WEEKLY MESSAGE
from Fr. Ripp
|
|
|
TWO THINGS
First, I want you to be on the lookout for the new logo that we have been working on for the church. As I was a part of the blue cross and believe that it has served us well, I am especially excited about our new logo. The new logo is a better reflection of St. John's as we move into a new decade. It gives people a perspective of our primary gathering space, the church, where we worship together with the God of all people. The logo includes our cross and many colors of our stained glass, representing the diversity of God’s creation and people. Further, the letters in the logo include a swoosh, representing the powerful Holy Spirit continuously working in our lives.
As with anything new, it is a change and people often react negatively to change. We like the old one, we wish we could go back to the old ways, and we feel comfort in stability and repetition. This is especially true as Episcopalians, where we do the same basic liturgy Sunday after Sunday. I ask that you be open and look at the logo and see how it represents us. The updated logo truly does represent St. John's much better than the blue cross, which some have called a snowflake or throwing star.
Second, we are examining how we will function as a church in this new environment. Most of us are longing to come back and be at the church, much like we did at the beginning of the year. I have to warn you that it would be a great idea to let go of that expectation for a while. When we do come back, a lot is going to be different. We will use social distancing, masks, communion in one kind, bread only, no passing of the peace, and letting people in at a certain pace and out by rows. It just is not going to be the same for some unknown period of time and only God knows what that will entail.
Many of you have already received at least one phone call from a staff member or ministry leader. Understandably, sometimes people will not answer the phone if the caller's number is unknown. We want to make sure that everyone is reached. If you haven't already shared the following information with a caller from St. John's, please email the following information to office@stjohnsnb.com. We want to be as prepared as possible regarding our limited seating and all of the regulations that we are required to follow.
Are you planning to attend Sunday morning service when the church is able to open again?
If yes, would you attend at 8:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or no preference?
If no, what would need to happen for you to feel comfortable enough to return?
This information is going to be vital so that we can ensure enough space since we can only use 12 of our 34 pews to follow social distancing requirements. Bishop Reed will let us know when we can has resume public worship. As it stands, all churches of the Diocese of West Texas are closed until May 15th.
I pray you are wearing your mask when you go out, cleaning it as needed, and staying safe while looking out for the safety of your neighbor. Take care of yourself and, if possible, love on a neighbor in need. Call, text, or email your friends, especially those from church, to make sure they are okay. And know that I look forward to the day that we can give one another an actual hug.
In Christ,
Ripp Hardaway
Rector
|
|
OUR PEOPLE AND PARISHIONERS | All About Our People
|
|
|
Congratulations to Chris Smith
We are happy to announce that Chris Smith is the new Principal at New Braunfels High School! We pray that God continues to bless Chris, Tori, Olivia, and Presley as they help each other lead and serve in the New Braunfels community. Congratulations Chris and
GO UNICORNS!
|
|
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
Brent and Maureen Bullock 5/5, Carl and Mary Bourgeios 5/18, Tom and Marjorie Nolan 5/21, David and Shannon Drichta 5/22, Larry and Karen Shumway 5/22, Robert and Janet Harris 5/27, Bennie and Kathy Bock 5/29, David and Kathy Simmons 5/29, Charles and Kay Keigley 5/30
BIRTHDAYS
| May 7 - May 13
Lincoln Schvetz 5/7, Jennifer Mitchell 5/8, John Henicke 5/10, Donna Hill 5/10
|
|
Photos from the Cinco de Mayo chat on Zoom with Fr. Ripp
|
|
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
|
COVID-19, Outreach, and Virtual Resources
|
|
|
WORSHIP & CLASS SCHEDULE
| Live Streaming on Facebook
|
|
|
- Worship and Prayers Sunday, May 10 | 8:45 a.m.
- Family Devotions Sunday, May 10 | 10:00 a.m.
- Children's Chapel Sunday, May 10 | 2:00 p.m. NEW TIME
- Noonday Prayers Monday-Saturday | 12:00 p.m.
|
|
|
Virtual Altar Flowers given by God
Picture sent in by Pam Reitz
|
|
Facebook Live
- Daily devotions with Fr. Ripp and guest leaders at noon (Monday through Saturday)
- Sunday worship with Fr. Ripp at 8:45 a.m.
- Sunday Family Devotions with Fr. Ripp and Ms. Cheryl at 10:00 a.m.
- Children's Chapel at 2:00 p.m.
The prayer and worship videos will be saved and uploaded to the church
website under the "Videos" tab located in the header menu and also on the
YouTube channel. Viewers are not required to have a Facebook account to view the live stream. Visit
St. John's Facebook Page, ignore the prompt to create an account, and then view the live stream and saved videos.
For assistance viewing any of the streaming services, contact the St. John's Communications Coordinator, Marjorie Nolan, by texting or calling (832) 729-3966.
|
|
Virtual Services from Sunday, May 3, 2020
|
|
CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
| Announcements & Resources
|
|
|
Hello Children and Families,
Didn't you love last week's scripture and stories of the Good Shepherd? I know for me it is comforting to know Jesus can lead me to the best life
if I let him
. Slowing down and listening for God was also a message that resounded with me. Life may look different now but is it any less busy? Are the requirements of this new norm just as demanding and for some, more so? When do parents find time to be still? Do kids now have too much "be still" time ?
I think the question is whether our families' "be still" moments are with God. Are we carving out space in our day where our children know being quiet and being with God is important for us and for them? What could a few moments of quiet time with God do for us? For our families? How and when do we do that?
I love the power of these words taken from Psalm 46:10
...
Be still and know that I am God.
..
This week I am going to try to spend a bit more quiet time with God and listen for His voice. I would love to hear how your family creates this quiet space in your home.
Children’s Chapel:
A lesson will be posted at 2:00 p.m. online each Sunday.
T
his week we will explore the story of Jesus being the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Fr. Ripp and I will see you live on Facebook this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a Family Devotions service
.
Flowers for the Altar:
Thank you to Curtis Parchman for the flower last Sunday as well as Olivia and Hattie Green for this week's altar flowers. If you would like to create flowers for our virtual services, place your flowers (any medium) in the yellow box outside the office doors or text me at (210) 663-8074 to arrange a pick-up. The flowers will be sent to St. John's members afterwards. Be sure to put your name on your design.
I am praying for your family to have some "be still" moments and to see what God does.
Be safe and keep washing those hands!
Hope and love in Christ,
Ms. Cheryl
|
|
Read Ms. Cheryl's letter from last Sunday, May 3 by
clicking here
.
|
|
Resources from Ms. Cheryl
Cheryl Smith, Director of Children and Family Ministries, has compiled a list of resources during this time at home. Click the link below to read. Email
cheryl@stjohnsnb.com
with questions or for more information.
|
|
Virtual Sunday School
Join a Children's Sunday School Zoom gathering this Sunday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Ms. Cheryl will send the meeting info to families through email. Please join us and visit with your church friends and teachers.😊❤️
|
|
Children's Chapel
Each Sunday, Ms. Cheryl, Director of Children and Family Ministries at St. John's, will provide an online Children's Chapel lesson for everyone to learn and enjoy. The lessons are available on the
St. John's YouTube Channel
and will also be posted on Facebook and the church website.
|
|
Children's Chapel lesson from Easter Sunday, May 3, led by Ms. Cheryl
|
|
Youth Compline Every Sunday Afternoon
Emma Kypuros, Youth Coordinator, will have weekly Compline meetings for all youth, on Sundays at 4:15 p.m. and evening prayer on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. This is a good time to get together virtually so that we may still join in prayer and community. We will be able to connect on a lot of the things we're going through right now. It's a weird and uncertain time, but togetherness and intentional times set aside to practice our faith and prayer are even more important than ever.
Emma will send the Zoom invitation link each week before the scheduled time and will hopefully see all of your faces there. Other family members are welcome too! Email Emma at
emma@stjohnsnb.com
to sign up!
|
|
EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND DWTX
| Announcements & Updates
|
|
|
Primary Camp at Camp Capers
May 31-June 6, 2020 | Grades 3-5
This session is lead by Fr. Ripp! Summer camp at Camp Capers offers people ages 8-18 the opportunity to experience the unconditional love and friendship of a Christian community through each of our 1-week sessions. Through God’s grace, Camp Capers is committed to offering fun, life-changing experiences to children and youth in a safe, Christ-centered community. Visit
www.dwtx.org
Summer Camp page for pricing, scholarship info, and more details on Camp Capers.
|
|
|
Family Camp at Mustang Island
June 11-16, 2020
Gather your family for awesome fun in a Christian community led by Fr. Ripp. Surf lessons, crafts, games, s'mores, music, worship, and more. $395 for family of one, $535 for family of two, $700 for family of three, $860 for family of four, each additional child $180 and each additional adult $270. Children 24 months or younger at time of session no charge. This includes 1 room, 8 meals per person and activities. Visit
www.dwtx.org
to learn more. Questions? Contact
lynn.corby@dwtx.org
.
|
|
|
Please read the
attached statement
from the Diocese in regards to COVID-19 and the 2020 Summer Camps schedule and payments.
|
|
A prayer for doctors and nurses from the Book of Common Prayer:
Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
|
|
2020 Vestry Members
Linda Lund,
Sr. Warden; Don Greer,
Jr. Warden; Jim Whitcomb,
Treasurer
Paul Anthony, Janet Guillen, Bruce Howard, Carol Lenker, Adrian Quintanilla, Tori Smith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|