What does it mean to be “renewed?” How can we know the will of God, and be about that which is good, acceptable and pleasing to Him? 

These are some of the questions I will be tackling in a five-week series titled Personal and Corporate Renewal based on the book of Nehemiah. The course will be offered at 11 a.m. in place of my regular Bible Study and in the evening. The evening will start with food and fellowship in the Parish Hall at 6 p.m. and, following dinner, we will adjourn to the Sanctuary for some worship followed by the teaching. Nursery will be available on request.

It is my hope that many of you will turn out for this event. The morning session will be available via zoom, but the evening service will not be livestreamed so please come join us for some in-person fellowship, worship and learning. 

There will be a sign-up sheet in the parish hall so we can get a rough idea of how much dinner to prepare. Come join us!

Blessings!

Fr. Kevin+

II Timothy 1:11

From the Associate Rector

For more than a decade Roger Williams topped my list! I don’t mean Roger Williams, the English-born American Puritan minister, theologian and author but the child prodigy from Iowa who played thirteen instruments when he was eight years old and was his church’s organist at the age of twelve.

Roger Williams was America’s favorite pianist and mine too. (I have, in my record collection, 51 of his albums!) 

But, now, I have a new favorite – Justin Hill! Justin is the pianist for St. John Divine’s early evening Eucharist held at Aston Gardens, the Courtyards.

His interpretations of America’s grand old hymns are nothing less than impeccable and are featured in a style that is totally his. He has no other musical instrument to accompany him (like Roger Williams playing with the New Haven Symphony in the Yale Bowl or the Denver Symphony in the Red Rocks Amphitheatre) but, when he goes solo, parishioners take notice with, I suspect, more than a few goosebumps. So, this month, I give a shoutout to my favorite pianist JUSTIN HILL!

                                                                                       FatherLee

LAST CHANCE FOR HOLY LAND/PYRAMIDS TRIP

Please sign up for our upcoming Holy Land trip, with an optional extension that includes the pyramids. For more information grab a brochure in the Parish Hall or click HERE!

Remote

  Something new is happening in our culture since the onset of Covid-19. When the pandemic hit, we were told to distance ourselves from one another and as a result many of us had to work from home, communicating with our employers via the internet rather than commuting daily to our places of work.

  Two years later, many have found that this is a more enjoyable, efficient and productive way to work. Employers are finding ways to promote working remotely from home for businesses that do not absolutely need their people to be physically present.

  The Church also kept people separated to slow down the spread of the disease. Early in the year 2020, we were allowed only ten people in the sanctuary at a time, and so the only way a worshiping community could continue was through live streaming our worship services. By the providence of God, St. John Divine Church gained experience with producing live streamed services well before the pandemic began. Sunday after Sunday I was one of the ten allowed in the building to produce our worship on live stream. I really missed the other 95% of our congregation! You are friends. You are important to me.

  Now we find, all across America, up to a third of the people who used to regularly attend church now stay at home and watch the live stream. It is more convenient that way. You can stay in your pajamas, sit in your recliner and have a cup of coffee and still watch the service.

  However, church is different than working for an employer. Three problems come to mind:

1. It is much more difficult to make friends when we don’t meet face-to-face each week. The Church is made up of Christians in community. The value of those friendships became dramatically clear to us when my wife, Brenda, broke her hip and needed my constant care. Brenda is a wonderful cook. I am not. She may not have actually died trying to survive on my cooking, but her quality of life was dramatically improved during those difficult days by friends from church bringing casseroles and crock pots to our home. Many of you prayed for us. A beautiful hand-made quilt was anointed with prayer and brought to her. 

2. As we come together to worship Jesus Christ each week, there is the reality of a holy presence in the sanctuary that cannot be captured on camera. Scripture reveals that healing often happens by personal contact through the biblical practice of the laying on of hands and prayer. The awesome holy presence of God is experienced by people who come together to praise our amazing Lord. Many in our congregation have told me about life-changing experiences happening in His presence.  

3. It is okay to suffer a little inconvenience to gather to worship our Lord. He is worth it. After all, it was a bit of an inconvenience for Him to have to drag a heavy piece of timber up the hill to Golgatha for you. If you have a faith that doesn’t sometimes kick you out of your comfort zone, that’s not really any kind of faith at all.

  I am glad we offer the live streamed services for those who have medical problems that prevent coming to the church building. You are part of this church. For the rest who just choose to stay at home, hey, I miss you. And I love you in Jesus’ name.

I love you, in Jesus’ name,

Howard Roshaven

Senior Warden

Junior Warden Report

Hello Everyone,

The windows are in! There is continuing work being done around the church grounds. Pressure washing, by the time you have this newsletter, should be completed and was greatly needed after two years.

Thanks to Greg Diehl, who took care of getting quotes and made the arrangements, we have newly painted letters on our front sign. Thank you, Greg, looks great!

Some of you have expressed concern about the new Healing Center as to when it will be finished. There have been many delays caused solely by the County. Presently, the County delayed final approval because the concrete footers had not been treated with termite protection (which is a brand new County requirement). That work is done and it passed inspection and now we are waiting for our “final” final. Then skirting around the building can be put in place, buildout work inside done, decking off the back and nice landscaping added. The building will blend in with the Memorial Garden and be an asset to the grounds. Please be patient for a bit longer.

Blessings

Steve Van Loan

Jr. Warden

Grief Support October 2022

Death of a Friend

Where we live the death of a friend or close acquaintance is not an uncommon event. So, as we eye our own mortality how should we deal with these events?

The death of a friend can be a devastating loss and it can be hard to cope with their passing. You might be reflecting on all of the times that you spent with them or even regretting some of the things you never told them. However, having mutual friends to grieve with can be an instrumental part of the healing process. If you work to communicate effectively with these friends, spend time with them, and also focus on your own needs, you can grieve your friend in a healthy way.

Reflect on memories of your deceased friend. After your friend has passed, get your friends together to reminisce. Reflect on your past memories of them. Be honest about how you are feeling. Laugh if you feel so inclined or cry if you need to. Listen to your friends as they share their memories, too. 

Don’t micromanage your friends’ feelings. When having these discussions, remember that you experienced the friendship differently than they did. They had their own personal relationship with your deceased friend that, though you witnessed, you were not fully a part of. If you feel that they are being too emotional or perhaps even not emotional enough, avoid trying to make them behave differently or telling them how they should feel. 

Accept and ask for help when needed. Just as there will be times that you can offer help, know that it is okay to ask for help, too. If you’re feeling particularly down in the dumps, don’t shy away from asking for help. If your friends are offering some assistance to you, accept it and return the favor later. 

Keep traditions alive. Perhaps you had some traditions within your group like going see a movie once per month or taking an annual beach trip. Continue to keep your friendship strong despite this loss by maintaining and growing these traditions.

Take care of yourself. Know that self-care is critical. You cannot care for others nor can you process your grief if you do not take care of yourself. Be sure to eat at least two meals a day. Keep your hygiene up and keep yourself neat and well kempt. If you can, exercise as well.

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.

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. 

This month we welcome Betty Burk and Linda Barnum who will be joining us. We are blessed to have these two volunteers. We still could use some additional so we have back-up when members are on vacation, sick or unavailable to serve at their designated time.

Each service is different in set up: different Rite, hymns, and sacred vessels. Each Saturday members from each team are scheduled to prepare the Altar for the Sunday services. By working together, each member becomes familiar with each service, saving time in the overall set up and seize the opportunity to get better acquainted with each other. We also have a designated member who prepares for our Wednesday healing service. 

“Remember our liturgy can’t take place without the Altar Guild. It is a blessing to serve the Lord in this way. Give thanks often for this privilege.”

Sarah Hill, Pres, North Florida

Blessings,

Chėr Cerebe and Maggie Pliska

Altar Guild co-Leaders

Triple T Ministry

October 2022

The past several months we have focused on the Time and Talent aspects of the Triple T Ministry; we have discussed many of the wonderful ministries that parishioners have served at SJD by giving of their wonderful time and unique talents. As we approach the time of the year that we need to begin our Stewardship Campaign in preparation for developing the 2023 Annual Budget, we need to spend a few months discussing the Treasury portion of Triple T.

This month we would like to remind parishioners of a way you can financially give to SJD that you might not normally consider. Whether you regularly pledge, occasionally gift or just include SJD in your estate plans, your giving and generosity doesn’t have to be only by cash or checks. 

SJD has established a “pass-thru” account with Fidelity Investments with the sole purpose of receiving stocks and mutual funds. Instead of having to convert your giving to cash, you make a direct transfer of stocks or mutual funds to this account. You avoid the hassle of having to take action to convert your investment to cash and you still retain whatever tax deduction you would receive. The amenity of your giving is still retained, and you can still designate whatever restrictions you might want to put on how SJD is to utilize your giving. 

If you might be interested in giving to SJD in this method, either Father Kevin or Connie Minnoe, SJD Financial Administrator, can provide you the account to make your transfer.

Doug Roderick & Greg Diehl

Vestry Members

Stewardship Commission

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. 

This year we are excited to be adding food trucks to our festival. Please eat and enjoy and let us know if you feel that the food trucks are a good addition for next year as well. 

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

It is nearly MEALS on WHEELS time at SJD

November, the month of the year our congregation delivers meals on wheels is fast approaching. The volunteer commitments need go be completed by the end of October. As many are aware, this wonderful program delivers hot meals to anyone in our community requesting them. You have always been generous with your commitment to the project and we're counting on you to help again this year. We can not do it without your help. 

There are sign up sheets on the outreach table for you to let us know you're on board with helping this year. We need two teams of 2 for Sun City and one or two teams of 2 for Kings Point every day. Please sign up and let us know when you can be available.

Many thanks! Linda Floyd and Annie Hunter

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