THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

PROPER 14

AUGUST 11, 2019

SAINT MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 315 EAST PECAN STREET

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Welcome! As Christians formed in a rich liturgical tradition, we believe that when we assemble for worship, we are gathering as the Body of Christ. Liturgy, a word we use for our way of worship, literally may be translated as “the work of the people.” We are enriched by your presence and participation whether this is your first time visiting with us or you are a committed member of our parish. We are a vibrant downtown community that is ready to welcome you wherever you may find yourself on your journey. We believe that the radical hospitality offered by Jesus Christ is one that we should model in our community life together as we seek to live out the Good News. Our core vocation is to Feed San Antonio with the Bread of Life; we do this in ministry by:

Feeding the hungry with real food Feeding those who are hungry for knowledge and meaning Feeding those who are hungry for beauty and creativity

For more information about our community, see announcements at the back of this leaflet and please visit our website at www.stmarks-sa.org Visitors: Please take a moment and fill out a Welcome Guest card that can be found in the pews. This can be placed in the offering plate or handed to an usher or greeter. If you would like to fill out a guest card but did not fill one out at church, visit our Welcome page at www.stmarks-sa.org or call us at 210-226-2426. Nursery Available Our Nursery, located in the Parish House, is available for children, ages 6wks-5yrs. Also, please see the pew card for further information about including children in our worship experience. Children’s Chapel At the 10.00 am service, there is a special Children’s Chapel for the Liturgy of the Word that begins in the Jerusalem Chapel for preschool and elementary aged children. Children join their parents in the church at the Peace in time for Holy Communion. Holy Communion and Gluten Free Wafers Holy Communion is available to all baptized Christians regardless of denominational affiliation. We welcome children to receive at the table as well. Gluten free communion wafers are available by request. If you prefer to not receive communion, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing. Please cross your arms across your chest so we will know this is your desire. Altar Flowers Each Sunday, the altar flowers are given in memory or honor of various loved ones and special occasions. If you are interested in adding to the beauty of the altar flowers, please email Ann Coiner (atcoiner@gmail.com) or call 210-827-2073.

Free parking is available for Sundays and weekday church activities in either of the two church lots. The east lot is located at the corner of Jefferson and Pecan,

and the west lot borders Pecan Street between the bus station and St. Mark’s.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST: RITE I 7.45 AM

THE ACCLAMATION BCP 323

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

THE COLLECT FOR PURITY Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GLORIA BCP 324

THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Grant to us, Lord, we beseech thee, the spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we, who cannot exist without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE LESSONS

e First Lesson – Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 At the Gradual, Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24 BCP 654

e Holy Gospel – Luke 12:32-40

e Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.

The Gospel is read.

e Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.

THE SERMON e Rev. Matthew Wise

THE NICENE CREED BCP 326

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 328 THE CONFESSION 330

THE PEACE 332 THE GREAT THANKSGIVING—Eucharistic Prayer II

Sursum Corda and Preface 340 Prayer of Consecration 342 e Lord’s Prayer 336

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD 337

THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE SACRAMENT

THE POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER 339

THE BLESSING and THE DISMISSAL

THE HOLY EUCHARIST: RITE II 10.00 AM

VOLUNTARY On an Irish Air Eric Thiman (1900 – 1975)

HYMN IN PROCESSION 637 Lyons OPENING ACCLAMATION

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

THE COLLECT FOR PURITY Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GLORIA - S 280 Robert Powell (b. 1932) THE COLLECT OF THE DAY

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE LESSONS e First Lesson – Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

At the Gradual – Psalm 50:1-8. 23-24 chant: Meachen

1 The LORD, the God of gods, has | spoken; *

he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its | setting. 2 Out of Zion, perfect in its | beauty, *

God reveals himself in | glory. 3 Our God will come and will not keep | silence; *

before him there is a consuming flame, and round about him a raging | storm.

4 He calls the heavens and the earth from a-|bove * to witness the judgment of his | people.

5 "Gather before me my loyal | followers, * those who have made a covenant with me and sealed it with | sacrifice."

6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his | cause; * for God himself is | judge.

7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak: "O Israel, I will bear witness a-|gainst you; * for I am God, your | God.

8 I do not accuse you because of your | sacrifices; * your offerings are always be-|fore me.

23 Consider this well, you who forget | God, * lest I rend you and there be none to de-|liver you.

24 Whoever offers me the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors | me; * but to those who keep in my way will I show the salvation of |God."

e Second Lesson – Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

At the Sequence, HYMN 68 Llangloffan e Holy Gospel – Luke 12:32-40

e Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel is read.

e Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON The Rev. Matthew Wise THE NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate: he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, FORM VI

Celebrant: Standing or kneeling, in peace we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

Intercessor:

For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation; For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For Justin, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael, our Presiding Bishop, and David and Jennifer, our Bishops; and for all bishops and other ministers; For all who serve God in his Church.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially… and for those with long-term concerns… We pray also for those affected by gun violence in Dayton, El Paso, and Gilroy, California.

Hear us, Lord; For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence

We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever.

We pray for all who have died, (especially…) that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; Who put their trust in you.

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

Silence may be kept.

Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes with an absolution.

THE PEACE

The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

THE HOLY COMMUNION

AT THE OFFERTORY, A Solo How lovely are thy dwellings Samuel Liddle (1867 – 1951)

How lovely are thy dwellings, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, fainteth, for the courts of the Lord: My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God. O Lord of hosts, hear my prayer. I would rather be a door keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness, for a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

Jacquelyn Matava, mezzo-soprano

AT THE PRESENTATION, HYMN 635 Wer nur den lieben Gott THE GREAT THANKSGIVING - Eucharistic Prayer A BCP 361

Celebrant: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Here a Proper Preface is sung or said. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS – S 129 Robert Powell The people stand or kneel.

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world. On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me." Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Celebrant and People: Christ has died.

Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

e Celebrant continues

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom. All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

AGNUS DEI - S 163 Robert Powell At the distribution

SOLO Jesus, the very thought of thee Eric Thiman

Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills my breast; but sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, nor can the memory find a sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Saviour of mankind. O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek, to those who fall how kind thou art, how good to those who seek! But what to those who find? Ah, this nor tongue nor pen can show; the love of Jesus, what it is – non but his loved ones know. Jesu, our only oy be thou, as thou our prize wilt be; Jesu, be thou our glory now, and through eternity.

Jacquelyn Matava, mezzo-soprano

HYMN 316 Canticum refectionis THE SENDING OF LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Celebrant: In the name of God, we send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that others may share in the communion of Christ’s body and blood.

People: We who are many are one body, because we are one in Christ Jesus. THE POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER BCP 365

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE BLESSING HYMN IN PROCESSION 545 St. Fulbert THE DISMISSAL

Celebrant: Let us bless the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

VOLUNTARY Sortie Eric Thiman

e First Lesson – Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt-offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation—I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

e Second Lesson – Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-- and Sarah herself was barren-- because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore, from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore." All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

e Holy Gospel – Luke 12:32-40

Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. "But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

THE FLOWERS AT THE ALTAR THIS MORNING are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of: June

Hedges, her mother, by Patricia and Reagan Houston; Charles Jackson, her father, by Polly and George Spencer; Phoenix and Luna Rodriguez, by Oralia V. Torres; Byron Rife, her uncle, by Camilla Parker; Lee Dwight Wilson, her son, by Maxine Weynand; and Pauline Gillespie Gossett, his wife, by Robert F. Gossett, Jr.; and in celebration of and thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary by Patrice and Joey Oliver.

PRAYER LIST

7.45am Holy Eucharist, Rite I Altar Guild: Norma Baird, Anne Church Intercessor: Lindsay Irvin Ushers: Raymond and Norma Baird Preacher: e Rev. Matthew Wise

10.00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II Altar Guild: Linda Hulett, Patrice Oliver, Sue Benson, Stephanie Pollom Lectors: Larry Harrison, Catherine Diel Intercessor: Ginny Check Eucharistic Ministers: Gillian Cook O.P., James Dennis O.P., Amy Wise, Linda Addington Acolytes: Maddie Merritt, Peter Merritt, Maxxon Bartay, Lilly Chipman, Jenny Clements Ushers: Don Beardslee, Bobby Cavender, Dick Johnson, Greg Merritt, Bob Pollum Preacher: The Rev. Matthew Wise Celebrant: The Rev. Elizabeth Knowlton Gospeler: The Rev. Ann Benton Fraser

ANNOUNCEMENTS

STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT – INTERIM DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES From the Rector: I am delighted to announce that Ann Allen, long time Children's Minister at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, has agreed to help us while we continue to search for a permanent replacement for Abby. Ann retired in 2018, is very familiar with Godly Play as well as ministry in a large parish. We continue to interview folks and will look for the best fit for us long term. Meanwhile, Ann will make sure we are ready for the program year and hopefully help a new person come on board at the time that hire is made. I am grateful to Ann for her willingness to assist us and look forward to her sharing her gifts with us. She will start in the office next week (August 12) and be in place for Homecoming Sunday on August 18. Her bio is below.

Immediate Needs: Laura Arvold Aynslie Baird Brown Betty Ann Cody Juan Jose Davila, Janet Delicia de Carrejo Ruby Garza Samuel Gaskin Gloria Guzman Rod Haff Tony John Don Kingery Betsy O'Connell Grace Ohlenbusch Ruth Peyton Lynda Richards Cathy Robinson Patricia Scott Kathleen Weir Vale Bill Yates Anglican Order of Preachers

Those with long-term concerns: Halim Aboul Saad Yvonne Chi Ron Cobb Ellen Dickson Fernando Guerra Hudson Hanselman Corissa Healey Marjorie Hutcheson Dick Johnson Eleanor Johnson Phyllis Monier Eleanor Phelps Mel Richards Frank Sitton Patsy Warncke

Thanksgivings Deaths

From Ann Allen: I am a native San Antonian and life-long Episcopalian, having been raised and nurtured in the faith at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. From 1989-1991, and then again beginning in 2000 I was blessed to serve as Director of Children and Family Ministries there and "retired" in February of 2018. e joy of my life are my two grown children (and an amazing son and daughter-in-law!) and three grandchildren, all of whom live here in San Antonio! e passion of my life is to partner with families in nurturing in their children the absolute assurance that they are precious and treasured by the God who created, redeemed, and sustains them. I am thrilled to do all I can to support this ministry at St. Mark's as you prayerfully seek the person who will serve as your next Director of Children's Ministries! REFUGEE RESPONSE e need continues for volunteers to provide compassionate support to refugees passing through San Antonio. If you'd like to serve (at the bus station, Travis Park Church Shelter, or Migrant Resource Center, or assembling lunches or backpacks), please complete the new online volunteer application. Volunteer forms and more information is available online (www.stmarks-sa.org/urgentneeds). Monetary donations may be made to St. Mark's Urgent Need Fund. is money has been used to help cover medical prescriptions for migrants and supports the work of our partners in ministry, Catholic Charities and Interfaith Welcome Coalition. Please email e Rev. Ann Fraser (afraser@stmarks-sa.org) with questions. HOMECOMING SUNDAY, BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS, AND THE MINISTRY FAIR Sunday, August 18 - We will resume our regular service schedule 7.45am - Rite I, 9.00am - Rite II, and 11.15am - Rite II and bless backpacks at the 9.00am and 11.15am services. Join us in between services at 10.10am for the annual Ministry Fair! MIND THE GAP Friday, August 23 - We hope you'll join us (St. Mark's Young Adult Group) for our August Symposium at e Holmstroms House! Dinner begins at 6.30pm with discussion following. We will wrap up by 9.00pm. Free childcare for kids ages 0-5 is available at the St. Mark's nursery. For more information or to RSVP, email e Rev. Matt Wise at mwise@stmarks-sa.org. PATHWAYS TO HOPE August 23 and 24 - e 2019 Pathways to Hope conference will be held at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. e conference will bring an outstanding group of speakers and offer nineteen different workshops to help continue the community-wide conversation on how faith communities can provide support for individuals and families affected by mental health issues. Register on the Pathways to Hope website (www.pathwaystohope.net). SAVE THE DATES! Meet your Sunday School Teachers Sunday, August 25, 10.10am, 2nd Floor - Join us on the second floor for a reception and a chance to meet your Sunday School teachers! More information coming soon! Special Adult Formation Class Sunday, August 25, 10.10am, Gish Hall - e Rev. Beth Knowlton will present the findings from our small group gatherings in the spring. Wednesday Night Programming Resumes Wednesday, September 4 - Check out the Parish Life Handbook for a full list of offerings on Wednesday evenings. Formation Begins Sunday, September 8, 10.10am - Be on the lookout for a full list of Formation offerings for all ages in the Parish Life Handbook on August 18! CHILDREN AND YOUTH CHOIR REGISTRATION e Chorister Program is open to all children and youth in K-12. Rehearsals will begin September 4-5, with kick-off Sunday on September 8 at the 9.00am service. New and returning choir members need to register by visiting www.stmarks-sa.org and click on Sign Ups/Reservations. Vestments - Whether your child/youth is returning or new to one of the choirs, please drop by the third floor on Wednesday, August 21, anytime between 4.45 - 5.30pm to have your child fitted for their vestments. e vestments are freshly laundered, so this is an easy way to assign new vestments for the upcoming year. If your youth attended an RSCM summer course, please return the vestments.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S CHAPEL REGSITRATION Please register your child(ren) for Sunday School and/or Children's Chapel by visiting www.stmarks-sa.org and click on Sign Ups/Reservations. We have meet the Sunday School Teachers on August 25 at 10.10am, and then Sunday School begins on Sunday, September 8. See you then! DINNERS FOR 8 REGISTRATION It is time to sign up for Dinners for 8! Dinners for 8 gives parishioners a great chance for feast and fellowship with other members in a social setting outside the church. Once you sign up, groups of eight will be formed and each household will host a dinner for the group at their home or a Dutch-Treat meal at a restaurant. When the dinner is held at a home, usually the host/hostess provides the entrée and others bring side dishes. e Kick-Off Dinner will be Wednesday, September 11 at 6.00pm, at specially designated tables in Café Kairos. e groups will meet each other and decide on the date for their first dinner. Be sure and bring your calendars. For more information, please call Ann Reeks (210-497-3370) or Trinka McGehee (210-416-9272). You can register by visiting www.stmarks-sa.org and click on Sign Ups/Reservations or paper forms will be available at the Ministry Fair. Registration is open until September 3. THREADS OF BLESSING Would you like to join the world mission team traveling to Uganda for reads of Blessing November 25 - December 11? e purpose of this trip is to facilitate the annual reads of Blessing needlework conference held in Nebbi where 250 women will attend thanks to donor-provided scholarships. St. Mark's Church has generously provided a grant for 60 women to attend. Knowledge of needlework is not necessary, simply a willingness to "come and be" and meet some wonderful Christ-centered people and hear their stories. Men are also welcome to join Garry Schnelzer in his separate ministry amongst the local people. If you are interested, please contact: Susan Beardslee at 210-834-9630 or Helen Schnelzer at 210-639-1104. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Wednesday, August 14 1.30pm at Annabelle's home (322 Cardinal Ave) is is a very special St Marks ministry whose primary focus is to give those who are caring for loved ones with long term illness a place to share their stories and to simply BE. We do not try to "fix" but we place emphasis on the spiritual value of each and every one of us. By hearing each caregiver who wants to share, we grow in relationship with our Lord as well as with one another. If you are a caregiver and would like more detailed information, please call Annabelle McGee, 210-824-6965, or Lillian Morris at 210-822-7897 SUMMER OFFICE HOURS e church office will close at 12.00pm every Friday during the summer. We will resume regular office hours the week of August 12. THE ST. MARK’S BOOKSTORE e Bookstore will now be open on ursdays from 2.00-6.00pm in addition to Sunday mornings from 8.30-11.00am.

FORMATION SUMMER FORMATION – STORIES OF OUR FAMILY June 16 - August 11 9.00am Gish Hall (3rd Floor) As children of God and followers of Jesus, we are a people of stories. When we gather in the liturgy each week, we are surrounded by and enveloped in these stories - ancient, traditional, shared, individual, modern, and personal. As Bishop Duncan Gray has said, "When we read from the scriptures we are really just telling the family's stories." And sharing our stories is the best and most meaningful way a community can grow together. e creative act of story-telling (and story-hearing) is the process through which individuals and whole communities construct our identity, make choices, and inspire action.

ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH www.stmarks-sa.org