for Bridge Newsletter header
The Bridge
May 20, 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.
BUILDING SECURITY UPDATE

Our new security system will go “live” on June 1. This system requires new  security codes. Without your new security code, the alarm will be set off and the police department will be notified. St. John’s will be charged a fine of $100 for each false alarm.

Our Junior Warden Kevin Flegal will be in the Parish Hall on Sunday, May 22, from 9am – 3pm to register your key(s) and assign your security code. If you can’t see him on Sunday, please contact Kevin (512-924-7838 or jrwarden@austinstjohns.org) to make an appointment.

If you have been entrusted with a “key to the kingdom”, you have taken on the responsibility to protect our space. Please keep your key and security code secure.
Pentecost Parishwide Potluck
Sunday, June 5

As we have returned to breaking bread together in the Eucharist, we are now going to break bread together in the parish hall! Plan to join your St. John's family on Sunday, June 5, for a celebratory potluck luncheon! St. John's will provide meat, so please bring your favorite side dishes.
Pentecost Sunday - June 5, 2022
Wear Red as we Celebrate the Coming of
the Holy Spirit!

Holy Eucharist Rite I with Music
11:00 am

Parishwide Potluck
~ 11:45 am

La Santa Eucaristía Rito Dos con Bautismo
1:00 pm
Volunteer to carry a ribbon banner
in the processional!
contact Anne Faithful
Christian Formation Classes return to Sunday Morning -- starting June 12

Christian Formation classes are returning to our Sunday experience! As we did in 2019, we are adjusting our worship schedule to make room for the class time. Our new Sunday morning worship and education schedule, effective starting June 12, is:

  • 8:30am - The Holy Eucharist Rite I (English)
  • 9:45am - Adult Christian Formation Class
  • 11:00am - The Holy Eucharist Rite II (English)
  • 1:00pm - La Santa Eucaristía Rito Dos (Spanish)
Worship at St. John's
Sunday Services - May 22
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I (In-Person)
10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II (In-Person and Zoom)
1:00 pm Santa Eucaristía Rito II (en persona)
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.
Meeting ID: 879 9502 6837
No passcode is required
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
VOTE! Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Primary Runoff

Early Voting: Monday, May 16, 2022 - Friday, May 20, 2022:
7am - 7pm

Election Day: Tuesday, May 24: 7am - 7pm.

St. John's will be a voting site on May 24. Your voice matters.
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
SUNDAY TEA
 
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, the Daughters of the King “Woman at the Well” Chapter hosted a Sunday Tea for the women of St. John’s. All women from our congregation, from the ages of 7 years old, up to, (cough-cough) the more mature intellectual women, were invited.
 
The tables were adorned with pink and lavender table coverings. Hot water flowed over an abundance of tasty varieties of tea. We even had a special brew of English Tea steeping in a unique urn that is over two hundred years old; an heirloom shared by Glenda Patterson.
 
And let us not forget the goodies! Delicious bites of cookies, brownies and cakes shared the head table, along with horizontally cut finger sandwiches; and yes, the crust had been cut away.
 
The air was filled with excitement, as women from a variety of backgrounds and languages flowed into the Parish Hall. It was a beautifully blessed sight to see.
 
Madre Minerva did a fantastic job, giving the Blessing, consuming her plate of goodies, and translating every word of my presentation from English to Spanish. Some members shared information about the various mission projects that our chapter heads up. From the “Fans for Seniors” to the Christmas boxes (Shoe Boxes) that we fill with hygienic items and give to the Austin State Hospital. The boxes are then gifted to individuals as they exit the State Hospital system. These everyday items, such as toothpaste, wash cloths and soap, things that we may take for granted, come in handy for the individuals who are often homeless and are, literally, carrying everything that they own on their backs.
 
It was an honor to share our mission, focusing on who we are and how we live everyday life as “Daughters”. We pledge to pray each and everyday for those who are placed on our Prayer List. These individuals may be ill, traveling, or dealing with the perils of Life. We dedicate ourselves to serve wherever and whenever possible, for the good of all. We are more than a group of women who gather for Tea Parties. We are a global “Order” of women who are bonded together in sisterhood. We can travel the world over and when we encounter other “Daughters of the King” we are instantly linked in a common pledge.
One item that we are particularly interested in is the formation of a Junior Daughters chapter here at St. John’s. It would be an extension of our Adult/Senior DOK chapter. We can start with just 2 to 3 young women of various ages. All young women who are baptized are eligible to be members of the Junior Daughters of the King. There are no denominational requirements. And they can attend any school or church that they choose.
 
Part of the Junior Daughters’ mission is to help young women grow in their Christian faith; provide them with opportunities to serve the church and community; provide them with a loving and supportive Christian community that can strengthen their love for the Lord and each other. There are other Junior Daughters chapters throughout Texas, and they host fruitful and enriching functions in which our young women can participate and grow; all while expanding their connections with other young women from various backgrounds.
 
I would like to thank all the women who attended and shared “a spot of tea” with us. And, to my Sisters, my Daughters of the King family, thank you for making this a welcoming and fabulous event. I love you all, dearly.
 
If you are interested in hearing more about the Daughters of the King and the Junior Daughters, please contact Sandra Ward.
 
Sandra E. Ward
President
Daughters of the King
“Woman at the Well” Chapter
916-501-4719
1redsand2@gmail.com
FARMSHARE AUSTIN

Sunday, from 11am-1pm.

Come shop for fresh, delicious, and affordable fruits and vegetables, local eggs and honey, and a variety of pantry staples!

The market accepts cash, credit, debit, SNAP, and
Double Up Food Bucks. 
COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP

The Parish Hall is open for coffee and fellowship after each Sunday service!

Thanks to our volunteers who make the coffee, set it up, and clean up after. And always, thanks to Sheri Rasmussen who keeps us in iced tea!

If you would like to bring snacks, you are invited to do so. Please take your dishes home with you so you won't have to wonder what happened to that plate Dear Old Aunt Gladys gave you.
If you have any information about a small green candy/cookie plate with a "heart-shaped" handle, please get in touch with Catherine Turner (512-539-9417).
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Wednesday Bible Study - In Person and Zoom
7:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, May 25, we will gather in the Parish Hall (and on Zoom) for a special presentation by author Monica Tornoc about her new book The Truth in Our Stories: Immigrant Voices in Radical Times.

From the Introduction:
"In an age of disinformation and growing racism, misconceptions about immigrants coupled with anti-immigrant sentiment have spread throughout American society. Consequently, the country has seen a concerning uptick in anti-immigrant rhetoric, harsh policies, and paramilitary activities; all of which threaten immigrant communities...The hope is that this volume helps identify our misguided ways of thinking about the immigrant experience so that we can begin to eliminate the systemic racism on which our immigration system was built...The expectation is that this book will restore a sense of shared humanity with immigrants and the immigrant community."
The Sunday readings will be found in each week's Christian Formation email sent out on Tuesday.

For more information, please contact Mother Minerva.
Meeting ID: 818 0719 2209
No passcode is required
Cornerstone Literary Circle - Zoom

We are reading The Kindness of Color by Janice Munemitsu. Mary Hutka will host this book recommended by Kim Evert.

The reading assignments will be found in each week's Christian Formation email sent out on Tuesday.

Please contact Laurie Williams for more information. 

The link to join the class is here:
Meeting ID: 865 2855 1870
Passcode  446185
Thursday Morning Bible Study - Hybrid

We will continue meeting in person and via Zoom on Thursday, at 10:00am.
For more information, please contact Elaine Jackson.
The link to join the class is here:
Meeting ID: 821 5253 7149
No passcode is required
(please refer to our website www.austinstjohns.org or to the Christian Formation email sent every Tuesday for more information and links)
Fr. David’s Bookshelf
How He Priested: The Story of Malcolm P. Riker by Martha Smith (2000).

Many of you have heard of the Reverend Malcolm P. Riker, an almost legendary priest and church-planter who was active in this diocese from 1958 until 1990. Returning home at the end of the WWII, Riker graduated from the University of Texas and attended seminary in New York City and Berkeley. After moving back to Austin in the late 50's, he brought St. George's back to life. St. Matthew's, St. Mark's, St. Luke's-On-The-Lake, and our own St. John's were born followed by St. Christopher's and St. Alban's. St. Paul's of Pflugerville and St. Richard's of Round Rock were his last two missions before he retired. All these congregations are thriving today.

He was a dynamic and tireless priest, preacher, and teacher who spoke his mind. This endeared him to throngs of congregants—even if it annoyed or alienated some, including a few fellow clergy.

How He Priested is a marvelously detailed biography of Fr. Riker by Martha Smith, who obviously knew Malcolm well and was able to collect considerable information on his childhood, his ministry, church growing, confirmation classes, and statistical records for each church he started. Although the author is clearly an admirer of Malcolm—even to the point where the book almost becomes a hagiography—she is also honest about his negative reaction to changes the larger church was going through during his ministry and about how demanding his zeal sometimes was on his family life.

It's not easy to find a copy of this biography, so we’re most grateful to our Junior Warden Keven Flegal for donating his copy to the library of St. John’s. Feel free to check it out through Fr David but be aware that due to its age the book has some loose pages…but then don’t we all?
WEDNESDAY MORNING GROUNDS CREW

For more information about this ministry, please contact Kevin Flegal.
LABYRINTH COMMUNITY GARDEN
To learn about how our Labyrinth Community Garden serves the community, or for information about obtaining a bed in the Garden for you and your family, please contact Patty Arnold.
Please pass the word -

We often have well-meant "gifts" left on the St. John's campus, and even inside the buildings. We thank you for your generosity. However, St. John's is not currently accepting in-kind donations.

Please take your donations of food, furniture, appliances, etc., to our neighborhood partner, Vincentian Center on Braker Lane east of St. John’s.
Our Greater Community
Register Now!
Rebuilding after a Crisis
A CTI Leadership Training
Friday May 20th 6pm - 8:30 pm (Dinner Provided)
Saturday May 21st 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Breakfast and Lunch Provided)
Wildflower Unitarian/Faith Presbyterian Church
1314 E Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704

This two-day session will be held in-person on the evening of Friday May 20th and all-day Saturday May 21st. This bilingual Spanish and English training will focus on rebuilding our churches and communities after the economic, social and health crisis and incorporates Scripture and organizing practices. This training will work to build connections among leaders and to equip them with the skills to address issues that affect immigrant communities.  For more information contact Monique Vasquez, monique@centraltexasinterfaith.org, 520-248-8853. 
El Salvador Mobile Consulate
St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, Manor
Sábado 28 de mayo de 2022

The Consulate General of El Salvador of Houston will be at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church in Manor to provide services to El Salvador nationals. The services include issuance of passports and Family Status Registry (Birth, death and Marriage) issues. If you know someone who may benefit from this event, please refer them to Yasmin Aguilar Carralero, Sr. Warden of St. Mary Magdalene. She prefers receiving text messages at (737) 708-0082.
Caring for Each Other
Christi Crow will be unavailable for providing transportation for several weeks. Please contact Sandra Ward, Anne Faithful and or Cap Metro for assistance.lva
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.
A Prayer for Ukraine

God of Peace and Justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow. that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war and peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
Our Gathering Policy
Masks are optional on the St. John's campus. The CDC guidelines highly recommend that all persons who are not fully vaccinated wear masks while indoors. Thank you for your cooperation in these efforts to keep our St. John’s community safe and healthy. 
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
All First Class Mail, Priority Mail and Priority Express Mail will be forwarded through Dec. 7, 2022.
Our Vestry
Mr. Steve Kriechbaum, Senior Warden
Mr. Kevin Flegal, Junior Warden
Ms. Maria Caballero, Clerk
Ms. Sandra Welles, Treasurer
Class of 2023
Mr. Steve Kriechbaum
Ms. Sandra Welles
Sr. Carlos Lugo
Class of 2024
Ms. Maria Caballero
Sra. Maria Angie Hernandez
Ms. Sandra Ward
Class of 2025
Dr. Carolyn Cline
Mr. Kevin Flegal
Sra. Patricia Mata
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