WEEKLY MESSAGE from Fr. Ripp Hardaway

Opening St. John’s to Public Worship   At our last Vestry meeting we visited about the possibility of reopening the sanctuary for Sunday morning worship. It is with some excitement and trepidation that I tell you that we have approved modified in-person services due to the lowered infection percentage in our county. We plan on starting in-person worship on Sunday, October 11th at the 8:45 a.m. service. I know that this will be met with much excitement by many and concerns by some, so believe me when I say that Rev. Lucy and I along with the whole Vestry can relate.   Here are some things that you should know as we begin the process of opening the church again for public worship:   We can only seat a range of 24- 48 people in order to keep six feet of distance between individuals and/or households. We can only do one indoor service at this time due to cleaning protocols. We need people to volunteer to serve as ushers and greeters who will be trained on how to guide worshipers. Masks are MANDATORY – Yes, I am shouting this because the Diocesan protocols require it. We will use Sign-up Genius to make reservations, which will enable us to maximize limited seating and maintain records of where people sit for contact tracing. We will not be able to accommodate anyone who just walks up on a Sunday morning due to limited space. We are only allowing a person, couple, or family to come once in October to ensure all have ample opportunity to attend a service.  If there is an overabundance of requests we are considering an outdoor service as well.   On your Sunday, you will need to arrive 15 minutes early due to seating protocols, explaining how to move about during communion and the fact that we start filming at 8:40 a.m. Please do not be late.  We are living in a new “abnormal” and I have no idea when we might begin to return to anything but a new normal. Either way, this will be a blessing to be “back in church” but it will be different due to the lower numbers of worshipers, the social distancing protocols, filming the service, and the other changes that have occurred in response to the pandemic. For example, communion will be in one kind-- the body of Christ only.    I ask that you show staff and volunteers grace as we move toward reopening as we are currently down a staff person and all working twice as hard in order to live effectively into our new abnormal.  I so look forward to seeing half of your faces again, in person! I sure do miss being with you and look forward to the opportunity to begin to safely gather together.    In Christ,   Fr. Ripp Hardaway

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN'S Updates and Announcements

The Way of Love Class Series continues this Sunday Our new series continues Sunday, September 27 at 10:15 a.m. on Zoom. We are returning to Bishop Curry’s Way of Love series this fall with a focus on the seven topics that are included in that series: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. See more information below under "Nurture Ministries, Christian Education and Fellowship."

Prayer Ministries Information Diocesan Cycle of Prayer On the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, we give thanks for Church of Our Saviour, Aransas Pass; St. Michael and All Angels’, Blanco; and Grace, Cuero. The 2020 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is available here. Prayer Requests Have an urgent prayer request? Text Pat Jefferson at (713) 899-1566 with the request, and she will alert the team of our prayer warriors. Request a Prayer Shawl St. John's Prayer Shawl Ministry offers hand-knitted and crocheted shawls for anyone in need of healing and comfort. To request a shawl, email Carol Lenker at cjlenker@yahoo.com or Janet Moody at janmoody@satx.rr.com. Birthdays and Anniversaries for September 24 - September 30 Birthdays | September 24 - September 30 Cherie Kittle, 09/24 Brynn Englefield, 09/25 Olivia Carlson, 09/27 Amy Mark, 09/27 Chris Smith, 09/27 Gavin Hicks, 09/28 Roy Lund, 09/28 Wesley McGuire, 09/29 Whitney Jansta, 09/30 Harriet Porterfield, 09/30 Jeffery Power, 09/30 Jane Stewart, 09/30 Anniversaries | September 24 - September 30 Kristin & Gus Freiha, 09/27

Drive-By Baby Shower The St. John's community is celebrating the Eckman Rivera family as Matthew and Larry officially welcomed their three sons Nate, Ethan, and Zeke with the finalization of their adoption on July 29. We're throwing a drive-by shower at their home on Sunday Oct. 4th from 1:30-2:30pm to wish them well, drop off a gift if able, and celebrate. If you're interested in participating you can contact Renee Wendel for more details. They are registered at Target, and they welcome HEB gift cards.

Drive-Thru Blessing of the Animals Oct. 4th at 4:00 p.m. This year we will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with a drive-thru Blessing of the Animals. It will be in the lower parking lot on Lee Street. We ask that out of precaution you stay in your car with your pet, and we will offer a blessing as you drive by. Note that masks are required (except for your pets!).

The Ordination of the Rev. Susan E. Burnham It is with joy that we announce the ordination of Susan Burnham to the priesthood on Saturday, Oct. 3rd at St. George Episcopal Church in San Antonio. Your virtual presence is welcome via the St. George Facebook page. View the invitation and instructions for watching the livestream here.

A Note on Vestry Minutes from Father Ripp According to our Canons, we are supposed to post publicly the minutes from Vestry meetings as well as our financials. We generally post them in the glass case outside the Large Conference Room near our Hospitality area, but in the midst of the pandemic, I have not been attentive to getting these to you. It is my intention to begin posting these in the eNews as they are available. If you have questions about the minutes or financials, I encourage you to contact me, our Senior Warden, Linda Lund, or another Vestry member.  Vestry Minutes from August 2020 here.

Diversity and Inclusion This week our church launched its Diversity and Inclusion page on our website! St. John's is committed to ending racial injustice in our community and the world. This page is a living resource for everyone who wants to learn, pray, watch, and practice this commitment with us. It is our hope that this page will continue to grow and develop as we do. Feel free to email Emma Kypuros at emma@stjohnsnb.com any resources you think would be a good addition to the page, whether it's a podcast, book, movie, article, or liturgy. For any comments, questions, or concerns regarding why we've built this page, please email Fr. Ripp at ripp@stjohnsnb.com

Pledges to be Mailed or Dropped Off We encourage members to mail-in their pledges via the postal service (USPS) or drop checks in an envelope into the church mailbox outside of the office. The office continues to receive mail daily from USPS. The mailbox is checked weekly by the Director of Finance, Desiree Moultrie.

Please reach out to Emma Kypuros, Assistant Director of Communications, or the church office via email at emma@stjohnsnb.com or office@stjohnsnb.com for questions or submissions regarding the eNews or Announcements. We appreciate your patience during our staff transition. Reminder: Submissions for Announcements/eNews are due to office@stjohnsnb.com by noon on Mondays.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Live Streaming on Facebook 17th Sunday After Pentecost

Holy Eucharist Rite II led by Fr. Ripp & Rev. Lucy Sunday, September 27 at 8:45 a.m. Children's Chapel with Ms. Cheryl Sunday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m.  Noonday Prayer Monday-Saturday at 12:00 p.m. “Drive-Thru” Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 pm BULLETIN FOR HOLY EUCHARIST on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 at 8:45 a.m. Flowers for the Altar Virtual flowers for the altar provided by Cherie Kittle for the Glory of God.

Holy Eucharist Rite II led by Fr. Ripp & Rev. Lucy on Sunday, September 20th, 2020.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES Support & Updates

Interfaith Welcome Coalition An update from Amanda Hagy: Thank you to St. John’s as we continue our work with Interfaith Welcome Coalition. Every two weeks a different congregation hosts immigrants in our area who are in transit to a new home. St. John’s is sponsoring the children’s needs for this mission. We have purchased baby items for a family in holdover because one of the two twins is in the NICU. Please keep Pedro, Juliana, Angela, Anderson, and Alayon in your prayers. The one-month-old twins were born here and one is awaiting surgery.

CHILDREN, FAMILY, & YOUTH MINISTRIES Updates & Resources

Save the Date: Trunk or Treat at St. John's Trunk or Treat with pandemic safeguards in place will take place on Sunday, October 25 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on the grounds of St. John's. Online reservations will be requested and a link will be posted and sent out closer to the time of the event. Costumes, masks, and social distancing...but it will be fun!  Contact cheryl@stjohnsnb.com with questions, to participate with a "trunk," and/or to volunteer.

Fall Family Weekends & Retreats at Camp Capers  The Diocese of West Texas has announced that registration is open for Fall Retreats at Camp Capers. Individuals, couples, and families needing a safe, stress-free weekend getaway are invited to:  Helping Hands, Serving Hearts Family Retreat (Oct. 2-4) Mother/Son & Father/Daughter Retreat (Oct. 9-11) Halloween in the Hill Country Family Retreat (Oct. 29 - Nov. 1) Art & Soul Retreat (Nov. 6-8) A Very Capers Christmas Retreat (Dec. 10-13)  A full list of Family Retreats is available at www.dwtx.org/camps . For additional information about upcoming retreats, please contact Camp Capers at camp.capers@dwtx.org.

Weekly Messages for Children's and Youth Ministries

Hello Children and Families,  Navajoland lesson videos have been posted to the St. John's Children's Ministry FB page. Ms. Noreen is also in her kitchen making fry bread. Don't forget to send me your "The Lord's Prayer" challenge and answers to any Navajoland questions. This Sunday, September 27th, the lessons will include weaving and learning about Navajo Code Talkers. If you haven't picked up supplies and/or haven't registered, it is not too late. Contact me at cheryl@stjohnsnb.com so you can be part of our fall missions. Winter Clothing Drive  Beyond learning about the Navajo people, our children's Sunday school classes are sponsoring a winter clothing drive. Navajoland has asked for the following: coats, scarves, gloves, beanie caps, socks, sweatshirts, thermal undergarments, and sleeping bags. Both adult and children sizes are needed as the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has risen along with the impact of COVID 19. The drive continues until noon on October 1st. You may drop off outside the church office in the large clear container, drive-by on Saturday, September 26th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or contact me for porch pick-up at cheryl@stjohnsnb.com. To learn more about Navajoland and the Episcopal Church involvement visit: www.ecofnavajoland.org   If you like to shop for a cause, handmade soaps are available for purchase online-even Horned Frogs for all you TCU fans! www.shimaofnavajoland.com Remember our lessons from Bishop Curry: Turn to God, Learn the Word, Pray, Worship, Bless others, Go out in the world to share love, and Rest knowing God is in charge and loves you.       Hope and love in Christ,   Mrs. Cheryl Youth Updates from Emma This Monday This Monday is Movie Night! Get cozy and set up with your favorite movie snack. Youth Updates for the Fall Youth group meets on Zoom on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. Every last Monday of the month will be Zoom movie night, and every last Saturday of the month will feature an Outreach project. This month we will be doing a winter clothing drive for Navajoland, with a drive-by for donations on September 26 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. We will continue collecting winter clothes until October 1.  Thank you to everyone who has volunteered on your commitment card! You will receive an email asking about your availability and Safeguarding status.

NURTURE MINISTRIES Christian Education & Fellowship

The Way of Love Series on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. You are invited to join our Zoom Adult Education class on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. We are returning to Bishop Curry’s Way of Love series this fall with a focus on the seven topics that are included in that series: Turn, Pray, Worship, Go, Learn, Bless and Rest. Our own members will be telling their journey of love and how their lives have been impacted by the focus topic. We are returning to this curriculum because in this time of the pandemic, election, and civil unrest, we each need to focus on the journey of faith and our call to love as Christ loves us. The class schedule is as follows:   September 27         Alice J. on Bless October 4               Carrye F. on Pray October 11             Jeanette and Sing Y. on Go October 18             Fall Parish Meeting October 25             Kyle and Caitrin A. on Turn November 1           Karen F. on Worship November 8           Shelley and Bruce H. on Rest November 15         Heidi F. on Learn November 22         Wrap Up with a roundtable Join Zoom Meeting here. Meeting ID: 819 4244 7688 Passcode: 007660 Call in (audio only): (346) 248-7799

I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) Book Study Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Are you tired of the political bickering that surrounds us every day in the media? Do you wish you could have conversations with friends and family from across the aisle that do not end in yelling and insults? Please join facilitators Bethany Green and Sing Yue for a discussion of the book I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers. Each week we will explore how our political views are formed and learn concrete steps we can take to have more productive and grace-filled conversations. The book can be purchased through Amazon or other retailers, but you do not have to purchase the book to participate in the class!  If you are following along in the book, here are the chapters that will be covered each week: •September 30: Find Your Why & Put Politics in Its Place •October 7: Give Grace & Get Curious •October 14: Embrace the Paradox & Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable •October 21: Exit the Echo Chamber & Keep It Nuanced  Join Zoom meeting here. Meeting ID: 881 8718 5648 Passcode: 829832 Call in (audio only): (346) 248-7799

Becoming Beloved Community: Continuing the Conversation Please join Renee Wendel and Heidi Forgione every 2nd and 4th Monday evening at 7:00 pm. to continue the discussion on racism in our community and country that was started during our Adult Formation class on Becoming Beloved Community. Even if you were not able to participate in those initial discussions, we invite you to join us now or at any point in the future. Our goal is to provide a community that supports each other and shares resources as we learn, discuss, and take action in our day-to-day lives.  Our first Zoom meeting will be on Monday, September 28 from 7:00-8:00 pm.  Join Zoom meeting here Meeting ID: 505 688 8393  Call in (audio only): (346) 248-7799

Men's Bible Study on Zoom Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. The class focus is on the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday and there is always stimulating discussion. If you just want to call in and be part of the discussion you can! No computer necessary! Email Roy Lund at lindaroy@earthlink.net or call (713) 858-1320 for the Zoom meeting information.

Women's Bible Study on Zoom Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. This Thursday morning gathering includes prayer and study led by the group and is a great way for women of all ages to connect and share their faith. Contact Jan Harrison for more information: (830) 708-2723 or jan.harrison001@gmail.com

EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND DWTX Announcements & Updates

Diocese of West Texas Blog Click here for stories, resources, and news from our DWTX. Resources from the Episcopal Church Click here for resources directly from the Episcopal Church's website. The Way of Love: Resources and Information from the Episcopal Church The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. For more information, resources, and materials visit the Church's website. Healing Service from Tuesday, September 22, 2020

2020 Vestry Members Linda Lund, Sr. Warden; Don Greer, Jr. Warden; Jim Whitcomb, Treasurer Janet Guillen, Bruce Howard, Carol Lenker, Adrian Quintanilla, and Tori Smith

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