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

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

Into the Region of Awe

(continued 0n page 2)

St. Mark’s Cathedral Annual Parish

MeetingThe annual Parish Meeting was held January 26, 2020. New Vestry members elected are: Ellen ErwinJoe JayroeJosh KnicelyTheresa MeldrumJoy Ratcliff

Vestry members rolling off are Melissa Flores,Jonathan Hardtner, Sanders Hearne, Dan Koruna and Doug Rountree

Copies of the annual report are available in the church office.

VOLUME 60, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2020 WWW.STMARKSCATHEDRAL.NET

The Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist

7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 26

Lord of All Pots and Pans and Things ...make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates. — Brother Lawrence {1614-1691}

Dear Friends,I hope that you are well during these weeks of Epiphany leading toward Lent. Occasionally I come across a good book that I find myself recommending to others; and so I will recommend it to you. Into the Region of Awe – Christian Mysticism in C.S. Lewis, by David Downing. The work of CS Lewis has touched the lives of so many of the folks with whom I visit at St Mark’s. Perhaps someone has read the Chronicles of Narnia as a child, perhaps seen the movies. Perhaps someone has read Mere Christianity or the Screwtape Letters; so many have seen the movie Shadowlands, that chronicles the events of Lewis’ friendship and eventual marriage to Joy Davidman. Lewis writes widely and with clarity about many of the questions and curiosities that we all face as followers of Jesus.

I am often “in my wheelhouse” when I am reading and visiting with others about the life and work of Christian Mystics. Names like Walter Hilton, Julian of Norwich, Bernard of Clairvaux, John of the Cross, and Hildegard of Bingham. These are individuals who have experiences of God not unlike what is described by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:

I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows — was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.

The mystics are those persons who have had some experience of the nearness of God that propels them in a new spiritual direction, searching for a new language to describe that experience. In all the years that I have been reading and studying CS Lewis I never knew that he had spent many hours in the company of the great mystical voices of our tradition; and upon discovering that fact, many pieces of his literary work began to fall into place for me. It was like finding out that someone you admire shares your favorite flavor of ice cream, shares your love of some obscure movie, or shares your own birthday; for those who know Lewis, I can say that I was “surprised by joy.”One of the constant themes in these mystical writings on prayer and meditation is the advice and admonition that God is always near, perhaps far nearer to us than

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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)

FEBRUARY 2, 2020The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ

in the Temple

FEBRUARY 9, 2020The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

FEBRUARY 16, 2020The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany10:30 am Baptism and Holy Eucharist

FEBRUARY 23, 2020The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

1 Corinthians 2 :1-12Matthew 5 :13-20

Isaiah 58 :1-9aPsalm 112 :1-9

1 Corinthians 3 :1-9Matthew 5:1-37

Deuteronomy 30:15-20Psalm 119:1-8

1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23Matthew 5:38-48

Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18Psalm 119:33-40

Hebrews 2 :14-18Luke 2 :22-40

Malachi 3 :1-4Psalm 84

(continued from page 1)

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.

Birthday Card MinistryThis year, we launched a birthday card ministry to celebrate all of our parishioners. If you find yourself wanting to serve but needing to do it on your own time, please consider this meaningful ministry. Materials are provided. For more information, please contact Lauren Ewing at 550-1743 or lauren.ewing@me.com.

we might like to acknowledge. It is the truth of the Incarnation – God is not somewhere else, God is very much here, and perhaps closer to us than our own breath. “In its fullest sense, mysticism is not a method for discovering transcendental truths; it is a way of living. Mysticism is less about seeing than about being...” {pg. 147} Of course these encounters of God’s nearness and proximity to us are gifts from a loving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; there is a belief in these writers that we can undertake some small ordering of our lives so that we are aware, not absent, when such gifts are given. We can place ourselves in the proximity of an encounter with God by decisions of how we live and spend the moments of our lives. Corners of time in which to pray, read the Bible, read the saints and great souls of our tradition, and works of mercy and compassion, all rest as a basis for cultivating this way of being.

Sometimes I visit with friends about our souls, and I find myself over and over repeating a phrase that was shared with me many years ago about the spiritual life; “Turning in the direction of God, and God turning in our direction, and recognizing this meeting of two beings, is something like planting Redwood trees.” We are called upon to spend our moments in life in such a way that our small corners with God are really like planting the seed of a Redwood tree; we are handling what seems a small thing that will one day be transformed into a giant.

I believe this book, Into the Region of Awe – Christian Mysticism in C.S. Lewis, is something like a basket-full of Redwood seeds; even following the rabbit trail of small portions of it will lead our souls to greater things. We simply have to give ourselves permission to become the never-ending beings that we are created to become.

In the words of a Christian Mystic, Saint John of the Cross {1542-1591}To enjoy what you have notYou must go by a way you enjoy not;To find the knowledge you have notYou must go by a way you know not;To become what you are notYou must go by a way in which you are not.

Blessings and Godspeed,Alston

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

February 1Joy RatcliffStan HancockTaylor LoveJeffrey Brainard

2Lennis ElstonMatt LockeBrooke Shemwell

3Carolyn SheridanBettie HastingsLaurie Bijou

4Marilyn KirklandCandace HigginbothamScotty DenhollemKyle McInnis

5Dalton BijouMarsha FriedrichAshley JacksonMeredith Waltman

6Sandy DeanAshley KislaAshley McConnell

7Nancy CesarioRichard LilesK. Michael KilclineWatterson YoungNicholas FontanaKathryn Jackson

9Scott GrounsellGwenn ColeyJamie EaglesJake StroudCelia Blanchard

10D. Wesley AttawayElizabeth GoreMorgan ErsoffColin CarterGaines Harris

11Kim KayserMadison Ersoff

12Lory TubbsLynn PooleMickey BrownCaffery BrownCaitlin FitzGerald

Austin SullivanSpencer Hardtner

13Zach CarterWilliam StroudMary StariMichael Ameen, III

14John ButcherVicki JohnsonLee SmithJohn WhiteReid JonesElizabeth O’NealCaroline Schoonover

15Anita BergDare JohnsonDavid DrummondKamarie ChildsVirginia Elberson

16Joan GreshamArthur SealKip PorterStella PorterAlexander Schoonover

17Karen KennedyArdie CesarioCarl PendleyCatherine Humphrey

18Twylla Seaman

19Mary Jo KayserHolli HennessyMichael AmeenLayne LeBleu

20Fran Hewitt

21Carol Anne CarawayMario VillafuerteDon HuguleyThomas NsubugaJackie FontanaGaffney Nelson

22Deneé LockeKarla QuerbesBenjamin JohnsonCarson MassadElla BylsmaFord Gillen

23Pede AdamsMelissa HarrisJay CroomsNicole CotterFrances Jenkins

24Cass GaiennieDeanna KamphuisCatherine AllenAnna SandersonWilliam Guthrie

25Sara HearneLeigh Ann O’BrienSuzanne Otto

26Hugh WalmsleyDanielle Dean

27Jon Q=PetersenDonna TouchstoneSamantha PowersThompson Berry

28Caroline Reeks

Cathedral Coffee Time

9:00 - 9:30 amin the Parlor

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

Music & Worship

Choral Evensong ScheduleThe Boys and Girls Choir will present Choral Evensong at 5:15pm on the following Sundays during the month of February:Sunday, February 2Sunday, February 9Sunday, February 23The choir will present works of Ayleward, Blair, Stanford and Franck. Please join us!

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

STMPT (St. Mark’s Physical Training) meets at 5:30 a.m. every weekday morning in the field across from the parking lot.

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St. Mark’s EYC News

St. Mark’s EYC started back strong in January and we are looking forward to seeing everyone more in

February.

The first Sunday of this month we will be having our annual EYC Super Bowl gathering hosted at the Weaver residence near the church. The gathering starts at 5:00 PM. If you plan on going to this event, please RSVP at events.blackbirdrsvp.com/eyc-sbliv

EYC will meet at the regular times on Sundays of February 9 and 16. There will be no EYC on Sunday, February 23. Tuesday, February 25 is St. Mark’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in the parish hall. This is a service opportunity for EYC to help cook and serve at. Please take a look at and follow EYC on Instagram@smceyc if you have not already to get information on all upcoming events.

Currently in EYC, we are spending our evening devotions exploring the different prayers we say in Compline and in the Prayer Book. This intention is to understand why we use the language we use on Sunday mornings in church, on Sunday evenings at EYC before we go home, and in everything we do as Episcopalians. This is way of doing things is often referred to as the “Anglican Way.”

Especially those that have taken or are taking Confirmation course, you know that Episcopal and Anglican are the same thing. It is a unique expression of being Christian, but it is connected to how men and women throughout the centuries of the Christian church have prayed and worshipped. We are both something unique as Anglican Christians, and in many ways we are a bridge between other Christian traditions in all the similarities we share with them. Many of us in EYC have friends at school and relatives in our lives who come from different denominations. Maybe some of us go to groups like Young Life, who have leaders and students from across many denominations or churches that aren’t in denominations. Did you know that in the last week of January which we just finished, many churches, both Episcopal and non-Episcopal, celebrate something called the Week of Christian Unity? The message of this week is that despite whatever differences, big or small, between the different ways Christians worship and the way Christians may differ in some specific beliefs from one another, there is room for us all under the Cross. The current Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church, refers to our denomination as “the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.”

You may have heard this phrase the Jesus Movement. In fact, I heard about it before Michael Curry became Presiding Bishop. I had a professor in seminary who brought in pictures of himself from the 1970’s. He had really long hair and was hanging out with people at a festival that looked like Woodstock. Apparently, there was a thing called the Jesus Movement then too! It was a movement of worship and music that started in California. It was sort of like a hippie thing. The people

in this movement saw that Jesus and his followers lived simple lives that differed from the culture. During their time growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, they saw that people they knew who were “hippies” did the same thing. All kinds of Christians: Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical, etc. took part in this scene that was going on then.

While the 60’s and 70’s are a much different time than now, one things remains true throughout all ages: that Jesus Christ is the center of our faith and the most important thing in our lives. This is what we remember and celebrate at EYC, that at some point for each of us, our lives have been moved and touched by Jesus.

This is not just something that just happens here at St. Mark’s EYC. This past month, I attended a meeting down at Camp Hardtner with a great group of youth and young adults from this part of our state. A lot of them have been going to Hardtner for many years, first as young campers and later as camp staff. EYC is found in many Episcopal Churches across this Diocese and across the country. The Diocese of Western Louisiana, of which St. Mark’s is a part of and the Cathedral for, has an EYC called EYC-WLA.

EYC-WLA brings together the different EYC groups from across the different churches in this part of Louisiana. We had an exciting meeting where youth and young adults were given charge of planning the future of EYC-WLA and Camp Hardtner. These are some of the things that happen with EYC-WLA and Camp Hardtner throughout the year:

1) EYC-WLA does several weekend retreats at Camp Hardtner during the school year for EYC’s around the Diocese. Info for these can be found at: www.epiwla.org/ministries/youth Also, you can follow EYC-WLA on Instagram@eycwla or Facebook@WLAyouth

2) Camp Hardtner also does various camps through the summer for different age groups, open to any Episcopal or non-Episcopal youth. Infor for these can be found at www.camphardtner.org Also, you can follow Camp Hardtner on Instagram@ camphardtner or Facebook@camphardtner

Whether camp is your thing or whether a weekend of deepening your faith is something you especially feel driven to be a part of, all of these are great opportunities for you.

I look forward to another great month of EYC.

God Bless!Fr. Drew+

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Cathedral School News

by Dr. Chris Carter, Headmasterccarter@smc.school

With the start of the second semester in January, our St. Mark’s 8th graders are now in the final months of their time on the Cathedral campus. When they graduate in May, some of our 8th graders will have spent twelve years at St. Mark’s. Most have now decided where they wish to attend high school, though some are still discerning what is best for them. St. Mark’s students have consistently gained admission to their high school of choice and consistently distinguish themselves in high school.

In the coming months, there will be several final opportunities for 8th graders to make special memories of their time as Lions. Last month all 8th graders were paired with a 5th grade Little Brother or Sister. The “Bigs and Littles” will have a few special events together before the 8th graders welcome the 5th graders into Middle School at the end of the year at the Navy Tie-Striped Shirt Chapel and Luncheons. Later this month, the 8th grade will ride together in the Highland Parade. In April, they will travel to south Louisiana for four days, spending time at various museums and cultural and historic sites and just having fun being together. Altogether, it is a semester of great learning and wonderful memories which helps launch our graduates to their next educational chapter.

Enrollment for next year is now under way. St. Mark’s Cathedral School serves children ages 2 years old through 8th grade. If you would like to learn more about our offerings and opportunities call the school office at 221-7454 or visit our website, www.stmarksschool.com.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

EYC Evenings: EYC continues on Sunday, February 9th and 16th, 2020 5:45 pm - 7:30 pm in Ministry Center.

Please check out the upcoming camps and retreats at Camp Hardtner open to Episcopal youth from the Diocese.

Adult Christian Formation9:30 am Growing in GraceFacilitated by Fr. Thomas NsubugaMinistry Center Garden Room

Soul KeepingTaught by Dean Alston JohnsonMinistry Center Room 101

The wedding of Rev. Andrew L. Christiansen and Rachael Williams is on April 25th, 2020 at the Cathedral. For members of the congregation who plan on coming, please RSVP at www.theknot.com/us/andrew-christiansen-and-rachael-williams-apr-2020

St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School this year will be July 6th-10th. There will be more details in the March Evangelist, and information on how to sign up your child and/or to volunteer.

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Children’s Christian Formation

9:15 a.m. – 12:30 pm Nursery (newborn to K3 - 3 years old by September 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)

From the SheepfoldCatechesis of the Good Shepherd NewsAll of the catechists would like to begin by thanking you for bringing your children to the Atriums on Sunday mornings. We hope you are taking advantage of our adult classes so we may have that much more time with your precious children.

Level 1 (ages 3-6)In the Level 1 Atrium, children learn about this special environment. They began the year with an introduction to the atrium and the Bible in the Prayer Corner. We focus on practical life such as grace & courtesy and the care of the environment. They work with the Model Altar and learn the articles such as the fair linen, chalice and paten and progress with each year.

During winter we began Advent presentations starting with the five prophecies followed by the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Adoration of the Magi.

In February, Level I will focus on the teaching of Jesus through parables such at the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, Hidden Treasure and the Found Sheep. Initially, children work individually with Catechists, but are encouraged to come back to each work again individually or with a friend.

Level 2 (ages 6-9)If you come visit the Level II atrium you will most likely see children in groups creating prayer cards, working together to put the books of the Bible in sequential order, arranging flowers for the prayer table, and reading and meditating on scriptures with a catechist.

Children look at the History of the Kingdom of God in the La Fettuccia work. It represents the unfolding of the history of the Creation and Redemption and looks forward to the Parousia. Take a moment to ask your child about this. They meditate on their “blank page” in this world and through their relationship with God, what they “will write” on their page.

In February, Level II will focus on the moral life revealed in the parables of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, The Ten Bridesmaids, and the Good Samaritan. We will also continue to work with some of the favorite works which include the La Fettuccia, the Books of the Bible, and the Maps of Israel.

“God, please bless all the people in this room.” (Remy, Level 1 prayer circle)

The Atriums will not meet on the following dates: February 16, March 22 and April 12

Henry, Level 1

May, Level 2

Model Altar

NEW PODCAST!The Good Shepherd & The Child podcast has just been announced. It is dedicated to exploring the spirituality of the child using the method of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. You can visit https://cgsusa.podbeam.com/ for more information.

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MEMORIAL FLOWERS DEATHS

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

Joseph S. Cage, husband of Susan Cage, father of Susanna Van Norman, grandfather of Van, Cage and Theiler Van Norman, on December 25, 2019.

Ted Harley Siegel, brother of Marilyn Kirkland, on January 19, 2020.

Bennie Ray Alley, father of Raymond Alley, grandfather of Emily Clemons, Sarah Lowder & Caroline Ourso, on January 16, 2020.

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

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!

Fellowship BreakfastPlease join us Sunday, February 9 in the Parish Hall for our next Fellowship Breakfast. We will gather between morning services for food and fellowship!

Classes will continue as usual.

We hope to see you there!

New Year, Old Needs! The Community Renewal Houses provide safe and loving havens for children to come after school. Healthy snacks help these children in so many ways. If you would like to help, please see the sign up list outside the church office. Fruit is needed by Mondays at noon for 35 children.

February 2The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Frank John ( Jack) Reeks, Sr.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Val A. Lyons. February 9The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Paula Minor Coleman, Rowena Cowan Minor, Genevieve Davis Younker, Edwin Carroll Minor, and Joseph Francis Loftus.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Edwin Earl Jones and Claude Eldred Drumm, Jr., and in celebration of the birthday of Reid Allen Jones. February 16The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ada D’Aquin.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of The Very Rev. William Patrick Douthitt and J. Michael Douthitt. February 23The flowers on the High Altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Brevard Clay, Mr. & Mrs. John Dunbrack Ewing and Nell Fish.

The flowers on the Chapel Altar are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the Wedding Anniversary of Scott and Susie Crichton.

BIRTHS

Brody Knox, on January 17, 2020. Parents are Celte & Broderick Knox. Grandparents are Kim Weaver & William Weaver.

The Fasting Fund – a St. Mark’s Lenten TraditionOne of St. Mark’s Lenten traditions is the Fasting Fund. The purpose is simple: We ask that you forgo one meal a week, and contribute a few dollars - what you would have spent on that meal - to the fasting fund. (Of course, you can forgo more than one meal a week if you wish.) Baskets are placed at the back of the chapel for the daily 7:00 a.m. Eucharist services and the base of the steps to the chancel for Sunday services to collect these offerings. This year, donations to the Lenten Fasting Fund will go to Jewel House. Please consider making the Fasting Fund a part of your Lenten observance. A simple fast of one or more meals a week can teach us a lot about the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness and our own earthly journey. Join us.

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

2020Matt CoadyCarol Anne CarawayBob EwingBrandy Griffes Debbie Hall

2021Marilyn KirklandLisa LoveCody Mayo William WeaverBud Westmoreland