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We are always looking for church-related pictures to share with the congregation. Submit them to LLowry@stjohnstampa.org.
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We want to provide support in your time of need!
Current health regulations prohibit the clergy from being informed when our parishioners are in the hospital, so we will not know if you or someone you love is there unless you tell us. We want to provide support in any time of need or crisis.
Please call the parish offices at 259.1570 or email
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This Week, We Celebrate the Birthdays of the Following Parishioners: December 12 Stephen Galloway, Christopher Walker, Jack Walker December 13 Virginia Price, Ashley Rhattigan December 14 Donna Gem, Absley Goodman, Mary Greacen, Isabella Guerra, Kathy Lewis, Betty McLane, Nicholas Sayers, Sharon Stoll December 15 Martin Angiulli, Hayden Atzenhoefer, Caroline Coley, Alexis Farmen, Peggy Thompson, Kristine Tindall December 16 Andrew Mason, Bridget Wiese December 17 Chase Ackerman, Jackson Andrews, Dennis Carr, Lauren Haire, Guy King, IV, Barbara Rydene, Susan Sharp, Raul Valles December 18 Joshua Dixon, Giuliana Pineiro, John Webster
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Sunday's Scripture Snippet
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.
Isaiah 11
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** Report-Out Today from Ministry Architects **
Today at 6:00 p.m. in the choir room (upstairs above the parish offices), Ministry Architects will report on what they learned about St. John's ministries for children and youth. Please join us to hear their results!
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Fifty Years of Ordained Ministry:
A Celebration of Fr. John Peterson
A lovely celebration of Fr. John Peterson took place on Sunday, December 8. Parishioners and friends from the past all gathered to pay tribute to 50 years of distinguished ministry and evangelism.
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Women's Advent Mini-Retreat
Food Committee Judith Holmes,
Carol Ihrig, Joan Lochridge,
Mary Jane Schenk,
Peace and joyful anticipation highlighted the Women's Advent Mini-Retreat on Saturday, December 7. Attendees made ornaments for Cornerstone Kids, spent time in prayer and meditation, heard harp music by Sharon Stoll, and enjoyed fellowship over a baked potato lunch. All enjoyed taking time to ponder the meaning of the season outside the rush of earthly duties and activities!
(Thanks to Melinda Pendino for the photos!)
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 Carmichael Ordained Congratulations to our Associate Chaplain to the School, Alisa Carmichael, on being ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Saturday, December 7, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Cathedral in St. Petersburg! |
Youth Fun!
Our high school youth had a blast on Sunday going to the Advent Lessons and Carols service and then decorating the tree at Chaplain Miranda Harrison-Quillin's house! Join us this Sunday at 6:30 at the Youth House as we finish our Advent icon project.
Middle school youth, don't miss the fun: this Sunday (12/15) will be our study break at 4:00 p.m. at the Youth House. Come take a break from cramming for exams and join Chaplain HQ for snacks, fellowship, and prayer. Our middle school youth Christmas party and caroling is up next! We'll meet at the Youth House at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 22.
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Christmas 2013 Service and Office Schedule
Christmas Eve (Tuesday), December 24, 2013
Parish Offices Close at 12:00 Noon
4:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
The Children's Christmas Pageant will take the place of the sermon at this service.
6:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
The St. John's Choir sings this service.
10:30 p.m. Christmas Music in the Church
11:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist (Rite I)
The St. John's Choir sings this service.
Christmas Day (Wednesday), December 25, 2013
Parish Offices Closed
10:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
The St. John's Choir sings this service.
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Men's Ministry: Tuesday, January 7, 6:00 p.m.
 Join us on Tuesday, January 7, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall for a very special Men's Ministry meeting as we welcome speaker Mark Merrill, president and founder of Family First. Family First is a widely respected national non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the family. Family First promotes principles for building marriages and raising children through three successful programs. Mark is also the co-founder, with Tony Dungy, of All Pro Dad. Click here to see Mark's full bio.
We will also have our usual fine dining! For this month only, RSVP to Ron Walker at rwalker@walkerbrands.com if you plan to attend so we can get a count for food.
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Christmas Music In St. John's
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.
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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.
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College Christmas "Welcome Home" Breakfast
All our college-aged parishioners and their parents are invited to join us on the morning of Sunday, December 22, after the combined 10:00 service of Lessons and Carols, as we celebrate our college students' homecoming! A special breakfast will be cooked by our children and youth, and we will meet for fellowship in the courtyard of the church (weather permitting).
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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). Please bring donations to the parish offices.
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Help Wanted: Make Christmas Special for Families at Metropolitan Ministries and Alpha House
A reminder that St. John's will 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. The Toy Drive is sponsored by the Dads' Club of the School, and they encourage all parents and parishioners to support the effort. In particular, please note that donations of cash or gift cards are appreciated, and that if you are thinking of purchasing several smaller gifts, Metropolitan Ministries asks that you please instead consider purchasing one larger gift. Those toys and gifts are typically more durable and fulfilling for the receivers.
Bring your gifts or diapers to services on Sunday or to the parish offices during the week, there will be blue barrels for you to put the toys in. The deadline is Friday, December 20. Thanks to those who have already contributed!
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Cornerstone Kids: Christmas Gift Return
Those parishioners that did take the name of a Cornerstone Kid, your wrapped gifts need to be brought to St. John's or St. James House of Prayer no later than Wednesday, December 18. The Christmas party is the following afternoon at 3:30 at SJHOP, 2708 Central Ave, Tampa 33602. Contact MC Jenkins with questions, and thank you for your generosity!
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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.
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| We are very excited about the direction God is calling us in the year to come! Working together, we will accomplish great things for the Lord.
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.
We look forward to completing this campaign as we:
proclaim, by word and example, the Good News of God in Christ, and build a spiritual community forming Christians of all ages through worship, education, and outreach.
Thank you for your role in living this mission together! |
 | Wednesday, December 11
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| 12:15 p.m. |
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)
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6:00 p.m.
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Ministry Architects Report Out
(Choir Room, Orleans Campus)
Join us to hear what Ministry Architects discovered about our programs for youth and children, as well as their recommendations for a plan for the future.
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6:30 p.m.
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Wednesday Nights at St. John's
(Rudisill Parish Hall)
The group will begin a new study series on Wednesday, December 11: The Purpose of Christmas, a three-session DVD series by Rick Warren. Sessions include Christmas is a Time for Celebration, Christmas is a Time for Salvation, and Christmas is a Time for Reconciliation.
Join us Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. Bring a Bible, a covered dish to share, and an open heart and mind! Contact Paul and Winkie Game at pgamefla@aol.com for more details.
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| Thursday, December 12
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| 10:00 a.m. |
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) and Healing (Chapel)
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12:15 p.m.
| Noonday Prayer (Chapel) |
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Friday, December 13
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12:15 p.m.
| Noonday Prayer (Chapel) |
| Sunday, December 15
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7:45 a.m.
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The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)
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9:00 a.m.
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The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Church)
Sunday School for Children (Various)
Youth, Chaplain Harrison-Quillin invites you to sit with her in the north transept during the service.
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10:15 a.m.
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Parish Breakfast and Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall)
Thanks to Sandwich Sunday hosts, the Brown and Gagliardo families!
Youth Confirmation Class (Discovery House)
Bible Basics
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11:00 a.m.
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Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (Parish Hall)
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11:15 a.m.
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The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)
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4:00 p.m.
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Middle School Youth Study Break (Youth House)
Before exam week, we will have a Study Break from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Youth House on Sunday, December 15. There will be snacks and games and just some time to relax in between study sessions. We will also pray together for the kids and their tests.
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5:00 p.m.
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Christmas Concert (Church)
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.
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| Monday, December 16
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12:15 p.m.
| Noonday Prayer (Chapel) |
5:30 p.m.
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Outreach Committee and Friends of Uganda (Lowry Room)
The Outreach Committee and Friends of Uganda monthly meeting has been rescheduled to December 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lowry Room.
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| Tuesday, December 17
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6:45 a.m.
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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.
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12:15 p.m.
| Noonday Prayer (Chapel) |
| Friday, December 20
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Deadline for Christmas Toy Drive
Friday, December 20, is the deadline for dropping off toys for the joint church/school toy drive for Metropolitan Ministries. Please place your toy(s) in one of the blue barrels, available on all three school campuses, by that date.
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| Sunday, December 22
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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.
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College Christmas "Welcome Home" Breakfast
All our college-aged parishioners and their parents are invited to join us on the morning of Sunday, December 22, after the combined 10:00 service of Lessons and Carols, as we celebrate our college students' homecoming! A special breakfast will be cooked by our children and youth, and we will meet for fellowship in the courtyard of the church (weather permitting).
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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.
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| Thursday, December 26 - Friday, December 27
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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.
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| Friday, January 3
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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 (Captive) 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.
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| Tuesday, January 7
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Men's Ministry
Join us on Tuesday, January 7, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall for a very special Men's Ministry meeting as we welcome speaker Mark Merrill, president and founder of Family First. Family First is a widely respected national non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the family. Family First promotes principles for building marriages and raising children through three successful programs. Mark is also the co-founder, with Tony Dungy, of All Pro Dad. Click here to see Mark's full bio.
We will also have our usual fine dining! For this month only, RSVP to Ron Walker at www.rwalker@walkerbrands.com if you plan to attend so we can get a count for food.
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| Saturday, January 18
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Safeguarding God's Children
This training is required by the Diocese of Southwest Florida for everyone who works with children or youth (Sunday School teachers, assistants, nursery personnel, youth ministers), eucharistic visitors, clergy, church staff, and vestry members. Once you take the original class, your certification is active for five years and then can be renewed via a brief online review program.
The training will take place at Lamb of God Episcopal Lutheran Church, 19691 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967-6217 on Saturday, January 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To register, contact Wendy Smith at Church Office (239) 267-3525 Ext. 223 or e-mail Wendy@lambofgodchurch.net
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