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Pastor Lane Announces Plans for Holy Communion
Pastor Lane Announces Plans for Holy Communion
Dear St. John’s family,
I invite you to join us online this Sunday, August 2, as we launch a livestream of our worship service, celebrate Holy Communion together, and share in a Blessing of the Backpacks for the start of a new school year.
Do you remember that line in the Apostles’ Creed that says “I believe in the communion of saints”? This “communion of saints” has become a very real component of our faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. At its core, the “communion of saints” is an affirmation of the empowering, unifying, and healing work of the Holy Spirit among God’s people and throughout creation. It is a reminder that though we cannot be with one another, and we cannot gather in one, physical place, as the “communion of saints” we are together in Spirit.We feel the loss of this fellowship acutely, especially when we want to approach the Lord’s Table. In extraordinary times like these, how will we come to the Table? As is often said: “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.” If each of us is joined to Christ by virtue of our faith and baptism, then we are also joined to one another as the Body of Christ. This is our true communion. Even though we are not physically together, we are truly together because of this union we have with Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
In normal times, when members of our congregation are homebound, we take communion to them. It is a way of extending the Communion table to those unable to gather with us in-person, but who long for this means of experiencing God’s grace. In a way, we are all “homebound” right now. Therefore, during these extraordinary times, we will extend the Communion table to you – our homebound congregation – this Sunday, August 2.
During our worship service, which we will livestream from our Facebook Page and Vimeo channel, we will share in the Great Thanksgiving together. Pastor Deirdre’ and I will lead us through our Communion prayers and rituals. And when it comes time for the Epiclesis – the Prayer asking the Holy Spirit upon us and upon the communion elements, there will be individual Communion Kits upon the altar, which we will consecrate. Then, during our Drive-By Offering, from 11 a.m.-noon, we invite you to come and pick up a Communion Kit so that you, too, can partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
I know it will not be the same as receiving Communion together in the sanctuary. But we offer this unique opportunity for those individuals and families who desire to receive it. I also acknowledge that participating in Communion in this way may not be the desire of everyone. Choice is always part of our faith and our Spiritual practices. Whether you realize it or not, we have been “fasting” from receiving the Sacrament, which we last shared in together at St. John’s on March 8. So, after 20 Sundays, those who desire, will break the fast! Please know that I understand if you prefer to continue “fasting” and awaiting that time in which our gathering around Christ’s Table in person will be deemed safe.
Your choice in this matter is between you and God and will be blessed by God. If you do choose to participate in the Eucharist, please worship with us at 10 a.m. this Sunday and then drive by the church anytime from 11 a.m. to noon to pick up your Communion Kit.
Additionally, we are looking for people to help deliver Communion, to those who are unable to get out on Sunday and who are truly homebound or facility bound. You can pick up kits for delivery on Sunday, as well. If you’re willing to help make some deliveries or would like Communion delivered to you, please contact Pastor Deirdre’ (pastordeirdre@stjohnsbr.org).
Already during this pandemic, we’ve been reminded that the Church is not a building. The Church is the people! And this Sunday, August 2, as we gather around the Lord’s Table, we will be reminded that Communion – whether experienced in the reverence of the sanctuary or partaken out of a plastic cup –is still an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. And ALL are welcome to partake.
As I mentioned earlier, we will be launching our livestream this Sunday, so please pray for the Tech Team and the technology. We are thankful for all these innovative ways of staying connected.
We will also have a Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday for all our students, educators, and folks who work in the school system. We will even have a Backpack Tag for you to come pick up during the Drive By Offering as a reminder of the “Peace of Christ” that goes with you into this new school year.
This Sunday is also Grocery Bag Sunday! If you have donations for The Shepherd’s Market, please bring them by on Sunday, as well. It will be such a joy to see your masked face and smiling eyes!
I love you and miss you! I am so thankful to be a part of the “Communion of Saints” with you here at St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Take care,
Pastor Lane
pastorlane@stjohnsbr.org -
Racial Justice Challenge 2020
Racial Justice Challenge: A 21-Day Commitment to Listen and Learn
This a 21-day journey led toward a greater understanding of the issues underlying racial justice. Together we engaged with a variety of resources (readings, videos, podcasts), bringing open hearts and minds as we reflected, learned, and grew.
Each week, participants received suggested resources to read/listen to/watch on a daily basis, from July 5 through July 26, 2020. There were ongoing opportunities to share thoughts or questions with the group online and via a weekly Zoom meeting. The expected time commitment was approximately 30 – 60 minutes per day. For more information, contact Margaret Sprunger, margaret.sprunger@gmail.com or 225-328-3942
Find Racial Justice Education Resources from Pastor Lane here.
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Resources for Racial Justice Education
Because of the intensity of all that is happening in our society right now, I wanted to reach out with some resources to help support you in processing and reflecting on the brutal killing of George Floyd and the resulting events of this past week. I have been reminded that it’s not enough to be “not racist.” We must become anti-racist, which is one who is actively working to dismantle racist systems and undoing our own biases that help to uphold those systems. For many white people, talking about racism and learning to identify our own privilege can be uncomfortable. Here are just a few resources if you’re not sure where to start.
Don’t know what to say? Feeling overwhelmed? Read up. This is a working document for scaffolding anti-racism resources: https://bit.ly/scaffolded.
Not sure which books to read first? Louisiana United Methodist Bishop, Cynthia Fierro Harvey has encouraged all United Methodists in Louisiana read “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo and “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. Bishop Harvey says of these books: “They will be challenging but transformative. They helped me understand and name my own sin and complicity and continue to do so.”
Some other great book options are: “I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown, “White Supremacy and Me” by Layla F. Saad, and “Between The World and Me” by TaNehisi Coates. Please consider buying these books from local bookstores – such as Cottonwood Books and Cavalier House Books.
It’s not too early to talk about racism with our children and grandchildren. Here is a resource roundup for those who engage with children and youth. We also have some good children’s resources for talking about racism and diversity in our St. John’s Faith Friends Facebook group. We welcome those raising children to join the group.
Make time to watch this conversation with University of Washington professor Dr. Robin DiAngelo, who reads from her book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism,” explains the phenomenon, and discusses how white people can develop their capacity to engage more constructively across race:
For the month of June, the movie “Just Mercy” is available to rent for free across a number of digital platforms. This true story, based on the book by the same name, follows the work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, who defends Walter McMillian, in order to fight a wrongful murder conviction. In February 2019, our pastors preached a sermon series inspired by the book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.”
We are blessed to have programs such as Dialogue on Race Louisiana that offer the opportunity for us to grow and learn together with our peers. Pastor Lane and a number of other St. John’s members have attended the DOR original series and each has found tremendous value in the tools gained from it. If the events of this week have inspired you to take action to become anti-racist, consider signing up for an upcoming series.
Where we put our money can speak just as loud as words. Donate to dialogue, justice groups, and bailout funds to help folks on the ground right now do their work:
Since we’re all about feeding people at St. John’s – both spiritually and physically, support African American-owned restaurants in Baton Rouge the next time you order take out or go out to eat.
In Luke 4:17-18, Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Everywhere he went, Jesus disrupted the status quo. He challenged systems, healed broken lives, and brought good news to those outside the places of power. As Christ’s followers, we are called to carry on his work.
Let’s stay engaged, my friends. Even when our newsfeed shifts, the work of dismantling systemic racism is not over. This is the work of a lifetime and something that will take all of us. Please pray for me as I am certainly praying for you on this journey of repentance, listening, growing, and transforming.
Take care,
Pastor Lane -
St. Mark’s Mission – April 2020
St. John’s continues to feed others spiritually and physically. Volunteers prepared lunches to feed the hungry at our sister church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in New Orleans.
Rev. Larry Norman, Chris Alborado, and Ben and Vickie Syboton traveled to St. Mark’s to deliver the food on Sunday, April 19.
More than 450 “houseless” people were served at the church. A local restaurant provided more than 200 meals. The rest of the meals were distributed to those staying at hotels and boarding houses and others who are camped out under the overpasses.
How not to wear a mask 
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COVID-19 Crosses
As a prelude to Holy Week, we have placed a number of small wooden crosses on the front lawn of the church in memory of those who have died from COVID-19 in our state. We have placed 1,600 crosses on the St. John’s lawn near Highland Road, along with a banner that says, “In Memory…Each cross represents one life lost to COVID-19 in Louisiana.”
The crosses serve as a prayerful, heartfelt witness to our community that our church family recognizes both the collective and individual grief and loss we are experiencing.
Our COVID-19 memorial crosses will remain on our front lawn throughout the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday, May 31. St. John’s will give away the crosses with an event on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.
Photo by Trent Massengale Along with the crosses on the church lawn, St. John’s members have been invited to mirror that witness in their neighborhoods, by placing small wooden crosses in their yards during Holy Week and the Easter season. Though we were unable to observe Holy Week and Easter face-to-face this year, the crosses on our yards connect us to one another during this holy season, as they also connect us to the crosses placed on the church lawn.
The church provided a 3-foot wooden cross for each household, along with fabric drapes in the colors of the season: purple for Lent, black for Good Friday and Saturday, and white for Easter and the days following.
Thanks to the team of carpenters making the crosses including Donnie, Susan, and Tori Lambert; Troy Prevot; Phil Sprunger; Bill Perry; Darren Stubbs; David Dollar and more.
Photos by Trent Massengale
Photos by Rev. Lane Cotton Winn
Photos by Bill Perry In the News
Our COVID-19 crosses have been highlighted in the local news.
The Advocate included a photo package about them.
NBC 33 and FOX 44 ran a news story, as did WBRZ, although it isn’t online.
Panoramic photo from April 23, 2020 – nearly 1,600 crosses Read messages from Pastor Lane about COVID-19 and read our COVID-19 FAQs.
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Zoom Support
Zoom Support
While in-person fellowship is suspended at St. John’s due to COVID-19 and we are all sheltering at home, we encourage you to meet virtually via Zoom, an online meeting platform. Virtual fellowship is still valuable and worth the time and effort to remain connected, especially in this pandemic situation.
The church has purchased a Zoom account, and we have many Zoom meetings scheduled. You can find them on our church calendar here, and a list of meetings is included in Inside St. John’s emails sent Tuesdays and our email newsletter sent on Fridays. Email the appropriate Zoom meeting leader to get the Zoom meeting information — a link, meeting ID number and password, and you can email media@stjohnsbr.org if you don’t know who runs which Zoom meeting.
Once you’ve set up Zoom on your device — a computer, iPhone, iPad or other tablet — it is as easy as clicking a link to join future Zoom meetings.
Getting Started with Zoom
On a computer: When you click your meeting link, it will prompt you to add Zoom to your browser if you don’t already have it – this is totally safe to do. This will take a few minutes, so give yourself some extra time before the meeting to install it. You will only have to do this one time. It may also just automatically ask for your camera and mic access – this is also safe! Once you grant access you will be connected to the meeting. You may have to enter your meeting ID number, which your group leader will also provide.
On a smartphone or tablet: When you click your meeting link, it will prompt you to download the Zoom app if you don’t already have it. (Download Zoom Mobile Apps for iPhone or Android.) Once it’s installed, go back to the link and click it to join the meeting, and it may automatically connect you. Or you can open the Zoom app, click Join Meeting, and enter the meeting ID number and meeting password provided by your group leader.
By phone: Your group leader will provide a phone number to dial in, and when prompted you will enter the provided meeting ID number. It will then ask you to enter your participant ID, followed by #, or just enter #. We do not require a participant ID for our Zoom meetings, so you will just enter #. Zoom now requires a password to enter meetings, so you will enter that as well. Others on the Zoom will be able to hear you, and you can hear them (like a conference call), but you won’t be able to see each other. You can use any type of phone to dial in – house phone, landline, flip phone, or smartphone.
* Tips for Using Zoom *
- We recommend using headphones during the meeting – otherwise, your computer hears your computer playing the sound of the meeting and then sends it out as what it thinks you are saying, creating an echo and sometimes a screech!
- For groups larger than three, we also recommend learning about the Mute button. Zoom tries to pick up all sound going on around you – the dog’s collar jingling, grandkids asking for a pencil sharpener, even the dishwasher starting a new cycle. If there are many people on at once this can get overwhelming. So if you’re not talking, hit the Mute button (usually in the lower left-hand corner of your screen) and it won’t pick up on all that background noise. You can unmute yourself any time (and if Zoom thinks you’re trying to talk, it’ll remind you to unmute yourself first!).
- If you’re calling in by phone, stay on “mute” unless you are speaking. Unmute yourself when you want to say something. Muting will vary phone by phone, but usually, there’s a “mute” button on the keypad or smartphone screen during a call.
- The default screen layout on Zoom is called Speaker – it shows the person who’s talking. It can be more fun to switch to Gallery mode (a set of 3×3 squares usually in the top right-hand corner of the screen) – this shows everyone at once if you’re on a computer (it will look like the Brady Bunch!). From a smartphone or tablet, you’ll likely only see 4 people at once, but there’s an option to scroll to the others on the Zoom.
Troubleshooting:
If clicking the link doesn’t work at first, open Zoom directly and then enter the meeting number and password that way. Also, you can quit the program and start again. When all else fails, restart the entire computer or device!
Here’s an article that may help us as we start gathering as a church on Zoom: Ten Tips for Folks New to Online Meetings.
Take it From Church Leadership – Zoom is Great!
Members of our church leadership met on Saturday, March 21, via Zoom, and it was such a positive experience. Donnie Lambert, Chair of Trustees, was even able to “Zoom” from a canoe! Here is feedback from others who participated:
- Rhonda Tucker, our Lay Leader: “Zoom was easy for me, and I usually hand over the controls of any electronic device to my students! I made it work without any problems. Also I LOVED seeing the faces of those I want to hug and will hug when we can!”
- Richard Damberg, our Church Council Chair: “Zoom was great! Much better than expected. As we get better at it, I’m sure we will find other ways to use this technology.”
- Paul Ivey, Chair of SPRC: “It’s been a first-time experience meeting with church leaders via Zoom. I used my iPhone and was able to cast the meeting onto my smart TV! Quite impressive and not too hard for a tech-challenged guy!”
- Pat Cobb, Lay Delegate to Annual Conference: “As a tech-challenged old lady, I was pleased at how easy it was to get on Zoom, a delightful experience.”
- Margaret Sprunger, Church Council Vice-Chair: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God or from each other. Zoom is a new way to make that real!”
- Gray Sexton, Finance Committee Chair: “Was perfect. I really didn’t understand that was possible! Lambert does it from a boat on the river! Really? Dang!”
- Bobbi Marino, Lay Delegate to Annual Conference; “Social distancing is necessary. Spiritual distancing is not! Keeping together via Zoom — priceless!”
- Mari Walker, communications: “Our first Zoom went so well, and I feel physically better from having seen those faces and hearing those voices. Looking forward to connecting virtually with more of our St. John’s family!”
If you experience problems and want help troubleshooting, please reach out to Mari Walker via media@stjohnsbr.org and she will be more than happy to get you connected to our virtual fellowship opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19
When will in-person worship resume in the sanctuary?
We resumed in-person worship in the sanctuary on Sunday, January 3, 2021. We continue to offer worship online for those who are not yet able to attend in-person, those who are traveling, and to reach guests. Worship services are held at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Will we have to wear a mask?
As of June 1, masks are no longer required.
Will I have to be screened to come into worship?
We will not be taking temperatures at the door. We do ask that you “self-screen” for potential COVID-19 symptoms like: fever, shortness of breath, new or worsening cough, sudden loss of taste and/or smell. If you have any of those symptoms, please stay home and worship with us online. Additionally, if you have been traveling or have expanded your “social bubble” recently, worshiping online is advised.
What specific safety measures will be taken to protect everyone?
- Social distancing will be practiced
- Hand sanitizer will be available
- Everyone will enter the sanctuary via the Narthex
- Ushers will direct seating
- Social distancing applies not only to entering but also exiting, so, at the conclusion of the service, we will dismiss in an orderly way. We will ask that you please stay at your seats until being dismissed.
What about Coffee Time?
Coffee Time resumed June 1
What will worship be like?
We will hear the Word, pray together, and be invited to reflect during solos and instrumental music. The Praise Team will lead music at the 8:30 a.m. service. The organ will be played at the 11:00 a.m. service.
However, worship will feel and look differently than before.
- Ushers will direct seating of worshipers according to social distancing guidelines. Worshipers are asked to remain seated in order to facilitate seating all congregants.
- Starting May 2 we resumed congregational singing
- While we will continue to offer a Children’s Moment, and starting June 1 children were invited to resume coming to the altar to participate in the Children’s Moment
- Starting May 2, hymnals and pew Bibles will be available.
- Ushers will direct congregants at the appropriate times.
These procedures will be evaluated regularly and adjusted based on the research and guidelines from health experts. We will return to more normal worship practices as soon as it is safe to do so.
How will we register attendance?
For those who feel comfortable with in-person worship, we are asking you to bring your phone to church! No, we don’t want you texting or playing games, we want you to be able to register your attendance. With your phone, you will scan a QR code found at your pew, which will take you to a brief online form. We ask that you complete this registration form each time you attend in-person, as this helps with contact-tracing.
If you do not have a smartphone, please let a greeter know when you enter the narthex; they will write down your name, email and/or a cell number for contact tracing purposes. Below, please find detailed instructions for our new contactless registration process, utilizing QR codes. (The QR codes will be posted within the pews.)
With iPhones:
- Please open the camera on your phone. You DO NOT have to take a picture of the QR code.
- Hover over the QR code. Once your phone has “captured” the code, a banner or icon will appear at the top of the screen.
- Please click on the banner/icon. You will be directed to a form to complete.
- If you are not redirected to a form, please attempt to rescan the code.
With Android phones:
- Open your Camera app and point it steadily for 2-3 seconds towards the QR code.
- Whenever scanning is enabled, a notification will appear.
- If nothing happens, you may have to go to your Settings app and enable QR Code scanning.
- If QR Codes isn’t an option in your settings, your device unfortunately can’t scan QR Codes natively. You will have to download a third-party QR Code reader app.
- Android users can read this article to discover the best way to scan QR codes on your specific android phone.
What about Nursery Care?
The nursery was re-opened in June and is available for children ages 0-4.
What will be open at the church on Sundays?
We will close portions of our campus in an effort to keep rooms sanitary.
What about Restrooms?
The only available restrooms will be those in the narthex. We ask that you do not congregate in the Narthex before or after service.
What about Sunday School Classes and Small Groups?
Protocols for small group gatherings have significantly changed as of March 2021. If every member of your small group has been fully vaccinated, masks and social distancing are no longer required when in your meeting room. If members of a small group in which not all participants are fully vaccinated, and the group comes to a unanimous consensus, everyone in attendance feels comfortable removing their masks then you are free to do so.
Cleaning protocols for rooms are no longer required. We ask that you continue to be courteous by placing trash in the appropriate containers and leaving your meeting room in the same or better condition than when your group arrived.
Cleaning protocols for restrooms are no longer required. Baskets with gloves, wipes, and lysol will be available for anyone who would like to utilize them.
Our custodian will sanitize meeting spaces and restrooms as they are used throughout the week.
If your small group plans to meet on campus, please contact the church office so we can add it to the calendar. Knowing what spaces are being utilized is important for a number of reasons, including ensuring proper sanitation.
Some adult classes and small groups continue to meet online. The operation of The Shepherd’s Market will not be altered for small groups.
Updated April 29, 2021
These procedures will be evaluated regularly and adjusted based on the research and guidelines from health experts. We will return to more normal worship practices as soon as it is safe to do so.
What about Children & Youth?
Children’s ministry continues to focus on online engagement and some in-person experiences during our Summer of Kindness. Our Youth ministry is doing a hybrid approach with both in-person and online opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship.
For those of you raising children at home, we invite you to join the Faith Friends Facebook Group. This group provides tools, ideas and helpful hints on how to share meaningful and faith-filled experiences with your family. Join us as we share resources for keeping the faith and making it through homeschooling and long days of isolation.
We have scheduled other Zoom gatherings for both Children & Families as well as Youth so our younger disciples can stay connected, too. Check our Church Calendar and your email for details.
How will the church office operate?
As of May 1, the church office has resumed regular office hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Some of our employees will continue to work from home.
- All visitors must remain at least 6 feet from staff persons and others while on campus
- Staff members will adhere to proper social-distancing and sanitation guidelines while working.
What about funerals & weddings?
All weddings and funerals will be held at the discretion of the pastor and in strict adherence of State Guidelines. Please contact the church office or a pastor for more information.
How do I participate in online worship?
Online worship at St. John’s is livestreamed Sunday mornings across our channels: Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube and our website. Many members regularly worship together on Facebook Live, connecting via the chat feature, and others have success watching on smart TVs using the YouTube app. As always, you can find our sermon videos on our website and Vimeo. Troubleshooting help is available by emailing media@stjohnsbr.org.
What about The Shepherd’s Market?
Due to very high demand from our neighbors, and at the request of the Baton Rouge Food Bank, The Shepherd’s Market will be operating on a limited basis on Tuesday and Thursday each week from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Distribution continues to be done by drive-thru method. Please contact Theresa Sandifer (text or call: 225-337-1306 or email: shepherdsmarket@gmail.com) if you would like to volunteer.
Can I still contribute to St. John’s?
Yes please, and thank you! Please maintain your regular tithing and giving, and if you’re able, consider giving more to help offset those who can’t during these uncertain times. You can mail your contribution to St. John’s UMC (230 Renee Drive; Baton Rouge, LA 70810). Or contribute online with credit/debit cards or your bank account info by clicking here. Now would be a great time for you to set up recurring online giving. We also have a secure black box outside the church office where you can drop off donations at any time.
Where can I find updates?
We will be regularly communicating with you through our Facebook page, Inside St. John’s, which is sent on Tuesdays, and Friday newsletter emails, text blasts, and our website.
COVID-19 Crosses at St. John’s
As a prelude to Holy Week 2020, we placed a number of small wooden crosses on the front lawn of the church in memory of those who have died from COVID-19 in our state. For every life lost to this coronavirus, we placed a cross on the St. John’s lawn near Highland Road, along with a banner that says, “In Memory…Each cross represents one life lost to COVID-19 in Louisiana.”
The crosses serve as a prayerful, heartfelt witness to our community that our church family recognizes both the collective and individual grief and loss we are experiencing. Read more about the project and see additional pictures here.
St. John’s gave away the COVID-19 Memorial Crosses to the public at an event on May 30 and May 31.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have general questions, you can call the church office (225-766-4594) and leave a voicemail. We will check it regularly, and the appropriate staff member will return your call.
If you have questions about communications, please contact Lynn Cooper. This includes: “I’m not receiving Inside St. John’s/the Friday newsletter but I would like to,” and more.
If you would like to set up a Zoom meeting for a church small group, email media@stjohnsbr.org to schedule.
If you need help with finances, please contact LeAnn Davis.
If you’d like to talk with your pastor or ask for prayer, contact Pastor Lane.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with more questions. You are not the only person with that question, and we will update this FAQ with new answers as we go.
Read Pastor Lane and the COVID-19 Task Force’s COVID-19 related messages here.
