This Week At Saint John's
December 2nd, 2021
Join us for Worship
this Sunday, December 5th
In person at 9:00 or 11:00 am
On Facebook Live at 11:00 am

Please join us for worship and Holy Communion this Sunday when Rev. Randy Knighten shares the sermon, Instruments of Peace, the first in our Advent series "The Inn: Housing the Holy." Our scriptures this week come from Philippians 1:3-11 and Malachi 3:1-4. Prayers will be led by Rev. Hilary Marchbanks. Our liturgist will be Sara Doty and children's time will be led by Laura Schwarcz. Music this week is led by Cina Crisara, Ed Snouffer and the Chancel Choir.

We will be broadcasting the service LIVE on Sunday morning at 11:00 am. You can now view the service live on our website at www.stjohnsaustin.org/live/. You can also continue to watch the service on Facebook if you prefer. After the livestream is over, you will be able to find a recording of the video at facebook.com/saintjohnsaustin/videos to watch anytime after Sunday morning.

Your prayer needs are important to us. To make a prayer request, click here or send an email to Rev. Cheryl Broome, Congregational Care Pastor.
Silent Auction Featured At Alternative Gift Market
This Saturday and Sunday December 4th and 5th

Question: What do a 7 foot Santa and vacation time on the beach on South Padre Island have in common?

Answer: Both can be yours at the Alternative Gift Market Silent Action this weekend!

From unique Spode holiday serving dishes to vintage gold porcelain to a mystery gift card bundle and much more – the Market's Silent Auction is sure to have something to touch your spirit so come and check it all out. Items will be on display and open for bids beginning at 9:00 am Saturday. Bidding will close promptly at 1:00 pm on Sunday. Winners need not be present to win but must claim their items no later than Friday, December 10th.

Returning after a year hiatus because of COVID-19, this year's market will also feature potpourri and very special Christmas ornaments handmade by Saint John's children and youth to raise funds for their programs. The Bake Shop, Christmas Past, and the Mission Booth will also return along with those very special Gingerbread Houses from Grace Garden. Don't forget, a limited supply of Susie Brown's cinnamon rolls, frozen and ready for your oven, will be available both days.

Additionally, each year, worthwhile organizations are selected to benefit from the Market's Gift Cards. You can make a contribution to honor a friend or family member who will receive a Christmas Card with information about your gift and the organization benefitting from the donation. More information about this year's gift cards and organizations, along with online purchasing, can be found at stjohnsaustin.org/agm.

See you at the market!
Charge Conference Notice
Sunday, December 5th at 4:00 pm

Our annual charge conference will take place this Sunday, December 5th at 4:00 pm via Zoom. This will include a business meeting and devotional with several other churches. All church members are invited to attend. To attend this group charge conference, please obtain the Zoom link from Business Administrator Duane Roth at duane@stjohnsaustin.org.
Poinsettias for Christmas!
Order by this Sunday, December 5th
Christmas is just a few weeks away, which means it’s time to purchase your Christmas poinsettia! Poinsettias may be ordered for personal use or be donated in honor or in memory of loved ones. The cost is $12 each. If you are making a personal order, you may pick those up after the church service on Sunday, December 5th or call the church office to arrange a time.
To order online please go to bit.ly/sjpoinsettias21.

For online ordering questions, call Duane Roth at (512) 452-5737
December Communion Rail Offering
Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbor

Austin Region Justice for Our Neighbor (ARJON) is the December Communion Rail Offering recipient. ARJON , a non-profit law office, welcomes refugees and immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. Their services focus on removal defense in family-based and humanitarian law. Founded nationally in 1999 by the United Methodist Church, ARJON helps immigrants navigate the complex system of immigration regulations. ARJON strives to empower immigrants to bring about systematic change through active participation in our community .
Celebration of the Life of Tina McCallum

We will honor the life of Tina McCallum with a memorial service in the church sanctuary on Saturday, December 11th, 2021, at 11:00 am. The service will also be livestreamed on our Facebook page and you can find that by clicking here.


Celebration of the Life of James Chandler

We will honor the life of James Chandler with a funeral service. The following are the times and dates:
  • Visitation at Saint John’s, December 10th, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
  • Funeral service at Saint John’s, Friday, December 10th, 2:30 pm.
  • Weimar Mason Cemetery burial, Saturday, December 11th at 12:00 noon.

If you have any questions pease contact our Congregational Care Pastor, Rev. Cheryl Broome at cheryl@stjohnsaustin.org.
Tidings of Joy and Christmas Caroling!
December 12th at 12:15 pm

Join us for a new expression of a time-honored tradition.
After 11:00 am worship on Sunday, December 12th, lunch will be provided, and we will enjoy our Tidings of Joy Christmas Carol sing-along in the Grace Garden playground. Then, you are invited to Christmas carol with us to church members. Please wear a mask, and wear "Christmas-y" accessories! Sign up at bit.ly/sjtidings21 by December 6th.
Winter Family Camp 2022
Singing Hills- H. E. Butt Foundation Camp
Registration Opens on Sunday, December 5th, 4:00 pm

COVID-19 Protocols for Camp
  • Everyone over 5 years of age is required to be fully vaccinated.
  • A negative PCR test 3 days before arriving is required for children under 5.
  • We will be outside as much as possible, meals and worship will be outside (pending rain and freezing weather), plan on bringing warm clothing. 
  • Masks inside except in cabins or while eating, distancing always.
  • If Austin reaches stage 4 at least 3 days before Camp starts, all participants (vaccinated and children under 5 years) will be required to submit a negative PCR test. 

We can only bring a limited number of people to camp, so please sign up if you are 100% in agreement to follow these guidelines and are able to attend. 
 Registration Instructions:
As a Saint John’s member: Please log into your mySaintJohn’s account for faster registration. Please make sure to select or deselect those members of your family that are attending. Make sure you change the registration type for each individual.
As a Guest: contact Laura Schwarcz at laura@stjohnsaustin.org.
If you are coming back into pay as a guest please follow these instructions, 
  1. Go to the ‘Give Online’ page https://onrealm.org/stjohnsaustin/-/give/now
  2. You will select ‘Event Payment’ for the Fund. It will always be at the bottom of the Fund list. 
  3. You MUST put in the memo line the name of the event and their (the registration) name. Your payment will not be posted to the Family Camp event account without that information.
 Please note payment policy: 
You will have until December 18th to pay for camp. At 4 pm on the 18th, we will go to the waiting list to fill the next spot. Checks payable to Saint John’s UMC Memo: Family Camp 2022.
Payments will be non-refundable after January 6th, 2022. Cancellation from camp after January 6th, we will add your fee to our HEB Foundation donation. 
If anyone registered for camp receives a positive covid test or has a positive exposure then a full refund will be given.
Camp costs:
Adults age 13 and over = $50
Children age 4-12 = $30
Children age 3 and under = Free
Children's Ministry Advent Mission Project

This Advent season we are "making room" both figuratively and spiritually. This year we will make room while serving our neighbors by donating gently used children’s books and gently used children’s winter clothing (jackets, gloves, beanies/hats, pants, or new socks).

All items will be donated to AISD Mental Health Professionals and Casa Marianella to distribute to children in their care. We invite all of our children and their families to bring items to church each Sunday in Advent to donate. We will have an opportunity during Children's Time to bring them forward.

Join us in preparing room in our hearts and home for the mystery of Christmas.
If you have any questions, contact Laura Schwarcz at laura@stjohnsaustin.org
September Church Council Meeting Minutes Available

In an effort to communicate the accomplishments of our governing body, the Church Council, the monthly meeting minutes will be made available (after Church Council approval) to the congregation through your mySaintJohns login.

After you have logged in, there are three quick steps to find the most recent meeting information:
Select "Groups" (may be found under ‘More’ on the mobile app).
Select "Saint John's United Methodist Church."
Select "files."

All the recent documents will be found in order of date posted. If you do not have a mySaintJohns login, have any issues or troubles logging in, or have trouble accessing the meeting information, please contact Duane Roth, Business Administrator at duane@stjohnsaustin.org.
Advent 2021 Calendar
Connect with our community in many ways through the season.

Alternative Gift Market
December 4th at 9:00 am - 2:00 pm 
and December 5th at 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
This December, the Saint John's Alternative Gift Market will return, operating under safety guidelines. Available items will include Christmas decor, wonderful holiday treats, and handmade items contributed by members of the congregation. The Market also offers opportunities to support local organizations selected because of the importance of the services they provide to disadvantaged or marginalized populations. Additional information is available at stjohnsaustin.org/agm.

Advent Week 2 –
December 5th at 9:00 and 11:00 am
Randy Knighten will share the message, "Instruments of Peace" on Philippians 1:3-11 and Malachi 3:1-4. Our music will be provided by the Chancel Choir.

Advent Week 3 –
December 12th at 9:00 and 11:00 am
The Chancel Choir and the Jones Memorial Handbell Choir will lead us in Lessons and Carols around the theme "Incomparable Joy".

Tidings of Joy Concert and Caroling
December 12th at 12:15 pm
Join us for a new expression of a time-honored tradition. After 11:00 am worship on Sunday, lunch will be provided, and we will enjoy our Tidings of Joy sing-along on the Grace Garden playground. Then, you are invited to Christmas carol with us to church members who are homebound or in care facilities. Please wear a mask, and wear "Christmas-y" accessories! Agape and Youth groups will join in the fun.
Sign up by December 6th to go caroling to our Saint John's community at bit.ly/sjtidings21.

Advent Week 4 –
December 19th at 9:00 and 11:00 am
Hilary Marchbanks will share the message, "Incomprehensible Love" on Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:46-55. The Trinity Singers will offer music focusing on Mary, joyfully anticipating the birth of Jesus.

Youth Christmas party
December 19th at 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
Youth, sixth through twelfth grades, are welcome to join us at Peggy Wilson's home for our annual festivities with dinner, music, and games. We will have a White Elephant gift exchange, so bring a gift of something found in your home or something you purchase for less than $12. For more information, please email shelley@stjohnsaustin.org.

Longest Night
December 21st at 7:00 pm
Gather in person for a grace-filled hour of reflection, prayer, and inspirational readings in a setting of candlelight and quiet music. Music will be provided by guest harpist and cellist. This hour is designed to be a welcome respite for those seeking hope, healing, and inner peace.

Christmas Eve –
December 24th  
Hilary Marchbanks will share the sermon,"The Inn" on Luke 2:1-10. We will celebrate and welcome the Christ child in these worshipful opportunities. Health and safety precautions will be taken.

3:00 pm - Children and Family Service Online
Join us on Saint John’s Facebook page for a brief, pre-recorded, child-friendly worship service. We will be celebrating Christmas through scripture, song, and story.

5:00 pm - Traditional Service In Person
Traditional service with candles and music by the Chancel Choir

7:00 pm - Traditional Service In Person and Livestreamed Online
Traditional service with candles and music by the Chancel Choir

11:00pm - Candlelight Service In Person and Livestreamed Online
Candlelight service with communion, pre-service music begins at 10:45 pm

Christmas Eve Outdoor Nativity 3:30 - 8:30 pm
New this year! Journey through the story of Christmas in our walk-through nativity around the church campus. Come by anytime between 3:30 and 8:30 pm for this self-paced, outdoor experience. You will start at the Youth House and follow the one-block route on your own or with your loved ones. Bring your smartphone to access recordings that will guide you through this telling of the Christmas story.

Sunday after Christmas –
Sunday, December 26th at 11:00 am ONLY In Person and Livestreamed Online
Cina Crisara, Director of Music, will share the origins and traditions of some favorite Christmas carols.
Birthdays This Week

December 2nd: Barbara Fannin, Sandi Harris, Key Vaughn, Gary Moore
December 3rd: Robert Culbertson, Gretchen Ewing, Judy Baskin
December 4th: Shelly Johnson
December 5th: Kate Schoppe, Cathie Schumacher
December 6th: Taylor Hardee
December 7th: Janey Flanagan
December 8th: Elizabeth Shouba, Fin Fullmer, Steve Tenney, Lili Arredondo, Ruth McFarland

You are invited to make gifts to the Endowment Fund throughout the year in celebration of a birthday. To honor your special person, place a check in the specially marked envelopes found in the Gallery or click here to give online.
Saint John's United Methodist Church | 512-452-5737 | stjohnsaustin.org