However, 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. W e want to provide support in any time of need or crisis.
Please call the parish offices at 259.1570 or email
B
e patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient.
James 5
This Week in
St. John’s
Thursday, December 16
Mom’s Mornings Continue: 8:45 in Discovery House
Enjoy conversation and companionship with other moms in this casual, spiritual, and supportive gathering. Come for as little or as long as you like. Coffee will be provided. Little ones are welcome. For more information, please contact wwolf@104.237.132.142.
10:00 a.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) and Healing & Anointing (Chapel)
Men’s Thursday Bible Study and Lunch
11:45 a.m., Peterson Room
The Men’s Thursday Bible Study and Lunch group continues meeting on Thursdays at 11:45 a.m. at the School’s Middle School campus. The readings the group will study are those from the Revised Common Lectionary for the coming Sunday.
This group will not meet on December 22 or 29.
Please do not park in the Four Green Fields parking lots. Lunch is sandwiches at $5 per person. RSVP todlrncrtpa@verizon.net if you would like to partake.
Adult Formation classes will continue an Advent study on December 18. Come and join the conversation! Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes. For more information, email Kathleen Moore or contact her a t 221.6253.
11:15 a.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)
5:00 p.m.
Christmas Concert
(Church) Reception follows in the Parish Hall
5:00 p.m.
EYC Christmas Party
(Discovery House)
Monday, December 19
Bible Women
4:00 p.m., Lowry Room
Bible Women will take a break for the holidays, and will not meet again until January 11.
CWBS is studying the minor prophets. 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.
CWBS will not meet on Tuesday, December 29.
All women of St John’s and their friends are welcome; the current group includes several valued members from other branches of Christ’s church. For more information, please contact Kathleen Moore at 221.6253 or kathleenmarymoore@gmail.com.
Wednesday, December 21: The Feast of St. Thomas
12:15 p.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)
Wednesday Nights In St. John’s
6:30 p.m., Parish Hall
No matter what you believe, no matter how you behave, Jesus invites you to follow In God’s Footsteps. In this eight-session study, best-selling author and pastor Andy Stanley shows you that Jesus’ invitation was really an invitation to relationship and this study explains what it means to follow Jesus.
The Wednesday Nights group will continue viewing this series through February 1, with breaks for the viewing of the movie Godspell on December 21, and a holiday break with no meeting on December 28.
December 21 – Godspell
December 28 – No Meeting
January 4 – Follow Where
January 11 – The Fine Print
January 18 – What I Want to Want
January 25 – Leading Great
February 1 – Unfollow
The 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
Our Annual Christmas Concert will take place this Sunday, December 18, at 5:00 p.m. This concert, begun as a one-time event in 2007, has very much become a part of the St. John’s Christmas tradition, and draws a large crowd. There will be carols of the season for audience and choir, and music by Francis Poulenc, Andrew Carter, and Peter Warlock. The Christmas Concert will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall, to which all are warmly invited.
Christmas Party with Cornerstone Kids
Once again, the families of St. John’s will host a Christmas party for Cornerstone Kids today, Wednesday, December 14
, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. James’ House of Prayer. This year, there will be arts, crafts, songs, and food. This event always promises to be a fun and enjoyable time for both the kids at Cornerstone as well as the families from St. John’s who attend.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with the party or if you would like more information, contact Shawn O’Brien at sobodp@gmail.com or 505-5877. See you there!
Shop AmazonSmile this Christmas!
Holiday shopping is easy with Amazon’s Holiday Gift Guides. #StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com for your holiday gifts and Amazon donates to St John’s!
Parish Breakfast and Sandwich Sunday
This Sunday, December 18 is our Parish Breakfast and Sandwich Sunday. Join us in the Parish Hall after the 9:15 a.m. service for a tasty breakfast, and to prepare sandwiches and bag lunches for the patrons of Faith Cafe. Thanks to the Adams family for being our Sandwich Sunday hosts this month!
Cursillo Corner
The word Cursillo is short for Cursillos de Cristiandad, literally “a short course of Christianity.” The Cursillo movement began in the laity after World War II in Franco’s Spain; it came to the United States and was translated into English.
We are a group of Episcopalians eager to develop lay leadership across our diocese. Cursillo is one method for training, supporting and ongoing development of Christian leadership. The Cursillo method contains two main components, a 3-day weekend filled with 15 talks, group discussions, worship and fun… and the 4th-day that represents how we live out the Christian life in support of one another.
There are usually three Cursillo weekends a year in our Diocese, two English speaking and one Spanish weekend. The next weekend is February 9 through 12, 2017, Cursillo #135. Our own Sharon Stoll has been called to be the Rectora, to facilitate this weekend to be held at DaySpring Conference Center in the new facility. We have many “Cursillistas” here at St. John’s, i.e. people who have attended weekends and are continuing on their “4th day” in faithful leadership. They are listed below. You can see how their Cursillo experience has influenced their leadership role in our Christian community at St. John’s. If you are interested in attending a weekend, please contact Ray Stoll, our Parish Representative, at sssstoll@aol.com, or Rev. Janet Tunnell, jtunnell@104.237.132.142, for information.
Rev. Chase and Jeanne Ackerman, Robin Adair, Rev. Robert and Evelyn Baker, Paul and Margaret Brokaw, Suzanne Cleckler, Dr. Greg Gaar, Paul and Winkie Game, Donna Gem, Cindy and Richard Hadlow, JoAnna Hall, Carol Ihrig, John and M.C. Jenkins, David and Jeannie Kenyon, Jim and Paulette Lane, Keith Lindquist, Marjorie McDuffie, Carolyn McGinnis, Michael Matthews, Patricia Matthews, Edwin Mills, Deacon Kathleen Moore, Nicholas Nitch, Dr. Ray and Sally Olsson, Danny Otero, Jack and Diana Overton, Melinda Pendino, Rev. John and Kay Peterson, Drs. David and Mary Jane Schenck, Pam Scruggs, Ray and Sharon Stoll, Sally Thompson, Rev. Janet and Michael Tunnell, Jim and Anne Voss, David Wheaton and Sally Wiley.
A Message from our Vergers
If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend a service during this Advent season, you’ve missed the new rose vestments and altar frontal, as well as the paraments and the new 30th anniversary fair linen dedicated to the years of service of our Sexton Ken Johnston. The rose items will be used again on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
As always, these items are a reflection of the love and generosity of so many of our members. Be a part of this blessed season. Come, worship the Lord!
From the Pew: Advent Musings MMXVI
During this Ecclesiastical season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s Nativity, some elements of Rite I Holy Eucharist liturgy return to a more classic form of traditional worship, akin to those found in the late-lamented (for some!) 1928 Book of Common Prayer. These seasonal variations include the Kyrie Eleison, Eucharistic Prayer I, and the Prayer of Humble Access – and re-awaken memories of an earlier era when the Comfortable Words were recited in their entirety and the 1548 exhortation/bidding (BCP p 330) prior to General Confession was an integral part of the rite of common worship, together with priestly chanting, incense, the post-Psalm Gloria Patri, and attention-getting Sanctus Bells…
In the weeks ahead, we look forward to special offerings from Organist and Director of Music Simon Morley and his dedicated choristers, and to the increased frequency of Choral Evensong services in the New Year. The very high standard of sacred music here at St. John’s Parish offers a much-appreciated and meaningful enhancement to our common worship experience: Deo Gratias!
EYC Volunteer Opportunity This Saturday: Sign Up Now!
Christmas is a very joyous time of year, but it can also be very difficult for those in our community who are in need. St. John’s EYC will volunteer at Feeding Tampa Bay’s major distribution event on Saturday, December 17 from 7:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m. There are just six slots left for volunteers, contact Father Ackerman by tomorrow, Thursday, to sign up for the event.Check the website for information!
EYC Christmas Party: This Sunday, December 18
It’s time to relax, trim the tree, and maybe even sing a carol or two! All youth are invited to the EYC Christmas Party from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Discovery House. Bring your Christmas cheer and enjoy the evening! Click here to sign up to bring food or help with party setup.
Mom’s Mornings Continue Tomorrow: 8:45 in Discovery House
Enjoy conversation and companionship with other moms in this casual, spiritual, and supportive gathering. Come for as little or as long as you like. Coffee will be provided. Little ones are welcome. For more information, please contact wwolf@104.237.132.142.
Still Seeking Amateur Photographers and Videographers
We are still looking for some help documenting our Children’s Pageant at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. If you have a decent camera and would like to capture some photos or video of the pageant to share with us for use on the website and other communications, please contact wwolf@104.237.132.142.
Sunday School Schedule
There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on Sunday, December 25, or Sunday, January 1.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Schedule
The remaining rehearsals are as follows:
Saturday, December 17 – 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
– 1:00 p.m. Speaking Roles and Angels Arrive, report to Lowry Room for costumes
– 2:00 p.m. Animals Arrive – report to Lowry Room for costumes
– Snacks will be provided
Thursday, December 22 – 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
– Details next week
For a more detailed schedule or if you would like to help out, please contact Stephanie Andrews at szam1317@gmail.com or Cristy Braun at gatorcristy@gmail.com.
Action Items and Opportunities
Candle Available
The candle in the sanctuary light is available on January 8 and 22. If you would like to take one of these opportunities to honor a loved one and support St. John’s, please call 259.1570 or email parish@104.237.132.142.
Every Member Canvass 2017
The Every Member Canvass for 2017, Living Generously, is now on! We encourage every parishioner to make their pledge by December 31. Pledge safely online by clicking here.
From the Parish Register
Birthdays
December 15, Martin Angiulli, Hayden Atzenhoefer, Alexis Farmen, Peggy Thompson
December 16, Richard Baker, Andrew Mason, Bridget Wiese
December 17, Chase Ackerman, Jackson Andrews, Dennis Carr, Lauren Haire, Guy King, Barbara Rydene, Susan Sharp
December 18, Ronnie Goodheart, Giuliana Pineiro, John Webster
December 19, Marilin Espino-Maya, Lora Hulse, Paul Keesling, Evan Lick, Sandra Murray
December 20, Robert Gaudsmith, Rosalyn Gibbs, Ivy Gustafson, Nathaniel Lacktman, William Leal, Walker Martin, Taylor Moore
