From the Associate Rector

for May 2023


In the Wednesday evenings leading up to Holy Week, I offered a group study that provided an introduction to St. John Divine and to the Episcopal Church. Topics discussed included Church Government and Canon Law, Church Customs, Prayer Book and Hymnal Usage, the sacraments of Holy Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist and others. We had a full room each night but, since then, there have been other parishioners (some new, some established) who have said that they wished they had taken the class but were prevented from doing so for one reason or the other. And so, for that reason, I have decided for the next few months to briefly present a few of those topics that might be beneficial in understanding the Episcopal Church and the worship at St. John Divine.


Let's start by looking briefly at the Eucharistic Prayers that begin The Great Thanksgiving in Rite Two. (Celebrations conducted in “traditional language” are referred to as Rite One and celebrations in “contemporary language" are referred to as Rite Two.)


Eucharistic Prayer A is perhaps the most used of the Eucharistic Prayers. Its emphasis is on the crucifixion and is especially appropriate in Lent. It can be used anytime.


Eucharistic Prayer B is especially appropriate for Saint Days, Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. The emphasis is Incarnation. This prayer is based on the Eucharistic Prayer of Hippolytus (215 a.d.)


Eucharistic Prayer C is different because it includes more congregational response. The emphasis is on Creation and Salvation History.


Eucharistic Prayer D is based on the oldest manuscripts of the Liturgy of St. Basil of the Eastern Church. It is related to Prayer 4 of the Roman Catholic Church. Its emphasis is on Creation, Old Testament History, Incarnation and the Holy Spirit. Prayers of the People may be omitted. It is appropriate for Ecumenical Occasions and contains the fullest account of the Institution of the Eucharist. It is particularly suitable for Maundy Thursday, Ash Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day, Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, and Burial of the Dead.


Well, that’s just a snippet of information that you may have missed during our Lenten Study at SJD. In the next few issues of Revelations, I will present more from our class study that I hope will prove interesting and informative. 


Father Lee

Rector Search Updates

Video Updates

 

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

We Want to Know Your Story!

 

Dear Parishioner:


As you know, we recently agreed to move forward with the HolyCow! Consulting to help us plan our future. You have been selected to participate in the first step, which is to conduct a congregational assessment. This assessment will provide a clear picture of who we are as a church and what directions are most important for our future. The tool we will use is the Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT), which will provide key indicators of our congregational health, along with areas of challenge and potential growth. It will help us to collect and understand the range of views that exist at St. John the Divine and the possibilities, willingness, capacity and energy, for moving our ministry into the future. 


If you have provided us with a current email address, within the next few days, you will receive a unique web link to complete the assessment online. If you would prefer to take the assessment using a paper copy, please stop by the office, and we will provide one for you along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. If incapable of travelling to the office, kindly let us know and we will mail it.


NOTE: If there is only one email address for all members of your household, it may be tempting to have one person take the survey on behalf of the family. However, please be sure your spouse and all young adults living in your home have an opportunity to complete the survey. INDIVIDUAL INPUT is key to our gaining insight into overall perceptions and experiences. 


Please set aside enough time to answer all the questions. This will take about thirty minutes. All survey responses are strictly anonymous. 


Thank you for your willingness to be a part of this congregational assessment and for helping to build St. John the Divine’s future. 


In Christ,


Clare E. Thompson, Chair: cgina51@yahoo.com | 917-754-4966


Don Fisher: dfisher@stjohndivine.com | 727-560-8876

Doug Roderick: daroderick5@aol.com | 843-283-2941

Dennis Accardo: ddaccardo1968@gmail.com | 516-592-1709

From Your Health Ministry

 

Blood Pressures will be taken after the 8 o'clock and the 10 o'clock services.


DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF STROKE? USE THE TERM BE FAST TO HELP YOU REMEMBER...

B...BALANCE

E. .EYES

F. . FACE

A.. ARM.

S..SPEECH

T...TIME TO CALL 911

Junior Warden's Report

 

As we spring forward this year, Church maintenance items are also moving forward. If you have not had an opportunity to see our newly-lighted sign out front, take a drive-by after dark. New LED lights are installed and, not only is our sign more visible, it will save us $$ on our electric bill.


The needed new air conditioning unit has been ordered and is now about six weeks out from installation. So far, the remaining three units are working adequately and let’s hope it stays cool for a while longer. This expenditure was unexpected and definitely not in our budget. If you can help in any way (all amounts will be appreciated), please let Don Fisher or me know. Also contributions marked for the air conditioner can also be dropped off at the office.


Work continues around the Church on various projects. They are addressed in an “as-needed” manner. If you are aware of something, please fill out the request form (found in the office or copies are at the welcome center desk) and get it to the church office so then can be handled as expeditiously as possible.


The Healing Center status is that there has been great progress every day. The deck is up and the inside work is progressing nicely. It was necessary to call back the plumber. We will continue to keep you informed.



Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter. The Lord is risen indeed! 


Blessings


Steve Van Loan

Jr. Warden

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

Printers and Copiers

 

Hello everyone! I want to first say I am sorry that I was unable to provide an article for last month’s Revelations. Between Holy Week and the printers/copiers that this article will be addressing, I did not have the time to write an article.


This August, our Printer/Copier lease from 2018 will be up, and a new one needs to be established. This is a project that came to the attention of Don Fisher, Cheryl Savini, and me back in February. Since then, I or Don Fisher and I have met with different companies wishing to secure SJD’s business. We received proposals from four companies and after the finance committee meeting on April 11th, we narrowed it down to two. On April 18th, the Vestry had issued certain questions for the Bidding Companies to answer and follow-up on the next meeting. This also allows the Vestry additional time to review the bids before their next Vestry Meeting. 


With that said, we have a clear understanding of what machines we would receive and where they would be implemented. We would keep a major color printer/copier in the Banner Building’s work room that will print, copy, and scan, with the capability to staple, hole punch, and fold. Additionally, black and white desktop printer/copiers will be installed in three offices in the Banner Building and two in the Church. The machines in the Banner Building will provide quick and easy use for myself, Connie Minnoe, and the eventual Senior Rector. As for the machines in the Church, one will be set up in the Wilder Room for Fr. Lee’s use and the use of Volunteers on Sundays to make copies when needed. The other will be for Valerie Southwell’s office use and for making copies by the music Volunteers (Choir, Praise Band, Brass, etc.).


As mentioned before, this project has taken a great deal of my time in these past few months, and I appreciate everyone’s patience with me. I’m excited about the new machines, and with them, providing continued quality prints for the church’s use.


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

Till the Storm Passes By


We are experiencing days of turmoil, fear and to some extent, confusion. Almost every week we hear about a mass shooting. The targets sometimes are little children. We ask ourselves what is going on? These are truly difficult times. But, hold on to your faith. As Christians the only constant in our lives is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the same yesterday today and will be the same tomorrow. Remember, the God of the good times is the same God of the bad times.


It is pretty easy for us to throw up our arms and surrender to the craziness that has gripped our country and the world. We are entitled to be scared. We are truly human. But we are also Christians. We know the end of the story. Resurrection Day will come. Hold on to your faith.

  

My sisters and brothers, the storm will eventually pass over. The question we must ask ourselves is “Will our anchor hold in the storm?”

 

The Lord is Risen! Christ the Lord is Risen Indeed!


A Happy and Holy Pentecost!


In God's Grace and Peace,


Aubrey V. Thompson

Head Verger


Divine Jewelry Shoppe


The shop is doing really well and we thank all of you who are donating and becoming customers.


We are now adding purses so if you would like to drop off either jewelry or purses, we are open on Wednesdays from 9 to 1 and you can drop off anytime during those hours. 


We would appreciate all purses be checked before you drop off to make sure there is nothing inside them. We ask that purses be clean and in good condition (no peeling, broken zippers, etc).


One more request- we recently sold a standing jewelry chest and have had two requests for more.


Again, we appreciate all you are doing to help us make this church fundraiser a success.  


Barbara & Jackie

Sponsoring Flowers


Sponsoring flowers for Sunday is a wonderful way to celebrate, honor, or remember a special person or an event, such as a birthday, anniversary, or achievement. Only $30 is the recommended donation for such an occasion. There is also opportunity to contribute to the purchase lilies for Easter.

 

Flowers used on Sunday are subsequently arranged in smaller bouquets, which are taken to people in hospitals or to those who are homebound. Although many recipients thoughtfully return vases to be used again, there is currently a shortage. The Flower Guild needs quart and pint size vases; however, they do not need bud vases. Anyone having some to donate, may bring them to church and leave them on the counter under the large bulletin board in the parish hall. They will be much appreciated.

 

The Flower Guild is looking for a few adventurous men and women, with talent they may not know they have, to arrange flowers for God's house. No experience is required. Guided training is provided. Anyone wishing to discover your hidden talent may email yoniece@yahoo.com or call/text at 941-545-8132.

Grief Support May 2023

Coping With the Physical Effects of Grief


Many people mistakenly believe that grief is a single emotion, but normal grief is actually a powerful, multifaceted, and often uncontrollable response that human beings experience following a personally painful or traumatic event. When you are experiencing grief, you may feel it both mentally and physically. During this time, you may experience a variety of physical symptoms that are part of the normal grief response.


Often connected with the disruption to normal eating habits or routines, grief can cause temporary digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, a "hollow feeling" in the stomach, queasiness, or feeling nauseated. Grief can contribute to stomach upset as well as changes in weight. Grief also often creates an emotional distraction that can create a general feeling of apathy about one's physical well-being and personal care.


Physical symptoms of grief can make it difficult to cope with daily activities. For example, you may experience symptoms of fatigue or nervousness that make it challenging to manage normal tasks. Some mourners have also reported experiencing dry mouth, noise sensitivity, trembling or feeling shaky, tightness in the throat or chest, shortness of breath, and increased allergy symptoms. The most important way you can help yourself while grieving is to take care of yourself and your needs. Stay hydrated, exercise, eat nutritious, nourishing foods, and rest. Making plans for the future and staying busy can also help with the physical pain of grief. Having things to do in the future can give you something to look forward to. Staying busy at the moment can help take your mind off of your discomfort and grief.


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.

Books of Faith Club

Join us while we study Astonished by the Presence of God by Howard Roshaven Monday mornings at 11:30 AM. 


We meet via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/98747070192


If you have any questions, contact Allie Maiocchi and books will be available for purchase in the Parish Hall.


We look forward to seeing you then!

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

BIRTHDAYS


Jean Brown - 5/1

Harvey Berk - 5/2

Shari Kreidler - 5/2

Jenson Keating - 5/3

Mark Hunter - 5/6

Alan Watson - 5/6

Sherlock Maison - 5/6

Curtis Arp - 5/7

Jackie Winder - 5/7

Don Fisher - 5/7

Donna Kustron - 5/7

Joy Sparkman - 5/8

Ellen Peck - 5/8

Kelley Lyons - 5/11

Gerry Gardner - 5/13

Christine Standiford - 5/14

Ronda O'Farrell - 5/14

Nancy Weiss - 5/15

Eliza-Jane Robertson - 5/15

Rolly Ford - 5/16

Wayne Lillie - 5/20

Heather Holmes - 5/23

Karen Pinckard - 5/28

Judy Budziak - 5/28

Ron Drummond - 5/29

Linda Worachek - 5/31


Anniversaries


Carl & Stevie Lingertot - 5/20

Jon & Jennifer Bronson - 5/26

Bill & Debbie Carlisle - 5/27

Vestry


 Don Fisher -- Sr. Warden, Steve Van Loan -- Jr. Warden,

Val Bryant -- Clerk, Thomas Kramer -- Treasurer

Marianne Strehar, Linda Duhn, Mary Lane Kullmann,

Doug Roderick, Clare Thompson, Jackie Winder,

Dennis Accardo, Katie Arp, Tim Hudson


Clergy and Staff


The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf 

Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Rev. Lee Miller - Associate Rector

Scott Gardner - Praise Leader; Valerie Southwell - Music Director

Connie Minnoe - Accounting Administrator; Cheryl Savini - Receptionist

Tristan Warner - Media & Tech Specialist,

Vivian Smalls - Nursery Coordinator; Denise Smalls, Angel Fujiwara - Nursery Attendants


St. John Divine Episcopal Church

1015 E. Del Webb Blvd. Sun City Center, FL 33573

813-633-3970       office@stjohndivine.com www.stjohndivine.com

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