New Vestry Members Elected

Congratulations to the four new members of the St. John's vestry, elected this past Sunday at the Annual Meeting of the parish. T. Truett Gardner, Drew A. Graham, Cindy Hadlow, and Lisa Sepulveda are our new members, joining Hugh Cruse, Frank Hancock, Susan Lang, Christopher Lykes, Bill Sansone, and Steve Stanford. The officers are Kristie Salzer, Senior Warden, Eric Williams, Junior Warden, Vicki Malizia, Clerk of the Vestry, and Drew Graham, Treasurer.

Drew Graham	Truett Gardner
Cindy Hadlow	Lisa Sepulveda

Choral Evensong: Sunday, February 1

The St. John's Choir has enjoyed the opportunity in recent years to combine with the choir of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church to sing Choral Evensong, and will do so again on Sunday, February 1, here at St. John's, for the feast of Candlemas. The Evensong will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the church. A reception, to which all are warmly invited, follows in the Parish Hall.

We are delighted, as part of our Annual Music Series, to be welcoming back to St. John's the Boy Choristers of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City on Sunday, March 8. St. John's has forged a firm friendship with St. Thomas - our own choir having sung there on a number of occasions. The boys will give a concert here in the church at 5:00 p.m., and will be joined by our own altos, tenors, and basses for several pieces in the program. 

As part of their Florida tour, the boys require housing for two nights on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8. If you might be able to offer accommodation to at least two boys (they are required to stay in pairs), please contact Ginny VanOsdol, who has kindly agreed to coordinate housing. Ginny can be reached at 701.8029, or virginiavanosdol@gmail.com

Simon Morley

Many parishioners will have heard about Tampa native Jackie Faircloth, who was recently injured by a car when on a trip to Tallahassee. Jackie is the granddaughter of Miriam Faircloth, longtime parishioner and volunteer at St. John's. Jackie was one of Sugarshack's first employees, so store owner Jean Paul has generously offered to donate the net proceeds from sales on four Sundays to support Jackie's recovery. 

Please visit Jean Paul at Sugarshack at 1521 S. Dale Mabry Highway on Sundays, January 25, and February 1 and 8. More information about Sugar Shack, including hours and menus, are available by clicking here.

On Tuesday, February 10, CWBS will begin a new study of the Gospel of John, using the study guide JOHN by Mark A. Matson from the Interpretation Bible Studies series. The group meets on Tuesdays from 6:45 to 8:00 a.m. in the Peterson Room at the Middle Division campus. After conversation and a light breakfast (fruit & some type of bread) that members take turns bringing, the study starts at 7:00 a.m. and ends shortly before 8:00 a.m.; a few people may leave early if they have to go to work. All women of St John's and their friends are welcome; the group includes several valued members from other branches of Christ's church.  We would love to have you join us.  

For more information, please contact Kathleen Moore at 221.6253 or kathleenmarymoore@gmail.com for more information.
 

Focus on Faith is a small group experience to learn more about the Episcopal Church and its beliefs. The program, which begins February 1 at 12:20 p.m. in the Parish Hall, 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. Download a brochure about Focus on Faith by clicking here, or pick one up in the parish offices. Questions? Contact Mother Alice at asadler@stjohnstampa.org.  

Rob Greenway offered an insightful and compelling historical perspective of Islam in his presentation to the Men's Ministry early in January.  He has agreed to return for our February meeting to offer Part II - The Struggle With and Within.  This presentation will cover the expansion of the Islamic faith from the time of Muhammad through the Crusades, the fall of Constantinople, the Ottoman Empire, all the way to modern-day events that are shaping today's Muslim faith.  Rob, who served our country for 20 years in the military and is now a civilian Senior Intelligence Officer at Central Command,  will again deliver this material from a Christian perspective and we expect a spirited conversation on how we, as Christian men, can deal with Muslims in our daily lives.  Remember, Rob's views are his own, and not those of his employer. 

If you made the January meeting, we're sure you were impressed with Part I and will return for this one; if you missed it, Part I is not a prerequisite for Part II, so, either way, we hope you can make this one.  Please RSVP for the February meeting by emailing Dallas Coffield at dcoffield@gmail.com.  Just like for Part I, we'll start this meeting at 5:00 p.m., sit down for Holy Hog BBQ at 5:30 p.m., and get Rob on by 6:00 p.m..  Your donation of $12 buys a dinner and a great seat for this captivating presentation and discussion. 

Saturday, February 28  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lunch from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

On Saturday, February 28, you have a choice of several local ministries to serve.  Descriptions of the projects and sign up opportunities begin February 1 at the Outreach and Evangelism Rally Day. Come get involved and help our community!