a renowned organist known for his skill at improvisation, a rare art among American classical organists, died on Saturday, January 21 in Austin, Tex. He was 77. The cause was coronary artery disease, his family said. Mr. Hancock spent more than three decades as organist and master of the choristers at St. Thomas Church in Manhattan, where the annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” he led was one of the most critically praised among the welter heard throughout New York each December. From 2004 until his death, he was professor of organ and sacred music at the University of Texas at Austin.

As an organ soloist, Mr. Hancock performed in churches and concert halls worldwide. His talent for improvisation — in which a player elaborates a musical theme off the cuff in the appropriate key and meter, with fealty to the composer’s style and intent — was considered the finest of any American concert organist. A fundamental component of Baroque music, improvisation is routinely taught to organists in Europe but is less commonly taught in the United States. Mr. Hancock was so proficient at it that his recitals were sometimes organized as tests of skill, with audience members giving him sealed envelopes containing suggestions of melodies for him to embellish. Besides playing the organ at St. Thomas, an Episcopal church on Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street, Mr. Hancock oversaw a string of choral services there each week. Conducting the choir, which, in the English cathedral tradition, comprises only men and boys, Mr. Hancock gave public concerts featuring a range of sacred music by Bach, Handel, Purcell and Palestrina. The choir also performed liturgical music by contemporary composers including Benjamin Britten and Mr. Hancock himself. Writing about the St. Thomas choir in The New York Times in 2004, Allan Kozinn said, “It produces a polished, powerful and beautifully balanced sound that for sacred music — particularly that of the Renaissance and Baroque, historically sung by all-male choirs — is about the best that New York has to offer.” Gerre Edward Hancock was born on Feb. 21, 1934, to a Baptist family in Lubbock, Tex. (His given name is pronounced Jerry.) He came to liturgical music early: his mother was a pianist who sometimes played in church. Young Mr. Hancock began organ lessons at 10, practicing on an old Wurlitzer that had been salvaged from a movie house and installed in a local church. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Texas, Austin, and a master’s in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He

later studied in Paris, where he cultivated his improvisational skills under the pianist and composer Nadia Boulanger. His other teachers over the years included the organists E. William Doty, Robert Baker, Jean Langlais and Marie-Claire Alain. Before joining the St. Thomas staff, Mr. Hancock was organist and choirmaster of Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati and assistant organist at St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York. He came to St. Thomas in 1971 and inaugurated its annual “Messiah” concerts not long afterward, engaging a Baroque orchestra to accompany the singers. He taught at the University of Cincinnati, the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music and Yale. Mr. Hancock is survived by his wife, the former Judith Eckerman, an organist whom he married in 1961; two daughters, Deborah Hancock and Lisa Hancock; and a brother, James, a Baptist minister. His recordings as a choir conductor include “A Cappella From Saint Thomas Church” and as an organist include “Christmas Improvisations.” Mr. Hancock was the author of “Improvising: How to Master the Art,” published by Oxford University Press in 1994. Among his many honors, he was a fellow of the American Guild of Organists; he was also a fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and the Royal College of Organists, both based in England. In interviews Mr. Hancock was often asked the secret of mastering his vast instrument, with its prodigious thunder and simultaneous demands on hands, eyes and feet. “Coordination is key,” he told The Austin American-Statesman in 2004. “But so are earplugs.”

Our Dear “Uncle Gerre” Will Be Missed By Joe Causby, Director of Music

Gerre Hancock

For the last couple of years, we have held a Quiet Day at the church preceding the Ash Wednesday service at noon. A Quiet Day on the first day of Lent is highly appropriate and is a wonderful way to enter the worship service at noon. I will lead this Quiet Day that

will consist of short meditations and time for silence and solitude. We will begin in Jerusalem Chapel at 10:00 and end at 11:45. Please call Elaine at the church if you plan to attend so that we can make adequate preparations.

Imposition of Ashes: Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00-

8:00a.m., 12:00-1:00p.m., and 6:30-7:30p.m. in the Sanctuary

T he season of Lent has traditionally been a time devoted to deepening the spiritual life through practices that have served to bring us into the presence of God. On March 18, I am pleased to announce that The Rev. Ron Rolheiser, president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, will be one of our speakers for this Lenten series. He is a Roman Catholic priest who is author of Holy Longing, a bestseller in Catholic and Protestant circles, as well as many other fine books. His weekly column is carried by more than seventy newspapers worldwide.

Dr. Rolheiser received his PhD/STD from the University of Louvain, Belgium and for 28 years, he taught theology and philosophy at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta. The Rev. Mary Earle will be with us the preceding Sunday, March 11. Mary is well known to you as both a speaker and author of the spiritual life. I will lead off the series the first Sunday of Lent, February 26, and John Lewis will conclude our series on March 25.

Sunday Lenten Series—February 26-March 25 The Spiritual Life By The Rev. Mike Chalk, Rector

The Rev. Ron Rolheiser

Join us for a creative worship experience exploring the journey through Lent.

Creative Worship from 6:30 to 7:30p.m.

February 29-March 28 in the Sanctuary

“Going Where the Wild Things Are”

Ash Wednesday Quiet Day Led By The Rev. Mike Chalk

Music from St. Mark’s 20th Anniversary Concert Series

March 11 at 4:00p.m. ZU HAUSE MIT BACH (AT HOME WITH BACH) An afternoon featuring the C major Double Harpsichord Concerto (Joseph Causby and Kristin Roach, harpsichords), and some of the more intimate works of this master composer.

April 29 at 4:00p.m. FIESTA CONCERT The annual concluding event of the city-wide Fiesta celebration with featuring F.J. Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. The concert is sung by the St. Mark’s Parish Choir and will be accompanied by orchestra.

Free parking is available in the lot on the corner of Jefferson and Pecan Street. Nursery childcare is available by reservation only (210) 226-2426. Please RSVP for childcare seven days in advance.

Coming in Lent on Wednesday Evenings

J esus interrupted his busy schedule for quiet refreshment. His example reminds us to take time out… to get away… to renew our soul. The weekend of April 13-15 all St. Mark’s youth, currently in 6th through 12th grade, are encouraged to take an opportunity to leave the distractions of our daily lives behind and focus on God’s message on the annual St. Mark’s Youth Ministries Youth Retreat! Join us for a weekend of group development, rock climbing, zip lining, swimming, fun, fellowship and reflection in the Texas Hill Country along the banks of the Nueces River at beautiful Camp Eagle. While we wish we could provide opportunities like this at no cost that just isn’t possible. Cost for the retreat includes transportation, lodging, activities, and meals. Scholarships are available in the event assistance with payment is required. Please contact Todd Allison (tallison@stmarks-sa.org) for additional information. So we can get an accurate count for transportation and food. Please review the provided information for the weekend and return with the included forms, medical information, and your payment no later than Sunday, March 25, 2012.

WHEN: Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15

We will depart from the HEB Lincoln Heights at 4:30p.m. and grab dinner on our way. We will return to the same spot around 3:30p.m. on Sunday. Kids will contact parents as we get close so please be ready around 3pm.

WHERE: Camp Eagle; Rocksprings, TX

Camp Eagle is located outside Rocksprings, TX 6424 Hackberry Rd., Rocksprings, TX 78880 PH: (830) 683-3219

WHAT: To bring…

(check the weather when you pack) - Bedding: pillow/sleeping bag (we are sleeping in cabins so no need for an air mattress) - T-Shirts and shorts; comfortable clothes that you won’t have problems getting dirty - Long sleeved shirt/pants: temps are cooler at night - Jacket - Swimsuit/towel (one piece swimsuits please!) - Shoes that cover your toes!!! - Toiletries: soap, shampoo, personal hygiene items - Flashlight - Sunscreen

- Bible - Medications: please check in with leaders if you are brining any medications.

WHAT: NOT to bring… Cell Phones, iPods, personal electronics We are leaving those things behind for the weekend. Camp Eagle has limited cell reception anyway. Parents please help us keep these items at home.

COST: $75.00 and money for dinner Friday.

Includes; meals, activities, transportation, lodging and t-shirt. NOTE: There is a ‘camp store’ and ‘coffee shop’ at Camp Eagle. This is not included in the price and is optional.

Scholarship assistance is available. Please contact Todd at tallison@stmarks-sa.org. All participants must complete the required release and waiver forms. Forms are available in the youth suite or by calling Todd.

By Todd Allison, Director of Youth Ministries

St. Mark's is committed to bringing all people to a transformative relationship with Christ, through diverse and creative worship, education, and ministry. We are a scripture-grounded community, where every person seeks to grow into the full stature of Christ by being empowered for ministry in daily life; and by practicing mutual accountability. We are looking for parents and grandparents, college students and young adults who share our desire and would like to help in supporting the Youth of St. Marks by mentoring one of our youth confirmation students, chaperoning an event or lock-in, volunteering to bring snacks or food, or driving to an event. Our Youth Programs could not happen without our wonderful volunteers! For the safety of our youth, all of our Youth Ministries volunteers are required attend “Safeguarding God’s Children” Training. For more information about getting involved in our Youth programs, please contact Todd Allison at (210) 226-2426 or email at tallison@stmarks-sa.org.

We want you!

T hat’s our new tag line for the 61st Annual Lenten Luncheons which starts on Thursday March 1st. It’s all about eating out with friends, family, co-workers or by yourself (meet new folks) and it’s about reaching out because when you spend a mere $10 for lunch (a steal for our amazing home cooked food) you are reaching out and giving to many local San Antonio charities. Lenten Luncheons will run for four weeks on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00a.m.-1:.00p.m; March 1&2, March 8&9, March 15&16, March 22&23 We need hungry people from St. Mark’s, we need more volunteers and if you can’t do either...please spread the word. LIKE St. Mark’s Lenten Luncheons on your Facebook page, direct your friends to the St. Mark’s website, grab some menus next time you’re at church and put them up on local community bulletin boards, or wherever you think folks will see them. Carry some in your car; you never know who you might run in to. One of the dishes we’re most famous for is Chicken a la King. My Mother always made it in the 60’s and 70’s and I’ve always loved it, but where did it come from? I just had to know.

Origin of Chicken a la King

Several competing accounts about its origin have circulated. One claims it was created by Delmonico's chef Charles Ranhofer as Chicken à la Keene in the 1880s, named after Foxhall Parker Keene. Another version claims it was created in 1881 at Claridge's Hotel in London and named for James R. Keene, father of Foxhall. Another account claims Chef George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel in Brighton Beach created it in the1890s, naming it after patron E. Clarke King and his wife. The most likely account is that Chicken à la King was created in the 1890s by hotel cook William "Bill" King of the Bellevue

Hotel in Philadelphia. Several obituaries in early March 1915 credited King after he died on March 4, 1915. A New York Tribune editorial at the time of King's death stated; The name of William King is not listed among the great ones of the earth. No monuments will ever be erected to his memory, for he was only a cook. Yet what a cook! In him blazed the fire of genius which, at the white heat of inspiration, drove him one day, in the old Bellevue, in Philadelphia, to combine bits of chicken, mushrooms, truffles, red and green peppers and cream in that delight-some mixture which ever after has been known as "Chicken a la King." The recipe was mentioned in the New York Times in 1893, and early published recipes appeared in 1900 and 1905. Fannie Merritt Farmer included a recipe in her 1911 publication on catering. The Fannie Farmer Cookbook includes a recipe for Chicken à la

King in the 1996 update. It became a popular dish during the middle to late 20th century. So whether or not William King was the inventor of Chicken a la King, one thing is clear, the passion that he had for cooking and making people happy with what he served still exists in our Lenten Luncheons. Fire of genius? Why not! Inspiration? Definitely. That describes our volunteers perfectly! But let’s not forget Ruby’s fish, our amazing spaghetti with homemade sauce, the legendary chicken and shrimp salads, buttery Pioneeer biscuits and well who could leave without having desert? Overwhelming comments from past Lenten Luncheon patrons talk about how friendly and nice all the volunteers are, and, well it’s the tastiest food around... all for $10! Word of mouth is really what has made Lenten Luncheons so successful. So spread the word...and let’s eat!

Eat Out to Reach Out! By Ann Allega, Lenten Luncheon Chair

LL volunteers prepare salads for the guests.

Photo by Melanie Lizcano

For more information about the history of St. Mark’s Lenten Luncheons or if you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.stmarks-sa.org. Volunteer forms are available throughout the church and building, fill one out today! You may leave the form at the receptionist desk or mail it to the church. Pick up some flyers and share them with your co-workers, friends & family!

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 315 E. Pecan St.

SA TX 78205 www.stmarks-sa.org

“LIKE” us on Facebook!

Pledge Revenue $80,411

Non Pledge Giving $6,695

Open Plate $3,350

.............................................................................................................................................................

Total Revenue $137,424

Total Expenses $189,005

.............................................................................................................................................................

January Expense Exceeds Revenue by $51,581

If you have any questions about financials, please contact Priscilla Briones at 210-226-2426 or email her at pbriones@stmarks-sa.org.

Monthly Financial Statement as of January 2012

2012 Youth Confirmation Classes There will be an initial, informational, meeting for Youth Confirmation on Sunday, March 4 at 10:10a.m. in Gosnell Hall. All youth currently in 7th grade or older who wish to begin the confirmation process must

attend this meeting with their parents.

News for the children & youth

Spacequest VBS Get ready to blast off this summer with Spacequest VBS! St. Mark’s will rendezvous with Christ Church from 9am to 12 on June 18th

- 21st. Together we’ll host an incredible journey to spectacular space stations for crafts, snacks and recreation where children discover the mission Jesus has for them in John 14:6! Please save these dates and plan to help- adult and teen volunteers are mission critical. Registra-tion begins in March, but the countdown starts right now!

Happening 121 March 2-4

St. David’s, San Antonio

Happenings are spiritual renewal weekends for high school students in grades 10-12. Questions? Contact Todd at tallison@stmarks-sa.org

Eat before or bring some money to eat there. Release waiver is required. Contact Todd for more information at tallison@stmarks-sa.org.

Youth Night Out at Amazing Jump

Wednesday, February 29 6:30-8:30p.m. $15 to jump

H awthorne Academy students made their mark at the UIL academic competition for elementary school students in January. The students did so well that Hawthorne came in second place for the highest number of points awarded a school in the competition- just 4 points behind first place! Dedicated volunteers from the St. Mark’s Science Initiative worked with

UIL students throughout the fall to prepare them for their selected competitions. We celebrate the accomplishment of all students who participated and those who placed as follows: Ready Writing: 2nd and 4th places in 3rd grade; 3rd place in 5th grade Creative Writing: 4th place in 2nd grade Spelling: 4th place in the 5th grade Number Sense: 5th place in 4th grade; 1st and 4th place in the 5th grade Music Memory: 1st place in 3rd grade; 4th place in 4th grade; 2nd and 3rd place in 5th grade Social Studies: 1st and 3rd place in 5th grade Dictionary Skills: 1st place in 5th grade Art: 3rd place in 4th grade Story Telling: 1st place in 2nd grade; 3rd and 5th place in 3rd grade Oral Reading: 5th and 6th place in 5th grade Spanish Oral Reading: 1st place in 4th grade, 4th and 5th place in 5th grade Bonnye Cavazos, Hawthorne Academy’s librarian and UIL facilitator, extends her thanks to St. Mark’s volunteers and to the church for our continuing support. Thanks to all our volunteers including: Jim Herbold, Don Hessenflow, Cathy Dawson, Bill Matthews, Emmet Faulk, Dawna Boudreaux, Tom McGehee, Marilyn Middleton, Cliff Waller, Paula Chalk, Harriet Martin, and Geoffrey Martin. Thanks also to Geoffrey Martin and Park Lawrence for lending their expertise as judges during Hawthorne’s recent school-wide science fair.

How to Get Involved:

Coaching for the middle school UIL competition begins

soon, and we would like more volunteers. The commitment

is once a week from 3-4 p.m. on Mondays or Wednesdays

until the competition in mid-May. We know you may not be

able to make every session, but if you can make most, please

call Dina Saad at 210-445-5888. Your gift of time makes a

difference to our neighbor, the Hawthorne Academy!

Hawthorne Academy Update By Dina Aboul-Saad

A dult Christian Formation at St. Mark’s is not limited to the guidance of teachers who are on our staff, or who live in San Antonio, or even those who come to do a weekend retreat. One of the most important aspects of our formation as disciples of Christ occurs through the ministry of St. Mark’s Bookstore, tucked into a corner of the first floor of the Parish House. Through books, we can spend days and days being guided by the most important spiritual guides of our time--or of any time: Mary Earle and Philip Newell on Celtic Christianity; biblical commentaries with solid scholarship; classic works by Walter Brueggemann, Abraham Heschel, Margaret Guenther and C.S. Lewis; and Episcopal resources such as prayer books and hymnals. What we read in the best spiritual literature is not just a way of passing the time, but also a way of shaping our actions and identity as people of faith. At a recent meeting of the Bookstore Committee, we gave thanks and prayed for those writers who have done so much to teach us how to live as vibrant followers of Jesus: Almighty God, you proclaim your truth in every age by many

voices; Direct in our time, we pray, those who speak where many

listen, And those who write what many read;

that they may do their part in making the heart of this people wise,

its mind sound, and its will righteous, to the honor of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from the Book of Common Prayer)

The Ministry of Books by The Rev. Dr. Jane Patterson

The Bookstore is open on Sundays from 8:30 – 11:15am and weekdays at special events or by appointment. Come in and browse, or ask one of the people working there to suggest a good book.

News of the Family March Birthdays

March 1st Allison Duesing, Sandy Robinson, Susan Wilson

March 2nd Evelyn Howe, Daniel Mais, Norine McLean, Kay Mijangos, Suzy Mudge

March 3rd Dee Bartley, Ginny Halter, Sterling Schrader

March 4th Sue Bain, John Crider, John T. Saunders, Rubylee Wolma

March 5th Merritt Clements, Philip LeMessurier, Shea Pollom, David Shulman, Katherine Stephenson

March 6th

Caden Diel, Tricia Steves

March 7th

Al Burnett, Russell Sugg

March 8th

Margaret Fowler, Polly Haff, Marian Yetman

March 9th

Reese Gonzalez, Judy Lyerla, Holly MacDonald, Buffy Smolens

March 10th Charlotte Olivarri, Frank Russell, Anne Schelleng

March 11th Carrie Diel, Jim Folts, Katie Grohe

March 12th Lynn Laurence, Juliette McNeel, Dell Villa, Marie Wiesman

March 13th John Herschell, Elizabeth Moore, Sara Spindle

March 14th Taylor Allison, Jimmy Cavender, Antti Patiala, Paul Pineda

March 15th

Carl Dorrance, Emily Fagan, Kathy Gallaway

March 16th

Linda Blount, Dorothy Brown, Mardi Dunkley, Mayra Gerosa, John Lodek, Kelly Lowry, Del Manion, Robert Rodriguez, Dorothy Shelton

March 17th Trey Foster, Frank Wood

March 18th Catherine Bousquet, George A. Miller

March 19th Margaret Raney, Coates Roberts, Steve Thompson, Lexi Wurth

March 21st BettyAnne Cody, Laurin Cothren, Emma Grace Foster, Carolyn Lowery, Susan Olson, Ari Otto

March 22nd Blakely Besing, Adam Claiborne, Kate Crawford, Emily Moore, Deems Smith, Maddy Stokes, Tara Ward, Jennifer Wickham

March 23rd

Rex Martin, Lillian Wilfong

March 24th

Jennifer Colglazier, Michael Dahm, Charles Goodenough, Dorothy Gunkel, Robert Pollom

March 25th Jeff Blanchard, Drew Cauthorn, Judy Cavender, William Goodenough, Vivian Hartz, Kelton Morgan, Sallie Peacock, Annaliese Welmaker

March 26th

Harry Guidry, Jimmy Satel

March 27th

Garda Boswell, Dianne Greene, George Vassar

March 28th

Diana Mathews, Seis Steves

March 29th

Weston Bryant, Paul Dent, Audrey Lozano, Sam Bell Steves

March 30th Pam Chambers, Kathy Lawrence, Sydney Somers

March 31st Jonathan Wickham A very special happy birthday to:

Norine McLean on her 102nd (2-Mar)

Sara Spindle on her 96th (13-Mar)

Lillian Wilfong on her 94th (23-Mar)

Charlotte Olivarri on her 93rd (10-Mar)

Dorothy Shelton on her 92nd (16-Mar)

Dorothy Gunkel on her 92nd (24-Mar)

Marie Wiesman on her 91st (12-Mar)

Rubylee Wolma on her 90th (4-Mar)

The Messenger (USPS 514-020)

Published Monthly (3rd Wednesday) ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

315 East Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205 Telephone: (210) 226-2426

Periodicals Postage paid at San Antonio, Texas POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE MESSENGER c/o ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

315 E. Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205 Rector: The Rev. Michael D. Chalk

Editor: Melanie Lizcano Layout & Graphic Design: Melanie Lizcano e-mail articles to mlizcano@stmarks-sa.org

Article deadline is 2nd Wednesday of each month

New St. Mark’s Office Hours Please note that the new hours for the parish offices are: Monday- Friday 9:00 – 5:00. Please direct your calls outside of these hours to our voicemail system and a return call will be made as soon as possible. Pastoral Emergencies: As always, pastoral emergency calls outside of normal office hours can be made to the parish main number. Follow the voicemail directions to place a message in the parish Pastoral Care voicemail. These messages are forwarded to the clergy on call. Thank you for noting these changes.