for Bridge Newsletter header
The Bridge
January 7, 2022

The Mission of St. John’s is to be a community of God’s people who heal brokenness, build bridges, and exemplify borderless kindness.
The Feast of the Epiphany
Sunday, January 9 (observed)

The Feast of the Epiphany has been celebrated on January 6 by the Christian Church since the 4th Century CE. This festival primarily commemorates the visit by the Magi to the infant Jesus – evidence that Christ came for the salvation of the Jews and the Gentiles. We know the evening preceding Epiphany (January 5) as Twelfth Night and it is typically celebrated with special pastries. As the feast day occurs on Thursday this year, St. John’s will be celebrating outdoors on Sunday, January 9, with our traditional Trifles and Roscas Party at 12:00 noon (between the 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. services). Join us on the lawn. You can sample or take some trifles or roscas to go. If you have never made a trifle, or if you have and wish to use your imagination, please feel free to bring your creations to share. We will have “king cake” (rosca del rey) too!
What goes up, must come down! We will ungreen, undecorate, put the church back to "normal" on Sunday, January 9, at 2:15 pm. We invite any and all who can be with us to help - many hands make light work. We will especially need "strong young men" to climb ladders and carry boxes back to the Annex. And, of course, we will have refreshments for those who are on hand to help!
Calendar of Events
Advent, Christmas, Epiphany
(updated)

  • Sunday January 9 – Feast of the Epiphany observed
  • Trifles and Roscas at 12:00 noon
  • Un-greening of the Church at 2:15 pm
  • Sunday, January 16 – MLK Jr. Day observed
  • Regular service schedule with special liturgy and prayers


On Sunday, January 2, 2022, we celebrated the feast day of our Patron Saint, John the Evangelist.

Consider This
We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live
Remarks by Henry Welles for delivery at the Feast of St. John the Evangelist at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
 
“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.”

That is the famous first line of Joan Didion’s 1968 essay “The White Album.” Didion, who died just before Christmas, knew the human mind and the human heart.

As Christians, we are the heirs to more than 3,000 years of stories that start with Abraham, travel through the Old Testament, narrate the birth of Jesus and his ministry, cover the practice of Christianity for two millennia, and end with today’s issues and headlines.

All of us have favorite stories from the Bible that we turn to for comfort and inspiration. All of us have stories and family and friends who taught us and inspired us.

I urge you on this Feast of St. John the Evangelist to share your relevant stories with people outside of St. John’s in the new year. Grocery stores, post offices, or any place you must wait in line are good venues to strike up casual conversations that will reveal your character and integrity.

I often cite my late mother’s advice to be nice to people on the way up because you meet them again on the way down. I sometimes include that Sandy and I worship here at St. John’s.

Your future acts will be spreading the seeds of kindness and faith.
Worship at St. John's
Sunday Services
9:00 am Holy Communion Rite I (in person)
10:30 am Holy Communion Rite II (in person and Zoom)
1:00 pm Santa Eucaristía Rito II (en persona)
Church is happening! 

The pandemic has not stopped us from offering worship servicesThe choir continues to lead us in a joyful noise unto the Lord, the altar is prepared beautifully for the sacrament of Bread and Wine, Mother Minerva preaches a sermon every week, bulletins are created, copied, and folded, and we have worship services both in person and via Zoom.
 
You are encouraged to continue to participate with friends and neighbors in Sunday worship at St. John's. You can participate either in person or via zoom. You chose what is more comfortable for you and your loved ones. Part of our "new normal" is using a variety of ways to connect and communicate. We look forward to seeing you either in person at 9, 10:30 & 1 or on the screen at 10:30.
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
The video recording of the 10:30 a.m. service will be posted on the St. John's Facebook page, YouTube, and the St. John's website later in the day. Additionally, recordings of the English and Spanish sermons will be available. Links to the recordings will be posted on our website (www.austinstjohns.org).
St. John's Notices and Activities
GREETINGS FROM THE ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CHAPTER OF THE ORDER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
Sunday, January 23, 2022, 2-3:30 p.m.

We cordially invite all ladies from our 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. church services, to join us for a “Sunday Tea”. Also, young girls from the age of 7 are invited and encouraged to attend.

We will meet outdoors in the St. John’s quad area. We will have an informative chat about the DOK Order and enjoy a couple of short presentations, all while sipping on our tea and snacking on pastries and sweets.

For this day, January 23, local forecasters predict a temperature of 69 degrees, and that it should feel like it’s a balmy 72 degrees. Inclement Weather: We’ll meet in the church sanctuary, put on our masks and follow safe distancing protocol.

ALL PRESENTATIONS AND LITERATURE WILL BE PROVIDED IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH.
For more information, please contact Sandra Ward, President
Please note: All mail should be addressed to:
St. John’s Episcopal Church
P. O. Box 81493
Austin, TX 78708-1493

All First Class Mail, Priority Mail and Priority Express Mail will be forwarded through Dec. 7, 2022.
Newspapers and magazines will be forwarded until Feb. 5, 2022.
Packages, Catalogs and Standard Mail will not be forwarded.
Christian Formation at St. John's
Cornerstone Literary Circle - Zoom
Wednesdays at 5:30 pm
 
The Cornerstone Literary Circle has begun. The discussion is great, come join us! 
 
Participants are asked to journal while reading, remembering to document the page number or to reference the section where their questions/discussion points come from.
 
Next week’s reading of “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates starts on p.64, starting at “I fell in love at The Mecca one last time, lost my balance and all my boyhood confusion, under the spell of a girl from Chicago.” We’ll end at p.132 which is the end of Section II.
 
After Coates’ book, we will read “Crazy Horse, The Lakota Warrior’s Life & Legacy” As told by the Edward Clown Family to William B. Matson. Sandra Ward will be the host for this book.

Please contact Laurie Williams if you have questions. 

The link to join the class is here:
Wednesday Evening Bible Study - Zoom
Wednesdays at 7:00pm

The link to join the class is here:
Thursday Morning Bible Study - Hybrid
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

We continue to meet both in person in the Parish Hall and via Zoom. Those of us who attend in person are masked and spread out around a large table. Everyone is welcome to join our conversation - please participate at your personal physical and emotional comfort level as we continue to navigate the pandemic.
If you want more information, please contact Elaine Jackson.
The link to join the class is here:
(please refer to our website www.austinstjohns.org or to the Christian Formation email sent every Tuesday for more information and links)
Wednesday Morning Grounds Crew

Although winter in Austin doesn't often mean ice and snow, it does mean that dry leaves continue to blow, and these warm days convince the grass to grow.

There are projects to be done all year, and your participation would be very welcome! We start about 8:00 a.m. and finish about noon.
If you have questions about this ministry, please contact Hal Hughes.

If you are interested in obtaining a bed in the Labyrinth Community Garden for you and your family, please contact Patty Arnold.
SAVE THE DATE!

St. John’s Annual Parish Meeting will be held in the church and via Zoom on Sunday, January 30, at 12 Noon. Please plan to be there to learn about our plans for 2022!
COVID-19 Related Information
click on the image to access the Austin Public Health website
St. John's requires masks and social distancing for all indoor worship services and gatherings.
Masks and vaccines are our best protection against COVID-19. Please get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.

Thank you very much for your cooperation in these efforts to keep our St. John’s community safe and healthy.
Vaccination and Testing

Here is where to find information from the CDC no matter where you are:
and here is information about testing:
Many people have started using in-home testing kits for possible COVID infection. However, locally these kits are hard to find! These testing kits can be ordered online - for about the same price as in store. Just "google" in-home COVID tests and you will find a plethora of sites offering test kits. Here is a link to one of these:
No recommendation or endorsement is implied or assumed
by offering this link.
Community Precautions Urged
Cases and hospitalizations are surging in Travis County. During Stage 5, vaccinated people should take precautions and wear masks during all activities. Get your booster once eligible.

Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people should wear masks, avoid gatherings with people outside of their household, only travel and shop if essential, and choose takeaway/curbside options for dining. Get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
Caring for Each Other
For Prayer and Pastoral Care
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 email 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
St. John's gathering policy continues to be updated as conditions change relative to the COVID pandemic. St. John's holds the health and safety of our community as a top priority.

Your understanding and cooperation are very much appreciated.
Please visit our website (Austin St. John's)
for other ways to make a donation.
Please send mail to the church post office box

St. John’s Episcopal Church
P. O. Box 81493
Austin, TX 78708-1493
Stories and Photos for The Bridge

You are invited to send photos and stories about yourself, your family, and our parish for inclusion in The Bridge. As we come back together, let's share our experiences! Please send your ideas, stories, and photos to Fay Jones, (newsletter editor) by 12:00 pm on Wednesdays.

Running event announcements two weeks prior to the date is recommended.
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

Mr. Steve Kriechbaum
Ms. Sandra Welles
Class of 2024
Ms. Maria Caballero, Clerk
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
Fay Jones, Editor (fay@austinstjohns.org)
St. John's Episcopal Church
11201 Parkfield Drive
P. O. Box 81493, Austin, TX 78708-1493
Regular Sunday Services
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II hybrid (in-person & Zoom)
 1:00 p.m. Santa Eucaristía, Rito II
The Parish Office is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
from 10am - 12Noon.
For more information about St. John’s Episcopal Church, please visit our website at www.austinstjohns.org