Len Briley

Class of 2023

About

Each of the Vestry members were asked to reflect on the following questions:

WHY DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE ON THE VESTRY OF ST. MARK’S?

St. Mark’s has given so much to my family and I feel duty-bound to give back. This is also a critical time for St. Mark’s, as I think the pandemic will force us to adapt to some new realities. I am excited and honored to serve.

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PARTICIPATION AT ST. MARK’S AND/OR IN THE COMMUNITY, INDICATING EXPERIENCES THAT YOU THINK WILL BE HELPFUL FOR THE VESTRY.

I dipped my toe in as an usher years ago, and dove in with stints on the Vestry and as Treasurer. But I’m most proud of serving on the Rector Search Committee that nominated The Rev. Beth Knowlton! I’m currently serving on a local pro bono organization (SALSA) board, which is also facing challenges during the current crisis. I’m hoping my experience will provide some insight to assist us in navigating the challenges we’ll be facing in the next few years.

ST. MARK’S CORE VOCATION IS FEEDING SAN ANTONIO WITH THE BREAD OF LIFE: FEEDING THE HUNGRY WITH REAL FOOD; FEEDING THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND MEANING; FEEDING THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR BEAUTY AND CREATIVITY. HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE VESTRY WORKING IN SUPPORT OF THIS VOCATION?

I would like to see us translate our mission into action. For me at least, that will involve rolling up my sleeves to see how we’re currently living (or not) into the mission from a programmatic standpoint. I foresee the Vestry bringing all of our gifts - our expertise, experience and creativity - to move ourselves closer to our mission, but what those things may reveal remains to be seen. I’m ready for the journey.

WHEN DID YOU JOIN ST. MARK’S AND WHAT CONTINUES TO DRAW YOU TO THIS COMMUNITY?

I joined around 1996 – just after I met and fell for a life-long parishioner, Jan Jones (Briley). St. Mark’s has meant everything to my family. I love its spiritual orientation, its inclusiveness, its warmth, and of course, the music!