In a truly joyful service on Sunday, August 24, we celebrated the new ministry of the church through the induction of our 16th Rector, the Rev. Charles E. Connelly. Bishop Dabney Smith presided and preached, and in attendance to witness the blessed event were a number of Episcopal priests from our deanery, including: Fr. Eric Kahl, Rector of St. Mary's; Fr. John Reese, Rector of St. Andrew's; Fr. Bob Elliott, our priest emeritus; and Fr. George Burchill, St. John's School's longtime Headmaster. And our own Fr. Randy Hehr, returned from his new post in Clearwater to observe this momentous occasion with us!

 

Symbolic gifts from the Altar Guild, the Youth Group, the School, and the Wardens, as well as very special music prepared for this day by our Choir highlighted the moving service.  A standing ovation greeted the Bishop's exhortation for us to welcome our new Rector, and following the service, a reception in the Parish Hall continued the festivities.

 

Congratulations to Fr. Chip, and to all of us on the start of a new era in the life of St. John's Church!

Thank you to the parents who brought their children to Children's Ministry Rally Day on Sunday! Kids got to meet their teachers, hear about the curriculum, and see their classrooms, then they got a Kona Ice treat and the chance to go in a fun bounce house! Thanks also to the teachers who took the time to come meet their students.  We are looking forward to a great year!

Parents, youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join the congregation in church each Sunday rather than having Sunday School at that time. Why?  An outcome of the Youth and Children's Ministry Visioning Retreat of last April and the subsequent focus of our Youth Renovation Team is on enhancing our Sunday evening youth activities. These Sunday evening meetings are designed to be both fun and spiritually fulfilling, with games and fellowship, as well as Bible study and discussion. We believe this philosophical choice meets all the varied needs of our youth, in a forum to which they will best respond. However, if we find youth need a deeper dive into their spirituality, we will provide additional activities in the future. Youth activities on Sundays begin for the fall on September 21st, 4:30 p.m. for middle school and 6:00 p.m. for high school.

We will have a reception following the 9:15 a.m. service on Sunday, September 7, for our newest clergy member.  Mark your calendar and plan to join us to meet and welcome her!

When atheist philosophy professor (Kevin Sorbo) plans to forego "dusty arguments" in his class, he insists the new students declare that "God Is Dead." Unable to do this, Josh (Shane Harper) is challenged to defend his faith and prove to the class that God is NOT Dead. With everything on the line, Josh's faith is unwavering...and life-changing to those around him.

 

The Wednesday Nights in St. John's group invites all parishioners and friends to join them on Wednesday, September 17, in the Parish Hall for a special movie night. The schedule is as follows:

 

6:00 p.m.  Blessing of food, covered dish dinner begins
6:35 p.m.  Movie, God Is Not Dead, begins
8:39 p.m.  Movie ends
8:40 p.m.  Closing prayers
8:45 p.m.  Discussion for those who choose to remain.
9:00 p.m.  Event ends

 

Contact Paul and Winkie Game with questions at PGamefla@aol.com.

As our Rector, Fr. Connelly, announced last Sunday, in response to multiple requests, we will be adjusting our service times slightly. The 7:45 a.m. service will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the 9:00 will be at 9:15 a.m. The 11:15 a.m. service remains at the same time. 

 

Please note that these changes go into effect on Sunday, September 7, and that until then, the times remain 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Starting September 8, at 8:15 a.m. in Discovery House (918 South Orleans Avenue, the free standing bungalow to the right of the School's Lower Division campus), we will begin a weekly Mom's Sanctuary on Monday mornings. Come have a cup of coffee, meet new friends, and reconnect with old friends.

 

No homework, just bring an open mind and heart. If you have any questions, please email St. John's Church's Director of Christian Education, Leland Baldwin, at lbaldwin@stjohnstampa.org, or call 259.1570. Your RSVP is requested so we can make sure we have adequate seats, coffee, and materials.