December Revelations

Volume 12 | December, 2020

Revelations

Offering Meaningful Worship

Teaching the Gospel

Caring for God’s People

KEVIN’S KERYGMA

by Fr. Kevin Warner

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means “God with us.”) Matt. 1:23

This time of year is always bittersweet for me. Obviously the holidays are generally regarded as joyful seasons; we give thanks in November (when this penned) for God’s continuing provision and then prepare for the most joyful birthday celebration of all, the birth of our Lord Jesus. It is a time for gathering together with family and loved ones, a time to set aside diets and enjoy a season full of feasts. Memories of Christmases past are warmly revisited as our own children and/or grandchildren discover the wonders of the season.

The bittersweet part is this is the time of year my dad passed away. I am not alone as many of you have watched relatives and friends go “home for the holidays.” What makes it possible to celebrate, of course, is that I know where my dad is, as do those of you whose loved ones died “in the Lord.” I know for a certainty that my dad still sees me, and that soon I will be reunited with him. I don’t know how those without faith manage the grief and loss, but it is the “reason for the season,” Jesus, that facilitates my joy and his Spirit is the balm for my hurt at missing Dad.

But for many it is different; for many it is a season of despair and heartache. For some it will be their first holidays without a loved one. This year has been especially cruel as Covid restrictions have often prevented loved ones from gathering around a dying family member, or to join hands at a funeral service. I think especially of my friend who lost her husband this year but was unable to host a funeral, wake, or any other memorial. Others, also, who struggle with depression and loneliness – divorced parents who don’t have the kids that week, widow(er)s and those for whom memories of childhood are not happy ones. Our ability to celebrate only reinforces their depression and isolation.

This year, if you are so blessed to see the holidays as the joyous time they are intended to be, take a moment to look around. I bet a co-worker, classmate or someone in your life might not be where you are, and that is when you get to share the gift of Jesus. Take the time to reach out and break through the isolation this season so often brings, and be Christ in the flesh to someone who is hurting and alone. In so doing, you might discover another blessing this season has to offer.

May your heart be filled with the love of Jesus this season and always!

Fr. Kevin+

II Timothy 1:11

THE ADVENT WREATH

The Advent Wreath is made of EVERGREENS, a symbol of the promise of everlasting life. They are formed into a CIRCLE with no beginning or end to remind us that God is eternal, has always been and ever shall be. FOUR CANDLES, for the four Sundays of Advent, are used, either BLUE or PURPLE in color. Blue is the color of expectation and reflects the anticipation of the season. Purple is the color of penitence, helping us remember to be contrite for all those behaviors and thoughts which separate us from God. Whether blue or purple are used, on the third Sunday a ROSE candle may be used. The rose candle represents joy creeping into the penitential season as we come nearer to the birth of our Lord. A WHITE candle is added on Christmas Eve and the “Christ” candle represents the purity of Christ and our joy on his appearing. Below you will find a simple Advent service for individuals or families built around the Advent wreath. Please use it as part of your Advent spiritual discipline.

A Blessing for the Home Advent Wreath

O God, by your word all things are made holy. I/we offer this Advent wreath, which I/we ask you to bless. Help me/us to use it to prepare my/our hearts for the great coming of your Son, and help me/us receive him into my/our hearts with joy. I/we ask this in the name of my/our beloved Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN.

A Simple Advent Service

WEEK ONE

The Prophets’ Candle: The first candle lit on the Advent wreath is called the Prophet’s Candle. It reminds us of the prophets who spoke of God’s word to the people during the hundreds of years before Jesus was born.

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; though him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Scripture Readings:

Sun. Matt. 21:1-11 Mon. Psalm 2 Tues. 2 Peter 1:12-21

Wed. Psalms 13 & 14 Thurs. Amos 4:6-13 Fri. Matt. 22:1-14

Sat. Jude 17-25

WEEK TWO

The Bethlehem Candle: The second candle to be lit reminds us that the baby Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem.

Prayer: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way of our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN.

Scripture Readings:

Sun. Luke 1:57-68 Mon. Matt. 22:23-33 Tues. Psalm 28

Wed. Amos 8:1-14 Thurs. Psalm 37:1-18 Fri. Matt. 23:27-39

Sat. Psalm 42

WEEK THREE

The Shepherd’s Candle: The third candle lit on the Advent wreath is to honor those who were the first to hear the good news. If a pink candle is used in the wreath it is lighted this week.

Prayer: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory now and for ever. AMEN

Scripture Readings:

Sun. John 5:30-47 Mon. Zech. 1:7-17 Tues. Psalm 47

Wed. Rev. 4:1-8 Thurs. Matt. 25:1-13 Fri. Psalm 40

Sat. Matt. 25:31-46

WEEK FOUR

The Angels’ Candle: The fourth candle lit on the Advent wreath is the candle of joy and love, a reminder of the grace given to all who accept the Christ Child.

Prayer: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. AMEN

Scripture Reading:

Sun. Rev. 12:1-10 Mon. Psalm 62 Tues. Luke 1:26-38

Wed. Luke 1:39-56

CHRISTMAS EVE

The Christ Candle: A White candle is now placed in the center of the wreath and lit.

Prayer: O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true light; grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. AMEN

Scripture Readings: Luke 2:1-20

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SHOULD JESUS LEAVE TOWN FOR CHRISTMAS?

Mark 5:1-20 Then, they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. (v.17)

Wait a minute! Can it be people are actually begging Jesus to leave their neighborhood? It would seem, wouldn’t it, they would be begging him to stay?

Think of other stories from the Gospel. People were clamoring to be near him – just to touch him! Now, we read that the community is, in effect, ordering Jesus out of town.

Well, when you stop to think about it, that incident may not be so strange after all. It happens often today. It could happen soon because having Jesus around while we are trying to celebrate Christmas just gets messy. It seems we honor Jesus with holy reverence when he fits our plans, but attack him with crucifixion rage when he gets in the way.

So often, he gets in the way. He gets in the way when acknowledging him makes life uncomfortable. He redefines the meaning of Christmas. He has a mission for us, and we’re too busy for another agenda – working out our Christmas list, and Covid 19 has us already overloaded.

In mid November, yard decorations were already going up at houses in our neighborhood: colorful lights, Santas and snowmen – all kinds of Christmasy stuff, bit no yard signs declaring “Jesus is the reason for the season” or “Put Christ in Christmas,”or even a manger scene. I feel sure there will be a few put up by those persons who do not mind being called radical. Caring about Jesus means caring for others, and we may not be ready for a lot of that just yet.

And Jesus, standing around, is too much a reminder. He makes us nervous. He breaks the status-quo.

Martin Luther compared the Christian life to the problem of putting a drunk on a horse. You just get him up one side and he falls down the other. The trick is to stay on the horse, and given the horses some us have been riding in 2020, that takes perseverance and a real hanging on.

Let’s ask Jesus to stay this Christmas.

Father Lee+

The Divine Marketplace

The Divine Marketplace at St. John Divine Episcopal Church is opening for business. We had 35+ vendors in November, and although we got rained out it was a huge success and we are looking forward to this months with even more vendors. Please come out to support our local talents.

The Marketplace offers opportunities for crafters and individuals prohibited by Homeowner Associations to sell your garage sales items. In addition, we welcome food vendors and food trucks to our campus. We are also searching for fresh vegetables/fruits, plants, and we provide small business owner display opportunities. St. John Divine located at 1015 East Del Webb Blvd. in Sun City Center. The outdoor event features spacious Covid-19 spaces with adequate room for displays, tables, and parking on 10 acres on the East side of the Sun City Center/301 corridor.

The Divine Marketplace will run the third Saturday of every month from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

First Time Participants of $15 for crafters, business’ and garage sale.

First Time Participants of $20 - $30 for Food vendors and food trucks.

Applications are now being accepted with limited space available, so don’t delay get your application in today.

For more information please call 813296-4033

Or visit the church website for online applications at Stjohndivine.com and click on events.

"The Good News"

One of the Church publications that I receive is a magazine called The Living Church. I don’t typically spend much time reviewing it but for some reason the most recent issue caught my eye. Amongst the book reviews and reports from around the Anglican Communion there was an article about clergy stress as a result of the pandemic. The article spoke about the added pressures of ministry in these times. It spoke of the sense of loss many clergy feel because of their inability to connect physically with people during their times of great sorrow and great joy. It also spoke about the rise of mental health disorders and suicide of clergy, across denominational lines.

I am reflecting on this article not because I am especially concerned about the clergy, here in Southshore, but because I believe this is a much wider issue. It’s not only clergy that are managing the stress of the pandemic. It is not only clergy who feel a profound sense of loss because of their inability to connect physically with people. It is not only the clergy that are experiencing increased rates of mental health disorders and suicide. These issues are universal! As the global pandemic enters its 10 month (but who’s counting) we are all feeling the effects of COVID fatigue. All of us, clergy and laity, are struggling right now.

So, what can we do?

We can stay vigilant. The clergy, staff, and leadership of SJD have developed COVID Precautions that are aligned with local and diocesan guidance. Please continue to follow that guidance. I am aware of less than a handful of parishioners of SJD who have tested positive, none of which I believe were exposed here at church. I firmly believe that is a result of the precautions we are taking and your adherence to those precautions.

We can continue to care for one another. SJD is a community of faith that cares for people. Please continue to reach out to each other. Phone calls, emails, good old-fashioned handwritten notes are so important right now to maintain a sense of connection to the community. And, don’t be afraid to extend that kindness to those outside our community. Remember the parable, “just as you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me.”

If you are struggling right now, emotionally, spiritually, or even financially please reach out to me or one of your other priests.

Advent Blessings,

Fr. David+

PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD!

As we set our goals on the arrival of the Advent Season, let us look at the celebration of advent in some churches. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word Adventus which means arrival. So, as 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 signifies God’s eternal love. 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, (November 29th) 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 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 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.

In God’s Grace and Peace,

Aubrey V. Thompson

Head Verger

OUTREACH

THE LORD'S LIGHTHOUSE IS IN NEED OF WARM BLANKETS AND CLOTHING. ANY DONATION IS APPRECATED.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY

Carolyn Bartley 12/3

Trevor Warner 12/3

Tommy Blair 12/6

Norma Hanrahan 12/6

Laurel Madigan 12/7

Lena Rose 12/8

Joan Diettel 12/10

Edward Elliott 12/10

Jarrath Bradley 12/11

Coretta Butts 12/11

Peta Chandler 12/11

Howard Roshaven 12/11

Janice James 12/13

George Wiggins 12/14

Kaki Speicher 12/16

Marcia Miecyjak 12/18

Mary Lynn Ray 12/19

Diana Barshell 12/23

Brenda Roshaven 12/23

Ryan Garis 12/25

Ralph Powell 12/28

Barbara Pfeil 12/30

Theresa Edison 12/31

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Cher & Jim Cerebe 12/08

Jutta Teichman & Armand Villemaire 12/14

Shannon & Robert Arndt 12/17

Brenda & Howard Roshaven 12/18

Joy & Jay Sparkman 12/23

Marlene & Doug Myrick 12/31

St John Divine Episcopal

Church 1015 E. Del Webb Blvd.

Sun City Center, FL 33573

Vestry

Curt Arp, Aubrey Thompson, Linda Floyd

Liz Hood, Jim Smith, Annie Hunter

Allie Maiocchi, Linda Cardillo, Howard Roshaven

Vestry Officers

Don Fisher, Sr. Warden, Greg Diehl, Jr. Warden

Valerie Bryant, Clerk, Susan Arp, 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

The Rev. David Wyly, Assistant Rector

Scott Gardner, Praise Leader, Joan Frankel, Organist & Choir Director

Tristan Warner, Media and Tech Specialist, Connie Minnoe, Accounting Administrator

Candy Allman, Office Manager, Sharon Bakay, Kitchen Manager

813-633-3970 [email protected] www.stjohndivine.com