November 27, 2013 Issue

Quick Links

Visit Our Website

Visit the St. John's School Website

Visit the Diocese of Southwest Florida's Website

__________________________

We are always looking for church-related pictures to share with the congregation. Submit them to LLowry@stjohnstampa.org
__________________

We want to provide support in your time of need!

Current health regulations prohibit the members of our clergy from being informed when our parishioners are in the hospital, and unfortunately, one of the gifts of ordination is not mind-reading... However, we want to provide support for you and your loved ones in any time of need or crisis. Please call the parish offices at 259.1570 or email

parish@stjohnstampa.org to let us know when you need us!

This Week, We Celebrate the Birthdays of the Following Parishioners:

November 28

Joe Andrews, James Carroll, Jr., Kay Peterson

November 29

Samuel Giordano, James Russell, Mattis Taylor

November 30

Elizabeth Arthur, Andrew Brown, LeRoy Collins, IV, Jonathan Davidson, Thomas Kendall, Jackson Lee, Jason Lejkowski, Ray Olsson, Jackson Samartin, Thomas Williams

December 1

Lorien Johnson, Katherine Mockler, Charles Poe, John Reffue, Lawrence Samaha, Caroline Schabacker, Meredith Weekes

December 2

Janet Bliss, Maximilian Borland, Christopher Lykes, Collier Weber

December 3

William Sansone, Ray Stoll, Douglas Tozier, Jr.

December 4

Jarret Dring, John Few, Elizabeth Fontes, Frank Valdez, Taylor Whitworth

Sunday's Scripture Snippet

2 Our feet are standing

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem--built as a city

that is bound firmly together.

4 To it the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord,

as was decreed for Israel,

to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5 For there the thrones for judgment were set up,

the thrones of the house of David.

Psalm 122

News

Youth Education Visioning Team

We value the children of our Church, and we are committed to building sustainable youth and children's ministries that will have a deep impact on our Church and our youth. Leland Baldwin and Miranda Harrison-Quillin are doing an incredible job with our youth and children's ministries, but they are only two people and need our support. That's why we are developing a game plan together and we hope you will join us.

We have invited Ministry Architects to visit with us on December 9 and 10, 2013. (Learn more about them at www.ymarchitects.com ). Ministry Architects will spend the majority of their time listening to a variety of groups within the parish through focused listening groups. We hope to see participation in those groups by a broad spectrum of parents, volunteers, staff and other people who love our young people. We want your insights, opinions and ideas to be heard. You can come for an entire block of time, or just for an hour.

Below are the dates and times for you to come and find out more information, plus offer your suggestions for building sustainable youth and children's ministries at St. John's. We will meet in the John Peterson Room at the Middle Division campus, 240 Plant Avenue, for all meetings.

Day 1 - Monday, December 9, 2013

3:00 - 4:15 p.m. 4th and 5th Grade youth and parents*

4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Parents of 6th - 12th grade youth

5:30 - 6:45 p.m. 6th - 12th grade youth

7:00 - 8:15 p.m. Parents of 6th - 12th grade youth*

Day 2 - Tuesday, December 10, 2013

8:30 - 9:45 a.m. Parishioners

10:00 - 2:00 p.m. PreK - 3rd Grade parents, including Sunday School teachers*

* Parents are welcome to come to any of these parent meetings, regardless of their child's age

For more information, or to view the video about this process, visit us at www.stjohnsvisioning.com. If you are unable to make either of these dates, please feel free to contact Pamela Price (pvnprice@verizon.net) with your questions, comments or opinions.

Fifty-Year Celebration of Fr. John Peterson

2013 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.

We need your help! We are collecting statements, letters of congratulations, testimonials, and memories about Fr. Peterson for this event. If you would like to share your thoughts with him, please bring your testimonial to the parish offices by Wednesday, December 4, or email them to lapeterson@verizon.net. Questions? Email parish@stjohnstampa.org.

Soaring Eagle Run

The inaugural Soaring Eagle Run was a tremendous success! More than 800 runners registered to run on a perfect

Florida morning this past Saturday. Parishioners, School parents and children, and members of the community came out to run the 5K and 1M courses under the oaks at Gadsden Park. We plan to make this an annual event to support our School and build community among our parents, parishioners, and students, so mark your calendars for November 2014! Thanks to all who came out, and to the Parents' Club of the School for the planning!

Advent is Almost Here!

Another lovely day to spend fellowship time in the courtyard, this time to make Advent wreaths!

Events

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. Mr. Hintzman will speak on the topic: Hope Is Here.

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.

A Celebration of

The Rev. Douglas Remer's Ministry In St. John's

On Sunday, December 22, Fr. Remer will return to celebrate and preach at the 7:45 a.m. service and will preach and officiate at the combined Service of Lessons and Carols at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the 10:00 a.m. service. This will also be the time for our College Breakfast, all college students home for the holiday break are particularly invited to join us.

It's not too late to contribute to the traditional purse for our departing clergy for Fr. Remer. Contact the parish offices for more information.

Children's Christmas Eve Pageant Rehearsal Schedule

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. It's not too late to sign up! Join us to bring the story of the birth of our Savior to life!

Christmas Pageant

The rehearsal schedule is as follows:

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.

Your Action Needed

Thanksgiving Offering

Your Thanksgiving offering can be brought to the parish offices today before 4:00 p.m. or to tomorrow's 10:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist. The Vestry has determined that the proceeds from the offering this year will be designated to support Faith Cafe.

Faith Cafe News

The patrons of Faith Cafe, specifically the men, are in need of clothing (jeans, shorts, and socks) as well as toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, razors). If you are able to help, please bring donations to the parish offices.

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.

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.

Stewardship Corner

Thank you to those parishioners who joined us for Pledge Sunday this past weekend. We were so pleased with the turnout and the response to our request for pledge cards to be brought to this service.

If you have not yet made your 2014 St. John's pledge, did you know that you can make it online? Save time and hassle by pledging today from the "Stewardship" tab on the St John's home page or by clicking here.

This Week at St. John's

Wednesday, November 27 - The Feast of St. Andrew

12:15 p.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)

Wednesday Nights at St. John's (Rudisill Parish Hall)

There will be no meeting tonight. See you on December 4.

Thursday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Day

Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

10:00 a.m.

Choral Eucharist (Church)

Friday, November 29

Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Sunday, December 1

7:45 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)

9:00 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) and Holy Baptism (Church)

Sunday School for Children (Various)

Youth, Chaplain Harrison-Quillin invites you to sit with her in the north transept during the service.

10:15 a.m.

Coffee Hour Fellowship (Parish Hall)

11:00 a.m.

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (Parish Hall)

11:15 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)

4:00 p.m.

Middle School Youth Group (Youth House)

6:30 p.m.

High School Youth Bible Study (Youth House)

Monday, December 2

12:15 p.m.

Noonday Prayer (Chapel)

Tuesday, December 3

6:45 a.m.

Contemporary Women's Bible Study (Peterson Room)

The Contemporary Women's Bible Study will meet on at 6:45 a.m. in the Peterson Room on the School's Middle Division Campus for a study of Paul's Letter to the Romans.

All women of St John's and their friends are welcome. Contact Kathleen Moore at 221.6253 or kathleenmarymoore@gmail.com for more information.

10:15 a.m.

Mid Morning Women's Bible Study (Lowry Room)

On Tuesday, December 3, the Women's Mid Morning Bible Study will continue its study of "The Acts of the Apostles," an engaging narrative of the origins of the Christian church and the power of the Holy Spirit made manifest in and through its early members. The Rev. Ed Henley, who retired this year as Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, will guide their study of Acts 9:32 - 12:24, "God Shows No Partiality."

This will be the last meeting for this year. The group resumes on January 7, 2014, and welcomes all women in our church community and their friends and neighbors to join them on alternate Tuesdays in the Lowry Room for fellowship, prayer and study from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Contact Sally Wiley at swileytampa@aol.com or 253.3906 or Pat Wilsonat patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com or 644.4640 with questions.

12:15 p.m.

Noonday Prayer (Chapel)

6:00 p.m.

Men's Ministry (Rudisill Parish Hall)

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. Mr. Hintzman will speak with the topic: Hope is Here.

RSVP to Dallas Coffield so we can get a count for food. Dinner will be provided by Holy Hog, and will include pulled pork and BBQ chicken, collards, mac and cheese and more.

More Upcoming Events

Sunday, December 8

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.

Youth will attend this event in lieu of their regular meeting. Following the service, high school youth will go to Chaplain Harrison-Quillin's house to bake cookies and decorate the Christmas tree.

Sunday, December 15

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

The Choir of St. John's Church, together with Concordia Vocal Ensemble, will give a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 15 at 5:00 p.m. that will include traditional carols of the season. Program to include works by Harold Darke, William Mathias, Philip Marshall, and Sir David Willcocks. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Monday, December 16

Outreach Committee and Friends of Uganda

The Outreach Committee and Friends of Uganda monthly meeting has been rescheduled to December 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lowry Room.

Sunday, December 22

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

Middle school youth are invited to come for a festive Christmas party, followed by caroling for our older friends who are residents of Canterbury Tower on Bayshore from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wear a fun (or awesomely bad) Christmas sweater and get ready for some fun! We will have a potluck party at the Youth House and then we will head out for some caroling. Don't worry if you don't sing like a pro, just bring your Christmas spirit. Please be on time, as we will leave to carol at 4:15 p.m.
Contact Miranda Harrison-Quillin with questions.

Thursday, December 26 - Friday, December 27

High School Girls' Retreat

Join Chaplain Harrison-Quillin and St. John's girlfriends for a retreat at the Franciscan Center from 2:00 p.m. on Friday to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Activities include: prayer labyrinth, photo scavenger hunt, spiritual direction, lip dub video, and more. The cost is dependent upon participation and will be within a $10-15 range of $80. Deadline to register is Sunday, December 15th. Contact Chaplain HQ for details.

Friday, January 3

The Bishop's Ball

The Bishop's Ball is a free dance for all the youth in the Diocese. The dress is semi-formal and there will be a Christian band and a Christian DJ and a whole lotta fun! It's at St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Bradenton from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Youth from St. John's will carpool there and back. Contact Miranda Harrison-Quillin if your youth would like to go.