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The Bridge
June 4, 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.
Service Times
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (in-person)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (in-person and Zoom)
1:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II - Spanish (in person)
Sunday Worship at St. John's
We worship God in a variety of ways.
Safety protocols will be observed in the church, i.e., masks, distancing, and limited attendance. In accordance with updated guidelines from APH and CDC. St. John's is no longer requesting registration for our indoor in-person services.
To participate in our virtual Sunday service at 10:30 a.m., 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
The Waiting Room is enabled for this event and is monitored by the Host of the day.
Please note: In order to minimize background noise, everyone except those people who have an active role in the service will be muted. At the Prayers of the People, you will be invited to put any personal prayer requests into the "Chat" to be read at the appropriate time.
The 10:30 a.m. 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. Additionally, a recording of the English sermon will be available. Links to the recordings will be posted on our website (Austin St. John's).
Virtual Coffee and Fellowship

Join friends for a virtual coffee "hour" every Sunday! This begins after the 10:30am service (about 11:15am), 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:
Consider This
“What we focus on becomes our reality.”

If the focus is on the gifts of your congregation, such as a love of cooking, art, education, or service to the poor, then build on those things. Energy, commitment, even money will follow when you when you use your God-provided gifts.

Read more about Appreciative Inquiry in "ecf Vital Practices," June 3, 2021.

From The Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry by Sue Annis Hammond.
Becoming Beloved Community
Celebrating Juneteenth
From Paula Foy

I am very proud to be a member of the St. John’s Racial Justice Team. As we continue to honor The Episcopal Church’s initiative, Becoming Beloved Community:

On Wednesday, June 9, 7-8pm, we will learn about the Bible and Scripture, as interpreted through the African American lens. Two of the speakers will be African American Biblical Scholars, Dr. Yolanda Norton and Dr. Valerie Bridgeman. They participated in a recent panel at the Seminary of the Southwest entitled: “Making it Plain: The Sacred Tradition and Civil Discourse of African American Biblical Interpretation.” The third speaker will be prominent Civil Rights Lawyer, Social Justice Advocate, and Executive Director of The Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson (from a speech he delivered at the National Cathedral).

Please join us on Zoom. We will have time for a brief discussion at the end.
Looking Ahead: 
Save the Date and Mark Your Calendars!! 

On Wednesday, June 16th, (7-8pm) we will be gathering together (in-person and via Zoom) in the church for a special Sacred Ground Lamentation and Healing Service as it relates to “things we have done, and the things we have left undone” regarding social and racial justice.
 
We invite all members of our congregation and anyone else who is interested to attend. Hope to see you there!
Other Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Austin
(Festivals-Parades-Workshops-Virtual Events):
 
One Human Race Mini-Workshop: Is Race Real?
June 5 4:30-6:30 p.m.
FREE workshop that examines race as a social rather than biological construct. We will view a condensed version of Episode 1, The Difference Between Us, from Race: The Power of an Illusion and examine our own thoughts and feelings by sharing in small groups. Reserve your spot by registering at onehumanraceaustin.org.
 Presenters: Gina Houston and Teresa Chang
 
MAYB Juneteenth Extravaganza Basketball Tournament - Liberty Hill/Georgetown TX
Fri. Jun 4, 4 a.m. – Sun, Jun 6, 4 a.m.
This tournament is a 5 game guarantee for $315, you can get registered online at www.mayb.com and or call the office at 316-284-0354Read more on Exposure Basketball Events
 
GEAYA/Central Texas Juneteenth – Parade
June 19, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m.
Parade starts at MLKing Jr Blvd/Salina St. and ends at Chestnut Ave/Pleasant Valley. If you are interested in attending and would like a map of the parade route, please contact Sandra E. Ward at 1redsand2@gmail.com or 916-501-4719.
 
Park Festival
June 19, 2021 - following Central Texas Juneteenth Parade
Location: Rosewood & Boggy Creek Park
2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin 78702
St. John's Notices and Activities
Christian Formation
Becoming Beloved Community: Celebrating Juneteenth
Wednesday evenings in June - 7:00pm
(via Zoom)

During the month of June, St. John's Episcopal Church is having classes that focus on the African American experience in Austin and in The Episcopal Church.

June 9 - Theology from an African American lens - videos of noted African American scholars and leaders followed by discussion.
Scripture Based Book Study: Thursdays at 10:00am (Zoom)
(please refer to our website austinstjohns.org or to the Christian Formation email sent every Tuesday for more information and links)
Wednesday Morning Grounds Keepers

Every Wednesday morning at 8:00am, a group of dedicated members gather to keep our grounds and buildings neat and clean. You are invited to join them - for a day, for a month, or regularly. Many hands make light work! If you have questions about this ministry, please contact Hal Hughes (click on the name to send an email).
Labyrinth Community Garden

The Labyrinth Community Garden is growing! Spring veggies and herbs are abundant in the leased raised beds. If you are interested in obtaining a bed for you and your family, please contact Patty Arnold (click on the name to send an email).
Office Volunteers
These volunteers staff the Parish office during the week. The office is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-12pm. Duties include being a presence on our campus, answering the phone, and some light clerical tasks. If you are interested in this ministry, or would like to have more information, please contact Sheri Rasmussen (click on the name to send an email).
Coffee Hour after 10:30 a.m. Service
At this time, you are asked to NOT bring food to share.

We are looking for an organizer and volunteers to prepare the coffee and other refreshments to be enjoyed after the 10:30 a.m. service.

This can be an individual, or a group - you can serve every week, one Sunday a month, or occasionally. This ministry includes set up and clean up. It has been suggested that this would be a cool ministry for the MEN of our parish!

For more information, please contact Fay Jones. (click on the name to send an email).
COVID-19 Related Information
Children 12 to 15 years old eligible for vaccine

The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently authorized for those aged 18 and up. The Pfizer vaccine is currently authorized for those aged 12 and up.

Individuals can receive the Moderna vaccine through APH or find additional vaccine providers in your area at Vaccines.gov.  

To read the entire article, click here:
COVID Safety Guidelines from Austin Public Health

Austin Public Health (APH) has published a color-coded chart to help residents of Austin-Travis County understand the stages of risk and provide recommendations on what people should do to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just a reminder: People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen).

Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 2
click the image to view the color coded guidelines
Austin, Texas – On May 18, the Health Authority Rules were renewed through June 15 and include updates to allow businesses to adopt policies for those who are fully vaccinated that more closely align with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Regardless of vaccination status or stage, individuals need to continue to follow the additional requirements of local businesses, venues and schools, as the Health Authority Rules remain in place through June 15.

Please click this button to read the latest suggested guidelines to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic:
Community Notices and Activities
From Austin ISD:
AISD Summer Meals

This summer, families can pick up free meals for children and caregivers at AISD schools throughout Austin. Picking up these free meals provides funding to Austin ISD, which in turn allows us to expand food access to even more families! 

How to find AISD summer meal sites in your area: 
  • Text FOOD or COMIDA to 512-229-9110.
  • View all sites and service times on the AISD website.  

Who qualifies: Meals are free for any child younger than 19 as well as those older than 19 who utilize special education resources or who are enrolled in school to complete the requirements for a high school diploma.

How it works: Families will have the option of picking up daily to-go meals at designated summer program sites or weekly meal packs at curbside locations. Parents or caregivers may receive meals without children present by providing documentation — such as a birth certificate, student ID card, report card or attendance record — at the meal service site. Children do not have to be enrolled in AISD to receive meals. 
 
Caregiver meals: AISD will also provide free caregiver meals for adults with accompanying children or with the documentation listed above at weekly curbside meal sites. Caregiver meals are prepared by local restaurants, providing a boost to this industry in this critical time. Caregiver meals are not available at daily to-go sites.  

About the meals: Meals feature foods that are cooked and prepared by staff in AISD kitchens. Healthy meals include protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk. 

Good to know: All AISD meal sites are closed July 5-9. Food is available until all meals are distributed. Meal sites are subject to change. 

Questions? Explore the Summer Meals Frequently Asked Questions, or contact AISD Food Service through Let’s Talk by sending a text to 512-229-9110 or submitting a message online.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)

Your family may be eligible for one-time state-funded benefits you can use to buy food!

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is for children enrolled in school who may have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price meals during the 2020-21 school year.

Who qualifies: Those meeting one of the following criteria are encouraged to apply for P-EBT:
  • Families with children who may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals.
  • Families with children who attend a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program (see below for a list of campuses).
  • Families who received state-funded benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the first time during the 2020-21 school year in May or June 2021.  

Families who received state-funded SNAP benefits prior to May 2021 do not need to complete an application. These families will have P-EBT benefits automatically placed on their Lone Star Card by May 28. A notice will be mailed to families receiving SNAP benefits that shows which children will receive P-EBT benefits.

How to apply: Complete the online application at www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/PEBT. The P-EBT application is open June 2 through August 13.

Good to know: For families applying for P-EBT benefits, it may take two to five weeks after completing your application to receive a benefit in the mail. Benefit cards will be sent to the address entered on the application. Families will receive a notice from Texas Health and Human Services in the mail letting them know if their children are approved or denied.
P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food from any retailer that accepts the Lone Star Card. P-EBT is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Education Agency.

Questions? For more information about eligibility, applying and getting your P-EBT benefits, visit www.hhs.texas.gov/pebt, or call the P-EBT Call Center at 833-442-1255, Monday through Friday,
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Austin ISD schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program:

Pre-K and Early Childhood Centers: Uphaus ECC

Elementary Schools: Allison, Andrews, Barrington, Blackshear, Blanton, Blazier, Boone, Brown, Campbell, Casey, Cook, Cunningham, Dawson, Galindo, Govalle, Graham, Guerrero-Thompson, Harris, Hart, Houston, Jordan, Joslin, Kocurek, Langford, Linder, McBee, Menchaca, Metz, Norman-Sims, Oak Springs, Odom, Ortega, Overton, Padron, Palm, Pecan Springs, Perez, Pickle, Pillow, Pleasant Hill, Reilly, Rodriguez, Sanchez, St. Elmo, Sunset Valley, Travis Heights, Walnut Creek, Widen, Williams, Winn, Wooldridge, Wooten, Zavala

Middle Schools: Bedichek, Burnet, Covington, Dobie, Garcia YMLA, Lively, Martin, Mendez, Paredes, Sadler Means YWLA, Webb

High Schools: Akins ECHS, Crockett ECHS, Eastside Memorial ECHS, Garza Independence, GPA at Navarro, GPA at Travis, International, LBJ ECHS, Navarro ECHS, Northeast ECHS, Travis ECHS

Other Campuses: Alternative Learning Center, Rosedale School
Capital IDEA is a nonprofit providing education and career opportunities to income-eligible adults

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click this button for more information:
Caring for Each Other
For Prayer and Pastoral Care

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. (Click on the name to send an email.)
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.
Our Gathering Policy
Our facilities are available for use at limited occupancy—maximum of 100 persons for in-person worship services and 50 persons for Parish Hall events. We continue to require masks for all in-person worship services and you may continue to wear a mask at other times if you prefer. Persons who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks while at St. Johns.

Fully vaccinated means:
  • Pfizer and Moderna – 2 doses plus a two-week waiting period
  • Johnson & Johnson – 1 dose plus a two-week waiting period

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.
Our Vestry
Ms. Paula Foy, Senior Warden
Mr. Hal Hughes, Junior Warden
Ms. Sandra Welles, Treasurer
Class of 2022
Ms. Paula Foy
Mr. Hal Hughes
Sra. Rosalinda Rodriguez
Class of 2023
Ms. Jessica Glasebrook, Clerk
Mr. Steve Kriechbaum
Ms. Sandra Welles
Class of 2024
Ms. Maria Caballero
Sr. Alfonso Hernandez
Ms. Sandra Ward
Our Staff
The Rev. Minerva Camarena Skeith, Rector

The Rev. Victoria Mason, Deacon
Ms. Fay Jones, Director of Communications

Mr. Philip Riley, Choirmaster and Organist

Sr. Alfonso Hernandez, Spanish Music
Please visit our website (Austin St. John's)
for other ways to make a donation.
Fay Jones, Editor (fay@austinstjohns.org)
St. John's Episcopal Church
11201 Parkfield Drive
P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493
Sunday Services
(In-Person in the Church)
9:00 am        Holy Communion Rite I, English
10:30 am      Holy Communion Rite II, English (& Zoom)
1:00 pm       Holy Communion Rite II, Spanish
For more information about St. John’s Episcopal Church, please visit our website at www.austinstjohns.org