ST. MARK’S CATHEDRAL

September 2019 • Volume 59 • Issue 8

The

ST. MARK’S CATHEDRAL SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

www.stmarkscathedral.net

A Monthly Magazine

To love and serve Christ. To love and serve one another in Christ. To love and serve the world for Christ.

“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next…It is since Christians have largely ceased to

think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Recently I was reading one of our Stewardship newsletters and found some interesting thoughts about how we measure what we are offering God in the midst of our lives. One of the questions asked - What does it require to serve the Lord? How can we know that we are aiming at heaven in the midst of lives that seem bound to myriad obligations and the inconsistencies of a mortal life?

Some will answer that our journeys are the summary of our abilities, our victories, and our accomplishments. As though the measure of our lives somehow matches the inches of our obituaries. More often than not there is a gentle assumption that success in the eyes of heaven is the same as that of the world, a success that is quantifiable in terms of the arenas in which we find ourselves; as though God sees us, or takes our measure, through the eyes of the world.

Sometimes we seek a measurable quality in our relationship with heaven. When we think of the saints, or “really” spiritual individuals, we want to take a measure as well. Perhaps they memorize the Bible, perhaps they open and close the Church doors most days of the week, perhaps they converse with God in the midst of their lives in such a way that others can point and say, “Aha, now that is a Christian!”

by the Very Rev. Alston B. Johnsonalston@stmarkscathedral.net

Being Available

(Continued on page 2)

Certainly these are all admirable and desirable traits in any life of faith; but if such excellence in the life of faith is the result of an acquisitive disposition, gaining another prize, we might have to ask if it represents the desire of God’s heart for our lives.

For me, perhaps you have the same curiosity, I want to have a sense of what is the real bullion, the “inner-gold” that heaven is inviting in the midst of our lives. I believe the journey that we consider a religious life, a life steeped in scripture and the worship of the Church, a life touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit, actually begins with a step of vulnerability; making ourselves open and available to God. Putting ourselves in a position where God is handling the

success and failure of our lives.

Our Stewardship Newsletter makes the following point.

In chapter 6 of John’s gospel, there is a remarkable account of availability. In fact, it’s the only miracle recorded by all four gospels, but only John gives the interpretation. You probably remember the story. More than 5,000 people were present to hear Jesus teach, to watch him in action, to experience first-hand his life-changing presence. The disciples suggested that Jesus send the people away so they could go find something to eat.

And right there on the spot, Jesus gives a test to Philip by asking where they could buy bread for the people. Philip very quickly calculates the cost and concludes that such an expense is beyond the realm of possibility. Andrew does a little better in finding a young boy with five pieces of bread and two fish. But he concentrates on the few that could be fed from this meager lunch.

Illustration: Janice Cook

2

Weekday Worship at the Cathedral

Weekdays except Wednesdays:7:00 a.m. Morning PrayerWednesdays:7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Fridays:NoonHoly Eucharist & Healing service 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist

(The 5:30 service is an option for those who cannot attend Sunday worship.)

A full-color version of The Evangelist is on our website! Go to “About Us,” then “News.”

SUNDAY WORSHIP8:00 am, 10:30 am & 6:00 pm Sunday

Holy Eucharist Holy Unction offered at 8:00 am,

10:30 am and 6:00 pm5:30 pm Friday

Holy Eucharist (uses the Sunday Propers)

SEPTEMBER 1, 2019The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost10:30 am Baptism and Holy Eucharist

SEPTEMBER 22, 2019The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

SEPTEMBER 29, 2019The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Philemon 1-21Luke 14:25-33

Deuteronomy 30 :15-20Psalm 1

1 Timothy 1:12-17Luke 15:1-10

Exodus 32:7-14Psalm 51:1-11

1 Timothy 2:1-7Luke 16:1-13

Amos 8:4-7Psalm 113

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16Luke 14:1, 7-14

Sirach 10:12-18Psalm 112

(Continued from page 1)

1 Timothy 6:6-19Luke 16:19-31

Amos 6:1a, 4-7Psalm 146

Cathedral Coffee Time

9:00 - 9:30 amin the Parlor

Oblationers NeededOur Hospitality Committee invites parishioners (families, adult singles, siblings, friends) to serve as oblationers (gift bearers) at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. This is a meaningful way to serve the faith community. For more information please contact Kathy Williams at 469-9211.

Ken Gire, in his book, Incredible Moments with the Savior, writes:What Philip and Andrew don’t see is that impossible situations are not solved by how much we have in our purses or in our baskets. Not by how adequate our bank account or how abundant our assets. Impossibilities are solved by miracles — pennies from heaven. And Jesus had a pocketful. That is where the disciples were to go to get bread.

Jesus turns to the boy. He doesn’t have much. And what he has isn’t the best. It’s the food of the poor: bread made from barley, not wheat; salted-down sardines, not lamb chops. But what he has is enough. For the surrender of a child and the compassion of a Savior are all that’s needed for this miracle.

The primary ingredient to serve the Lord is not talent, money or Bible knowledge. The primary ingredient to serve the Lord is simply being available. Just as that nameless boy was in Jesus’ day; we offer God what perhaps seems meager in the eyes of the world, scraps of hope, scraps of humility, scraps of possibility, which in the hands of God become something worthy of feeding a multitude. The “enough” of a life lived for God seems to only come when heaven has some ground in which to place a seed; the invitation seems to be that we simply offer a piece of what seems a bare patch, and the love and power of God will do the rest.

As the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Archbishop William Temple has said, “When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don’t, they don’t.”

Blessings and Godspeed,Alston Johnson

3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

September 1Joe HenryCasey PayneKaty WagnerLyla Hall

2Scott D’AnnaKnighton ClarkeCharlotte BaldridgeCharlotte Brown

3Dorothy HilliardBecky BrownKelsi Lofton

4Judy MaloneNick Noble

5Marilyn DavisVernon HastingsPriscilla McLeanRobert Rembert

6Steve SkrivanosCarol CroomsCara SmithJames Storer

7Laura-Ashley Overdyke

Kelli CookAnnabelle Jones

8Pat BeairdBobby NicholsEydie ComeauxHannah Clark

9Ella Poole

10Lola HerndonJason LeBleuJamie HardtnerCatherine EvansLila Knicely

11Mary HarterBrown HumphreyHolden Kowalewski

12Patsy FitzGeraldSheryl OstendorffCole O’Neal

13Bill SandersJulie JacobusDebbie GrandBill TrickettJim Martin

Jacki KennedyAngie WaltmanAlice Sample

14Judy AustinEliza Storer

15Betty BirminghamRobert JacksonJennifer ThomasJackson Reeks

16Gloria SmithKathleen JacksonRenee TorransBrent Weir

17Elise PatinGayla HargroveEmily Milner

18Jim AndersonJim ReevesDarcey PavlickSarah-Ruth Ponder

19Kenneth MilnerHailey YoungVal Irion

Aidan Gilchrist

20Ralph CrankRex TamplinAllie Torrans

21Rebecca HargroveMatthew WilliamsWyatt BrooksCole Cooper

22Melinda SprayberryEllen WhiteAllison FalloonHolly SmithGrace Crooms

23Frances ComegysTodd BlanchardCatherine DicksonJeremy Knicely

24Russ Van NormanDez HillGloria PowersCece Parker

25Sandy BenedictJohn PrinceJake Noble

Ryan HerringtonChandler WiseMason AllenRowan ArnoldHarrison Hillario

26Cindy JonesMissie SoignierJames StroudJack TurnageKathleen Hill

27Cheryl FosterAshley Sutton

28Harriet DesticheJohn PaschallLandry Reeks

29Gigi CorleyRoger KalmbachAdriana Beruvides

30Kathryn WhiteEmma FargersonMaryElla Crawford

Children’s Christian Formation

9:15 a.m. – 12:30 pm Nursery (newborn to K3 - 3 years old by Sept. 30th)First floor of Parish building next to Catechesis Atriums

9:30 – 10:30 am Sunday school (4th – 5th grade)Second floor of Parish building in the old nursery location

9:30 am Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (K-3 – Kindergarten)First floor of Parish Building- Rooms 105 & 106

10:30 am Children’s Chapel (1st – 5th grade)Second floor of Parish building in the old nursery location

Catechesis of the Good ShepherdLevel I & Level II Atriums (Children Ages 3-8 years old)

Adult Christian Formation

Young Adults Class9:30 am Growing in Grace: Present Over PerfectLeaving behind frantic for a simpler, more soulful way of livingFacilitated by Fr. Thomas NsubugaMinistry Center Garden Room(Begins September 8)

Sacred Rhythms: Spiritual Practices that Nourish Your Soul and Transform Your LifeTaught by Dean Alston JohnsonMinistry Center Room 101(Begins September 8)

4

Music & Worship

Evensong Schedule for SeptemberSt. Mark’s weekly services of Choral Evensong will resume in September. The September dates are:

September 15September 22September 29

Evensong begins at 5:15pm and lasts about 30 minutes. The service is sung by the dedicated members of St. Mark’s Boys and Girls Choir who give up their Sunday afternoon every week in order to present this service for us. St. Mark’s Cathedral is one of the few churches in this country that continues to present a weekly Service of Choral Evensong. Please join us.

The St. Mark’s ChoirIf you have been considering joining the St. Mark’s Choir now is the perfect time to think about making that commitment!

The St. Mark’s Choir is open to singers of all ages and while some proficiency in reading music is helpful, it is

not required. I understand that joining a choir can be intimidating. However, there is no need

for concern. Contributing to the success of our choir is my commitment to the

choir members that every section has at least one professional

Section Leader who will provide support in assisting each section in learning new music.

While joining a choir with a high musical standard is a commitment, it is totally understood that choir may not be your only commitment. With that in mind, all that is

required to be absent is for members to sign out in advance

when they cannot be present for a rehearsal or Sunday morning

service. No questions are asked as long as the absence is excused by

signing out. Many of our choir members are professionals who often have work commitments.

Such commitments should not stop you from joining the St. Mark’s Choir.

The St. Mark’s Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:15pm -7:15pm. The rehearsal is preceded by a weekly meal in the Parish Hall beginning at 5:30pm. On Sundays the choir rehearses from 9:30am - 10:15am in preparation for the 10:30 Service. During the summer months the choir only meets on Sunday mornings.

If you are interested in joining the faith community that is the St. Mark’s Choir, please contact Bryan Mitnaul, Canon for Cathedral Music at bryan@stmarkscathedral.net or call him at 318.226.4034.

St. Mark’s Boys and Girls ChoirThe St. Mark’s Boys and Girls Choir is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 15. The choir is led by Bryan Mitnaul, Canon for Cathedral Music who is assisted by Marcie Ellen Duplantis, Assistant Boys and Girls Choir Director. Participants in the program receive world class music instruction from two of the finest musicians in the Shreveport area. No previous music training is required and there are no auditions required in order to participate.

The Boys and Girls Choir rehearses from 4:00pm - 5:30pm on Wednesday afternoons. The rehearsal is followed by our weekly Parish Dinner in the Parish Hall. On Sundays the choir rehearses from 4:00pm - 5:00pm to prepare for the 5:15pm Service of Choral Evensong. The service concludes at approximately 5:45pm.

In recognition of the time and commitment that it takes for the choristers to participate in this ministry, they receive a stipend based upon their attendance and level of proficiency.

If you know of a child that could benefit from participation in the program, please contact Bryan Mitnaul at bryan@stmarkscathedral.net or call him at 318.226.4034.

Women’s Cooking Crew is looking for some additional volunteers! Each cooking group meets one day a month from 8am-12pm. Attendance is flexible and this is a great way to meet other ladies while aiding those in nutritional need in our community. For more information contact Jennifer Beruvides at jennifer@stmarkscathedral.net

Women’s Cooking Crew

5

St. Mark’s EYC NewsHappy back to school!

EYC is back in session for the fall. Excitingly, we have seen some new faces as well as EYC’ers bringing

their friends out with them. August has been a great month for this new energy we

give thanks to God for.

As a reminder, EYC meets every Sunday evening at 5:45pm at the Ministry Center to dinner, activity, and devotion. We also have quarterly fun events and quarterly service projects. Also from fall through December, there will be EYC Bible Study for 8th-12th grades in the Parish Hall at 6pm (show up at 5:30 for dinner!). For info on EYC’s upcoming events and trips, please follow us on Instagram @smceyc, or visit the website at:stmarkscathedral.net/family-ministries/youth/

We also welcome on board St. Mark’s members Erin Treiman, Carson Cruise, and Laura Cruise as our new mentor leaders for this 2019-2020 EYC year. They will be helping facilitate activities and fellowship among students. We are grateful to have a team that is Christ-centered and committed to building relationships, having fun, and serving God in the world.

This is the beginning of a great year!

God Bless,Fr. Drew

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

EYC Evenings: Dinner, Group Activity, & Worship 5:45-7:30PM @ Ministry Center (every Sunday unless otherwise noted on the EYC schedule)

Cathedral School News

By Dr. Chris Carterccarter@stmarksschool.com

There is no excitement quite like that of the start of a new school year. The first Sunday of Advent may mark the start of the church year, and January 1, the calendar, but for those of us in schools the real “New Year” begins when students return to campus! Last month St. Mark’s Cathedral School opened with 315 students in PS 2-8th grade. From toddlers going to school for the first time ever to 8th graders arriving for their “last” first day of school here, all were eager and enthusiastic!

We are excited to have Fr. Drew take the reins as our School Chaplain this year. I suspect there will be particular excitement in the Little School this spring when the children learn that their beloved Miss Rachel will be marrying the very cool Fr. Drew!

Remember that one or more divisions of the school has chapel daily, and you are always welcome to join us. We will be in the Cathedral at 8:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays; in the Cathedral Chapel on Thursdays at 8:15; and in the Chapel of the Holy Family in the Little School on Wednesdays at 8:15, 8:30, and 8:45!

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

6

BAPTISMS

Mary Aline Risher, daughter of Casey & David Risher, on July 7, 2019.

Eloise Margaret Creech, daughter of Meghan & Travis Creech, on August 11, 2019.

Henry Allan Hill, son of Marissa & Chad Hill, on August 11, 2019.

You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever. Amen.

BIRTHS

Victor Maximiliano Llanito, son of Julian Weaver & Victor Llanito, on August 5, 2019. Grandparents are Kim & William Weaver.

Holly Hanna Hargrove on August 20, 2019. Parents are Kelly & Billy Hargrove. Big sister is Nola Hargrove.

Grayson Hollis Ameen on August 13, 2019. Parents are Laura & Michael Ameen. Big brother is Michael Paul Ameen.

DEATHS

Rest Eternal grant to them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Kathleen Rabalais, wife of Louis Rabalais, mother of Louis Rabalais & Andrea Petrosh, grandmother of Christian Rabalais and Michael & Lauren Petrosh, on July 6, 2019.

Charlton Havard Lyons, Jr., husband of Peggy Lyons, on August 1, 2019.

Phillip Anderson, on August 6, 2019.

Lucille Teague, wife of Bill Teague, mother of Chan Teague, on August 14, 2019.

May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

September 1The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Aage & Adele Qvistgaard=Petersen, Morton Qvistgaard=Petersen, Michael Qvistgaard=Petersen, Elizabeth Hansard Qvistgaard=Petersen, Bridget Anne Campbell and Truman A. (Jack) Armstrong.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in honor of Jacquetta Smith Whisner, Carol S. Clemons and Lee Morgan.

September 8The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Thelma & Jack T. Williams, Evelyn & C.W. Broyles and Edith & Joe Long.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in honor of Colby and Shelby Hamilton, Catherine and Elizabeth Corley and Jack, Will, & Ben Murphy.

September 15The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Joseph Leonard Hargrove, Sr. and Martha Hargrove Glassell.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Carraway, Laura C. Grounsell and Mr. & Mrs. Donald Van Doorn.

September 22The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Irene & Clarence Yancey.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Candice Abrams Thibodeaux.

September 29The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. W. Theron Roberts, Mr. & Mrs. W. Curtis Roberts, Mr. & Mrs. W.E. Bott and Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Urban Sanford.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Larry Shirley.

Lost Anything at Church?Or maybe you’re just missing some item and have no idea where it might have gone. Drop by or call the church office and check into our lost and found! We have everything from sunglasses to scarves to cell phones to jewelry (including some very nice pieces.) Check and see what you’re missing!

September 29th – Holy Eucharist at 5pm followed by bonfire and dinner

November 3rd – All Saints’ Eucharist at 3pm

December 29th – Holy Eucharist at 5pm followed by bonfire and dinner

7

St. Mark’s Physical TrainingMonday-Friday 5:30 am at the Cathedral

Congratulations to the newest members of the St. Mark’s family who were confirmed or received by Bishop Jake Owensby on August 18, 2019!

Confirmed

Leah Kisakye Nansubuga

Gaffney Grace Nelson

Katelyn Ann Pavlick

Robert Paul Pavlick

Lindsey Biron Reading

Abbey Jo Rhodes

Phillip James Snyder

Lauren Head Thibodeaux

Richard Seth Thibodeaux

Jackson Augustus Walls

Received

Katherine Gordon White

Wilson Bloomfield Baber, Jr.

John Lee Bowen, Jr.

Carson Myles Cruise

Laura D’Ann Cruise

Anderson Hall Davis

William Blake Guthrie

Frank Gaines Harris, V

Annelies Jonker Harrison

Georgia Kate Johnson

Stacey Smith Melerine

Michael Christopher Melerine

Kathryn Maxwell Smitherman

Erin Dana Treiman

If you are or know anyone who is expecting a child our committee is up and running and is looking for mommies to be. Please contact us at bess@stmarkscathedral.net or sign up on our website under family ministries. We hope to welcome mothers into our community. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Expectant Moms of St. Mark’s

St. Mark’s Cathedral (Episcopal)908 Rutherford StreetShreveport, LA 71104

(318) 221-3360Fax: (318) 424-8427www.stmarkscathedral.net_________________________Address Service Requested

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDShreveport, LAPermit No. 15

Members of the Vestry of St. Mark’s CathedralLad Shemwell, Senior Warden – Bill Kalmbach, Junior Warden – Murray Viser, Treasurer – John Reeks, Chancellor

2019 Melissa Flores Jonathan HardtnerSanders HearneDan KorunaDoug Rountree

2022Ellen AlleyMike AmeenOliver JenkinsBrad MassadEmily Merkle

The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby(Bishop of Western Louisiana)bishopjake@epiwla.org

The Very Rev. Alston Johnson(Dean)abjohnson@stmarkscathedral.net

The Rev. Thomas Nsubuga(Sub-Dean)thomas@stmarkscathedral.net

The Rev. Dr. Rowena White(Canon)rowena@stmarkscathedral.net

The Rev. Dr. Wayne Carter (Associate Clergy)wayne@stmarkscathedral.net

The Rev. Drew Christiansen (Curate) drew@stmarkscathedral.net

Bryan T. Mitnaul (Canon for Cathedral Music)bryan@stmarkscathedral.net

John Scheel (Facilities Manager)john@stmarkscathedral.net

Becky Deverts (Financial Office Manager)becky@stmarkscathedral.net

Bess Maxwell (Administrative Assistant)bess@stmarkscathedral.net

Jennifer Beruvides (Coordinator for Events and Hands-on Outreach Ministry)jennifer@stmarkscathedral.net

Cynthia Anderson (Receptionist)cynthia@stmarkscathedral.net

Beth Reeks (Minister for Pre-K Children’s Programs)preschool.beth@gmail.com

Katie-Beth Davis (Nursery Coordinator) smcnursery1@gmail.com

2020Matt CoadyCarol Anne CarawayBob EwingBrandy Griffes Debbie Hall

2021Marilyn KirklandLisa LoveCody Mayo William WeaverBud Westmoreland