The Times They Are A-Changin

 

This is actually the title of a Bob Dylan song, but it reminded me of the week that we are living in. Most apparent are the effects of the pandemic and the impact that it will have upon the world and our daily lives. No one knows what that will be, but there will be changes. For example, we are looking at ways to make our online/Facebook services more friendly for the people who watch them. Further, we are looking at ways to ensure that all future services are online in some form or fashion. Tish and I visited with a consultant today who said that we could add three cameras, some soundboard needs, and additional internet strength for about $5k. That is a very rough estimate but one that we are going to take seriously in order to be able to stream the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection love into any life that seeks God’s love. We are having people all over the state and a few from around the country tune into our services. 

 

More importantly, our lives change each and every time we allow God’s power of grace, love, and forgiveness to be made manifest in our lives. I get the honor of visiting with people, and just this week I have had the opportunity to hear how God has changed a marriage, relationships with children and grandchildren, and how God has empowered people to be set free from the bonds of this world such as freedom from sin, selfishness, and abuse.

 

One of the people shared a bible verse with me this week. It comes from Psalm 118:5 and this is what it reads as found in The Psalter in our Book of Common Prayer, “I called to the Lord in my distress; the Lord answered by setting me free.” I about jumped out of my chair when reading this as it fits perfectly with my Easter theme.  

 

I pray that whatever is binding you this day, be it isolation, loss of health, loss of work, or loss of community, that you call out to the Lord. And then go where God leads you for God will set you free. Granted, you may have to do something very difficult, like Moses who had to approach Pharaoh, but he did it and God lifted the people from a life of slavery and took them to the land flowing with milk and honey. If you read Exodus 13:3-10 you will find the short summary of this event.

 

I pray that the words of John 8:36 come to fruition in your life, “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

 

In Christ, 

 

Ripp 

The attached bulletins for each Sunday service are also on the St. John's homepage .

Facebook Live

Sunday worship and daily prayers will be available live on St. John's Facebook Page.

The prayer and worship videos will be saved and uploaded to the church website under the "Videos" tab located in the header menu and also on the YouTube channel. Viewers are not required to have a Facebook account to view the live stream. Visit St. John's Facebook Page, ignore the prompt to create an account, and then view the live stream and saved videos. For assistance viewing any of the streaming services, contact the St. John's Communications Coordinator, Marjorie Nolan, by texting or calling (832) 729-3966.

Virtual Services from Easter Sunday, April 12

Hello Children and Families,

I hope this week finds everyone well and enjoying this fabulous weather! I have loved the cool mornings and sunshine. How about you? Can’t believe we could have a cup of cocoa in April!

Children’s Chapel: A lesson will be posted at 4:00 p.m. each Sunday. This week we will explore the story of doubting Thomas. Father Ripp and I will see you live on Facebook on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a Family Devotions service.

Devotional: I have been using the app First 15 . If anyone is not familiar with it, I find it a good fit for me. Beyond scripture, devotional, and prayer, it includes a worship song and extended reading or video. Every morning users receive the message and it takes about 15 minutes to complete. Of course, one can shorten or lengthen the time spent depending on individual needs. If you decide to check it out, let me know what you think.

I am praying for you and looking forward to when we are all together again.

Hope and love in Christ,

Ms. Cheryl

Read Ms. Cheryl's letter from last Sunday, April 12 by clicking here .

Mothers Day Video Entries

We are asking families to send a short video (5-10) seconds of moms/grandmas and their children doing something together with the shout out “We love…..! “ It could be something you always do like reading a story together, or something you have started doing during this time, skateboarding, taking walks, cooking, etc. Send the videos to [email protected] . The deadline is Sunday, May 3 at noon. The videos will be put together and presented on Mother’s Day for all to enjoy.

Children's Chapel

Each Sunday, Ms. Cheryl, Director of Children and Family Ministries at St. John's, will provide an online Children's Chapel lesson for everyone to learn and enjoy. The lessons are available on the St. John's YouTube Channel and will also be posted on Facebook and the church website.

Children's Chapel lesson from Easter Sunday, April 12, led by Ms. Cheryl

Youth Compline Every Sunday Afternoon

Emma Kypuros, Youth Coordinator, will have weekly Compline meetings for all youth, on Sundays at 4:15 p.m. and evening prayer on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. This is a good time to get together virtually so that we may still join in prayer and community. We will be able to connect on a lot of the things we're going through right now. It's a weird and uncertain time, but togetherness and intentional times set aside to practice our faith and prayer are even more important than ever.

Emma will send the Zoom invitation link each week before the scheduled time and will hopefully see all of your faces there. Other family members are welcome too! Email Emma at [email protected] to sign up!

Please read the attached statement from the Diocese in regards to COVID-19 and the 2020 Summer Camps schedule and payments.

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

Jen and Paul Anthony 4/6, Bill and Lynn Campaigne 4/11, Jim and Joanne Whitcomb 4/19, Reid and A’ndrea Fisher 4/20, Becky and Mike Luft 4/25

APRIL BIRTHDAYS | April 16 - April 27

Lynn Broussard 4/16, Heidi Forgione 4/16, Shirley Corkill 4/18, Tori Smith 4/18, Christian Butler 4/19, Jacob Guillen 4/20, Jeff Jewell 4/20, Pat Webb 4/23, John Evans Jr. 4/24, Donna Hager 4/24, Patricia Howard 4/24

2020 Vestry Members:

Linda Lund, Sr. Warden; Don Greer, Jr. Warden; Jim Whitcomb, Treasurer

Paul Anthony, Janet Guillen, Bruce Howard, Carol Lenker, Adrian Quintanilla, Tori Smith