The Bridge
April 23, 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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A Message from Our Clergy
During the Easter Season, we remember the encounters the disciples had with the risen Lord. We are invited to see the power of God that transforms death into life. Jesus' resurrection gave the disciples the courage to continue His ministry because they knew that His death was not the end. His resurrection confirmed that Jesus was the Son of God and His teaching of loving one another is God’s teaching. The disciples took on Jesus’ ministry and spread the Good News that death had been conquered and nothing, not even death, had dominion over us. God's kingdom is at hand and we are all called to follow Jesus’ teaching of caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and visiting the prisoner fearlessly.
Last May 25th, we witnessed the death of George Floyd. This month the proceedings of the the trial of Derek Chauvin have been in the daily news. On Tuesday, a guilty verdict was rendered. This verdict brings about many emotions and opinions. As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus’s teaching of loving all our brothers and sisters. Loving those with whom we agree and loving those with whom we disagree. For over a year, St. John’s has been in the process of Becoming a Beloved Community. During this process we have engaged in difficult conversations of race. A Racial Justice Team was formed. And, the vestry has adopted an Anti-Racist Statement. All of these steps have been taken in an effort to recognize the racism that exists in our community and identify ways that we can better follow Jesus’ teaching of loving one another as God has loved us.
The verdict on Tuesday is one of the many opportunities for us to see the Risen Lord in our world today. Not because a man was convicted of murder, but because many people were willing to speak the truth, bear witness, and affirm that every person is a beloved child of God. People were able to see a Black man as a child of God who deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. People were able to see that the authority of a police officer is not a blank check for violence.
As we move forward as people of faith, let us recognize that one verdict will not erase and undo the centuries of systemic racism. There is much work to be done so that every person can fully enjoy the rights promised to us by our Constitution. And, there is even more work to be done to fully live up to the promises we have made as baptized Christians: to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. We can do these things trusting in the power of the Risen Christ that is “at work within us ... to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)
Mother Minerva and Deacon Victoria
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As part of the Compline service, Bishop Curry's sermon begins at about 7:40 in the video. |
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Are you still celebrating Easter?
The Season of Easter is 50 days long! Are we still celebrating? Are we still acknowledging the awesome power of our God to change our hearts and minds? Are we still recognizing that Jesus is among us?
The lilies are faded and blown, the eggs are emptied of treats, the bells have ceased their ringing, but the Risen Christ continues to show himself to his disciples.
"'Jesus is Lord' is the most widespread post-Easter affirmation in the New Testament, and is both personal and political. It involves a deep centering in God, a deep centering in God that includes radical trust in God, the same trust we see in Jesus ... And this deep centering also involves loyalty, allegiance, and commitment to God as disclosed in Jesus ... loyalty to God's passion as disclosed in Jesus, a passion for compassion, justice, and nonviolence. Compassion - love - is utterly central to the message and life of Jesus, and justice is the social form of compassion."*
Justice happened in Minneapolis this week, with the conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. This is indeed a landmark event. But this was an event of national, even world-wide, note. What about those times in our own lives, lived in our own communities and neighborhoods and families, where we can live out our commitment to the PASSION OF GOD - a passion for compassion, justice, and nonviolence?
Easter Day has come and gone. The Season of Easter continues, leading to the Day of Pentecost. Are we deeply centered in God? Are we ready for the Gift of the Holy Spirit? Are we ready, with the disciples of two millennia ago, to preach, to live, the Good News of Christ crucified and RESURRECTED?
As Mthr. Minerva has asked ... are WE ready to live a resurrected life? Am I ready to live a resurrected life?
*The Last Week, Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan,
HarperOne, 2006; pp 214-215
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Welcome your new Parish Treasurer!
At its monthly meeting on Monday, April 19, the Vestry of St. John's elected Sandra Welles as Treasurer. Sandy has been serving for some time as an assistant treasurer, and is ready to take on her new role. Sandy is already scheduling training sessions and moving ahead to help St. John's grow into a bright future. If you have questions, or just want to welcome Sandy, you can email her at Sandra Welles. |
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Thanks are also due to Marvin Rasmussen on his retirement from Parish Treasurer duties. Marvin has been treasurer for many years, and was assistant treasurer before that. He has certainly earned some time off, but tells us that he will continue as assistant treasurer! So we are not saying goodbye! |
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Progress is being made!
The repairs are expected to take approximately one month. Not only will we have a new back wall, but the entire parish hall will be painted!
We have been asked to stay clear of the construction zone. By definition, it will be an unsafe place for those who are not actually involved in the work. Which pretty much means all of us!
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4.21.2021 - facelift for front of parish hall |
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4.21.2021 - roses in abundance |
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4.21.2021 - North side of parish hall - AC units reinstalled |
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Consider this:
"One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things."
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse
Charlie Makesy, HarperOne, 2019
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Need for Caregiver
One of our members is helping to care for an elderly friend (in her 90s) who has dementia and lives in her own home near Capital Plaza. Her daughter would like to ensure that her mother has round the clock care and she is looking for more caregivers. The caregiver may earn $14 an hour. If you are interested, please contact: Claudie Cantu
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Adult Christian Formation
Your Christian Formation planning team would like to hear from you about your dreams and desires for adult Christian formation and education.
Our Wednesday evening lectionary-based Bible study will continue. This is not just a run-through of the lessons for the week, but is a discussion of how the Scripture impacts our lives. In keeping with our tradition of having occasional topical series, we will have a very special series of speakers in June.
Our Thursday morning Scripture-related book study will continue. Elaine Jackson will be announcing the new book soon.
Now - from you!
- Are you interested in a Sunday morning study? This would be a "hybrid" Zoom/in-person gathering when we are able to meet in person.
- What time would work for you?
- What topics interest you?
- What format interests you?
- If not Sunday, is there another day you would suggest?
We would really like to have your input! Please send your responses to these questions to Fay Jones. And Thank You! |
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Texas health officials have opened COVID-19 vaccinations to all adults. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for those aged 16 and older. The Moderna vaccine has been approved for people 18 and older.
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APH Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People
"As more people become vaccinated in our area, we are able to move to more lenient requirements for those individuals,” Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott said in a written statement Tuesday. “However, we have not yet reached herd immunity in our community. To get there, we need more people to acquire immunity which is why we encourage people to get the vaccine when it is available to them.”
Click here to read the entire article:
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COVID Safety Guidelines from Austin Public Health
Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 3
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Please click this button to read the latest suggested guidelines to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic:
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Click this button for a partial list of businesses which still require a mask during the pandemic: |
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Sunday Worship at St. John's
We worship God in a variety of ways.
- 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist in English Rite I (in-person)
- 9:30 a.m. Liturgy of the Word in English (Zoom)
- 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist in English (outdoors in-person)
- 1:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist in Spanish (outdoors in-person)
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This is an in-person service inside the church. Safety protocols will be observed, i.e., masks, distancing, and limited attendance. Please register for this service using the link above. |
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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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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 Verger 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 virtual English service will be recorded and video 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 (Austin St. John's) .
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The English Holy Communion outdoor service starts at 11:15am. The Bread will be distributed by Mthr. Minerva or Deacon Victoria to each person in place.
We ask that you use our registration system for our contact tracing protocols and in case we need to give you updated information about the service. We will continue to require the wearing of masks while on the St. John’s campus, as well as social distancing of non-household members. We recommend you think of this like any other outdoor event in the sun - use sunblock, bring an umbrella and/or hat, water, and a chair or blanket to sit on. There will be a limited number of metal chairs available in a special section for those who are physically unable to bring their own.
A recording of the English sermon will be available on our website later in the day.
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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 after the 9:30am service (about 10:15am), 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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Knitting Us Together
All knitters, crocheters, cross-stitchers, etc., are invited to bring a project to Sunday's Zoom coffee hour! If you have questions, call 512-423-9935 to speak to Lisa Shirah-Hiers.
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for other ways to make a donation.
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Caring for Each Other
St. John's is interested in meeting the pastoral needs of our community. If you have prayer requests, please contact Sheri Rasmussen. If you need pastoral care please contact Mthr. Minerva or Deacon Victoria. If you would like the Daughters of the King to include you in their prayer list, please contact Sandra Ward.
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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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St. John’s Episcopal Church requires masks and social distancing for all in-person worship services and other gatherings in which persons who are not fully vaccinated may be present.
The Parish Office is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am - 12Noon. Please wear your mask and practice social distancing when coming to the office.
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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
Sunday Services
In-Person Indoor Holy Communion
Rite I
In English - 8:00am
Virtual Liturgy of the Word
Rite II
In English - 9:30am (Zoom)
In-Person Outdoor Holy Communion
Rite II
In English - 11:15am
In Spanish - 1:00pm
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