The
Gryphon’s Roar
St. Mark's on the Web (Best viewed on a full screen)
The
Gryphon’s Roar
"St. Mark's Newsletter"
| Message from the Rector | Celebrate! |
| Christian Education Room Changes | Time for Prayer... by George Kurz |
| Intermediate Sunday School | Fighting Hunger Feeding Hope |
How to contact us:
St. Mark’s Website – http://www.stmarksantioch.org
Contact The Reverend Battle Beasley via email:
Make electronic submission to the Gryphon’s Roar at:submitgryphon@aol.com or nanaljn@aol.com
Next month deadline for submissions is Sunday, August 22nd.
Dear Dear People Of God,
Why are you in the community of St. Mark’s? Amy and I have had cause to reflect on this in a
number of ways over the past several months. The latest opportunity came from an Episcopal
Church in western Kentucky that asked me to consider being called as their Rector. It is a much
larger church than we are; its budget is considerably larger. They had outreach programs, youth
programs, all kinds of worship services. Amy would most likely be able to stay home with Zella.
And for all the attraction we, Amy and I, did not feel called to even investigate a calling to that
community.
We reflected on why we are part of the community of St. Mark’s and well, here is a
partial list.
We have hecklers!
Now if you don’t go here and are reading this think lovingly being teased by your best friends,
parents, and siblings. We have people who totally disagree with me on theology, politics, car
preferences and yet love me; are willing to engage me in dialogue, worship with me and support
our ministry together here at St. Mark’s. We are a community who embraces people of every
spectrum, theological, cultural, political, racial and accept each and every one for who they are,
not who we want them to be. If I sound like I am bragging, well it is not me I am talking about. It
is all of you who make up this struggling joyous community on a pilgrimage to seek God’s face.
I thank you for letting my family be a part of your lives and ministry of making the Love of God
known.
God's Peace,
Battle +
Christian Education Room Changes
At the last meeting on 22 August, the Vestry approved several changes to allow
for growth and improved flexibility for Christian Education Classes.
Godly Play (taught by Gretchen Miller) is moving to one end of Reynold's Hall
(near the side door - which is rarely used). Gretchen has worked hard
to develop portable rolling units that will store the materials, that when
open for use will form the class space for the children.
This is a step that she has sought for a couple years, and she said that
integration of that space actually follows some of the Montessori principles
that she applies in her classes.
The Adult Sunday School will continue to meet at the back of Reynold's Hall.
The Intermediate class will move to the room vacated by Godly Play.
That move will then leave the Nursery available full time for younger children.
The large bookcases in Reynold's Hall have been removed and will be donated
to the Habitat for Humanity store. Since they were bolted to the wall, the
newly uncovered wall will be painted as part of a broader refurbishing of that
area.
Please support the teachers during this transition period, and realize that this
is part of our growing congregation and preparation for the future.
George Kurz
Senior Warden
Intermediate Sunday School
If you have children in the Intermediate age range, please enroll them
in Sunday School so they can benefit from the opportunities for Christian
Education offered by St. Marks.
Assuring that our children receive a proper education about their spiritual
life and to form a basis for their beliefs is part of our Baptismal covenant
that we make for them. We use the ECC (Episcopal Children's Curriculum)
program.
Every week, each student receives a copy of the Church Times which
presents an easily readable summary of the material to be covered in
each lesson. Students also have a Treasure book with more in-depth
material to reinforce the week's message.
This school year is divided into four sections: the Old Testament,
New Testament, Sacraments, and Church Themes.
For the first quarter from the Old Testament, the 9 sessions through Advent
will focus on the theme of Covenant from the Old Testament (the words
Covenant and Testament are actually synonyms).
The ECC program uses it to teach the history of God's people, and reminds
us how God reached out again and again to people in covenant relationships.
During Advent, we will focus on the vision of Prophets of the Old Testament
coming to fruition and on Miracles - Jesus' deeds of power. In the weeks
leading to Ash Wednesday and during Lent, we will study Baptism and the
Baptismal Covenant.
Finally, we will round out the year with study of the Apostle Paul - his life
and pivotal role in the development of the Church Classes are for one hour
from 9:15 to 10:15 am (between services) and will begin on Sunday, 29 August.
Our students range from grades 4-8 (and we are flexible to tailor the classes
for the student's age and interests).
Classes will be taught by George & Iva Kurz, Cheryl Mohr, and Valerie Drake.
Additionally, we are planning at least one event per month during the week
to focus on spirituality. We are having a kick-off pizza supper at 5:00 pm
on Sunday, 19 September. Afterwards, we will play Gooney Golf at the range
on Blue Hole Road. Parents are encouraged to attend, too!
Please register your child at the Church, or call George & Iva Kurz for more
details.
Time for Prayer and Quiet Reflection
I am very glad that the people of St. Marks are inclusive and welcoming to
each other and to visitors. We are people who greet each other with genuine
warmth and enthusiasm. However, as pointed out by the writer of Ecclesiastes,
To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose . . .(Ecc 3:1).
In this case, I am referring to our time of coming together in the 10 minutes
immediately before the 10:30 service. As we enter the narthex (back of the church)
from outside or from Reynolds Hall, sometimes we are continuing our
conversations and catching-up with our friends. However, I have observed
at that same time that people are already getting settled in place. Some look
forward to those minutes of quiet time before our community worship to
say personal prayers and to “shift gears” from their activities of the outside
world to clear their minds and prepare for worship. I have seen that process
be interrupted for them when conversations get loud in the narthex or the
pews before the service.
Because we are people who are inclusive and respectful of the needs of
others,
I ask that you consider the needs of people in our congregation for quiet time
before worship. At a minimum, I believe that this can be accomplished by
completing our conversations in Reynolds Hall or outside before we enter
our sanctuary - anytime in the 10 minutes before worship. I will add that I
know that there are times I have not held to that standard myself. However,
my personal commitment is to do better.
Thank you for your consideration.
George Kurz
Senior Warden
Tony Saturday 13
Charles Cross 14
Sandy Winters 17
Connor ClenDening 18
Andie Scott 20
Pat Worsley 22
Shawn Moore 24
Debbie Colvin 30
Brian Meyer 30
Gretchen & Jeff Miller 16
Amy Harwell & Battle Beasley 27, 1997
Iva & George Kurz 28, 1984
We would like to thank Steve Failor for the new and well appointed lectern that he
made for our Narthex. Thanks Steve!!
FIGHTING HUNGER, FEEDING HOPE
I am passing on a personal “thank you” to all the members of St. Marks for your
support of Second Harvest. Together, we are making a difference! In the first
6 months of 2004, Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee has distributed more
than 5 million pounds of food to Middle Tennessee communities through its
Emergency Food Box Program, Community Food Partners, and Kids Café
(more about those last two another month). So far this year approximately
11,200 pounds of food was donated directly to Hamilton Distribution Center
of Second Harvest (in addition to their regular deliveries from Second Harvest).
Of that amount, St. Marks contributed over 1500 pounds of food, not to mention
the financial donations we have made!
In case you are not aware of exactly how your food is being used, let me give
you some of the details. The Emergency Food Box Program was designed
for individuals and families who find themselves in a crisis. Each box given
out contains enough nutritious food to last about three days. Hamilton
Methodist is one of 17 Distribution Centers scattered throughout Nashville.
They receive a weekly delivery of canned foods from Second Harvest as well
as 35 quarts of milk and some of their new boil-in-bag frozen meals (produced
and packaged at Second Harvest). They also receive a lot of frozen meat from
Food Lion as well as bread and baked good from other stores. Hamilton
Methodist uses any money donated to them for this program to buy eggs
and butter and to supplement any items in the pantry that are low.
Again, I thank you for all your support of this vital program and challenge you
to do even more in the second half of this year. Bring your food every Second
Sunday (or third or first). If you wish to make a financial contribution, just make
your check out to St. Marks with an indication that it is for Second Harvest.
Peace, Liz Gilliam
