Join us for Coffee with the Senior Warden and Vestry

Following both the 7:45 a.m. service and the 9:00 a.m. service this Sunday, November 24, the Senior Warden and members of the Vestry invite interested fellow parishioners to have coffee and conversation with them in Rudisill Parish Hall.  This coming Sunday, the coffee forum will focus on the upcoming retirement of Father Remer and our next steps as a parish family.  All who are interested should gather at 8:45 a.m. and after the 9:00 a.m. service at approximately 10:15 a.m.  Hope to see you there!

Pledge Sunday, November 24

Pledge Sunday is the day that we ask anyone who has not mailed their 2014 pledge to the parish offices or made a pledge online to bring their pledge card to church. You should have received the card in the mail with our Vestry's stewardship letter.  Cards will also be available at the doors to the church.

On Sunday the 24th, the cards will be collected, presented at the altar, and blessed. The Stewardship Committee will only call or send follow up letters to those whose pledges are outstanding after Pledge Sunday. 

Thanks To Your Generosity, The Thanksgiving Food Drive Was a Success! 

More than 2,000 food items were donated to Metropolitan Ministries by St. John's Church and School thanks to YOUR generosity!  This was an all-time participation high, and we are so appreciative of all of you who contributed to making the holiday of the families at the shelter a bit brighter!

FATHERS Camping Trip Highlights

Many new memories were made at the annual FATHERS camping trip on November 8 and 9.  A number of new young dads and children attended for the first time, and one of our older attendees was honored.  Mia Carastro received the first ever FATHERS Lantern, for attending the event as a high school senior.  Mia and her dad love this trip and wanted to camp out one more time together before she goes on to the next phase of her life.  What a great tradition!  Visit our Facebook page for more pictures.

Help Wanted: Make Christmas Special for Families at Metropolitan Ministries and Alpha House

For those who were not able to get the name of a Cornerstone Kid, St. John's will also be collecting unwrapped gifts for Metropolitan Ministries and diapers for Alpha House, so that everyone who wants to help others during the holiday season will have an opportunity to do so.  Please bring your gifts or diapers to services on Sunday or to the parish offices during the week.

Men's Ministry: Tuesday, December 3

On Tuesday, December 3, the Men's Ministry will meet in the Parish Hall at 6:00 p.m.  The speaker will be Morris Hintzman, who has been with Metropolitan Ministries since 1982 and will retire as CEO at the end of the year.  Click here to see his bio.  

RSVP to Dallas Coffield so we can get a count for food.  Dinner will be provided by Holy Hog and will consist of pulled pork & barbecued chicken, greens, mac & cheese and banana pudding.  Join us!

Advent Mini-Retreat

Women of St. John's (and friends of any denomination) 

are invited to attend

"Joyful Anticipation" (an Advent mini-retreat)

Saturday, December 7, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

St. John's Parish Hall

Continental Breakfast and Lunch provided by Contemporary Women's Bible Study

The retreat is free, but please contact the parish offices so we know how many to expect at 259.1570 or email rmckenzie@stjohnseagles.org. 

Children's Christmas Eve Pageant Actors Needed!

Children ages 4 to grade 5 are needed to perform in the 2014 Christmas Eve Pageant during the 4:00 p.m. service on December 24. Join us to bring the story of the birth of our Savior to life!

The rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Sunday, November 24, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 1, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 15, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

ALL REHEARSALS to take place in the Parish Hall.

Please email lbaldwin@stjohnstampa.org if your child would like to participate.

Relief Needed in the Philippines 

Our bishop, the Right Rev. Dabney Smith, seeks our help in supporting the people of the Philippines following the devastating typhoon of earlier this week.  He asks that people of the diocese make donations directly to Episcopal Relief and Development, which can be reached by clicking here.  ER-D is in contact with local partners in the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, determining how best to respond in this time of crisis.  Your donation will be used to support necessary and immediate emergency work for the children and adults most affected by the storm.

Sandwich Sunday Hosts Needed

A host family or families are needed for Sandwich Sunday on March 16, 2014.  Hosts purchase supplies for Sandwich Sundays (costs fully reimbursed by St. John's), help coordinate assembly on the day of, and deliver the lunches to Faith Cafe.  Want to help?  Contact Amanda Sansone at asansone@carltonfields.com.

Choral Eucharist

Join us to show gratitude to our Maker on the American day of thanksgiving.  Our choral Eucharist will take place at 10:00 a.m.

Mid Morning Women's Bible Study

Men's Ministry

Also on Tuesday, December 3, the Men's Ministry will meet in the Parish Hall at 6:00 p.m.  The speaker will be Morris Hintzman, who will retire as CEO of Metropolitan Ministries at the end of the year.  RSVP to Dallas Coffield so we can get a count for food.  Dinner will be provided by Holy Hog.

Fifty-Year Celebration of Fr. John Peterson

This year marks the 50th year of ordained ministry for Fr. John Peterson, our Rector Emeritus.  Please join us in the parish hall between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday, December 8, for a celebration of this milestone event.  Please email parish@stjohnstampa.org for more information.

Advent Lessons and Carols 

The Choir of St. John's Church will sing a service of Advent Lessons and Carols, with carols for audience and choir, at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. A reception will follow in the parish hall.  Music will include works by Boris Ord, Sir William McKie, Ralph Vaughan-Williams, and Orlando Gibbons.

Parish Breakfast & Sandwich Sunday

On Sunday, December 15, we will gather after the 9:00 a.m. service in the parish hall for our monthly parish breakfast.  We will also assemble sandwiches and bag lunches for our friends at Faith Cafe.  Thanks to the Brown and Gagliardo families for hosting Sandwich Sunday!

Middle School Youth Study Break

On Sunday, December 15 during the usual youth time (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.), middle school youth are invited to the Youth House for a fun study break!  Drop in for a snack and some fellowship and take a break from studying for exams!

Choir Christmas Concert 

A Celebration of the Ministry of the Rev. Douglas Remer

The Rev. Douglas Remer will return for a final Sunday in St. John's on December 22.  He will preach at and celebrate the 7:45 a.m. service and preach at and officiate at the 10:00 a.m. combined Lessons and Carols service.  A reception will follow, please join us to celebrate Fr. Remer's time with us!

College Christmas Breakfast

All our college-aged parishioners and their parents are invited to join us on the morning of Sunday, December 22 as well, as we celebrate their homecoming!  The breakfast will take place after the combined 10:00 service of Lessons and Carols.

Middle School Youth Christmas Party and Caroling

High School Girls' Retreat

Join Chaplain Harrison-Quillin and St. John's girlfriends for a retreat at the Franciscan Center.  Contact Chaplain HQ for details.   More info, including costs, will be available soon.