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Offering Meaningful Worship
Teaching the Gospel
Caring for God’s People
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KEVIN’S KERYGMA
by Fr. Kevin Warner
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The Gift that Keeps on Giving
For this is what the Lord God of Israel has said: “The jar of flour will not be empty and the jug of oil will not run out until the day the Lord makes it rain on the surface of the ground.” -I Kings 17:14
The above quote is from the prophet Elijah to the widow from Zarephath. A great drought had created a famine and the widow and her son had just enough food for one meal which she planned to eat and then lay down and die. Elijah appeared, promised God’s provision, and the family was saved. God’s provision was the gift that kept on giving.
I find that I relate to the story in multiple ways. For most of the last eighteen months I have felt like Covid was the gift that kept on giving. I am an extrovert; I am energized by being with people. Take that away and you have drained me of the energy that I depend on to conduct my ministry. Fortunately, the staff was here, and we soldiered on aided by the fact that we were livestreaming before livestreaming was a must. But then . . .
The growth, both in attendance and in donations, we were enjoying since the arrival of the Wylys was interrupted by the pandemic and we were faced with difficult decisions. An error that was the result of four different bookkeepers and three different accounting systems over the last half dozen years revealed we had significantly less money starting 2021 then we thought, and the combination left us with no choice. We began the year with a $200,000 projected deficit and, like the widow, with little hope. First our Parish Administrator was let go, then our Assistant Rector took another position, and their workloads passed to remaining staff.
And yet, that February, at the vestry retreat God spoke to us and said this:
I always provide for My Church. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. I did not create you for you,
I created you for me. Focus on the harvest you have been commissioned to reap
for my kingdom and I will meet your every need in abundance. I love you.
Like God’s promise through His prophet Elijah, so we received God’s promise through His prophet Howard. Just as the bread and oil did not run out until the famine was over, so too God has provided resources to get us through these difficult times until this pandemic ends. He has done this in a few ways.
First, he has taken care of the Wylys. I just got of the phone with Fr. David and things at his new parish are off to a great start. Not only did they find a great house, the kids are in schools vastly superior to the ones they were attending here, and in his role as rector his compensation, coupled with the sale of their home at the top of the market, have given them a cushion to allow them to get settled and give Nadine time to find a job.
Next, He has provided us with the resources and staffing to maintain a live, and virtual presence, among our worshippers and beyond. Coupled with a fantastic volunteer base, we have reached out into the community both virtually and through our other ministries, resulting in many new members. One of our newest families' first Sunday in live church was the baptism of their son!
Finally, God has provided for us financially. While the projected deficit is not eliminated, we are almost there. This is due to three factors:
- The faithfulness of our pledging members. Those who filled out Estimate of Giving Cards in the Fall have exceeded their pledged amounts, many sending in their stimulus checks and doing a great job keeping up on their regular pledge.
- Major gifts. We have received two major gifts, both last month, that have gone a long way to eliminating the deficit.
- Current and new volunteer fundraising efforts. The Mask Sale, Thrift Shop and Divine Marketplace have all helped bring in additional revenue and, in the case of the latter two, new members.
Please look elsewhere in this missive for a detailed accounting of the above bullet points and a partial listing of the people who helped make it possible. I am still wearied by Covid, and the uncertainty of it all. Twice we have cancelled our planned tour of the Holy Land and I wonder if it will happen in 2022. I am unsure of what kind of programming to offer as the snowbirds return and I really dislike constantly untangling my mask and microphone Sunday mornings. But, there is flour and oil in the jar, God continues to provide, and I watch expectantly for what is next.
Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
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JUMP
The Impala (sometimes called Gazelle) is a magnificent creature most often found in eastern and southern Africa. This beautiful species of the Antelope is often called the “McDonalds of the Bush,” because of the identifying M-like marking on its behind. It is extremely sociable, moving about in herds of hundreds.
The Impala is also a powerhouse. In the wild, it can jump to a height of over ten feet, with a distance of more than thirty feet. When caged, the story changes.
Impalas can be kept in an enclosure in a zoo with a three foot wall. They are not sure that they can now jump and they don’t. If they cannot see where their feet will land, they will make no attempt.
Today, we, too, have felt trapped. Covid has robbed us of personal freedom and many feel, even while taking every measure of protection, the heights to which we did aspire are just a faint memory.
We must, again, recapture the faith we once knew and, through God’s goodness, be able to trust what we cannot see. Slowly, we may understand those enclosures are broken down and the opportunities of joy in the church await us. It will then be time to…
Jump!
FatherLee
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SJD FINANCIAL SITUATION
(Including FAQ’s about the Thrift Shop)
Many of you have been asking where we are concerning finances. If you remember at the Annual Meeting, we projected a significant deficit for 2021 which, after all the numbers were crunched came to $224,576. ($21,825 Bldg. Fund; $202,751 Gen. Fund)
As of the end of August we are looking at a balance budget because of the following vestry actions and parishioners’ generosity in giving of time, talent, and treasure:
• $50,000 was borrowed from the high performing Endowment Ministry Fund
• Major gifts were received in excess of $120,000
• Giving exceeds projections by over $30,000 as many have exceeded their pledged amounts, many by sending their stimulus checks
• Fundraiser and special events raised over $13,000. Specifically:
- SJD Masks Sale $1,015
- Divine Marketplace $1,500
- Thrift Store $10,673
Before going on, a big thank you to those who gave of their time and talent on these events:
• SJD Masks Sale – Morris & Joy Johnson
• Divine Marketplace – Annie & Mark Hunter, Howard Roshaven, Cher Cerebe, Linda Burmeister, Dan & Linda Cardillo
• Thrift Store – John & Barb Gentry, Jackie Winder, Deb Wigmore, Joyce Fisher, Karen Stapleton, Dawn Hennen, Mary Lou Jones, Janice Robinson, Sandy Powell, Maureen Hill
Thank you all for offering your valuable time and talents!
Concerning the Thrift Shop, I held out hope that a solution might be forthcoming, and we could keep it open. Not only was it a steady source of financial support, but our team also became a pastoral presence in the community. We even had a couple of folks who visited the shop on Wednesday visit the church on Sunday! Unfortunately, there was no space with the resumption of in-person worship and the gradual reopening of Sunday School to house the shop. That said, I remain hopeful that we can, at some point, find a permanent home for it.
Finally, I want to thank our staff for their hard work during the pandemic, forgoing raises in a year when they were already working harder due to the pandemic, and harder still when we lost two of our colleagues. It has been a brutal year, but I appreciate their hard work, and the support and prayers of the entire congregation. Special thanks to our Financial Administrator, Connie Minnoe for her help in making this report understandable, and her continuing hard work as we transition to another new accounting system.
And thank God for His provision and promises!
Fr. Kevin+
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The St John Divine Altar Guild is looking for new members to join us. For those of you who may be interested but want to know more, here is a little background. Understand that Altar Guilds vary from church to church because they function under the direction of the priest of the church
Altar Guilds today are groups of men and women who are called to serve God by preparing and tending the places where Episcopalians worship. It is an offering of time and many talents. Altar Guild is a ministry of love undertaken in the name of Christ that goes on quietly behind the scenes.
Unlike in most other parish business or organizations, an Altar Guild is not intended to be involved in parish business or social matters; it has a special role as the priest’s liturgical partner in making the worship life of the parish go smoothly. Talent and know-how are always useful attributes for Altar Guild members, but loyalty and commitment are indispensable if the priest is to lead the parish in worship with equanimity,
Altar Guild work is truly a vocation: workers are “called” to it. Their response indicates a willingness, as Bishop Appleton Lawrence said years ago, “to give more of their time and of themselves than is usually asked by the Church.”
When several of our Altar Guild members were asked why do you serve on the Altar Guild, this is what they said:
“I enjoy Alter guild. The people, Pastors. Best of all I am doing God's work....... And there's no better feeling than that. Join us, make God and yourself happy.”
Sharon Rose
“Camaraderie - we enjoy working together because it is fun to work together having a common goal.
Useful - we feel like we are doing something useful to help our priests & our church
Behind the scenes - we enjoy doing our work without drawing attention to ourselves; we try to make everything as perfect as we humanly can.
Mass - we feel more of a part of the Mass itself by preparing the table and the elements; we pay close attention & pray we have done things right!”
Janice Violetti & Marianne Horowitz
“Am I a Martha or a Mary? I enjoy being a team member of the Altar Guild. It is my way of praising the Lord while I help set up the altar for the next service. Then, attending the service and listening to the word of the Lord, I am Mary. So, I’m a little bit of both. Spontaneous prayer is not easy for me; I stumble over the words. I feel that I am praying when I lovingly wash, iron and gently fold the altar linens and return every to the proper place. When I was a child, I was always in awe watching the nuns going in and out of the sacristy, carrying the sacred vessels and vestments. It is an honor and a privilege to serve.”
Bea MacDonald
Altar Guild members are the quiet strength of a church, the strong support that enables the people of God to worship in beauty and holiness.
Interested? Contact information below. We’d love to hear from you.
Reference “The New Altar Guild Book”
Peace and Blessings,
Chér Cerebe
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Look what the Lord is doing.
I love being part of a Christian community. We help people in many ways. For example, our outreach activities have improved the lives of people from Wimauma to South Sudan. And the words of comfort and love we share with one another during times of trouble are priceless. I can’t imagine trying to navigate life without Jesus and His people.
These are just some of the things we do for one another through the love of Jesus. Yet these are things any well-meaning person can do, whether they be believers or heathen. There is more – way more - that we can do for people when we come to understand the promises of Holy Scripture.
Here are a few brief accounts of the things God has done through members of the St. John Divine community:
+ A woman in intense pain needed surgery for a torn meniscus in her knee. SJD members prayed for her, and she was healed. She literally got up out of her wheelchair that day.
+ A member of SJD prayed for a woman with a serious heart condition. Her next trip to her doctor revealed that she now has a perfectly healthy heart.
+ Two members of our congregation visited a woman with stage four breast cancer, and they offered to pray for her. She allowed them to pray. Four days later her oncologist found no trace of cancer.
+ A man, blind as a result of macular degeneration, received prayer from a member of our congregation. Within a few minutes his eyesight returned. He was delighted that he could read again.
+ A woman with stiffness and pain in her hands attended one of our Wednesday morning healing services. As she received prayer, the Lord removed all the pain and stiffness. Her hands functioned normally again.
+ A woman who had suffered decades of depression came to our Wednesday service. During prayer ministry the depression suddenly left. She immediately felt alive and free and filled with joy. The depression has not returned.
+ A man with pain in his collar bone had difficulty at work because of the pain. He received prayer from our prayer team one Sunday morning. The pain immediately left.
These are just a few of the amazing things God does because members of this Christian community believe the promises of Scripture and the Power of the Holy Spirit and, step out to cooperate with God through prayer.
By Howard Roshaven, Senior Warden
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The Triple T Ministry - October 2021
Alrighty then, here we are again. The days are getting shorter, the crisp night air, the color changing leaves, ah..Autumn…WAIT back up the train, that was from a previous life. The only thing changing color in a Florida autumn are the license plates, as the snowbirds make their way back South. But I digress…
OK, so now you’re braced for that staple of churches in the fall. HOW MUCH CAN YOU GIVE! But hold on, the Triple T is about way more than just dollars. Check out the logo in the top right!
Time, Talent, Treasure. All are equal. Note the arrows, arrow heads on both ends, circular, and multidirectional. The discussions are always in the Fall because plans need to made for next year. SJD needs to figure out what we can accomplish for 2022. All of the Triple T is needed. Time: Volunteer! We need people to sing in the choir, prepare the Altar, go to Sunday school, work with youth, make coffee, usher, read, the list goes on and on. Talent: We need you to discern the talent that GOD has given you and use it at SJD. Use your talent and give us your time. And yes, Treasure. Give what you can. And I mean give us your time, let us use your talent, and let us have an estimate of your giving. All are important, and all are weaved together.
As we head towards the year end, much more will be said and written about this. Read and heed, and the blessings of GOD the father, GOD the son, and GOD the holy spirit be with you, AMEN
Greg Diehl
Vestry Member
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Do You Sing?
Did you ever participate in high school chorus or college glee club? Do you find delight in just lifting your voice in song? The Chancel Choir wants you! Ages 13 and up. All vocal parts are welcome. Walter Powell is particularly interested in a bass partner.
Our rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 3 – 4:30 PM in the sanctuary with our very nurturing Music Director, Joan Frankel. Your mission if you accept it, is to help us lead the worship music at the 11:00 AM service on Sunday Mornings.
Choral warm-up precedes the service at 10:00 AM in the Wirick Room (Banner Building). What do you say? Oil up those fallow pipes and raise your voice with songs of joy and praise to our God. Chancel Choir is back in full swing in September.
See Joan Frankel after services on Sunday for more details.
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The Interfaith Social Action Council
In 1971, three churches in Sun City Center developed a plan for offering financial assistance to local residents. The following year, they formed the Interfaith Social Action Council, ISAC, to administer the plan. Next they launched the nearly New Shop as a way to raise funds for supporting the plan. City residents responded immediately by generously donating an abundant supply of nearly new items that the shop could sell.
As the city population increased, the number of houses of worship eventually grew to nine, where it stands at present. The shop grew substantially, so in 2001, it was moved from Wimauma to the rear of the Sun City Center Plaza.
To date, the shop has earned revenues of more than four million dollars from the sales of donated items. After expenses, the funds are used to support scholarships to college-bound students enrolled in local high schools and to contribute grants supporting projects developed by local schools and charitable organizations.
Educational Institutions
The ISAC sponsors competitive college and university scholarships for graduating students from East Bay and Lennard High Schools. This year we will be adding Sumner High School. From 80 to 100 scholarships of $2000.00 each renewable for as many as four undergraduate years are awarded each spring.
Community
The ISAC also awards more than $160,000 in grants each year to South Shore service organizations with an approved IRS 501©3 designation and to local schools with an 85-8012621971-c-8 designation. The purpose of the grants is to benefit residents of our service area, bounded by the Alafia River on the North, Hillsborough County line on the East and South, and the Tampa Bay Shoreline on the West.
All houses of worship in Sun City Center are eligible and encouraged to join. St John Divine has been active with ISAC for several years. Jay Sparkman, is a past Council President, Barbara Mariforte is a past Council Vice President, and Dawn Henna is a past Secretary. Chér Cerebe is now a member and co-chair of the Scholarship Committee. SJD is looking for more members to take an active role in the Council.
If interested, please see Chér at ccerebe@verizon.net or (813) 526-1646
Thanks and Blessings,
Cher
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October Outreach
My Service Dog’s Place
Those of us who have dogs know how much joy and companionship come from your relationship with your dogs. Your dog holds a place in your heart. But for many veterans, they are their lifeline.
For these veterans, their service dogs provide support for their physical and emotional well-being.
Imagine needing medical care and your first thought is, “I can’t leave my dog.” My Service Dog’s Place is a non-profit organization connected with My Warrior’s Place in Ruskin. They care for service dogs of American heroes while these men and women receive the help that they have earned and deserve.
My Service Dog’s Place boards and cares for veterans’ dogs so the veteran can get the physical and emotional care they need while knowing their best friend, their partner is being cared for. You can find more about them on Facebook at My Service Dog’s Place.
On October 3, Chad Landry will be at the 9:15 and 11:00a.m. services to let us know more about this amazing ministry. This is also the day for the annual blessing of the animals.
Visit the Outreach table in the parish hall to make a donation.
Brenda Roshaven
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THE COFFEE CUP
Wow! This month has been really really slow. I’m sure you’ve noticed the lack of coffee after church. I miss sitting and chatting with my friends for a while and catching up on our ongoing activities and I’m sure many of you do too. I know because several of you have asked “Why don’t we have coffee?” The answer is simple. Lack of volunteers. Coffee “hour” typically means pouring coffee and putting out cookies for our friends. The “hour” usually lasts about 40 minutes after the service. I come in on Saturday and get the coffee pots ready. The first service with volunteers just had to turn the pot on before the service (I’ll show you how). If you return to the kitchen right after Holy Communion, you push the buttons (again, I’ll show you how) and the coffee takes about 5 minutes. You wear gloves and a mask to pour the coffee. That’s easy. I’ll bet all of you do that at home! The church is asking for about 40 minutes of your time per month. You can tell me which Sunday you prefer.
So, if you are interested in some wonderful fellowship after your service, please call or email me. Thanks. Sharon Bakay bakaysharon@hotmail.com 337-281-3430
Sharon Bakay
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“Caring for God’s People” is one of three core tenets of SJD’s mission.
In November we will introduce a new ministry that embodies that principle.
Watch for more information over the next few weeks!
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BIRTHDAYS
Hunter Arndt - 10/3
Liz Hood - 10/4
Cathy Patterson - 10/5
Alex Schmidt - 10/5
Darlane Barshell - 10/5
Ron Reid - 10/6
Boomer Detweiler - 10/8
Lu Smith - 10/8
Lin Roderick - 10/8
Jan Yates - 10/8
Marge Moore - Pyles - 10/14
Fr. Lee Miller - 10/14
Melissa Long - 10/15
Audrey Bussey - 10/17
Ann Ellis - 10/17
Carol Ermann - 10/17
Greg Diehl - 10/18
Meredith Joerg - 10/19
Richard Beebee - 10/20
Jay Sparkman - 10/22
Charlene Wirick - 10/22
Stevie Lingertot - 10/23
Maria Martucci - 10/23
William Duhn - 10/24
Pamela Myers - 10/25
Shannon Arndt - 10/26
Peter Grady - 10/27
Bob Lamp - 10/27
Brendan Madigan - 10/28
Fr Kevin Warner - 10/29
Dan Cardillo - 10/29
Anthea Parris - 10/29
ANNIVERSARIES
Marc & Mary Hilderbrand - 10/3
John & Donna Kustron - 10/7
Jack & Nancy Phillips - 10/16
Steve & Sharon Van Loan - 10/21
Mike & Wendy Fitzgerald - 10/29
Peter & Michelle Grady - 10/31
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Vestry
Greg Diehl, Linda Floyd, Allie Maiocchi, Linda Cardillo, Debbie Carlisle
Linda Duhn, Chuck Lieble, Anthony Primiano, Doug Roderick
Vestry Officers
Howard Roshaven - Sr. Warden, Annie Hunter - Jr. Warden
Valerie Bryant - Clerk, Lisa Galbraith - Treasurer
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, Joan Frankel - Organist & Choir Director
Tristan Warner - Media and Tech Specialist, Tommy Blair - A/V Assistant
Connie Minnoe - Accounting Administrator, Denise Smalls - Nursery Attendant
St. John Divine Episcopal Church
1015 E. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573
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