What do you really know about the Bible?  Who wrote it?  Why is it important?  What does it have to do with your ordinary life?

On Sunday, December 14, from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall, we will explore these questions and questions like them.  It's an experiment in a basic Bible study that is aimed for those with minimal (or no) understanding of the Bible, as well as those who are interested in reviewing some of the basics of the Bible or filling in some of their gaps of understanding.  Men and women are invited.  There is no homework and no preparation is required. Father Charles Connelly and Dr. Hal Wiley will be the presenters.   Please join us! High school youth are welcome!

Focus on Faith is a small group experience to learn more about the Episcopal Church and its beliefs. The program is designed to prepare adults for baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of faith.  It is also a time to connect with others on your Christian journey.  The program is led by Mother Alice Sadler, Associate Rector. Click here to download a brochure about Focus on Faith, or contact Mother Alice.  

Sunday, December 21 after the 9:15 a.m. service

College parishioners who will be home for the Christmas holidays, WELCOME HOME!!! After the 9:15 a.m. service on December 21, we welcome you to join us in Discovery House for brunch and social time. There will always be a home for you here at St. John's! 

NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY...

Because the movie is not an entirely factual historical biography of Francis and Claire, we are fortunate to have a Franciscan friar join us next week on December 10 to discuss the movie and give us accurate information about the two and about the continuing Franciscan order.  

Our guest presenter will be Rev. George  Corrigan, O.F.M., Parochial Vicar and Pastor at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa. Fr. Corrigan grew up in the Orlando, Florida area. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974 and served on nuclear submarines. Thereafter he served as a lay missionary in Kenya for 4 years, performed civilian work and study and received Master's degrees in Business Administration, Information Systems, Divinity and Franciscan Studies. He became a Franciscan in 1996.  

In preparation for Fr. Corrigan's presentation, attendees are encouraged to read the following article about St. Francis or this article about the Franciscan order.

Focus on Faith is a small group experience to learn more about the Episcopal Church and its beliefs. The program is designed to prepare adults for baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of faith.  It is also a time to connect with others on your Christian journey.  The program is led by Mother Alice Sadler, Associate Rector. Click here to download a brochure about Focus on Faith, or contact Mother Alice.  

The candle in the Sanctuary Light is available for January 11, 2015. If you would like to take this opportunity to support St. John's and honor a loved one, please call 259.1570 or email parish@stjohnstampa.org.

"I discovered later, and I'm still discovering right up to this moment, that is it only by living completely in this world that one learns to have faith. By this-worldliness I mean living unreservedly in life's duties, problems, successes and failures. In so doing we throw ourselves completely into the arms of God, taking seriously, not our own sufferings, but those of God in the world. That, I think, is faith."  -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Men's Interactive Bible Study and Lunch group will continue their fall series on alternate Thursdays at 11:45 a.m. in the Peterson Room. Lunch is sandwiches at $5 per person. RSVP to dlrncrtpa@verizon.net if you would like to partake.

The Contemporary Women's Bible Study (CWBS) group is continuing a new study of the Synoptic Gospels.  All women of St John's and their friends are invited to attend.  The group meets each Tuesday morning from 6:45 to 8:00 a.m. in the Peterson Room on the Middle Division Campus at Platt Street and Plant Avenue.  Coffee and a light breakfast are served. Join us for lively discussion as we discover the meaning of scripture in our lives. Please contact Kathleen Moore at 221.6253 or kathleenmarymoore@gmail.com for more information.