From the Priest in Charge

for December 2023

For the past seven months, I have used this space to present information of interest to newcomers to the Episcopal Church in general and to St. John the Divine in particular. This month, I will share some quick facts I received at a recent diocesan meeting. The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida extends from Marco Island on the south, to Brooksville on the north and inland to Plant City, Arcadia and La Belle on the east.

The diocese is part of Province IV of the Episcopal Church, historically known as the Province of Sewanee. The cathedral church of the diocese is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg. Diocesan offices are in Parrish, Florida on the campus of the Dayspring

Episcopal Center. The diocese currently is comprised of 78 churches.

The Diocese of Southwest Florida was created in 1969 when the Diocese of South Florida was divided to form the dioceses of Central Florida, Southeast Florida and Southwest Florida. The first bishop of our new diocese was William Hargrave who served from 1969 to 1975. Bishops following were Paul Haynes, Rogers Harris, John Lipscomb, and Dabney Smith. Our current bishop is Douglas Scharf.

The diocese is divided into seven deaneries which include the Clearwater Deanery, the Fort Myers Deanery, the Manasota Deanery, the Naples Deanery, the St. Petersburg Deanery, the Venice Deanery and the Tampa Deanery to which St. John the Divine belongs.

Father Lee

Special Thanks

In case you have not seen the music office lately, new bookshelves were installed and the old bookshelves were repurposed. In addition, beautiful floral pictures were added, which have given the office a pretty facelift. I would like to take this opportunity to thank some very special people; Yoniece Miller for spearheading the project and supplying and hanging the new pictures, Jennie Miller for purchasing (with funds donated by the Divine Jewelry Shoppe) and assembling the new bookshelves, Mark & Annie Hunter for their assistance in cleaning out the old shelves, removing the old shelves and discarded items, and for fastening one set of shelves against the wall and the Divine Jewelry Shoppe for donating the money for replacing the old bookshelves.

Thanks so much to all for their hard work and the donation from the Divine Jewelry Shoppe.  

Do you know of someone who would like prayer

or

Would you like to be a part of our Prayer Team?

Contact:

Barb Gingrich at 813-633-5649 or barinscc@gmail.com

Or

Val Bryant at 813-352-1207 or vjb350@aol.com

Jr. Warden Report

Hello Everyone, 

Here we are well into fall and heading for winter and I see lots of familiar faces returning from the north.

Welcome Back!  

I also noticed some new faces coming into our church and want to welcome the new comers as well. There has been a lot of activity since you "snow birds" were up north enjoying the summer weather. Its not often we Floridians miss the north but if there was a time, I think it was July, August and September this year. It was hot and I am not one to complain about the heat. We have been working diligently on the grounds around the church and hope all of you can see the improvements. Check out the grounds around the memorial garden and the new healing center. Its a great place for prayer and meditation.

As most of you know we had an AC failure back in February and finally have everything installed and approved by the county inspectors. Thank you for those who contributed to this project as it surely did help with the expenses involved. I would like to give a big thank you to John Gentry and Dennis Accardo for all their help with the improvements around the church. 

It would not have happened without their help. As a reminder to all, if you see something that needs attention, fill out our yellow form (obtained from the office) and we will see it gets fixed.  As we go into to holy season, I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas as we look forward to another year in 2024.

Blessings

Steve Van Loan

Jr Warden

And Just Like That.....

In a mere two weeks we are into the season of Advent. As we prepare, let us not get wrapped up in the excitement of Christmas and forget the true meaning of it all. Let us look at the celebration of advent in some churches. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word Adventus which means arrival. We prepare for the arrival of Christ, on the four Sundays preceding Christmas, candles are lit either before the start of the church service or during the service. These candles are set in a garland of evergreen branches. The circular wreath which has no beginning or end signifies the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the eternal life we find in Christ. Each Sunday has a theme attached. If we pay attention to the weekly themes, we will see how appropriate they are, given what we are faced with in our current political and social discourse. On the first Sunday of Advent, Advent Sunday, (December 3rd.) we light the first purple candle, the candle of HOPE. Many of the faithful are today hoping that the Savior would fulfill some of the prophecies as stated in the Old Testament. We are faced with a world in turmoil. Things that we had for years seen as normal have been thrown by the wayside. Our faith is being tested. What is left for us to do, but hope? Hope that the Lord will keep His promise and send His son.

On the second Sunday, the First and Second candles are lit. The second candle signifies PEACE. Our world needs peace at this time. We hear of wars and rumors of wars every day. What if we give peace a chance?

On the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, the First, Second and Third candles are lit. The third candle, JOY signifies the feeling we all feel in anticipation of the arrival. There is so much joy in the air as we await the coming of Christ.

The fourth Sunday, the First, Second, Third and Fourth candles are lit. The fourth candle, LOVE. God so loved the world, that he gave his only beloved son. How much more love could one give? God sent His only begotten son to us. What greater love than to sacrifice His son. We live in a world where there is a great need for love. For if we love our neighbors as we love ourselves, a lot of the world’s problems will not exist.

My sisters and brothers, as we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus, may we continue to discern God’s call for us, and may the hope and promise of this Advent Season be with you and your family always.

And just like that, the Advent season is over, and we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah.

My sisters and brothers may you and your family have the gift of faith, the blessings of hope and the peace of His love this Christmas and many blessings throughout the New Year.

In God’s Grace and Peace,

Aubrey V. Thompson

Head Verger

Rector Search Updates

Members Of the Search Committee include: Jean Brown, Michael Carrano, Barbara Gentry, Barbara Gingrich, D.J. Holt, Susan Morgan, Natasha Nowak-Palma, Aubrey Thompson, Sharon Van Loan and Katie Arp as the Vestry Liaison

Rector Search Video Updates

New Rector Call Status 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byup7wIdIOc

New Rector Call Status 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN8cie-i01Y

New Rector Call Status 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6medC2V91hM

Ramblings of an Over-Caffeinated, Sleep Deprived, Child Rearing, Millennial:

The Return

Hello everyone! I hope we are all enjoying the return of our camera and audio systems after that terrible crash we experienced in October. We, in the booth, appreciated everyone's patience and support as we got our systems back up and made necessary corrections while we reset. This has been a crazy time, and one that hasn't fully finished as we start a transition into a new phone service. We will have more updates on those changes soon!

Thank you all for your support,



Tristan M. Warner

Media & Tech Specialist 

New Beginnings

This issue of Revelations is scheduled to arrive right at the beginning of the season of Advent. This is a good time to prepare our hearts for new beginnings as we look toward celebrating the incarnation of Jesus Christ. When God sent His Son to earth in human form, everything changed. What a blessing He sent to mankind. He loves us so much!

Among the new things we celebrate this year at St. John the Divine Church is the opening of our Healing Center. After years of planning and waiting for permits from the County, it is finally in operation. And what a blessing! It was planned, built and furnished with no cost to the church. It was all funded by donors, and its expenses continue to be paid by donors. Praise God.

I will confidently make a prediction. Every member of our congregation will benefit from the Healing Center, even if you never go in the building and receive prayer. Why this prediction? Recent history has shown that churches with a thriving healing ministry grow and prosper. In fact, that has happened throughout the ages. Healing was a normal part of life for Jesus. He healed everywhere He went, right up until He was captured and crucified. The early Church continued healing in the name of Jesus. They grew and thrived, despite persecution, until they were so successful they were accused of turning the whole world upside down.

In my travels in the USA and other parts of the world, I have seen churches grow and prosper when their healing ministries began to thrive. One church started in their pastor’s living room. They ministered healing right from the start. Within a year their congregation was 300 people. By their second year they were 1100. That is when I met them. The following year, when I visited their city again, they had just finished building a four thousand seat worship center and were filling every seat. All the while, people were being healed, often with healings that were miraculous. Their surrounding community went from a culture of skepticism to a culture of faith as word of the healing ministry spread.

I also visited an Episcopal church that experienced seeing seventy people brought to salvation in one night, because healing was happening through a visiting team who had come to minister for four days. More and more people came to that church each night, because the word spread that people were being healed, including the deaf, the blind, and the lame, just like in the book of Acts. But this time it wasn’t way back then; it was in the 21st century. By the time the four days were over, more than 230 people had given their lives to Jesus. I’ll bet their next baptismal service was a celebration.

St. John the Divine Church has always had a place in our hearts for healing. But now a team of dedicated members are taking healing to the next level. You will start hearing praise reports of wonderful healing miracles. Even the most skeptical among us will find reason to get an appointment for prayer at the healing Center. And our surrounding community will have a church that demonstrates the full power and love that so clearly defines the life of Jesus Christ.

One last thing before I run out of space. If you are totally healthy and need no healing, make an appointment anyway and receive prayer. When I went for prayer, I found it to be a place of peace, tranquility and joy in the presence of our Savior. The Bible calls that a time of refreshing. I needed that.

by Howard Roshaven

Divine Jewelry Thrift Shoppe

The shop is decorated, new inventory is displayed and our vendors have provided some unique holiday gift ideas. We invite you to stop in on Sunday mornings. We open at 9:00. We appreciate all the support our congregation has given us and we remind you that we happily continue to accept donations of jewelry and purses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about us. Our winter hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 1. Check the list outside the shop of those projects we have funded through the shop and if you know of something we might consider funding, please let us know. “Sparkle Brighter This Holiday Season At A Price You Can Afford! 

Barbara & Jackie

Flower Guild

The Chrismon Tree

This year you will see a Chrismon tree in the nave during Advent and Christmastide. The evergreen tree itself symbolizes eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Chrismon tree is different from a traditional Christmas tree. It is decorated with with clear lights only and Chrismons in the liturgical colors of white and gold for the Christmas season. The Chrismons are symbols of various aspects of Christ's ministry. (It might be fun and challenging to identify each symbol and connect it to the nature and work of Christ.)

During Advent, you will have an opportunity to contribute to the purchase of poinsettias to adorn the altar at Christmas. Envelopes will be available in the pews on December 3rd. Please include the names of persons you are honoring or remembering with your contributions.

The Flower Guild still needs a few adventurous people to share your time to develop your talent for arranging flowers for God's House. Please prayerfully consider joining this ministry.

 Yoniece Miller

 Flower Guild Director

GRIEF SUPPORT DECEMBER 2023

Many people tend to come together with family and friends throughout December and early January, whether that’s to celebrate Christmas or another holiday special to them. Despite the festivities, we know this can be a particularly hard time of the year when you're missing someone. Maybe you're bursting into tears when you least expect it, perhaps you feel angry at the people around you, or maybe you’re feeling anxious, worrying about how you’ll feel or how you’ll get through.

You shouldn't feel pressured to have Christmas as usual if it doesn't feel right, although celebrating as you normally would might be a comfort to you. This will be different for each person after a bereavement, so plan for a Christmas you feel comfortable with and give yourself permission to do what you want to do. Remember that all emotions, whether they are ones of sadness, joy or any other, take up energy. You might not know how you’ll be feeling from one day to the next, so be kind to yourself and try not to ‘over-do’ things. Don’t feel guilty about the things you think you ‘should’ be doing, and know that it’s okay to not be okay.

Once you’ve had a think about how you want to approach the holiday season, you may find it helpful to be open with those close to you. Having conversations with friends and family about how you feel and what your plans are can help everyone support you in ways which are sensitive to your grief. It’s important to try not to put too much pressure on yourself and those around you, particularly as how you’re feeling might change from day-to-day.

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 Dons Room in the Banner building. When you feel the need, we can be there for you.

Your Healing Center Open

Come for Prayers

St. John’s Healing Center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and the prayer warriors are inviting all to come for private prayers. The prayers can be for major or minor 

concerns for ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, or the world. Our pets can also receive prayers. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Why not take advantage of that special promise in scripture!

The prayer sessions are approximately one-half hour and the person being prayed for asks for prayers for whatever they wish. There are always two people who do the praying, one is the main prayer person and the other is the intercessor. There is strict confidentiality and it is a loving environment and prayer ministry. The facilities are comfortable and handicap accessible through the Memorial Garden.



Appointments are suggested but not necessary. If you wish to make an appointment you can call 

The Healing Center at 813-633-2403. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. Come, come, come!

New Round of Foyer Groups

Our current round of Foyer Groups is coming to an end and we are ready to start a new rotation! (Foyer Groups, a longstanding Episcopal tradition, are small gatherings of parishioners who meet away from the church setting to share simple meals or activities and enjoy one another’s company. They have no agenda—the intention is to have fun and get to know each other better. The uniqueness of the Foyer Group is its lack of formality and its focus on community.)

Our next rotation will begin in January and run through June 2024. Each group will be comprised of approximately six people – a number that can be easily accommodated in any setting. Hosting responsibilities will rotate among each group’s members so no one is overburdened. Participants are asked to commit to meet monthly if possible (if not, at least three times during the six-month timeframe). Once you sign up, you will receive information about how to get started.

Foyer Group opportunities include:

• In-Home Supper Groups - Usually the meal is a potluck so the responsibility of preparing the food is shared. However, it is fine for the host/hostess to provide the entire meal if they prefer. It is also okay to “order in” instead of cooking.

• Games Groups - The group decides whether they meet in the afternoon or the evening and what games will be played. The monthly hosts provide snacks or dessert.

• Eating Out Groups - The group determines whether they will eat out for lunch or dinner. The monthly hosts choose a restaurant that is a reasonable distance away.

Don’t miss this next round! Sign up for the group of your choice at the kiosk table in the Parish Hall.

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Linda Duhn at lduhn06@gmail.com.

If you wish to give online, please scan or click the QR Code