January 7, 2015 Issue

Quick Links

Visit Our Website

Visit the St. John's School Website

Visit the Youth Group Calendar and Blog

Visit the Diocese of Southwest Florida's Website

Parish Office Phone: 813.259.1570

__________________________

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!

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

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

From the Parish Register

Birthdays:

January 8

Kathryn Compton, Zachary Vaughn

January 9

Oliver Lacktman, Brenda Orcutt, Sadie Saunders, Arthur Severn

January 10

Kathleen Brown, Skye Bryant, Nancy Burchill, Lacher Polins

January 11

Catalina Dixon, Kristina Dixon, John Marston

January 12

Eliina Lick, Charlsey Reed, Linda Scarritt

January 13

Paul Dolcimascolo, John Howey, Frederick LeVarge, Miriam Lykes, Mary Mixson

January 14

Margaret Gustafson, Norma Peel

Sunday's Scripture Snippet

He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"

Luke 2

News

Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Robert O. Baker on his Ordination!

At a lovely and meaningful service on Sunday, January 4, the Rev. Dr. Robert O. Baker was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Incense, glorious hymns, and inspiring words from our Bishop, Dabney Smith, marked this momentous event for Fr. Baker and his family. We celebrate his ministry among us as he strives to be, in the words of the service: "a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise councilor."

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 full bios 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."

Upcoming Events

Wednesday Nights at St. John's Explores The Tabernacle

Beginning tonight, January 7, 2015, the Wednesday Nights at St. John's group will see and ponder The Tabernacle, a fantastic 6-session video-based study on the biblical Tabernacle. Using the popular Tabernacle Experience� replica of the Tabernacle of Moses, this study presents an expert-guided tour and explanation of each part. As you walk through this life-size model of the Old Testament Tabernacle, you will work your way from the Outer Courtyard into the Most Holy Place. Your teacher Shawn Barnard explains the significance and symbolism of each section of the Tabernacle.

This Tabernacle DVD will explain

- Why and how the Tabernacle was built
- How the sacrifices pointed toward Jesus Christ: Sin Offering, Guilt Offering, Grain/Gift Offering, Burn Offering, and Peace Offering
- Why the Tabernacle is often called the "Tabernacle of God" because the design of the tent revealed God's holiness and humanity's need for God
- The symbolism behind the Golden Lampstand/Candlestick, the Table of the Bread of Presence, the Altar of Incense and more
- Why the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat were at the center of worship
- How the Tabernacle relates to biblical holidays, such as Passover
- The parallels between the Tabernacle, Christ's ministry, and the church

The Wednesday Nights at St. John's group invites all parishioners and friends to join them each week in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and an open heart and mind for discussion. Contact Paul and Winkie Game at pgamefla@aol.com for details.

Youth Overnight Retreat, January 16 and 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.

Gasparilla Children's Parade Party

Argh, mateys, and all other pirates and parade watchers! Please come to Discovery House for the children's parade party!!! We need RSVPs to lbaldwin@stjohnstampa.org.

Family drinks provided.

Time: 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

What to bring: an app to share and a blanket or chairs

Who is invited? Families of St. John's Church and friends

Cost? $10 per family

Any questions, please email lbaldwin@stjohnstampa.org.

The Soiree: Friday, January 16

The next Soiree will be at the home of Carol & Henry Woodroffe, 2109 North Dundee, 33629. It will be on Friday, January 16, at 7:00 p.m. Please bring an appetizer to share and your favorite beverage.

RSVP to Mary Hulse,mmhulse@tampabay.rr.com,286.1121

or Pat Wilson,patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com,644.4640.

This Week at St. John's

Thursday, January 8

10:00 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) and Healing (Chapel)

12:15 p.m.

Noonday Prayer (Chapel)

Friday, January 9

12:15 p.m.

Noonday Prayer (Chapel)

Annual Circle Cocktail Party

Plan to join us for our annual January Circle Cocktail party on Friday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. Guests should bring an appetizer or dessert to share, as well as a beverage of your choice. The party will be hosted by Chris and Vera Farmen at their home, and co-hosted by David and India Witte.

If you have not received your evite, contact Betsy Graham at betsygraham@verizon.net to make sure you are on our mailing list!

Sunday, January 11

8:00 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)

9:15 a.m.

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

Sunday School for Children (Parish Hall)

Immediately following the 9:15 a.m. service

Coffee Hour Fellowship (Parish Hall)

Adult Christian Education: The Forum (Lowry Room)

11:15 a.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)

Monday, January 12

Deadline to RSVP for Youth Retreat

Contact Chaplain HQ.

8:15 a.m.

Mom's Sanctuary Support and Bible Study Group (Discovery House)

Come have a cup of coffee, meet new friends, and reconnect with old friends at 8:15 a.m. in Discovery House. This group will continue meeting each Monday morning. Questions? Email lbaldwin@stjohnstampa.org or call 259.1570.

12:15 p.m.

Noonday Prayer (Chapel)

Tuesday, January 13

6:45 a.m.

The Contemporary Women's Bible Study (Peterson Room)

The Contemporary Women's Bible Study (CWBS) group continues 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.

10:30 a.m.

Women's Mid Morning Bible Study (Lowry Room)

As you consider your aspirations for the New Year, what about committing to challenging yourself both spiritually and intellectually? The Women's Mid Morning Bible Study offers an opportunity for both with a 10 session study of Romans. Written by the apostle Paul, Romans has been recognized for centuries as essential to Christian life and faith. It contains some of the most beloved passages found in the New Testament, as well as some of the most puzzling. This is an opportunity for women to explore this book with a supportive, nurturing group.

Father Connelly will introduce our study on Tuesday, January 13. We meet in the Lowry Room on alternate Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. for fellowship, followed by study from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. We will be using the Interpretation Bible Studies guide to Romans by Art Ross and Martha M. Stevenson. For information on acquiring the guide, as well as other questions, contact Sally Wiley at 253.3906 or swileytampa@aol.com or Pat Wilson at 644.4640 or patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com. We hope you will join us.

12:15 p.m.

Noonday Prayer (Chapel)

Wednesday, January 14

12:15 p.m.

The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)

6:30 p.m.

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

Beginning January 7, 2015, the Wednesday Nights at St. John's group will see and ponder The Tabernacle.

The Tabernacle is a fantastic 6-session video-based study on the biblical Tabernacle. Using the popular Tabernacle Experience� replica of the Tabernacle of Moses, this study presents an expert-guided tour and explanation of each part.

More Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 22

11:45 a.m.

Men's Thursday Interactive Bible Study and Lunch (Peterson Room)

The Men's Interactive Bible Study and Lunch group begins the new year with readings and discussion of Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62: 6-14; 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31; Mark 1:14-20 on Thursday, January 22 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.