2018’s Tampa Deanery Project saw the not-quite completion of San Timoteo Church in Nizao (we’ll be going back next year to complete the second story and help with a community garden-farm). Teams II and III were able to participate in the consecration of the mission on June 30, the first for the new Bishop of the Dominican Republic, Moises Quezada Mota.

 

In addition to this year’s St. John’s representatives on Team II, Carol Ihrig and Sally Thompson, past participants were recognized by Bishop Moises at the Consecration.  From St. John’s, they included: Henry Woodroffe, David Webster, Dottie Towne Webster, Robin Adair, and Bill Hardy.

 

The Tampa Deanery Project has expanded to include members of other parishes outside of the Deanery. This year, the Rev. Janice Tunnell participated with members of her parish, All Saints in Tarpon Springs. A group of parishioners from St. James in Farmington, CT, lead Vacation Bible School classes at Colegio San Matías in Santana and assisted in the construction of the church furniture. This mammoth effort to meet the June 30 consecration date, included building twelve long church pews, two celebrant’s chairs, a bishop’s chair, a baptismal font, a lectern, the top surface for the altar, and a pulpit. Because of wet weather, the large pine boards had to be turned every few minutes to dry in the sunlight during the week. Final staining and varnishing will be delayed until dryer weather. Painting was completed on the interior and exterior of the church by Teams I and II.

 

The support of St. John’s over the past 20 years has helped to make these efforts successful and further God’s work in our Companion Diocese in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to all who have supported St. John’s missioners!