February is the designated month to celebrate Black History. One of our team/staff, Rufus Hudgins, wrote the following to address the state of the Church in our country today.
In Christ,
Ripp Hardaway
Rector
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Black and White Churches
In an article written by a writer named David Cody. The purpose of this article was to show why there's a division between the black and white church, between black and white Christianity, and how it affects the perception of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and what it will take to unite as one unit in God and rid ourselves from a segregated mindset. Now the reason why this subject is so important, even in this day and time, is because what has happened in the past, affects what is going on in our present, and can further damage the future of our Christian message if this issue is not addressed by the church.
This writer expressed in one of his videos how he had a desire to show the Ku Klux Klan the love of the Lord Jesus Christ in hopes that they could be changed by experiencing the true love of Christ, but to his surprise, when he searched for them on the internet they were already claiming their belief in Christ and mandating that all of their members must first accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. He raised a number of questions concerning their belief hoping they would answer if they saw the video.
In his response to the KKK, this author tells a story from a white man that once told him that white people made Jesus up, that Jesus wasn't real; it was just a way to keep black people enslaved centuries ago. When he heard this, he thought that this not only damaged the lives of blacks but drastically deprived the lives of blacks and drastically deceived the lives of many whites.
What really happened is that in the 16th
century, a certain group of Christian protestants injected a belief in the American colonies that blacks were born of a different Adam, and not the Adam of the Bible who they interpreted as being white.
By circulating this idea in the Christian community, it formed a reason for Christians to justify keeping black slaves in bondage. But because certain loving Christians thought it to be the will of God that all people, including blacks become Christians, a new tactic was invented by the colonial legislators who decided to begin defining the w
o
rd Christians as an equivalent to the word white.
Supremacists and Christians made it a requirement that all members accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, while establishing that all members be pure white without any mixing of other races had put so much confidence in the pictures and images that was circulated by the church of Jesus being a white person that when they justified their denunciation of all Jews as an inferior race, they were unaware of the fact, that the only thing white about Jesus Christ was the image the church used to cover his Jew
i
sh identity.
How could a white supremacist group be anti-Semitic and Christian at the same time, knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ was a Jew, born and raised a Jew, and lives according to Jewish customs. It's because they never saw him as a Jew, they truly thought he was white, and never thought to question the pictures and images that were printed in the Bible, and tracts, and the literature. Pictures also distributed by the church and they took pride in believing that their God was white because someone gave the okay to advertise a Jewish Messiah with a European face. So, now that we have a better understanding of our past and the truth of how we became divided; how can we, as black and white Christians unite as one people before God? How can we forgive and discard all the negative and misguided teachings of our past and become one?
The answer to that question was demonstrated in 1906, when God sent the Pentecostal revival to the United States in Los Angeles, California, raising the son of a former slave by the name of William Seymour Rising. He began an interracial prayer meeting, a 10-day fasting, and a commitment to connecting with God. God heard the prayers of this interracial group and sent down a Pentecostal revival in the mist of a nation that segregated churches according to state laws. But the Pentecostal revival electrified the United States and the world.
Under the anointed leadership of William Seymour, who was dedicated to having an Interracial, multi-cultural congregation, these prayer meetings began to grow in numbers everyday, as people from different cultures were
being filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave utterance and news began to spread about this new group, as they encountered blacks and whites, Latinos and Native Americans who were being so touched by the power of God, that they surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and were filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit and they begin to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave him utterance. From that day forward, he was found crossing racial lines, connecting with whites and blacks in the love of Christ.
And from the Pentecostal birth and in Acts, Chapter 14, Verse 4, to the Pentecostal revival of 1906, in Los Angeles, California, up until this very minute, God has been breaking down the racial walls between people of all nations reconciling the world to himself
(
2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
In the eyes of God, there is no black and white church; there is only one church, one Lord, one faith and one baptism; one God and Father of all (Ephesians, Chapter 4). We have the power to come together as one! Let us unite in the spiritual love of Christ.
With love,
Rufus Hudgins,
Sexton
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Parish Updates and Announcements
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Happy Birthday:
Zarate Braxton, 2/1; Anthony Herrera, 2/1; Harry Bowers, 2/1; Liz Carlson, 2/4; Sandy Payson, 2/4; Liz Douglas, 2/5; Mandy Hagy, 2/5; Charles Keigley, 2/5; Kayden Bushart, 2/9; Darren McCarty, 2/9; Barbara Chadwell, 2/10; Ann Knowles, 2/11; Reid Fisher, 2/12; Patsy Henicke, 2/13; Blake Jefferson, 2/13; Linda Howe, 2/14; John Lenker, 2/14; Nancy Fitzpatrick, 2/15; Presley Smith, 2/15; Jameson McGuire, 2/16; Shirley Wolbrink, 2/17; Ian McCutcheon, 2/19; Nolan Hagy, 2/21; John Brontze, 2/23; Carolee Britton, 2/25; Bill Overall, 2/27
Happy Anniversary:
Sandy & Betsy Payson, 2/2; Tim & Bethany Green, 2/8; Carol & Jim Folbre; Ron & Lynn Camren, 2/23
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Worship Ministries | Upcoming Events and Updates
February 23, 2020 | Last Sunday after the Epiphany| Year A
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Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
This week we give thanks for St. Matthias' in Devine and St. John's in McAllen.
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In 2020, there are seven Sundays of Epiphany. During this season of the year, we focus on taking the light of Christ into the world. To visually represent that, candles are lit behind the altar, on the altar, leading away from the altar, in the nave of the church, and going out into the narthex. The variety of candlesticks represents the variety of people and gifts that God uses to take the light of His hope, love, joy, and peace into the world.
In the clear light of Epiphany, faith in the divinity of Jesus and in our incorporation as members of Christ’s Mystical Body is the light that empowers us to follow and to be transformed. Thomas Keating, The Mystery of Christ.
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Ash Wednesday Services
Join us at St. John's on Wednesday, February 28 for Ash Wednesday. Services are offered at 12:00 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. The nursery will be open during the evening service for those in need.
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Ash Wednesday
Eucharistic Visitor Available
Any person in need of home-bound Communion or imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday should contact the church office by Thursday, February 20, to make arrangements for this holy reminder of mortality and penitence by emailing
office@stjohnsnb.com or calling (830) 625-2532.
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Stations of the Cross Lessons & Service
Fridays in Lent | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Beginning Friday, February 28, EfM will host a special Stations of the Cross lesson and service in the Sanctuary. Come to learn and listen as EfM members walk us through each station. For more details, contact Carol Folbre at
carol.folbre@gmail.com or (210) 884-1969.
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Susan Burnham Ordination into the Diaconate
Monday, March 2 | 6:30 p.m. | St. John's Episcopal Church
By the grace of God and the consent of the people,
the Right Reverend David M. Reed, Bishop of West Texas, will ordain Susan Elizabeth Burnham to the Sacred Order of Deacons, in Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. All are encouraged to attend and to celebrate Susan's calling.
A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
Nursery care will be available.
Ordination Gifts for Susan
Many have inquired about gifts for Susan, celebrating her Ordination into the Diaconate.
She will need to purchase stoles, robes, oils, and more as she begins her new calling in San Antonio.
To make a tax-deductible donation to assist Susan Burnham, please make checks payable to “St. John’s Episcopal Church” or you may use the giving envelopes to donate cash.
Please be sure to include a memo designation for “Susan’s Ordination” with your gift.
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Outreach Ministries | Upcoming Service Opportunities and Updates
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SOS Food Bank Pantry Needs
Donations may be dropped off in front of the Narthex on Sundays.
There are no food drives till early May so there will be many shortages this spring.
The Food Bank
pantry wish list is as follows:
b
eef stew, canned carrots, canned spinach, empty egg cartons, hearty soup, spaghetti sauce.
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Happening #145
Friday, March 6- Sunday, March 8, 2020
The Diocese of West Texas is happy to have St. John's host the
Bishop's Happening Movement #145 and HIS Love from March 6-8. Happening #145 will be hosted
at St. John's while HIS Love will be at New Braunfels Presbyterian, and we are helping with food service at
both events that weekend.
We will feed about 120 people over the weekend!
Volunteers are needed to serve and feed the teenagers and adults participating.
To serve on a team that will provide a meal, email Sue Hardaway at
suegroovy17@gmail.com
or text her at (361) 633-1825. Food donations are also needed and are:
- Anything healthy that teenagers would like to snack on!
- Fresh fruit - apples, grapes, clementines, strawberries, etc.
- Fresh veggies - carrots, sliced cucumbers, veggie trays, etc.
- Granola bars
- Individual packages of Goldfish
- Individual packages of pretzels
- Individual packages of trail mix
- Small bottles of water (LOTS!)
Non-perishable donations may be dropped off at the church office or in the narthex on Sundays leading up to Happening #145 weekend.
Perishable donations may be delivered Monday-Thursday from 8:00-4:00 p.m. Please text Sue the items purchased so she can keep track of the "snack inventory."
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Volunteers Needed for Feed My Sheep
As our congregation grows, there is a greater need for people who are willing to provide a dinner for our members who have recently had a baby, undergone surgery, or for other various reasons may have difficulty cooking meals for a short period of time. Typically there is a range of hours in which a meal is brought to those in need. Take-out meals are welcome if you would like to help but do not cook. Sometimes we go months without any meal requests, but other times we have several
meal trains
going at the same time. If anyone is willing and able to bring a meal to an individual or family in our congregation as needs arise, please email
heidiforgione@gmail.com
or ask Heidi when you see her at church.
Thank you!
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Flower Power Ministry Needs Teams!
Flower Power is back! Volunteers are needed and can choose where the arrangements are donated. Dates are open into the spring. In addition to making the arrangements, there are cans to cover with wrapping paper. The empty cans are in the closet behind the door going into the acolyte/lay-readers room, and there is wrapping paper in the Altar Flower closet in the Parish Hall kitchen. Bring decorated cans back and put them on the shelf in the "can closet," or fill any space on the door of the Altar Flower closet.
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Nurture Ministries | Upcoming Classes and Updates
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St. John's 101 Class
Sunday, February 9 | 10:00 a.m. | Music Ministry Multipurpose Room
Fr. Ripp hosts a class designed to help those new to the church become familiar with St. John's Episcopal Church and The Episcopal Faith. This is also the classes needed in order to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed into the Episcopal Faith. Anyone desiring a refresher is welcome, too! For more information, contact Fr. Ripp at
ripp@stjohnsnb.com.
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The Bad Place
Sunday, February 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall
Join Paul Anthony as he leads Adult Ed this semester with a class titled, "The Bad Place: Hell, Its Inhabitants and Duration."
Christians have struggled with the doctrine of hell for millennia. We'll learn about three main arguments, weigh their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss their implications for our view of God's love and justice. No book needed.
Previous classes are available online!
This is the last class in Paul's series. Classes are posted on YouTube and may be accessed via the links provided.
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No Greater Love Class
Sunday, March 1 | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall
Ever wondered why Christ died for us? What did his death accomplish? Not to mention, what was the meaning behind the tearing of the temple veil and the crowning with thorns? Beginning March 1, please join Adrian Quintanilla as he presents our second class of the semester on Christ’s Passion. He will discuss the meaning of Christ’s Passion and events centering his death. Adrian will present from the book “No Greater Love” written by Edward Sri. No books are needed for this teaching and the class will run through Sunday, March 22.
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St. John's Bible Studies
Thursday Mornings | Upstairs Conference Room
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Men's Bible Study
On Thursday mornings all men of the parish are invited to join us at 7:30 a.m. in the upstairs conference room to share breakfast, fellowship, and Bible Study. The group studies the upcoming lectionary readings.
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Ladies Bible Study
Join us in the upstairs conference room at 9:00 a.m. to study scripture, have meaningful fellowship, and participate in stimulating discussion. The group meets every Thursday throughout the year.
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Nurture Ministries | Upcoming Fellowship
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Join St. John's this Tuesday, February 25 to celebrate Mardi Gras!
Festivities will begin at 5:45 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Your family
does not
want to miss the fun!
Fat Tuesday would not be the same without a Cajun potluck, a parade of decorated bikes, scooters, and trikes riding through the Parish Hall, and bingo! Hayden Hardaway will lead the parade with jazz on the sax, Blake Hartman will be the bingo caller, and Myra Lovelace has donated wonderful door prizes (one door prize pictured)! Everyone bring a dish to share, don’t let the kids forget their transportation, and stay for some lively bingo rounds. We will provide beads, masks, and photo booth. Invite friends, neighbors, and
laissez les bon temps rouler
!
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Celebrating Mardi Gras at SJECNB?
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DATE AND TIME
02/25/20
-
02/25/20
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Children, Youth, and Family Ministries | Updates and Events
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February Message from Ms. Cheryl
Please notice the calendar of upcoming events. This month includes a review of the movie
Sonic the Hedgehog
, an entertaining podcast called
5 Minutes with Dad
, and the
S'moresUp app
that helps families stay organized! The theme this month is
"God is Trustworthy"
with activities
and
pictures from Sunday school's Super Bowl Sunday.
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Youth Bid Susan Farewell
February 23 | 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. | Youth Room
I hope you will all come and hang out for the hour and see me. I am going to miss you all. I told Ripp that he made my leaving so very hard by allowing me to be apart of your lives for the last 6 months. I have been so blessed by you all, and I hope that you will be at my Ordination on March 2, at 6:30 pm at Saint John's.
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Children's Sunday School Continues
10:00 a.m. | Children's Gathering Room
This semester we are learning more about Jesus's life and the miracles he performed. We're also celebrating special days on the St. John's Episcopal Church calendar. Join us!
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Primary Camp at Camp Capers
May 31-June 6, 2020 | 3-5 Grades
This session is lead by Fr. Ripp! Summer camp at Camp Capers offers people ages 8-18 the opportunity to experience the unconditional love and friendship of a Christian community through each of our 1-week sessions. Through God’s grace, Camp Capers is committed to offering fun, life-changing experiences to children and youth in a safe, Christ-centered community. Visit
www.dwtx.org
Summer Camp page for pricing, scholarship info, and more details on Camp Capers.
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Family Camp at Mustang Island
June 11-16, 2020
Gather your family for awesome fun in a Christian community led by Fr. Ripp. Surf lessons, crafts, games, s'mores, music, worship, and more. $395 for family of one, $535 for family of two, $700 for family of three, $860 for family of four, each additional child $180 and each additional adult $270. Children 24 months or younger at time of session no charge. This includes 1 room, 8 meals per person and activities. Visit
www.dwtx.org
to learn more. Questions? Contact
lynn.corby@dwtx.org
.
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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
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