The Bridge
October 15, 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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Installation of
The Rev. Minerva Camarena Skeith
Rector of St. John's
Saturday, October 16, 10:30 a.m.
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 Rt. Reverend Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas, will preside at the installation service. We will have a reception outside after the service.
The Installation service will be offered on Zoom. 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 if you plan to attend in person:
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All funds collected during the offertory at this service will be given to Mother Minerva's discretionary fund, to be used as she determines will best further the mission of the Church. |
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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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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 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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Coffee Hour and fellowship outdoors would be so enjoyable now that the temperature feels more like Fall! If you are interested in hosting this opportunity to spend time with friends after the 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service, please let Fay know!
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2021 Stewardship Campaign |
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Our stewardship journeys are as varied as all discipleship journeys. Here Hal Hughes shares his perspective on stewardship: |
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"Like many of you, when I started college, I drifted away from the church. However, after I got married and we started a family, we decided we had better start going to church or our children were going to grow up little pagans! So, we started attending a large Episcopal church in Corpus Christi. It had a school and numerous programs. Unfortunately, it was also too typical of many Episcopal churches forty years ago, it was not very friendly or inclusive. Even though we went there several years, and our daughter was in the youth programs, neither my wife or I were ever asked to participate in any of the ministries or groups. We barely knew anyone there and were still asked when we left the service to shake hands with the minister whether we were new or just visitors.
Later, we moved to the edge of town and built a house. It was too far to drive to our church in town, so we started attending a small mission that met in the nearby chapel of the Catholic convent. The mission was the exact opposite of our old church. As soon as we started attending, we were immediately asked to help with several projects and were invited to barbeques and other social events. As we became more involved, we learned more about the church and ourselves and felt like members of an extended family.
After moving to Austin, we began looking for a church that would be similar to the one we left in Corpus Christi. We found it at St. John's. Shortly after joining, I was asked to be a reader and my wife was asked to help in the office. As time went on, I became more and more involved. I have participated in several committees and groups and been on the vestry. This participation gave me the chance to learn more about the church and gave me the opportunity to work with some really great people. What I have learned from this involvement was best summed up by Bishop Monterroso when he met with the vestry. 'If you want involvement and participation from members, don’t simply invite them but give them specific tasks to do.'"
Hal Hughes
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Our stewardship journeys are as varied as all discipleship journeys. Read on as Scott Hiers shares his perspective on stewardship: |
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"Why do you give your talent, time, and treasures to St. John’s? We all have our reasons. What’s your core reason? For me, it's having a sense of community. As humans, we have evolved by living in groups and communities for safety, subsistence, and access to social connections with each other. The benefits of being involved in a community are life changing. Think about it! You have access to a supportive group of people and friends that can encourage you, comfort you, stretch you outside your comfort zone. This often leads to and helps with personal growth and spiritual development.
My spiritual connection with God is strengthened through my involvement with the St. John's community. Enhanced when I joined the choir, as a Christmas gift to Lisa, and when asked to help the praise band and play the bass. Now, I must admit, I’m not blessed with great musical talent. I’m a work in progress. But the encouragement and support to explore music, with such a loving, safe, and supportive group, is a life changing experience. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work, sing and play with some very talented people.
One way that I give back to the St. John’s community is to donate my time with the Wednesday Morning Grounds Keepers where my love of the outdoors and gardening are put to good use. My true talent - Gardening! Pushing the lawn mower, trimming the hedge, and pulling weeds. Recently, the group has benefited from some of the 1:00 church members helping with the huge job mowing and trimming the grass. I can truly say that many hands do make light work. Just look around and see all the benefits that can happen when a community comes together sharing their time and working together. St. John’s is blessed with a safe, loving, encouraging, and supportive community. What a treasure! ... What a treasure indeed!
As a member of the awesome St John’s community, we (Lisa and I) do provide financial support. Not always the easiest thing to do, but we strive to provide what we can. The amazing thing is that every month when I write our pledge check, I am reminded of all of you--the catalyst for all my personal and spiritual growth. I’m reminded of the friendships, encouragement, love, and emotional support you provide. What a gift and blessing… indeed! Being involved in a community, in a spiritual community, in the St. John’s community has been a life changing experience for me. I hope that you find a way to connect to our community and hopefully receive the same gifts when you pledge your talent, time and treasure to St John's this year. Thank you. Amen!!"
Scott Hiers
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“Whatsoever I thankfully receive, as a token of God’s love to me, I part with contentedly as a token of my love to Him.” Theophilus Gale
Stewardship is not the sharing of our excess but sharing as much as we can with the knowledge that everything, everything we have comes from God. Our time, talent and treasure does not really belong to us. Sharing all three—yes, treasure too—is a response to God’s love for us and an act of faith. We have faith that God will supply our needs. We have faith that our gifts will be put to good use. We have faith that pledging will change us, help us to grow spiritually. We give generously as an act of love for our St. John’s community and for God.
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The Ingathering (collection) of giving cards for 2022 will be Sunday, October 31, at all services. If you have any questions about giving at St. John’s, please contact Mthr. Minerva.
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St. John's Notices and Activities |
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Parish Wide Meeting - October 17 at 11:45 a.m.
The vestry and the diocese have approved the proposed new bylaws for St. John's. Due to technicalities, the vote on the proposed Bylaws has been postponed to Sunday, October 17, 11:45 a.m. At this meeting the congregation will vote on the proposed new bylaws.
To participate in this meeting join us on Zoom here: 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. You may also participate by coming to the Parish Hall after the 10:30 a.m. service.
Those who are already on Zoom for worship and coffee hour can just stay on the same Zoom meeting.
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We are wrapping up the Stewardship Campaign with a Talent Show!
October 24, 4:00pm
Join the St. John's Talent Show via Zoom! We will highlight our talents as part of our emphasis on stewardship this October. You can share a song, a poem or reading, a speech, demonstration of a craft, or something else of your choosing.
What is your special talent? We would love to know! Participants of all ages are welcome.
Mark your calendars now and watch for the Zoom link closer to the date.
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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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A Call for Ushers!
As we move towards more open church, we are in need of folks who are willing to serve as Ushers for the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. The more we have, the less often you serve!
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St. John's Library
Many thanks to Fr. David Beer for his dedication to putting our church library into good form. He has gone through numerous books, sorting and categorizing and, yes, reading. This was a labor of love which didn't seem to be too arduous!
Didn't know we have a library? Wander through the hallway in the Parish Hall sometime and check it out!
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And for a few weeks, we will have a cart for you to peruse - if there is a book on the cart which is calling your name, please give it a home. |
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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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COVID-19 Related Information |
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Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 3
Community Precautions Urged
Cases and hospitalizations are slowing in Travis County, but new variants, such as the Delta variant, are still spreading throughout the community. During Stage 3, vaccinated people should take precautions at private indoor gatherings and while traveling. Additionally, vaccinated individuals who are considered high risk due to certain underlying conditions should continue to take precautions when dining.
Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people should take precautions in private indoor and outdoor gatherings and while shopping, dining, and traveling. For partially vaccinated or unvaccinated high-risk individuals, private indoor and outdoor gatherings, shopping, dining, and travel should be avoided unless these activities are 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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Community Notices and Activities |
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Helpful Resources:
Here are several resources related to Mental Health and Financial Health. Please use the links provided for more information.
(this seminar is Saturday, October 23)
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Central Texas Interfaith and St. John's Episcopal Church urge you to vote on the coming election on Nov. 2. Early voting begins next week on Monday October 18 and will go until Friday October 29th. You can find the location of an early-voting site near you at votetravis.com. You can apply for a ballot-by-mail through the Travis County Clerk’s Office until Friday, October 22. Once again, St. John's will be a voting site on November 2. Watch The Bridge for more information. Please consider getting all the eligible voters in your family to vote. Remember: your vote is your voice.
City of Austin residents will vote on several ballot propositions. Central Texas Interfaith has taken a position against Proposition A, a measure which would cost an estimated $271.5 million - $598.8 million over five years to the detriment of the other city services including EMS, firefighters, workforce development, parks, public health and schools. The City of Austin has already restored full funding of the police department as required by a new bill passed by the Texas Legislature this Spring. Proposition A would increase police funding far beyond that level and threaten other services. Central Texas Interfaith urges you to vote no on Proposition A.
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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, Thursday, and 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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