welcome stephen adkison!

Dear St. Mark's congregation,

The Director of Youth Ministries search committee has been hard at work over the past five months to identify the best candidate to invite into the St. Mark’s community to walk alongside youth and their families, rebuilding the youth ministry. We received 33 resumes from around the country, and screened or interviewed a large portion of those candidates with the support of Ministry Architects. Some key things we focused on include: relational ability with youth and families, proven administrative capacity, and a willingness and passion for jumping into the re-visioning process alongside St. Mark’s and Ministry Architects to build a sustainable ministry.

We are elated to announce the hiring of Stephen Adkison to step into this role. Stephen comes to us from the Center for Youth Ministry Training, a three year graduate residency program consisting of a Masters in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Seminary, a placement with a partner church, and individualized coaching alongside a cohort model community. Stephen has spent the program with House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Houston as their Youth Director, and will graduate seminary in May. We will let him introduce himself further below!

Stephen will officially begin his role with St. Mark’s on June 1 after his graduation and wrapping up at House of Prayer. He will be participating in a few things prior to that date, but we look forward to welcoming him as a parish family on June 5 Pentecost Sunday (more details to come). Another key event to meet and work with Stephen will be at the Christian Formation Summit on June 14. More fellowship opportunities to meet Stephen will occur throughout the summer and fall.

Many thanks to the DYM search committee for their time and talents in this process: Julie Bergeron, Matt Blank, Larreen Candelet, Kendall Doerr, Owen Lynch, John Pearson, Joseph Rawley, and Kendall Tamlyn.

from our new youth minister

St. Mark's community,

Hello! My name is Stephen Adkison, and I am overjoyed to come on staff as your director of youth ministries. My first impressions are that St Mark’s is a welcoming and vibrant community and I am eager to continue getting to know everyone. I view youth ministry not as a solidarity endeavor but as a communal one, so in that sense I am looking forward to working alongside you as well.

As for a little background: I’m a born and raised Texan through and through. After graduating from Baylor, I’ve been in Houston for almost five years now, and have been working in youth ministry for three of them. Concurrently, I’ve received a Masters of the Arts in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. During my free time you can find me reading comic books, in a theater catching the latest art films or action flicks, or watching the Astros play.

I look forward to getting to know all of you and grow in relationship together.

In peace,

Stephen Adkison

children & youth ministry vision

MISSION STATEMENT

The children and youth ministry of St. Mark's engages, teaches, and connects our community in order to create an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and builds a foundation for lifelong Christian faith.

VALUES

The spirit in which we do ministry

BELONGING: We create a community of intentional inclusivity where all are welcome.

ENGAGEMENT: We foster rich experiences with each other, our parish, and our community.

SERVICE: We seek to serve Christ in all persons.

FUN: Age appropriate activities that children and you enjoy are important to us.

educational offerings for adults

LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY

SUNDAYS at 8:30 a.m.

Looking specifically at the works that will be read in church that morning, the Rev. Nutter and Fran Wallis invite you to join them to discuss historical elements, modern application, and in-depth analysis of that day's scripture via Zoom.

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

MONDAYS at 7 a.m., ZOOM

Join via Zoom for interesting conversation on the Acts of the Apostles this fall and winter. In the spring will study Exodus.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

TUESDAYS from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., CHURCH OFFICE PARLOR

Please join us in the Office Parlor. Our new topic with be HEAVEN! We will use David Jeremiah's book Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven as our source, along with the accompanying study guide.

To order a workbook and for additional information contact the church offices.

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

TUESDAYS at 5:30 p.m., ZOOM

Join Dr. Linda Schmalstieg for a 6-week introductory course on Christian Meditation. Following prescribed guidelines, she will lead the class in methods and practices that will help you focus your mind, body and spirit on the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ.

RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY

WEDNESDAYS at 7:30 a.m., CHURCH OFFICE PARLOR

Hybrid class via Zoom and in person.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

WEDNESDAYS at 5:30 p.m., ZOOM

Spend an hour peacefully centering yourself in Christ. This class is meant for adults who are consistent practitioners or have undergone the Introduction class with Linda Schmalstieg.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

THURSDAYS at 10:30 a.m., CHURCH OFFICE PARLOR

CONTACT JOSEPH RAWLEY FOR ZOOM LINKS TO ADULT EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS.