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
For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3
This Week in
St. John’s
Thursday, February 16
Next Mom’s Morning: Thursday, February 16
The next Mom’s Morning will meet on Thursday, February 16, at 8:45 a.m. in Discovery House. Come for as little or long as you’d like and please feel free to bring your little ones. Toys and coffee will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, 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 meets 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.
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.
Parish Breakfast and Sandwich Sunday (Parish Hall)
Thank you to Jenn and Chris Nix for being our Sandwich Sunday hosts this month!
11:15 a.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite I) (Church)
Monday, February 20
Parish Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day Holiday
Tuesday, February 21
Contemporary Women’s Bible Study
6:45 a.m., Peterson Room
CWBS continues their study of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians.
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 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.
Mid Morning Women’s Bible Study
The Mid Morning Women’s Bible Study will meet in the Church Sanctuary from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21. They will be continuing the study of Luke’s Gospel which they began in the fall. On February 21, the group will be studying Luke 12 and will be led by Mary Jane Schenck.
The group invites all interested women to join them in the Church Sanctuary from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on alternate Tuesdays. For more information, you may contact Joan McKay at mckayjhm@aol.com or Pat Wilson at 644.4640 or patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com.
The St. John’s Book Club
The St. John’s Book Club will meet on February 21 at 4:00 p.m. in the Lowry Room. Ronnie Goodheart will lead the discussion of The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. All are invited to attend.
Wednesday, February 22: The Feast of St. Matthias
12:15 p.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)
Wednesday Nights In St. John’s
6:30 p.m. Parish Hall
Beginning Wednesday, February 8 , The Reverend Doctor Robert O. Baker , Chaplain of the School and Associate Rector will teach a series on the religions of Game of Thrones. This series will continue for 6-8 weeks.
George R.R. Martin has been described as a postmodern Tolkien. In his multi volume book series and the subsequent HBO serie, Martin narrates the rightful succession of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, a mythical Kingdom. Martin is a master of description. He describes the food, clothing, armaments and religious practices of Westeros in painstaking detail. Over the course of this class we will explore the religions of Westeros and through a process of comparison and contrast seek to understand our own Anglican faith more intimately.
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 pgamefla@aol.com for more details.
News
Annual Meeting of the Parish: Sunday, February 12
Congratulations to our newest Vestry members, elected at the Annual Meeting of the Parish on Sunday, February 12. Parishioners chose Doug Arthur, Heddy Murphey Brown, Steven Leal, and India Witte to fill the four open slots. They were part of a very strong slate of parishioners, and we thank all who were willing to stand for election this year.
Officers of the Vestry are: Senior Warden, Cindy Hadlow; Junior Warden, David Adams; Treasurer, Drew Graham; and Clerk, Vicki Malizia.
We also thank our retiring Vestry members (pictured above with Fr. Connelly), particularly Senior Warden Christopher Lykes, for their service.
Pastoral Care Spring Fling
Monday, March 13, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
If you have an interest in exploring a pastoral care ministry, come and join the Pastoral Care Team for dinner and discussion on March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall and find the opportunity that fits your gifts. Register by March 8 by emailing jtunnell@104.237.132.142 or call Janet at 518.5232.
Palm Sunday Crosses Needed
Please bring your Palm Sunday crosses from 2016 to the church so they can be burned for ashes for Ash Wednesday on March 1.
EYC Is Going Skating!
It’s time to dust off those old-skool moves and show your skills on the rink, because EYC is going skating this Sunday! Junior and Senior EYC will meet together at United Skates of America from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19. Youth will need to be dropped off and picked up at the rink (5121 N. Armenia Ave) and bring $9 to cover the cost of the skate rental (plus a little extra for snacks). All youth, grades 6 through 12, are welcome to attend, and feel free to bring a friend. If you have any questions contact Fr. Ackerman. See you there!
Parish Offices Closed
Please note: the Parish offices will be closed Monday, February 20, in honor of the Presidents’ Day holiday.
Call the Congregation Rodeph Sholom office at 837.1911 or visit www.rsholom.org to register.
St. John’s own Mary Jane Schenck will present an example of a Woman of Valor from the New Testament at this event.
Christian Education
Adult Christian Formation
The Christian Formation group will meet in the Lowry Room at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 26 for a pre-Lenten study of The Bible for the Biblically Challenged. Our Lent study will begin on Sunday, March 5.
Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes and takes place in the Lowry Room. Bring your coffee and join the conversation! For more information, email Kathleen Moore or call her at 221.6253.
Focus on Faith Adult Confirmation Begins February 26
Are you an adult seeking confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of your faith? Focus on Faith will prepare and direct you toward an expression of this deeper commitment. The format is a small group experience where participants learn more about the Episcopal Church and our Christian beliefs. It is also a time to connect with others on your Christian journey.
The eight-week program will begin February 26 and is led by Rev. Janet Tunnell. Visitation for Confirmation by The Right Reverend Dabney Smith, Bishop of Southwest Florida, is May 7. Questions? Pick up a brochure, call Janet at 518.5232, or email her at jtunnell@104.237.132.142. Register by phone or email with Janet by February 20.
Wednesdays in Lent
Mark your calendars for the five Wednesday evenings of Lent: March 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5. We will gather in the Parish Hall at 5:30 p.m. for social time and prayer with a delicious dinner by Chef Dave served at 6:00 p.m. At 6:45 p.m. there will be a program for children in the Lowry Room. Adults will remain in the Parish Hall for a series of discussions on the topic When Bad Things Happen to Good People led by our guest speaker, the Rev Everett Walk of Sarasota. The evenings will conclude at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Deacon Kathleen Moore at kmoore@104.237.132.142 or 785.9400. If you and your family plan to attend, RSVP to parish@104.237.132.142 so we can get a count for food.
Children and Youth
Inviting Families with Children to our Wednesday Event Lenten Series
St. John’s will be hosting an evening Lenten series from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in Lent. The topic for this year is on Harold Kushner’s book, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” and will be led by the Rev. Everett Walk of Sarasota. For adults, the evening will offer a discussion of spirituality as it pertains to coping with crisis. In an effort to welcome families to this fellowship opportunity, we also created a special Lenten series for children to partake in simultaneously, which will include seasonally relevant discussion topics, games, and activities in the Lowry Room during the adult discussion in the Parish Hall. We hope you will come and enjoy dinner as a family, and then embrace nourishment for souls of all ages in the programs after dinner.
Parents’ Night Out: Friday, February 24
Book a sitter, plan a date night, and start the evening off with your friends from St. John’s! Stop by O Cocina on Henderson Blvd. anytime between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, and stay for as little or as long as you’d like to enjoy conversation and camaraderie with other parents from St. John’s. The rest of the night is up to you!
Please RSVP to wwolf@104.237.132.142 or respond to our evite so we know how many people to expect and can reserve space accordingly.
Hope to see you there!
Youth Confirmation Classes Begin February 26
All youth who are at least twelve years of age, or who have entered the seventh grade, are invited to pursue confirmation at St. John’s. The first Confirmation Class will be held in the Discovery House immediately following the 9:15 a.m. service on February 26 . Parents should attend this first class, as we will discuss the overall theology of confirmation as well as distribute the class schedule and requirements for the course. Confirmation by Bishop Smith will occur during the 9:15 a.m. service on May 7 during his annual visit to the parish.
The Children’s Ministry is looking for volunteers to lead the planning of our Easter Egg Painting Party on Saturday, April 8 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. If you’re interested in leading – or helping out in any way, please contact wwolf@104.237.132.142.
St. John’s School News
Ahoy! St. John’s Biggest Fundraising Event Is Ahead!
Celebratio 2017: Shipwrecked and Stranded on Eagle Island!
Saturday, April 29
Tampa Yacht and Country Club
Patrons’ Party 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Main Event 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Dinner Open Bar Silent & Live Auctions Music
Live Entertainment Island Attire
The St. John’s Parents’ Club would like to invite you to join us for Celebratio 2017. Plan to enjoy an incredible evening with faculty, staff, and friends as we continue to chart our course for educational excellence.
Become a Celebratio Patron, and join us for our VIP-only party: “Before the Ship Wrecks.”
Sponsorship levels $1,200 and above are invited to the Patrons’ Party. Patrons will enjoy:
Early admission to Celebratio
Live Entertainment-Steel Drum
Caricature Artist
Exclusive Swag Bag
Exclusive event…. Each Patron will receive a wristband to enter
The Candle in the Sanctuary Light is available for April 30. If you would like to take this opportunity to honor a loved one and support the parish, please contact the parish offices by email or call 259.1570.
Kitchen Help Needed
The Kitchen Guild was formed to provide the opportunity for all of us to break bread and be together as one Christian community, regardless of which service we normally attend. The guild is also a community unto itself, enjoying Christian fellowship with one another as we serve the Body of Christ. The following opportunities are open to those who wish to step out in the capacity of servant. Pick one Sunday morning or one Wednesday (or both) to come and join in the us in the kitchen. No experience necessary. The following days/times are available. Email Dave Kenyon for more details or to sign up to help You can also send him a text or call him at 404.5000.
Help Needed
Lenten Dinners 2017 (Wednesdays from March 8 through April 5): Arrive 3:30 p.m., we will serve about 40 to 50 people.
Confirmation Classes (February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 23, 30): Arrive 9:00 a.m., we will serve 12 to 20 people.
Sandwich Sunday Hosts Needed
We are in need of hosts for the following dates: March 19, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, October 15, November 19, and December 17. Contact Cindy Martin if you can help. Hosting includes shopping for the supplies, coordinating the sandwich preparation on the day-of, and delivering the meals to Faith Cafe. Costs are reimbursed by the church.
From the Parish Register
Birthdays
February 16, Ralph Belfatti, Emmett Boggs, Tracy Hodges, Amy Shoukry
February 17, Peter Dawson, Evan Foley, Lindsay Mickler, Jill Niell, Jeremiah Pederson, Sandra Peterson, Betty Rawlings, William Whitcomb, William Young
February 18, Elizabeth Ackermann, Lynn Fluharty, William Horan, Emily Ruas, Caswell Shamblin
February 19, Stephanie Gibson, Jessica Simmons
February 20, Markus Dangl, Harrison Hodges, Jeannie Kenyon, Bettye Spoto
February 21, Sue Cox, Charlotte Graham, Andrew Hunt, Paulette Lane, Kent Malizia, Carol Woodroffe, Robert Yelverton
February 22, Christina Arcuri, George Cave, Paul Lutz, William Sharp
