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The
Gryphon’s Roar
"St. Mark's Newsletter"
| The Gryphon’s Roar | St. Mark's Newsletter |
| A message from the Rev. Battle Beasley |
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| People and Places |
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| Counseling Center |
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| View From the Junior Warden by Greg Hall |
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| St. Mary's Garden by Elizabeth Gregory |
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| When I'm an old Lady |
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The Gryphon's Roar
[Back to the Main Page]If you'd like to keep up with the activities at St. Mark's, subscribe to receive our monthly bulletin which includes news and events at Saint Mark's Church.
If you would like to receive a copy, please e-mail our editor at submitgryphon@aol.com
Dear
People of God,
As you all know by now Amy and I are in the process of adopting a child. Once again, I am having
to live what I preach and it should come as no surprise that I am finding that challenging to say the
least. Life in this process is very much a roller coaster ride of emotions. We spent a frenetic 50
some hours on the phone running to Target and jumping every time the phone rang two weeks ago
when it looked like we were headed out of town to adopt our baby.
The recurring theological theme was and is God is in control, wait and trust in the Lord. Easy to
say, challenging to live out. It has brought to mind the countless hours I have sat with folks going
thru a radical change in their lives. I remind them that times like that it is easy to get on the roller
coaster and be taken to extreme highs and extreme lows. It is much harder to be patient and wait
on results over the long haul.
Yet that is what this journey of faith is all about.
As we daily work at following Jesus we sometimes get caught up in the mountaintop experiences
and we want to stay there high above the routine of everyday life. Or we get caught in the pit,
doubting ourselves, God and everyone around us.
The journey of Lent is much the same except that the Church counsels us to remember it is a
journey we are making together with Jesus. When we get ecstatic we are admonished to
remember those who are in any kind of need or trouble. When we feel lost, confused or in despair
we are invited to take heart in the whole communion of the faithful and the Saint's in light who
accompany us on our journey.
As we enter into Holy week and prepare for the Paschal feast, I pray you remember God is in
control and is preparing all good things for us to walk in that there might be healing and
reconciliation of all God's children.
God's Peace,
Battle +
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By
Greg Hall
When I was first elected to the Vestry, I wondered why anyone would ask me to serve. At my first meeting, I got
my answer. In what seemed something of a whirlwind, I was chosen Junior Warden. Like many Episcopalians I had
always known we had a Junior Warden and a Senior Warden but was a little unsure of what these two people did.
The past two years have provided lots of insight into both these positions. One view holds that the Senior Warden is
the Priest's Warden; that is, this is the person who is responsible along with the Priest, for overseeing the activities of
the Church and all its committees and ministries. The Junior Warden, on the other hand, is known as the People's
Warden; that is, this is the person you go to when something needs care, needs repair, needs service, needs, needs,
needs, etc.
When I came on the Vestry two years ago, I only knew about a broken A/C unit and a couple of leaky windows.
Little did I know these things had other sick friends with needs! We have replaced two A/C units with new ones and
repaired two others; air handlers have been upgraded; new windows have been installed; water heaters replaced;
water damage has been repaired and I'm sure the list will go on from here. There is always something needing
attention, and that is as it should be. Those of you who have been here for the past couple of years know we've had
several productive workdays on the grounds and in the building. I've been so glad to see our community come
together to enjoy one another's company as we have spent our time caring for this place that brings us such joy and
contentment.
Being Junior Warden for St. Mark's has provided me with an outlet to use what talents I have to maintain this
place we all see as holy ground. When I do my job best, I am anonymous in my actions. It is only when I don't keep
everything going that anyone should notice me. I like that. Sometimes, I have to run pretty hard to keep ahead of the
place and I like that challenge. One of the things I have noticed recently is that we seem to be having more people
coming to share St. Mark's view of life and that
brings me joy. Really all the Junior Warden's job is about is making sure that we have a place we can all share where
we can center our journey toward finding God in our lives. While the building is not St. Mark's, it does give us a place
in common where we can lift up our needs to God. It is truly our people who make St. Mark's the uniquely accepting
community we share.
St. Mark's is the Labyrinth, Centering Prayer, Project Backpack, AA, Spiritual Direction, Companions in Christ,
Daughters of the King, EFM, Second Harvest, Room in the Inn, Habitat for Humanity, Godly Play, Disciples of Christ in
Community, Santiago Apostal (St. James the Apostle) in Ecuador, the community garden, and most important of all, it
is the place where I find godly people who are willing to welcome me and offer me a place on the Journey. I believe
this is what draws all of us to St. Marks; what keeps us
here is our experience of God in this place.
At our Vestry meeting last month, we all found ourselves reflecting on our term of service as your Vestry
members. As we talked, I found myself looking back with some measure of satisfaction in having been able to serve,
and yet at the same time I find myself looking forward with a twinge of regret. This is true only because as I look into
the future I see my term of service drawing to a close all too soon. I have known other Vestry people in other places
and times who have expressed relief when their term comes to a close. I can only speak for myself, but I can honestly
say when my time comes to go off the Vestry, that I have truly enjoyed being your Junior Warden. When can I come
back?
Hamilton United Methodist Church
1st Annual Spring Fling
Saturday, April 24
7:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Come join the fun! Hamilton UMC is having their first annual Spring Fling this April at the Hamilton
UMC in Antioch, TN. There will be food, fun and fellowship! Browse the booths for arts and crafts, a
plant sale, and even a children’s consignment clothing sale and many other things. Rain or shine!!
3105 Hamilton Church Road
Antioch, TN 37013
615-361-7210
Located on the corner of Murfreesboro Road and Hamilton Church Road
COME ONE, COME ALL!!!
LIVE LIFE USEFULLY
Have you heard about St. Mark's
Pastoral Counseling Center?
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Licensed
Professionals: Counselors, Social Workers, |
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Adolescents, Individuals, Couples, Families |
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Pre-marital
counseling, depression, grief, divorce, |
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Referral network for all aspects of life |
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Services provided on a no-fee basis for members of the parish. Voluntary donations may be made to the Rector's discretionary fund to help serve others in need. |
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Sliding scale payment for non-members |
Call for appointment--615-330-6198
WHEN I’M AN OLD LADY
Author: Joanne Bailey Baxter, Lorain, OH copyright April
1991
When I'm an old lady I'll live with each
kid,
And bring so much happiness just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues
And I'll bounce on the furniture wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids!)
When they're on the phone and just out of
reach,
I’ll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
And when that is done, I'll hide under the bed!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids).
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry I'll run...if I'm able!
(when I'm an old lady and live with my kids).
I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click,
I'll cross both my eyes just to see if they'll stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud till the end of the day!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids).
And later in bed, Ill lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"
(when I'm an old lady and live with my kids).
God bless all moms and grandmas everywhere!
Submitted by Marcia Williams
TALKING TO GOD
I'm not sure just why most of us think it takes quiet to talk to God. I do. At St. Mark's we can join the peace of Centering Prayer. Or walk the labyrinth. There is another possibility, stroll out past the labyrinth to the northeast corner of our land and visit St.Mary's Garden. You'll find it quiet there.
This is a haven, a tiny meadow surrounded by dense brush and trees and simple, natural looking garden beds planted with drought resistant, low maintenance, and mostly native plants. There is a statue image of Mary. There are benches. In this place are buried or scattered the ashes of some of our own St. Mark's family...Jeff Gilliam, Elizabeth Kuhn, Ashley Tantaris, Louise Kuhn. There are growing things given by Ann, Tony, Susie, Mark and Kim, Bill and so many others. It is a place where many of us weed and water and mulch and socialize. Where we feel close to God and His creation, to each other and our loved ones. You can make it your place too, anytime you like.
It's the listening. That's why I need the quiet. To hear what God has to say to me.From Elizabeth Gregory
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Mark Carlisle Karen Seufert Bridget Meyer Maryn ClenDening Liz Gilliam Meredith Colvin Lucas Provancha Shirley Stewart Dan Ashmead |
2 4 6 10 10 12 14 23 27 |
April Anniversaries
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Richard & Carey Hardison Jim & Pauline Hall Wil & Maria Christensen |
21, 2000 26, 1987 27, 1946 |
Congratulations
Congratulations to all those who were baptized, confirmed, received, or reaffirmed their vows on March 7th when Bishop Herlong visited St. Mark’s. They are: Jordyn Elkins and Karen Yates – Baptism; Dorrence Stovall; Kelly Stovall; Karen Yates; and David Young – Confirmation; Suzanne Lindsey – Reception; and Jacquee Parris – Reaffirmation.
175th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Don’t forget about the Anniversary Celebration that the Diocese is planning. Congregations have been asked to set aside June 27th for their own celebrations at their churches. Thursday, July 1st will be a corporate celebration to include a procession from the original Masonic Lodge at 5th Avenue and Church to Christ Church Cathedral in the late afternoon followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral. A reception will follow the service. Please plan to be a part of this celebration. Below is a prayer that Bishop Herlong is requesting to be ready during the Prayers of the People every Sunday now through July 4, 2004
Prayer for the 175th Anniversary of the Diocese of Tennessee
O God, by your grace you have called us in the Diocese of Tennessee to a goodly fellowship of faith. We thank you for your presence with us since our founding in 1829. As we celebrate our 175th anniversary, continue to inspire our witness to your Son Jesus Christ, that all may know the power of this forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection. Bless our Bishop, Bertram, and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
ST. LUKE’S COMMUNITY HOUSE
St. Mark’s received a letter of thanks from Carol Lynn McCarty, Development Director of St. Luke’s Community House for the generous donations during the Christmas holiday season. St. Mark’s contribution was $156.22. This helps to support the programs and services which St. Luke’s offers to low income families and seniors of West Nashville for hope and assistance.
Also, you will be hearing more about St. Luke’s bread which is available at both Provence Bread and Café locations. It can be purchased for $5.00 there and at many Episcopal churches in the area.
Another way to support St. Luke’s is to hold a St. Luke’s Day at our parish and invite Doug Anderson to speak at our services or in an education class.
St. Luke’s is also asking churches to hang a Red Door at one of the entrances to the church. It will be hung and removed by volunteers from St. Luke’s between March 29 – April 5.
ROOM IN THE INN
Charles Strobel from the Campus for Human Development has sent an end-of-the-season “thanks” for continued support of their ministry. In Charles’ own words, “Congregations like yours are the heart of Room In The Inn and I know that we could not do it without you.”
The Campus for Human Development realizes that education is critical to ending homelessness. Teachers volunteer their time by offering classes such as GED, job readiness and substance abuse prevention. Students earn points which can be spent in the Campus store. You can help keep the store stocked with white tube socks for men and disposable razors.
Did you know that St. Patrick was also one of the great saints of the downtrodden, the very people you welcome at Room in the Inn?
Room in the Inn has just ended its 18th year and has been a big success thanks to congregations like St. Mark’s who have opened their hearts to the homeless with food and shelter.
It's Spring! And gardeners know that it is time to work,
work, work. We need to do a little of that in St. Mary's Garden right now. It
really just needs a little weeding and a gas powered weedeater and maybe a
little raking to spiff it up.
How about getting together at 9AM on Saturday, April 17, for a couple hours of
socializing, communing with nature, and fixing up our garden. I'll bring the
donuts! See you then...
Susie McEwen
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
The Daughters of the King would like to thank the
congregation for their support and help with the Bishop's Reception on March
7th. Together we made it a wonderful event. We couldn't have done it without
you. We are grateful.
Debbie Colvin
Altar Flowers
The St. Marks Chapter of the Daughters of the King would like to share the beauty of Sunday’s altar flowers with those in our community who are experiencing troubled times in their lives. Each Sunday, we will personally deliver the flowers to a member of the church or to a resident of a nursing home as a token of the love and concern of St. Marks parishioners. If you have donated the altar flowers and wish us to deliver them to a special person or want to take them yourself, please let us know. E-mail Marcia Williams at (MamBNA@aol.com) to let us know your wishes. If you don’t have someone in mind, we will rely on our priest and vestry to let us know to whom the flowers will be delivered. We began this practice in February.