Dear Cathedral,

This coming Sunday, we will have a special visitor. The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase, Assisting Bishop in the Diocese of Florida, will be with us to preach, baptize and celebrate communion.

What is a Bishop? 

The word means overseer and it dates all the way back to the earliest days of Christianity. It is believed that Peter the fisherman became a bishop. One of the amazing parts of the Episcopal Church is that we are part of what is called The Apostolic Succession. What this means is that Peter laid his hands on someone, who laid his hands on someone and on and on up to this current Bishop. There is a line of touch directly from Jesus to Peter and on to everyone who our current Bishop blesses.

What is an Assisting Bishop? 

An Assisting Bishop means that Bishop Benhase has been contracted to serve in a sacramental role during an interim period in the Diocese of Florida. The normal administrative duties of a bishop will be carried out by an elected body called The Standing Committee, made up of clergy and lay people elected at Diocesan Conventions. Bishop Benhase will ordain, confirm, baptize, and celebrate communion throughout the diocese during this interim period.

The Cathedral will be Bishop Benhase’s first visit to this Diocese. Please do all that you can to welcome him and make him feel at home. Thank you so much.

In Christ’s love,

Kate+

Notes on the service music: January 14

For a while now, our monthly Saturday gatherings have been an integral part of England's Quiet Garden movement. The cathedral gardens provide a serene backdrop for contemplation, continuing the reflective journey initiated in Cummings Chapel. However, external factors such as weather, funerals, or other cathedral events occasionally impact our garden sessions. Additionally, the growing number of participants often leads people to explore alternative quiet spaces within the cathedral for their moments of reflection.

It's worth noting that we don't precisely align with the criteria of the England group, where gardens serve as the central focus for shared time and emphasize a more solitary experience.

Our Saturday mornings are dedicated to delving into the inner life of the soul, with themes aligned with those set by our Dean for the various seasons. Participants engage in a unique form of group spiritual direction, incorporating poetry, art, drama, music, and the collective wisdom of the gathered group. Our sessions culminate with a celebration of the Eucharist.

While we will still spend some time in the gardens and occasionally offer worship there, the focus of our garden activities is on nurturing our inner lives. Hence, the change in title better reflects our primary focus—Soul Gardening. This term aptly describes how we spend our time during our gatherings.

Rest assured, you can still find us appreciating the outer garden spaces, and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us whenever you can. All are welcome to share in this enriching experience. Perhaps you can join us this Saturday and explore as we explore Baptism as Greening Power. See details and sign up below.



~The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera

Let’s go to the movie together!

St. John’s Cathedral has reserved a row of seats at the

AMC Regency 24 Theater.

Tuesday, January 23

7 p.m.

Tickets are $15.

Purchase your ticket and reserve your seat here.

This movie is only in theaters Tuesday, January 23.

Please know that if you are unable to see the movie with us at 7 p.m.,

there is also a 4 p.m. showtime. And, if you are unable to make it to the AMC Regency 24 Theater, “A Case for Love” is showing on screens at Cinemark theaters.

We encourage you to find a theater and time that works for you, invite a friend,

and go see this inspirational documentary that was inspired by the writing and preaching of Bishop Michael Curry.



Let’s sell out the theaters in Jacksonville and show the movie studios that there is a wide audience for films like this one!

A call for Vestry Nominations went out earlier this week. The Nominating Committee has already been working diligently and has identified numerous qualified parishioners who are willing to stand for office. To ensure we do not miss anyone, we are sending this communication so that people can self-nominate. You must submit your name for nomination to Martha Cox by Sunday, January 14, so don't delay. 



Read the email.

Contact Martha: Email: marthacox726@gmail.com. Call: (904) 535-0420

We are delighted to share a positive update on the recovery of our beloved Deacon Saundra Kidd. As many of you know, she has been recuperating at home. Deacon Saundra says that the outpouring of support and the healing energy from your prayers have been truly felt during this time. Your collective prayers have provided her with much-needed clarity as she has made and continues to make decisions about the next steps in her recovery. In her own words:

"Your thoughtfulness has played a significant role in uplifting my spirits and providing clarity in a situation that I never thought I'd be in. I am grateful to each and every one of you for your kindness, prayers, and well-wishes."

Let's continue to keep Deacon Saundra in our thoughts and prayers for her continued healing and that she will be able to worship with us soon.

Showing Love at the Core with a warm reception for our newcomers this past Sunday! Three cheers to our Parish Engagement Council for making this a lovely event.

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