KEVIN’S KERYGMA
by Fr. Kevin Warner
“Be still and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10a
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I am not good at being still. Having to hang around the house whilst waiting has not been fun. And yet, being still is often necessary if we are anxious to discern the will of God. Pastor and author Bill Hybels, in his book, Too Busy not to Pray, points out that we try to run our lives at 1,000 RPM but God speaks at 300 RPM.* Howard Hanchey, my Pastoral Theology professor in seminary often said that God speaks to us through our preconscious, subconscious, unconscious, but not our conscious selves. Often when I “sleep on it” the right answer is waiting for me as I wake up.
So, what has God said to me during my prescribed five-day isolation? The main thing is that I am not indispensable, and that the world can turn without me. I have tried to limit my activity to the things that are essential and have begun resorting that list as many things can go on without me. One small gift that Covid has brought us is zoom meetings and for those things that are important, vestry meeting, church services, etc., zoom and livestreaming have been invaluable.
The other reflection I have is that listening is important. Having to wear a mask around others slows my mouth down and that is undoubtedly a good thing. Creating more space for someone else to speak means more possibilities for learning from others. Not speaking helps balance the pastor and preacher which exist together as a part of me. Slowing down helps me get the balance right.
Let me close by encouraging you all to visit other parts of the newsletter for information on some very important items:
• The upcoming Holy Land trip.
• Our Pentecost celebration.
• Our new receptionist.
Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
*Quotes are from memory, couldn’t find my copy of the book, so numbers may be different, but the point is the same.
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From the Associate Rector
I’ve never known a person who, toward the end of his or her life, said “I really regret all the time I spent serving the Lord.”
If this is our attitude, isn’t it odd how we Christians often live our lives with as little commitment and service as we possibly can? Many who are active in the church are quick to observe, “seems all the work is being done by just a few”, and, sadly, that’s true. But it seems to be the case everywhere. Those recalcitrant followers need to step up and be counted for service in the church.
The problem could be we try to both plant and harvest. That is why, with so many ministry tasks to be filled, our policy should be to never recruit but rather to ask persons to seek “their call” from God. Those who are successful in planting may not be as successful in harvesting. Those who can harvest may be poor planters. Let’s accept the fact that we are all responsible for the identification of our
God-given talents but that no one person can do everything by him/herself.
We are all called. Listening to his voice will determine where.
FatherLee
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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!
Pentecost Celebration
The Feast of the Holy Spirit aka Pentecost is Sunday, July 5 at all three services. Some consider the Day of Pentecost the “Birthday of the Church” and we will celebrate accordingly. At Coffee Hour there will be a Birthday Cake bar and you will be invited to help yourself and then go to the table marked with birthday month and discover who else in the church shares your birthday.
Cakes are needed so if you would be willing to bake a birthday cake please contact Jackie Winder or Barb Gentry.
Welcome Cheryl Savini
SJD would like to welcome Cheryl Savini who will be our new Receptionist. Cheryl comes to us from the Chicago area but has lived in Florida now about four years. She brings a wealth of experience as well as a warm personality to the position. We are still discussing what her complete schedule will be but for sure the office will now be open 9 – 1 M-Th.
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You Are Significant
One of the most influential churches in America is Bethel Church in Redding, California. Led by Pastor Bill Johnson, their ministry has had a powerful impact in their city, across the nation and around the world. There are four core values that they hold which are foundational to everything they do.
One of these core values is this: Everyone is significant!
In reading the New Testament, it has become apparent that this was one of Jesus’ guiding principles as well. You are significant. It does not matter whether you are a member of the clergy, a member of the vestry, or a member of the congregation. You are significant – in fact, so significant that Jesus chose to die on the cross for you. That’s right...for you! You matter. Jesus has chosen you as one with whom He wants a personal relationship.
At some point, the Lord has chosen to make Himself known to you. You have encountered Him in a way that changed your life. That has happened for each of us. That is why we gather as the Church.
Every time I hear a story of someone’s encounter with Jesus, my faith increases. I recently read the story of a teenage girl from a privileged family who came to faith in Jesus at age 16, went to help the poor in an Indian Reservation, and while there she was miraculously healed of dyslexia. She went on to earn her PhD at Oxford University and has since led more than a million Muslims to Christianity. She is significant to Jesus.
I also read the testimony of a woman who encountered Jesus in an adult Sunday school class, surrendered her life to Him, and now remains unseen, serving by arriving at church during the week to sharpen the pencils in the pews so newcomers can fill in the visitor cards. She is significant to Jesus. And she is significant to the church.
Hearing both of those stories increased my faith.
You are significant to Jesus, and you are significant to the church. Each of us has had encounters with Jesus. I would like to hear your story. You matter. Please let me encourage you to share your stories of those mountain-top moments, those gentle moments with the Lord, and the testimonies of answered prayer. A good time to do that is during times of fellowship at church, between the Sunday services.
And please find me some Sunday soon while we are at church. Share the story of how the Lord has blessed your life. My faith is always in need of a boost. You are significant.
Howard Roshaven
Senior Warden
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Happy Birthday Church!
In a few days, nineteen to be exact, we will be celebrating the birth of the church. It is a day about which I am always excited. My thoughts are what it was like over two thousand years when the Holy Spirit descended.
The disciples in the Upper Room were fearful and resentful. They fought with each other seeking positions of authority. On that Pentecost Day there was a transformation. They moved from bickering to concert, from contention to unity. The transformation the disciples experienced was no doubt informed by two incidents that changed their lives forever. A few weeks earlier they saw their master, leader, brutally crucified. They watched his life drain away on the cross. Days later they were confronted with the empty tomb - then his resurrection. Their lives were altered forever.
Then came the festival of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit descended upon all present. They spoke in many tongues, but they all heard each other. I often wondered if this were to happen here at SJD what would be the reception? Would we accept the spirit’s visit? For me, the miracle is instructive. We as Christians are called to listen to each other, despite the differing opinions. Do we listen with the “Third Ear,” the heart?
Pentecost this year is June 5th. Could we dedicate ourselves to have a “Pentecost” experience by beginning to listen to each other with our Third Ear? This could be a dress rehearsal for that great day when we all get to heaven.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHURCH!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Aubrey V. Thompson
Head Verger
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Cheryl Savini is the New Receptionist
I am very happy and excited to be part of your community. I am originally from Chicago and while I will always be an '85' Bears fan, I am thrilled to live in Champa Bay.
Four years ago I moved to Florida and retired. I am still learning about the Tampa area. Please share with me if you have a great restaurant or place I should explore.
I start May 31st, so stop by and introduce yourself. I can't wait to meet you!
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Jr. Warden Report
Moving forward getting the grounds and building lights, kitchen and landscaping done. All parking lights now working as well as lights shining on the Church Cross and parking lots. Outside Banner Building lights fixed. Sprinklers fixed.
AC units being serviced and checked out. Kitchen stove, ovens and grille checked and working properly. Deep Fryer has been serviced and all working well.. Building stains removed.
Sweeps:
SJD Childrens Church started Agent of Acts series at the beginning of May.
The youth group has been preparing for the Mayfield Mission trip which will take place June 5th-11th.
Thomas and the kids are working hard to achieve their goal to go on the mission trip to Mayfield, KY. Please keep them in your prayers and stuff some cash in one of the envelopes off the board in the parish hall.
Regards
Steve Van Loan
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Altar Guild: The Behind the Scenes Ministry
The Altar Guild is the liturgical partner of the Priest. But unlike other liturgical ministries, such as priests, deacons, acolytes and readers, musicians and ushers, whose duties are carried out for the entire congregation to see, most of the altar guild’s work happens in the days between Sunday and Sunday when no one is there to see. Even on Sunday, hardly a soul sees what the altar guild does to make liturgy possible. It’s a behind-the-scenes ministry and sometimes can be taken for granted.
The duty of the altar guild is to prepare all things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist or any of the sacraments and offices of the church. The work of the Altar Guild is to ensure that our sanctuary reflects the holiness and the joy that we all create together in our worship. Each team has members that have one or more of the talents needed to serve on God’s altar: flower arranging, silver and brass polishing, washing, ironing, vacuuming, dusting, watering plants, trimming candles, marking the Bible lessons, or mending.
Altar Guild members are scheduled to serve as least one week monthly. Set ups are Saturday for Sunday services and Tuesday or Wednesday for Wednesday services. Clean ups are done at the end of each service. After the 11:00 service, the clean-up involves putting everything away in the sacristy and covering the altar. A sacristarian is appointed to monitor supplies and orders items accordingly making the directress of each order.
An Altar Guild Manual gives specific instructions for each service set up and instructions also for special occasions, such as Baptism, weddings, Memorial services and church holidays, such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter and Christmas.
Meetings are scheduled bi-monthly to address changes in programs, training, and an opportunity for members to share ideas and concerns. Meetings take place on Saturday mornings.
Training for new members is conducted by Altar Guild Directress. Once new members are sufficiently trained they are mentored by a seasoned member on the schedule. The goal of training is that everyone sets up the same in accordance with the manual and priests’ preferences and conveniences.
Blessings,
Chér Cerebe
Directress
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Heaven on the Mountain
A Silent Retreat June 9 - 12, 2022
Sacred Stories for the 21st Century
The Community of St. Mary is a women's Benedictine community within the Episcopal Church. Each year, the Sisters offer a silent retreat which provides a quiet time for learning, renewal, and reconnection with God. St. Mary's on the Mountain, situated on 230 acres above the Cumberland Plateau in Sewanee, Tennessee is a sanctuary of natural beauty, tranquility, and spiritual rest.
Sister Elizabeth Grace, CSM, will lead meditations sharing stories from the Bible and from the Sisters' history that speak to Christians living in the 21st century. There will be corporate prayer, an abundance of free time, and delicious, nutritious meals.
The cost is $350.00--$450.00, depending on choice of accommodations. All meals are included.
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Flower Guild
A big thank-you to Clare Thompson (with a little help from Aubrey) and Joy Johnson for the work they did to create a proper Easter greeting at each of the church entry doors. Clare is responsible for pots of flowers planted at the front and north doors, and Joy for those at the south door.
To all who have worked on flower guild, or expressed an interest prior to the covid interruption, to determine how many teams of two we will have, moving forward. I hope some of our new members will be interested in this ministry. Experience is not required. Both men and women are invited to join us.
As you prayerfully consider this ministry, please call or text 941-545-8132, or email yoniece@yahoo.com
Yoniece Miller
Flower Guild Director
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Grief Support Reflection for June 2022
In previous articles we have learned what grief is, what are many of the issues that can cause grief, from death of a loved one, loss of a friend, major living change to many more. We’ve clinically defined the grief process, what to expect and when to expect it. And provided processes to deal with grief. Remember there is no cookie cutter recipe for dealing with your grief. But what if YOU feel lost in the process? How can you handle your personal frustration with your own healing?
What Can Get in the Way of the Healing Process?
Some things can impede or slow down the healing process following a death or loss. They include avoiding emotions, compulsive behaviors, minimizing feelings. Overworking on the job, misusing drugs, alcohol, or other substances as a way to deal with emotional discomfort. Notice if you are experiencing any of this.
What Things Might Help Resolve Grief?
Acknowledge and accept both positive and negative feelings. Allow plenty of time to experience thoughts and feelings. Confide in a trusted person about the loss. Express feelings openly or write journal entries about them. Find bereavement groups in which there are other people who've had similar losses. Remember that crying can provide a release. Seek professional help if feelings are overwhelming
What Can I Do if My Grief Won't Go Away?
If grief continues and causes a prolonged and deep depression with physical symptoms such as poor sleep, loss of appetite, weight loss, and even thoughts of suicide, you may have a condition known as complicated bereavement. Talk with your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes, a major depression can develop along with the normal feelings of loss or sadness linked with grief. Whereas normal sadness as part of a grief reaction may subside after several months, major depression is a medical disorder that is different from normal grief, can occur at any time (even in the immediate aftermath of a death of loss), and requires treatment to be resolved. Take care of yourself, note your feelings, and get professional help when you think you need it.
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 Monday 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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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
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BIRTHDAYS
Dylan Peterson - 6/1
Cynthia Panka - 6/4
Rudy Metz - 6/5
Linda Dolph - 6/7
Linda Cardillo - 6/7
Leah Richardson - 6/9
Jane Schuderer - 6/11
John Gentry - 6/13
Carol Croll - 6/14
Greg Bolduc - 6/14
Joyce Astwood - 6/15
Dick Barrett - 6/17
Susan Callaghan - 6/19
Ella Blades - 6/20
Shirley Smith - 6/23
John Kustron - 6/23
Raymond Barrett - 6/23
Paulina Buxo - 6/23
Ann Gifford - 6/25
Lisa Galbraith - 6/25
Sue Crawford - 6/26
Linda Gabler - 6/27
Santiago Rodriguez - 6/28
Linda Duhn - 6/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Dennis & Karen Pinckard - 6/1
Pat & Mary Soja - 6/4
Dan & Linda Cardillo - 6/7
Ron & Carol Drummond - 6/12
Chet & Judy Budziak - 6/17
Bob & Barbara MacDonald - 6/17
Scott & Gerry Gardner - 6/17
Jack & Terry Edison - 6/22
Daniel & Ann Gifford - 6/24
James & Jervy Bradin - 6/26
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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 & The Very Rev. Dr. Douglas F. Scharf
Bishops 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, Ayaka "Angel", Thaila Gardner - Nursery Attendants
Thomas Kreidler - Director of Christian Education
St. John Divine Episcopal Church
1015 E. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573
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