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Offering Meaningful Worship
Teaching the Gospel
Caring for God’s People
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KEVIN’S KERYGMA
by Fr. Kevin Warner
“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” Psalm 37:23
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November is a month for giving thanks and I want to start by giving thanks for all of you. The SJD family has been outstanding in their continuing support of Time, Talent and Treasure during this pandemic. Those who turned in an Estimate of Giving card for 2020 have maintained their giving, and we have had the necessary volunteers in church, the office and for Outreach events like this month’s Meals on Wheels. So, from me, the vestry, staff and all who work hard to keep the mission of SJD moving forward – THANK YOU!
There is one group that I do want to offer special thanks to and that is the staff and volunteers of the A/V booth. Covid has required a greater reliance on technology and their efforts, with outdated equipment not sufficient for the task, have resulted in SJD being able to continue to spread the Gospel, and even garner six new families that have joined after worshipping via the livestream. So, thanks to:
Staff: Tommy Blair Tristan Warner
Volunteers: Gail Philip Charles Gator Galbraith
Anthony Primiano Howard Roshaven Jim Smith
As we begin to look at 2021 we face uncertainty but have hope. Hope that we will be able to worship and fellowship in greater numbers, hope that we will continue to be able to fulfill our mission of:
Offering Meaningful Worship | Teaching the Gospel | Caring for God's People
For that to happen we will need everyone’s continuing offerings of the 3 T’s: Time, Talent and Treasure. And we are also asking everyone to “Step Up” this coming year as Covid will certainly continue to suppress contributions in all three areas of the T’s. Time and talent will be affected due to many of our volunteers having to stay home due to high risk factors, and our treasure will be diminished by the fewer numbers on Sunday, especially guests and visitors who, while not regular contributors, still add to the Sunday plate income.
So, what we are asking is for everyone to “make firm their steps in the Lord” and step up their 3 T’s thusly:
Step In Offer time/talent by volunteering at SJD
Step Out Offer time/talent by volunteering in the community
Step Up Offer treasure by increasing your giving
Step In and offer your time and talent by volunteering. We especially need help in the A/V booth and ushers on Sundays. Altar Guild, Choir, Administration and, when we resume Coffee Hour, Fellowship are all areas that are always looking for help. Let the office know what excites you and your willingness to serve, and we will help you step into ministry at SJD. For more information call Candy in the office.
Step Out by volunteering your time and talent to the Outreach Committee. Help us serve others, especially those in need, by joining us the 3rd Monday of the month at 10 a.m. and becoming involved with one of our many existing outreach concerns, or bring our attention to new needs locally and internationally that could be impacted by our efforts. For more information contact our Outreach Chairperson, Connie Keister.
Step Up by accepting this year’s challenge from the Stewardship Committee. Please find yourself in the chart below. If you are at the lower end of the range, consider “Stepping Up” and moving higher. Or, if you are toward the top, consider “Stepping Up” to the next level of giving. If everyone steps up a little, our 2021 looks bright.
Again, let me close by saying thank you to all of you for your continuing prayers and contributions of Time, Talent and Treasure.
Blessings!
Fr. Kevin+
II Timothy 1:11
# People Giving # People Giving
56 Less than $20/month 43 $101-200/month
39 $21-40/month 25 $201-400/month
30 $41-70/month 18 $401-600/month
26 $$71-100/month 13 More than $601/month
Please consider stepping up to the next level for 2021
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Last Sunday of November Marks the Return to 3 Services!
Sunday, November 29 marks the return to three services. Due to the increased attendance we are seeing, especially at the 2nd service, the first Sunday of Advent we will go back to our former schedule of 8:00, 9:15 and 11:00 for morning services. The early service will change slightly, and our Sunday morning will look like this beginning November 29:
8:00 a.m. Rite 1, Spoken service
9:15 a.m. Rite 2, Praise band
11:00 a.m. Rite 2, Organ, singers, and, hopefully soon, choir.
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Family and Covid
As an alumnus of Berry College near Rome, Georgia, I returned to that campus sometime back for Alumni Day. The day was packed with all sorts of get-togethers, but the real treat came during a banquet that evening.
During the banquet, a graduate of the college, now a successful businessman, came to the microphone to announce a scholarship fund that he was setting up for the school. He spoke of his early years of struggle and how it seemed he would never be able to make a passing grade in math.
He told of a teacher who twice has flunked him in the subject and then he announced that he was establishing that scholarship in her name – and in her honor! “She told me I’d never amount to anything more than a ditch digger and I never forgot her words. She gave me an aim in life…”
It is interesting that aim, the only thing in this world that can bring us back from the clutch hold of failure, is often born of struggle.
Struggle, recently, it seems, has moved in with us. It’s been a deadly brawler that has appeared in all shapes and sizes, - has ambushed and invaded us and carried a single name - Covid 19.
It is, during this time of struggle that we must not forget the importance of family. The word family, itself, is perhaps an overused and arbitrary word today, meaning many things to many people. I never dismiss as sheer sophistry the criticism against an over emphasis on family. It is natural for any age group, young or old, to have a predilection toward those things which touch their lives at the moment.
Nevertheless, during this time when family may seem too close or too far away, many people are finding the opportunity to dismiss the family of the Church altogether. While it is true, there is opportunity for limited live attendance for church services and streaming as an alternative, the church must not forget its true aim:
TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN
The church, God’s family, bonded with God’s love, is needed, today, more than ever before. God’s family finds its prototype through love and concern, with each realizing the need for the other and all knowing they must care for one another.
In God’s family, individuals are concerned with personal needs, as with the Covid struggle, but the overall good of the family outweighs everything else; long-tern goals are more important than short-lived pleasures. And the aim is always to do the will of the Father.
Father Lee+
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Ramblings of an Over-Caffeinated, Sleep Deprived Millennial
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Under Construction...Still
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Hello everyone! Feel free to check my last Revelations article, but I’m still working on the website, which has been a main focus of my time. We have made some great strides and are in the cleanup phase of our rehaul. This is when we make sure the changes make sense and that we keep the site welcoming to all users. Thank you for your patience, as we continue to improve the website.
I hope this article finds you well,
Tristan M. Warner
Media & Tech Specialist
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The Lord's Lighthouse Mission
Established on Palm Sunday, 2008, in association with St. John the Divine, The Lord's Lighthouse serves the less fortunate of our South Shore area. The Mission provides food, clothing, and other essential needs. The Lord's Lighthouse, originally operating from the Annex Building on St. John the Divine's Ruskin Campus, is now located in Wimauma.
Before the pandemic, a church service with Sunday School, was held every Sunday. These services have been temporarily suspended.
Food and clothing continue to be distributed, following strict safety protocols. Although the needs are greater than ever, financial and food donations have decreased.
CAN YOU HELP?
Are you able to contribute nonperishable food or money? Food may be placed in The Lord's Lighthouse area of the parish hall. Checks may be made out to St. John Divine, earmarked The Lord's Lighthouse. Any donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping feed hungry people.
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The Divine Marketplace
The Divine Marketplace at St. John Divine Episcopal Church is opening for business beginning November 21, 2020.
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 813-296-4033
Or visit the church website for online applications at Stjohndivine.com and click on events.
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"The Good News"
In 2019 SJD welcomed 40 new members to our community. Of those 40, the majority come to us from traditions other than the Episcopal Church. Many have not been a part of a “liturgical” worship service. Being part of the worldwide Anglican Communion comes with a long history of traditions and terminology that are foreign to many Christians. In an effort to take some of that kind of mystery out of our faith we will begin teaching an “Episcopal 101” or “Inquirer’s Class” (we haven’t decided on a title yet) in the coming months. The purpose of this class will be 1) to introduce new members to The Episcopal Church, 2) to prepare those who have not been confirmed or received into The Episcopal Church for the sacramental rite of Confirmation or Reception, and 3) to help new members become integrated into the life and ministry of St. John Divine.
Stay tuned, details will be made available as plans are finalized. As always, if you have questions about the Church or the ministries of SJD please do not hesitate to contact me or the rest of the clergy.
Blessings,
Fr. David+
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THANKSGIVING EVE DINNER
St John Divine will once again host a Thanksgiving Eve Dinner followed by a worship service on Wednesday, November 25th.
However, due to Covid-19, we will be doing dinner a little differently. As always, the meal will be catered, but you will have to make reservations to receive your meal. We are offering two options:
1. Drive-thru service – 5-6 p.m. We will have meals packaged in take home containers. You will drive around the circle, and someone will place the meal(s) in your car for you, and you can return home to enjoy your delicious dinner before you view the service live on your computer or return to church for the service.
2. Eat in – 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Limit to first 48 who sign up) You may enjoy your dinner in the parish hall where we will practice social distancing and have someone bring the meal to your table where you can relax and wait for the service to begin.
For those wishing to enjoy your meal in the parish hall, it will be served between 5:30-6:30 p.m. For those wishing to use the drive-thru service, you can pick it up between 5:00-6:00 p.m.
We have a limited number of meals available so you MUST make a reservation by November 19 th and specify eat-in or take out. Please email the church office at office@stjohndivine.com to order your meal. Please, one per person so everyone may enjoy.
There will be no charge for the meals, but donations will be happily accepted. Suggested donation is $10-$15/meal.
If you have any questions, please contact Candy in the church office at the above email or call 813.633.3970.
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For All the Saints
“For all the Saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed. Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia Alleluia!”
The church has been singing this hymn for nearly 200 years most notably on All Saints Day/Sunday. It is an excellent processional and I have always envisioned it being played and sung at St. John the Divine. Picture this: The procession begins, the Thurifer swinging the Thurible with streams of smoke billowing from incense lifting up the Saints who have gone before. Oh, what a sight it could be! However, I am cautious in my expectation as I realize that it may never be a reality here in Sun City. But, where there is a will, there is a way.
On any given Sunday, there are so many Saints who join us in communion. This hymn speaks to it. On November 1st as we celebrate All Saints Day, let us pause and reflect on the saints who have gone before and are joining us in communion. They have gone on to glory, and we are left to fight as the Saints of old.
The impact of this hymn is not lost on me. I remember years ago in my previous church, there was the husband of a parishioner who religiously appeared every All Saints Sunday just to sing this song and join in communion with the Saints of old. Yes, he made a connection. One day I guess I will ask what it was.
“So, Bless communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!”
In God’s Grace and Peace
Aubrey V. Thompson
Head Verger
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Thank You
It was unexpected and astonishing. What an overwhelming sight of a seemingly unending stream of cars and golf carts parading with balloons, cards and presents for my birthday.
Thank you so much. I have put all the cards in a scrap book filling a 100 page book front and back!
Father Lee
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Grateful thanks to all who have expressed concern, sent good wishes, and offered prayers for my successful surgery and healing. It has been most comforting to know so many have shared this new "adventure" with me.
Love, peace, and blessings,
Yoniece Miller
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Day light Savings time begins November 1, don't forget to set your clocks BACK one hour
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NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY
Philip Bethea 11/2
Marianne Palmer 11/3
Taylor Detweiler 11/5
Richard Eckert 11/6
Samantha Wyly 11/6
Lisa Velasco 11/8
Marcley Hilderbrand 11/9
Gloria Nunn 11/11
Nadine Wyly 11/12
Charles Lieble 11/13
Patricia Wilbert 11/13
Preia Hayes 11/15
Geoffrey Butts 11/18
Carl Lingertot 11/18
Ila Stamper 11/18
Alice Weisner 11/18
Jacqueline Benter 11/19
Rowan Arndt 11/21
Sharon Bakay 11/21
Jacqueline Davis 11/21
Justin Hill 11/22
Isabel DeTringo 11/24
Linda Waring 11/26
Barbara Marafiote 11/28
Yoniece Miller 11/28
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Kathy & Richard Eckert - 11/5
Judy & Bob Pieper - 11/10
Barbara & Pete Noone - 11/11
Doug & Lin Roderick - 11/11
Jo Ann & Richard Beebee - 11/23
Jean & Ed Brown - 11/24
Sue & Dick Callaghan - 11/27
Mary Mobley & Tom Rawlings - 11/27
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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 office@stjohndivine.com www.stjohndivine.com
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