The Bridge
January 20, 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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Annual Parish Meeting
On Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., St. John's will convene the Annual Meeting (via Zoom). This immediately follows the 10:00 a.m. service of Morning Prayer and you will be able to just stay on that Zoom meeting. The link to attend the service and the Annual Meeting will be sent out next week.
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From Our Rector
We have survived another week full of excitement. I am grateful that the fears about potential violence were not realized. Instead, we had prayer vigils, commitment to building relationships, and working for a stronger democracy. The nonviolent transition of power in this country is a testament that we can put aside partisanship and ideology for the good of our country.
Fortunately, St. John’s has begun the process of becoming a Beloved Community. It is through conversation, reflection, and action that we can live out our mission to heal brokenness, build bridges, and exemplify borderless kindness. Sharing one another's stories can help us understand one another and deepen our trust in one another. We do not need to agree but we do need to see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
I look forward to many conversations with you both one on one and in small groups. Conversations where we can share our past experiences that have formed and shaped who we are and what we believe and value. Conversations where we can share our hopes and dreams as well as our fears. Together with deepened relationships built on trust we will clearly hear God’s invitation to our St. John’s community.
Minerva Camarena Skeith+
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Episcopal 101
What is the annual Parish Meeting and why it is important for me to attend?
Have you asked these questions? Maybe this will help you understand why it is important for all parish members to attend the annual Parish Meeting.
The annual Parish Meeting is required by the canons [laws] of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, to be held in January of each year.
At the annual Parish Meeting, the newly elected vestry members are affirmed by the membership, welcomed into their new ministry, and encouraged by the whole congregation as they begin this important work.
At the annual Parish Meeting, the budget for the coming year is presented. Reports from various ministries and other functions of the church are given. The Rector speaks to the congregation about where we have been and where we are called to go to further God's reign in this time and this place.
At the annual Parish meeting, we come together as a community to celebrate our accomplishments and ministry, to learn about what we can do to continue our journey as disciples of Jesus, and to become educated on how our parish, and The Episcopal Church, functions.
So, yes, it is important for every member of our parish to give less than an hour, one day each year, to becoming informed about our church, to encourage our leadership, and to enjoy the fellowship of other members.
See you Sunday, January 31 at 11:00am!
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COVID Safety Guidelines from Austin Public Health
Please click this button to read the latest suggested guidelines to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic:
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Sunday Worship at St. John's
We will celebrate Morning Prayer via Zoom.
- 10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer in English
- 12:00 noon Morning Prayer in Spanish
- To participate in our Sunday services, you do not need to have a Zoom account or download Zoom. Simply click this button to attend the service:
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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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To protect those participating in the service from any possible "trolls" who might try to interrupt our worship, the Waiting Room is enabled for this event. The Greeter will admit you to the service as quickly as possible. |
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Please note: Everyone except those people who have an active role in the service will be muted. This is to minimize background noise. At the Prayers of the People, you will be invited to put any prayer requests into the "Chat" and Deacon Victoria will read these at the appropriate time. |
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The services will be recorded and video from both services will be posted on the St. John's Facebook page, YouTube, and the St. John's website later in the day so that you can replay a service at your convenience. Links to the recordings will be posted on our website (www.austinstjohns.org).
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Holy Eucharist on the Lawn
To be consistent with City of Austin Stage 5 guidelines,
the 1:15pm outdoor Holy Eucharist services are suspended until further notice.
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Virtual Coffee and Fellowship:
Provide your own beverage and treat of choice
Join friends for a virtual coffee "hour" every Sunday! This will begin shortly after the 10am service (about 10:45am), 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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You may also join the coffee hour by telephone -
dial (346) 248-7799 and enter the meeting ID when prompted.
Meeting ID: 879 9502 6837
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To protect the participants from any possible "trolls" who might try to interrupt our worship and fellowship, the Waiting Room is enabled for this event. The Greeter will admit you to the meeting as quickly as possible. |
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Let's Do Pancakes!
On February 16 - Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras - the day before Ash Wednesday, we traditionally celebrate with a pancake supper hosted by our Vestry. However, as we will be unable to gather together for this event, we will host a Zoom meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. during which you are invited to have pancakes (and bacon!) in your own homes while sharing fellowship with our St. John's friends.
Those of you who have attended Pancake Suppers in the past may remember the sour dough pancakes prepared by Roger Hall. Laurie Williams has graciously shared with us a link for preparing your own sour dough starter so you can make these at home with her recipe! "What's good about this [recipe] is that you use starter that has not been 'fed'. You can use the "discard" that you toss out when feeding your starter."
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Camp Allen is offering "Spring Stays" in their hotel and cabin accommodations.
Please click on this button to access more information and register for a get-away in the Piney Woods of East Texas.
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Farmshare Austin
Happy new year! Farmshare Austin is glad to be back for the Spring season with our Curbside Delivery program.
Online ordering is open for those living in North and East Austin, for residents of South Austin and Del Valle, and for those wanting to pick up from the farm.
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Learn, Grow, Get Involved |
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Panel Conversation on Race and Culture
Tuesday, January 26, 6-8pm
Learn how they bridged the gap between race and culture as they share their experiences from different vantage points of ministry. This evening will enlighten and challenge us to consider our role in making our ministries more inclusive.
Our own rector, The Rev. Minerva Camarena Skeith, is one of the Guest Speakers!
Click on this button to register:
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There are several ways you can continue to give towards the mission and ministry of St. John's:
Mail your check to the Church: St. John's Episcopal Church,
P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493
Go to your bank's website and set up direct payment - the bank will send a check directly to St. John's using this address:
St. John's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493
Use this link to learn more about online giving: Click here
Use this button to go directly to our online giving portal:
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Caring for Each Other
If you, or someone you know, need prayer or would like to be contacted by the church, please contact Mthr. Minerva (revminerva@austinstjohns.org) or Deacon Victoria (512-297-5953) to add names to the Prayer List.
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Need Help?
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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Only Mthr. Minerva and essential support staff will be in the Church for the streaming of services as we continue to follow the direction of government officials and the guidance of our Bishop.
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All in-person meetings and activities at St. John's are temporarily suspended.
Ministry continues. All St. John's meetings will be held virtually (via Zoom).
We will post a notification here, on Facebook, and on our website when this restriction has been lifted.
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Fay Jones, Editor (fay@austinstjohns.org) |
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St. John's Episcopal Church
P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493
Virtual Sunday Services
10:00 am in English (Zoom)
Mediodía en español (Zoom)
In-Person Holy Communion
Suspended Until Further Notice
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