To the people of Saint John’s,

I am so excited to begin the work God has called us to in partnership! As you all know, my time as The Rector starts on Tuesday, 1 February. My family and I are most excited to join you all in the Worship of Jesus Christ, especially in The Holy Eucharist on Sunday mornings. I am eager to get to know each of you and learn more about your roles at Saint John’s. I can’t wait to hear how this church has impacted your lives and how we can all be partners in Jesus Christ to help our Parish grow to engage the city of Tampa and bring people to Jesus the Saint John’s way. I am equally excited to get to know the children at Saint John’s School. Working with young people has been the highlight of my ministry. Having the incredible energy of all the children and youth from Saint John’s Parish Day School on campus Monday through Friday is energizing for me. I hope to meet and greet the students and families of our School and build meaningful and lasting relationships with them.

 

The day after I arrive is the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, otherwise known as Candlemas! I want to invite you all to come to my first celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 12:15 pm. on Wednesday, 2 February. I will be preaching a sermon entitled “In the presence of Jesus.” I hope as many of you as possible will take some time to join in the commemoration of this important holy day. It will be a great start to our time together, to be together in the very presence of Jesus Christ in the form of the Holy Eucharist. I cannot think of a better way for us to begin.

 

I am always yours in Christ,

Fr.  Chris Wood