The Bridge
October 1, 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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ST. JOHN’S GATHERING POLICY:
St. John’s requires masks and social distancing
for all indoor worship services and gatherings.
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Austin Public Health is encouraging everyone to wear a mask and stay at home as much as possible. With that in mind, if you are not vaccinated or you are at high-risk because of medical issues, we encourage you to come to the 10:30 service via Zoom. The Zoom link is also provided further down below.
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Mother Minerva's Musings
In St. John’s, October is traditionally the month we have our Stewardship Campaign. During this campaign we reflect on all the blessings we have because of God's generosity. And we reflect on how we can give thanks for that generosity by us also being generous.
The stewardship team read the book Ask Thank Tell to prepare for this campaign. It is very important to me that our stewardship campaign is an opportunity to grow our discipleship. The book gave us the opportunity to reflect on how we understand the concept of stewardship and how we can grow in our discipleship by growing in generosity.
Congregations usually do not like stewardship campaigns because they feel that talking about money is very uncomfortable and private. They also feel like they are going to be made to feel guilty that they are not contributing enough to the church. Or, pressured to give more than they can contribute.
The team is interested in developing a culture of stewardship that focuses on developing each of us to be better disciples of Christ. Growing in our discipleship, not necessarily because we give more money to the church, but because we recognize that everything is from God. And that the goods we have we are to care for and to grow because these goods are for God's creation to flourish. This is possible when we truly believe that God provides everything we need. We believe that God is a God of abundance and not of scarcity. This faith in a God of abundance allows us to be generous because we are not afraid that we will lack what we need.
During this stewardship campaign, I pledge not to judge or embarrass our congregation or speak about all the needs this church has as a way to get people to increase their pledge. Instead, I promise to focus on all the blessings we have and remind us of our God who is kind and never abandons us but always provides what we need. I hope this campaign helps all of us reflect and grow in our discipleship and generosity.
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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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To participate in our virtual Sunday services, 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. You are invited to put personal prayer requests into the "Chat" to be read at the appropriate time during the Prayers of the People.
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The video recording of the 10:30 a.m. English service will be posted on the St. John's Facebook page, YouTube, and the St. John's website later in the day. Additionally, recordings of the English and Spanish sermons will be available. Links to the recordings will be posted on our website (www.austinstjohns.org).
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Virtual Coffee and Fellowship
Our virtual coffee "hour" provides a time to greet those who do not feel comfortable attending in person. Stay on Zoom when the service ends or click on this button to say hello:
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Stewardship is important to me as a symbol of how God calls us to live our lives as stewards rather than owners. We pledge to God to give back what we expect from stewards: treasure, time, and talent. So often we get obsessed with treasure, but part of our spiritual life should include giving time and talent (yes, we do have enough time and we all have a talent).
I have tried to pledge in all areas, though some years I had too much time and too little treasure. Because my organizational skills resemble someone herding cats, meeting my treasure pledge has proved difficult, but new technology has made life easier. When you’re vested for a service, as most choirs are, you don’t have a purse or pockets, and you are busy while the offertory plates are passed. It’s too easy to forget to drop off an envelope or cash before or after the service. I know there are many ways around this, but it always slipped through the cracks.
For me, technology has solved this. I set up an electronic payment directly from my bank to St. John’s, so I know little electronic blips have replaced my forgetful nature.
The technology replaces the sense of self-satisfaction that may come with writing a check, but it does ensure the church has a regular stream of treasure every month. Time and talent have taken a hit during the pandemic, but there is always a way to give in these areas, whether by gardening, serving, attending Zoom meetings, and aiding St. John’s in its effort to serve the greater community.
The true tithing should be giving much more than money (though that is important). God has given us everything so we should be cheerful givers as a way of recognizing this. Consider it a spiritual thank-you note.
Carolyn Cline
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“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
(I Timothy 6: 17-19 ESV)
Those of us who have all the basics and then some are surely the rich referred to in this passage. We are charged to give generously because everything we have comes from God and because thereby we may “take hold of that which is truly life.” Giving our time, talent and treasure is key to spiritual growth and the good life God wants for us.
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St. John's Notices and Activities |
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Paula's Truck
(we donated 3 truck loads to the Vincentian Center)
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Work Crew
Mary Anne is taking the picture!
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Parish Wide Meeting - October 3 at 11:45 a.m.
The vestry and the diocese have approved the proposed new bylaws for St. John's. At this meeting the congregation will vote on the proposed new bylaws. The bylaws are available here (St. John's Proposed Bylaws). A summary of the changes is here (Summary of Changes).
To participate in this meeting join us on Zoom at (Parish Meeting). We have scheduled the meeting at 11:45 a.m. so people will have enough time to get home if they are worshiping in person.
Those who are already on Zoom for worship and coffee hour can just stay on the same Zoom meeting.
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(Please have your pet leashed or crated if you are outside.) |
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Rain or Shine!
Our clergy will come to your car if you don't want to get out in the weather! We will also have some canopies up for shelter.
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Save the Date!
Installation of a New Rector
Saturday, October 16, 10:30 a.m.
St. John's Episcopal Church
The long anticipated formal installation of Mthr. Minerva as our "new" Rector will be a joyous occasion which you don't want to miss!
The Installation service will be hybrid: in-person and Zoom. There will be no "waiting room", but the passcode will be required to sign in. All participants will be muted to minimize background noise. Only those with an active role will be unmuted.
If you are not yet comfortable being in church, if you are high-risk for any reason, or if you have not been vaccinated, we suggest that you attend this celebration via Zoom:
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Meeting ID: 861 8255 0224
Passcode: 265164
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 861 8255 0224
Passcode: 265164
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There will be limited seating in the church, and we are requesting registration for this service. Please use this link to make your reservation: |
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Donations for Afghan Refugees: We learned from RST that the immediate need is for VISA cards, hotel cards, and financial donations. For the moment, there are two ways to make a financial donation:
1) Write a check or make an online donation to St. John’s and designate “Afghan Refugees”
2) Use this link to the Refugee Services of Texas - Austin web page: Refugee Services of Texas, click on “Amazon Wishlist” and select the appropriate VISA card amount. For your convenience, click here to go directly to the wish list: RST Wishlist
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Christian Formation at St. John's |
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Lectionary Bible Study - Zoom
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
All are invited to join our study of the assigned lectionary for the following Sunday.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study - Hybrid
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. - Hybrid
To participate in person, join us at 9:55am in the Parish Hall. To participate virtually, enter Zoom meeting number 821 5253 7149 in the Zoom app or click this button to enter the waiting room for the meeting:
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St. John's Gathering Policy:
- Masks are required for all indoor gatherings.
- No food or drink in the buildings.
- No masks if you are at home zooming!
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(please refer to our website www.austinstjohns.org or to the Christian Formation email sent every Tuesday for more information and links)
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Wednesday Morning Grounds Keepers
The Grounds Keepers and Weed Warriors welcome the cooler weather and shorter days which signal an end to the hard work of summer. However, there are projects to be done all year, and your participation would be very welcome! They start about 8:00 a.m. and finish about noon.
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If you have questions about this ministry, please contact Hal Hughes.
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Labyrinth Community Garden
As the Garden prepares to rest, work is still being done to prepare for the next season. If you haven't taken a look at all the improvements over the past couple of years, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
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If you are interested in obtaining a bed for you and your family, please contact Patty Arnold.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Texas |
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Diocese of Texas Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month. It runs thru October 15. For those of you unfamiliar with Hispanic Heritage Month, it is a time when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture. Hispanic Heritage Week was initially approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
click the button to see more from The Episcopal Diocese of Texas:
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Episcopal Church Foundation
Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Let us remember one of God’s powerful promises for our lives:
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
In this month that we celebrate Hispanic heritage, we remember that our contribution to art, music, food, literature, and definitely to spirituality and Christianity is very important and great. We have so much talent and creativity and these articles represent only a tiny bit of what is happening in Latino/Hispanic ministries of the Episcopal Church...
I hope these articles and our other resources inspire you so that you too can share your stories of faith. If you have any questions, ideas, suggestions and if you would like to write or share your story, please do not hesitate to contact me.
We continue in la lucha with great courage, unity and love,
Sandra
click the button to see what Episcopal Church Foundation has to offer:
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COVID-19 Related Information |
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Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 4
Austin Public Health (APH) has published a color-coded chart to help residents of Austin-Travis County understand the stages of risk and provide recommendations on what people should do to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gathering Is Discouraged
Cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in Travis County as new variants, such as the Delta variant, spread throughout the community. During Stage 4, vaccinated people should take precautions at private indoor and outdoor gatherings, and while shopping or dining and traveling. For partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people, private indoor gatherings are not recommended at all, with or without masks, and dining is recommended to be takeaway or curbside; shop and travel only if essential.
As we obtain more information about the variants, we will update the recommendations.
Full recommendations and to see the new Risk-Based Guidelines charts regarding actions for vaccinated and unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals please visit the City of Austin COVID-19 website.
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COVID-19 Testing
Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider.
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FDA Authorizes Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Populations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series in:
- individuals 65 years of age and older;
- individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19; and
- individuals 18 through 64 years of age whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.
This authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Use this link to learn more:
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More Information about "booster" shots
Although the third dose of Moderna (and second dose of J&J) COVID vaccines has not yet been approved (except in certain cases), there is a lot of discussion around this subject. For an in-depth look, use this link:
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Community Notices and Activities |
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Central Texas Interfaith and St. John's Episcopal Church urge you to vote in the coming elections this fall. Across the State Texans will vote on eight constitutional amendments. Your vote is your voice in determining what laws govern us. In addition, City of Austin residents will vote on a ballot proposition which impacts the city budget. Once again, St. John's will be a voting site. Watch The Bridge for more information.
Monday, October 4th is the deadline to register for the coming election. If you are not yet registered, you can pick up a registration form at St. John's, or you can register online at austintexas.gov/vote or in person at the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office on Airport Blvd. Early voting will begin on October 18. We urge all voters to examine the issues on the ballot and make plans to cast your ballot. Your vote is your voice.
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For Prayer and Pastoral Care |
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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 email 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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St. John's gathering policy continues to be updated as conditions change relative to the COVID pandemic. St. John's holds the health and safety of our community as a top priority.
Your understanding and cooperation are very much appreciated.
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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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Stories and Photos for The Bridge
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
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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The Parish Office is open Tuesday through Friday
from 10am - 12Noon.
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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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