KEVIN’S KERYGMA
by Fr. Kevin Warner
September, 2022
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; [Ecclesiastes 3:1-4]
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On August 3 Thomas Kreidler, our Director of Christian Education passed away unexpectedly. A student at Asbury Seminary in Orlando working on his Master of Divinity Degree, Thomas was prayerfully considering the possibility of entering the ordination track and becoming a priest. He had just preached his first sermon July 31 and three days later passed due to a heart attack. His loss to this community cannot be measured.
Despite what the writer of Ecclesiastes might think, Thomas’ death was “out of season.” His family desperately need his presence, love, and support – both emotional and financial. Their loss leaves them adrift, and many of those around them do not know what to say or do for this grieving family. Especially when someone passes earlier than expected, people rush to try to help but often don’t know what to do or say; here are some suggestions that will hopefully be helpful.
What to say:
1. I am sorry for your loss; My condolences; etc.
2. I am here for you; How can I help; I’ll check back, etc.
3. Nothing. Sometimes a ministry of presence is all that is needed.
What not to say:
1. He’s in a better place; God needed another angel; etc. No need to drive home the fact that the deceased is no longer with the grieving person.
2. It’s God’s will; He has a plan; etc. God’s plan is that we live in peace and harmony with Him, each other, and nature in the Garden of Eden forever. Our sin led to disease, death, etc. God is life.
3. God doesn’t give us more than we can handle; You need/should/ought to feel/do/better; Go back to work; etc. No one should handicap someone else’s grief. Your need for someone to feel better/move on/get over it should not transfer onto the person grieving.
Thomas’ unexpected passing will lead to a financial hardship for the family. If you would like to help in a material way here are some suggestions:
1. Direct gifts to the family of money or gift cards. Please send them to the family directly or to the parish and the financial administrator will see it gets passed on.
Finally, SJD has a fund to help its members who are struggling financially. For your gift to be tax deductible it needs to be made out to SJD and in the memo put “Parish Discretionary Fund” and your gift will support those families in the parish who find themselves in a financial crisis.
Please join us for Thomas’ service on September 17 at 11 a.m. here at the church. The service will be livestreamed and you can watch it by going to our website closer to the date: www.stjohndivine.com.
Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
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From the Associate Rector
A few days ago, following Thomas’ death, I asked Shari if there was anything she would like for me to do – if there was anything she needed.
“One thing I would like”, she said, “is a book. I have heard from many parishioners who have told me interesting stories of their experience with Thomas. I want to hold on to those memories they share with me but in my state of mind lately, I can’t. A book with blank pages they could write on would be great…”
I have found the book. It’s a journal style book with a cover that reads: Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be Afraid or Discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 5-9.
In a conversation with Annie Hunter on the best way to accomplish this, she suggested that perhaps the pages should not be personally handwritten, because some penmanship is hard to read. Send them, instead, by email and they will be collected and put in the book. By the time you read this, this project will already be underway, but there is still time to include your entry. Send to: Annie Hunter
FatherLee
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Rest in Peace, Thomas.
You were an essential member of the Church.
You'll be remembered in the obituaries as the charismatic man who went above and beyond to educate the youth and guide them on the right path.
-Tommy Blair
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Wine and Cheese Informational Meeting
There will be a meeting for anyone interested in learning more about the upcoming Holy Land Trip in November on Tuesday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wirick Room of the Banner Building. All are welcome to attend; light snacks and beverages will be provided. For more information about the trip see the brochure HERE.
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!
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Core Values
Years ago, an internationally respected Christian leader taught me four truths that he identified as the core values that provided anchor points for guiding his life and ministry through all the variable morals and values of this world.
After many years of reading the Bible, pondering the ways of faith and praying, I have found that these four truths are solid ground that has been helpful in my life.
Here are the four core values:
1. God is good.
2. Nothing is impossible.
3. Everyone is significant.
4. Everything we need was purchased at the cross.
Each of these is worthy of an article of its own, but for now, a few words about each will have to do.
1. God is good. We say that all the time, but it seems many people think differently. When something bad happens, it is not uncommon to hear someone ask, “Why did God do this to me?” Well, God didn’t do it. Scripture reveals that it is the enemy (Satan) who has come to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). We so often credit God for something Satan did. Satan is bad – always bad and is never not bad. God is good – always good and is never not good. Let’s not get them confused. Give credit where it is due. I don’t understand why God has allowed Satan to hang around so long, but then God is God and I am not.
2. Nothing is impossible. We live in a culture of science, rationalism and mathematics. This way of thinking leaves little room for the miraculous. But God reveals throughout all of Scripture that the miraculous is normal in His kingdom. And we are to be the ambassadors of His kingdom. In Matthew 19, read the story of the rich young man starting with verse 16. This passage concludes with verse 26b which reveals, “…with God all things are possible.” Jesus said, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (See Mark 9:23).
3. Everyone is significant. You are significant, no matter who you are, whether you are the Presiding Bishop or the janitor. Jesus died for us all. We all matter to Him. We find great value in recognizing that we all matter to one another.
4. Everything we need was purchased on the cross. I was 20 years old when I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I can not tell you how many communion services I have been in during those many years since. For the last 43 years we have read from the same script, word-for-word week after week, month after month until it becomes possible to recite the words from memory without having to think about them. This Sunday, listen to the Eucharistic Prayers with a fresh ear. Then go read Matthew 6:33. You will see what I mean.
I love you, in Jesus’ name,
Howard Roshaven
Senior Warden
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Windows, Windows, Windows!!
Let there be light! And there was light through our new windows at the church. In case you missed my last message, all of the windows have been replaced in the church and upgraded to Miami Dade Standards and are now declared Hurricane proof. This will not only start to save us $$ on AC and Heating but give us a safe harbor should a Hurricane head our way. It will also make it more comfortable for those serving on the alter as they defuse the heat from the sun. This was all financed by an insurance claim from 2020 so there is no cost to the Church. The contractor on this job was WeatherTite Windows and I have to give them kudos for little if any interruption of any of the activities throughout the installation process. They even cleaned up as they went. Only problem! THEY FORGOT THE COOKIES!
Blessings
Steve Van Loan
Jr. Warden
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Do you know of someone who would like prayer
or
Would you like to be a part of our Prayer Team?
Contact:
Or
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Grief Support September 2022
Complicated Grief
We have looked at grief and here is another way to look and challenge and understand grief. Grief is a person’s response to loss, entailing emotions, thoughts and behaviors as well as physiological changes. Grief is permanent though it’s manifestations are variable both within and between people. Still, there are some commonalities that can help you recognize Complicated grief.
Acute grief occurs in the initial period after a loss. It almost always includes strong feelings of yearning, longing and sadness along with anxiety, bitterness, anger, remorse, guilt and/or shame Acute grief dominates a person’s life.
Integrated grief is the result of adaptation to the loss. When a person adapts to a loss grief is not over. Instead, thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to their loss are integrated in ways that allow them to remember. Grief finds a place in their life.
Complicated grief occurs when something interferes with adaptation. When this happens acute grief can persist for very long periods of time. A person with complicated grief feels intense emotional pain. They don’t see a pathway forward. They just can’t deal with their grief by themselves.
There are key processes entailed in adapting to a loss: 1) accepting the reality, including the finality and consequences of the loss, 2) reconfiguring the internalized relationship with the reality, and 3) envisioning ways to move forward with a sense of purpose and meaning and possibilities for happiness. Most people move forward naturally in this way and grief finds a place in their lives as they do. Sometimes there are thoughts, feelings or behaviors that interfere with adaptation.
Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT) helps people identify and resolve these interfering issues. It works to eliminate troubling thoughts, avoidance of reminders and difficulty managing painful emotions. Virtually everyone experiences acute grief and most move to integrated grief over time; there is no specific time limit. If you find yourself saddled with Complicated grief, seek help and CGT.
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 Wirick Room in the Banner building. When you feel the need, we can be there for you.
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Fall brings gorgeous lush colors. Cooler weather, pumpkin spice and football – but best of all it brings the St John Divine Fall Festival, formerly known as the Christmas Bazaar.
The Fall Festival Team at St John Divine is getting ready to celebrate the re-opening of the Fall Festival. We will have both indoor and outdoor booths for you to browse as you think about Christmas presents or just something for you to enjoy.
We are inviting vendors to join us again this year to get you in the festive spirit. The Fall Festival featuring regular favorites where shoppers will be able to enjoy a range of professional designer/makers.
Homemade baked goods, which have been a hit with our customers, will be on hand to provide sweet treats.
The event is run by a team of volunteers of all ages from the church. This will be a special event and entry is free.
Please join us Saturday, November 19th from 10:00 – 3:00. Look forward to seeing you there.
Blessings,
Cher Cerebe
Fall Festival Team Leader
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Triple T Ministry
Triple T Thoughts
Looking at the Time and Talents aspects of Triple T, this month we look into just what the Vestry is all about.
The vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. The number of vestry members and the term of office varies from parish to parish. Vestry members are usually elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the vestry is the rector. There are usually two wardens. The senior warden leads the parish between rectors and is a support person for the rector. The junior warden often has responsibility for church property and buildings. members. The basic responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. Now, that’s what a vestry is. But what time and talent do we look for to be on the vestry and why do people choose to do it?
Several folks currently on our SJD vestry answered this way, “Father Kevin made me do it !” 😊 ; “while I was working, I only had time to usher but now I can give back to the church”. Another wrote “To use the experience I gained in the business environment to help with programmatic/ministry areas within our congregation.” And someone wanted to see how the sausage was really made. And my favoritist favorite: “I have discovered that serving on this vestry is not only rewarding, but quite a spiritually uplifting experience as well. Who knew? I am becoming better acquainted with the other members of the vestry, and also learning a lot about how other folks go about contributing to the running of church affairs. It is much more than paying bills and painting walls!! It may not be what everyone is called to do......but I certainly recommend the experience to any member of the congregation that has an interest in the oversight of church affairs. Learning how to listen to the views of others and then operating as a whole unanimous body is awesome!!! I feel blessed to be of service.”
As for me between this term and filling other terms, I’ve been on the vestry here for 6 years or so and did a stint as the Junior Warden. I am a Type A logical brained fellow and GOD blessed me a wonderful sense of humor and a way to work with people. This gives me the opportunity to serve the church with my secular skills and allows me to grow spiritually as well.
The SJD Vestry meets once a month and one would serve a 3-year term. More about specific SJD work will be in future Triple T Thoughts.
Greg Diehl
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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 have 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 where they choose and direct 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.
Chancel Choir will resume choir rehearsals starting September 7th at 2:00 p.m. We would like to invite anyone who is interested in singing "To the Glory of God" to join us. The choir will have a "choir party" dinner following the 2:00 rehearsal on September 7th. In addition, we will start singing in the services starting September 11th. Let's "make a joyful noise together."
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BAKE SALE FOR 2022 FALL FESTIVAL
FALL FESTIVAL COMING NOV. 19th
Just a reminder that the Fall Festival is taking place Nov. 19th and Deb Wigmore and Barbara Gentry will be handling the Baked Goods Table.
Please put it on your calendar and as the date draws closer, we will provide more details.
Don’t forget, we will also be accepting homemade jams, jellies, sauces, etc. and of course all kinds of baked items.
We have lots of talented folks at SJD and look forward to receiving LOTS to sell.
Deb & Barbara
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BIRTHDAYS
Barbara Sirois - 9/1
Connie Keister - 9/2
Kendra Warner - 9/2
Jim Ray - 9/3
Joan Frankel - 9/3
Jon Bronson - 9/3
Jack Phillips - 9/4
Deb Risner - 9/4
Tristan Warner - 9/4
Tyra Dambacher - 9/5
James Moore - 9/8
Linda Jeker - 9/10
Judy Flaherty - 9/12
Vincent Robbio - 9/13
Margaret Jeshow - 9/14
Barbara Baker - 9/15
Joyce Fisher - 9/15
Bob Arndt - 9/16
Connie Minnoe - 9/16
Chloe Peterson - 9/16
Cindy Watson - 9/17
Sandi Gaudet - 9/18
Sharon Pappas - 9/18
Pat Soja - 9/19
Clare Thompson - 9/21
Jo Arendt - 9/23
Edward Brown - 9/23
Pauline Andrews - 9/23
Linda Floyd - 9/23
Walter Croll - 9/24
Florence George - 9/26
Mary K Merrill - 9/26
Harry Benter - 9/27
John Frizzola - 9/27
Colton Garis - 9/28
Barbara Noone - 9/29
ANNIVERSARIES
Lee & Yoniece Miller - 9/1
Tristan & Kendra Warner - 9/3
Morris & Joy Johnson - 9/11
Justin & Maureen Hill - 9/13
Dick & Alyson Barrett - 9/14
Don & Joyce Fisher - 9/22
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Vestry
Howard Roshaven -- Sr. Warden, Steve Van Loan -- Jr. Warden, Val Bryant -- Clerk
Marianne Strehar, 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
Connie Minnoe - Accounting Administrator, Cheryl Savini - Receptionist
Tristan Warner - Media & Tech Specialist, Denise Smalls, Angel Fujiwara - Nursery Attendants
St. John Divine Episcopal Church
1015 E. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573
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