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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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Regather
Renew
Relaunch
My favorite, and first memories center around the church. Sunday mornings were special; we got to drink coffee! Of course, there was lots of milk and sugar so that it did not resemble the Starbucks sludge that I drink now, but it was part of the best day of the week. Church was a place of mystery, it was a “high” church with incense and bells. My Sunday School teacher was a police officer and was required, even off duty, to carry his gun – fascinating to a 6-year-old. Coffee hour was wonderful with maple glazed, cream-filled long johns, and the ladies always saved one for me because they knew it was my favorite. Mr. Smith, a tennis player would bring his left-over tennis balls and give them to me and other kids. Then, on the way home, when we turned on our street, dad put me in his lap, and I “drove” home. All in all, a great day.
Prior to the coronavirus, we were creating such days for the children and youth of SJD. Despite Covid, our youth group grew to 16 members, and we were on our way to being a vital and multi-generational church. Sadly, the pandemic changed all that and the marked growth that we were seeing leveled off and even decreased a bit. Now, as we are slowly coming out of quarantine, what will be our situation?
I see us moving forward slowly but improving all the time. First, we must regather. Katie Arp is in the Sunday School room, Denise and Michele in the nursery, and Anthony and Katie Freeman are ready to go Sunday nights for youth group, all we need are bodies. Likewise, all our services could stand an influx of folk who are already out and about. Certainly no one should partake of any program if they are concerned about the virus. Those of us that are out and about need to consider returning to church.
Ready or not, we await the regathering of folk so that we might be renewed and relaunch ourselves into the community. Please prayerfully consider whether Sunday morning worship is something you would consider. If so, see you Sunday!
Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
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In 1985, I had just returned with a group of pilgrims (following our study in Jordan, Egypt, and the Holy Land), when I learned that two Israeli fishermen, living in a kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee, had made a remarkable discovery. These two brothers, checking their fishing equipment on the beach at Gennesaret, noticed a strange object near the shore. Examining the object more closely, they determined it was a boat, but not an ordinary boat!
Archeologists later confirmed this was a fishing boat, dating from the time of Jesus. Could this boat have belonged to one of the disciples or carried Jesus as a passenger?
Apparently, the boat surfaced due to unusually low water in the lake, caused by a three-year drought.
Maybe we, too, are now rising to the surface after a long drought. For many, in the Church, Covid has caused a spiritual dryness and many have yearned to, once again, experience the vibrant force of love in action.
Now is the time to become fully involved in the Church and discover something of incredible value!
FatherLee
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Lemonade
You have been an encouragement to me during the last several years and you continue to be as we labor together in our Lord’s vineyard, often under difficult circumstances, not the least of which has been the Covid-19 pandemic. While God does not cause disease, He has a way of turning bad things into blessings that sometimes take a while to see. We have been moved out of our comfort zone. We have been put in a position in which business as usual was no longer working. Adjustments had to be made to allow us to continue accomplishing the vision the Lord has given us. When life gives us lemons, God often directs us to cooperate with Him to turn the lemons into lemonade.
The future includes spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ by electronic means. Tristan Warner already began live-streaming our Sunday services and was working with his team to refine our online presence when, suddenly, Covid made it necessary for many churches to offer services online. SJD was already well ahead of the curve. We had lemonade before we knew we were being handed a lemon.
The vitality of a church hinges on how each of us offers our time, talent and treasure to the Lord. Personally, I sensed the Holy Spirit tell me to volunteer my time in the A/V booth to mix the audio. I own a recording studio and have mixed more than two hundred fifty songs. I had already developed the talent. It takes a significant commitment of time, but it is a joy to serve the Lord and serve our congregation behind the scenes. Shortly after I started, Jim Smith had to step away from the booth due to health reasons. Once again, God provided lemonade before we were handed a lemon.
Well before Covid became a factor, I had started writing another book. During the semi-isolation caused by the pandemic I used the extra time to finish the book The publisher has it nearly ready for release. Another lemon becoming lemonade. The new book, named The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory should be available in November just in time to buy a copy for yourself and several more for Christmas giving.
Your life in Christ Jesus has produced many testimonies of the healings and other miraculous signs that God so freely pours out on us. Some of your testimonies appear in the new book. Thank you for sharing them with me. You give me reason to write.
Since we have already been moved out of our comfort zone, let us take this opportunity to increase our passion for our Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious Church. God is sending a fresh move of the Holy Spirit across America, bringing a new vitality to His Church. I live in prophetic expectancy that my next book will be the telling of the Great Southwest Florida Outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let’s live this adventure together.
By Howard Roshaven, Senior Warden
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The Triple T Ministry - November 2021
Over the past several months we have been explaining to the SJD parishioners the different aspects of our new ministry--The Triple T (Time, Talent & Treasury). This month in continuation of that effort, we will be discussing the Treasury portion of Triple T. It is also appropriate to cover Treasury now, because November is usually considered Stewardship month, where we focus on obtaining your pledge for the coming year. You are well aware that your pledges are very important for the Vestry to develop the SJD Budget.
I want to say under our Triple T ministry, Treasury is more than just obtaining pledges for the coming year. It includes all financial gifts given to SJD as our thanks to God for the blessings he has given us, and I will be briefly covering some of the methods of giving.
First, pledges need little explanation, since we are all aware that they represent your intension to give a specific amount of money to SJD in the coming year. This is done usually weekly, monthly, or in a lump sum. For 2022 we will be encouraging everyone to utilize the new Realm application or online giving. We understand that there are still many parishioners that haven’t acquainted themselves with Realm; however there will be assistance provided for those who need it. Additionally, we realize that some parishioners either don’t have the computer technology to utilize Realm, or just prefer to give the past way of utilizing pledge envelops so they will continue to be available. Whatever way you choose to pledge, please commit to the level you are most comfortable and fits with your personal budget.
Second, a “Gift in Kind” is another way to make a financial contribution to SJD. There are some of our parishioners that have been very blessed to have the ability to make special gifts or donations to SJD. Frequently these gifts have had a major impact in achieving a balanced SJD budget. These gifts can be real property, stocks or extra cash donations. When a “Gift in Kind” is given to SJD, it will follow the SJD “Gift in Kind” Policy to determine the disposition of the gift.
Lastly, a major part of Treasury is in your estate plan. How will you be remembered? When creating or updating your estate plans, please consider including a gift to SJD. Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or assets. We have a fantastic relationship with Thrivent Financial to address any questions you might have on estate planning. If you are ready to take action now please contact Father Kevin or you can call directly to Michael Joeckel, Thrivent Financial, at 813-313-7141.
Stewardship month will also include some presentations or testimonies at our services from several parishioners. They will include some personal experiences serving at SJD or how being a part of our SJD community has made an impact on their lives. We hope these presentations will be the inspiration to have Treasury in your hearts and minds in November.
Doug Roderick
Vestry Member
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Realm Update
“Realm” is the name of the Cloud Based Church Management Software system SJD has, and we are in the process of bringing you, the congregation online. This new system has more functionality than the old system and is half the cost of the old. The staff and church leaders have had training on using the new system and will try to be available to help when possible. The functions we had like directory info, giving, events notification (calendar), emailing is in the new system, but we have new tools now like volunteer scheduling, attendance tracking, pledging, news and chat functions. SJD database was converted and now everyone needs to activate their account! The steps to activate your account are:
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Install “realm connect” on your smartphone/iPhone.
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Open the installed app and enter your email address
- Click on the forgot password button.
- You will receive an email; follow those instructions to create your new password. Write down your new password. Must be at least 8 characters, with at least 1 upper case letter, 1 lower case letter, 1 number and 1 special character.
Once you have completed the installation and have a chance to look around, go to your PROFILE and review the information. Correct any errors, fill in missing data, review the groups you are in for correctness.
Any problems or questions along the way, please call me at 727-560-8876 and leave a message if I’m not available.
Blessings!
Don Fisher,
Realm coordinator
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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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NEW MINISTRY BEING LAUNCHED
On Sunday mornings during the month of October, you have been seeing simple messages displayed on the electronic screens in the sanctuary stating “Caring”. Have you been puzzled as to what they mean?
At St. John Divine we include “Caring for God’s People” as part of our mission because, as Christians, we need to care for, support and aid God’s people. To that end, a dedicated group of SJD parishioners has gathered over the past sever-al months to develop a new ministry that will provide support to fellow mem-bers who are lonely, shut in, or in need of prayer and conversation. Good Shep-herd Ministry will offer support to members who have these needs by visiting them on a regular basis to provide a caring presence. Our plan is to launch this ministry in November.
We welcome anyone who is interested in joining our Good Shepherd team. We also welcome referrals of SJD members who would benefit from a visit or phone call from a Good Shepherd volunteer. If you would like to volunteer or refer a parishioner (including yourself), please contact Susan Morgan at (908) 783-4986 or simorgan319@gmail.com.
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Every day is a day of thanksgiving
“Are you grateful for the little things?” It’s a really obvious question to ponder this time of the year.
We are capable of being grateful for many things and at many times. Gratitude gets us through the hard stuff. To reflect on your blessings is to rehearse God’s accomplishments. To discover His heart is to discover not just good gifts but the Good Giver. Thank you, God.
Thanksgiving, or giving thanks, as a form of prayer, is technically the church’s principle act of worship, week after week, Sunday after Sunday.
The Eucharist is itself is an extended prayer of thanksgiving. That’s what the word means, actually, from the Greek, eu, meaning well or good or great and, kharis, meaning favor or gift or grace. And so we call that part of the liturgy where we take and bless and break and share bread and wine, the great thanksgiving. The Eucharist is the heart of the Altar Guild. We are thankful to be part of the church’s principal act of worship.
We are Thanksgiving people, not only once a year, but each and every day. Thank God for those you love and for those you don’t, for those who are near and those who are far, for the things you understand and those you do not. Look for the tiny sparkles, the signs of life and the laughter of a child. Remember to thank God for the small things.
“Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” Ephesians 5:20 (NLT).
The St John Divine Altar Guild wishes you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Blessings,
Chĕr Cerebe
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November Outreach
The Lord's Lighthouse Mission
On Palm Sunday, 2008, in association with St. John the Divine, The Lord's Lighthouse was established to serve the less fortunate of our South Shore area. The Mission, originally operating from the Annex Building on St. John the Divine's Ruskin Campus, has now moved to a permanent location in Wimauma.
Despite many challenges, the Mission continues to obey Jesus' command to "Feed my sheep." The Mission provides food, clothing, essential needs, and services to those without enough means to care for their families.
Will you help? The priority needs are non- perishable food and money to purchase food.
You may bring donations of food to The Lord's Lighthouse area in the parish hall. Checks may be made payable to St. John Divine, earmarked The Lord's Lighthouse. Any donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated.
We invite you to take a look at The Lord's Lighthouse table in the parish hall for more information about the good works The Lord's Lighthouse Mission has done and hopes, with God's help and with the help of others, to continue to do.
Thanks for helping!
Connie Keister
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THE COFFEE CUP
Great News!! Coffee hour is opening up! Coffee will be prepared for 8:00 but the pot has to be turned on and after it’s brewed, it needs to be brought to the front counter. Volunteers are needed. For 9:15 the coffee will already be in the pot ready for you to serve yourself. There will be prepackaged cookies. Volunteers are still needed. At 11:00 Jackie Winder has graciously agreed to be the hostess, but she is looking for volunteers also. We will continue to use paper coffee cups and small napkins for food, unless there is a need to use small paper plates.
Welcome Aboard Jackie!
Sharon Bakay
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BIRTHDAYS
Philip Bethea - 11/2
Marianne Palmer - 11/3
Marc Hilderbrand - 11/9
Gloria Nunn - 11/11
Pat Wilbert - 11/13
Chuck Lieble - 11/13
Preia Hayes - 11/15
Ila Jean Stamper - 11/18
Carl Lingertot - 11/18
Geoffrey Butts - 11/18
Alice Weisner - 11/18
Rowan Arndt - 11/21
Sharon Bakay - 11/21
Jacqueline Davis - 11/21
Justin Hill - 11/22
Diane Vogel - 11/22
Isabel DeTringo - 11/24
Linda Waring - 11/26
Barbara Marafiote - 11/28
Yoniece Miller - 11/28
ANNIVERSARIES
Bob & Judy Pieper - 11/10
Pete & Barbara Noone - 11/11
Doug & Lin Roderick - 11/11
Richard & Jo Ann Beebee - 11/23
Ed & Jean Brown - 11/24
Thomas Rawlings & Mary Mobley - 11/27 Dick & Susan Callaghan - 11/27
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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 & Michele Catlin - Nursery Attendants
St. John Divine Episcopal Church
1015 E. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573
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