"But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

~Luke 10:33-37

Burnet Middle School Initiative

Saint John's Risk-Taking Mission and Service (RTMS) Committee continues its partnership with Austin Voices for Education and Youth (AVEY) to support the Burnet Middle School community during an important time of transition as the State of Texas looks to close it and other campuses. Through this partnership, we hope to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and the broader Burnet community while learning how our congregation can become more involved in learning about, understanding, and supporting the Burnet community through the sharing of our time, talents, and treasures. This initiative is multi-faceted: through social events like last month's Dieciséis Fiesta, community outreach like this month's HopeFest (see below for ways you can be involved), tutoring opportunities for Burnet MS students, and more, your involvement has the potential to make an impact.

While reflecting on the importance of this initiative, it occurs to me just how closely the objectives align with the values of Saint John's that are stated each Sunday during the welcome to worship. These values speak not only to what is important to our church community, but also to the community we hope to build beyond the walls of Saint John's:

• Connection: In this place and beyond this place
• Inclusion: All persons are welcome, just as they are
• Openness: Knowing that we can and will be changed
• Mission: Showing mercy, solving immediate needs
• Justice: Systemic reform

A well-known political scientist, Robert Putnam, defines community as reciprocity. "The idea is that one person does something for another, without knowing if or when the favor will be returned." Community is built through the knowledge that, when help is needed, people in the community will be there to provide it. Community is about expressing empathy for one another and, within the context of Saint John's involvement in the Burnet Initiative, this means that we see and feel the pain our fellow neighbors are experiencing and we act to relieve that pain. 

In the parable Jesus tells of the Good Samaritan, we see someone who teaches by example to love and care for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. I invite you all to join us in carrying this example forward in our work to support the Burnet community.