April, 2022

KEVIN’S KERYGMA
by Fr. Kevin Warner
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
By the time you read this your clergy, elected convention delegates, and those of other parishes in the diocese, will be electing the next Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. This is a monumental moment in the life of any diocese, and I want to commend the Search Committee of the diocese which included two of our own, Katie Arp, and Fr. David until he moved to North Carolina, for their excellent work. I have never seen a slate as impressive as the one from which we are choosing, and they have made it a challenge to make a selection.
 
It is fitting that the election is taking place close to Easter. The Bible is full of references to “New Life” and nowhere else is that truer than Eastertide. The resurrection of Christ renews all things and gives us hope for the future. Likewise, our new bishop will come and bring new life to our diocese. Each candidate will present their vision at a “Meet and Greet” roughly a week and a half before the election. Then, guided by the Holy Spirit, those entrusted with votes will choose from among the candidates. Next, the new bishop will serve alongside our current bishop, who will retire sometime at a date of his choosing.
 
Speaking of our current bishop, I want to say a word about him. Dabney Smith is one of the finest bishops I have encountered. I have been a part of many dioceses throughout the country, and the Diocese of Southwest Florida stands as the best because of his leadership, and it has been a pleasure serving under him. He will certainly be missed by me and others. A man of integrity and vision, please join me in wishing him Godspeed when he does announce his retirement date.
 
Back to the candidates. I am looking forward to the upcoming election. Too often it seems, elections are about voting against objectionable candidates and choosing the least offensive. This will not be the case as, at this time, I still am trying to pick from four good choices. Most important in this process for me is listening to the Holy Spirit and being guided by Him. Whether it is Fr. Thomas from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fr. Doug from Tequesta, Fr. Tim from Hingham, Massachusetts, or Cn. John from Atlanta, we will be fortunate.
 
Please hold the Special Electing Convention in your prayers. We convene April 2, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg at 10:00 a.m. for worship with the voting beginning at 11:00 a.m. To be elected the candidate must have a majority among the clergy and the laity. Clergy and laity votes are counted separately, and the voting continues until someone achieves the needed votes from both groups. If someone is not elected by 5:00 p.m. the meeting is continued to the following week. It is rare, but not unheard of, that an election is not accomplished the first day.
 
Again, please keep us in prayer and watch for an announcement once the election is complete. For more information about the candidates/process, Click Here!

Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
I mentioned in my last article (March) that I would be taking some classes with Samaritan’s Purse designed to help minister to those in crisis situations. I found very interesting some of the things to say and also some things not to say when ministering to hurting individuals.

I will share a few of them with you.

THINGS NOT TO SAY
“I know how you feel.”
“The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.”
“Be happy for what you have left.”
“You’ll get over it.”
“Life must go on; you’ll feel better before you know it.”
“I’m sure it would never happen again.”
“You’d feel better if you would stop crying.”
“Thank God you have other children.”
“Don’t let it rob you of your joy.”
 
OK TO SAY
“How are you holding up?”
“Where were you when it happened?”
“What was it like?”
“I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you.”
“Are you aware of the resources available to you?
“Do you have family in the area?”
“Do you have a church family?”
“May I pray for you?”
“Knowing how important faith is at a time like this, could you tell me about your faith?”

                                                                                       FatherLee
Upcoming Activities

Adult Bible Study

During Lent in Sunday Adult Bible Study, we begin a special series featuring video segments with Max Lucado and including classroom discussion and personal reflection. In this series, we will explore the many gifts provided for us at his crucifixion. These include not only the gift of the cross but also the gifts of the thorns that pierced his brow, the nails that tore his flesh, the seamless robe he removed for us and the empty tomb where he forever defeated sin and death.

April 3       He Chose to Invite Us into His Presence
April 10     He Chose to Love Us Forever
April 17     He Chose to Give Us Victory

Holy Week Schedule
 
PALM SUNDAY – April 10 – 8, 9:15 & 11 a.m. 
Liturgy of the Palms, Great Procession, and Holy Eucharist. Please meet in about 10 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for the Procession.
 
WEDNESDAY IN HOLY WEEK – April 13   
Healing Service and Holy Eucharist                                10:00 a.m.
Soup supper followed by three educational offerings.     5:30 p.m.
 
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 14 – 7 p.m.
Service of Foot Washing, Holy Eucharist, and Stripping of the Altar.
 
GOOD FRIDAY – April 15        
Stations of the Cross at DaySpring                      10 a.m.
“Seven Last Words” at SJD                                  Noon
 
EASTER SUNDAY – April 17 
Festal Holy Eucharist                                           8, 9:15, 11 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt (Pre K-5th)                                 10:30 a.m.

Goodbye Aline, Hello Valerie
 
Our organist, Aline Giampietro, has accepted another position closer to her home in Wesley Chapel. With the dramatic increase in gas prices her hour+ commute was costing more than she was making and this will allow her more time during the week to see students. Fortunately, a local musician, well-known to many of us became available and we welcome Mrs. Valerie Southwell who will begin as our permanent organist/choirmaster May 1. Valerie has a B.S. in Music Education from Warner Pacific College in Portland, OR. Most recently she has served both Methodist churches in Ruskin and Sun City Center, and has been the Music Director at 7 other churches in her career, 3 of them Episcopal.
 
Please be sure and wish Aline well, her last Sunday will be Easter; then welcome Valerie the following Sunday.

Yom HaShoah
 
This year’s community Yom HaShoah service will be held on April 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1210 W Del Webb Blvd West, Sun City Center, FL 33573. For those of you unfamiliar with the service, this ceremony, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorates the approximately six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. All are welcome to attend this community service so please join Fr. Kevin, members of the choir, and others as they participate in this special service.
 
Holy Land Trip this November
 
Three is the charm and we will, once again, plan on heading to the Holy Land this November. Two previous attempts were sidelined by Covid, but this year Israel is open and we are going! Dates for the trip are November 8 – 17, and some will do an extension through the 22nd. Please contact Fr. Kevin for more information and download the brochure HERE!
 
Hope you can join us!
A Matter of Faith
 
This year, from the beginning of the Lenten season, it seems to me that every time I am meditating on a piece of scripture, the root deals always deals with FAITH. On March 8th. at our weekly staff meeting, the scripture we meditated on was taken from Matthew Chapter 14. In it, Jesus questions the FAITH of Peter who was unable to have the self confidence in himself when Jesus invited him to step out of the boat and walk on the water. At our Wednesday Lenten discipline the following day in the Wirick Room, the discussion I was moderating centered on the challenge of FAITH. We shared our faith journey. Almost every question posed during the discussions, dealt with our faith. Yes, I dealt with faith two consecutive days in a row. As I reflected on the two previous days it occurred to me that there is some relation to our present situation here at St. John the Divine.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, many of our long-standing parishioners have failed to return to in-person worship. True, the past two years were ones of uncertainty and fear. We had no idea when it would all end or what the days ahead portended. However, we are now being challenged to hold fast to our faith. It is time for us to return to in-person worship. My friends, you and the community need each other. My appeal to you my sisters and brothers who are hesitant, this is a good time to seriously contemplate returning to St. John the Divine. When I was living the New York region, at this time of the year, the Roman Catholic Diocese would publish on their churches and billboards, “Come Back Home”. This was an invitation to its many members who had not been to church for sometime. The same obtains here at Saint John the Divine, now is the time to “Come Back Home”.
 
Aubrey V. Thompson
Head Verger

Grief Support for April
Grieving the Death of a Pet

Research shows that grieving the death of our companion animals can be painful. There are helpful steps to take immediately after your pet's passing, and also key self-care strategies that can help someone process through their grief experience. Grieving is a highly personalized, individualistic experience that is influenced by culture and social groups. The process in which you might experience the pain of losing your pet might look immensely different from even a direct family member living in the same house.

Below are some helpful steps one can take to provide some nurture during an extremely emotionally painful and exhausting time. Our grief is an expression of the love we have felt, the pain of loss and the process of having to reintegrate our life into what it will look like with the “absence” of our pet. Our pets will always remain in our hearts and their influence upon our lives will last forever. Please note the list is not in any particular order of importance, and everyone has to process within their own timeframe.

  • We live in a very busy time, where there are always many things on the “to-do” list and the ability to only get a few things done in a day. It is a time of constant distraction and people moving very quickly. Those experiencing grief can feel angry that life hasn’t slowed down on the outside, due to the painful feelings on the inside. You need time to grieve and to experience your emotions, fully. Give yourself the time to feel, experience, and let the emotions you are experiencing release at regular intervals along your journey through grief and on a daily basis in the beginning.

  • One of the most frequent complaints in the immediate phase of grief, is the complete loss of appetite. Sleep is also commonly very disturbed as our mind can be rapidly attempting to process through the experience. Guilt plays a role in this as well. Try, as best you can, to continue eating. Try, as well, to fill yourself with nutritious foods. Grieving is a lot of hard work, and can be taxing on the body. Fill yourself with nutrients to help your body process. Try to maintain a sleep schedule, go to bed on a routine and focus on your chosen calming practice while doing so.

  • Although grief is a highly individualistic experience, we grieve within communities. Entire communities can even grieve within their own way. It’s important to recognize when you need support during your grief process. Such support could look like calling an understanding friend and going on your first walk together after the death of your animal or getting a cup of coffee. It may also look like seeking support from a helping professional, or a grief support group to help you process through the pain and anxieties. Do whatever works for YOU, not what others say.

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.
Join a Foyer Group
an Episcopal Tradition with an SJD Twist!
 
With Covid numbers dropping, many of us are becoming more comfortable participating in group activities because we miss interacting with fellow parishioners and the sense of community those interactions provide. To that end we are introducing the Episcopal tradition of Foyer Groups to St. John Divine parishioners.
 
Foyer Groups (from the French word "foier" meaning "hearth" or "home") were first formed after the World War II bombing of Coventry Cathedral, when small groups of parishioners began meeting in their homes to rebuild their cathedral and their community: a short litany, a modest meal, conversation. They discovered that strong bonds were formed from this communal experience and in time Foyer Groups began springing up in parishes all over Britain and America. [There are even earlier roots for this tradition. The early Church routinely gathered in one another’s homes. “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread from house to house and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47]
 
Current parishes continue to find these gatherings helpful in fostering connectivity among parishioners by providing an informal way to get to know one another in smaller settings outside of church services and parish-wide events. To launch this initiative in our parish, we are creating several small groups (approximately six people to a group – a number that can be easily accommodated in almost any setting) that will remain active for six months, May through October 2022. Participating members will be asked to commit to meet at least three times during that timeframe, which enables snowbirds and those with travel commitments to participate.
 
Here’s the SJD twist! Traditional Foyer Groups meet in the evening for a potluck dinner, but we are expanding those parameters. We are offering a variety of alternatives to address multiple interests and living situations. So, in addition to the traditional format, we will have groups that gather for brunch/lunch, or meet in the afternoon for dessert and board/card games, or eat out, or… (the possibilities are endless). Groups can design their own format; there is no proscribed agenda or plan except to begin each meal or activity with prayer.
 
When you sign up to participate you can indicate your preferences, and those with similar preferences will be grouped together. You can sign up HERE through Realm or wait until after Easter and sign up in person in the Parish Hall.
 
If you have questions or suggestions, please contact a member of the organizing team: Linda Floyd at lfloyd21@tampabay.rr.com, Linda Duhn lduhn06@gmail.com, Doug Roderick at daroderick5@aol.com or Jackie Winder at jtw5496@gmail.com.
 
St. John The Divine Episcopal Church
March 2022 Sweeps Report

Our parish committees are organized into six commissions (Service, Worship, Education, Evangelism, Parish Life and Stewardship), referred to as the SWEEPS structure. Each commission has two Vestry liaisons who report each month on their assigned committees. 

Service – Linda Floyd and Don Fisher

  • Lord’s Light House – An adjacent lot has been made available
  • Dominican Republic Mission – The trip remains on hold. Our funding for this mission is through the Episcopal Church.
  • Interfaith Council – Grant requests are accepted from 501(c)3’s, February 1 to March 15th
  • Meals On Wheels No report
  • South Sudan – The church was attacked and area is not safe. Isabel will speak at all services on March 13.
  • Miracles Outreach – Will continue to have the “Gift Tree”
  • Episcopal Church In Jerusalem – All Easter Week offerings go to this.
  • Choices – Getting someone to speak at May services
  • School Supplies – Brenda will set up table and have envelopes
  • Revolutions – Sign-Up Sheets. Speak at services (drive in November)
  • My Service Dog’s Place (Wounded Warriors) – Will have speaker for October 2nd. We will also have animal blessings.
 
Worship – Clare Thompson and Walter Powell

  • Vergers – No Report
  • Acolytes – No report
  • Eucharistic Ministers – We held a refresher/training course on February 15th. Representatives from all three services were in attendance.
  • Lectors – The number of Lectors has remained constant.
  • Ushers – No change in the number or function of the ushers.
  • Eucharist Visitors – Nothing new to report
  • Morning Prayers – No report
  • Altar Guild/Flower Guild – We are in the season of Lent. No elaborate floral presentations are being used.

Education – Debbie Carlisle and Steve Van Loan

  • Chronological Guide To The Bible – On hold due to COVID and may resume by using Zoom
  • Fr. Kevin’s Bible Study – We continue our study of Isaiah. Class is going very well with lots of discussion. Fr. Kevin asks delving questions that make us think and relate the scripture to our lives. We meet Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
  • Fr. Lee’s Bible Study – Fr. Lee continues his Bible study each Sunday 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Lenten Study Programs – They meet Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. during Lent.
  • Youth Group – Meets every Sunday from 5-7 p.m. with snacks available. Currently the youth group is working on plans for the annual mission trip. This year they will be going to Mayfield KY. If transportation is an issue, contact Thomas Kreidler, Director of Christian Education, at 813-633-3970 or youth@stjohndevine.com.
  • 9:15 Children’s Sermon and Sunday School – Thomas is off to a good start with the 9:15 service for children featuring Christian Learning K-6. The kids are learning about God through exciting object lessons and themed learning. Sunday School is 10:15-11:00 with Professor Grubenbauer (Professor Kreidler).

Evangelism – Mary Lane Kullman and Howard Roshaven

  • Welcoming Ministry – No Report
  • Cursillo – No report
  • Alpha – Still on hold due to Covid
  • Media Booth – No report
  • Communication/Advertising – No report
  • Evangelism – No report
  • REALM – No report

Parish Life – Linda Duhn and Jackie Winder

  • Faith Community Nurses (FCN) – SJD will be hosting a BLS (CPR) class for nurses who are part of the FCN program from the Bay Care Health Community on May 26.
  • Fellowship – Coffee hours are well attended and the monthly breakfasts continue to be very popular.
  • Small Groups –
  • Isabel’s Book Club – The group is continuing in the same study with only two chapters to go. No decisions yet on the next book/study area they want to address.
  • Books of Faith Club – We are currently working on a Lenten Devotional – “Six Hours One Friday” by Max Lucado. The study guide offers many questions for discussion. We will return to the Apocrypha study after Pentecost.
  • SJD Book Club – No report
  • Grief Support – Continues to be a very important part of our ministry at SJD.
  • Good Shepherd Ministry – Is beginning to make calls to some of our homebound parishioners to offer to visit on a regular basis.
  • Prayer Chain – Nothing new to report.
  • Women of St. John Divine (WSJD) – Inactive
  • Men of St. John Divine (MSJD) – Inactive
  • Daughters of the King (DOK) – Inactive

Stewardship - Greg Diehl and Doug Roderick

  • Finance – The SJD financials are being reported directly to the Vestry
  • Triple T – (Formally Stewardship) – Continuing to provide time and talent articles in Revelations on different SJD ministries. The April issue will cover the Eucharistic ministry and May will discuss the Altar Guild ministry.
  • Endowment & Memorial Funds – Quarterly meeting was held on March 7th with the Thrivent representative, Carol Blank. Account was reviewed with fund balance currently down due to market conditions. Next quarterly meeting is scheduled for June 13th at 11:00 a.m. EST.
  • Box Office – No report
  • Amazon Smile and Divine $ – No report
  • Fund Raising – No report
  • Divine Marketplace – Closed until further notice
  • Personnel – There is nothing to report.
  • Grace Memorial Garden – Unable to get the niches engraved from Affordable Monument because they cannot get the stencils because of covid. Doug has checked other sources and they don’t have them either.
  • Special Events – All Lenten weekends were filled with Triple T meetings. We will assess success and way to promote for next year.

Junior Warden Report – Steve Van Loan

  • Getting the kitchen back is shape after being shut down for the pandemic. This will take a little time as we need to schedule the work needed.
  • A few parking lights are out. Working on getting them repaired.
  • Banner Building lights front and rear need fixing. In process
  • Landscaping is coming along. Getting the sprinkler system to function properly as some damage has been done by workers around the grounds. Control box replaced due to old age not damaged by contractors.
Outreach Focus for April
The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is home to about 7000 Anglicans worshiping within twenty-eight different congregations. It is also responsible for more than thirty institutions, including hospitals, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centers, guesthouses, and retirement homes. These parishes and institutions are scattered across five separate countries or territories: Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. This geographic spread complicates the work of the Diocese due to the many borders, checkpoints, and national governments involved. In particular, the divergent laws and politics of each region make administering these ministries challenging.

Despite these difficulties, the Diocese responds actively to the needs of the people in areas where many cannot afford it, making no distinction between religion, ethnicity, or gender. Our diocesan schools teach students academic and vocational skills and seek to promote a spirit of peace, respect, and cooperation—all based upon Christian values.

The Diocese of Jerusalem also sponsors a number of other ministries. The Diocesan Department for Peace, Reconciliation, and Interfaith Dialogue was established in 2007. It encourages participation in the Jerusalem Peacebuilders program and supports other interfaith peace-building efforts.

Our Women’s Ministry aims to strengthen relationships, increase skills, and build community. In yet another area, our Diocesan guesthouses extend our ministry of hospitality to pilgrims and other visitors.
Because of political strife and lack of economic opportunity, the Christian population west of the Jordan river has dwindled from more than 25% a century ago to less than 2% today. In the face of this diminishing Christian presence, our diocesan ministries sustain and strengthen our witness, shining the light of Christ into areas of darkness.

The Good Friday Offering supports the ministries of the three dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Generous donations of Episcopalians help the Christian presence in the Land of the Holy One to be a vital and effective force for peace and understanding among all of God’s children.

The history of the Good Friday Offering reaches back to 1922 when, in the aftermath of World War I, The Episcopal Church sought to create new relationships with and among Christians of the Middle East. From these efforts, focusing on relief work and the improvement of ecumenical and Anglican relations, the Good Friday Offering was created.

For 100 years, Episcopalians have shared their love, compassion, and financial gifts to support the ministry of the Anglican Communion Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. These gifts have made an astounding difference in the lives of many people in the homeland of Jesus and beyond. Please help by picking up an offering envelope or making a cash offering at either the Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service.
SJD BREAKFASTS

Our January and February breakfast gatherings were extremely popular, with more than 75 people in attendance at each one! Thank you to all the volunteers who made them flow seamlessly by pitching in to help with prepping, cooking, serving and cleaning up. 

Two more breakfast events are scheduled, one on March 27 and the other on April 24. As with the previous two, breakfast will be offered continuously from 9:00 to 11:00 am to accommodate attendees of all three worship services.

The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, bagels, fresh fruit, home-baked contributions, and gluten-free options. While there is no charge, a donation to offset the cost of the breakfast is greatly appreciated.  

You can help with the March breakfast by assisting with the grocery shopping, working with the kitchen crew to prepare and serve the meal. or contributing homemade coffee cake or bread. If you would like to volunteer in any of these capacities, please sign up on the sheet located on the kitchen counter in the Parish Hall or contact Joy Johnson at (757) 876-5235 or morris.johnson1@verizon.net.
BIRTHDAYS

Barbara Gingrich - 4/1
Mary Minor - 4/1
Dennis Pinckard - 4/2
Elaine Dow - 4/3
Mary Lou Jones - 4/3
Scott Gardner - 4/3
Berniss Hass - 4/5
Paulette Stoddard - 4/5
Daniela Rios De Jesus - 4/5
Annie Hunter - 4/7
Ethan Freeman - 4/8
Carol Drummond - 4/9
Sharon Rose - 4/10
John DeTringo - 4/10
Steven Van Loan - 4/11
James Bradin - 4/11
Brenda Wales - 4/11
Gary Gabler - 4/12
Vincent Martucci - 4/15
Jervy Bradin - 4/17
Gail Philip Charles - 4/18
Allie Maiocchi - 4/20
Eric Graham - 4/21
Troy Coman - 4/22
Bob Pieper - 4/23
Sharon Van Loan - 4/28
Deb Croll - 4/28
Kim Freeman - 4/29
Glenn Bradley - 4/29
Marianne Strehar - 4/30

ANNIVERSARIES

Liz & John Hood - 4/1
Wayne & Nancy Lillie - 4/6
Mike & Sandi Gaudet - 4/19
George & Marcia Miecyjak - 4/24
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, Aline Giampietro Trifonov - Music Director
Tristan Warner - Media & Tech Specialist, Tommy Blair - A/V Assistant
Connie Minnoe - Accounting Administrator, Denise Smalls - Nursery Attendant
Mr. 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