Doug Beach

About

My wife Barbie and I have been attending St. Mark's since 2017 and joined in 2021. We are drawn to the receptiveness of members and clergy, and particularly to the openness of the staff and congregation to having conversations around mental health. The response has been affirming and refreshing—it's not an easy topic, but there has been a willingness to engage. This openness extends to St. Mark's welcoming of all people; inclusiveness is an important part of building God's kingdom in San Antonio.

At St. Mark's, Barbie and I lead a family mental health support group, providing a safe space for anyone with a friend or family member dealing with mental illness to share challenges and celebrate progress. I also led a mental health ministry committee, helping guide the church in supporting the congregation and community. In 2015, I helped start the Pathways to Hope conference, which just completed its eighth year at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. St. Mark's has been a major supporter of this community-wide conference that brings people together across Bexar County to break the stigma of mental illness. Prior to joining St. Mark's, I led a men's ministry program at another congregation for over 15 years, providing opportunities for fellowship and deepening faith through small groups, large breakfasts, retreats, and discipling.

The Vestry provides feedback, wisdom, and prayerful input for the many activities St. Mark's supports, whether it's the St. Cecilia's Guild, Christmas to the Street, or the Crockett Elementary partnership. The Vestry helps the congregation and staff discern how St. Mark's can grow in spiritual maturity while fulfilling its Core Vocation. This may include asking how engaged the congregation is in living into the Core Vocation and exploring places where St. Mark's might not have a presence but should consider further engagement.