The Bridge
July 2, 2021
The Mission of St. John’s is to be a community of God’s people who heal brokenness, build bridges, and exemplify borderless kindness.
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Due to a malfunction of the main AC unit in the church, all worship services will be in the Parish Hall until further notice. |
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We worship God in a variety of ways. |
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Sunday Service Times
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (in-person)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (in-person and Zoom)
1:00 p.m. Santa Eucaristía, Rito II (en persona)
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Safety protocols will be observed in the church, i.e., masks, distancing, and limited attendance. |
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To participate in our virtual Sunday service at 10:30 a.m., you do not need to have a Zoom account or download Zoom. Simply click the link to join.
You may also join the service by telephone -
dial (346) 248-7799 and enter the meeting ID when prompted.
Meeting ID: 879 9502 6837
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The Waiting Room is enabled for this event and is monitored by the Host of the day.
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Please note: In order to minimize background noise, everyone except those people who have an active role in the service will be muted. At the Prayers of the People, you will be invited to put any personal prayer requests into the "Chat" to be read at the appropriate time. Please note: while we are worshipping in the Parish Hall, we will have limited interactive availability via Zoom. Please use the chat function for comments and prayer requests.
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The 10:30 a.m. English service will be recorded and video will be posted on the St. John's Facebook page, YouTube, and the St. John's website later in the day. Additionally, a recording of the English sermon will be available. Links to the recordings will be posted on our website (Austin St. John's).
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Virtual Coffee and Fellowship
Join friends for a virtual coffee "hour" every Sunday! This begins after the 10:30am service (about 11:15am), so just stay on Zoom when the service ends. If you don't attend the service, you can click on this button to join the fun:
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Please Welcome The Rev. Benjamin Long
During the month of July, while Mthr. Minerva is on vacation, Fr. Ben will serve as our supply priest at all Sunday services. Please extend to him our warm St. John's welcome!
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Bishop Héctor Monterroso will visit St. John's on Sunday, September 5, 2021. If you are interested in Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception, please send an email to Fay Jones.
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A message from Mother Minerva:
It is hard to believe that six months have passed since I joined this wonderful community as your rector. As I reflect back on this time I cannot but be grateful for the amazing gift God has bestowed on me. During this time we have navigated moving from worshiping virtually via zoom, to worshiping outside, and finally to worship inside our sanctuary. We celebrated Epiphany, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday virtually and under unprecedented circumstances - an insurrection and a winter storm when many of us were in the dark. We have had a special Lenten Series and on Easter Sunday due to inclement weather went inside for a beautiful Easter Service. On Pentecost day we officially went back into our sanctuary and celebrated the feast with a picnic lunch. We even had our first baptism of the year. Wednesday of last week, we finished our special Christian formation series “Becoming Beloved Community: Celebrating Juneteenth”. We ended June with a special celebration with the Feast of Pauli Murray.
Over the last six months, I have also been able to visit with many of you. I continue to learn what makes St. John’s such a meaningful place in this community. I have learned more about who you are and what is important to you. I have also heard some of your hopes and dreams for this congregation.
There is a strong desire to serve our neighbors. There is a strong desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is a strong desire to welcome people into this faith community. In the Fall we will take some time to listen to one another in small group conversation. In these conversations we will discern what God is calling us to do in our community as a congregation. These conversations will also help us discover what role each of us will play in God’s mission.
I look forward to what the second half of the year will bring, and how we answer God’s call to be disciples of Christ. I am also grateful to take my vacation time with my family. This will be an opportunity for me to rest and spend quality time with my family and friends. It will also allow me time to reflect on my own learning and areas for growth. It is terrific to know that there is an amazing team that will carry on the important work of our church. Thank you for your commitment to live out the mission of St. John’s: To be a community of God’s people who heal brokenness, build bridges, and exemplify borderless kindness.
Blessings and prayers to all of you.
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“Reflecting on the Past – In Preparation for the Future”
Fay Jones
In going through old files, keeping the good and discarding the no longer useful, I found an article saved from 2018 entitled “Reflecting on the Past – In Preparation for the Future”. I found this most intriguing given our transition from 2020 to 2021, and it set me to thinking about where we were, and where we are.
Most all of us were more than anxious to leave 2020 behind us. Then the bright new year became “2020’s big brother” as we experienced the snowpocalypse, continued COVID issues, continued political unrest, and on and on.
Consider, however, the benefits the new year brought us! Mother Minerva becoming our new rector, a generous gift which enabled us to repair the north wall of the parish hall, a rainy spring resulting in glorious wildflowers and a burgeoning Labyrinth Community Garden.
Easter was a surprise blessing when the weather made it possible (one could say necessary!) for our first worship services inside the church. Since then, we have been able to transition all our services inside. Our choir has returned in full voice! Our technological magicians, Bill and Marvin, have made hybrid services possible for our members who have not yet chosen to return to church in person. Altar Guild and office volunteers are doing their wonderful work. Visitors and returning members are joining us.
Some of the questions in the article address music (Philip has been wonderful about playing “old favorites” in order to spread comfort during this time), outreach (our community garden continues to provide fresh vegetables to the food pantry up the street), youth (we have young folks asking when they can start serving as acolytes again), buildings (repair and painting inside and out), finances (our giving has held steady during all the turmoil), and our guilds and ministries (some are still on hold, but we are steadily getting back to business).
Yes, there are still challenges! I am very encouraged by the fact that our worship numbers and enthusiasm continue to grow although we have moved to the Parish Hall for worship. Someone said: "it is like worshipping outside but inside!" We adapt. We adjust. We continue to love each other and hold each other up. We celebrate what works and manage what doesn't. Given the givens, St. John’s is flourishing!
I hope you will join me in celebrating the good! We are blessed in so many ways in this faith community. We are truly a light shining in the darkness.
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St. John's Notices and Activities |
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Lectionary Bible Study - Zoom
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., we will continue our study of the assigned lectionary for the following Sunday. Please click this button to join us.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study - Vacation
An Update from Elaine:
I have heard lots of enthusiasm for our new Bible Study book, Bible Women, and our new hybrid class all to begin on July 1. But you have heard of best laid plans - due to the church AC failure and necessary set up of the parish hall, we are unable to meet in person at this time.
After giving this much thought, and getting input from the group, I have decided to have a couple of weeks of vacation for all of us. We will now plan to begin the hybrid class on July 15 - in person and Zoom. Watch this space, and use these two weeks to read the preface and introductory material pages 1-24.
If you still need information about ordering the book, please contact me at Elaine Jackson.
God Bless-
Elaine
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(please refer to our website austinstjohns.org or to the Christian Formation email sent every Tuesday for more information and links)
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Wednesday Morning Grounds Keepers
Every Wednesday morning at 8:00am, a group of dedicated members gather to keep our grounds and buildings neat and clean. You are invited to join them - for a day, for a month, or regularly. Many hands make light work! If you have questions about this ministry, please contact Hal Hughes (click on the name to send an email).
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Labyrinth Community Garden
The Labyrinth Community Garden is continuing to provide produce to our local food bank. If you are interested in obtaining a bed for you and your family, please contact Patty Arnold (click on the name to send an email).
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Office Volunteers
Volunteers staff the Parish office during the week. The office is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-12pm.
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Coffee Hour after Morning Services
A time for fellowship following the 9:00a.m. and 10:30a.m. services. There continues to be coffee and time to visit while we are in the Parish Hall for services.
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[Episcopal News Service July 1, 2021] Episcopal Church extends invite to online service to pray for 2022 General Convention
On Saturday, July 17, at 2 p.m. Eastern, bishops, deputies and alternate deputies of The Episcopal Church will gather online for a convocation of prayer to prepare for the 80th General Convention, which will take place in July 2022. The service will be open to everyone at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/convocation-of-bishops-and-deputies.
You may view the entire article by clicking this button:
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COVID-19 Related Information |
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Community Notices and Activities |
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Austin Public Health closures
[NOTE: your editor could not find any explanation for these closures, but thought it important to let you know! There is a button below the article which will take you to the list of all City departments if you need to check by department.]
All City of Austin Neighborhood Centers are closed to the public for regular services. They are also providing rent & utilities assistance to eligible individuals. Call 512-972-5780 for more information.
WIC clinics are closed to the public. Staff will be operating alternative service models for delivering food, online assistance, and distributing benefits. Call 512-972-4942 or email WICHelp@austintexas.gov if you need benefits or have questions.
The Office of Vital Records is closed to the public. Staff are continuing to process mail-in, online, and phone orders at this time.
First Worker's Day Labor is closed.
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Rebels For Humanity and Me'Yer Deus Foundation are two non-profit organizations that serve the needs of the community – food insecurity and student mentorship. They have come together to give 300 (150 Elementary 150 Middle School) students the basic school supplies in hopes of starting them off to a successful school year. There will be a library for students to choose books of their choice. Free clothing give away. We will have music and live performances from the Founder/CEO of Rebels For Humanity Kay Jay SD1.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CDT
Zion Rest Baptist Church
3341 Paisano Trail
Austin, TX 78745
All you have to do is register through Eventbrite (click button below) and come out to enjoy this free community event.
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[Austin American Statesman, June 22, 2021] Austin ISD requires students to return to campus in August: Austin families who opted for remote learning last school year will have to return to in-person classrooms when school begins Aug. 17. The Austin school district announced Friday it plans to return all students to campus and not offer a remote learning option for the 2021-22 school year.
Please click this button to read the article:
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For Prayer and Pastoral Care |
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If you need pastoral care, please contact Mthr. Minerva or Deacon Victoria. If you find that your situation is causing financial, spiritual, or emotional difficulties, or if you are in need of food, do not hesitate to call Deacon Victoria (512-297-5953) or contact Mthr. Minerva (RevMinerva@austinstjohns.org). Please contact Deacon Victoria while Mthr. Minerva is on vacation during the month of July.
We are a church family; when a family member needs assistance we want to try and help that member.
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St. Johns requires masks at all indoor worship services. Masks are optional at all other events on the St. John's campus. Based on the CDC guidelines, all persons that are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks while indoors.
Fully vaccinated means:
- Pfizer and Moderna – 2 doses plus a two-week waiting period
- Johnson & Johnson – 1 dose plus a two-week waiting period
The Parish Office is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am - 12Noon.
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Ms. Paula Foy, Senior Warden
Mr. Hal Hughes, Junior Warden
Ms. Sandra Welles, Treasurer
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Class of 2022
Ms. Paula Foy
Mr. Hal Hughes
Sra. Rosalinda Rodriguez
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Class of 2023
Ms. Jessica Glasebrook, Clerk
Mr. Steve Kriechbaum
Ms. Sandra Welles
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Class of 2024
Ms. Maria Caballero
Sr. Alfonso Hernandez
Ms. Sandra Ward
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The Rev. Minerva Camarena Skeith, Rector
The Rev. Victoria Mason, Deacon
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Ms. Fay Jones, Director of Communications
Mr. Philip Riley, Choirmaster and Organist
Sr. Alfonso Hernandez, Spanish Music
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for other ways to make a donation.
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THE BRIDGE SUBMISSIONS
You are invited to send photos and stories about yourself, your family, and our parish for inclusion in The Bridge. As we come back together, let's share our experiences! Please send your ideas, stories, and photos to Fay Jones, (newsletter editor) by 12:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Running event announcements two weeks prior to the date is recommended.
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Fay Jones, Editor (fay@austinstjohns.org) |
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St. John's Episcopal Church
11201 Parkfield Drive
P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493
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Sunday Services
(In-Person in the Church)
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II hybrid (in-person & Zoom)
1:00 p.m. Santa Eucaristía, Rito II
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For more information about St. John’s Episcopal Church, please visit our website at www.austinstjohns.org
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