From the Priest in Charge

for August 2023

For the last several months, I have presented a primer of worship in the Episcopal Church, and at St. John Divine in particular, exploring those issues and facts I have thought might be helpful for new parishioners and especially those coming from different denominations; It might also serve as a “refresher” for long time members. My article this month is a reminder of what you view at an altar prepared for Eucharist.

THE FRONTAL on the altar is a cloth hanging that matches the liturgical color of the season of the church year.

THE FAIR LINEN is a long white cloth that covers the top of the altar and hangs down over the ends.

THE CORPORAL (from the Latin Corpus “body) is a square, white linen cloth upon which the chalice and paten are placed.)

THE CHALICE is the one cup for the wine that is to be consecrated at the Eucharist. 

THE PURIFICATOR is a cloth (usually linen), folded in three layers used for cleansing the rim of the chalice when the “common cup” is offered.

THE PATEN is a plate on which the bread to be consecrated is placed. 

THE PALL then covers the paten and chalice. It is made of cloth with a (usually removable) cardboard insert.

THE BURSE, resting on top of the veiled pall, is a case of two squares of stiff material hinged or bound together on one end. Extra purificators can be carried in the burse. Think “purse”.

More next month.

Father Lee

Rector Search Updates

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

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

You may not know why, several months ago, a brief prayer for our Vestry was inserted at the beginning of the Prayers of the People. It was added when we embarked on our search process. It seeks guidance for the Vestry as they manage the search process and ultimately make a decision about who to call as our next rector, based on our Search Committee’s recommendation.

Currently the Vestry is adding final touches to the documents we will send to the diocese to make available to potential candidates. They include information from our parish-wide survey, as well as historical, programmatic and demographic information about us and our surrounding areas.

An executive summary of the results of the survey is being prepared for members of the congregation and will be available shortly.

Blessings,

Don Fisher, Senior Warden

From Your Health Ministry

Blood Pressures will be taken after the 8 o'clock and the 10 o'clock services on the Last Sunday of the month.

In last month's Revelations B.E. F.A.S.T. .......To Reduce Stroke Impact was given....

This month, please test yourself and see if you remember what each letter meant.....B.........E........F.........A.......S.......T..

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

Volunteers Needed

Hello everyone! I wish to start by saying, I have awesome volunteers. Mark Hunter, Tim Hudson, Howard Roshaven, and the supportive substitute Gerry Gardner are amazing. But these four are not enough to consistently run the AV Booth. As I am writing this, Sunday July 23^rd is going to be tough for me. There will be absences in both the AV Booth and Praise Band that will be difficult to fill. Scott & Gerry Gardner will be on a trip out of state for that Sunday, and Susan & Trevor Warner are already on a trip. That means Howard Roshaven, Annie Hunter, and me will be covering for the Praise Band. I have also been told that Tim Hudson will be out of town that Sunday as well. This leaves Mark Hunter as my only volunteer left in the booth at the beginning of the service.

Now Howard and I will only be missing in the booth for the Praise Band opening set, as we will not be providing a song for Psalm/Gradual or for Communion. So, the current situation is trying to figure out: should I concentrate on my job and cover in the AV Booth during the opening set or provide support to Howard in the Praise Band as I typically volunteer to do so.

[UPDATE] Now that July 23^rd has passed, I can inform you all that Annie Hunter did not feel well that day, and so the only volunteer available to support Howard for Praise & Worship was me. We set up the AV Booth as best we could for Mark Hunter to run by himself, and I believe he did a wonderful job for the beginning of the service. After the opening set, Howard and I were back in the AV Booth.

[UPDATE TO THE UPDATE] Then July 30^th happened. Scott and Gerry Gardner's car broke down on their trip and Tim Hudson was still out of town. Leading to Mark Hunter running the AV for the church two Sundays in a row.



It is not new for me to bring up the need for Volunteers in the AV Booth. A major component of the decision to move to two services is our lack of volunteers in the AV Booth, among other volunteering commitments. Truly, if you wish to help SJD, charitable giving is the biggest thing you can do, but after that, volunteer. Again, thank you to my current volunteers for all their hard work, and I hope to hear back from some members of SJD who can volunteer in the AV Booth.

Thank you all for your support,

Tristan M. Warner

Media & Tech Specialist 

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 [email protected]

Or

Val Bryant at 813-352-1207 or [email protected]

Training Day

In keeping with the schedule made at the beginning of the year, on Saturday June 24^th. eleven Eucharistic Ministers attended a Training/Refresher course held in the Sanctuary. This number, representing approximately 61% of the licensed EM’s, at St. John the Divine, is remarkable given the fact that it was a time when some of our members were either away at work, away on a mission trip or just sick. We thank God for those who were able to be present. A make up day will be scheduled sometime in the summer.

Fr. Lee and Don Fisher were also present to lend their particular expertise. Participants were handed the latest edition of the Lay Eucharistic Ministers Training Manual that traced the origin and role of the present day Eucharistic Minister.

Topics dealt with included:  The Liturgical Preparation and Practicum for EM’s, The Order of Procession, (Entrance, Gospel and Recessional), The Offertory, The Holy Eucharist, with emphasis on the distribution of communion, given the fact that we are now utilizing only one row to approach the altar and at the 10:00 a.m. service there will be a Chalice and an Intinction Cup on either side of the Celebrant who would have the Host.

The afternoon proved to be fruitful as participants were able to ask candid questions as they sought clarification of issues they might have had doubts about.

Please continue to pray for our Eucharistic Ministers as they give themselves in service and support to God and His church in this important ministry. 

In God's Grace and Peace,

Aubrey V. Thompson

Head Verger

Preview of the

New Healing Center

We had an amazing Preview of our new Healing Center this last Sunday! Thank you to the Van Loans for their hard work on this new facility. We will announce when the Healing Center is fully open in the future!

Divine Jewelry Shoppe

Summer is here and we have completed our beautification project between Banner Bldg. and Church Bldg. Our shop staff is keeping it maintained and we hope you will take a look. We will take some time to consider other projects that we might undertake as we continue raising money through jewelry sales. Talking about jewelry, have you been in recently to see some of the new merchandise that has been donated. We encourage you to talk to your neighbors and friends about the shop. Please take note that we are now working on summer hours : Wednesdays 9 to 12. You are also welcome to stop by Sunday before and after second service.

Thanks again for your support of this Church Fundraiser and YES we continue to accept your donations!

We have been fortunate enough to receive some donations of real jewelry which we are selling for a fraction of the appraised retail value. A wonderful opportunity to pick up a gift for a loved one. The shop is also having our first-ever sale. For the entire months of June and July, for every $20 you spend, choose a free pin from our beautiful pin collection.

Thank you once again for your support of this Church Fundraiser.   

Barbara & Jackie

Patriotic Theme at SJD

On Sunday July 2^nd Fr. Carl gave us an inspiring Independence Day sermon, the sanctuary rang out with patriotic music during services and coffee hour was a patriotic themed ice Cream Social compliments of Jean Bushart. All in all, it was a wonderful way to remind us all how lucky we are to live in this country.

First Day of Summer Potluck

A special thank you to all who brought delicious dishes that were served along fried chicken and biscuits. We fed 49 people and our theme carried through with fun beachy theme centerpieces. The kitchen team is also thankful to john Gentry and his team for breaking down tables after dinner to set up for the Health Screening the next day. We are certainly an active Church with lots going on. 

Flower Guild

Tap Into Your Talent

Summer is a time to try something new! The Flower Guild challenges you to tap into your creative side and put it to good use, arranging flowers for

The House of the Lord.

In her book, The Church Ladies' Guide to Divine Flower Arrangements, nationally renowned flower arranging expert Gay Estes offers the following prayer: 

OH LORD,

PLEASE don't let my flowers wilt,

my lilies stain the vestments

or my vase leak.

LET my arrangements neither fall,

nor catch fire from the candles.

amen

 Although written with humor, the prayer expresses real thoughts of a church flower arranger. In addition, there is the desire to give life to surroundings in a church service, to create harmony between wood-and-glass and the congregation. Flowers enhance the beauty of a service and remind us of God's

promises and blessings.

Much thanks goes to current Flower Guild Members: Sharon Bakay, Marcel Butts, Sharon Pappas, Janice Robinson, Kathy Thomas, and Clare Thompson, with an occasional assist from Barbara Pfeil or Joyce Fisher. They invite you to join them and let your talents bloom for all to see!

 Yoniece Miller

 Flower Guild Director

GRIEF SUPPORT AUGUST 2023

Death of a Pet

An animal’s love is deep, uncomplicated, unconditional, and forgiving. “Affection without ambivalence” is how Sigmund Freud described the connection. For many, our lives are intricately intertwined with our pets, and together, over time, we establish rituals that are as steady as a metronome. It’s no wonder the grief is crushing when they depart—even those who’ve had time to prepare describe feeling stunned, devastated, and cracked in two.

While we all respond to loss differently, the level of grief you experience will often depend on factors such as your age and personality, the age of your pet, and the circumstances of their death. Generally, the more significant your pet was to you, the more intense the emotional pain you’ll feel. The role the animal played in your life can also have an impact. For example, if your pet was a working dog, service animal, or therapy animal, you’ll not only be grieving the loss of a companion but also the loss of a coworker, the loss of your independence, or the loss of emotional support. If you lived alone and the pet was your only companion, coming to terms with their loss can be even harder. And if you were unable to afford expensive veterinary treatment to prolong your pet’s life, you may even feel a profound sense of guilt.

Sorrow and grief are normal and natural responses to death. Like grief for our friends and loved ones, grief for our animal companions can only be dealt with over time, but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Here are some suggestions:

• Don't let anyone tell you how to feel, and don't tell yourself how to feel either. Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell you when it's time to “move on” or “get over it.” Let yourself feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment. It's okay to be angry, to cry or not to cry. It's also okay to laugh, to find moments of joy, and to let go when you're ready.
• Look after yourself. The stress of losing a pet can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time. Spend time face to face with people who care about you, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly to release endorphins and help boost your mood.
• If you have other pets, try to maintain your normal routine. Surviving pets most certainly can also experience loss when a pet dies, or they may become distressed by your sorrow. Maintaining their daily routines will not only benefit the surviving pets but can also help to elevate your mood and outlook, too. Pay additional attention to them as they will need your support as they help support you. And when you feel the time is right, it really is OK to find a new four legged or feathered friend. Even a reptile if you are so inclined…

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 2^nd and 4^th Mondays at 10:00 AM in the Wirick Room in the Banner building. When you feel the need, we can be there for you.

Can You Find this Sign?

Bill Duhn with his trusty helper John Gentry recently relocated and cleaned up this sign in an effort to make it more visible. If you find it, please let them know.

Promises

God has made some amazing promises to His people. Some of them you probably already know about, such as the promise of eternal life to everyone who acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Lord of their lives. If that was the only promise He ever made, a life lived in fellowship with Jesus would be well worth it. But He promised more.

Okay, so how do we find out what all His promises are? First of all, every promise of our heavenly Father is good. God is good and He promises good to us. But not everything that happens to us in this life is good. What about those times?

Our loving Father has an enemy, Satan. He came to mess up our lives. Holy Scripture reveals that he comes as a thief to steal, kill and destroy. The enemy hates us and wants to do us harm, and sometimes – it may feel like often – he succeeds. But one of God’s promises is to defeat the work of the enemy. Satan comes to lead us to sin and death, but Jesus came to give us life in abundance.

I am not going to try to list all the promises of God in this article. It would be a looong article. In fact, I don’t even know all the promises of God, but I’m learning more every day. And each time I learn more, I can receive each promise into my life and appropriate it as my own. As I continue doing just that, my life gets better and better. I live with more peace and fewer anxieties. I am joyful most all of the time.

So the question on the table at this moment is: how do we find out what all His promises are? The answer is…

…read your Bible.

Read some of it every day. A good way to start every day is learning more of the ways and promises of God. And don’t be satisfied reading just a verse or two. Read a chapter or more. Get to know what the verses say in context with one another. Here’s an example:

In Philippians 4:19 we find this promise, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” (Emphasis added). What an awesome promise, but to find out who the promise is for and how it applies, you need to read the whole chapter. I will let you do that on your own after you finish this edition of Revelations.

If you are not already reading your Bible every day, this is a good day to start. I have heard people complain that they have trouble understanding what it says. Well, you certainly won’t understand it unless you read it! The answer is to just keep on reading every day. More understanding will come as you do. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read. One of God’s promises is the Holy Spirit will lead you unto all truth.

There are Bible studies offered in the church. I encourage you to take part in these. And yet, a Bible study is not a substitute for reading on your own every day. This is the day to stop making excuses and start reading. Of all the things there are to read out there, your Bible is the one that promises to truly change your life. Don’t miss out on a single promise.

Jesus loves you (this I know for the Bible tells me so),

Howard Roshaven

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