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. 

Dear Friends,
I am two thirds of the way through my maternity leave and things are beginning to get smooth. Mattis and I have a daily routine that involves tummy time, walks in the stroller, visits to the YMCA, nursing, sleeping, and cuddling. It has been such a holy experience for me getting to know my child and getting to know myself as a mother. Already Mattis has a little personality all his own - he's sweet, he likes to smile, and heseems pretty laid back. At the moment, he's very much like Arthur-gentle, serious, and believes the world is good. 

Mattis Taylor meets guide puppy Bonnie at St. John's Church

As I mentioned in my last update, I'm having a hard time connecting with God. Being a new mom means that 100% of my thoughts and energy go toward Mattis. I can pray quietly to myself during feedings but it's not the same as a disciplined prayer life - time that is spent just between myself and my creator. This kind of time produces in me a sense of confidence, calm, and allows me to believe that I am loved and special as God's child. Prayer helps me feel independent and very close to the person God created me to be.

However, being a mother means there isn't much time for independence. Although,  it has always been my belief that time is relative. It might seem like I don't have enough hours in the day but when things are important, I have witnessed God stretch time so that all can be accomplished. For this reason, I have reached out to two different spiritual directors. One of them is an Episcopal priest in North Carolina who I meet with via Skype and one of them is an intuitive spiritual guide who I meet with over the phone. I may not have the time I used to - to paint my nails, have girls' night, or read trash literature but it always amazes me how much a little bit of time with God will remind me of who I am and where God wants to use me in the world. With the wisdom and encouragement of both these spiritual directors,  I am sure I will be able to plant my feet firmly in prayer while also being a mother. Hopefully, this will help me hold onto myself as well as God and Mattis will end up with a better mother in the long run.

As always, I love seeing all of you in passing and hearing about everything that is happening in your lives. I am cherishing this time with my son, while also looking forward to my return to work with all of you.

Peace,

Stefanie+ 

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.

Lincoln Douglass Masquerade Ball  

to Benefit Cornerstone Kids,  

Outreach Partner of St. John's Church 

Formal Attire, Masks Suggested  

Individual tickets are $65.  Sponsorships are also available. 

 Contact Olatha Leggett at 293.1284 or o.leggett@cornerstonekids.org.

Behold the Man: Holy Land Pilgrimage