The Bridge
October 8, 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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Everyone is invited to celebrate with Roxanne Cobos and her family Sunday after the 1:00pm service.
Roxanne is 15!
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ST. JOHN’S GATHERING POLICY:
St. John’s requires masks and social distancing
for all indoor worship services and gatherings.
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Austin Public Health is encouraging everyone to wear a mask and stay at home as much as possible. With that in mind, if you are not vaccinated or you are at high-risk because of medical issues, we encourage you to come to the 10:30 service via Zoom. The Zoom link is also provided further down below.
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Sunday 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. Santa Eucaristía, Rito II (en persona)
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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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The Waiting Room is enabled for this event and is monitored by the Host of the day.
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Please note: In order to minimize background noise, everyone except those people who have an active role in the service will be muted. You are invited to put personal prayer requests into the "Chat" to be read at the appropriate time during the Prayers of the People.
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The video recording of the 10:30 a.m. English 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).
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Virtual Coffee and Fellowship
Our virtual coffee "hour" provides a time to greet those who do not feel comfortable attending in person. Stay on Zoom when the service ends or click on this button to say hello:
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2021 Stewardship Campaign |
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Scott Hiers -
Stewardship Testimony at 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist on October 3 - click on image to hear the talk.
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Jessica Glasebrook - Stewardship Testimony at 1:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist on October 3 - click on image to hear the talk. |
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Our stewardship journeys are as varied as all discipleship journeys. Mike Davis shares his perspective on stewardship: |
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"I hate talks about stewardship. That’s because they always make me feel uneasy.
I think it is because I’m anxious about money--my money.
- Will I have enough?
- Am I giving all that I could?
- Is St. John going to collapse if I don’t pledge a huge amount?
- Is it all up to me?
Well, so far as I can tell, Jesus himself didn’t propose big giving campaigns.
But then there is the equally strong implication that we should live in the world and work to make God manifest by our actions.
- Can’t do that if I’m destitute.
So here is where I come down:
- More than anything else, it is important to give to a group effort in which the object of the effort is spiritual. Don’t exactly know what spiritual means.
- And that contribution should not be satisfied merely by writing a check although that is certainly important. Try Sunday worship in August without air conditioning.
It helps for me to look at the money as my sacrifice up there on the altar. But the other things count too. If I just gave money, it wouldn’t mean much to me. But if I give only time there wouldn’t be a building and a staff.
Everybody’s circumstances are different. In the past I gave less money and performed no jobs at the church. Now with the kids grown and the house paid off I can devote significant time and contribute more freely to the church.
But I never actually like stewardship talks - even this one."
Mike Davis
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“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
-John Wesley
These good words remind us that we can do so much with our lives, with our gifts and with our time. Where do you see a need that you can supply with your time, talent and treasure? How does answering the needs of our St. John’s community with generosity help you grow in your life as a Christian? How does being a good steward of your income express your faith? Consider these words and these questions as you pray about your pledge this year.
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St. John's Notices and Activities |
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Bill and Delilah
Sandra and Samara
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St. John's Library
Many thanks to Fr. David Beer for his dedication to putting our church library into good form. He has gone through numerous books, sorting and categorizing and, yes, reading. This was a labor of love which didn't seem to be too arduous!
Didn't know we have a library? Wander through the hallway in the Parish Hall sometime and check it out!
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And for a few weeks, we will have a cart for you to peruse - if there is a book on the cart which is calling your name, please give it a home. |
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Installation of a New Rector
Saturday, October 16, 10:30 a.m.
St. John's Episcopal Church
The long anticipated formal installation of Mthr. Minerva as our "new" Rector will be a joyous occasion which you don't want to miss!
The Rt. Reverend Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas, will preside at the installation service. The service will also be broadcast via Zoom. We will have a reception outside after the service.
The Installation service will be hybrid: in-person and Zoom. There will be no "waiting room", but the passcode will be required to sign in. All participants will be muted to minimize background noise. Only those with an active role will be unmuted.
If you are not yet comfortable being in church, if you are high-risk for any reason, or if you have not been vaccinated, we suggest that you attend this celebration via Zoom:
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Meeting ID: 861 8255 0224
Passcode: 265164
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 861 8255 0224
Passcode: 265164
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There will be limited seating in the church, and we are requesting registration for this service. Please use this link to make your reservation if you plan to attend in person: |
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Parish Wide Meeting - October 17 at 11:45 a.m.
The vestry and the diocese have approved the proposed new bylaws for St. John's. Due to technicalities, the vote on the proposed Bylaws has been postponed to Sunday, October 17, 11:45 a.m. At this meeting the congregation will vote on the proposed new bylaws.
To participate in this meeting join us on Zoom here: Parish Meeting. We have scheduled the meeting at 11:45 a.m. so people will have enough time to get home if they are worshiping in person. You may also participate by coming to the Parish Hall after the 10:30 a.m. service.
Those who are already on Zoom for worship and coffee hour can just stay on the same Zoom meeting.
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We are wrapping up the Stewardship Campaign with a Talent Show!
October 24, 4:00pm
Join the St. John's Talent Show via Zoom! We will highlight our talents as part of our emphasis on stewardship this October. You can share a song, a poem or reading, a speech, demonstration of a craft, or something else of your choosing.
What is your special talent? We would love to know! Participants of all ages are welcome.
Mark your calendars now and watch for the Zoom link closer to the date.
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Donations for Afghan Refugees: We learned from RST that the immediate need is for VISA cards, hotel cards, and financial donations. For the moment, there are two ways to make a financial donation:
1) Write a check or make an online donation to St. John’s and designate “Afghan Refugees”
2) Use this link to the Refugee Services of Texas - Austin web page: Refugee Services of Texas, click on “Amazon Wishlist” and select the appropriate VISA card amount. For your convenience, click here to go directly to the wish list: RST Wishlist
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Christian Formation at St. John's |
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Lectionary Bible Study - Zoom
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
All are invited to join our study of the assigned lectionary for the following Sunday.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study - Hybrid
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. - Hybrid
To participate in person, join us at 9:55am in the Parish Hall. To participate virtually, enter Zoom meeting number 821 5253 7149 in the Zoom app or click this button to enter the waiting room for the meeting:
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St. John's Gathering Policy:
- Masks are required for all indoor gatherings.
- No food or drink in the buildings.
- No masks if you are at home zooming!
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(please refer to our website www.austinstjohns.org or to the Christian Formation email sent every Tuesday for more information and links)
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Wednesday Morning Grounds Keepers
The Grounds Keepers and Weed Warriors welcome the cooler weather and shorter days which signal an end to the hard work of summer. However, there are projects to be done all year, and your participation would be very welcome! They start about 8:00 a.m. and finish about noon.
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If you have questions about this ministry, please contact Hal Hughes.
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Labyrinth Community Garden
As the Garden prepares to rest, work is still being done to prepare for the next season. If you haven't taken a look at all the improvements over the past couple of years, you are in for a pleasant surprise.
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If you are interested in obtaining a bed for you and your family, please contact Patty Arnold.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Texas |
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Diocese of Texas Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month. It runs thru October 15. For those of you unfamiliar with Hispanic Heritage Month, it is a time when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture. Hispanic Heritage Week was initially approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
click the button to see more from The Episcopal Diocese of Texas:
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Episcopal Church Foundation
Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month
Dear Friends,
This month we continue celebrating leaders among us who are engaged in creative and innovative work though the Latino/Hispanic ministries in the Episcopal Church. These stories highlight their love for family, community and art in inspirational ways, lifting up new ways to be a vibrant, diverse family of God’s children.
Faithfully,
Charis Bhagianathan
Editor, ECF Vital Practices
click the button to see what Episcopal Church Foundation has to offer:
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COVID-19 Related Information |
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Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 4
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.
Gathering Is Discouraged
Cases and hospitalizations continue to increase in Travis County as new variants, such as the Delta variant, spread throughout the community. During Stage 4, vaccinated people should take precautions at private indoor and outdoor gatherings, and while shopping or dining and traveling. For partially vaccinated and unvaccinated people, private indoor gatherings are not recommended at all, with or without masks, and dining is recommended to be takeaway or curbside; shop and travel only if essential.
As we obtain more information about the variants, we will update the recommendations.
Full recommendations and to see the new Risk-Based Guidelines charts regarding actions for vaccinated and unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals please visit the City of Austin COVID-19 website.
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COVID-19 Testing
Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider.
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Community Notices and Activities |
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Central Texas Interfaith and St. John's Episcopal Church urge you to vote in the coming elections this fall. Across the State Texans will vote on eight constitutional amendments. Your vote is your voice in determining what laws govern us. In addition, City of Austin residents will vote on a ballot proposition which impacts the city budget. St. John's will be a voting site on November 2, 2021. Watch The Bridge for more information.
Early voting will begin on October 18. We urge all voters to examine the issues on the ballot and make plans to cast your ballot. Your vote is your voice.
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For Prayer and Pastoral Care |
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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.
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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.
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Ms. Paula Foy, Senior Warden
Mr. Hal Hughes, Junior Warden
Ms. Sandra Welles, Treasurer
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Class of 2022
Ms. Paula Foy
Mr. Hal Hughes
Sra. Rosalinda Rodriguez
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Class of 2023
Ms. Jessica Glasebrook, Clerk
Mr. Steve Kriechbaum
Ms. Sandra Welles
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Class of 2024
Ms. Maria Caballero
Sr. Alfonso Hernandez
Ms. Sandra Ward
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The Rev. Minerva Camarena Skeith, Rector
The Rev. Victoria Mason, Deacon
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Ms. Fay Jones, Director of Communications
Mr. Philip Riley, Choirmaster and Organist
Sr. Alfonso Hernandez, Spanish Music
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for other ways to make a donation.
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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.
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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
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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
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The Parish Office is open Tuesday through Friday
from 10am - 12Noon.
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For more information about St. John’s Episcopal Church, please visit our website at www.austinstjohns.org
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