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
Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.
1 Peter 1
This Week in
St. John’s
Thursday, April 27
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.
CWBS is currently studying Psalms. 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 meets in the Church Sanctuary from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on alternate Tuesdays. They will be continuing the study of Luke’s Gospel. Father Connelly will lead the discussion of Luke 19:28 – 21:38 at the next session on Tuesday, May 2.The group invites all interested women to join them in the Church every other week. For more information, you may contact Joan McKay at mckayjhm@aol.com or Pat Wilson at 644.4640 or patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com.
Wednesday, May 3: The Feast of St. Philip and St. James
12:15 p.m.
The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) (Chapel)
Wednesday Nights In St. John’s
6:30 p.m., Parish Hall
On Wednesday, May 3, the Wednesday Nights group will begin the DVD series, A Bible Study of James, a four-session study,
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 about the Wednesday Nights group.
News
Annual Choir Benefit Concert: May 7
The final event in St. John’s Annual Music Series this year will be the Annual Benefit Concert on Sunday, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. This year, the concert takes as its theme ‘The music of Maurice Durufle’, and will feature, as the central work, his well-known and much-loved ‘Requiem’, from 1947. Maurice Durufle was a French organist and composer. His output was modest, given his perfectionism and tendency to revise works until they were, in his view, just right. The Requiem, whilst challenging for choir and organist, is rightly considered one the finest and most sublime works in the entire choral repertoire. Simon Morley, our Organist and Director of Music, will conduct the concert, and Benjamin Sheen, Associate Organist of St. Thomas, Fifth Avenue, New York City, will accompany and play two of Durufle’s spectacular organ pieces, the ‘Prelude and Fugue sur le nom d’Alain’, and the Choral Variations on ‘Veni, Creator Spiritus’. Please plan to support this concert with your presence- you will not be disappointed.
St. John’s 17th Annual In-Gathering for Alpha House
While Mom will get lots of “Luvs” and “Huggies” on her special day, remember that others need to be pampered too. We can all help the mothers and babies at Alpha House by bringing in “Wish List” items on (or before) Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. Collection bags with detailed wish lists will be distributed following all services on April 30 and May 7. These bags will also be available outside of the parish offices. Special donation requests for 2017: Bed pillows (many needed), crib sheets, towels and wash cloths, hurricane preparedness food and supplies such as canned chicken and tuna, peanut butter and jelly, canned soups, aluminum foil, non-electric can openers, granola bars, trail mix, canned juice, fruit ,and vegetables. Other items needed this year include many ongoing necessities such as diapers, wipes, toiletries, food, and clothing for babies. Mothers are in need of toiletries, grooming and beauty items, first aid supplies, as well as general household items needed for setting up a new home. Gift cards and monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. All donations will be collected in the courtyard prior to all three services on Mother’s Day, or drop off in the parish offices prior to May 14. ******** Volunteers are needed to distribute collection bags following all three services on April 30 and May 7. Volunteers are also needed to receive collection bags prior to all three services on Mother’s Day. If you can lend a hand, please call Ruth Giordano at 254.4332 or email Tampagio@aol.com.
Visiting Priest Presents Sermon this Sunday
This Sunday, the Rev. Janet will be in the Dominican Republic and the Rev. Michael Durning will join us to preach at all three services. The Rev. Michael P. Durning has been canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Southwest Florida since 2000. He began his service in the diocese in 1988 as assistant rector at St. John’s in Naples. He arrived as a deacon, ordained to the priesthood and transferred his canonical residence from Pennsylvania to Southwest Florida. In 1992 he accepted the call as rector at St. Mark’s in Marco Island. During the next five years he successfully spearheaded the implementation of a $2.2 million “Catch the Spirit” capital fund campaign, whereby parish membership was increased to 103% and giving to the operating fund increased by 24%. At the time, St. Mark’s was listed by The Living Church as one of the most growing parishes in the Episcopal Church. From 1997 to 2000 Mike served as Deputy for Congregational Development for the diocese. He grew up in Pennsylvania and has a M.Div. from General Theological Seminary in New York (1987), and a B.F.A. from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia (1973). Mike and his wife, Bonnie Jean, have been married for 39 years and have three sons, James, 37, John, 30, and Michael, 27. He enjoys art, photography, Scottish country dancing, and music and also plays guitar and the hammer dulcimer.
The Rev. Janet’s Trip to the DR
The Rev. Janet says of her upcoming trip to the DR: I am blessed to be a part of the Spring 2017 Dominican Republic Exploration Trip. Guided by Karen Carroll (a missionary who lives in Santo Domingo) and Bill Kunkle (Executive Director of the Dominican Development Group), we will travel on an East-West path, covering Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, Santa Fe, Boca Chica, Jimaní, Barahona, Bani, Azua, La Romana, and Higüey from April 27 to May 3. The purpose of the trip is not only to visit our brothers and sisters in Christ in the DR, but also to see firsthand the social, educational, and religious programs administered through the Dominican Episcopal Church, many of which are supported by our companion dioceses. I am looking forward to meeting the priests and community leaders who run the programs, and the families and communities who benefit from them. And I am particularly excited to see the sites where our summer mission trips will be working!
Parish Picnic Photos
What a great day! Check out more photos on our Children’s Ministry webpage !
Events and Fellowship
The Soiree
St. John’s Church invites you to a Soirée at the home of Mary and Ron Hulse, 4912 Lyford Cay Road Friday, May 12 7:00 p.m. Bring an hors d’oeuvre to share and a drink of your choosing. RSVP to Mary Hulse at 391.7743 or mmhulse@tampabay.rr.com or to Pat Wilson at 644.4640 or patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com.
Adult Christian Enrichment
Adult Christian Formation
The Sunday Adult Christian Formation group will meet again on May 14 in the Lowry Room at 10:30 a.m. 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.
Mid Morning Women’s Bible Study
The Mid Morning Women’s Bible Study meets in the Church Sanctuary from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. on alternate Tuesdays. They will be continuing the study of Luke’s Gospel. Father Connelly will lead the discussion of Luke 19:28 – 21:38 at the next session on Tuesday, May 2.The group invites all interested women to join them in the Church every other week. For more information, you may contact Joan McKay at mckayjhm@aol.com or Pat Wilson at 644.4640 or patwilson68@tampabay.rr.com.
Annual Women’s Retreat
The annual St. John’s Women’s Retreat will be held at Dayspring Conference Center from May 19 through 21. All women of St John’s and their friends are invited. Come for the whole weekend or just for the day on Saturday. The theme for this year is Finding God in the Everyday . There will be lively group discussion, crafts, music, social time, and quiet time for prayer and reflection; walk the labyrinth or just wander in the woods. For more information about cost and registration, contact Deacon Kathleen Moore at kmoore@104.237.132.142 or 785.9400.
Outreach
Stitch 3 – Pray 3
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting or sewing? Stitch 3 – Pray 3 creates prayer shawls, lap blankets, caps, etc., providing comfort for those that may have a need. Prayers are said over the item and stitching is done in motions of three for God, The Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit. For those who enjoy sewing, simple jumper dresses are created for AIDS orphans in Tanzania in conjunction with the Sewing for Hope organization. Patterns are provided. For more information, contact Caroline Campbell at 205.6674.
Children and Youth
Youth Mission Camp 2017
Do you love to help others? Do you love summer camp? Why not do both at the same time?! All youth (rising 6th graders through rising 12th graders) are encouraged to sign up for Mission Camp this summer at DaySpring, from July 23 through 28 . We will join youth from across the diocese for a week of serving God and others, as well as taking advantage of all the things summer camp has to offer, including swimming, canoeing, the ropes course, and more! As if that isn’t enough to entice you, Fr. Chase will be serving as one of the camp chaplains! Be sure to visit www.campdayspring.org to register for Mission Camp or contact Fr. Chase for more information.
Sign Up to Teach Sunday School This Summer
Sunday, May 21 will mark the final day of our school year Sunday School program, after which we will switch to weekly volunteers throughout the summer. Host families will provide a snack and teach a lesson to a mixed-age group of children in the Parish Hall. You can sign up to teach one class or a few classes via the schedule by clicking here.
VBS Volunteers and Donations Sought
June 19 through 23
We continue to seek volunteers to fill the following open roles for VBS (June 19 through 23) this summer:
Huddle Coaches – The huddle coach is responsible for “chaperoning” a small group of children throughout the week and ensuring their engagement throughout the morning. Of most importance, the Huddle Coaches are responsible for leading daily “huddles” during which they will share a personal story related to the daily theme and facilitate conversation amongst their small group. This person should enjoy working with kids and leading conversation. No athletic interest or ability is necessary. Each Huddle Coach is given a Playbook with details for every day so they are well-prepared to lead their group!
Bible Coaches (Pre-K/K) – This person would be responsible for teaching our youngest VBS’ers their daily Bible story, complete with colorful pictures and activities (provided)! This person should be comfortable around little kids (age 4 to 6) and enjoy sharing the word of the Lord!
Nursery Volunteers – We are planning to have the nursery available to watch the children of volunteers who are too young to attend the camp (3 and under). We are hoping to find one or two volunteers from the Parish to hang out with the little ones from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. If we can find several people who are interested, we may even be able to divide up the days so that each person only does a couple of days.
Aftercare Volunteers – Aftercare will be available from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day for the week of VBS and we already have around 20 children signed up. This time will include seated lunch (kids bring their own), quiet time, outdoor play in the playground (requiring supervision), some crafts and theatre games, and perhaps a movie or two. We are hoping to staff this portion of the day with people who did not work in the morning so that no one gets burnt out from working both all week long!
Last but not least, if you want to help out but can’t donate your time, you can visit our Amazon Registry to donate an item that we will be using throughout the week! Click here to go to Amazon for our list.
Action Items and Opportunities
Sandwich Sunday Hosts Needed
We are in need of Sandwich Sunday hosts for July 16 and November 19. 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
April 27, Ellie Bass, Hugh Otero
April 28, Roddy Belfatti, Maria Howey, Barbara Pitts, Patricia Rudy, Jane Williams
April 29, Noah Hearing
April 30, Fletcher Barnes, Mary Kohlhaas, Daisy Lewis, Robert Spencer
May 1, Keith Bricklemyer, J. Miller, Mary Schnell, Linda Wyatt
May 2, Nicholas Herrin
May 3, John Jenkins, Gareth Leonard, Hartley Mellish, Pickens Price
