We had many fine volunteers helping with the St. John's Fridays in December and January: Nicholas Nitch and Mary Jane Schenck as volunteer coordinators for the day; Patrick Whittlesey, Beth Arthur, Mark Powers, and Michael Matthews as drivers; Kari Powers, Maria Howey, Lesley Hanlon, Sally Wiley, Miriam Faircloth, David Kenyon, Daniel Otero, and Kathleen Moore as servers and kitchen crew.

The big news is that the STEM (South Tampa Ecumenical Ministries) Board has moved forward with the purchase of a lot near Cypress and Himes where we plan to build a new Faith Café. The move is required because the current building will no longer be available to us. After nearly a year of searching, it seemed impossible to find a lot with a building that could be zoned for our use. Not many people want a food distribution center for the homeless in their neighborhood, no big surprise.

So the best solution after much work and prayer was the purchase of the lot. Now comes the even bigger task --fundraising for the building. Thus far two generous donors and some matching funds have made the purchase of the land possible and $100,000 toward the building. Estimates are that we need $250,000 more. We hope to get "gifts in-kind" of labor and materials, many have already done pro bono work on this project, but there is a tremendous need for donations.  Think prayerfully whether you can contribute or know someone who could donate something to the construction or outfitting of the building.

Monday through Saturday, over 100 people are being offered a hot lunch and are treated with dignity. This wonderful almost ten-year long ministry can't continue without a place to serve the meals. Spread the Word.

Lenten Dinner Series - February 29, March 7, 14 and 28 

"What Lent Really Means to Us"

The Lenten Dinner Series will begin on Wednesday, February 29, with a group discussion facilitated by Paul Game about what Lent really means to each of us, how we change our behavior and why, and the historical foundation for this practice.   

"Who is Forgiveness For?  What do We Get When We Give it?"

Journey to Adulthood Informational Meeting 2/19/2012

On Saturday, February 4th, almost 100 St. John's Form IX and Form X students participated in the Regional Latin Forum.  Accompanied by Latin teachers  D.J. Holt and Rob Conn, along with several parent chaperones, the students continued the St. John's tradition of excellent performances at various Latin Fora. 

The students swept many of the academic testing categories as well as those of the creative projects.  At the end of the day, St. John's earned the top ranking in the academic, creative and Olympika divisions. Therefore, for the eighth year in a row, St. John's took the first place honors at the Regional Latin Forum.

Sunday, February 12 at 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM at the Youth House by St. John's Middle School. Bible Study will be done in the Lectio Divina format, meaning it's more about conversation than a lecture. Please join if you're interested in learning more about your faith and your God in a casual, small group setting.  Peace - Stef 

Wednesday Covered Dish Dinner and Program  

"A CLOSEUP VIEW OF CHRISTIAN /-MUSLIM CONFRONTATION IN ENGLAND"

 

The Wednesday Night Potluck Bible Study Group will have a guest speaker,. The Rev. Andrew Heyes, rector of St. Clements, Tampa. 

Heyes, a Brit, after attending seminary at Oxford, England became  the rector of a parish in the Manchester, England region when the riots of 2001, based on religious issues, broke out within the area. The Rev. Heyes will share his personal experiences and insights associated with the heated confrontation centered on tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims within the community.

Rev. Heyes was interviewed by the media on this subject last year, during the controversies associated with an Ocala, Florida pastor who intended to burn the Koran publicly.

Please RSVP for our Couple's Karaoke Party at Wings Gone Wild. The cost is $20 per couple.  We had a great time last year.  This is a good opportunity for your spouse to bond with the group.  Feel free to sing or just watch - this is high-brow entertainment at its best.  There will be a shared cost. Contact Lionel at lionel@firsthook.com.