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The Bridge
June 17, 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.
Dear Members and Friends of St. John’s,

This will be my last edition of The Bridge; after 13 years, I am retiring from St. John’s. Our journey together has been an exciting one, lasting through Fr. Al, Fr. Matt, Rev. Ann, and now Mother Minerva. Each rector has been very different, and I have worn very different hats while serving under their leadership. Through all the changes, the support of the people of St. John’s has been a constant.

I will continue to worship with you, and will continue to serve St. John’s as Verger, Reader, Acolyte, and Eucharistic Minister.
Thank you each and every one for your friendship and support!

Fay
Worship at St. John's
Sunday Services - June 19
Juneteenth
8:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I
11:00 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 11:00 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
Our Sunday morning worship and education schedule:

  • 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)
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS!

We’re honoring and celebrating the contributions of African Americans in our history! The Racial Justice Team invites you to participate in the activities that are planned for June.

  • West Austin Driving Tour, Neill-Cochran House Museum on June 18
SEE-LEARN-EXPERIENCE
Celebrate FREEDOM with us as we take a driving tour, presented by the Neill-Cochran House Museum, to understand the history of our city and the important contributions Black Austinites have made to Austin’s development. Through the magic of QR codes and smart phones, we will view pre-recorded videos at site specific locations in the Wheatville, Pease Park, and Clarksville neighborhoods. The tour shares the impact of the segregationist 1928 City Plan, which shaped the racial divide as well as the urban landscape that Austinites continue to overcome today.
Saturday June 18 at 10 a.m. - meet at St. John’s Parish Hall and we’ll caravan to the museum first and then to the designated sites together.

  • Movie and Popcorn Night on Wednesday, June 22 – “My Name is Pauli Murray”
  • Pauli Murray Feast Day celebration and Scholarship donations on Sunday, June 26
G. W. Carver Museum Trip
As part of our Juneteenth celebration, a group of St. John’s members and a few guests enjoyed a wonderful day on Friday at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in East Austin.

As some may know, George Washington Carver was a great inventor, agricultural scientist, and botanist. He is recognized as one of the most important scientists of the twentieth century. Here are couple of quotes from Mr. Carver:
"Education is the golden key to freedom".
"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only tune in".

The Carver Museum and Cultural Center provides a wonderful, stunning space to explore the contributions of African Americans. In addition to permanent exhibits about East Austin, there are rotating installations which highlight African American artists. During this trip, we viewed photographer Jamel Shabazz's exhibit, and learned about George Clinton (musician and painter).

Laurie Williams' comments about the trip: ...."Our tour guide, Cathy, was charming and informative. The museum is beautifully organized. It rotates exhibits to keep you going back to find out what else you can learn."

PEW CHOIR UNITE!


The St. John’s Choir invites the congregation to join them for a potluck supper on Thursday, June 23, at 6:00 PM, in the Narthex.

After we eat, the fun will continue with our Annual Hymn Sing. Philip will play favorite hymns, old and new, and will maybe even take requests! It is a time for the pew choir to really sing out! All are welcome!
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. We have several "new" dishes remaining in the kitchen. Please take your dishes home with you to prevent the possibility of their being broken or misplaced.

Another note: Please mark any food left in the refrigerators. If you have placed food in the refrigerators, please remove any remains the following week. We in the office appreciate your kindness; however, we can't always consume everything, especially if we don't know what it is or whether it is being "saved" for some future event.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Wednesday Special Series - In-Person & Zoom
7:00 p.m.

We will conclude our special offerings on June 22 with a movie night and watch My Name is Pauli Murray.
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: 886 3246 7047
Passcode: 980365
Please Note:
this is a new Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode
Cornerstone Literary Circle - Zoom
5:30 p.m.

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
Sunday Morning Bible Study

Sunday Christian Formation classes will be a study of the lectionary readings for the day, led by our clergy.
Readings for The Second Sunday after Pentecost:


Download this page as a Word Document
Meeting ID: 840 2173 3267
Passcode: 295084
(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

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.
Our Greater Community
Austin-Travis County's COVID-19 Community Level is currently low.

The new risk-based guidelines set out three Community Levels of risk, from the lowest threat, low, through the most serious, high, along with recommended behaviors for each level.

Regardless of vaccination status or level, individuals need to continue to follow the additional requirements of local businesses, venues and schools.

Recommendations for people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines: 
  • Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping.  
  • Medium: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping. Mask when social distancing is not possible.  
  • High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping.  

Recommendations for people who are at risk:  
  • Get up to date with your vaccines as soon as possible.
  • Low: Masking optional when gathering, dining and shopping.  
  • Medium: Indoor masking when gathering, dining and shopping.  
  • High: Indoor masking regardless of vaccination/risk status when gathering, dining and shopping. 

At all levels wearing a well-fitting mask, and practicing social distancing are supported by APH as additional layers of protection to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  

Even at low levels, people can wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by their level of risk. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. 
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.
A Prayer for Uvalde

O God our Father, whose beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them: Give us grace to entrust your beloved children of Uvalde to your everlasting care and love, and bring them fully into your heavenly kingdom. Pour out your grace and loving-kindness on all who grieve; surround them with your love; and restore their trust in your goodness. We lift up to you our weary, wounded souls and ask you to send your Holy Spirit to take away the anger and violence that infects our hearts, and make us instruments of your peace and children of the light. In the Name of Christ who is our hope, we pray. Amen.
The Rt. Rev. David M. Reed, Bishop of West Texas

A Prayer for Those Who Grieve in Uvalde

May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, empower us through your Holy Spirit to be witnesses of your love, compassion and forgiveness in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting. We pray that your Holy Spirit will lead those who minister to the grieving and suffering families of the nineteen children and two teachers who died.
Give us, O Lord, the courage to walk through the valley of the shadow of death as we mourn this horrific tragedy. Guide us to to respond according to your will, even as to be Christ’s light to this broken and sinful world. All this we plead through Jesus Christ our Lord who died to set this world free. Amen.
‍The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr., Assistant Bishop of West Texas
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
beginning June 12, 2022
8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:45 a.m. Adult Christian Formation
(in-person & Zoom)
11:00 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