Honor your loved ones by helping those less fortunate -- at Alternative Gift Market

"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."  Matthew 25:40

Are you still trying to figure out what to give those few folks on your Christmas list who have everything they need?   If so, consider a unique gift that not only honors them, but shares God's grace with those who don't have everything they need.  Following are some great Christmas gift ideas for your consideration:

Heifer International stops the cycle of hunger and poverty around the world (including the United States) by providing sustainable livestock, seeds and training to families. In exchange for this gift, the family promises to give one of its livestock's offspring and training to another family in need. Many St. John's parishioners have made it an annual tradition to purchase a goat or flock of chicks as a Christmas gift for a loved one.

Bead for life is a program in Uganda where women are taught marketable skills and crafts to become self-sustaining members of their society. We see one aspect of the program with their beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Individual beads made from colorful recycled paper are turned into amazing earrings, bracelets and necklaces. 100% of the cost goes directly to the program.

Krochet Kids International works with women of Northern Uganda providing assets, skills and knowledge to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. The women are assisted with planning a unique and sustainable career path so they are not dependant on outside aid. 100% of the sales of their beautiful hats and scarves are dedicated for this program.

Lastly, a few days ago, we received a plea from Padre Roberto Armas, rector of Iglesias San Marcos, our sister parish in Guatemala and home of Los Ancianos Senior Center. Many of the seniors who come to the church daily for a hot meal (for some, their only hot meal of the day), bible study and social time are struggling in their unheated shelters.   "May I use some of the Los Ancianos money to buy blankets for 40 of our elders?" he asked in his e-mail. Due to the dedicated generosity of a small group of Los Ancianos sponsors, we were able to accommodate his request.  Within 24 hours, blankets were distributed to these seniors. However, this emergency withdrawal substantially depleted the project's funds.  Consider making a donation in honor of a loved one or give a gift all year long by becoming a monthly sponsor.

$20 is all it takes to feed one senior for an entire month.

Please prayerfully and seriously consider the opportunity to support these programs.  For the next two Sundays during coffee hour following the 10:30 a.m. service, volunteers will be available to answer any questions you have and accept your donations in exchange for special gifts and gift cards.   Many thanks to our gift market representatives: Michelle & Alexa Cronin,, Barbara Vorpe,, Wendy Campbell, , Jan Miller and Margaret Turk. 

Monica MacKenzie

Columnist Jessie-Lynne Kerr will speak at

Jessie-Lynne Kerr

Advent Gathering of Hope & Light this Sunday at 4 p.m.

The Center for Prayer & Spirituality at St.

John's Cathedral invites our diocesan community and  the broader Jacksonville community to join us for an Advent Gathering of Hope & Light on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. Jessie-Lynne Kerr of the Florida Times-Union, who has written inspirationally of her experiences as a cancer patients, will be featured presenter. We invite you to invite friends and family to share in this uplifting service as part of your Advent observance. Read more.

Celebrate our Advent tradition of 'Las Posadas' Dec. 15

Enjoy holiday music with Tony & Bob on Dec. 19

Come enjoy the relaxing holiday sounds of Tony Steve (vibes) and Bob Moore (piano) in the casual setting of Taliaferro Hall. Bring the whole family and an appetizer to share and we'll provide the beverages. This fun event has become a must-do holiday tradition for many. Come see (and hear) why!

Saturday ICS classes: Fellowship, fun, wisdom & lunch!

Our Institute for Christian Studies announces its winter line-up of courses, beginning Jan. 8, 2011. Study the Gospel of John, learn to resolve conflict in church, make colorful liturgical banners and more! Check out course offerings and sign up online!

Dean's Forum features Doug Walker of Episcopal High

This week's Dean's Forum will feature a presentation on Episcopal High school by Doug Walker. The forum meets at 9 a.m. Sunday in Taliaferro Hall. On Dec. 19, JuCoby Pittman-Peele will share information about the Clara White Mission, rounding out our series on key city ministries with ties to the cathedral. A new series, "The Genius of Anglicanism," will run Jan. 9-March 6, 2011. 

Center for Prayer & Spirituality offers course on St. John
Poet, prisoner, reformer, mystic, spiritual director, and academic theologian, the 16th century Spanish Carmelite St. John of the Cross offers us an unprecedented understanding of the dark and harrowing places God may lead the soul who is willing to follow. Yet St. John insists that within the purgative Dark Night the soul undergoes a unification with the God Who is Love. Join us as we explore with St. John the paradox of how the Beloved is transformed in the Lover by following God into a darkness where we find nothing. This class will be part of our Wednesday night Christian Formation line-up from Jan. 12-Feb. 9, and will be led by Patrick Finn-Schultz, a graduate of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley with a masters in Theology. Patrick works with the homeless and the incarcerated in Jacksonville. Wednesday classes begin at 6:30 p.m.

Cathedral School seeks to hire preschool teachers

The Cathedral School is currently seeking qualified, experienced preschool teachers for both part and full time positions.  Applicants must have early childhood experience and have completed required DCF classes.  National CDA or degree preferred for full time positions.  Flexible hours for part time positions.  Health insurance provided at no cost to full time employees.  Additional benefits for full time employees includes paid vacation time, paid holidays and reduced costs  for dental insurance.  Interested applicants should send resumes to Marlo Hunt or call with any questions at (904) 353-4050.

Please note: Our designated smoking area is Cathedral Park, facing Church Street. Please refrain from smoking in other areas in and around the cathedral. Thank you!