The Bridge
June 18, 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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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.
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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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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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The Collect for Sunday, June 20
BCP, p 230
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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What is Juneteenth?
A Reflection by Deacon Victoria
Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, the truth is that emancipation for enslaved people did not happen immediately. Additionally, the proclamation was specific to the people enslaved in the states that were “in rebellion against the United States.” The news of this proclamation moved from one location to another as the Union Army took control of Confederate regions.
The Union Army, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived on Galveston Island on June 19, 1865, and announced General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
According to historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., the free black men and women in Texas held the first celebration of Emancipation a year later. This celebration became an annual event which features gatherings, speeches, prayer services, reflection, and other celebrations.
Juneteenth celebrations have spread from Texas to most other states in the United States and even in Mexico, where many enslaved African Americans went to seek refuge. On June 17, 2021, (yesterday!) Juneteenth became a national holiday.
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Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed a bill establishing Juneteenth (June 19) — the day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States — as a federal holiday.
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JUNETEENTH: THROUGH MY EYES
Sandra Ward
Growing up, my family celebrated the normal holidays like Birthdays, Independence Day, Easter, and Christmas. There was one day that was a bit unique but not recognized by many. It was Juneteenth Freedom Day.
The 19th of June meant spending time with my family at the lake. By family, I mean all of us, my parents, uncles, aunts, cousins…like a huge family reunion.
I remember waking up at 4 in the morning just to help my Father prep and hitch up our Boat. We had to move quickly in order to get to the lake before the huge crowd swarmed the gated entrance.
One of my cousins was in charge of securing our picnic area so his day began at 3 a.m. As relatives arrived, they contributed their food dishes to the large picnic tables. Within an hour, the tables were transformed into magnificent works of art. The smorgasbord of traditional African American food, to name a few, baked macaroni & cheese, potato salad, pinto beans, ribs, Elgin Hot Sausage, watermelon, Big Red Soda, NeHi Red Soda and of course, the dreaded…chitterlings. Okay, so if you’re not familiar with chitterlings, hog maws, and the scent…just ask me, I’ll explain (laughing).
Before the first sweet potato pie was devoured, the real fun began. Game tables were set up; one for the spades card players and another for the “trash talking”, so-called, domino experts.
As children, we were taught the meaning of Juneteenth. From the significant symbolism of the food that we consume on this day to the fact that June 19, 1865, is truly Independence Day for African Americans. In my generation. Juneteenth was like a secret celebration, only recognized by southern African Americans. There was a great number of African Americans who didn’t know the significance of this special day because it’s meaning had been lost or hidden by our grandfathers and great grands. Hidden as if it was an embarrassment. The fact that slaves in Galveston were not told about their emancipation for 2 years is deplorable and wicked but by no means is it an embarrassment.
Juneteenth, through my eyes means FREEDOM that is rooted in FAMILY.
I am blessed that I had parents who were forward thinkers. Parents that felt that we could not move forward without knowing our “true” history.
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Other Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Austin
(Festivals-Parades-Workshops-Virtual Events):
GEAYA/Central Texas Juneteenth – Parade
June 19, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.
Parade starts at MLKing Jr Blvd/Salina St. and ends at Chestnut Ave/Pleasant Valley. If you are interested in attending and would like a map of the parade route, please contact Sandra E. Ward at 1redsand2@gmail.com or 916-501-4719.
Park Festival
June 19, 2021 - following Central Texas Juneteenth Parade
Location: Rosewood & Boggy Creek Park
2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin 78702
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St. John's Notices and Activities |
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Becoming Beloved Community: Celebrating Juneteenth
Wednesday evenings in June - 7:00pm
During the month of June, St. John's Episcopal Church is focusing on the African American experience in Austin and in The Episcopal Church.
June 23 – The life of Pauli Murray
Next Wednesday's installment in our continuing series honoring Juneteenth is a class to learn about Episcopal priest and human rights crusader Pauli Murray. Murray was the first African American woman to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church, and spent her incredibly accomplished and courageous career organizing and leading the fight against Jim Crow laws, discrimination in education, and sex discrimination, just to name a few of her many accomplishments. She was named a "Holy Woman"--i.e., a saint--of the Episcopal church in 2012. The proclamation granting this recognition states:
“Pauli Murray (July 1,1910 – July 5, 1985) was the first African-American woman ordained to the Episcopal priesthood (1977). Growing up as a mixed-race person in the South, she became an advocate of ‘the universal cause of freedom,’ and throughout her life she worked tirelessly and with distinction as a lawyer, an advocate for civil and labor rights and feminism through her legal writings, essays and poetry.”
Please join us Wednesday, June 23 at 7 pm on Zoom to gain a greater appreciation for this amazing person.
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Scripture Based Book Study: Thursdays at 10:00am (Zoom) |
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As of July 1, the 10:00 a.m., the Thursday Morning Bible Study will be hybrid, as the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service is now. We will begin a new study, using the book “Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter.” The author is Lindsay Hardin Freeman, and the book is available through Amazon or Forward Movement Publications. Forward Movement’s telephone order number is 800.543.1813, or you can order online. Some of us studied the book several years ago, but several who were not there requested it, and I think it is worth reading again.
The class, as usual, is open to anyone who wants to study with us, no previous experience required. All who are comfortable with in-person meeting are welcome to join us at about 9:55 in the Parish Hall, around the large table. Those who are used to Zoom and want to continue that way will be included in the class with the camera and microphone in the hall, and your face on the big screen. The Zoom link will be sent out in the Christian Formation email, and will be the same every week (if you are better than I am about saving things). We will try to begin at 10:00, so it’s better to err on the side of early, rather than late, since coordination may be harder than if we were all in person. And remember, for the first few sessions we will all be doing something new.
Rules for face masks are:
- Masks are not required,
- Masks are strongly recommended for anyone not fully vaccinated,
- Anyone who is uncomfortable without a mask, please wear one, and
- No masks if you are at home zooming!
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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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The Flower Chart has been placed in the narthex! Please put your dedications on the chart - more than one dedication can be made on a particular Sunday. The suggested donation for altar flowers is $50. Please refer to the "donate" information below and on the website for giving information. St. John's website
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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 growing! Spring veggies and herbs are abundant in the leased raised beds. 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
Thanks to Sheri Rasmussen who has been graciously preparing coffee and tea after the 11:15 and 10:30am services. Sheri is retiring :) so we are looking for an organizer and volunteers to continue preparing the coffee and other refreshments to be enjoyed after this service.
This can be an individual, or a group - you can serve every week, one Sunday a month, or occasionally. This ministry includes set up and clean up. It has been suggested that this would be a cool ministry for the MEN of our parish!
We also appreciate Henry Welles and other volunteers who prepare coffee after the 9:00am service.
Heartfelt gratitude to Cindy Cox and Edna Hunter who gave of their time and talent for several years, ensuring we had refreshments after the morning services. They have earned their retirement!
For more information, please contact Fay Jones. (click on the name to send an email).
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[Episcopal News Service June 17, 2021] The Episcopal Church is responding to the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in a pivotal case about religious groups’ anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination by expressing support for same-sex parents and concern about the case’s implications.
Please click this button for more information:
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COVID-19 Related Information |
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Community Notices and Activities |
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Notifications about events during the week are posted on the St. John’s Facebook pages. |
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For Prayer and Pastoral Care
St. John's is interested in meeting the pastoral needs of our community. If you have prayer requests please contact Sheri Rasmussen. If you need pastoral care please contact Mthr. Minerva or Deacon Victoria. If you would like the Daughters of the King to include you in their prayer list, please contact Sandra Ward. (Click on the name to send an email.)
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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).
We are a church family; when a family member needs assistance we want to try and help that member.
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Our facilities are available for use at limited occupancy. St. John's 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 am Holy Communion Rite I
10:30 am Holy Communion Rite II - hybrid (Zoom)
1:00 pm 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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