Easter is a wonderful time to honor loved ones you’ve lost or special people in your life today.

Easter lilies displayed in the church on Easter and music dedications that support our music program are wonderful ways to honor these individuals. All dedications are listed in our Easter bulletins.

Again this year, dedications and donations will be handled digitally through the site that we use to coordinate weekly altar flower dedications. Contribution envelopes are also available in the pews so checks can be dropped in the offering plate. To make your flower or music dedication online, click the button below.

In order to allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Sunday, March 29.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received. 

Need assistance? Contact the front office at (850) 222-2636.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

A few helpful tips:

• Click on the Easter flower or music boxes to add the item to your cart.
• If you are dedicating each lily to a separate individual, you add them to your cart and enter the dedication language separately.
• Where prompted, enter the dedication language (“In Memory of” or “In Thanksgiving For”) and the person’s name.
• Add to cart and follow the payment prompts to place your order.

The post Easter Lily & Music Dedications 2026 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Every year, we print poinsettia and music dedications in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. This is a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased.

Please submit your dedications online or look for envelopes in the pews and place your donations in the offering basket. To allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Sunday, December 14.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received.

Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

The post 2025 Christmas Music & Flower Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Come bask in the music, breathe in the prayers, and receive the love and grace of God as we await his coming and look with hope toward the promise of peace on earth.

CHRISTMAS EVE
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
1 PM | Abbreviated service with soloist, trumpet, family-friendly candles, and children’s homily
4 PM | Traditional Christmas Eve service with candles, brass, and adult & children’s choirs (livestreamed)
8 PM | Traditional Christmas Eve service with candles, brass, and choirs
11 PM | “Midnight Mass” with sung prayers, incense, candles, brass, and choirs

CHRISTMAS DAY
Thursday, December 25, 2025
10 AM | Holy Eucharist with organ and Christmas carols

CHRISTMAS MUSIC & FLOWER DONATIONS
Poinsettia and music dedications are listed in Christmas Eve bulletins – a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased. Due 12/14. PLACE DEDICATIONS

ADVENTWORD
Pause. Pray. Prepare. Sign up for daily Advent meditations and join our community in prayer. LEARN MORE

SOCK DRIVE FOR GRACE MISSION
Give the gift of socks this Christmas! Donate new full-length adult and children’s socks to the Daughters of the King’s Sock Drive for Grace Mission. A donation box is located in Calhoun St. lobby. Deadline 12/16.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, November 30 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM. At 11:30 AM, join us for Advent Wreath Making!

ADVENT WREATH MAKING
Sunday, November 30 | 11:30 AM
Prepare for the season! Kits available ($10/each); greens provided. Enjoy a hot cocoa bar!

BRASS BRIGADE
Saturday, December 6 | 4 to 6:30 PM
Help make St. John’s shine and learn how to care for our beautiful brass fixtures year-round. RSVP HERE

WINTER FESTIVAL PARKING & HOSPITALITY
Saturday, December 6 | 4 to 6:30 PM
Park in the convenient church lot during Tallahassee’s Winter Festival parade and watch from our front step! Supports St. John’s Youth Ministry. RESERVE SPOTS

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 7 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Sunday, December 7 | 11:30 AM
All are welcome on this merry outing to sing for our neighbors. We’ll board the bus at 12:15 PM, after refreshments and caroling “practice” in Alfriend Hall. For all ages and singing abilities! LEARN MORE

“SPUDS” HOLIDAY FELLOWSHIP GATHERING
Thursday, December 11 | 6:30 PM
Hosted at the home of Jeff & Sara Merrill. SPUDS stands for “St. John’s Parishioners United for Dining & Spirit,” which means all are welcome for holiday cheer! LEARN MORE

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 14 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

YOUTH GROUP (EYC) CHRISTMAS PARTY
Sunday, December 14 | 5 to 7 PM
Let’s have a fantastic Christmas Party, including fun White Elephant Gift Giving! LEARN MORE

SERVICE OF ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, December 14 | 7 PM
Holiday service featuring Advent carols, hymns, and anthems. A dessert reception follows in Alfriend Hall. Childcare will be available. LEARN MORE

SERVICE OF COMFORT AND HEALING
Wednesday, December 17 | 12:10 PM
Holy Eucharist. Especially for those experiencing grief and loss, or in need of healing, during the holiday season. Enjoy Eucharist, special prayers, and music at this poignant service. LEARN MORE

AN ADVENT EVENING AWASH IN SOUND
Saturday, December 20 | 6 to 8:30 PM
Take time to enjoy a sound bath, an oasis of peace and relaxation, during the busy season of Advent. Dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served after the sound bath concludes. REGISTER ONLINE

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 21 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

MEALS ON WHEELS
Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) | 9 to 11 AM
St. John’s volunteers will deliver meals to senior adults in our area. Join us to play Santa with Elder Care Services’ annual Meals on Wheels program. SIGN UP HERE

CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS
Sunday, December 28 | 10 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite II. There will be just one worship service this Sunday. No Sunday School.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Sunday, January 4 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

EVE OF THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY & EPIPHANY PAGEANT
Monday, January 5 | 5:30 PM
A Service of Holy Eucharist featuring a children’s pageant. All are invited to this night of beauty and mystery to celebrate the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas. Spaghetti dinner for all follows in Alfriend Hall. LEARN MORE

The post Advent & Christmas at St. John’s appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Join us as we walk this path with Christ—praying, reflecting, and celebrating the triumph of life over death.

Many at St. John’s say that taking part in Holy Week has changed their lives. Easter means more when you’ve made the way of the cross with our Lord, walking beside him every step of the way. Set this week aside as we experience the full story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

To help guide you through each of the services offered, we invite you to download our Guide to Holy Week. This guide outlines every step along the way to The Great Vigil of Easter.

The schedule below includes notes about services that will be offered digitally as well as in person, and those that will feature incense as part of the liturgies.

See our online calendar for more information. If you would like to sign up for an hour-long slot during the Gethsemane Watch, click here.

Festive receptions will once again follow the Easter Vigil and all morning offerings on Easter Day. If you would like to assist our Parish Life Reception Committee, please contact Claire Dodd.

Please join us! Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. John’s welcomes you!

The post Holy Week & Easter 2025 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Easter is a wonderful time to honor loved ones you’ve lost or special people in your life today.

Easter lilies displayed in the church on Easter and music dedications that support our music program are wonderful ways to honor these individuals. All dedications are listed in our Easter bulletins.

Again this year, dedications and donations will be handled digitally through the site that we use to coordinate weekly altar flower dedications. Contribution envelopes are also available in the pews so checks can be dropped in the offering plate. To make your flower or music dedication online, click the button below.

In order to allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Monday, April 7.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received. 

Need assistance? Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

A few helpful tips:

• Click on the Easter flower or music boxes to add the item to your cart.
• If you are dedicating each lily to a separate individual, you add them to your cart and enter the dedication language separately.
• Where prompted, enter the dedication language (“In Memory of” or “In Thanksgiving For”) and the person’s name.
• Add to cart and follow the payment prompts to place your order.

The post Easter Lily & Music Dedications 2025 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Every year, we print poinsettia and music dedications in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. This is a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased.

Please submit your dedications online or look for envelopes in the pews and place your donations in the offering basket. To allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Sunday, December 15.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received.

Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

The post 2024 Christmas Music & Flower Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Come bask in the music, breathe in the prayers, and receive the love and grace of God as we await his coming and look with hope toward the promise of peace on earth.

CHRISTMAS EVE
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – SEE DETAILS
1 PM | Abbreviated service with soloist, trumpet, family-friendly candles, and children’s homily
4 PM | Traditional Christmas Eve service with candles, brass, and adult & children’s choirs (livestreamed)
8 PM | Traditional Christmas Eve service with candles, brass, and choirs
11 PM | “Midnight Mass” with sung prayers, incense, candles, brass, and choirs

CHRISTMAS DAY
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
10 AM | Holy Eucharist with organ and Christmas carols

CHRISTMAS MUSIC & FLOWER DONATIONS
Poinsettia and music dedications are listed in Christmas Eve bulletins – a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased. Due 12/15. PLACE DEDICATIONS

SOCK DRIVE FOR GRACE MISSION
Give the gift of socks this Christmas! Donate new full-length adult and children’s socks to the Daughters of the King’s Sock Drive for Grace Mission. A donation box is located in Calhoun St. lobby. Deadline 12/13.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 1 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM. At 11:30 AM, join us for Advent Wreath Making!

ADVENT WREATH MAKING
Sunday, December 1 | 11:30 AM
Prepare for the season! Kits available ($10/each); greens provided. Enjoy a hot cocoa bar!

WINTER FESTIVAL PARKING FUNDRAISER
Saturday, December 7 | 4 to 6:30 PM
Park in the convenient church lot during Tallahassee’s Winter Festival parade and watch from our front step! Supports St. John’s Youth Ministry. RESERVE SPOTS

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 8 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Sunday, December 8 | 11:30 AM
All are welcome on this merry outing to sing for our neighbors. We’ll board the bus at 12:15 PM, after refreshments and caroling “practice” in Alfriend Hall. For all ages and singing abilities! LEARN MORE

YOUTH GROUP (EYC) CHRISTMAS PARTY: Polar Plunge
Sunday, December 8 | 5 to 7 PM
We’ll go for a “Polar Plunge” in the Kiles’ pool and have s’mores around the campfire. Youth in grades 6-12 should bring a friend and your swimsuit and towel. RSVP TODAY

“SPUDS” HOLIDAY FELLOWSHIP GATHERING
Thursday, December 12 | 6:30 PM
Hosted at the home of Chuck & Jen Hinson. SPUDS stands for “St. John’s Parishioners United for Dining & Spirit,” which means all are welcome for holiday cheer! LEARN MORE

ADVENT PRAYER LABYRINTH WALK
Saturday, December 14 | 11 AM to 12 PM
Join St. John’s Episcopal Church and The Front Porch as we walk a local labyrinth together. If you’ve never done this before, you’ll find it to be a unique contemplative experience that can take you on a symbolic spiritual journey! LEARN MORE

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 15 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

SERVICE OF ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, December 15 | 7 PM
Holiday service featuring Advent carols, hymns, and anthems. A dessert reception follows in Alfriend Hall. Childcare will be available. LEARN MORE

SERVICE OF COMFORT AND HEALING
Wednesday, December 18 | 12:10 PM
Holy Eucharist. Especially for those experiencing grief and loss, or in need of healing, during the holiday season. Enjoy Eucharist, special prayers, and guitar music at this poignant service.

AN ADVENT EVENING AWASH IN SOUND
Saturday, December 21 | 6 to 8:30 PM
Take time to enjoy a sound bath, an oasis of peace and relaxation, during the busy season of Advent. Dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat, pillow, and blanket. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served after the sound bath concludes. REGISTER ONLINE

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday, December 22 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

MEALS ON WHEELS
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) | 9 to 11 AM
St. John’s volunteers will deliver meals to senior adults in our area. Join us to play Santa with Elder Care Services’ annual Meals on Wheels program. SIGN UPS COMING SOON

CHRISTMAS LESSONS AND CAROLS
Sunday, December 29 | 10 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite II. There will be just one worship service this Sunday. No Sunday School.

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Sunday, January 5 | 8 AM & 10 AM
Two services of Holy Eucharist. Sunday School for all ages at 9 AM & 11:30 AM.

FEAST OF EPIPHANY & EPIPHANY PAGEANT
Sunday, January 5 | 4 PM
A Service of Holy Eucharist featuring a children’s pageant. All are invited to this night of beauty and mystery to celebrate the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas. Spaghetti dinner for all follows in Alfriend Hall. LEARN MORE

The post Advent & Christmas at St. John’s appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

A journey through Holy Week is one that encompasses an entire spectrum of emotions. Our music and liturgy will invite you into moments of both prayerful listening and glorious participation.

Many at St. John’s say that taking part in Holy Week has changed their lives. Easter means more when you’ve made the way of the cross with our Lord. Set this week aside as we experience the full story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. To help guide you through each of the services offered, we invite you to download our Guide to Holy Week. This guide outlines every step along the way to The Great Vigil of Easter.

The schedule below includes notes about services that will be offered digitally as well as in person, and those that will feature incense as part of the liturgies.

See our online calendar for more information. If you would like to sign up for an hour-long slot during the Gethsemane Watch, click here.

Festive receptions will once again follow the Easter Vigil and all morning offerings on Easter Day. If you would like to assist our Parish Life Reception Committee, please sign up here.

Please join us! Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. John’s welcomes you!

The post Holy Week & Easter 2024 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Easter is a wonderful time to honor loved ones you’ve lost or special people in your life today.

Easter lilies displayed in the church on Easter and music dedications that support our music program are wonderful ways to honor these individuals. All dedications are listed in our Easter bulletins.

Again this year, dedications and donations will be handled digitally through the site that we use to coordinate weekly altar flower dedications. Contribution envelopes are also available in the pews so checks can be dropped in the offering plate. To make your flower or music dedication online, click the button below.

In order to allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Monday, March 18.

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received. 

Need assistance? Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

A few helpful tips:

• Click on the Easter flower or music boxes to add the item to your cart.
• If you are dedicating each lily to a separate individual, you add them to your cart and enter the dedication language separately.
• Where prompted, enter the dedication language (“In Memory of” or “In Thanksgiving For”) and the person’s name.
• Add to cart and follow the payment prompts to place your order.

The post Easter Lily & Music Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Every year, we print poinsettia and music dedications in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. This is a beautiful way to honor friends, family, and loved ones who are living or deceased.

Please submit your dedications online or look for envelopes in the pews and place your donations in the offering basket. To allow time for bulletin preparation, please have your information and contributions submitted by Tuesday, December 12 (EXTENDED THROUGH 12/15!!)

We suggest a $20 donation per dedication, but any amount is gratefully received.

Contact Deborah Dugger with questions at (850) 222-2636 or deborah@saint-john.org.

Thank you for your support of our music and flower ministries.

The post 2023 Christmas Music & Flower Dedications appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

We are excited to announce that the St. John’s Choir School, beginning this August, is now accepting enrollment applications for this fall! A vision originating more than 10 years ago as an initiative of the 2019-2024 strategic plan, the Choir School is a culmination of years of planning and prayer and an opportunity for the music ministry to broaden its impact in the Tallahassee community and surrounding counties. 

Since the inception of the Junior Choir in 1930, St. John’s has valued the leadership of children and youth in the singing of hymns and anthems in worship, and since 1990, has participated in the music education curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music in the teaching of choristers. The Choir School takes this historical chorister program deeper by offering our resources (dedicated music theory instruction, keyboard lessons, vocal coaching) to all children regardless of means or background, at no cost to families.

We invite you to watch the video above to learn more about the Choir School’s curriculum. Programming will be offered three days a week after school in addition to leading worship on Sunday mornings. The Choir School will call upon the tradition of cathedral-based schools in the Anglican tradition while adapting to the needs of a modern, urban community.

With our parish’s bicentennial on the horizon, this is an exciting time for the church to step forward and offer this wonderful opportunity for area young people – those both in and outside our walls, and financially restricted families who might not even be able to dream of the extracurricular activities the St. John’s Choir School will provide. Save the date for a Choir School Kickoff and Open House on Sunday, August 20 after the 10 AM service!

Please email Marissa Hall, Assistant Director of Music, for enrollment information.

The post Choir School Enrollment Underway appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

The St. John’s Choir School, set to launch in August of this year, will bring with it new programmatic offerings for the children and youth and for the community of St. John’s.

As this program year comes to an end and we look towards the fall, you can expect the following changes beginning in August:

• Chorister rehearsals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school
• Free weekly keyboard lessons offered to all choristers enrolled in the Choir School
• Vocal coaching during each Chorister rehearsal, facilitated by FSU College of Music undergraduate and graduate students
• Weekly Evensong services led by the St. John’s Choristers:
  • Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in Carter Chapel
  • End the workday with prayers and song led by the St. John’s Choristers.
  • This brief 30-minute service in Carter Chapel serves to mark the end of the workday and as a meditative prelude to mid-week formation offerings at St. John’s.

We invite you to visit the Choir School portion of the St. John’s website to learn more about the mission of this unique program and the parishioners that make up the St. John’s Choir School advisory board.

The post Choir School Spring Updates appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

The St. John’s Choir School, an initiative that grew out of our 2019-2024 Strategic plan, is set to launch this August! Over the next few months, be on the lookout for choristers taking on a larger role with the adult choir on Sunday mornings and during the week, as we add additional rehearsals to our weekday schedule.

TWO REHEARSALS: DOUBLE THE FUN!

Moving towards the more intensive programming of the Choir School this Fall, the choristers now have two after-school rehearsals per week, in addition to Sunday mornings. They are working hard to prepare for Choral Evensong on February 19.

MUSIC THEORY TRAINING

Offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays before choir rehearsal, choristers can sign up for a time to work on their music theory, learning scales, intervals, key signatures, and more! Pictured here is one chorister working towards her light blue ribbon with the help of her colleague.

We invite you to learn more about the St. John’s Choir School and how you can be a part of this exciting project. Join our email list to stay up to date on choir school news.

We also invite you to make a donation to support the expansion of our chorister program and the ongoing work of the St. John’s Choir School. Make sure you select “Choir School” from the drop-down menu before making your donation.

The post Choir School – Winter 2023 Updates appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Join us in welcoming Marissa Hall to the St. John’s staff as Assistant Director of Music. However, Marissa is no stranger to St. John’s! She served as our sacred music intern while she was an undergraduate, and she helped lead St. John’s Summer Choir Camp through seven summer sessions.

After getting her degree in Sacred Music at FSU, Marissa earned both a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Boston University. Marissa’s experience as a music and worship administrator, director of music, and organist, will be an asset to St. John’s as she focuses on building up the chorister program and resuming work on the choir school initiative, a component of St. John’s 2019-2023 strategic plan.

Marissa is passionate about children’s music, hymnody, and liturgy, and is an active member of the Association of Anglican Musicians. She also serves on the board of directors for the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA) and is a contributor/curator to the Great Host of Composers Database Project.

Welcome to the St. John’s staff, Marissa!

The post St. John’s Music Staff Expands appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Although some of our celebrations are bittersweet, it will once again be a “Joyful June” at St. John’s! We look forward to a month of celebrations. Mark your calendar and learn more about these events on our church calendar.

The post Joyful June 2022 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

A MESSAGE FROM THE SR. WARDEN

May 17, 2022

Dear St. John’s family,

It is my great pleasure to announce that the Rev. Thomas Alonzo “Lonnie” Lacy II has accepted our call to serve as the twenty-eighth rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee.

Fr. Lonnie was the unanimous choice of our Rector Search Committee, a diverse group representing a wide range of St. John’s parishioners. Bishop John Howard recently affirmed the call, and today, Fr. Lonnie received a unanimous vote of approval from the St. John’s Vestry. We are delighted to welcome Lonnie as our next rector. His first Sunday of ministry at St. John’s will be August 7, 2022.

Lonnie is currently the rector of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton, Georgia, a parish he has led since 2009. Before being called to his current position, Lonnie served as Assistant Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church, Statesboro, Georgia and as the Episcopal chaplain for Georgia Southern University. He is a congregational development trainer through the Church Development Institute, has served as Chair of the Diocesan Examining Chaplains, and often serves as a chaplain for diocesan youth programs such as Happening and New Beginnings.

After earning a Master in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, Lonnie was ordained as a priest in 2006. His undergraduate degree is a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Reinhardt University. Lonnie and his wife, Jay, have two wonderful children, whom we look forward to welcoming to St. John’s.

We are so grateful for the year-long discernment process that helped us discover more deeply who we are as a parish and what we needed in our next rector. When our search committee met Fr. Lonnie, they heard the call with clarity. Lonnie loves God and he loves God’s people. He expresses his faith with such joy that you can’t help but feel thankful for God’s love and saving grace. Lonnie’s energy and welcoming personality are balanced with vision, a pastoral nature, and a passion for preaching about the love of Jesus. He will meet everyone right where they are and guide us in conversation with God. We are looking forward to the beginning of an exciting new chapter together. Following this letter, please find a special written message from Fr. Lonnie and some family photos.

Finally, please join me in expressing our deep appreciation to the St. John’s Rector Search Committee: Martin Proctor, chair, Laurye Messer, vice chair, Gene Adams, Sarah Michael Anderson, Brian Arsenault, Alan Asker, David Grimes, Lina Knox, Cricket Mannheimer, Virginia Perkins, Neil Rambana, and Corinna Strayer. We put our trust in them, and they saw us through and kept us engaged throughout the discernment process. We are so grateful for this dedicated group!

We are working with the Diocese to appoint a short-term interim who will see us through Mother Abi’s last day in late June and Lonnie’s arrival in early August. We will share that information with you as soon as possible. In the meantime, please keep Fr. Lonnie and the Lacy family, St. Anne’s, and St. John’s in your prayers as we move through this exciting time of transition.

Sincerely,

Mahaska Whitley
Senior Warden 

A MESSAGE FROM FR. LONNIE:

Dear People of St. John’s,

Alleluia, Christ is risen! In this blessed Eastertide as our Lord continues to make all things new, I am overcome with joy to be called to serve as your new rector.

St. John’s is a special place. Through your gifts for beautiful music and liturgy, your stalwart dedication to outreach, your love for Jesus, and your genuinely winsome, welcoming spirit, God has made St. John’s a beacon of grace, hope, and love to countless souls for nearly two centuries. With so many great days behind you, I am excited to walk with you through the even greater days to come.

My family and I come to you from nearby Tifton, Georgia where I have served thirteen happy years as the rector of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. St. Anne’s is best known for its vibrant liturgy, strong youth programs, and a profound commitment to the love, healing, forgiveness, and grace of Jesus Christ. As a priest, my passions lie in liturgy, teaching scripture, cultivating strong lay leaders, and—above all—preaching the timeless message of God’s grace. In my off time, I enjoy cooking, camping, art, graphic design, and anything else that allows me to be creative.

My wife Jay works in the insurance industry and enjoys playing an active role in the life of our church and diocese. Jay and I will celebrate our eighteenth wedding anniversary on August 7, which also happens to be our first Sunday at St. John’s. Our children Kendall and Dean are rising seventh and ninth graders. Both are dedicated acolytes and have a passion for choral music. Our entire family is eager to meet you!

I want to thank your wonderful search committee and their co-chairs Martin Proctor and Laurye Messer. It was through Martin and Laurye’s gentle invitations that I began to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice, and that voice was confirmed as I met the members of your search committee. Their trust in one another and love for St. John’s were evident from day one, and they have been exquisitely honest, thorough, supportive, and kind through the entire process. Please join me in offering your deepest gratitude for their months of discernment and hard work.

I know it has been a long wait, but don’t worry: the Lacys are coming! We’ll make our move over the summer, and by the time August begins we’ll be firmly planted at St. John’s where we hope to lay deep roots for years to come.

In the meantime, God bless you. I am praying for all of you, and I cannot wait to see you soon.

Grace and peace,
Lonnie Lacy

The post Welcoming St. John’s Next Rector appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

May 3, 2020 – Important Parish Message

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we celebrate the Great Fifty Days of Easter with the sweet refrain, “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,” I invite you to ponder the meaning of that phrase. Translated, Alleluia means “Praise be to God!” Our parish has weathered a fair amount of change the past two years, but I praise God that you have cheerfully kept St. John’s flourishing during this interim time. You have said, “Here I Am,” and I say, “Alleluia!” We are indeed a people of hope and new beginnings.

With bittersweetness, I share my own new beginning. I have accepted a call to be the Senior Associate at Trinity Church in the city of Boston. It has been my pleasure, and such a blessing, to serve St. John’s Episcopal Church for the past 11 years. I’m deeply grateful to have begun my ministry as a priest in this parish, serving with each of you in this vineyard. I grew up in a military family, which makes this the longest I have lived in one place. Rob and I have relished our time here, and each of you has made this space feel like home. St. John’s is our family.

As our parish has moved through this holy “in-between time,” it has been my extreme honor to serve as your Interim Rector. My last Sunday at St. John’s will be June 19. While the parish will remain in an interim period for a bit longer, Bishop Howard and I are both confident that St. John’s will thrive in the capable hands of clergy and leaders like Mahaska Whitley, senior warden; Stephen Peters, junior warden; and Laurye Messer and Martin Proctor, your Rector Search Committee chairs.

In addition, there are countless parishioners who are truly the engine that keeps St. John’s moving. From the altar guild to the café to outreach, education, and more, this parish is healthy because so many of you have accepted the call of the Holy Spirit to selflessly serve this church and our community, and for that I am so thankful.

I am excited about what’s in store for St. John’s. Working in partnership with Bishop Howard and diocesan leaders, you will keep the process moving forward and enter a new chapter in ministry.

God is here in our midst and will continue to guide us along this path. Alleluia!

Blessings,
Mtr. Abi Moon, Interim Rector

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

As we look forward to a new and exciting time in the life of St. John’s, we must also accept that change is a part of God’s plan. But that does not make it any less difficult to say goodbye to those whom we hold dear. This is especially true with Mother Abi Moon.

Since joining our clergy team in 2011, Abi has been such an inspiration to St. John’s. Her preaching, teaching, warm pastoral care, and incredible organizational gifts have made a lasting impact on our parish. Abi’s humor, hard work, and spiritual guidance have also been such a blessing over this past year, as she stepped forward without hesitation to serve as St. John’s Interim Rector.

We can’t thank Mother Abi enough for the love she has shown our parish. It has been a blessing to watch her grow from her ordination in our sanctuary to our parish leader. Thanks to her positive influence, St. John’s Episcopal Church is thriving and in an ideal place to welcome new leadership.

Last week, Martin Proctor and Laurye Messer, our Rector Search Committee chairs, shared that we are getting very close to calling St. John’s next parish rector. The committee has narrowed the field to three candidates and feels confident we will find the priest God has chosen for St. John’s. The Search Committee prays this individual will be called by the end of June. Please keep the committee and the three candidates in your prayers.

We do look forward to our new leadership but let us also embrace the next couple of months, so we can celebrate Mother Abi’s long-time ministry at St. John’s. Stay tuned for details.

In the meantime, I invite you to join me in congratulating Abi and Rob and wishing them the best of luck as they begin this next chapter. They will certainly need new winter coats for the city of Boston!

Yours faithfully,
Mahaska Whitley, Senior Warden

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Mark your calendar for Holy Week and Easter at St. John’s, when we can finally gather in a traditional format for the first time in three years! The schedule below includes notes about services that will be offered digitally as well as in person, and those that will feature incense as part of the liturgies.

See our online calendar for more information.

This Holy Week, St. John’s will welcome the Rev. John C. Coleman to preach the Triduum, another term for the three holy days before Easter (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil). Fr. John is a gifted preacher and teacher who assisted our parish in 2017 and 2018, during our search for an associate rector. The Coleman family currently lives in Dothan, Alabama and John serves St. James Episcopal Church, in nearby Eufaula, Alabama.

This year, all Holy Week and Easter offerings will be held in person on the St. John’s campus, although a number of our services will also be live streamed. Festive receptions will once again follow the Easter Vigil and all morning offerings on Easter Day.

Please join us! Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. John’s welcomes you!

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Dear St. John’s Parishioners,

We are honored to be serving St. John’s as your senior and junior warden. This is an exciting time of transition for our parish.

We are grateful for your support as we grow, flourish, and prepare to welcome a new rector. Our faith community at St. John’s is quite remarkable. Together, we have restored our historic church, expanded programs, welcomed new members, and remained fiscally sound, all while surviving a pandemic. Our vestry looks forward to continued partnership with St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force, so that we can provide guidance to our parish community as conditions change.

On behalf of the task force, chaired by Skip Foster, we’d like to share new information regarding St. John’s regathering policy.

Over the past few weeks, COVID numbers have greatly improved. As a result, the task force has approved a return to “masks optional,” effective immediately, on the St. John’s campus, at parish gatherings, and during worship services.

A few important points:

• Anyone who chooses to continue to wear a mask is free to do so.
• We will retain virtual services and education opportunities for those who are not comfortable worshipping or meeting in person.
• We will continue to monitor all sources of information in case the need for another change arises.

We join the task force in reminding you that no one should visit campus–masked or otherwise–who has symptoms associated with COVID, the flu, or other respiratory illnesses.

As St. John’s enters this holy and contemplative season of Lent, we continue to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. We look forward to gathering this spring in communal prayer and worship. May God bless us on this journey!

Mahaska Whitley, Senior Warden

Steve Peters, Junior Warden

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SPECIAL PARISH ANNOUNCEMENT
February 1, 2022

Dear Friends,

I am so grateful for each of you in these times. Your generosity and compassion for each other is truly a gift and a light to our community. And its the reason why St. John’s remains strong and creative, sharing the light of Christ in Tallahassee and beyond.

In the midst of this holy “in-between” time, as St. John’s searches for a new rector, we have continued to implement the vision outlined in our five-year strategic plan: to strive to grow our faith in community, grow in spiritual depth and outreach, and grow in resources. I am delighted to share that, in December 2021, our church vestry unanimously approved moving forward with our Strategic Plan initiative to create a St. John’s Choir School. This initiative has been part of our conversation since the plan’s formation in 2018. The mission of the St. John’s Choir School is to offer a challenging and immersive program of musical study for all children, regardless of means or background, by giving them a chance to sing alongside professionals in an intergenerational setting and in a safe space.

Today, I am able to share that Marissa Hall will be joining the St. John’s music staff on September 20, 2022, as Interim Director of St. John’s Choir School and Assistant Director of Music. She will work under the supervision of St. John’s Director of Music Betsy Calhoun and with other leaders from our amazing music program. When Marissa begins in September, she will be working with our existing music program and establishing the foundational work for the opening of the St. John’s Choir School in fall of 2023.

Marissa is a familiar face to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Many of you will recognize her from her undergraduate days at FSU and as a St. John’s Sacred Music Intern. She has also served as the head of St. John’s Summer Choir Camp, which will celebrate its 7th summer program in 2022. Marissa was also responsible for the beautiful, collaborative virtual choir pieces we all enjoyed during the earliest months of the pandemic.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Sacred Music from Florida State University, Marissa moved north for her master’s degree in Sacred Music from Boston University and Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration. She currently serves as Music and Worship Administrator at Trinity Church, Boston MA, and as Director of Music and Organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cambridge MA. Marissa is passionate about children’s music and hymnody and is an active member of the Association of Anglican Musicians. She also currently serves on the board of directors for the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCMA) and is a contributor/curator to the Great Host of Composers Database Project.

We are delighted to welcome Marissa back to St. John’s to join our staff in the fall. Please contact me or Betsy Calhoun if you would like to learn more about how you can invest in the St. John’s Choir School. Your faithfulness has kept St. John’s thriving for nearly 200 years, and we are confident that you will share our excitement as we move forward with this exciting new initiative that will allow St. John’s to play a part in forming our future generations!

God’s peace,

The Rev. Abigail W. Moon
Interim Rector

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Annually on February 13, we celebrate the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. In 2022, the Feast Day of Absalom Jones falls on a Sunday. On this day, St. John’s will feature liturgy, music, and Christian formation centered around this key figure in our church.

ABOUT ABSALOM JONES:

Absalom Jones was born into slavery in Sussex, Delaware in 1746. He taught himself to read in his early teens from books he purchased by saving pennies given to him by visitors to his master’s home. At the age of sixteen, Jones’ family was separated when his immediate family members were sold and he was taken to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by his new owner. Jones worked as a clerk in his owner’s store by day and was allowed to work for himself and attend an all-black school at night.

Jones saved enough to purchase his own freedom in 1784. He was an active member of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and served as lay preacher for the black members of the congregation. In 1786, Richard Allen joined Jones at the church and their futures would forever be intertwined. The black membership at St. George’s increased tenfold as a result of the evangelistic efforts of Jones and Allen.

Jones remained as the leader of The African Church which was formally received into the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania on October 17, 1794 and renamed St. Thomas African Episcopal Church. St. Thomas was the first black Episcopal parish in the United States. Bishop William White (bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania) ordained Jones a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1795 and as priest in 1804. Jones became the first ordained priest of African descent in the United States.

FEAST DAY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Liturgical Music: In celebration of this Feast Day, the St. John’s choirs will sing music of contemporary African American composers, and the organ voluntaries at our morning services will feature music by composers Ulysses Kay and David Hurd. At the 10 AM service, which is also live streamed, the adult choir will sing “This little light of mine,” arranged by noted musician Moses Hogan. And at the 7:30 PM Compline service, you will hear a composition by Dr. Marques Garrett, a former member of the Compline Choir and currently Assistant Professor of Choral Music at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

• Christian Formation: In celebration of this Feast Day, our Sunday morning “Coffee Talk” will be led by the Becoming Beloved Community group, which includes members from St. John’s and from St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. Conversation at this hybrid forum will focus on the UBE, or Union of Black Episcopalians. Join us at 11:15 AM to learn about this group that formed in the late 1960s and partnered with groups dedicated to the ministry of Blacks in the Episcopal Church. The UBE is now a confederation of more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean, and on three other continents.

We hope you will join St. John’s on February 13, for prayer and conversation celebrating the Feast of Absalom Jones.

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On Sunday, January 30, at St. John’s 10 AM and 5:30 PM services, FSU graduate student Dawson Coleman and St. John’s Organist Elizabeth LaJeunesse will play movements from Steven Banks’ recent work for tenor saxophone and piano, “Come As You Are.”

A composer and performer, Steven Banks is widely known as an ambassador for the classical saxophone. A “mahogany tone” and “deeply felt lyricism” are often used to describe the young artist’s performances. However, it’s the story behind one of Banks’ most recent compositions that prompted its selection for St. John’s services. That, and the pledge taken by the Tallahassee musicians performing the day’s music.

The “Black Voices Matter” pledge, and the project Dawson Coleman took on with his professor, to compile a catalogue of saxophone works by underrepresented composers, is what prompted this FSU graduate student to select Steven Banks’ work for his solos at St. John’s. Please join us to hear Dawson Coleman on the saxophone, accompanied by Elizabeth LaJeunesse – at the 10 AM Service of Holy Eucharist, which will be live streamed on the church website, or at the 5:30 PM Service of Holy Eucharist. Both services will be held in the church, where masks are required.

ABOUT THE MUSIC:
Steven Banks, Composer

Steven Banks grew up in the AME church, often playing his saxophone on hymns. He drew from the musical traditions of his upbringing as inspiration for his work, “Come As You Are.” Banks wanted to write a piece that took influence from African-American church music. A classical musician, Banks has shared that “the vast majority of my colleagues have little knowledge or understanding of Black culture or how it influences my music-making.”

Banks says he viewed the writing of this work as a way to bring together different facets of his life experience and to honor both his family’s traditions and those of the church. In his four-movement work, “Come As You Are,” each movement is based on either a traditional Spiritual or a song from the Black Gospel tradition. The movements are titled after lyrics from the well known anthem “Total Praise,” and each movement has a different character. The first, “Lift My Eyes” (based on “My Lord, what a morning”), is a fast movement with elements of jazz and romanticism, while the third, “Strength of My Life” (based on “His Eye is on the Sparrow”), is slow, reflective, and poignant. St. John’s 5:30 PM congregation will also hear “Times of the Storm,” an energetic, dance-like movement based on “Wade in the Water.”

GUEST ARTIST:
Dawson Coleman, Saxophone Soloist

Dawson Coleman has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Saxophone Performance, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Saxophone Performance at Florida State University with critically acclaimed soloist and chamber musician, Geoffrey Deibel. As an active chamber musician, Dawson consistently performs in FSU’s New Music Festival premiering new chamber music, has received First Prize in the North American Saxophone Alliance(NASA)’s 2019 Regional Conference Collegiate Quartet Competition, and advanced to the semi-final round of the 2020 and 2022 National NASA Conference’s Collegiate Quartet Competition. As a soloist he has been recognized as the runner-up in FSU’s 2019 Concerto Competition, premiered Brian Junttila’s Concertino for Alto Saxophone, and has been a featured soloist in FSU’s Wind Orchestra and Symphonic Bands.

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At our most recent Coffee Talk, our Rector Search Committee Chairs shared a sneak peek of the St. John’s parish profile. The Parish Profile Subcommittee, headed by Corinna Strayer along with her fabulous team, created a publication that will allow potential candidates to see “Who We Are” and “Who We Seek” in a rector. It’s actually an interactive webpage, which means we are able to showcase the sights and sounds of our wonderful church within the web-based publication. Applicants can also apply directly from the site.

We’re providing this link to the parish profile so that you may take a closer look. We also hope you’ll share it with anyone and everyone whom you think might be called to St. John’s.

As we said at Coffee Talk, you have chosen a search committee, but discerning who God has chosen for our next rector is the entire congregation’s job. Sharing this link is one of the ways you can help. Another is to continue to pray for your search committee.

We are now embarking on the “Seeking Phase” of our rector search, and expect to start receiving applications soon. With your assistance and God’s guidance, we are one step closer to finding His choice for St. John’s.

Your Rector Search Committee thanks you for your support, prayers, and love!

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Throughout the summer, the St. John’s clergy and staff was hard at work planning fall ministry activities, but the recent surge in COVID cases has caused us to reevaluate how to start these parish activities safely. In-person ministries have temporarily hit the pause button and and many activities have adjusted their meeting format to continue gathering during this time, while other ministries have pushed fall start dates back a bit and are laying the groundwork for the upcoming program year.

Here’s an alphabetical rundown of our ministry areas and how you can get involved this fall:

ADULT EDUCATION: We have moved weekly Coffee Talks online and our Bible Studies remain online for the next few weeks. Mother Abi’s 12:10 PM Friday Book Study recently began reading “The Gospel of Mark,” by N.T. Wright. Together they reflect on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and how that transforms our daily lives. All are welcome! A full schedule of classes can be found on our ONLINE CALENDAR.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Children’s Sunday School activities are scheduled to begin in September. UPDATE (9/8/21): programming for ages 12 and under will not begin until at least the beginning of October. Sunday morning service times will remain at 8 and 10 AM this fall, which means Sunday School runs from 11:15 AM-12 PM. This year, we will have three combined classes (PK/K, 1st/2nd grades, and 3rd/4th/5th grades) that will meet weekly through December 12. Our fourth and fifth graders will also gather once a month on Sunday afternoons for Club 45. Save the date for these Club 45 dates, which will proceed as they will be held outdoors: 9/26, 10/24, and 11/14. Stay tuned for an official Sunday School start date! In the meantime, families can complete Sunday School registration forms online to be ready for the fall semester!

MUSIC MINISTRY: Choir registration is now open for ages seven and up. Our chorister program nurtures young musicians in a supportive and energetic learning environment, while our adult choir is open to anyone who wants to lend their voice in the leading of worship. No prior musical experience is necessary! Choristers (3rd-12th grades) will rehearse on Wednesday afternoons (4:45-6 PM), and the Adult Choir (teenage boys and adults) will meet on Wednesday evenings (7-8:30 PM). Rehearsals are expected to begin in September, and will be done so in consultation with the St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force. UPDATE (9/8/21): programming for ages 12 and under will not begin until at least the beginning of October. All choir members will be provided with a KN95 mask. Learn about the many benefits of singing in a choir by emailing Betsy Calhoun.

Additionally, contact Betsy if you would like more information about Joyful Noisemakers, our Tuesday afternoon program (4-4:45 PM) for first and second graders that gets them exploring, playing, singing, and learning about music in an informal setting.

OUTREACH MINISTRY: The rise in COVID cases has prompted many outreach ministries to temporarily pause their involvement. However, a few ministries are building their volunteer base now for the fall. St. John’s is currently seeking 5 or 6 new volunteers to assist at the Kearney Center on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month. St. John’s has three teams of volunteers that serve meals regularly at our local residential center providing holistic services for those who are unsheltered and financially insecure. Please email Susan Jones if you would like more information.

PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES: St. John’s has already begun forming new Small Groups for the fall. You can choose to join a group with those of a similar age group, with parishioners who prefer to meet at a specific time of day, and those who desire a preferred meeting format (online only). Groups will initially gather in September. REGISTER ONLINE by August 31, even if you were previously involved in the Small Group Ministry.

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY: This fall, St. John’s will once again offer “Walking the Mourner’s Path,” an 8-week grief support program. These small group workshops are spiritually directed and guided by trained facilitators and clergy. Workshops will meet on Wednesdays evenings from 7-8:30 PM, beginning September 15. Registration is required in advance. Learn more by clicking the link below.

YOUTH MINISTRY: Youth Ministry activities are scheduled to begin in September. Our 6th-12th graders will meet on Sundays (5-7 PM) for fun and fellowship at Youth Night. And, they’ll gather on select Sunday mornings (11:15 AM) for Bible, Conversation, Donuts (BCD). Plus, special events and service opportunities are planned throughout the semester. Mark your calendar for our Youth Camping Trip (October 15-18). Youth can also get involved in weekly worship as acolytes, youth lectors, and choir members. We urge you to get ready for our fall semester by completing a Youth Ministry Registration form and joining our email list and remind!

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When St. John’s began livestreaming services in spring 2020, the most frequent comments from parishioners were of joy and delight over being able to see our choir members, musicians, and instruments up close and personal. Well, get ready for the ultimate sneak peek! At the end of August, our very own organist, Elizabeth LaJeunesse, will be taking part in a digital recital, playing the very special organ housed in St. John’s Carter Chapel, a Hill & Davison instrument built in 1838. It’s all part of the Organ Historical Society’s (OHS) “Kaleidoscope of Colors.” This online recital is presented by OHS, an international society of musicians, organbuilders, historians, scholars, and music lovers. Over five Sundays in August 2021, viewers from all over will be treated to music played on 15 instruments from across the country, including an instrument from St. John’s. No tickets required. You simply need an Internet connection!

A preliminary list of more than 100 choices was pared to just 15 selected organs, including the historic Hill & Davison instrument which has been housed at St. John’s for more than 20 years. This news was welcomed by the St. John’s music staff! While the focus is on the instruments, the recitals will be introduced by the talented performers who will play each week’s hymn and variation and share the history of the instrument on which they are performing. St. John’s is honored to have Elizabeth LaJeunesse play this special organ in the digital recital on Sunday, August 22.

“Many of the performers are nationally, and even internationally, known,” said St. John’s Director of Music Betsy Calhoun. “Having Elizabeth on the roster is fantastic!”

Organizers from the Organ Historical Society say this special series would be impossible to replicate at any one in-person event. Going virtual created a unique opportunity! The featured instruments represent three centuries of organ building, and the 15 instruments that will be showcased vary in size, builder, geographic region, and age. The Hill & Davison organ from St. John’s certainly fits the bill! It has a long and entertaining history, and is known to many St. John’s parishioners and community members as the “Jingle Bells Organ,” or the organ on which one of the most famous Christmas carols was composed!

“Playing the Hill & Davison has its challenges as well as its charms, but I love the intimate nature of this little instrument, and I think it does a great job supporting a chapel congregation,” said LaJeunesse. “We were lucky to have our organ chosen for this project out of hundreds of instruments around the country.”

LaJeunesse says she looks forward to sharing the organ’s beauty with people around the world! Mark your calendar for Sunday, August 22, and every Sunday in August, at 5 PM. The recitals are available on the Organ Historical Society’s website.

The Festival Program Book includes a complete guide to the instruments, their provenances and stoplists, pictures and bios of performers, hymn tunes and texts, and even some festive suggestions for food and drink you can assemble at home to accompany your recital viewing.

HOW TO WATCH:

• Visit www.organhistoricalsociety.org
• Click “Watch Kaleidoscope of Colors”
• Begins at 5PM EST each Sunday

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May 28, 2021

Our St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force met this past week to make some adjustments to our regathering plan. As more parishioners experience life on the other side of the COVID vaccine, we are ready to cautiously advance. While we are not yet moving completely to Level 5, as stated in our Parish Regathering Plan, the following series of changes will allow us to meet with greater normalcy.

CAMPUS: You will soon begin to see some relaxation of masking requirements in small group gatherings, but we will all continue to mask during worship and in larger gatherings, such as forums in Killeen Hall. The Lively Café returns to full-capacity during lunch hours.

EDUCATION: Our Coffee Talk forums will now begin at 11:15 AM and will remain in a hybrid format. Aside from the time adjustment, nothing will change for those joining us virtually, but it will allow those attending in person time to find a comfortable seat in our new space. All other education will remain online through the summer.

WORSHIP: Services return to full capacity and we will be adjusting seating in the church to allow for self-regulated distancing. Masks are still required at this time in the sanctuary. Hymnals and prayer books will soon return to the pews. You will also see an expanded choir, and congregational singing is now permitted while masked.

These adjustments will be implemented gradually over the next few weeks.

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April 30, 2021

St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force recently met to discuss spring and summer regathering. We will continue to expand the size of our in-person congregation throughout the summer, while monitoring the situation and following local and state guidance.

While we are proceeding cautiously with regathering plans, we will wait to fully advance into Level 4, and will gradually implement changes related to worship, gatherings, and our campus. Capacity at events will increase slightly and you will see elements of worship and fellowship resume over the coming month.

The following changes have been approved and will be implemented on or after the date listed:

WORSHIP:

• Our weekly Healing Service will resume in the church on Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. (May 5)
• Maximum capacity in the church will increase to 125 congregants (in pews). Social distancing will be maintained and masks will continue to be required. (May 9)
• Offertory plates will be passed in the pews during services. (May 9)
• Choir singers will expand slightly. Congregational singing is still prohibited. (Mid May)
• A limited number of acolytes will be reincorporated following training. (Late May)

GATHERING:

• Nursery will be available during the Sunday 10 AM service. Attendance will be limited. Masks must be worn by children age 2 and older. (May 9)
• Small outdoor celebrations will be held following select special services. (June)
• Summer offerings for children and youth (Choir Camp, Youth BEAT, VBS) will take place. Participating families must to agree to abide by safety protocols implemented during camp weeks. (June)

CAMPUS:

• Parishioner nametag cabinets will be open and available for use. (May 2)
• Masks still required at all times on campus, with exceptions for eating and drinking at approved outdoor events and in a limited capacity during business hours for the Lively Café.

We’ve missed being together and we are excited to welcome more members of our church family, and our extended community, back to campus again (safely) this spring and summer!

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Over the past four years, the choirs of St. John’s and the Church of the Nativity in Huntsville, AL, have collaborated to provide services of choral evensong and Holy Eucharist in both their home parishes and at St. John’s in Montgomery, AL.

This collaboration was intended to culminate in a two-week pilgrimage to England in summer 2020, to sing eight choral evensongs and one choral Eucharist. Unfortunately, plans were interrupted by the pandemic and the trip was rescheduled for June 2021, with services at Winchester Cathedral and Bath Abbey.

Throughout the pandemic, each choir has been offering music virtually for worship. The two churches even collaborated in July on the inspiring virtual hymn, “All my hope on God is founded.”

And in December, for our annual Service of Advent Lessons and Carols, St. John’s organist Elizabeth LaJeunesse and Christian Crocker, Director of Music and Organist at Church of the Nativity, shared some special organ duets.

This March, the two choirs come together virtually to provide a choral evensong for the Lenten season.

Make plans to join us on Sunday, March 14 at 5:00 p.m. EST, for this service which begins with an extended prelude played by both organists. It also features choral music of Howells, Byrd, Wesley, and Tallis.

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Lent is a season of transformation and self-examination, when we ask God for forgiveness and repentance while creating space to talk about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. These forty days lead us into closer unity with God. Read more below about how St. John’s will be observing the season and how you can prepare for Holy Week.

YOUR ROLE DURING LENT:

During Lent, we come together to participate in communal prayer and worship and walk through the season as a church community. Begin by worshipping on Ash Wednesday, then make a personal commitment to one or more of the spiritual practices listed below.

“SENSING” GOD’S PRESENCE:

THE HOLY WEEK JOURNEY:

The forty days of Lent are used to prepare adults for Holy Week. From Palm Sunday, to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, each Holy Week service allows us to journey with Jesus through the events leading to his death on the cross. Weekday services have a devotional characteristic and are special days for self-denial, intentional worship, and attending to needs of others.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR LENT:

Spiritual practices are part of Christian life year-round, but they enhance our Lenten spiritual journey. The key is ensuring the practices do not become rote activities. Here are some ways you can work on self-examination and repentance, individually or with your St. John’s family:

This year, Episcopal Relief and Development has made the annual Lenten Meditation Guide available online. That makes it easy to access the daily devotionals. Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence (or prayer).

Begin and/or end the day with Morning or Evening Prayer, found in the Book of Common Prayer. For easier access at home, at work, or during your commute use the online version (either written or audio format) of The Daily Office.

Virtually attend our Sung Compline service. It premieres at 8:00 p.m. Sundays, but watch any night of the week before bedtime! This ancient monastic service is recorded in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the Compline Choir.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus himself practiced. Hunger pains can be a helpful way to remember to pray for others and enter into self-reflection. If you have health concerns, please consult your doctor before beginning a fast.

Self-denial can be an alternative to fasting. Giving up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits forces you to be mindful of the hunger of others each time you crave that item or revert to a certain behavior – a simple act that can help us grow toward Christ.

You’ve given up chocolate or sodas or coffee for Lent, but how does that sacrifice bring you closer to God? Donate the money you would have spent to a cause, such as St. John’s effort to relieve the medical debt of Floridians in our most financially vulnerable communities. Every dollar donated forgives approximately $100 of medical debt.

The Stations of the Cross are a devotion that allows us to follow in the steps of Jesus from his condemnation by Pilate, through the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary, to the Cross, and the tomb. Reflect while walking the stations in the chapel during Sunday’s Communion in the Garden time for a meaningful Lenten practice.

Consult with Fr. Dave, Mtr. Abi, or Fr. Wallace about a personal confession (or Reconciliation of a Penitent). The Episcopal Church has revitalized this practice as a way for Christians to seek Christ’s healing power through guided self-reflection, admission of sins, and reconciliation with God through forgiveness.

Attend our virtual Choral Evensong (March 14), one of the oldest services in the Anglican tradition. This special service is presented by St. John’s and the Church of the Nativity (Huntsville, AL). It will feature an extended organ prelude, as well as choral music of Howells, Byrd, Wesley, and Tallis.

Encounter God in scripture using Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that means divine or sacred reading. This unique approach to scripture, which features the ancient practice of slower and more reflective reading of the Scriptures, allows God to address us directly according to what He knows we need.

St. John’s offers enrichment for all ages. Christian education classes and Bible studies are held all year long, as are classes for Children (Saturday mornings) and Youth (Sunday evenings). There are several classes being offered specifically during Lent. See the list below and our calendar for more detail.

SPECIAL LENTEN CLASSES:

Praying the Gospel of St. John

Tuesdays at 7:30 PM; February 9 – April 6

St. John’s is joining the Brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) this Lent in an eight-week retreat that will provide an overview of the Gospel of John and introduce participants to its major themes.

Five Speeches that Changed America

Wednesdays at 7:30 PM; February 24 – March 24

A look at some of the most powerful, timeless speeches in American history (including speeches from MLK, Jr., Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama) with discussion about how these speeches address the challenges of the present day while pulling upon themes in the Christian tradition.

Practicing the Way: Sabbath as Resistance

Fridays at 12 PM; February 19 – April 2

Join Mother Abi in a Lenten book study. We will be reading and discussing Walter Bruggemann’s Sabbath as Resistance, a study of the history, practice, and statement making of taking Sabbath.

Growing in Grace: A Spiritual Renewal Course

Sundays at 11 AM; January 24 – April 11

God is leading St. John’s to new life and spiritual renewal with a special parish-wide edition of Growing in Grace, a course for adults on the basics of the Christian faith. Topics and presenters vary.

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Jesus was born into this world so that each of us might know how deeply God loves us. Together, let’s share in the joy of the birth of Christ. All of the following take place on Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS EVE ONLINE WORSHIP

• Facebook
• YouTube

Our pre-recorded service initially premieres at noon but will be available all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This service is full of choral music and favorite Christmas hymns with trumpet accompaniment. Young voices from our Children’s Ministry retell the Christmas story and a special virtual anthem will join St. John’s Choir members with other talented singers from across the country. Have a real candle ready to sing Silent Night at home.

• YouTube

The limited seating at our three in-person services has been filled to capacity, but services will be live streamed so you can participate from home. Join Fr. Wallace (1 p.m.), Fr. Dave (4 p.m.), and Mtr. Abi (8 p.m.) for three unique Christmas homilies, plus a quartet and organ music sharing favorite Christmas hymns. Have a real candle ready to sing Silent Night at home.

• Facebook
• YouTube

Initially premiering at 11 p.m., this special service features the St. John’s Compline Choir of men singing Christmas hymns to end this holy night in worship. A beautiful way to close the day!

COMMUNION IN THE GARDEN

All are invited to visit Eve’s Garden to receive Holy Communion (Bread only) from the Reserved Sacrament, and enjoy a few moments of prayer and conversation with a clergy person. Despite potential poor weather, we hope you join us for these socially distanced way to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of St. John’s on Christmas Eve!

9-11 AM

• church open for quiet prayer
• tower bells play festive tunes throughout the morning
• photographer on hand to take family photos in our decorated outdoor space.

2-3:30 PM

• instrumental music in the garden
• photographer on hand to take family photos in our decorated outdoor space.

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On Sunday, December 13, 2020, the Tallahassee Bach Parley is getting into the holiday spirit with its Holiday Concert, a much-anticipated annual event … with some adjustments for our COVID times!

As they’ve done for other concerts during the pandemic, the Bach Parley will be offering this concert solely online. However, unlike their more recent concerts, five of the Bach Parley musicians were able to gather to present the holiday music as an ensemble. For the recording, all musicians were spaced appropriately and masked, but they were able to record as an ensemble, which was a treat.

“This was the first time we were able to play together since February,” said Valerie Arsenault, Bach Parley Music Director.

Minyoung Cho will join Arsenault on violin, Melissa Brewer on viola, Kim Jones on cello, and Charlie Brewer on harpsichord.

Part of the appeal of Bach Parley concerts is the ability to chat live with the musicians. Arsenault has worked hard to maintain this element even during the pandemic. Before the concert, which premieres at 3:15 p.m. on the Bach Parley website, Arsenault will be available to chat live at 3:00 p.m. on the organization’s Facebook page, where she will introduce the afternoon’s program.

The Bach Parley’s holiday program features instrumental music for Advent and Christmas, with French Noëls transformed into dancing suites, “pastorale” music for shepherds, complete with a stringed instrument version of alpine horns, and a special sonata by Heinrich Ignaz Biber called ‘The Annunciation,’ a musical depiction of the terrifying yet awe-inspiring visit of the Angel Gabriel to a young woman named Mary.

Says Arsenault, “I imagine the first section of this piece begins with a rush of Angel wings, travels through Gabriel telling Mary, ‘Be not afraid,’ and concludes with Mary’s answer, ‘Yes.’”

Join the Bach Parley for some holiday magic this Sunday!

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It was during the season after Easter and moving to Pentecost in 2020, when everyone began realizing virtual worship was going to be an ongoing way of life for congregations and church choirs alike!

Three church musicians were discussing ways to re-engage their choirs and expand the musical possibilities for each. Marissa Hall, Director of Music at a small parish church in Cambridge, MA with a small choir, suggested combining forces with colleagues Betsy Calhoun at St. John’s, and Michael Corzine at First Presbyterian, Tallahassee. In the spring, when churches in Boston and around the country began closing, Marissa moved to Tallahassee, where her parents reside and where she served as a sacred music intern at St. John’s.

Marissa suggested a “Trinity of Choirs for Trinity Sunday,” for which choir members from those three churches would individually record a hymn from their homes, layering their voices atop an organ accompaniment sent to them digitally.

On Trinity Sunday – June 7, 2020 – nearly 50 singers from three choirs combined voices to sing “Holy, Holy, Holy” in a video played during virtual worship at all three churches. The result was beautiful! It also meant each church gained a much larger choir and a novel way to enliven the liturgy with a big hymn.

This combined choir approach initially required quite a bit of effort for each individual choir member, and for the editor of the final video, Marissa, who quickly developed new skills using sophisticated software. The three choir directors decided to join forces for the first Sunday of each month from that point forward, creating a beautiful symphony of voices!

After 14 collaborations, over 500 individual recordings, and countless bloopers, this project will conclude on Trinity Sunday – May 30, 2021. All three churches are grateful for the many choir members who have lent their voices and for all the parishioners who have joyfully added their voices as they worship from home.

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Dr. Thomas is no stranger to St. John’s. As the founding artistic director of the Tallahassee Community Chorus, he rehearsed with the choir in Alfriend Hall every Monday night for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2019. He is currently serving as the Interim Director of the Yale Camerata.

“Let Everything” is a paraphrase of Psalm 150, and shares the joy and praise expressed in the psalm through lively rhythms, a driving bass line, jazz chords, and playful choir duets in a call & response style. The accompaniment track backing our choir this Sunday, shared with us by The Hymn Society, features Dr. Thomas himself at the piano, and drums and bass by Hymn Society director Brian Hehn. It’s sure to have you toe-tapping in front of your TV or computer screen!

Special thanks to St. John’s Music Associate & Organist Elizabeth LaJeunesse for sharing this “Behind the Music” information.

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As our nation prepares for the election in November, join St. John’s clergy on social media weekly for “Land That We Love,” an opportunity to pray for the United States and for the human family.

Our hope is that these short videos – featuring prayer and music – remind us of our pledge to love all people – including those with whom we agree and those with whom we disagree.

In the first video, Father Dave shares the importance of declaring our dependence on God and each other during this next month.

Here are some of the other ways the church is providing support:

WEEKLY PRAYERS & HYMNS:

Our weekly opportunities to pray for this “Land That We Love” will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages on Tuesday afternoons.

HEALING THE HEART OF DEMOCRACY:

Fr. Dave’s is holding a weekly class talking about the two things your mother told you never to talk about at the dinner table: politics and religion! The class is also exploring the five “habits of the heart” that can help us restore democracy’s foundations as we nurture them in ourselves and each other. This class, which includes small group discussion with members of the local community, has officially begun but we would love for you to join us. Contact Claire Dodd for a link to join. The class meets weekly on Tuesdays at noon through November 10. Classes are also being recorded and shared on our Event Recordings page.

ELECTION DAY PRAYER:

On Election Day – Tuesday, November 3 – the main sanctuary will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for quiet prayer and reflection. All are invited.

HISTORIC TOWER BELLS:

Our St. John’s Tower Bell Guild will be playing patriotic and inspirational songs on the historic tower bells from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Election Day. Join us on the grounds of St. John’s or enjoy the sweet sounds of the tower bells from the sanctuary as you pray.

POST-ELECTION DISCUSSION:

We all know what we’ll be doing on Election Day, what about the day AFTER the election and in the days that follow? Join Skip Foster — St. John’s parishioner and former publisher of the Tallahassee Democrat — in an online discussion to reflect on the election and talk about what people of faith can do in the days to come.

Then on the Sunday after the election, Fr. Dave will lead us in highlights from his recent course with the Osher Lifelong Learning Center, Healing the Heart of Democracy, and how to go forward after this election.

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As St. John’s continues to strive towards Becoming Beloved Community, our Music and Adult Education ministries are joining forces for a special class on three upcoming Tuesday evenings.

Our “Voices in Harmony” series, coordinated by St. John’s Organist and Music Associate Elizabeth LaJeunesse, features three unique presentations by a trio of acclaimed Black artists. They will be speaking on a variety of topics related to activism in the arts, specifically the representation of Black voices in the musical community.

Below, learn more about these talented individuals whose efforts in their field help create “Voices in Harmony.” Classes will be held on October 13, 20 and 27 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Click below to join the conversation.

Considered a modern renaissance woman and jewel of Tallahassee, Florida State University alum Avis Berry is a talented singer equally accomplished in Jazz, Gospel, and Classical Music, an elementary school teacher at Gilchrist Elementary school in Tallahassee, FL, and a librarian at FSU’s College of Music Warren D. Allen Music Library. Her training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from Florida State University and two Master of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Information Studies.

Avis has recorded with various artists as a background vocalist and as a soloist with the Berlin Radio Choir on their record True Light: The Berlin Christmas Concert.

Avis has also performed in Vietnam, China, Germany, and England under the direction of Dr. Andre Thomas and has shared the stage with such greats as Dave Brubeck, Robert Shaw, the Berlin Radio Choir, various FSU ensembles and faculty including the FSU Jazz Faculty, the Tallahassee Symphony Jazz Orchestra, and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. She continues to collaborate musically with various local artists throughout the community on a regular basis.

One of the joys of seeing Countertenor Reginald L. Mobley is hearing his beautiful alto coming out of a big, tall man who looks more like a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins than the P.G. Wodehouse party guest his name might suggest.

Reggie fully intended to speak his art through watercolors and oil pastels until circumstance demanded that his own voice should speak for itself. Since reducing his visual color palette to the black and white of a score, he’s endeavored to open up a wider spectrum onstage. A longtime member of twice GRAMMY® nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire, Reggie has recently appeared with Agave Baroque, Bach Collegium San Diego, Boston Early Music Festival, Monteverdi Choir & English Baroque Soloists, Pacific MusicWorks, Freiburger Barockorchester, and The Handel + Haydn Society in the ‘15/’16 season. With the latter, he had the honor of becoming the first Black person to lead H+H during its Bicentennial anniversary.

Never bound by conventional countertenor repertoire, Reggie has a fair bit of non-classical work in tow. His first professional work was in Musical Theatre, and while working in Japan (as a Singer/Actor for Tokyo Disney), he performed cabaret shows of gospel, jazz, and torch songs in jazz clubs around Tokyo. And though not one to regret, Reggie has considered rediscovering his artistic roots. So if seen post concert, forego an autograph and ask for one of his self-acclaimed stick figure drawings. It’s a start.

Jeffery L. Ames serves as Director of Choral Activities and was recently promoted to Professor of Music at Belmont University. As a choral clinician, Dr. Ames has conducted collegiate, senior and junior high school mixed, and male choirs at national, regional, and state conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education. He has performed and guest conducted internationally in the countries of Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Estonia, South Korea, and the Republic of Ghana.

Dr. Ames has collaborated with well-known conductors such as André Thomas, Allen Crowell, Jo-Michael Scheibe, Lynne Gackle, and Anton Armstrong. Additionally, collaborations with well-known celebrities include Trisha Yearwood, Laura Bell Bundy, CeCe Winans, Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, Denyce Graves, Michael W. Smith, Kathy Mattea, Sheryl Crow, Ed Sheeran, Kane Brown, and legendary rock band the Rolling Stones.

Professor Ames holds the Ph.D. in Choral Conducting/Choral Music Education and a Master of Choral Music Education degree from The Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music degree, with a double major in Vocal Performance and Piano Accompanying, from James Madison University. He also holds the distinct honor of being the first recipient of the National ACDA James Mulholland Choral Music Fellowship, of being the first African American to represent the United States in the ACDA International Conductor Exchange Program, and serves as the National ACDA R&R Chair of World Musics and Cultures. He lives in Nashville with his lovely wife and three children.

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Zion’s Walls, this coming Sunday’s virtual anthem sung by the St. John’s choir, is Aaron Copland’s arrangement of an American revivalist song. The words and music were originally written by John G. McCurry (1821 – 1886), a Georgia farmer who published The Social Harp, a collection of 222 folk songs.

The subject matter for Zion’s Walls was drawn from several sources, not all uniquely American—politics, religion, children, love and loss, death, and the minstrel stage.

Copland used this song in his opera, The Tender Land (1952-1954). Copland also included the song in a collection titled Old American Songs, which was commissioned by Benjamin Brittan for a music festival in England.

By the time the Old American Songs were arranged and compiled in 1952, much of America’s innocence was beginning to fade. The cold war was raging, and Copland found the environment stifling to his compositional process. The simplicity of these songs, coupled with Copland’s sensitive treatment of them, seems to point to the composer’s desire to return to a less complicated time.

Come fathers and mothers,
Come sisters and brothers,
Come join us in singing the praises of Zion.
O fathers, don’t you feel determined
To meet within the walls of Zion?
We’ll shout and go round
The walls of Zion.

Special thanks to Mike Norris, St. John’s Music Assistant, for researching and sharing this information about Sunday’s worship music.

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The service and readings were led by over 25 former choristers who sang in the St. John’s chorister program over the past 30 years, all praying together “the choristers’ prayer” at the end of the service: “Bless, O Lord, us Thy servants who minister in Thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Betsy wished to thank everyone who helped put this special service together in her honor:

To the Congregation of St. John’s:

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful service of Evening Prayer and the reception last Sunday, celebrating my 30th anniversary at St. John’s. It is difficult to imagine the amount of time and preparation given by the many people involved—all those faces on the screen! The canticles by Richard Webster commissioned and composed were incredibly beautiful and especially meaningful, thanks to the generosity and kindness of this congregation. As I tried to say through my tears at the reception, I love you, the people, of St. John’s.

Gratefully, Betsy

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This fall, due to the pandemic, our musical pieces have been prerecorded, and we will virtually bless backpacks and devices that will be used for the upcoming school year. While things may look different, the back-to-school celebration continues. Download our printable backpack tags, and remember, “God’s got your back” this school year and always. St. John’s does as well!

After church, we’re hosting a special Coffee Talk at 11:00 a.m. A multi-generational panel of St. John’s parishioners will share stories of memorable teachers and school experiences and offer insights that may help us — students, parents, grandparents, teachers — navigate the school year ahead. Please join us!

Did you know that The Bach Parley String Academy is housed at St. John’s? The organization features an acclaimed faculty of professional string musicians provides music lessons in violin, viola and cello. Part of the String Academy’s mission is to bring together students of different backgrounds through the study and performance of music and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music. St. John’s is grateful for their passion and creativity during these unprecedented times. We invite you to learn more about the Bach Parley String Academy on their website.

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Similar to Sunday morning worship, this event will be online, which will allow friends near and far to enjoy a special liturgy and a virtual choir singing original compositions by Richard Webster in Betsy’s honor.

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While in Tallahassee, Marissa has been helping St. John’s and working remotely for the music programs at Trinity Church, Copley Square and St. Peter’s Church in Cambridge. During her second month of sheltering in place, Marissa decided to compose a hymn for quarantine.

Inspired by the community of St. John’s and many churches around the country, Marissa’s hymn describes the experience of church during a time of social distance. Read about Marissa’s inspiration, and then join us in song during Sunday’s offertory.

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The story of the text reminds us of God’s grace during difficult circumstances. Howells was at the breakfast table opening mail, and received a note from Dr. Thomas Feilden, Director of Music of Charterhouse School, requesting a composition. Howells composed the entire tune while sitting at the breakfast table, and he titled the music “Michael,” the name of his son, who died in childhood. As Howells wrote this hymn text for a school, he must have thought about the memories of his son and the difficulty surrounding his death. Fr. Wallace Marsh reflected on this story by sharing, “His words remind us of the power of hope and God’s presence, even when our hearts are broken.” 

Follow this link to our YouTube channel where you can watch our collaboration with the Church of the Nativity.

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