In his Dean's Forum last week, Dr. Scott Brown shared his perspective on historic images of Christ's descent from the cross. His class on Christian art continues at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday in Ingram Lounge.

The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead

In just one week, we will enter the most holy season of the Christian year. This is the week in which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, stayed in Jerusalem to have the Last Supper with his friends, was captured from the Garden of Gethsemane, tortured and died on the cross. It is the week that leads us from Palm Sunday to Easter. It is called Holy Week.

On Sunday April 17, we will begin Holy Week by remembering how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The 9 a.m. service will meet here at the Cathedral and walk to Hemming Plaza. There we will participate in a service with the Methodists, the AME Church, the Salvation Army and St. Phillips Episcopal Church. We will process, with all of our brother and sisters from other churches, through the streets of Jacksonville, to the Cathedral. Our youth minister, Aaron Mayeski, will ride on a donkey, dressed in the clothes that Jesus would have worn. We will wave palm branches and sing. At 10:30, we will process into the church with Palms and read the story of Jesus' passion and crucifixion.

Holy Week is marked by many special services here at the Cathedral. Worship is held on Tuesday night led by the Center for Prayer and Spirituality. On Wednesday night, in lieu of all classes, we will hold a Seder meal, led by a Jewish congregation and Rabbi, in order to understand how Jesus would have eaten the Last Supper. Read more. 

Youth Updates

Say Cheese! There will be a J2A group picture during Sunday school this Sunday April 10th at 10:15am. All students in 9-10th grade are invited! Also, there will be a diocesan youth movie event at Tinseltown this Sunday, April 10th at 4:30 p.m. We will be going to see "Soul Surfer" inspired by a touching true story. The address is: 4535 Southside Boulevard Jax. Youth and leaders from the whole diocese will be coming out so please join us!

Youth voulenteers needed for the Maundy Thursday foot washing service. We need 6-8 youth to help during this special service from 6-8pm April 21st here at the cathedral.

The Palm Cross making youth event and Lunch will on Saturday April 16th here at the cathedral. We will be making traditional Palm Crosses in the cathedral court yard. A lunch and devotional from Canon Lorna will follow in Cummings Chapel. Please watch for updates and information on the St. John's youth group facebook page.

Synergy Update

What is Synergy? Synergy is a young adults ministry college and early career folks who wish to stay connected to faith, fun, and Christian community. Our second meeting will be this Sunday April 10th at 1pm at the Burrito Gallery. The address is: 21 East Adams Street Jax. Interested? Please contact Aaron Mayeski for more info!

Spotlight on Heart2Heart: Prayer Shawl Ministry            

With each loving and caring stitch, the Prayer Shawl Ministry prayers for healing are said as the shawl grows in length. They are then distributed by the clergy to those in nursing homes, hospitals, those confined to their home or alone, anyone going through a trying time, physically or mentally and those in need of a hug. These serve as a reminder that there are people thinking and praying for them and that God loves them. There is always a need for people who like to knit or crochet and we'd love to talk to you about this rewarding Ministry.  Please e-mail Judy Dearing or call her at (904) 259-2137.If you are interested in joining the Prayer Shawl Ministry or any of the H2H Ministries, e-mail Monica MacKenzie or call her at 904-632-9104, ext. 24.

CAP Sunday is this week in Taliaferro Hall  

Enjoy the incredible artwork on display in Taliaferro Hall created by Cathedral Arts Students. Meet CAP staff during coffee hour to learn more about this outreach program begun by St. John's in 1993. Arts education in dance, violin, cello, percussion, chorus, drama, painting and sculpture is provided to more than 1,000 underserved children in Duval County.

Special Church Family photo to be taken on Palm Sunday 

Next Sunday, April 17 at 10:15 a.m., plan on being outside the Great West Doors on Market Street for a giant group photo. Our photographers will be on the roof of the Methodist Church to take a fun family picture for our upcoming pictorial directory.

Cursillo Ultreya will be Sunday at St. Mary's

All are welcome to attend this service at 5 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1924 North Laura Street. Bring a covered dish to share after the service.

Passover Seder Dinner

A traditional Seder dinner will be held on Wednesday evening, April 20 in Taliaferro Hall at 6 p.m. Tickets are being sold this Sunday and on April 17 after each service. This six-course meal with desserts from Israel will be on sale through Monday April 18 at Noon. The cost for the meal is $15, $5 for ages 5-12, free for children under age 5.

St. Mary's Bag-A-Month Club

Anything goes for April. Pick up your grocery bag this Sunday and return it next week to Taliaferro Hall filled with your choice to help our friends at St. Mary's.

Parish Retreat registration deadline  is April 17

Don't miss the annual Parish Family Retreat May 6-8. All details and registration form are in various places around church and on our website. Loads of fun, workshops and free time are built in to this fabulous time for ALL AGES at Camp Weed & The Cerveny Conference Center. Special guest this year will be The Rev. Tim Elliott, jazz pianist, author and sought-after speaker on the topic "CREATIVITY 101: What it means to live a creative life." This is THE most excellent way to bond with our parish family in a casual setting. Registration deadline is PALM SUNDAY, April 17. Questions? E-mail Monica MacKenzie or call her at 904-632-9104, ext. 24.

Help Wanted for Lenten HabiJax project

St. John's Cathedral Ted Kosters is leading St. John's parishioners to assist with exterior repairs in the New Town Success Zone in association with HabiJax. Help is needed on Saturdays in April. Please e-mail Ted Kosters.

Upcoming Date for Baptism

The next date for Baptism is April 24 at the 6 a.m. Easter Vigil. Deadline for signing up is April 17. Contact Monica MacKenzie if you are interested in Baptism on this date or any future dates.

Basic 'A' - Join us any time!

Dean Kate leads this class on Basic Anglicanism for newcomers and as a refresher for lifelong Episcopalians. 5:30 p.m. in Ingram Lounge. This is the class for those who desire confirmation, reception or reaffirmation on Pentecost Sunday, June 12.

Thank you to our Coffee Hour Angels!

Apr. 10 - The Vergers

Apr. 17 - The Vestry

Apr. 24 - Easter Breakfast: Bill Fouraker & Co.

We have open slots for May 8, 15 & 22. Gather your team and BE AN ANGEL!

Final Chance for Photographs

If you were unable to have your portraits made, Lifetouch will be at South Jacksonville Presbyterian April 11-16. Call 904-396-0567. Let them know that you are a St. John's member.

ICARE Assembly to meet Monday at Bethel Baptist

The ICARE Nehemiah Assembly will be Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Institional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist St., Jacksonville.  Come to support ICARE and its ministries. For information contact, Lois Lawence.