315 E. Pecan St. | San Antonio, TX 78205 | (210) 226‐2426 | www.stmarks‐sa.org

VOL 100 | ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2011

themessenger MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

A t the parish meeting in October, I shared some of the great news of the life of this parish. As I look forward to the coming year I am excited

about the direction and growth at St. Mark’s. We have experienced new energy and excitement in our worship, formation, community life, and our mission beyond the

church walls. The Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry at St. Mark’s have quickly grown to become truly dynamic centers of excellence in family ministry. These ministries, led by Heather Herschell, Director of Children’s Ministries and Todd Allison, Director of Youth Ministries, are supported by many generous and creative volunteers. It’s time to share our model of ministry growth and children’s formation with young leaders looking for hands-on training, and utilize the creativity of these leaders as our programs grow. Two paid internships for youth and children’s ministries would be valuable to the leadership team of St. Mark’s. My hope is that our 2012 budget will support these two positions. I also see a new opportunity for strengthening our clergy leadership team. We have seen growth in young adult

membership at St. Mark’s and a renewed interest in creative worship leadership. Utilizing the Work+Shop model that allows us to receive the theological training and skill of Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson on a part-time basis, we are pursuing an exciting initiative that will allow us to bring on a new clergy leader on a strategic, part-time basis, focusing on young adults, Christian formation and worship leadership. If we are going to grow in ministries inside the church walls then we need to grow in support of ministries beyond. For several years we have given $90,000 of our annual budget to outreach, supporting many outstanding organizations in the San Antonio area. These gifts have provided essential resources for a broad range of initiatives serving the hungry, the under-served, the poor and the lonely. It is time to increase our outreach funds by $10,000 to more accurately represent the energy and support this parish has for organizations that strengthen our neighbors. Growth calls us to respond intentionally and creatively. Conditions are right for us to consider how we can strengthen the leadership team and outreach funding of St. Mark’s in ways that further cultivate and nourish the growth we see. With your help and with your generosity, and with the vision and leadership of the vestry, St. Mark’s is poised to take crucial steps in the

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Hopes and Dreams for St. Mark’s 2012 By The Rev. Mike Chalk, Rector 

 

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

Assis ng Clergy

The Rev. Dr. John Lewis Co‐director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Dr. Jane Pa erson  Co‐director, The Work+Shop The Rev. Andrew Lobban  Assis ng Priest

Making a Gi of Their Service

The Rev. Mary Earle  Assis ng Priest The Rev. Cliff Waller  Assis ng Priest

Staff Todd Allison Youth Director Priscilla Briones  Accoun ng Janet Carrizales Nursery Coordinator Joseph Causby   Director of Music Bill Edwards Parish Administrator Elaine Enloe Clergy Execu ve Administrator

Database Manager Sandy Falkenberg  Cherub Choir Conductor Emmet Faulk  Community Forma on Director Heather Herschell  Children’s Ministries Director Melanie Lizcano   Communica ons Director Ruby Merrill   Facili es Manager Pat Hutchison Noble  Community of Care Dr. Edwin A. Rieke Dir. of Music & Organ Emeritus Kris n Roach  Assistant Director of Music Sara Talley  Asst. Director Youth Ministries

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

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

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coming years. If you have not pledged for 2012, consider what hopes and dreams we could fulfill with your financial commitment. As a member of St. Mark’s family I would ask you: “How do you plan to support the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s for 2012?” It is imperative that people of all ages pledge and commit financially to our important work of Christ. When Paula and I started pledging at age 26, our budget was tight since we had a new baby. But making a pledge at that early age was an act of faith that we felt was very important to our growth in Christ. To begin to pledge is perhaps the most challenging step in the process of growing into a church community member. What we give has a lot to do with what kind of church we become. God is calling us to an exciting ministry. Your support can make these hopes and dreams become reality.

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W hile it may not feel like the new year, and according to the calendar January 1st is still a month away, November 27 does begin a new year on the Church calendar. The liturgical year of the church calendar begins on the First Sunday of Advent. This four Sunday season of preparation for the birth of Jesus marks the renewal of the annual cycle of creation, life, death, rebirth and transformed life. Liturgical (“having to do with the worship of a religious community”) calendars have been in use by the church since the earliest times. As new converts and their families were brought to the church they were immersed in the story-telling pattern of the religious community. The early church used the life cycle of Jesus as the first portion of their story calendar, so they began with the beginning, the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. The four Sunday season of Advent is a time of thoughtful entry into the life-story of Jesus. It is a big story, and we need to prepare to enter it well. Advent is about proclamation, preparation and waiting. Throughout the season we join with the voices of prophets and seers as we proclaim along with John the Baptist “Prepare the way of the Lord.” We also make preparations for the coming new birth, joining with Mary, Jesus’ mother, as we remember her patient endurance of

her late pregnancy, a large portion of which was spent on the back of a donkey on the road to Bethlehem. We wait with questions in our hearts and minds with Joseph, Mary’s fiancée, who walked with her and the donkey, perhaps wondering what he’d gotten himself into, or maybe what God had gotten him into. Proclamation, preparation and waiting. What a way to begin the New Year. As you make your way to Advent this year consider what you will proclaim with your words, your life, your actions. What preparations are you making for the coming of Emmanuel, God With Us, into your life? What questions, fears, hopes do you have as you await the coming of the Christ? As you ponder these things, come

to church and join a community that is asking these questions together. You might find yourself strengthened and empowered to make this New Year the best one yet. Happy New Year!

A New Way to Begin a New Year By The Rev. Jonathan Wickham, Assistant Rector 

“Prepare the way of the Lord.”

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L esbia Scott took on a somewhat ordinary task- she wrote a little song for her children to help them learn about church history. Then something extraordinary happened- that little song became a beloved hymn sung by hundreds of faithful people in churches around the world, especially on All Saints Day.

We wanted the children in our Christian formation programs here at St. Marks to get a sense of how a few other ordinary people decided to live extraordinary lives for God. These ordinary people were so committed to following Christ that after a while they didn’t seem so ordinary any more. In fact, they became saints! Our fourth and fifth grade Sunday school class set out to discover just what life was like for some of these heroes in church history. Using a project-based approach to Sunday school, they worked in small groups to research and create presentations about the saints that captured their interest. We believed that the 4th and 5th graders could share what they learned about the saints by hosting an All Saints Fair. They did! They invited parents, parishioners and other Sunday school classes to attend the fair the Sunday just before All Saints Day. These students had their hands in all phases of the project. They toured St. Mark’s, selected Gosnell Hall as their venue, met with Ruby to request a menu that reflected the kinds of foods their saints may have eaten and they even filled out event request forms for Elaine Enloe! The result was an

incredible event for, hosted by, and extending beyond our children’s ministry area on the second floor. On the day of the event the children set up their projects and quite literally stood by their incredible work in Gosnell Hall. The youth group came down from the third floor and helped facilitate hands-on activities tied to the symbolism of each saint. We decorated heart-shaped cookies for St. Augustine of Hippo, built churches like St. Francis did, poured scented oil in remembrance

of St. Mary Magdalene, and hammered golf tees into pumpkins to honor St. Joseph the carpenter. All of the formation classes- children ages 3- 3rd grade attended and had a great time. Parents and teachers learned quite a bit too. They all commented on how hard their children had worked- many of them outside of Sunday school time to complete their presentations.

The final words of Lesbia Scott’s beloved hymn still fill many churches on All Saints Day. They speak to the idea that “folks like me” can have a heart like the saints after all. We don’t get to let ourselves off the hook by leaning on the notion that we are just regular people and therefore can’t live up to the example set by Christ. What we can do is both start small and think big in pursuit of this goal. We can even do things like take an ordinary class of Sunday school kids and make an extraordinary morning happen- right here at St. Marks!

“And I mean to be one too…” By Heather Herschell, Director of Children’s Ministries 

“I sing a song of the saints of God, pa ent and brave and true, who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew…” 

DECEMBER 4DECEMBER 4 ADVENT LESSONS ADVENT LESSONS

AND CAROLSAND CAROLS

On December 4 at 4:00p.m., we con nue the St. Mark’s On December 4 at 4:00p.m., we con nue the St. Mark’s tradi on of Advent Lessons and Carols.tradi on of Advent Lessons and Carols. The service will The service will include the 100 combined voices of the Boy and Girl, include the 100 combined voices of the Boy and Girl, Youth and Parish Choirs. Youth and Parish Choirs. Please plan to join us as we Please plan to join us as we prepare for the season of Advent in this beau ful, prepare for the season of Advent in this beau ful, candlelit service.candlelit service.

 

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N eed to do some holiday shopping without the kids? Our annual shopping day at St. Mark’s Nursery is Saturday, December 10th from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Send children ages 6 weeks through 8 years with either a packed diaper bag or a sack lunch. Please let us know you are coming so we can staff the rooms appropriately. Parishioners have priority registration until Friday, December 2. After that, we begin offering spots to our Parents” Day Out families and other friends. The final day to sign up will be Wednesday, December 7th. What’s the best gift you’ll get that day? This service is free of charge!

Would you be a baker? The Cookie Walk is a wonderful yearly success because of the many beautiful holiday treats lovingly prepared by supporters of the Choir Tour Fund. We would like to reach 900 dozen this year! There will be a drop-off time on Friday afternoon, December 9 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the church’s kitchen. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare: ● Please make 10 dozen cookies of one kind or two kinds (10 dozen each). ● Please put cookies in a marked box, clearing marking the name of the cookie and

if they contain nuts or not. ● Cookies may be baked ahead of time and frozen. You may bring them to the

church to be stored in the church’s freezer. ● Since this is a holiday event, cookies should be “holiday attractive” and your very

best! Save the Rice Krispy Treats, etc. for another time. Also, smaller cookies tend to fit better in the boxes.

● If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any member of the Parish Choir. Thanks so much for your participation. We are very grateful to you.

Please call or e-mail Joe Causby at jcausby@stmarks-sa.org or 226-2426 if you intend to participate so we can anticipate the number of tables.

Annual Shopping Day at St. Mark’s Nursery By Heather Herschell, Director of Children’s Ministries 

You can register by phone with Janet Carrizales at 319‐9817 or by email at

jcarrizales@stmarks‐sa.org.

FINAL DAY TO SIGN UP IS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7!

St. Mark’s Music Ministries ANNUAL COOKIE WALK

Annual Cookie Walk Saturday,

December 10 11:00 a.m.

Gosnell Hall

All of your holiday baking in one place!

 

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D uring the holiday season, several speakers will address the notion of peace in Tom Gish Hall, beginning November 20. The title for the series is The Gift of Shalom. The Hebrew word shalom can be defined as well-being or wholeness. In a world of great complexity and anxiety, most people yearn for that “peace of God, which surpasses understanding,…” (Phil. 4:7) Our guest speakers will present this important concept from their own tradition or discipline of study.

On November 20, Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth-El, San Antonio, a popular speaker at St. Mark’s, will begin our series. During the summer, Rabbi Stahl is the Theologian-in-Residence & lecturer at Chautauqua Institution in New York state. He is the author of Making the Timeless Timely: Thoughts and Reflections of a Contemporary Reform Rabbi. His second book, Boundaries, Not Barriers: Some Uniquely Jewish Perspectives on Life, was published recently.

Speaker Series for the Holiday Season

W e are well underway with two initiatives at the Hawthorne Academy, a neighboring San Antonio Independent School District. Volunteers from St. Mark’s are coaching elementary and middle school kids for this year’s academic competitions (UIL). Last year, our kids excelled, taking 10 awards at the middle school competition. We are also offering sponsors who are working with each grade level to identify and purchase needed supplies not covered by the school’s limited budget. So far this year 22 St. Mark’s volunteers are involved. The students at Hawthorne want your help. If you would like to be a coach or a sponsor, email Dina Aboul Saad at dhsaad@gmail.com. No prior experience needed, just a desire to get involved.

Rev. Dr. Paul Parks

Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl

Dr. Don Lucas

Nov. 27 Advent Wreath Festival Dec. 4 The Rev. Dr. Paul Parks, Executive Director, Ecumenical Institute of Religion & Health Dec. 11 Dr. Don Lucas, Chair of the Psychology Department at Northwest Vista College, author of Being: Your Happiness, Pleasure, and Contentment Dec. 18 The Rev. Michael Chalk

St. Mark’s Science Ini a ve at the Hawthorne Academy

Ar cle and photo by Dina Aboul‐Saad 

I t is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Erin Hughes to our Youth Ministry program at St. Mark’s. Erin has jumped in helping with Wednesday Night Fellowship, Sunday Formation classes and the All Hallows Eve Lock-In. A native of Marietta, NY, just outside of Syracuse, NY, Erin has a BA in English and her MA in Teaching. Erin

taught middle school English the last two years in New York and she is continuing her teaching in San Antonio as a recent hire at Kruger Middle School teaching 8th grade Pre-AP and GT English. Outside of her teaching career, Erin has always had a passion for sharing her knowledge and love of God with youth and has been involved with the Episcopal Church at many levels. She comes to St. Mark’s after serving as Youth Minister at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Camillus, NY for three years. More recently Erin worked for the Diocese of Central New York organizing and running the New Beginnings Weekend for youth, a retreat for 6th-9th graders. This past July, Erin married her best friend of over eight years, Sean. Together with their dog, Raynah they moved to Texas, hoping to find new opportunities and adventures. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring Erin on board and look forward to the growth her presence and experience will bring to the youth program at St. Mark’s.

Welcome Erin Hughes to the Youth Ministry Staff By Todd Allison, Director of Children’s Ministries 

Erin Hughes

 

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together. Isaiah 40:3,5

T he time has come for St. Mark’s 20th annual Christmas Pageant! (There really is nothing like watching a Pre-K angel fly to get you into the Christmas spirit!) Mark your calendars for December 11, at the 9:00a.m. service. NOW is the time to sign up if you would like to participate. Blank sign-up cards, located in the church and on the 2nd floor Sunday School area, can be returned to the marked boxes, or you may sign up online at www.stmarks-sa.org. We will need many volunteers this year, as our Children’s Ministries continue to grow!

We look forward to this joyous re-telling of the Christmas Story in one of St. Mark’s most favorite traditions!

 By Kris n Roach, Pageant Director

Photo by Emmet Faulk

2011 Christmas Pageant

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Rehearsals: December 3rd and 10th

9:00a.m.-11:00a.m. (children must register and attend both rehearsals in

order to participate)

Pageant:

December 11 at the 9:00a.m. service

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS TO ADORN THE CHURCH In memory of ________________________________________   In honor of ____________________________________ On the occasion of ______________________________ Your Name __________________________________________ Phone ( ) ___________________________

C

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011 P .

Christmas flowers to adorn the church may be given in memory

or in honor of loved ones.

$10.00 dona on for each memorial or honor

Christmas Flowers

O ver 100 yeas ago the Parish Aid began sewing Lavabos-small towels used at Baptisms. The year was 1875. In 1939 the women of the church organized St. Nicholas Guild and began sewing small pillows for the American Cancer Society. Two years ago the groups joined ranks continuing their sewing projects. With only 4 remaining members we are sorry to announce the end of an era. All remaining monies have been sent to the Good Samaritan Center for their use in helping those less fortunate.

Time Marches On... Courtesy of Alice Cummins, Mary Jane Adams, Minta Cook, and Judy Rux

 

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T he most anticipated fall event for the St. Mark’s youth group has come and gone, but the memories will be talked about among friends for months to come. I am, of course, talking about the annual All Hallows Eve lock-in. The night was filled with costumes, games, pumpkin seeds, a few screams, and very little sleep! All of these things made for a great night with over thirty five Jr. High (and High school) parishioners and their friends. The night started in Gosnell Hall with loud chattering, laughing, and running as we played games designed to “break the ice” and make learning names and interacting with one another easy and fun to enjoy the long night as a group and not leave anyone out. The group traveled into the main sanctuary to learn about how Halloween originated and why the church celebrates All Saints Day before moving onto a ‘creative, and slightly spooky’ version of the story of Dean Richardson. What happened next is best described by one of the Jr. High participants, so you will have to ask one of them… but I can say that there is something eerie that happens at youth group events when Dean Richardson’s name comes up. Don’t be surprised if you accidentally step on a pumpkin seed or two while walking in the breezeway of the parish house. This is because no “All Hallows Eve lock-in” would be complete without a pumpkin carving contest! But this was no ordinary contest. The youth were divided into teams and were each given a pumpkin to carve as a group. The teams were first

instructed to choose the bravest member of their team to step forward before they began to carve their pumpkins. Little did they know, being considered the bravest in their group was not the best attribute to have because Todd and Erin emerged with fists full of

whipped cream that was spread all over their faces! The real pumpkin contest began as the teams raced to pull the “pumpkin guts” from each of their pumpkins and toss (gently) the seeds on the face of their ‘bravest’ teammate. The team with the most seeds stuck on their teammate’s face at the end of three minutes was declared the winner! After everyone caught their breath and cleaned their faces, the teams were able to showcase their skills by carving their (now seedless) pumpkins. The evening came to a close with a compline service led by our high school participants before setting up for a movie in Tom Gish Hall. Back to the Future was no match for the exhaustion of the nights activities and the late hour as most of the group was fast asleep before Marty McFly and his DeLorean traveled back to 1955. This event grows in participation

each year and is truly a favorite among students who come back year after year. Although it is sad that the All Hallows Eve lock-in has come and gone, this means the Christmas to the Street lock-in and service project is right around the corner! For more information on Christmas to the Street or how youth, parents and friends can participate please contact Todd at tallison@stmarks-sa.org.

2011 All Hallows Eve Youth Lock‐In By Sara Talley, Co‐Director of Youth Ministries 

The youth enjoy themselves at the lock in.

“Don’t be surprised if you accidentally step on a pumpkin seed or two while walking in the breezeway of the parish house.”

Not just another Sunday Service! SNL is an opportunity for 9th‐12th graders, of all faiths and backgrounds, from around San Antonio to come together and share and discuss topics impac ng their lives. 

SNL MEETS ON THE TMI CAMPUS NOVEMBER 13 AND DECEMBER 18

5:30p.m. – 7:00p.m. www.facebook/SNLSanAntonio

 

S t. Mark’s will be hosting its annual Christmas to the Street Barbeque on Saturday, December 17. Christmas to the Street began in 2004 as an outreach ministry led by the Youth and Kitchen Ministries. The goal was simple: provide a generous home-cooked meal of brisket and sausage with all the fixin’s to our neighbors in downtown San Antonio. Over the last six years the response from the community has continued to grow every year. Beginning with last year’s event our vision was expanded as we embraced our partnership with Haven for Hope Center for services to the homeless community. In addition to the almost 500 meals served by our youth and volunteers at St. Mark’s for lunch, a team will also serve an additional 400 to 500 meals in Prospect’s Courtyard on the Haven for Hope campus through the partnership with St. Vincent De Paul. In addition, for 2011, we have partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide the 550 meals in the main dining hall of Haven for Hope. Also, we look to expand even

further, as we hope to include the families from the Good Samaritan Community Services. These continued and new directions are the result of our commitment to a hands-on collaboration on behalf of our homeless and near-homeless neighbors. Overall, Christmas to the Street 2011 will serve over 1500 meals to hungry men, women and children. To support this growth in faithful

service we depend on the generosity of neighbors, friends and family of St. Mark’s. This is where you come in. This is a youth ministry centered event and it isn’t possible without the help of the St. Mark’s community. We are looking for volunteers as well as ‘in-kind’ and financial contributions to support this expanding ministry.

By Todd Allison, Director of Youth Ministries 

2010 Christmas to the Street Work Crew

Youth Lock-In 8:30p.m. Friday, December 16 (open to all youth and friends 6th grade through 12th grade)

Arrive at St. Mark’s (please eat dinner before arriving) for a night of fun and fellowship as we prepare for the 7th annual Christmas to the Street BBQ on Saturday. Youth will be assisting in preparing items for the 3 meals to be served on Saturday in addition to some fun surprises. The night’s work is a must for Saturday so bring friends and join us. There will be time for sleep to be as rested as possible for the next day’s activities. COST: $10 INCLUDES: Snack, Breakfast, Lunch, t-shirt, and lots of fun!

All participants must complete a registration form at www.stmarks-sa.org/youth.kt

 BAKERS NEEDED! CALLING ALL BAKERS! We are in need of bakers and their cookies, 4000 cookies to be exact. If you can offer your baking skills please contact: Patrice Oliver at poliver1@satx.rr.com

WHAT IS NEEDED? Cookies, NO NUTS or PEANUT BUTTER PLEASE, to provide as dessert for the meals. 6-8 dozen per volunteer. Cookies should be in a zip lock/freezer bag labeled with the type and number of cookies in bag along with your name. Bags should be labeled C2S2011. Cookies can be brought to the church any time and placed in the freezer. Please have all cookies to the church no later than Wednesday, December 14.

CHRISTMAS GREENERY PICKUP SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10  9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 8:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. 

 

All orders will be available in Gosnell Hall on the above dates and mes ONLY! 

If you would like to volunteer or contribute please visit the St. Mark’s website www.stmarks‐sa.org or contact Todd Allison at tallison@stmarks‐sa.org for addi onal informa on.  

7th Annual Christmas to the Street Barbeque Saturday, December 17

 

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A Thanksgiving Dinner for a Thanksgiving People

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him, bless his name.”  (Ps. 100:4) 

Youth Confirmands with their mentors on Confirma on Day.

The St. Mark’s Thanksgiving Dinner is on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6:00p.m. Come together as we give thanks to God for the many blessings in our homes, our community, our church and our world. During the meal we join in a time of reflection, prayer and singing as we share our gratitude for all

that God has done and is doing. Cost for the meal is $8 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families of four or more. On the menu is: Pork Loin, cornbread stuffing with sage sausage, with pork gravy, asparagus and bread. Please bring a dessert or a salad to pass. RSVP to the church office (226-2426) and please let us know what you plan to bring.

“Hammered golf tees into pumpkins to honor St. Joseph the carpenter.”

Children decorated shamrocks at the All Saints’ Fair in honor of St. Patrick.

Jennifer Allison and her helper lists the Saints they will study.

The All Saints’ Fair presenta on in Gosnell Hall was a huge success!

The children worked hard to gather informa on for their presenta ons.

 

MONTHLY FINANCIAL UPDATE Information for October 2011

INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION Pledge Revenue .................................................................................................................................................................. $104,542 Non Pledge Giving .............................................................................................................................................................. $11,039 Open Plate ........................................................................................................................................................................... $2,235 TOTAL REVENUE ........................................................................................................................................................... $117,816 TOTAL EXPENSES .......................................................................................................................................................... $145,377

October Revenue Under Expenses by $27,561 Year to Date (January 2011 through October 2011) the revenue is over expenses by $32,931

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

Staff Members Par cipate in Con nuing Educa on Conferences and Classes By Bill Edwards, Business Administrator & Melanie Lizcano, Director of Communica ons 

T he Diocese offers financial assistance for church staff members to take college courses related to their field and/or to attend conferences, workshops, etc. offered by the Diocese or other organizations related to the church such as Shelby. The following staff members have participated in the various continuing education classes, workshops, and conferences. Elaine Enloe, Clergy Assistant & Database Manager attended the Shelby conference in June, met other Shelby users and attended workshops on: Effective Time Management, Church Facility Management, Arena (a new Shelby database that’s “in the cloud”), Emergency Preparedness for Churches Generosity, Attendance (a Shelby v.5 module), Communicating Electronically Excel, and Constant Contact. Constant Contact®, Inc. helps small businesses, associations, and nonprofits connect with their customers, clients, and members. Launched in 1998, Constant Contact champions the needs of small organizations and provides them with an easy and affordable way to build successful, lasting customer relationships. Constant Contact's leading email marketing, online survey andevent marketing tools—supported by its expert personal coaching and support—help all types of small businesses and organizations create professional-looking email newsletters and insightful online surveys and begin a dialogue with their customers. Shelby Systems supplies the software and financial tools needed to help ministries and organizations thrive.

Since 1976, Shelby Systems has been a leader in providing software to churches, parishes, denominational headquarters, independent ministries, and development organizations. There are over 24,000 users who are currently supported all over the United States and in several foreign countries.

Joseph Causby, Director of Music & Organist attended the Association of Anglican Musicians National Conference in the Carolinas in June. This is a gathering of Episcopal Church musicians from all over the country. At this conference, Joseph was elected chairman of Region VII of AAM. We (St. Mark’s) was also selected to host the Mid-Winter Conference for Region VII in January 2012. Emmet Faulk, Community Formation Director attended Episcopal Lay Employee CREDO in April. As a benefit of the Church Pension Fund, CREDO Institute, Inc. provides a holistic approach to health and wellness and serves pension plan participants, active and retired, through a wellness program referred to as the CREDO Benefit. Emmet’s Lay Employee CREDO was held in Lake Logan Conference Center near Ashville NC. CREDO provided resources that helped Emmet examine, evaluate, and re-energize his health and well-being in significant areas of his life including spiritual, vocational, physical health, mental health, and financial. Priscilla Briones, Accountant attended Shelby Extreme Reporting Workshop I.

Priscilla found this to be a great course about using Shelby v5 to get any report needed. Normally when someone requested a report, she would have to look up the information in Shelby then create an Excel spreadsheet that displayed the requested information properly. This course taught her how to use ShelbyQuery to get information by using the Query Builder then using the Report Designer to create a great looking report that is easy to read and shows all the information requested. Priscilla’s favorite part was learning how to design a contribution statement that looks appealing and is easy to understand. Our current contribution statement design still confuses many people so she looking forward to using the knowledge she gained from this class to fix that issue. The workshop also taught Priscilla how to link Shelby v5 to Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Word, Publisher, & Outlook). The class also focused on linking to Excel using pivot tables and this is another great way to create reports. Kristin Roach, Assistant Director of Music and Assistant Organist attends yearly the convention of the Texas Choral Director's Association in August. This summer the keynote guest conductor was one of Kristin’s mentors from Eastman, the legendary Donald Neuen, longtime assistant to choral giant Robert Shaw. She also attended the Association of Anglican Musician national conference in South Carolina. At this conference Kristin was fortunate to dialogue with clergy and musicians from all over the

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Birthdays of the Month December

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country. These opportunities to share ideas, hear and see what works in other places, and to meet colleagues face to face are invaluable. Kristin also continues private organ study. Melanie Lizcano, Communications Director has attended several webinars and conferences all related to communications. This year Melanie has participated in various webinars sponsored by Constant Contact about social media, event planning and newsletter design. She has also watched

several video tutorials and webinars offered by Facebook about how to promote your non-profit organization using social media and tips on how to use Facebook for non-profit organizations. In June, Melanie attended the Shelby conference with Elaine. However, Melanie’s classes were based on technology and communications in churches. Some of the classes she attended were Technology in Modern Churches, Constant Contact, What’s Hot and What’s Not in Churches, Can the Cloud Simplify it? Part 1 & 2, Connect with Shelby on Social Media and Social Media and the Episcopal Church. Melanie also attended a Photoshop Expert Workshop in

November hosted by SkillsPath which she enjoyed very much. All webinars, workshops, and conferences were beneficial for Melanie and she looks forward to attending more in the future. In the Spring, Melanie will attend grad school to pursue a Master’s degree in Graphic Design at the University of the Incarnate Word. With the support of the clergy and business administrator, staff members are encouraged to participate in continuing education opportunities yearly.

(Continued from page 10)

December 1st Aidan Law, Melanie Law, Robert Park, Clayton Smith, Linda Trevino December 2nd Anne Godwin, Natalie Matthews, Susan Riordan, Susan Waltrip December 3rd Parker Cassidy December 4th Bill Bartley, Nino Osborn, Joan Petty, Lucy Wilson December 5th Mary Margaret Johnson, Emma Lewis, Stephen Perez, Alan Radke December 6th Matthew Conner, Tom Dukes, John Reesman, Duncan Tobar December 7th Jonathan David Check, Bettye Dawson, Robert Heller, Cayden Hoffman, Carolyn Hoffman, Marguerite Morgan, Harris Stephens December 8th Ben Bockerstette, Don Clausewitz, Sherene Rizvi, Peter Stanton, Jenni Stupka, Olivia Stupka, Lisa Uhl December 9th Philip Barr, Mary McClung, Chica Younger December 11th Bill Cothren, Carolyn Lane, Bryan Schiller, Arthur Uhl December 12th Carol Ann Baker, Paula Butt, Joyce Carothers, Katie McDonough, Eleanor Phelps, Tony Smith, Natalia Weatherbie December 13th Linda Lang, Jenny Therkelsen December 14th Aubrey Breazeale, Macky Lopez, Elsie Steg

December 15th Kate Bryan, Robert Cote, Elizabeth Raney, Pam Slocum December 16th Rich Butler, Veronica Davila, David Estes, Phyllis Hall, Dwayne Ham, Emily Volk December 17th Raymond Baird, Carlos Ibarra, Patsy Jordt, Carolyn Oatman, Adrianne Vaughn December 18th Walker Bryant, Darin Digby, Lewis Fisher, Paul Parker, Gloria Williams December 19th Rosalind Alderman, James Gonzalez, Keith Hughey, Marcella Whittaker December 20th Claudia Thornton December 21st Brooks Englehardt December 22nd Allyson Cavender, Marielle Holdsworth, Lane Tatum December 23rd Alice Cave, Mike Chalk, Richard Gray, Norrie Schiller, Polly B. Triche, Phillip A. Yochem December 24th Chris Amberson, Phyllis Beinhorn, Gary Egmon, Bunny Matthews, Mary Sue Miranda, Jane Satel December 25th Annette Eicke, Sarah Lee Gilliland, Carol Muir December 26th Randy Gladden December 27th Stuart Cavender, Blake Dobbins, Sonya Frederick, Megan Houliston, Tony Rogers

December 28th Don Douglass, Matt Kitchen, Jennie Oliver, Leah Thomas, Leslie Todd December 29th Madeleine Bousquet, Jenny Clements, Josie Davidson, Joyce Dean, Catherine Diel, Irene Diettrich, Sable Kitchen, Linda Striekert December 30th Art Aiken, Donna Bruni, Matthew Gonzalez December 31st Josh Bockerstette, Kathy Timberlake A very special happy birthday to: Nino Osborn on her 95th (Dec 4) Phyllis Beinhorn on her 91st (Dec 24)  

 

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 ar cles to mlizcano@stmarks‐sa.org

Ar cle deadline is 2nd Wednesday of each month

Christmas Worship Schedule

Friday, December 23 ················································································· Office Closed at 12:00p.m. Saturday, December 24 ············································································· 3:30p.m.-4:00p.m. Choir 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Eucharist 6:30p.m.-8:00p.m. CAYA Christmas Eve Eucharist 10:00p.m.-10:30p.m. Choir 10:30p.m.-12:00a.m. Eucharist Sunday, December 25 ··············································································· 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Eucharist Monday, December 26 ·············································································· Office Closed All Day Sunday, December 31 ··············································································· 7:45a.m. Eucharist 10:00a.m Eucharist Sunday Christian Formation classes will not meet. 11:11a.m. CAYA Eucharist

For more information visit St. Mark’s calendar at www.stmarks-sa.org or call the church office at 210-226-2426.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church