January 16, 2013 Issue 

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 If you are having a baby, wish to add someone to the prayer list, or have any other pastoral concerns or celebrations, please let us know at
 
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Evangelism
: Evangelism is sharing the Good News of God in Christ by word and example, inviting others to become part of the Christian community, and welcoming all people into a loving Christian fellowship.







Calendar for the Week Ahead
Wed, January 16
Thu, January 17
Fri, January 18
Sun, January 20
Mon, January 21
Tue, January 22
Quick Links
Visit Our Website

Visit the St. John's School Website

Visit the Diocese of Southwest Florida's Website

News

Parish Offices Closed: Monday, January 21 

The parish offices will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  They will reopen for regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, January 22.
Join Us in Welcoming Rebecca McKenzie, Our New Parish Office Manager

Rebecca is a graduate of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a major in ballet. She moved to the Tampa area with her husband, Mike, in 1983. After teaching fitness and exercise classes for many years, she transitioned into the corporate market, working in insurance and accounting. She left the workforce for four years to raise her triplets to school age, then returned to work. Her passions are spending time with her family, reading, listening to music, and practicing yoga.

 

We are glad to have her aboard!  You can contact Rebecca at rmckenzie@stjohnstampa.org, or at 259.1570. 

Vestry Nominees Announced
On Thursday, December 20, the nominees for new members of the vestry of St. John's Church were announced.  They are:


Please click here to go to the parish website where you may view each candidate's biography. 

Elections will take place during our annual meeting on Sunday, January 20, 2013, which follows a combined service at 10:00 a.m.  Lunch will be provided.  Please join us for this important event!
Confirmation 2013

Classes for youth and for adults leading to Confirmation in the Episcopal Church will begin on Sunday, February 3, for adults and young people who are in at least the sixth grade. These classes offer instruction in the traditions, history, theology, and worship practices of the Episcopal Church.  There are separate classes for youth (taught by Father Chip Connelly, Mother Stephanie Taylor, and Leland T. Baldwin, Director of Christian Education) and for adults (taught by Father Doug Remer).  Click here for a full schedule of Confirmation classes for youthClick here for the adult inquirers schedule of classes. 

 

Confirmation by the Right Reverend Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of Southwest Florida, will be on Sunday, May 19, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a reception in Rudisill Parish Hall.  These classes will be conducted during our Christian Formation hour from 10:15 until 11:00 a.m. Adults meet in the Lowry Room, and youth meet in Discovery House.  Parents should plan to attend the first youth class on February 3 with their child. 

 

If you are interested in being confirmed, please contact the parish offices to enroll via e-mail at parish@stjohnstampa.org, or by telephone at 259.1570.  If you have any questions about youth confirmation, please feel free to be in touch with Father Connelly or Ms. Baldwin.  Adult inquirers can contact Father Remer

A Note from our Curate, Mother Stefanie Taylor 

Dear Friends:

I have missed you and the work of the church so much since the birth of my son!  Life has been very full and exciting since November 29th as well!  I felt like the night I had Mattis lasted for 2 weeks as he didn't sleep at all during that time.  I thought I would go insane and it was very difficult/impossible to keep up a disciplined prayer life.  Just when I thought I wouldn't make it, my mom read a note to me that reminded me that God knows when I struggle and he promises never to leave me alone-more than that, he promises to give rest when it is needed most. That night, Mattis slept for 5 hours and I felt like a whole new person. Shortly afterward, Arthur and I packed up our tiny Kia and drove 13 hours to Asheville, NC. The trip wasn't too bad despite having to stop every 2 hours to nurse the baby-he actually slept the whole way! 

 

Once in Asheville, Mattis attended his first church service-the ordination of my long-time and great friend, Elizabeth Tester.  My father-in-law presided over the service and when Mattis went to the communion rail for his first blessing, it was his grandfather who made the sign of the cross and kissed him on his head-it was enough to make my heart swell with love and the feeling of being near to God.  The next day we drove to South Carolina to spend a week with my family and Arthur spent the whole time quarantined upstairs with the flu!  Poor Arthur would just wave at Mattis from afar and tell him that he missed him.

 

After a great time with my siblings and parents, we traveled back to Asheville for a week with Arthur's family. Mattis attended mass on Christmas day in the church where Arthur and I were married and we had a great time with all Arthur's cousins, aunts, and uncles!  The week concluded with a baby naming ceremony I created in order to ask God to bless Mattis' name.  I felt this was important since names are so important in the Bible- I wanted God to be part of this sacred responsibility-to name the new creation.  We were joined by friends, family, and even classmates from GTS!  It was a really beautiful occasion!

 

All in all, we are happy and healthy. We love being new parents and look forward to the future!

 

Peace,

 

Stefanie+

Mission Possible 2013!

What? Our very own annual church/school talent show, a safe venue for children and youth to showcase their talent and skills, while helping others.

 

When? March 3, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. until ?

 

Where? St John's Middle Division Gym

 

Why? This is a wonderful collaborative effort between the school and the parish, all with the same goal: helping our missions, specifically our sister school in Uganda, and our Dominican Republic project.

 

Who? All children in 3rd through 12th grades are invited and encouraged to participate.

 

Participants who attend the Lower Division of St. John's School have rehearsals during lunchtime, two times a week starting tomorrow, January 10, 2013.  Participants who attend St. John's Middle Division need to work on their own, and have 2 rehearsals, on February 7 and 14 during their lunch.  Youth Group participants need to work on their own.

 

If you would like to volunteer, please email Lelandtbaldwin@aol.com. There are many opportunities to help: set-up, decorations, rehearsals,

stage crew, donating food, or making a cash donation.

Events

Outreach Committee & Friends of Uganda - January Meeting

The next Outreach Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lowry Room.  On the agenda will be a discussion of activities for the upcoming year, including the Friends of Uganda Committee (which is meeting with Outreach).  We will also be discussing budgetary plans for 2013.  Meetings are generally scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month during the school year from August to May. Future meetings are scheduled for February 25, March 25, April 22, and May 27.)

 

If you have any items to be discussed and cannot attend, or for more information, contact Sally Thompson, 254-3009 or  tampasal@verizon.net.

St. John's Soirée

Friday, February 15, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

at Monte Carlo Towers, 3301 Bayshore Boulevard

 

 Hosted by Parishioners Helen Gilbart  

 and Shirley & Joe Arcuri

Please RSVP to Mary Hulse, mmhulse@tampabay.rr.com, (813.286.1121)  

or Pat Wilson, patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com, (813.644.4640)

 

Please bring an hors d'oeuvre ready to serve  

and the drink of your choice.   

 

Parking is limited, so attendees may want to carpool.

Your Action Needed

2013 Every Member Canvass  

The end of the calendar year marks the Every Member Canvass campaign for St. John's Church.  Please prayerfully consider what you can contribute this year for the glory of God and the support of St. John's.  Please click here to read Fr. Doug Remer's letter regarding the canvass, and access our online pledge form here. You can also download a pledge worksheet by clicking here, or by visiting our website at www.stjohnstampa.org.
If you would like your information to be included in next week's Scroll, please email all content by Monday at 9:00 a.m.
to Lee Lowry at LLowry@stjohnstampa.org.

This Week at St. John's
Wednesday, January 16
12:15 p.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Nights at St. John's (Rudisill Parish Hall)
Bring your study Bible, a covered dish, and an open heart and mind for fellowship and stimulating conversation.  Contact Paul and Winkie Game at pgamefla@aol.com for more details.
Thursday, January 17
10:00 a.m.The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Church)
12:15 p.m.
Noonday Prayer (Chapel)
Friday, January 18: The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter
Feast Day Facts: The Confession of St. Peter
When Simon Bar-Jona confessed, "You are the Christ," Jesus responded, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church." This rough fisherman and his brother Andrew were the first disciples called by Jesus. Peter figures prominently in the Gospels, often stumbling, impetuous, intense, and uncouth.

It was Peter who attempted to walk on the sea, and began to sink; it was Peter who impulsively wished to build three tabernacles on the mountain of the Transfiguration; it was Peter who, just before the crucifixion, three times denied knowing his Lord.

But it was also Peter who, after Pentecost, risked his life to do the Lord's work, speaking boldly of his belief in Jesus. It was also Peter, the Rock, whose strength and courage helped the young Church in its questioning about the mission beyond the Jewish community. Opposed at first to the baptism of Gentiles, he had the humility to admit a change of heart, and to baptize the Roman centurion Cornelius and his household. Even after this, Peter had a continuing struggle with his Jewish conservatism; for Paul, writing to the Galatians, rebukes him for giving way to the demands of Jewish Christians to dissociate himself from table-fellowship with Gentiles.

As we watch Peter struggle with himself, often stumble, love his Lord and deny him, speak rashly and act impetuously, his life reminds us that our Lord did not come to save the godly and strong but to save the weak and the sinful. Simon, an ordinary human being, was transformed by the Holy Spirit into the "Rock," and became the leader of the Church. Peter's struggles remind us that Jesus came for us too, with all our weaknesses and failings! 
12:15 p.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)
Sunday, January 20
7:45 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)     

10:00 a.m.
Combined Service: The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Church)
Children's Chapel (Various)
11:15 a.m.
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of St. John's Church will take place after a combined service at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 20.  A status report on our parish will be given, and four new vestry members will be elected.  Lunch will be provided.
5:30 p.m.
Middle School Youth Group (Youth House)
Email Arthur Taylor at ataylor895@gmail.com for more information.  We hope you will join us!
7:45 p.m.
High School Bible Study (Youth House)
Email Arthur Taylor at ataylor895@gmail.com for more information.  We hope you will join us!
Monday, January 21
9:30 a.m.
Pastoral Care Meeting (Lowry Room)
12:15 p.m.
Noonday Prayer (Chapel)
5:00 p.m.
Vestry Meeting (Peterson Room)
Tuesday, January 22
6:45 a.m.
The Contemporary Women's Bible Study (Peterson Room)

Women of St. John's and their friends of all denominations are invited to join this dynamic group for prayer, lively discussion, faith and fellowship.  After a light breakfast, scripture and selected topics of interest are explored in new and creative ways.  Contact Kathleen Moore at 221.6253 or kathleenmarymoore@gmail.com for more information.

10:15 a.m.
Women's Mid Morning Bible Study (Lowry Room)

The Women's Mid Morning Bible Study invites interested women to join them on Tuesday, January 22, at 10:15 a.m. in the Lowry Room as they explore the meaning of the parables of "The Rich Fool"  (Luke 12:13-21) and "The Rich Man and Lazarus" (Luke 16:19-31).  The Rev. Eric Kahl, Rector of St. Mary's, will guide their study as they seek a clearer understanding of what it means to live the life Jesus envisions for each of us.

 

They will continue their fall 2012 focus on Jesus' parables as they gather on alternate

Tuesdays through the end of April.   Each session stands alone, but also lends meaning

to the others, so they encourage you to come however frequently your schedule allows.

For more information, contact Sally Wiley at  swileytampa@aol.com or 813.253.3906 or Joan McKay at mckayjhm@aol.com. 

12:15 p.m.
Noonday Prayer (Chapel)
6:00 p.m.
Entrepreneurs' Group (Rudisill Parish Hall)

If you are currently an entrepreneur and are interested in joining the group, please contact Walt Hardenstine at whardenstine@executiveforums.com


More Upcoming Events
Friday, February 15

St. John's Soirée

Friday, February 15, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

at Monte Carlo Towers, 3301 Bayshore Boulevard

 

 Hosted by Parishioners Helen Gilbart  

 and Shirley & Joe Arcuri

Please RSVP to Mary Hulse mmhulse@tampabay.rr.com (813.286.1121)  

or Pat Wilson patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com (813.644.4640)

Please bring an hors d'oeuvre ready to serve  

and the drink of your choice.   

Parking is limited, so attendees may want to carpool.