Robert Baker to Be Ordained

The Ordination of Robert Owen Baker to the Sacred Order of Priests will take place on Sunday, January 4, at 4:00 p.m., in the church. A reception follows in the Parish Hall. Join us for this joyful event!

Notice of Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections

The Annual Meeting of the Parish, which will include the election of four new Vestry members, will follow a combined service at 10:00 a.m., will take place in the Parish Hall on Sunday, January 18. Lunch will be provided.

At the meeting, four new Vestry members will be elected. The Vestry has nominated the following parishioners: Truett Gardner, Drew Graham, Cindy Hadlow, Kenneth Lane, Dax Nelson, Jackie Preis, Lisa Sepulveda, and Scott Simons. Please click here for photos and biographies of all Vestry candidates.

Early voting, supervised by Vestry members, will take place following the three services on the preceding Sunday (January 11) and during normal office hours in the parish offices during the week before the meeting. Voting by proxy is not permitted.

According to our by-laws: "Only adult communicant members of this Parish, those who are 16 years of age or over, whose names are duly enrolled as such in the Register of said Parish, and who are regular in their attendance at its services and make stated contributions of record to its general support, shall be Electors qualified to vote at a duly convened meeting of the Parish."

Cornerstone Kids Christmas

There was such excitement in the air at the Christmas party on December 18. Before receiving their gifts, all of the children sang carols and performed in other ways, by age group. The 4th and 5th graders, for instance, performed a skit with their instructor MC Jenkins, who told them that Jesus was the best Christmas gift ever!

After the parents and other guests (including Father Connelly and Cornerstone board member Harry Hedges) were entertained and fed, the bags of presents were distributed. Thank you to everyone at St. John's who lovingly bought and wrapped requested items such as stuffed animals, dolls, games and books. Other folks kindly agreed to help stock the pantry with needed ravioli, canned vegetables, and applesauce. And once again, Peggy Curlin led the CWBS Advent retreat participants to make a craft for the children and staff. Thanks again to everyone who was involved in any way, large or small!

   

College Student Welcome Brunch

The Welcome Home Brunch for our college students was a well received and beautiful event...Shout out to Lynn Stanford, Stacey Arcuri, Rachel Mattox, and Ashley Guyton for helping with the event.

The food prepared by Dave Kenyon was tasty, but most important was the reconnecting of the friendships. Each year it is great to see that our college-aged parishioners know they have a home here at St John's.

Thank you to the parish for supporting this event.

Metropolitan Ministries Outreach

Before Christmas, a small team from St. John's met at the Holiday Tent of Metropolitan Ministries to pray for the clients as they selected toys and groceries for their families.  Prayer cards were completed by the shoppers to be left in the Chapel of Hope.  The card had one side for prayer requests and the other side for thanksgivings.  We found most cards had more thanksgivings than requests. Those who wished to pray with someone came into the Chapel for prayer with our team members.  Thank you to Father Connelly, Jim Whittlesey, Kathleen Moore, Sally Wiley, David Schenck, Nicholas Nitch and Mother Alice for their outreach to Metropolitan Ministries.

Men's Ministry: Tuesday, January 6

Youth News: Confirmation and Retreat

Youth Confirmation Begins This Sunday! 

After the 9:15 a.m. service we will have our first session in Discovery House. Bring a Bible, a journal, and your questions as we learn and understand more about our faith. For more info or to register, contact Chaplain HQ or Fr. Connelly.

Youth Overnight Retreat: January 16-17

Middle and High School Youth are invited to have fun, make memories, and grow in faith at this overnight retreat at Warren Willis Camp in Fruitland Park. We will play ultimate frisbee, eat s'mores, and go deeper in faith with music provided by a worship band. It's gonna be a great time to connect with friends and God! $100 per person. Deadline to register is January 13. For more info or to register, contact Chaplain HQ.

Annual Circle Cocktail Party: Friday, January 9

The Soiree: Friday, January 16

St. John's School Alumni: Save the Date!