WEEKLY MESSAGE
from Fr. Ripp
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Reopening Update
We’ve been away from our usual worship – and our routine lives – for quite a while now and, if you’re like me, you’d like to start moving forward to some sort of return to the way things used to be. But we know that can’t happen right away. The details of reopening are complex, and as I have said before, our worship together will not be “back to normal” for some time. There are many precautions and steps to be taken to ensure that we are safe as we return to worship together in our church buildings. Let’s remember the “church” has never closed, only the building. WE – all of us – are the church and we have been, with God’s help, loving one another and caring for one another throughout this entire time.
One of the most essential things we will do before we can reopen is to have in place our plan of how many people may safely attend a service. Space will be very limited and seating will likely be assigned as if we were attending a play or a concert in a theater. Some may even need to attend a different service than they prefer in order to meet safety needs. We will need your help in letting us know if you are planning to return to church once we reopen, so we will continue reaching out to each of you to gather your decisions.
There are challenges here, but we will rise to them, and as we do so, I ask that you grant us – the Vestry, the staff, and the lay leaders – patience. The day and time are coming. In the meantime, please check on one another. The most important thing you can do is call to see how people you know in this church are doing. Love one another as best as you can from a distance. Pray for the church and our effectiveness in reaching people with the love of Jesus Christ. And ask God to give you the peace that passes all understanding in this uncertain time.
In Christ,
Ripp Hardaway
Rector
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OUR PEOPLE AND PARISHIONERS | All About Our People
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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
This Sunday there will be a rose on the Altar for Kaisynn Koehler, born on Thursday, May 14. She is the daughter of Carson and Allison Koehler, great granddaughter of Rick and Paula Warren.
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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 14 - May 20
Don Bedford 5/15, Caitrin Alexander 5/16, Bennie Bock 5/17, Vova Forgione 5/18, Tom Nolan 5/18,
Cash Hermes 5/19, Luke Volante 5/20
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Fr. Ripp visiting with parishioners in their car during the Prayer Drive-Thru on Wednesday, May 13.
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WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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COVID-19, Outreach, and Virtual Resources
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WORSHIP & CLASS SCHEDULE
| Live Streaming on Facebook
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- Worship and Prayers Sunday, May 17 | 8:45 a.m.
- Family Devotions Sunday, May 17 | 10:00 a.m.
- Children's Chapel Sunday, May 17 | 2:00 p.m.
- Noonday Prayers Monday-Saturday | 12:00 p.m.
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Virtual Altar Flowers given by God
Picture sent in by Marjorie Nolan
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Virtual Services from Sunday, May 10, 2020
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CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
| Announcements & Resources
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Hello Children and Families!
How are the children of God doing this week? I hope everyone has had a chance to take in the beautiful weather. I have drenched myself in sunshine and vitamin D, along with eating on the patio and enjoying the cool evenings. The other morning I saw the first fawn of the season. Nature reminds me of our perfect God and the wonder he provides for us each day. On my walk, I spotted an Eastern bluebird for the first time and listened to the many cardinals sing their songs. I am united with God every day when I am on the lookout for his majestic bounty that is right outside my door. I will keep watching for God's awesomeness this week and hope you will too.
Children's Chapel
Lessons post to our media channels (Facebook, YouTube, and the St. John's website) at 2:00 p.m. each Sunday. This week we will talk about the Holy Spirit, John 14:16. Father Ripp and I will see you live on Facebook on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a Family Devotions service.
Flowers for the Altar
Thank you to 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 210-663-8074 to arrange a pick-up. The flowers will get delivered to St. John's members afterward. Be sure to put your name on your design.
Camp Outreach Update
Camp Outreach will look a little different this year but will remain in June. Stayed tuned for more details on this upcoming event.
Hope and love in Christ,
Ms. Cheryl
Read Ms. Cheryl's letter from last Sunday, May 10 by
clicking here
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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.
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Children's Chapel
A
lesson will be posted at 2:00 p.m. each Sunday.
This week we will talk about the Holy Spirit John 14:16.
Father Ripp and I will see you live on Facebook on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a Family Devotions service.
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Children's Chapel lesson from Easter Sunday, May 10, led by Ms. Cheryl
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Youth Compline Every Sunday Afternoon
Emma Kypuros, Youth Leader, 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!
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HOW TO WORSHIP ONLINE
| Tutorials and Resources
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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.
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ZOOM App Tutorials
| Use for small groups, fellowship, & bible study
This
YouTube ZOOM tutorial provides online tutorials for the app. St. John's will use ZOOM for virtual meetings and classes.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND DWTX
| Announcements & Updates
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Primary Camp at Camp Capers
May 31-June 6, 2020 | Grades 3-5 -
CANCELLED
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Family Camp (Session 3) at Mustang Island
June 11-14, 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
Summer Camp for the latest details.
Questions? Contact
lynn.corby@dwtx.org
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Please read the
attached statement
from the Diocese in regards to COVID-19 and the 2020 Summer Camps schedule and payments.
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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.
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Nominate a front-line worker or health care professional to be featured in the eNews by submitting their name, job title, short description, and a picture to marjorie@stjohnsnb.com by Monday of each week.
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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
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