KEVIN’S KERYGMA
by Fr. Kevin Warner
July, 2022
I am not going to lie. This is not my favorite time of year in Florida. The “dog days” of summer seem to last forever and I long for my favorite Florida month, February. Quite the juxtaposition as February was the most hated, and seemingly the longest, month of the year in Michigan. For the next few months we will all need gills to breathe, as our friends/family up north laugh at us when viewing our “heat index” while we will laugh at their “wind chill” during the winter.

So, to pass the time and liven up our summer I am challenging you to a trivia contest. I will pose several Bible, SJD, and general knowledge trivia questions, and whoever emails me kwarner@stjohndivine.com with the most correct answers will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. In case of ties the earliest submission will win.
 
  1. How many people were on the ark that Adam built?
  2. After Tommy Blair, who is the longest standing lay employee of SJD?
  3. You have two coins that equal 30 cents, and one of them is not a quarter. Which coins do you have?
  4. What tribe of Israel was Paul from?
  5. Who is the Jr. Warden of SJD?
  6. If Mrs. Smith’s rooster lays an egg in Mr. Brown’s yard, who owns the egg?
  7. What is the longest book in the Bible?
  8. How can you donate money to SJD and not have it cost you anything? (hint: see the website)
  9. Two is a duo, and three is a trio. So, what do four and five make?
  10. Where did the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal take place?
  11. What is the name of Fr. Lee’s ventriloquist dummy?
  12. Which is further west, Los Angeles, CA, Reno, NV, or San Diego, CA?
  13. What is the name of the last book of the Bible? Who wrote it? Be specific.
  14. What year did Fr. Kevin come to SJD?
  15. True or False: Detroit, Michigan is closer to the equator than the North Pole.
  16. Who was the first king of Israel?
  17. What is our new receptionist’s full name?
  18. What country boasts the most pyramids?
  19. How many siblings did Joseph have?
  20. What famous person did Fr. Lee work for before becoming a priest?
  21. If you are in a race and pass the person in third place, what place are you in?

Answers will be posted in the Parish Hall on July 10 along with the winning entry. Answers must be emailed to me by July 6 to be eligible for the prize. (No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be U.S. resident, 21 years older to enter. Contest not open to current or former staff members, valid in all 50 states except where prohibited by law.)


Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
From the Associate Rector

He wants a divorce.

The marriage has been a long and successful one; in most cases, it has been a happy one. There have been hard times but until now, hard times seemed only to strengthen the relationship.

Now, there is between the two of them a problem of communication – and communication is always difficult in later years when greener pastures begin their flirtation. The vows spoken so many years ago are now, at best, a dim memory. He readily admits he no longer sees the marriage as a two way street. He is always taking and seldom giving. Once, he felt the marriage made them a part of each other but somehow that got lost along the way. When he seeks consolation from others, he is reminded that if he cannot return the devoted love given him all these years, he had best pack his bags – and the sooner the better. So, he wants a divorce – from his country.

It is mainly a problem of understanding. Love never fully matures without understanding. A love for one’s country involves more than simply obeying the Law of the Land, paying taxes, and voting on election day. Love manifests itself with true concern in richness and in health.

Every year, around the 4th of July, someone feels compelled out of curiosity or whatever to circulate a copy of the Declaration of Independence and ask for signatures. That most well known of all documents is often not recognized. Each year, it seems, over half the people contacted are shocked at the content of a paper to which pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. 

What is needed is the universal understanding Benjamin Franklin spoke of when he said, “God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all nations of the earth so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say “This is my country’”

I thought you might be interested in my thoughts written for a book I wrote --copyright 1972.
                                                                                       FatherLee
Holy Land Trip Changed to Include Pyramids
 
Our trip to the Holy Land has been modified to include Cairo and the Route of the Exodus. This means we will visit the Step Pyramid, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Please pick up a brochure at the welcome desk or HERE! and sign up for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! The trip is open to all interested people, whether or not they are members of SJD. Sign up and bring a friend!
From the Sr. Warden
 
Frank Lovejoy was an actor that died two months before my twentieth birthday. I remember him best as General Ennis C. Hawkes in the 1955 film, Strategic Air Command, starring Jimmy Stewart and featuring MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. A year after Lovejoy’s death I moved to Tampa and began to enjoy some of the climate I remembered seeing in the film.

Why did I think of Frank Lovejoy? There actually is a reason. 

I was thinking about the Holy Spirit. In the book of Galatians, chapter five, St. Paul uses nine words to describe the fruit of the Holy Spirit. At the top of his list are love and joy. That reminded me of Frank Lovejoy. It’s amazing that I can remember a supporting actor from half a century ago but I can’t remember why I just walked into the kitchen. Oh, well…

Now that we’re talking about love and joy, it seems to me that these characteristics should be easily evident in our Christian lives. We are reminded every week in the Eucharist how much Jesus loves us. He taught us that we are to love one another as He loves us. Being loved like that inspires me to love you, and love for you motivates me to jump in and do things to bring blessing to you. That is why I volunteer, where I can, to do things in the church.

There are times when I think about my advancing age and just want to take a nap. But my love for Jesus Christ and my love for you stir me to action. Participating in the A/V booth as the audio engineer is a skill I acquired over years of being the owner of a recording studio, and I enjoy offering my time and talent as a volunteer in the booth.

I’ll bet you have experience and skill in one or several areas that you would enjoy using to enhance the functioning of the church. Participating in activities with fellow Christians for the betterment of us all brings joy to the heart that is rare and beautiful. It is a joy you only find by jumping in and doing things beyond attending on Sundays and sitting in the pew.
 
Volunteer. It’s fun. It is satisfying to the soul. And it displays our love for one another.

I love you, in Jesus’ name,

Howard Roshaven
Senior Warden
On June 5th 2022 five youth and three adults departed from St. John Divine left for Mayfield, KY. After a 14 hour drive the mission team arrived at St. John’s Murray, KY where they would stay for the week. The following morning the team was joined by approximately ten youth and adults from St. John’s Murray. The combined team traveled to Fulton county, KY to the Kenn-Tenn food bank. Fulton county is the second poorest county in Kentucky and was also affected by the tornado that struck on December 10th 2021.
 
The mission team assisted the food bank by doing a complete inventory of the food on hand and prepping the area for food distribution that would take place later in the week. The following three days the team worked with Mayfield Strong assisting at the distribution center and clean up efforts on a number of properties around Mayfield. The work was not always easy but the youth never complained and were recognized by local residence for their willingness to help and their strong work ethic.
 
The St. John Divine mission team returned to Florida on Saturday June 11th tired but full of love for all those that were and still are suffering from the deadly affects of the tornados that changed their lives forever.
WSJD (Women of St. John Divine)
 
It is time to "normalize" some of our WSJD activities. We have had a long pause due to Covid!!

1. Cher Cerebe(ccerebe@verizon.net) is organizing the Annual Fall Festival (Christmas Bazaar). It is set for the weekend of Nov. 18th and 19th. She is planning to have vendors, food trucks, bake goods and "attic treasures". MARK YOUR CALENDARS-----NOV. 18TH AND 19TH, set aside attic treasures to donate and join the fun.

2. Jackie Winder and Carol Drummond will be co-chairing the Annual Rummage Sale. It will be in January, 2023 (more info on that to come later).
Triple T Ministry

In the last issue of Revelations, we discussed the Altar Guild Ministry. Cher Cerebe provided a very interesting article on how the Altar Guild members give back to SJD through their time and talent. 
 
Continuing in our articles to educate the congregation that there are many different ministries that comprise the Triple T (Time, Talent & Treasure), this time we will highlight the Choir Ministry.
 
Choirs have a long history. They began in Ancient Greece as choruses for the backdrop of a play. They became more proficient in the Middle Ages and progressed through the Renaissance, when sacred music was predominant. Some of that music is still preformed today. The Baroque and Classical periods added to the repertoire giving us the varied music forms we hear today.
 
The personnel of choirs has also changed. They started as all male utilizing adult men and boys. Some churches especially cathedrals still have all male choirs.
 
The choir historically has been an integral part of the worship service since the 14th century. Originally, it was deemed part of the clergy and still holds an esteemed place in the service. The director of the choir is designated as Minister of Music, choosing and directing the music performed.
 
At SJD, we began with Charles Wirich in 1990. He was succeeded by Mary K Merrill. The next in line was Joan Frankel. After her retirement in 2021, we engaged Aline Giampetro who was able to be with us for about four months. Valerie Southwell is now directing our choir.
 
The choir performs at most services especially ones for major events as Christmas, Easter, Saints Days, etc.
 
SJD has a full complement of singers (sopranos, altos, tenors and basses), allowing us to sing a large variety of music. In preparation, the choir meets to practice at least once a week and just before the start of a Service.
 
The intent of having a choir is to enhance and reinforce the message that is delivered in the Service. It is indeed a Ministry of Music! And, if you feel God is calling you to be a part of this wonderful ministry, please seek out one of our choir members on how you can give back to SJD your time and talent.
PLEASE USE:
Your voice for KINDNESS
Your ears for COMPASSION
Your hand for CHARITY
Your mind for TRUTH
Your heart for LOVE

The Grief Support Group at Saint John Divine offers more than just discussions for those who have lost someone. Grief is a natural process. It isn't a disorder or an illness. You may be grieving about anything you've lost, whether it's a loved one or a job or something that had meaning for you.

We meet every month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 10:00 AM in the Dons Room in the Banner building. When you feel the need, we can be there for you.
Outreach Focus for June & July
Back to School - Wimauma Elementary School

Hello, St. John Divine family,

I am Brenda Roshaven and I am the Outreach contact for the months of June and July.

I have been in contact with Wimauma Elementary School. They are very excited to be the school that we will be blessing with school supplies for our “Back to School” outreach this year.

Wimauma Elementary is a neighborhood school for pre-k through fifth grade, located just south of route 674. They are a Title 1 school because of the number of students receiving lunch assistance. For many of these wonderful kids, the gift of a new backpack and other school supplies will be a significant blessing.

We will have a video in June to help you get acquainted with this school. There will be a table in the parish hall where you can leave donations. The school is asking for any school supplies including bookbags, pencils, crayons and other items. A detailed list will be provided.

Gift cards and donations of money can be given also. Some of you may enjoy shopping for the children. I know I do, while for some of you, a financial donation is more feasible. Indicate on the donation that it is for Wimauma Elementary. You may make a check out to SJD, write Wimauma Elementary on the memo line, and put it in the offering plate.

Jesus said what we do for the least of these we do for Him.

Be blessed,
Brenda
BIRTHDAYS

Sheila Turpin - 7/1
Michelle Garis - 7/4
Marcia Schwarm - 7/5
Bailey Risner - 7/6
Elmer Joerg - 7/9
Mike Fitzgerald - 7/12
Wendy Fitzgerald - 7/12
Alannah Pollard - 7/13
Shirley Luxana - 7/14
Cher Cerebe - 7/15
Keegan Kreidler - 7/15
Linda Justin - 7/16
Bettie Mannon - 7/16
Jennifer Bronson - 7/17
Lindsay Pratt - 7/18
Denise Smalls - 7/19
Reba Goewey - 7/19
Vivian Smalls - 7/20
Edward Patrick - 7/21
Dick Callaghan - 7/21
Kenneth Worachek - 7/22
Linda Ellis - 7/22
Nancy Phillips - 7/24
Paula Engle - 7/26
Mary Merrill - 7/27
June Lohren - 7/27
Rebecca Carlisle - 7/28
Aubrey Thompson - 7/29
Miriandra De Jesus Rivera - 7/30
Nevius Joseph-Watt - 7/31
Brant Myrick - 7/31

ANNIVERSARIES

Lee & Barbara Sirois - 7/6
Thomas & Shari Kreidler - 7/9
Vincent & Maria Martucci - 7/13
Ryan & Michelle Garis - 7/31
Vestry

 Howard Roshaven -- Sr. Warden, Steve Van Loan -- Jr. Warden, Val Bryant -- Clerk
Debbie Carlisle, Greg Diehl, Linda Duhn,
Don Fisher, Linda Floyd, Mary Lane Kullmann,
Ralph Powell, Doug Roderick, Clare Thompson, Jackie Winder

Clergy and Staff

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith
Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida
The Rev. Kevin Warner - Rector
The Rev. Lee Miller - Associate Rector
Scott Gardner - Praise Leader, Valerie Southwell - Music Director
Tristan Warner - Media & Tech Specialist, Tommy Blair - A/V Assistant
Connie Minnoe - Accounting Administrator, Cheryl Savini - Receptionist
Denise Smalls, Angel Fujiwara - Nursery Attendants
Thomas Kreidler - Director of Christian Education

St. John Divine Episcopal Church
1015 E. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573
813-633-3970       office@stjohndivine.com   www.stjohndivine.com