Outreach Archives - St. John's Episcopal Church

Walking the Mourner’s Path – Spring 2026

clairedodd — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:12:02 +0000

When someone in our life dies, it affects our entire being. St. John’s offers “Walking the Mourner’s Path,” a six- to eight-week grief support program that is grounded in prayer and reminds us that we are not alone in our grief.

If you have lost a loved one and have walked the path of grief over the past year or years, “Walking the Mourner’s Path” may be what you need. Open to St. John’s members and the community alike, the program gathers participants for a series of small-group workshops. It’s different than a Sunday morning faith formation program, but the format allows time for being still together, sharing stories, and seeing where God is in our grief and in our hope.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is this program like counseling?

Walking the Mourner’s Path is different than counseling. The weekly small-group workshops are spiritually directed and guided by trained facilitators and clergy. All participants who attend the program will find a safe and spirit-filled place to journey in their grief.

Why is the program just six to eight weeks long?

Walking the Mourner’s Path differs from other programs because it is open-ended. Research has shown that effective grief programs have a beginning and an end. Our workshops are held on Sunday afternoons.

Who will lead the series of workshops?

Our program is led by Erik and The Rev. Melanie Salsgiver, Deacon. The individuals who will be guiding the workshops are trained so all participants who attend the program find a safe and spirit-filled place to journey in their grief.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION (spring 2026):

The spring 2026 series of workshops will be held on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 PM in Killeen Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Gatherings begin on Sunday, April 26, 2026 and will be held weekly through Sunday, June 28. (We will not meet on 5/10 or 5/24.) There is a $65 fee* to cover the cost of the workbook.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive more information after you register, but please feel free to contact Melanie Salsgiver with additional questions or for more details.

*Please note that this cost should not prohibit you from attending. Scholarships are available as needed.

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2026 St. Mary’s Circle Scholarship

clairedodd — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:15:41 +0000

Applications are now open for the 2026 Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship, which provides financial support to undergraduate students who have participated in worship or parish life at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The scholarship is administered annually by the women of St. Mary’s Circle at St. John’s.

For 2026, $2,000 in grant funds will be awarded based on need, merit, or a combination of both. The application deadline is April 15, 2026.

2026 Scholarship Eligibility

College students may apply if they:

· Have completed at least one semester of college

· Are pursuing an undergraduate degree

· Have at least one semester remaining before graduation

· Have contributed meaningfully to parish life at St. John’s

· Have demonstrated leadership within the Tallahassee community

· Are showing continued academic excellence

Application Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete digital application, including:

· current college transcript

· written essay

· two letters of recommendation

Applications must be submitted online by April 15, 2026. Award announcements will be made in May 2026. Questions about the scholarship and requests for a downloadable version of the application can be sent to mandyschnittker@gmail.com

APPLY HERE

Read on for more information about the history of the Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship and highlights from its 28 years of past recipients.

What is St. Mary’s Circle?

St. Mary’s Circle is a women’s fellowship group founded at St. John’s in 1933 with a mission to enrich parish life through service, stewardship, and community. Over the years, the Circle has supported a range of parish projects, including campus enhancements and the ongoing care and replacement of worship linens and vestments. In addition to supporting local organizations and parish ministries, one of its primary focuses is the annual awarding of a merit- and needs-based collegiate scholarship each spring—an enduring investment in young adults who have grown in faith and service at St. John’s.

History of the Scholarship

The Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship was established through an act of generosity rooted in the St. John’s community. In the early 1980s, St. John’s parishioner Everett Puri, then a student at Sewanee (the University of the South), faced the possibility of being unable to continue his studies due to his father’s serious illness. When members of St. John’s learned of his situation, Martha Lee Kuersteiner, a close family friend, worked with St. Mary’s Circle to provide financial support that allowed him to remain in school.

Years later, after completing his education and beginning his professional career, Puri made a significant gift to St. Mary’s Circle from the sale of stock he owned. He asked that the funds be used to create a scholarship for future college students who might need financial assistance—naming it in honor of Martha Lee Kuersteiner, whose compassion had made such a difference in his own life.

St. Mary’s Circle matched Puri’s initial contribution to establish the scholarship fund, which has grown steadily through additional gifts and memorials. Since the first scholarship was awarded in 1998, the annual award has continued to increase, allowing St. Mary’s Circle to support even more students in their academic pursuits.

About the Scholarship’s Namesake

Martha Lee Boone Kuersteiner was a respected civic and community leader in Tallahassee, a longtime member of St. Mary’s Circle, and a former vestry member at St. John’s Episcopal Church. A descendant of Daniel Boone and widow of Dr. Karl O. Kuersteiner, Dean of the Florida State University School of Music, she balanced an active public life with raising their family of eight.

Her contributions included serving as state president of the Junior Women’s Club, helping establish the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at FSU, and leading the FSU University Club. She was honored as “Mother of the Year” by the Tallahassee Democrat in 1952, and the Junior League of Tallahassee later created a community achievement award in her name.
These accomplishments reflect only part of her legacy. Martha Lee was known for her deep faith, her commitment to service, and her desire to help others grow and succeed—qualities that continue to inspire the scholarship bearing her name.

Past Scholarship Winners

Now in its 28th year, the Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship has supported many St. John’s students in their academic journeys. Our 2025 recipients were Tyler Schnittker and Eli Strayer. The 2024 scholarship was awarded to Felisha Herbin, who continued her studies at Florida State University. In 2023, the award supported Abby Schnittker and Kyndall Dickinson, and in 2022 the recipient was Shayna Singer, a choir member and assistant leader with the Joyful Noisemakers. She followed Neil Strayer, who spent a year studying in Dublin, Ireland.

The scholarship’s first recipient was Andy Ashler, a member of a longtime St. John’s family who has remained an active and dedicated parishioner throughout his life, later serving on the vestry. Other past honorees include Cecilia Graham Varnum, Michel Lester Gregory, Mary Hall Lester Chambers, Cecelia Zucconi-Evans, Fraleigh Krause, Marissa Hall (now St. John’s Assistant Choir Director), as well as Tom Doxsee, Sam Doxsee, and Cassie LaJeunesse.

These recipients represent nearly three decades of supporting young adults who have grown in faith and service at St. John’s.

APPLY HERE

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2025 Market Grant Recipents

clairedodd — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:16:36 +0000

St. John’s would like to extend a big “Thank you” to our team of market volunteers who baked, knitted, created, donated, organized, and more! You helped make 2025’s St. John’s Market Under the Stars an amazing success. The 2025 St. John’s Market Under the Stars took in $34.9K after expenses, which enabled us to award $16K in grants to local organizations.

Congratulations to the 2025 grant recipients, whose projects were selected to receive funding from the St. John’s Market Under the Stars Grants committee, and approved by the church Vestry.

The Alliance Française de Tallahassee
The Alliance Française de Tallahassee’s mission is to encourage and develop knowledge of the French language and francophone cultures globally and to foster cultural, intellectual and artistic understanding and relationships between the people of the Tallahassee / North Florida region and all French-speaking communities of Florida, Louisiana, French-speaking Canada, France, African Countries, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the South Pacific, South America, and all other French-speaking places in the world.

The grant awarded will go towards teacher development and local engagement.

Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition
A coalition of individuals and groups united to increase public safety and reduce recidivism through collaborating and establishing community partnerships.

The grant awarded will go towards tuition for 10 formerly incarcerated persons to attend anger management classes.

Big Bend Hospice
Positively impacting the way our community experiences serious illness or grief, by supporting individuals and their loved ones in the Big Bend.

The grant awarded will go towards essential patient care and comfort improvements at the Dozier Inpatient Unit.

The Blessing Cup
The Blessing Cup helps to improve the quality of life of the elderly poor in Leon County, Florida, by providing shelter, food, or clothing and by providing financial assistance.

The grant awarded will go towards Christmas gifts for 125 elderly in Leon County who are in need.

Elder Care Services
Elder Care Services is the leading provider of community-based senior care.

The grant awarded will go towards a new freezer for the main office’s food pantry.

Forgotten Coast K-9
Forgotten Coast K-9 is deeply committed to making a positive impact within the hero community by addressing the distressing rate of Veteran and First Responder suicides. Their main focus is to help provide individuals with highly trained service dogs along with comprehensive education and support.

The grant awarded will go towards completing repairs to property damaged by hurricanes.

Holocaust Education Resource Council
Providing instructional guidance, support and resources for educators who teach the history of the Holocaust, and educational programs for the community at-large.

The grant awarded will go towards a field trip for students to the Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, FL.

Humble House
The Humble House Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sober living homes for women in recovery.

The grant awarded will go towards a kitchen renovation for an addiction recovery transition facility for women.

Ghazvini Learning Center
The mission of The Ghazvini Learning Center is to create a unique and adaptable educational environment that will meet the needs and aspirations of our students

The grant awarded will go towards the creation of a safe and calming room for students experiencing anxiety and stress.

Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Goodwood Museum & Gardens connects our community as a setting where we preserve and share our history, enjoy the arts, and celebrate significant events in our lives.

The grant awarded will go towards the support of the Blended Lives Program for 4th graders.

KidSafe
KidSafe plays an important role in helping to reduce childhood injuries and death in the local communities of the Big Bend area of North Florida by providing adaptable safety seats to families with low incomes.

The grant awarded will go towards providing child safety seats for children living in low-income households.

Safe Families for Children
Safe Families for Children’s goal is to engage families via faith communities to open their homes to care for vulnerable children.

The grant awarded will go towards providing safety seats for newborns at TMH NICU.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Second Harvest of the Big bend is a nonprofit food bank that collects and distributes food to hunger-relief charities, and also through specialized programs and mobile food distributions undertaken with community partners.

The grant awarded will go towards the support of core food bank operations.

St. Francis Wildlife Association
St. Francis Wildlife Association provides humane care and rehabilitation for orphaned, injured and sick wildlife in North Florida and public education for our community.

The grant awarded will go towards replacing fencing damaged by storms for an enclosure to house fawns and other small mammals.

Tallahassee Bach Parley
Tallahassee Bach Parley provides concerts to the community and music education through the Bach Parley String Academy.

The grant awarded will go towards musical instrument accessories and materials.

Tallahassee Bail Fund
Tallahassee Bail Fund is a non-profit that pays bail for those who cannot afford it.

The grant awarded will go towards 20 pre-paid phones for use by persons waiting trial and out on bond.

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Annual Chili Cook-Off 2026

clairedodd — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:15:51 +0000

Get ready to spice things up! 🌶️

On Sunday, February 8, right after our Annual Parish Meeting, head to Alfriend Hall for one of the most delicious fundraisers of the year—the St. John’s Chili Cook-Off! Sample at least a dozen mouthwatering chilis and use your very own voting spoon to crown the 2026 St. John’s Chili Champ.

Entry: $10 per person, $5 for kids (max $30 per family)

Your voting spoon purchase includes:

Unlimited chili samples
Fran’s famous homemade cornbread
Cookies, tea, and lemonade
And yes… that all-important voting spoon

Wear your stretchiest, comfiest pants and come hungry for some friendly competition—all while supporting our summer youth mission to Quito, Ecuador.

Grab your spoons using the link below and let the chili showdown begin! If you’d like to enter a chili into the competition, contact Tyree Jordan.

PURCHASE YOUR VOTING SPOONS HERE

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2026 Ecuador Youth Mission

clairedodd — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:55:37 +0000

St. John’s youth will return to Quito, Ecuador – Wednesday, July 8 to Saturday, July 18, 2026!*

NOTE: On Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m. in Bishop’s Common, we’re going to hold an interest and informational meeting about the trip. We’ll go over the details, travel, and cost. You don’t want to miss out! Come along and hear all about it.

WHO: This trip is open to rising 9th through 12th graders.

WHAT: We will know more about our specific work areas as our time in Quito approaches, but typically it is a mix of children’s programs, improving the physical church building, a day or two of service in nearby homes of church parishioners, and worship with friends at the church. The itinerary is developed in partnership with Caroline and John Allen, and our ministry partners in Quito.

OVERALL COST: The expected overall cost for the trip is $2,200. However, our goal is to raise $800 per youth participant through group fundraising at church. This means, mission team members will be responsible for covering approximately $1,400. We encourage you to talk with your youth about how they can raise some of the remaining cost themselves (writing letters, working, or other fundraisers). Confidential scholarships are available and we are happy to work together to find an amount that is reasonable for your family. We can also help you develop an individual fundraising plan.

FUNDRAISERS: Our tentative list of fundraisers is available on the information form (see “resources” tab). Team members are expected to be involved each of these events which, in addition to raising funds, provide valuable opportunities for team building.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: Roughly half of the overall cost is airfare. Your participant fee includes travel insurance, all meals, lodging, private in-country transportation, cultural activities, and contributions to the ministries we will be partnering with in Quito.

NEXT STEPS: Submit your non-refundable deposit of $200 and a completed Youth Mission or Chaperone Information Form. Registration will be open until January 12, 2026 (or until our team is full).

*Please Note: dates could be adjusted one day on either end as flights are confirmed.*

REGISTER TODAY!

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Bun Run 2026 Schedule

clairedodd — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:00:45 +0000

Did you know that St. John’s has a dedicated team of drivers who deliver donated baked goods to The Kearney Center? Every Friday morning, a St. John’s volunteer drives donated bread, bagels, and cookies from Tasty Pastry Bakery directly to those in need. Thanks to the faithful efforts of many parishioners, tons of high-quality baked goods have been shared with grateful guests at The Kearney Center.

We still have a few spaces on this year’s schedule and would love your help! If you would like to make the Bun Run, even just once, add your name to the signup below. Contact Heather Jordan at heatherleila3@gmail.com with any questions.

Click here to learn more about all we do at the Kearney Center.

SIGN UP TODAY

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Advent & Christmas at St. John’s

clairedodd — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:29:48 +0000

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

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Market Under the Stars 2025

clairedodd — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 14:32:29 +0000

This fall, on Saturday, November 22, 6-9 PM, we will gather for Market Under the Stars, a festive celebration in Eve’s Garden and Alfriend Hall. With string lights twinkling overhead, experience the sounds of light jazz and laughter, and the joy of holiday shopping with purpose. This one-night-only event will blend the most meaningful elements of our historic St. John’s Market—dating back to the late 1800s—with the warmth of fellowship and the spirit of giving.

With our traditional holiday bazaar on hiatus this year, Market Under the Stars offers a joyful and meaningful alternative—a chance to come together to support outreach ministries and honor the legacy of generosity that has defined St. John’s for generations.

In addition to Chef Fran’s delicious hors d’oeurves and festive music, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a silent auction, and Market favorites, such as:

Handmade Gifts & Jewelry
Holiday Centerpieces & Arrangements
Sauces, Jams, & Jellies
Homemade Chili & Cornbread To Go
Sweet Treats, Cakes & Pies

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 after November 16. Your $40 ticket reflects the real cost of the event and the outreach it supports. Feeling generous? Feel free to give more in the donation box provided! If $40 is a stretch for you, we invite you to contact a member of the clergy in confidence. We want every St. John’s parishioner to be part of this joyful evening. (All tickets will be $50 after November 16.)

Note: Ticket purchases are processed through Zeffy, a platform designed for non-profits. During checkout, Zeffy may ask if you’d like to “Help keep Zeffy free for St. John’s Episcopal Church” by adding a small contribution. This is optional. To contribute, choose a percentage you’re comfortable with. To skip, simply select “Other” and enter $0.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Do you enjoy baking?

One of our most popular booths, featuring Sweet Treats, Cakes & Pies, is back! Sign up below to bring us your freshly baked breads, cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, and candies; anything to satisfy someone’s sweet tooth.

Jewelry Donations

We are collecting donations of costume and fine jewelry to sell at the Jewelry Booth. This is a great time to clean out your jewelry boxes and share your treasures that you are no longer wearing. Your donations will help fund the outreach dollars we give to our community.

We are limiting donations to ONLY JEWELRY this year. We will not be accepting accessories such as scarves and handbags.

You are welcome to drop items off in the collection bin in the Church Office.

Interested in being a sponsor?

We invite you to play a vital role in Market Under the Stars by joining us as an event sponsor. Your support will not only sustain the cherished tradition of St. John’s Market, but will also strengthen our parish and extend care to those in need through our outreach ministries. Click here to see the organizations who received a Market grant last year!

Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels, each with meaningful benefits and recognition. We would be honored to highlight your generosity in our event materials and throughout this special evening. Here are the three levels of sponsorship:

For any questions about sponsorship, please reach out to David Campbell, Fundraising Chair (850-545-9836) or fill out the interest form below (you can download the form, fill it out and return it to the office OR fill it out online and we’ll get in touch with you)—we would love to share how your partnership can make a lasting impact.

DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP INTEREST FORM

ONLINE SPONSORSHIP INTEREST FORM

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Welcome Home Supplies

clairedodd — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:21:37 +0000

We are delighted to announce that the Kearney Center has been able to place 100 people into more permanent housing! While housing may have been found, they still need some help to make it a “home.”

St. John’s — let’s help our neighbors fill their new homes by providing Welcome Home Supplies during the month of August!

Throughout the month of August, parishioners are invited to purchase items using the comprehensive list of supplies every new home needs below. You are welcome to drop items off in the labeled boxes in the front office.

Bedroom:
• Sheets/pillowcases
• Blanket
• Pillows x 2
• Hangers (5-10pk)
• Hamper

Kitchen:
• Dish soap and sponges
• Cooking pot (1-2)
• Oven mitts X2
• Dishtowels
• Cooking utensils: ladle, spatula, whisk, etc.
• Food storage containers/Tupperware
• Can opener
• Plates and bowls X 2
• Utensils (spoon, fork, knife)
• Cups
• Aluminum foil, plastic wrap
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags
• Trash bin

Bathroom:
• Bath towels x2
• Washcloths x2
• Shower curtain and liner
• Shower curtain clips
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Trash bin
• Hand soap
• Toilet brush
• Toilet plunger
• Toilet paper
• Shampoo/conditioner

Cleaning Supplies:
• Broom and dustpan if no carpet
• Mop/bucket
• Cleaning supplies – disinfectant, toilet bowl cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner
• Rags
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener/dryer sheet

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Bun Run 2025 Schedule

clairedodd — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:48:22 +0000

Click here to learn more about all we do at the Kearney Center.

SIGN UP TODAY

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2025 Riley School Supply Drive

clairedodd — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:48:02 +0000

Sharpen your pencils… school is almost back in session! St. John’s Episcopal Church has supported our partner school, Riley Elementary, for years with mentoring, volunteerism, teacher recognition, and more. We plan to do the same this year by helping the student body start the year with all the items they need to learn and succeed!

You can help by purchasing school supplies and dropping them off at church by Wednesday, July 30. There will be a collection box in the Calhoun Street lobby near the church office.

If you can’t make it to the store, check out our Amazon Wishlist! Click here to view the list, and after you fill your cart, all the items will be shipped to directly to St. John’s.

Riley administrators have identified the most-needed items:

#2 PENCILS
TICONDEROGA PENCILS
BIG PINK ERASERS
PLASTIC PENCIL BOXES
DRY ERASE MARKERS & BOARD ERASERS FOR STUDENTS
PERSONAL DRY ERASE BOARDS
HEADPHONES (BIG, STURDY ONES)
CRAYONS (24 COUNT) OR JUMBO SIZE
COLORED PENCILS
HIGHLIGHTERS
MARKERS
BLUE AND RED PENS
SHARPIES
WHITE OUT
FOLDERS WITH POCKETS AND PRONGS
1/2-INCH BINDERS (WHITE AND BLACK)
1 INCH BINDERS
5 INCH BINDERS
WIDE-RULED NOTEBOOK PAPER
CONSTRUCTION PAPER
POST-IT NOTES
COMPOSITION NOTEBOOKS
COLORED PRINTER PAPER
RULERS
PROTRACTORS
GLUE STICKS
STAPLES
PAPER CLIPS
BINDER CLIPS
ROLLS OF TAPE
INDEX CARDS
DICTIONARIES
HAND SANITIZER
LYSOL SPRAY
DISINFECTANT WIPES
KLEENEX BOXES
ZIPLOC BAGS (SANDWICH, QUART, AND GALLON)

All items collected will be provided to students at John G. Riley Elementary by coordinators from our “Lend a Hand” program, who will ensure the items are delivered before the start of the school year.

If you wish to make a monetary donation to the program instead, please do so by check, ATTN: Nancy Barfield (note “Riley” or “school supplies” in the memo line). You can also MAKE A DONATION ONLINE by selecting “pass thru” from the drop-down menu and indicating this is a “Riley/school supplies” donation.

MAKE A DONATION

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Walking the Mourner’s Path – Winter 2025

clairedodd — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:37:58 +0000

When someone in our life dies, it affects our entire being. Twice a year, St. John’s offers “Walking the Mourner’s Path,” a six- to eight-week grief support program that is grounded in prayer and reminds us that we are not alone in our grief. In March-April 2025, we will once again be offering this program in partnership with Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.

If you have lost a loved one and have walked the path of grief over the past year or years, “Walking the Mourner’s Path” may be what you need. Open to St. John’s and Holy Comforter members and the community alike, the program gathers participants for a series of small-group workshops. It’s different than a Sunday morning faith formation program, but the format allows time for being still together, sharing stories, and seeing where God is in our grief and in our hope.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is this program like counseling?

Why is the program just six to eight weeks long?

Who will lead the series of workshops?

Our program has been led by Erik and Melanie Salsgiver. The individuals who will be guiding the workshops are trained so all participants who attend the program find a safe and spirit-filled place to journey in their grief.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION (winter 2025):

The spring 2025 series of workshops will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 5:00 – 6:30 PM. Gatherings will alternate meeting at St. John’s Episcopal Church and Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Gatherings begin on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 and will be held weekly through Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (We will meet mostly on Tuesdays, with a few exceptions). There is a $65 fee* to cover the cost of the workbook.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive more information after you register, but please feel free to contact Melanie Salsgiver with additional questions or for more details.

*Please note that this cost should not prohibit you from attending. Scholarships are available as needed.

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St. Mary’s Circle Scholarship – 2025

clairedodd — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:10:58 +0000

Scholarship amount grows and expands to college students at all levels!

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship, a $2,000 need- and merit-based award. All St. John’s college students who have participated in worship can apply for this $2,000 scholarship to help support their college education. Read on for information about the 2025 scholarship award and its history, with a rundown of some past scholarship recipients.

2025 Scholarship Eligibility: The $2,000 scholarship is a need- and merit-based award. College students known to have participated in worship at St. John’s are eligible to apply. To be considered, students must share a completed application, a current college transcript, a written essay, and two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the church rector. Completed application packets must be mailed to the address provided or returned to the church office, or emailed to mariannebryant@gmail.com by April 15, 2025.

Read on for information about the 2024 scholarship award, a list of past recipients, and the story of how St. Mary’s Circle established this scholarship, which is now in its 26th year!

What is St. Mary’s Circle?

St. Mary’s Circle is a women’s group that was founded at St. John’s in 1933 for the purpose of fellowship and to help support projects that improve parish life. While St. Mary’s Circle meets a variety of church needs, their primary project is to provide a merit- and needs-based collegiate scholarship in the spring of each year.

About the Scholarship’s Namesake

Martha Lee Boone Kuersteiner was a beloved community and civic leader in Tallahassee. She served on the vestry at St. John’s and was a member of St. Mary’s Circle. A claimed descendant of Daniel Boone, she was the widow of Dr. Karl O. Kuersteiner, Dean of the School of Music at Florida State University. While raising their family of eight children, Martha Lee was named “Mother of the Year” by the Tallahassee Democrat in 1952. She served as state president of the Junior Women’s Club, and the Junior League of Tallahassee established a community achievement award in her honor. She assisted with the founding of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at FSU and served as President of the FSU University Club. She was a board member of the Florida Heritage Foundation. These are only a few of her accomplishments. To know Martha Lee was to be inspired by her desire to help others achieve success and grow in love with Christ.

History of the Scholarship

In the early 1980s, while working on his degree at Sewanee (the University of the South) a young St. John’s parishioner named Everett Puri was faced with a problem. His father had become seriously ill and there was the possibility Everett would not be able to return to school. When word reached St. John’s Episcopal Church, Martha Lee Kuersteiner, a close friend of the Puri family stepped in and rallied members of St. Mary’s Circle to help provide this young man the funds necessary to continue his college education. Quite a few years later, Everett Puri repaid this gift with one of his own in the form of a cash donation from the sale of stock he owned. Puri asked that St. Mary’s Circle and St. John’s use this money to establish a scholarship fund for another aspiring college student who might need financial assistance. He requested that the fund be named after his loving friend, Martha Lee Kuersteiner. Everett Puri went on to graduate from college. He is now a broker with J.P. Morgan Securities, a past Trustee of Sewanee, and he serves on the University’s Board of Regents.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe initial gift from the sale of the stock resulted in approximately $1,200. St. Mary’s matched this amount to purchase a Certificate of Deposit. Through interest and other gifts and memorials to the fund, the CD steadily increased in value. The first award of $500 was made in the spring of 1998. In 2009, the scholarship was raised to $750 and by 2022 the amount has increased to $1,500. Just this year, the amount was again increased to $2,000.

Past Scholarship Winners

This scholarship is now in its 27th year. Last year, Felisha Herbin won the scholarship to continue her education at FSU. In 2023, Abby Schnittker and Kyndall Dickinson won the award. Shanya Singer, choir member and one of our Joyful Noisemakers assistant leaders, was our 2022 scholarship recipient. She followed Neil Strayer who spent a year studying in Dublin, Ireland. The first recipient was Andy Ashler, who was a St. John’s Youth member years ago. As an adult, Andy returned to active parish life at St. John’s and served on the vestry. Others include Cecilia Graham Varnum, daughter of Jim Graham and granddaughter of the Rev. Lee and Betty Graham; Michel Lester Gregory and Mary Hall Lester Chambers, daughters of Trilly Lester; Cecelia Zucconi-Evans, longtime choir member; Fraleigh Krause, daughter of Robin Krause; Marissa Hall, who is now our Assistant Choir Director; plus, Tom and Sam Doxsee, and Cassie LaJeunesse.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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2024 Market Grant Recipients

clairedodd — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 17:35:06 +0000

St. John’s would like to extend a big “Thank you” to our team of market volunteers who baked, knitted, curated, donated, organized, and more! You helped make 2024’s St. John’s Market a wonderful success. The 2024 St. John’s Market took in $31.4K after expenses, which enabled us to award $15.7K in grants to local organizations. The remaining $15.7K will help support St. John’s mission, programs, and ministries.

Congratulations to the 2024 grant recipients, whose projects were selected to receive funding from the St. John’s Market Grants committee, and approved by the church Vestry.

2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS:

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will go towards funding spay/neuter vouchers.

Visit their websit e to learn how Be the Solution is dedicated to preventing the cycle of suffering for unwanted pets living in shelters and on the street by promoting and facilitating affordable spay and neuter surgeries.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help provide winter supplies for many people living in Tallahassee.

Visit the Beyond the Pantry’s website to learn about this Tallahassee-based non-profit that sources and
shares basic-needs products: the expensive necessities of life beyond food that many of us take for granted.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will go towards their peer support program activities.

Visit the Big Bend AFTER (A Fight To End Recidivism) Reentry Coalition website to learn more about how they are working to increase public safety and reduce recidivism through collaborating and establishing community partnerships, identifying and providing services to currently and formerly incarcerated people, empowering them to become proactive, self-sufficient members of the community.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help purchase items to better serve their patients.

Visit the Big Bend Hospice website to learn how they are positively impacting the way our community experiences serious illness or grief, by supporting individuals and their loved ones in the Big Bend.

The Blessing Cup of Tallahassee, INC

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help purchase a washer and dryer for a Tallahassee resident.

Visit the Blessing Cup of Tallahassee’s website to learn how they help to improve the quality of life of the elderly poor in Leon County, Florida, by providing shelter, food, or clothing and by providing financial assistance.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help rebuild and replace kennels damaged in Hurricane Helene.

Visit Forgotten Coast K9’s website website to learn how they are deeply committed to making a positive impact within the hero community by addressing the distressing rate of Veteran and First Responder suicides. Their main focus is to help provide individuals with highly trained service dogs along with comprehensive education and support.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund the Blended Lives Project which will help over 3000 Leon County School students learn about ethnic and racial harmony.

Visit the Goodwood Museum & Garden website to learn more about this historical site in Tallahassee.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund the CARE Program which includes care packages, travel and utilities, and grief counseling.

Visit the Hang Tough Foundation’s website to learn how the Hang Tough Foundation offers resources and encouragement to families during their journey with childhood illness and special needs.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help furnish a recreation space and lounge for their residents.

Visit Independence Landing’s website to learn about this not-for-profit corporation, the mission of which is to build, own, and operate an affordable safe, planned residential community for adults with varying intellectual and/or developmental disabilities allowing residents to successfully lead independent and fulfilled lives.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund KidSafe’s Look Before You Lock marketing materials as they expand into Gadsden County.

Visit KidSafe’s website to learn how they play an important role in helping to reduce childhood injuries and death in the local communities of the Big Bend area of North Florida by providing adaptable safety seats to families with low incomes.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund baby showers for six expectant refugee families.

Visit That’s Neighborly’s website to learn more about how their vision to deinstitutionalize charity by helping you become friends with those at a disadvantage, thus, making poverty personal.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund metal enclosures to help quarantine and keep the wild animals safe from disease.

Visit the St. Francis Wildlife Association website to learn how they provide humane care and rehabilitation for orphaned, injured and sick wildlife in North Florida and public education for our community.

San Pedro Apostal Organoponic Garden Project

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund irrigation supplies for our friends in Zorilla, Cuba.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help with food distribution of no-cost meals to low-income and food insecure children and families throughout the Big Bend.

Visit the Second Harvest of the Big Bend website to learn how this nonprofit food bank collects and distributes food to hunger-relief charities, and also through specialized programs and mobile food distributions undertaken with community partners.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help source new instruments for their students.

Visit the Tallahassee Bach Parley website to learn more about this organization that provides concerts to the community and music education through the Bach Parley String Academy.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help support their Restorative Justice Program.

Visit the Tallahassee Bail Fund website to learn about their mission to pay bail for those who cannot afford it.

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Advent & Christmas at St. John’s

stjohnadmin — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:02:21 +0000

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

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

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2024 Market Grant Applications Available

clairedodd — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:21:16 +0000

The St. John’s Market will be here before we know it! Information about booths, volunteer needs, and more for this annual event (Saturday, November 23), can be found on the ST. JOHN’S MARKET section of our website.

While this annual holiday bazaar is a popular fellowship and community-building event, it is also one of St. John’s largest outreach projects. Market proceeds support both parish ministries and community organizations. Each year, 50 percent of the money raised at our annual Market is designated for outreach and is awarded to organizations that address a current critical need in the community. The grants can be used for supplies, educational materials, equipment, or infrastructure for non-profit organizations. Past market grants have been awarded to agencies such as the Alzheimer’s Project, Big Bend Hospice, Boy’s Town North Florida, Elder Care Services, Habitat for Humanity, The Kearney Center, Second Harvest, Grace Mission, Oasis Center for Women & Girls, Tallahassee Bail Fund, and more.

2023 Market Grant Recipients

This year’s deadline for grant submissions is November 18, 2024. Notification of grant awards will be made the week before Christmas and checks will be cut and mailed before December 31, 2024.

Please direct all questions about Market Grants to Holly Sinco, Administrator for the Clergy & Engagement.

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Farewell to The Saint John’s Bible

clairedodd — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:02:49 +0000

What began as an idea while visiting the Episcopal Parish Network Conference in 2023 turned into a parish-wide Year of the Bible supported by The Saint John’s Bible‘s beautiful illuminations and history. St. John’s is so grateful for the opportunity to house the Gospels and Acts Volume this past year. We will now send it on its way back to Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Whether on the road or at home on our church campus, The Saint John’s Bible brought beauty and inspiration to our community since September 2023.

Our dedicated docents took The Saint John’s Bible to schools, churches, community groups, book clubs, the State Capitol, and parishioner homes. Not to mention using it to read the Gospel nearly every Sunday this year. Thank you to all our docents, vergers, acolytes, church staff, and leadership for their hard work ensuring that our brothers and sisters in Christ heard about the Bible’s history and saw the beautiful illuminations up close.

Tim Ternes showing the St. John’s Choir School the Wisdom Volume.

Along the way, we collected several of our favorite facts about The Saint John’s Bible. Did you know…

The SJB is the first handwritten illuminated Bible of its scale in over 500 years.
The translation of this Bible is the Catholic Edition of New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
The NRSV was chosen because of its wide use among Christian denominations.
Each full page of calligraphy took approximately 8 to 12 hours
A Jewish scribe drew the Hebrew script.
Six artists created over 160 major illuminations.
Six calligraphers hand wrote all 1,150 pages on approximately 300 sheets of calfskin vellum.
While God is never depicted in the Bible, gold leaf is used to represent him in the illuminations. Since humans were made in the image of God, the gold leaf’s reflective properties add a meaningful weight to the artwork.
In order to share The Saint John’s Bible with the world, Saint John’s asked Donald Jackson to direct the creation of the Heritage Edition.
The Heritage Edition is the only full-scale, illuminated, fine art edition of the Bible.
Limited to only 299 seven-volume sets, Mr. Jackson’s goal was to make the Heritage Edition “true to the artistic intent of the original.”
No two Heritage Editions are identical because many illuminations required hand treatments by the Scriptorium’s studio manager, Sarah Harris.

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Sharing the Bible at Holy Comforter School.

Sharing the Bible with a parishioner at her home.

Sharing the Bible at the State Capitol on Ash Wednesday.

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2024 Riley School Supply Drive

clairedodd — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:22:20 +0000

You can help by purchasing school supplies and dropping them off at church by Monday, August 5. There will be a collection box in the Calhoun Street lobby near the church office.

Riley administrators have identified the most-needed items:

#2 PENCILS
TICONDEROGA PENCILS
BIG PINK ERASERS
PLASTIC PENCIL BOXES
DRY ERASE MARKERS & BOARD ERASERS FOR STUDENTS
PERSONAL DRY ERASE BOARDS
HEADPHONES (BIG, STURDY ONES)
CRAYONS (24 COUNT) OR JUMBO SIZE
COLORED PENCILS
HIGHLIGHTERS
MARKERS
BLUE AND RED PENS
SHARPIES
WHITE OUT
FOLDERS WITH POCKETS AND PRONGS
1/2-INCH BINDERS (WHITE AND BLACK)
1 INCH BINDERS
5 INCH BINDERS
WIDE-RULED NOTEBOOK PAPER
CONSTRUCTION PAPER
POST-IT NOTES
COMPOSITION NOTEBOOKS
COLORED PRINTER PAPER
RULERS
PROTRACTORS
GLUE STICKS
STAPLES
PAPER CLIPS
BINDER CLIPS
ROLLS OF TAPE
INDEX CARDS
DICTIONARIES
HAND SANITIZER
LYSOL SPRAY
DISINFECTANT WIPES
KLEENEX BOXES
ZIPLOC BAGS (SANDWICH, QUART, AND GALLON)

MAKE A DONATION

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING OR MENTORING?

Leon County Schools is always looking for new mentors and adult volunteers.

St. John’s home school is Riley Elementary, but you can serve at the Leon County school of your choice. If you would like to assist in a classroom, mentor a child for one hour a week, or volunteer in any capacity, please fill out the Leon County Schools Volunteer Application. New volunteers will need to complete background screening and fingerprinting (free of charge) and training IS also available! Whether you are new or whether you volunteer currently, a volunteer application is required annually and will be valid from the date of completion through June 30, 2025.

COMPLETE APPLICATION

Questions? Please EMAIL WENDY ERNST our Mentoring Program and “Lend a Hand” Program Co-Chair.

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GPL Enters 5th Year!

clairedodd — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:13:25 +0000

St. John’s Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) will begin its fifth season of classes in fall 2024. This initiative, which was started by staff and lay leaders, gathers high school students in a small group setting for lunch and a monthly discussion about sharing in God’s abundance through investment. There are three classes that meet on Sundays (September through April) during the program year!

WHO IT IMPACTS: Through the GPL program, Youth are entrusted with church funds to make micro-loans (through kiva.org) and positively impact people in the US and around the world.

WHAT YOU LEARN: Using scripture and group discussion, we consider “who is our neighbor?” and how can we share God’s abundance by investing in others. Additionally, Youth learn about risk, diversification, barriers to capital, and debt. They acquire a basic understanding of loans, what life is like for the poorest of the poor, and what kinds of programs do and don’t help. They also learn the difference between spending one’s own money and being entrusted with the responsibility of being good stewards of church funds. Youth involved in GPL take on leadership roles, deepen their faith, and work together to create a final presentation for the parish.

PROGRAM LEADERS: GPL is led by Stephanie Amidon (lay leader) and Youth Ministry leaders, along with parishioners and professionals from the Tallahassee community in the fields of education, finance, government, economics, biology, and technology: Ben Bowersox, Austin Carroll, Jeff Couch, JR Saginario, and Bo Shippen.

COURSES OFFERED: All new students must first attend the “Year 1” session. Returning students will have the option of continuing with our “Year 2” curriculum or advancing to our “Year 3” offering.

Year 1: global philanthropy, micro-loans, personal finance, global poverty, and hunger
Year 2: economic impact of racism in America
Year 3: creation care – investing in a sustainable future

TIME COMMITMENT: We ask that Youth commit to attending ALL sessions on the following dates. Gatherings will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on Sundays, unless otherwise indicated:

September 22, 2024
October 3, 2024 (Thursday at 6 PM) – Dinner & Movie
October 27, 2024
November 17, 2024
December 15, 2024
January 26, 2025
February 23, 2025
March 30, 2025
April 27, 2025 – Parish Presentation during Coffee & Connection Hour

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION: Upon acceptance into GPL, we request that all first-year students contribute $25 at the first Sunday session, preferably from their own savings/earnings to combine with funds provided by St. John’s to make loans. This by no means should be a barrier for anyone, need-based scholarships will be available upon request. Returning students will invest with accumulated loan repayments.

Use the form below to apply for the 2024-25 Global Philanthropy Leaders program. Applications will be accepted through 7/31/24. Please contact Stephanie Amidon with questions regarding GPL or the application process.

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2024 Summer Youth Service Opportunities

clairedodd — Tue, 28 May 2024 18:52:38 +0000

Jesus says to us, “Serve one another as I have served you.” As a part of our faith, we are called to serve with the talents that God has given us. Each summer, St. John’s Youth Ministry provides opportunities for middle and high schoolers to learn about service, guided by adults who have vowed to love and support them along their faith journey.

Consider joining St. John’s this summer for one of our youth service opportunities. We hope participating youth will then take what they have learned and apply it to their everyday lives: serving others in their schools, at church, and even in their own homes.

Every summer since 2014, St. John’s has offered a way for youth to come together and serve in our community. Youth B.E.A.T, which stands for Youth Being Extraordinary Around Tallahassee, has sent young people to a variety of partnering organizations over the years, ranging from homeless shelters and food banks to nursing homes and schools. This summer, we will be offering Youth B.E.A.T. service opportunities. Follow the link for more detailed descriptions. More opportunities are on the way!

ST. JOHN’S VBS

WEEK OF JUNE 24-28
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

St. John’s Vacation Bible School is headed to Camp Firelight… and we need volunteers! This year, VBS will be held in the evening, for rising PK4 through rising 5th graders, and will feature discovery, arts & crafts, stories, and mission projects. However, this week is not possible without adult volunteers and our amazing youth helpers. Share your contact information on our volunteer form (link below), and we’ll put you to work helping our adult volunteers shepherd groups of children around campus or assisting with activities during VBS week.

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12
Time: 5 to 8 PM
Service Hours: 15 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

SECOND HARVEST

TUESDAY, JULY 2 & TUESDAY, JULY 9
SERVING AT SECOND HARVEST
Join us to help Second Harvest pack produce that will be distributed to the many food insecure families in our area. Second Harvest is doing all they can to help families have regular, healthy meals. Let’s help them out!

We’ll meet at St. John’s at 11:30 AM for lunch, then head to Second Harvest to start serving at 1 PM. When our shift is finished, we’ll head back to St. John’s for snacks and chance to talk about our afternoon. Youth can be picked up at 4 PM from St. John’s. Transportation from St. John’s to Second Harvest will be provided. If you would like to help volunteer to transport youth, please tick yes in the additional questions below.

NOTE: Second Harvest will need everyone attending (adults & children) to sign up beforehand for whichever date they will be attending via the link found in your confirmation email. Once you click the link, you will be directed to create an account (or sign into an existing account) and then you will be able to view the calendar and sign up for the shift (Tuesday, July 2, 1-3 PM AND/OR Tuesday, July 9, 1-3 PM) and see more details. Your accounts will also include Second Harvest’s online waivers. Everyone volunteering must have an account and sign up ahead of time. Closed-toed shoes are required and comfortable clothing is encouraged.

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12 (youth must be at least 13 years old)
Time: 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Service Hours: 3 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW – JULY 2

VOLUNTEER NOW – JULY 9

KEARNEY CENTER

THURSDAY, JULY 25
SERVING AT THE KEARNEY CENTER
Join us for an evening of serving meals to our neighbors at Tallahassee’s homeless shelter. St. John’s assists with dinner service twice a month at The Kearney Center, where those experiencing homelessness can come for daily meals, shelter, and comprehensive emergency services. Our team will relieve the parishioners who typically volunteer on the 4th Thursday. We’ll serve meals, fill beverage cups, distribute cutlery, bus tables, and get to know the guests. Drop-off will take place at The Kearney Center, where we will meet as a group before heading in to serve. Pick-up at the same spot.

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12 (youth must be at least 13 years old)
Time: 5 to 7:30 PM
Service Hours: 2.5 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

GRACE MISSION

TUESDAY, JULY 30
SERVING AT GRACE MISSION

Join us to help Grace Mission with some cleaning, organizing, and gardening. Grace Mission is doing all they can to help feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and heal the sick. Let’s help them out!

We’ll meet at St. John’s at 11:30 AM for lunch, then head to Grace Mission to start serving at 1 PM. When our shift is finished, we’ll head back to St. John’s for snacks and chance to talk about our afternoon. Youth can be picked up at 4 PM from St. John’s. Transportation from St. John’s to Grace Mission will be provided. If you would like to help volunteer to transport youth, please tick yes in the additional questions below.

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12 (youth must be at least 13 years old)
Time: 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Service Hours: 3 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

ST. JOHN’S CEMETERY

MONDAY, AUGUST 5
HELP TIDY THE ST. JOHN’S CEMETERY

Volunteer with the Diggers for our final BEAT activity of the summer. This is an opportunity to experience how some amazing Tallahassee history connects to our lives today and help preserve this story as the future unfolds. Wear closed toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a water bottle and a snack, too!

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12 (youth must be at least 13 years old)
Time: 8:30 TO 11:30 AM
Service Hours: 3 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

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Walking the Mourner’s Path – Spring 2024

clairedodd — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:27:59 +0000

When someone in our life dies, it affects our entire being. Twice a year, St. John’s offers “Walking the Mourner’s Path,” a six- to eight-week grief support program that is grounded in prayer and reminds us that we are not alone in our grief. In spring 2024, we will once again be offering this program in partnership with Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is this program like counseling?

Why is the program just six to eight weeks long?

Who will lead the series of workshops?

Our program has been led by Melanie Salsgiver, and Deacon Joe Bakker. The individuals who will be guiding the workshops are trained so all participants who attend the program find a safe and spirit-filled place to journey in their grief.

What do past participants say?

“I spent over half my life with my husband and when he died, I wasn’t sure who I was and who I would be. Walking the Mourner’s Path helped me see the path forward for my life and relieved me of the heaviness I felt. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who is on a grief journey.” – Marcy Muldrow-Sanders, St. John’s parishioner

REGISTRATION INFORMATION (fall 2023):

The spring 2024 series of workshops will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 – 4:30 PM. Gatherings will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Gatherings begin on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 and will be held weekly through Wednesday, June 12, 2024. There is a $65 fee* to cover the cost of the workbook.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive more information after you register, but please feel free to contact Melanie Salsgiver with additional questions or for more details.

*Please note that this cost should not prohibit you from attending. Scholarships are available as needed.

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Where Has the Bible Been (Jan/Feb 2024)

clairedodd — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:26:26 +0000

Whether on the road or at home on our church campus, The Saint John’s Bible has been bringing beauty and inspiration to our community since September 2023. The Acts and Gospels volume of The Saint John’s Bible is on loan to St. John’s until late 2024. We can’t wait to share this work of art with more groups, both in our parish and beyond, as we start this new year!

In January and February, our docents were busy sharing the Bible with schools, churches, community groups, book clubs, the State Capitol, plus a two-day visit with Tim Ternes, the Director of The Saint john’s Bible. We love that our brothers and sisters in Christ are enjoying hearing about the Bible’s history and seeing the beautiful illuminations up close.

St. John’s Friday Book Study (January 19).

The Elk’s Club “Widows Group” (January 22).

We loved visiting with the children of Kingdom Life Tabernacle School! (January 31)

The children were so excited to see the illuminations! (January 31)

We’re so grateful we had the chance to share the SJB with them. (January 31)

Everyone learned a lot! (January 31)

The SJB went with us to St. Michael & All Angels for the Feast of Absalom Jones. (February 11)

Ash Wednesday saw the SJB in our State Capitol Building for Ashes to Go. (February 14)

So many people got the chance to explore its pages on Ash Wednesday. (February 14)

Tim Ternes, Director of the Saint John’s Bible joined us for two days in February for four events! (February 28-29)

No Caption

We continue to hold docent training sessions, so we are equipped to share The Saint John’s Bible with as many groups as possible. Requests have been coming in and connections are being made with area churches and local organizations like schools, civic groups, and more!

To reserve a date to experience The Saint John’s Bible, with your family, small group, class, or community organization, please fill out the form to “Request the Bible.”

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A Full Summer 2024

clairedodd — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:46:12 +0000

Have you ever seen a problem and felt like someone should do something about it? Well, when it was discovered that 1 in 5 children in Leon County struggles with food insecurity, an initiative was submitted to St. John’s Strategic Planning Visioning Day in 2012 and A FULL SUMMER was born!

A FULL SUMMER’s mission is to help local food insecure children. What started as a meal assembly in Alfriend Hall in 2013 has evolved into a Snack Pack at Godby High School and a mechanism to help sponsor 9 Leon County School food pantries, and underwrite the Hope 24/7 Food Locker monitoring fee at Sabal Palm Elementary.

A FULL SUMMER Snack Pack takes place on Saturday, June 1, at Godby High School from 10 AM – 12 PM. For two hours volunteers from all parts of our community come together to pack nutritious snacks for our local children. Second Harvest of the Big Bend then takes our snacks and distributes them to agencies that provide services to food-insecure children during the summer. You can sign up below to be part of this year’s event!

St. John’s has supported A FULL SUMMER with donations and volunteers since the beginning. A FULL SUMMER would not exist without the church. So, we invite you to join us again!

Slots fill up fast, so don’t wait to register! Get your friends, small groups, Bible study, or anyone you’d like to spend a couple of hours with doing good while having fun!

VOLUNTEER NOW

No child should go hungry. Together let’s do something to help children who struggle with hunger.

For more information, please visit email Laurye Messer at lauryemesser@gmail.com.

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St. Mary’s Circle Scholarship – 2024

clairedodd — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:36:40 +0000

Scholarship amount grows and expands to college students at all levels!

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship, a $2,000 need- and merit-based award. Members of St. John’s who have successfully completed at least one semester (or equivalent) of college and are known to have participated in worship are eligible to apply. To be considered for this year’s scholarship, completed application packets must be received by April 22, 2024.

Read on for information about the 2024 scholarship award, a list of past recipients, and the story of how St. Mary’s Circle established this scholarship, which is now in its 26th year!

What is St. Mary’s Circle?

About the Scholarship’s Namesake

History of the Scholarship

Past Scholarship Winners

This scholarship is now in its 26th year. Last year, Mandy Schnittker and Kendall Dickinson won the award. Shanya Singer, choir member and one of our Joyful Noisemakers assistant leaders, was our 2022 scholarship recipient. She followed Neil Strayer who spent a year studying in Dublin, Ireland. The first recipient was Andy Ashler, who was a St. John’s Youth member years ago. As an adult, Andy returned to active parish life at St. John’s and served on the vestry. Others include Cecilia Graham Varnum, daughter of Jim Graham and granddaughter of the Rev. Lee and Betty Graham; Michel Lester Gregory and Mary Hall Lester Chambers, daughters of Trilly Lester; Cecelia Zucconi-Evans, longtime choir member; Fraleigh Krause, daughter of Robin Krause; Marissa Hall, who is now our Assistant Choir Director; plus, Tom and Sam Doxsee, and Cassie LaJeunesse.

2024 Scholarship Eligibility

St. John’s members who have completed at least one semester of college (or equivalent) may apply for this $2,000 scholarship to help support their college education. To be considered for the scholarship, students must share a completed application, a current college transcript, a written essay, and two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the church rector. Completed application packets must be emailed in pdf format or dropped off at the church office by April 15, 2024. Applications are also available in the church office. Please contact Marianne Bryant with any questions at mariannebryant@gmail.com or (850) 508-2964.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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2023 Market Grant Recipients

clairedodd — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:13:00 +0000

St. John’s would like to extend a big “Thank you” to our team of market volunteers who baked, knitted, curated, donated, organized, and more! You helped make 2023’s St. John’s Market a wonderful success. The 2023 St. John’s Market took in $27.5K after expenses, which enabled us to award $14.5K in grants to local organizations. The remaining $12.9K will help support St. John’s mission, programs, and ministries.

Congratulations to the 2023 grant recipients, whose projects were selected to receive funding from the St. John’s Market Grants committee, and approved by the church Vestry.

2023 GRANT RECIPIENTS:

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will go towards funding 400 lunches to be served at their Respite Lunch which aims to enhance social interactions and nutritious food.

Visit their website to learn how the Alzheimer’s Project provides comfort, support, and assistance to persons with memory disorders and their caregivers across the Big Bend area.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will go towards helping people access government required documents and identification, employment, and all the essentials needed to assist in their re-entry into the community.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help furnish the chapel in their new in-patient hospice program at TMH.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help establish a recreational fund for their family home campus which encompasses 28 families.

Visit the Boys Town North Florida website to learn how they help children and families heal and grow in mind, body, and spirit.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund the Blended Lives Project which will help over 3000 Leon County School students learn about ethnic and racial harmony.

Visit the Goodwood Museum & Garden website to learn more about this historical site in Tallahassee.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help fund their first printed yearbooks.

Visit the Havana Magnet School website to learn how they are working to achieve a legacy of developing young minds that utilize critical thinking skills to creatively approach challenges and embrace diversity.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help support school field trips to the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, FL.

Visit the Holocaust Education Resource Council website to learn how they provide instructional guidance, support and resources for educators who teach the history of the Holocaust, and educational programs that engage the community at-large.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund the KidSafe Look Before You Lock program.

Visit the Lutheran Social Services of North Florida, Inc. website to learn how they operate five very different community outreach programs that share an important commonality… the ability to help those facing hardships stabilize their lives and earn a fresh start.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help replenish the Oasis Center’s emergency closet (clothing, personal items, etc.) to assist single mothers experiencing financial crisis.

Visit the Oasis Center for Women & Girls to learn how their community resource center brings women and girls together to dream, achieve, and thrive.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund their weekly market program which helps supply their students with clothing, backpacks, and self-care items.

Visit the Augusta Raa Arts Magnet Middle School website to learn how they provide an educational setting designed to prepare students to be successful lifelong learners.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund metal enclosures to help quarantine and keep the wild animals safe from disease.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help with food distribution of no-cost meals to low-income and food insecure children and families throughout the Big Bend.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund the KONG Project which gives each animal specialized attention and enrichment.

Visit the Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation website to learn how, through the help of community events and donations, to make a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help expand the organization’s sheet music library and source instrument part replacements.

Visit the Tallahassee Bach Parley website to learn more about this organization that provides concerts to the community and music education through the Bach Parley String Academy.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund 20 post-release care packages designed for those who have limited financial resources, housing instability, and health issues.

Visit the Tallahassee Bail Fund website to learn about their mission to pay bail for those who cannot afford it.

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Where Has the Bible Been (Nov/Dec 2023)

stjohnadmin — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:18:07 +0000

Whether on the road or at home on our church campus, The Saint John’s Bible has been bringing beauty and inspiration to our community since September 2023. The Acts and Gospels volume of The Saint John’s Bible has been is on loan to St. John’s until late 2024. We can’t wait to share this work of art with more groups, both in our parish and beyond, as we start this new year!

In November and December, our docents were busy sharing the Bible with schools, churches, community groups, and even visitors to St. John’s Lively Cafe. We love that our brothers and sisters in Christ are enjoying hearing about the Bible’s history and seeing the beautiful illuminations up close.

Some of the youngest children from HCES enjoying The Saint John’s Bible (November 6)

Middle Schoolers from HCES viewing the Bible’s beautiful illuminations (November 6)

The Bible is a treat for all ages! It was a key part of the weekly lower and middle school chapel lessons at Holy Comforter Episcopal School (November 6)

Parishioners from the Episcopal Church of the Advent learned all about the Bible from docent Chuck Hinson.

Stories were shared for hours after worship at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (November 27)

Parishioners from St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church enjoyed visiting with the Bible and our docents after worship one Sunday (November 27)

We were delighted to share the Bible’s story and illuminations with Maclay School’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (December 8)

Maclay students enjoyed the Bible during their December FCA meeting (December 8)

Parishioners at the Episcopal Church of the Advent perused the Bible’s illuminations following worship on the Third Sunday of Advent (December 17)

To reserve a date to experience The Saint John’s Bible, with your family, small group, class, or community organization, please fill out the form to “Request the Bible.”

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Fall 2023 Donations for Cuba

stjohnadmin — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:53:17 +0000

In early November, St. John’s will send a team of seven individuals to visit our companion parish, San Pedro Apóstol, in Zorrilla, Cuba. This mission marks the 10-year anniversary of St. John’s first Living Waters for the World water system installation in this area.

Click here to learn about the continued collaboration between St. John’s and San Pedro Apóstol to sustain this purification system and provide health education programs for area residents.

On this November mission, we will bring with us much-needed humanitarian aid for our Zorrilla family, including over-the-counter medications and food items. See the list of requested medications on our online signup (below). Donated items can be brought to the church office by Wednesday, November 1.

VIEW DONATION SIGNUP

Medications should be new, unopened, and unexpired. Shopping from the list will help our missionaries gather the exact medications needed by the people of Zorrilla. After you sign up on the online list,

As an alternative to purchasing medications, you can make a monetary contribution to help our team purchase requested food items. Please contribute through Realm (selecting “Cuba Mission” in the drop-down menu). Our team will use these funds to purchase the requested food items and any medications that have not been purchased as we near the mission date.

Contact Heather Jordan at heatherleila3@gmail.com with any questions about donations.

About our Cuban Partnership:

Since 1999, St. John’s has sent missionaries and support to Episcopal ministries in Cuba and, in particular, to our sister parish, San Pedro Apóstol, in the rural village of Zorrilla. St. John’s adults and youth have participated in dozens of trips to Cuba and have helped San Pedro Apóstol acquire and convert a home into a consecrated church. In partnership with Cuban host churches and other Florida congregations, St. John’s has helped to install and maintain Living Waters for the World water treatment systems in five Cuban churches to provide clean, free water for their parishes and communities.

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2023 Market Grant Applications Available

stjohnadmin — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:05:16 +0000

The St. John’s Market will be here before we know it! Information about booths, volunteer needs, and more for this annual event (Saturday, November 18), can be found on the ST. JOHN’S MARKET section of our website.

While this annual holiday bazaar is a popular fellowship and community-building event, it is also one of St. John’s largest outreach projects. Market proceeds support both parish ministries and community organizations. Each year, 50 percent of the money raised at our annual Market is designated for outreach and is awarded to organizations that address a current critical need in the community. The grants can be used for supplies, educational materials, equipment, or infrastructure for non-profit organizations. Past market grants have been awarded to agencies such as the Alzheimer’s Project, Big Bend Hospice, ECHO, Elder Care Services, Bach Parley String Academy, Habitat for Humanity, The Kearney Center, Second Harvest, Grace Mission, Oasis Center for Women & Girls, and more.

2022 Market Grant Recipients

This year’s deadline for grant submissions is November 15, 2023. The grant request form and criteria for submissions can be viewed and downloaded below. Notification of grant awards will be made the week before Christmas and checks will be cut and mailed before December 31, 2023.

2023 Market Grant Application Download

Please direct all questions about Market Grants to Mark Ascani, Parish Administrator.

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Market 2023 Donation Days

mandyschnittker — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:51:10 +0000

The St. John’s Market—our annual holiday bazaar—is coming up on Saturday, November 18, 2023. While Market always features artisan crafts, baked goods, live plants, jams and jellies, and holiday arrangements that are prepared lovingly by St. John’s parishioners and friends, we DO rely on donations from the community to provide the wares for most of our booths.

Again this year, we’re making it easier than ever to donate by offering three drop-off days! The former St. John’s Bookstore location will serve as our main storage point for Market donations. On our convenient drop-off days (9/30, 10/14, and 10/28, from 8 AM to 12 PM), you can bring treasures directly to the bookstore where volunteers will be on hand to help you unload!

Needed items include books, jewelry, collectibles, housewares, china, and gently-used children’s items, sports memorabilia, camping and fishing gear, and more! Our full booth list and inventory of current needs can be found on the St. John’s Market website.

Please contact the church office during business hours if you are not able to bring your donations on the designated drop-off days. Below is a list of items that the St. John’s Market cannot accept.

Used board games and puzzles (swallowing hazard and pieces are often missing)
Baby items including strollers, carriages, high chairs, cribs or play pens and car seats
Bikes, scooters and other riding toys
Electronics with missing parts, and/or items that are not compatible with contemporary operating systems (we prefer late-model electronics that are in good working order).
Adult clothing/shoes
Broken items (please especially check tools and electric appliances to ensure they work!)
Gasoline-powered items
Firearms, ammunition, or any type of explosives
Flammable items such as lamps with oil
Furniture (will accept small items that can be carried by one person)
Window blinds or shades
Soiled linens or bedspreads
Soiled stuffed animals

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Lively Café’s 25th Anniversary

stjohnadmin — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:52:24 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but the Lively Café has been serving the Tallahassee community for 25 years! During the month of September, look forward to special menu items and weekly customer drawings marking this special milestone of this thriving outreach ministry.

Download

These specials begin after Labor Day, and include Chef Fran’s favorite sandwich, the “Franwich!” Additionally, each time customers order at the Café in September, they will be invited to fill out a drawing slip. On Fridays (beginning September 8), we’ll draw a winner from the week’s entries!

Join us as we celebrate the Café’s 25th anniversary during worship on Sunday, September 10. If you volunteered with us at any point over the last 25 years, make sure you’re at our 10 AM service so we can recognize your contribution, enjoy some anniversary cake together, and celebrate our amazing Culinary Director Fran Doxsee!

After 25 Years … we’re making a few changes!

As we begin celebrating the Lively Café’s 25th anniversary this month, look for some exciting changes to our menus. All of your favorite items are sticking around, but you will find these items on different weeks! Please bear with us as everyone gets to know the new Lively Café menus. Click the graphic below to view all four menus (blue, yellow, green, and red).

We’ve flip-flopped some items in order to provide you with a more time-efficient lunch experience.

Our new menus take effect after Labor Day! They rotate weekly and feature a delicious mix of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Have no fear, there will still be amazing weekly specials. On Friday afternoons, our online order site is updated with the next menu in the rotation and the lineup of featured family dinners for takeout, as well as the week’s special soups, desserts, and a unique panini sandwich!

We are so proud of how this ministry has grown since it was established back in 1998. Here’s to another 25 years, Tallahassee!

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Walking the Mourner’s Path

stjohnadmin — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 16:58:09 +0000

When someone in our life dies, it affects our entire being. Twice a year, St. John’s offers “Walking the Mourner’s Path,” a six- to eight-week grief support program that is grounded in prayer and reminds us that we are not alone in our grief. In fall 2023, we will be offering this program in partnership with Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is this program like counseling?

Why is the program just six to eight weeks long?

Walking the Mourner’s Path differs from other programs because it is not open-ended. Research has shown that effective grief programs have a beginning and an end. Our workshops are held seasonally on Wednesday evenings.

Who will lead the series of workshops?

Our program has been led by Melanie and Erik Salsgiver, and Deacon Joe Bakker. The individuals who will be guiding the workshops are trained so all participants who attend the program find a safe and spirit-filled place to journey in their grief.

What do past participants say?

“Walking the Mourner’s Path helped me heal when my mother died during our transition from Tallahassee to Orlando … It provides a safe place to process your grief and connect with God as you walk the path with others. If you are struggling with a loss, I highly recommend Walking the Mourner’s Path.”

– Jay Morgan-Schleuning, former parishioner and friend of St. John’s

REGISTRATION INFORMATION (fall 2023):

The fall 2023 series of workshops will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 PM. Gatherings will alternate locations, with some being held at St. John’s Episcopal Church and some at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. Gatherings begin on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, and will be held weekly through Tuesday, November 7, 2023. There is a $65 fee* to cover the cost of the workbook.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive more information after you register, but please feel free to contact Melanie Salsgiver with additional questions or for more details.

*Please note that this cost should not prohibit you from attending. Scholarships are available as needed.

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Responding to Needs in Cuba

stjohnadmin — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 20:14:42 +0000

During announcements at a St. John’s service earlier this summer, a letter was shared with the congregation from Aurora Mederos, Senior Warden of our companion parish San Pedro Apóstol in Zorrilla, Cuba. The letter described the historic economic crisis and hardships facing the people in the community, as well as the work the church is doing with St. John’s support to provide relief and hope where it can. It also offered some reassurance that there is no need to worry because the people of San Pedro Apósto always believe that God’s love is with them. In response to the letter, a number of our parishioners asked how they could help, and within a short period of time, more than $5,000 had been contributed for the needs of San Pedro Apóstol.

Early in July, more than half of this unsolicited outpouring was sent to Zorrilla to help purchase food for those in need in the church and community and to rebuild the trestle supporting the large tanks used for the Living Waters treatment system. The remainder of these funds will be dedicated to acquiring a commercial-grade seed press, which would enable the church to extract edible oil from sesame seeds. This would create jobs for the unemployed, address hunger in the area, and bring in a source of funds to help the church fulfill its dream of becoming economically self-sustaining. An initiative like this would also allow San Pedro Apóstol to expand its outreach programs, like the parish’s popular children’s music program pictured below.

Heavy-duty seed presses are not available in Cuba, and many steps will be involved with purchasing and shipping the equipment from overseas, as well as obtaining approval from Customs to clear the delivery. For our sisters and brothers in Zorrilla, though, there is no doubt that with God’s help, it can be done.

Special thanks to Sandra and Dennis Howard for their help in preparing this information to share with the parish.

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2023 Riley School Supply Drive

stjohnadmin — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 08:31:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again … school is almost back in session! St. John’s Episcopal Church has supported our partner school, Riley Elementary, for years with mentoring, volunteerism, teacher recognition, and more. We plan to do the same this year by helping the student body start the year with all the items they need to learn and succeed!

You can help by purchasing school supplies and dropping them off at church by Monday, August 7. There will be a collection box in the Calhoun Street lobby near the church office.

Riley administrators have identified the most-needed items:

#2 PENCILS
BIG PINK ERASERS
PLASTIC PENCIL BOXES
DRY ERASE MARKERS & BOARD ERASERS FOR STUDENTS
HEADPHONES (BIG, STURDY ONES)
CRAYONS (24 COUNT) OR JUMBO SIZE
COLORED PENCILS
HIGHLIGHTERS
MARKERS
FOLDERS WITH POCKETS AND PRONGS
1/2-INCH BINDERS (WHITE AND BLACK)
WIDE-RULED NOTEBOOK PAPER
POST-IT NOTES
COMPOSITION NOTEBOOKS
GLUE STICKS
STAPLES
PAPER CLIPS
ROLLS OF TAPE
INDEX CARDS
DICTIONARIES
HAND SANITIZER
LYSOL SPRAY
DISINFECTANT WIPES
KLEENEX BOXES

If you wish to make a monetary donation to the program instead, please do so by check, ATTN: Kate Kile (note “Riley” or “school supplies” in the memo line). You can also MAKE A DONATION ONLINE by selecting “pass thru” from the drop-down menu and indicating this is a “Riley/school supplies” donation.

MAKE A DONATION

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING OR MENTORING?

Leon County Schools is always looking for new mentors and adult volunteers. On Sunday, August 6, St. John’s has invited Kelli Walker, Director of LCS Volunteer Services, to stop by after services and answer questions about volunteering in our local school system.

COMPLETE APPLICATION

Questions? Please EMAIL WENDY ERNST our Mentoring Program and “Lend a Hand” Program Co-Chair.

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A FULL SUMMER 2023

stjohnadmin — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:58:24 +0000

By Laurye Messer, A FULL SUMMER Board President

In 2012, St. John’s held a Visioning Day as part of the “Visioning the Vineyard” strategic planning process. One of the initiatives presented for consideration was A FULL SUMMER, a meal assembly event focused on feeding children during the summer months. St. John’s adopted this initiative and the first A FULL SUMMER was held in Alfriend Hall in June 2013. Since then, A FULL SUMMER has grown by leaps and bounds! This annual event now involves hundreds of volunteers from throughout our community, working together with the goal of feeding thousands of local children over the summer.

This year, A FULL SUMMER raised more than $36,000, and on the first Saturday in June more than 250 volunteers—including three teams of St. John’s parishioners—packed 7,000 bags of nutritious snacks for food-insecure children.

Each “snack pack” bag contains a handwritten note of support to the child who receives it. Second Harvest of the Big Bend distributes the snacks to Leon County Schools’ food pantries, as well as community centers, and any location where food-insecure children gather. In addition, A FULL SUMMER helps sponsor nine Leon County School food pantries and it pays for the monitoring fee for the Hope 24/7 Food Locker at Sabal Palm Elementary School.

A FULL SUMMER would not exist without the faith and support of St. John’s. Each year, our parish includes A FULL SUMMER in our common ministry, or operating, budget. In 2023, St. John’s donated $2,500 to A FULL SUMMER. In addition to the church’s support, St. John’s parishioners pack meals and donate individually to the effort.

Thank you, St. John’s, for your faithful support of A FULL SUMMER. Together we are living out the words of Jesus in John 21:17, when he said to Peter that if he loved him he should, “Feed my sheep.”

No child should go hungry. Together we are feeding God’s sheep.

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Youth Service Opportunities

stjohnadmin — Wed, 10 May 2023 20:15:00 +0000

Consider joining St. John’s this summer for one of several youth service opportunities. We hope participating youth will then take what they have learned and apply it to their everyday lives: serving others in their schools, at church, and even in their own homes.

SINGLE-DAY PROJECTS

Every summer since 2014, St. John’s has offered a way for youth to come together and serve in our community. Youth B.E.A.T, which stands for Youth Being Extraordinary Around Tallahassee, has sent young people to a variety of partnering organizations over the years, ranging from homeless shelters and food banks to nursing homes and schools. This summer, we will be offering two single-day Youth B.E.A.T. service opportunities. Follow the links for more detailed descriptions.

MONDAY, JUNE 12
ST. JOHN’S CEMETERY CLEANUP
Join us for a morning of service at St. John’s Historic Cemetery. Our team of youth will be working with a group of dedicated parish volunteers who maintain this space so it can remain for generations to come. Established in 1840, our cemetery is one of the earliest Christian burial sites in Florida. Ministry leaders will provide some background about this sacred property and then put our team to work cleaning the gravestones and weeding and beautifying the cemetery grounds. Drop-off and pick-up will be at St. John’s, and we will walk as a group to the cemetery (corner of Call St. and MLK Blvd.).

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12
Time: 8 to 11 AM
Service Hours: 3 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

THURSDAY, JULY 27
SERVING AT THE KEARNEY CENTER
Join us for an evening of serving meals to our neighbors at Tallahassee’s homeless shelter. St. John’s assists with dinner service twice a month at The Kearney Center, where those experiencing homelessness can come for daily meals, shelter, and comprehensive emergency services. Our team will relieve the parishioners who typically volunteer on the 4th Thursday. We’ll serve meals, fill beverage cups, distribute cutlery, bus tables, and get to know the guests. Drop-off will take place at The Kearney Center, where we will meet as a group before heading in to serve. Pick-up at the same spot.

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12
Time: 5 to 7:30 PM
Service Hours: 2.5 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

ST. JOHN’S VBS

WEEK OF JUNE 26-30
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

After a three-year hiatus, St. John’s Vacation Bible School is back … and we need volunteers! This year, VBS will be held in the evening, for rising PK4 through rising 5th graders, and will feature music, arts & crafts, stories, and mission projects. However, this week is not possible without adult volunteers and our amazing youth helpers. Share your contact information on our volunteer form (link below), and we’ll put you to work helping our adult volunteers shepherd groups of children around campus or assisting with activities during VBS week.

Volunteer Age: Rising grades 6-12
Time: 5 to 8 PM
Service Hours: 15 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

CHOIR CAMP

WEEK OF JUNE 19-23
SUMMER CHOIR CAMP

This is the 8th consecutive summer that this camp has been offered at St. John’s. Even in the midst of the pandemic, St. John’s Music Ministry was able to offer an enriching way for elementary and middle schoolers to receive vocal coaching and learn about ensemble singing, music theory, and composition. We save lots of time for fun too! Camp is enhanced by the involvement of adult volunteers and youth helpers, especially those who love music! These volunteers help with shepherding groups of children around campus and assisting with activities/games. Click the button below to email Marissa Hall, St. John’s Assistant Director of Music, if you are interested and available to volunteer during the week of Choir Camp.

Age: Rising grades 9-12
Time: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Service Hours: 30 hours

VOLUNTEER NOW

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GPL Enters 4th Year

stjohnadmin — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:25:00 +0000

**The application window for the 2023-24 year has closed**

St. John’s Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) will begin its fourth season of classes in fall 2023. This initiative, which was started by staff and lay leaders, gathers high school students in a small group setting for lunch and a monthly discussion about sharing in God’s abundance through investment. Due to the response from our young people, St. John’s expanded its GPL offerings last fall. There are now three classes that meet on Sundays (September through April) during the program year!

WHO IT IMPACTS: Through the GPL program, Youth are entrusted with church funds to make micro-loans (through kiva.org) and positively impact people in the US and around the world.

PROGRAM LEADERS: GPL is led by Kate Kile (Director of Finance & Faith Formation) and Youth Ministry leaders, along with parishioners and professionals from the Tallahassee community in the fields of education, finance, government, economics, biology, and technology: Stephanie Amidon, Ben Bowersox, Austin Carroll, Jeff Couch, Allison Dillehay, JR Saginario, and Bo Shippen.

Year 1: global philanthropy, micro-loans, personal finance, global poverty, and hunger
Year 2: economic impact of racism in America
Year 3: creation care – investing in a sustainable future

TIME COMMITMENT: We ask that Youth commit to attending ALL sessions on the following dates. Gatherings will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on Sundays, unless otherwise indicated:

September 10, 2023
October 5, 2023 (Thursday at 6 PM) – Dinner & Movie
October 29, 2023
November 12, 2023
December 10, 2023
January 28, 2024
February 25, 2024
March 24, 2024
April 7, 2024 (Sunday at 11:15 AM) – Parish Presentation during Coffee & Connection Hour

Use the form below to apply for the 2023-24 Global Philanthropy Leaders program. Applications will be accepted through 6/30/2023. Please contact Kate Kile with questions regarding GPL or the application process.

**The application window for the 2023-24 year has closed.**

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Serving at The Kearney Center

stjohnadmin — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 03:34:44 +0000

St. John’s hands-on relationship with Tallahassee’s Homeless Shelter began in 2014, supporting the Shelter’s existing food program, a major outreach initiative made possible by a team of community volunteers, churches, and civic groups that regularly prepared meals. At that time, the facility was only able to provide individuals with overnight shelter and three meals per day. St. John’s parishioners Mary Lee Robertson and Susan Jones helped bring St. John’s into the picture, recruiting parishioners to serve meals during the Shelter’s final months in its overflowing Tennessee Street location.

In 2015, as The Kearney Center’s new location was opening, the very first dinner meal was prepared in the St. John’s church kitchen and served by our clergy and volunteers. And now, nearly 10 years later, The Kearney Center is able to offer daily meals, shelter, and comprehensive emergency services out of their Pensacola Street location, thanks to partnerships with community organizations like St. John’s. Read on for how YOU can get involved…

A BIT OF HISTORY

ST. JOHN’S INVOLVEMENT

Meal Service: St. John’s has grown from providing volunteers to prepare and serve periodic meals to coordinating meal service three or four times monthly (pre-pandemic) and on holidays like Thanksgiving. The St. John’s crew was fortunate to be volunteering when The Kearney Center’s millionth meal was served in July 2019. And, for 10 years, St. John’s has sent groups of middle and high schoolers to The Kearney Center to assist during Youth B.E.A.T. Week.

Baked Good Donations: There’s also an auxiliary team of drivers that delivers donated baked goods from local businesses to The Kearney Center. We lovingly call these our once or twice weekly “Bun Runs,” shuttling leftovers from Tasty Pastry Bakery and Au Péché Mignon Bakery to The Kearney Center. According to Dennis Howard, one of nearly a dozen parishioners who regularly handle these deliveries, “we have diverted tons and tons of quality baked goods from the landfill and made it available to appreciative guests at the Kearney Center.”

Pandemic PB&J Effort: During the pandemic, St. John’s partnered with The Kearney Center to bridge an unavoidable gap in meal service. Thanks to John Allen – who coordinated a team of dedicated St. John’s parishioners and friends – more than 8,000 prepared PB&J sandwiches were distributed to Kearney Center residents in temporary housing during the first year of the pandemic.

GET INVOLVED

St. John’s currently serves twice a month at The Kearney Center. We would love to welcome some additional volunteers. No prior experience is necessary; youth volunteers are even encouraged to come help. St. John’s parishioners serve meals, fill beverage cups, distribute cutlery, bus tables, and get to know the guests. Volunteers are asked to arrive 30-40 minutes before mealtimes; closed-toed shoes and head coverings (hats) are required. Simply email the dinner coordinator in advance to let us know you’re coming!

4th Tuesday Dinner
Susan Jones, coordinator
EMAIL SUSAN

4th Thursday Dinner
Nancy Brand, coordinator
EMAIL NANCY

FAITH STORIES

Parishioner Nancy Brand has been volunteering at The Kearney Center since she saw a plea for volunteers in the Chimes about six years ago. She first served with older, retired parishioners, but some of our loyal volunteers were unable to return following the pandemic. Nancy has recruited new volunteers over the year, including many former teaching colleagues. One woman, and her teenage son, came on board four years ago and continue to volunteer with St. John’s to this day.

Nancy would love to see our parish youth become more involved with The Kearney Center ministry. She says, “When they are serving, we notice a more positive attitude among the clients as they pass through the dining room. There is no special training required – just a servant’s heart!”

St. John’s parishioner Mary Lee Robertson has been volunteering monthly at The Kearney Center since the doors opened in 2015. She says this opportunity has allowed her to become friends with her fellow St. John’s volunteers, and her life has been enriched by serving and getting to know the clients as well as the staff.

“I have known clients who have gone back to school, gotten jobs, and received treatment for addiction. I have also mourned those who have died,” said Mary Lee. “Being a volunteer at The Kearney Center is more than dishing up food or handing out plates … each person has his or her own story.”

“God moves people in and out of each other’s lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find that you are made up of bits and pieces of all who ever touched your life, and you are better for it.”
Lois Cheney

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A Full Summer 2023

stjohnadmin — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:40:18 +0000

A FULL SUMMER is back! An idea born of St. John’s “Visioning the Vineyard” strategic planning process is now celebrating its 10^th year of service in summer 2023. Thank you, St. John’s!

A FULL SUMMER Snack Pack takes place on Saturday, June 3, at Godby High School from 10 AM until noon. For two hours, more than 250 volunteers from all parts of our community come together to pack nutritious snacks for our local children. Second Harvest of the Big Bend then takes our snacks and distributes them to agencies that provide services to food-insecure children during the summer. You can sign up below to be part of this year’s event!

In addition to the Snack Pack, A FULL SUMMER sponsors nine Leon County School food pantries and pays the monitoring fee for the Hope 24/7 Food Locker located at Sabal Palm Elementary School. The Hope 24/7 Food Locker is temperature-controlled and is accessible 24 hours a day to members of our community who are food insecure.

A FULL SUMMER has also provided a refrigerator or freezer to each Leon County School food pantry giving children access to fresh and/or frozen meat, fruits, and vegetables.

VOLUNTEER NOW

A FULL SUMMER has reserved space for a St. John’s team at our 2023 event on June 3. If you would like to be a St. John’s team member, please contact Laurye Messer. You can have a great time with our church family while showing love for our youngest neighbors!

For more information, please visit www.afullsummer.org.

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2022 Market Grant Recipients

stjohnadmin — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:19:35 +0000

The 2022 St. John’s Market was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of our team of volunteers who baked, knitted, curated, donated, organized, and more! The 2022 St. John’s Market took in $32K after expenses, which enabled us to award $16K in grants to local organizations. The remaining $16K will help support St. John’s mission, programs, and ministries.

Congratulations to the 2022 grant recipients, whose projects were selected to receive funding from the St. John’s Market Grants committee, and approved by the church Vestry.

2022 GRANT RECIPIENTS:

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market purchased a sleeper chair to be used by caregivers and support partners in one of the facility’s in-patient rooms.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will purchase 25 e-readers to use for the Boys Town Book Club.

Visit the Boys Town North Florida website to learn how they help children and families heal and grow in mind, body, and spirit.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market provides 15 dining tables for ECHO’s furniture bank, helping ECHO provide our re-housed neighbors with free basic furniture to eat, sit, and sleep comfortably.

Visit the ECHO of Tallahassee website to learn how this organization is helping reduce poverty by providing emergency resources and support services to people in need in the Big Bend.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will purchase 15 microwaves to support local senior citizens at high risk of food insecurity.

Visit the Elder Care Services, Inc. website to learn how they help improve the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers in the Big Bend.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help the organization relocate its food pantry location, increase produce items offered, reach the rural community in the Big Bend area, and offer food at the Maryland Oaks Crossing Food Pantry.

Visit the Good News Outreach website to learn more about this faith-based organization that helps all people have access to food, affordable housing, and companionship.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help the organization install fencing around the school to ensure the safety of special-needs (K-12) students during recess.

Visit the Impact Tallahassee website to learn how they provide a central location where families can receive high-quality therapeutic treatments for their children in one central location.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will provide up to 1,000 “Look Before you Lock” window clings to be distributed through the KidSafe program, helping prevent future tragic child deaths due to “forgotten baby syndrome.”

Visit the Lutheran Social Service of North Florida website to learn more about the KidSafe program, and the organization’s belief that all children deserve a safe ride to the opportunities and services that optimize healthy development. This is accomplished by providing new child safety seats for low-income families to keep their children safe.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help replenish the Oasis Center’s emergency fund to assist single mothers experiencing financial crisis.

Visit the Oasis Center for Women & Girls to learn how their community resource center brings women and girls together to dream, achieve, and thrive.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help with recent exponential growth in food distribution throughout the Big Bend.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help expand the organization’s sheet music library, purchase two small electronic piano keyboards to accompany students, and fund repairs so students can take advantage of donated instruments.

Visit the Tallahassee Bach Parley website to learn more about this organization that provides concerts to the community and music education through the Bach Parley String Academy.

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Donations for 2023 Cuba Mission

stjohnadmin — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:44:46 +0000

This spring, we have a team of eight individuals participating in St. John’s 31st mission to Cuba since 1999. For the first time in 24 years, our companion church is asking us to bring food for 50 families at San Pedro Apóstol in Zorrilla.

In 2022, Cubans suffered tremendously as a result of two years of pandemic lockdowns, raging inflation, a hurricane, crop failures, and food, medicine, and other shortages. Daily blackouts have disrupted lives and the economy, while fuel and parts shortages have gutted public transportation.

Our team will purchase food items for the families but, once again, we will ask St. John’s parishioners to donate over-the-counter medicines that are sorely needed. Each week, look for a new donation “assignment!” See below. Donations can be dropped off in the church office.

REQUESTED BY	REQUESTED MEDICATION/SUPPLIES
January 22	Vitamins (including multivitamins for children, adults, and senior adults, and vitamin C and vitamin E). New, unopened, and unexpired containers are required. Large bottles or containers are preferred.
January 29	For Children: Tylenol (Acetaminophen) liquid and Motrin (Ibuprofen) liquid for children, chewable Tylenol for children, and colic medicine (drops) for babies. For Adults: Ibuprofen, Tylenol (Acetaminophen), regular aspirin, 81 mg aspirin, pain relievers for migraines, and Aleve (Naproxen)
February 5	For Adults: antacids, Pepto Bismol tablets (not liquid), Pepcid, Dramamine, Immodium/anti-diarrheal tablets, Benadryl tablets, loratidine/Claritin For Children: children’s Zyrtec, children’s Benadryl, children’s Dramamine
February 12	Bengay cream, icy hot patches or cream, lidocaine patches, triple antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, thermometers (old fashioned, without batteries), eyeglasses (prescription or reading), vitamin B6, Calcium with D3
February 19	Deadline for all donations!

Thank you in advance for your contributions, and your prayers for our team, which includes Betsy Calhoun, Marissa Hall, Sandra & Dennis Howard, Fr. Steve Pessah, Bob & Jan Porter, and Chris Schoonover.

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St. Mary’s Circle Scholarship

stjohnadmin — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:15:00 +0000

Scholarship amount grows and expands to college students at all levels!

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2023 Martha Lee Kuersteiner Scholarship, a $2,000 need- and merit-based award. Members of St. John’s who have successfully completed at least one semester (or equivalent) of college and are known to have participated in worship are eligible to apply. To be considered for this year’s scholarship, completed application packets must be received by April 15, 2023.

Read on for information about the 2023 scholarship award, a list of past recipients, and the story of how St. Mary’s Circle established this scholarship, which is now in its 25th year!

What is St. Mary’s Circle?

About the Scholarship’s Namesake

History of the Scholarship

In the early 1980s, while working on his degree at Sewanee (the University of the South) a young St. John’s parishioner named Everett Puri was faced with a problem. His father had become seriously ill and there was the possibility Everett would not be able to return to school. When word reached St. John’s Episcopal Church, Martha Lee Kuersteiner, a close friend of the Puri family stepped in and rallied members of St. Mary’s Circle to help provide this young man the funds necessary to continue his college education. Quite a few years later, Everett Puri repaid this gift with one of his own in the form of a cash donation from the sale of stock he owned. Puri asked that St. Mary’s Circle and St. John’s use this money to establish a scholarship fund for another aspiring college student who might need financial assistance. He requested that the fund be named after his loving friend, Martha Lee Kuersteiner. Everett Puri went on to graduate from college. He is now a broker with J.P. Morgan Securities, a past Trustee of Sewanee, and he serves on the University’s Board of Regents.

The initial gift from the sale of the stock resulted in approximately $1,200. St. Mary’s matched this amount to purchase a Certificate of Deposit. Through interest and other gifts and memorials to the fund, the CD steadily increased in value. The first award of $500 was made in the spring of 1998. In 2009, the scholarship was raised to $750 and by 2022 the amount has increased to $1,500. Just this year, the amount was again increased to $2,000.

Past Scholarship Winners

This scholarship is now in its 25th year. Shanya Singer, choir member and one of our Joyful Noisemakers assistant leaders, was our 2022 scholarship recipient. She followed Neil Strayer who spent a year studying in Dublin, Ireland. The first recipient was Andy Ashler, who was a St. John’s Youth member years ago. As an adult, Andy returned to active parish life at St. John’s and served on the vestry. Others include Cecilia Graham Varnum, daughter of Jim Graham and granddaughter of the Rev. Lee and Betty Graham; Michel Lester Gregory and Mary Hall Lester Chambers, daughters of Trilly Lester; Cecelia Zucconi-Evans, longtime choir member; Fraleigh Krause, daughter of Robin Krause; Marissa Hall, who is now our Assistant Choir Director; plus, Tom and Sam Doxsee, and Cassie LaJeunesse.

2023 Scholarship Eligibility

St. John’s members who have completed at least one semester of college (or equivalent) may apply for this $2,000 scholarship to help support their college education.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must share a completed application, a current college transcript, a written essay, and two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the church rector. Completed application packets must be emailed in pdf format or dropped off at the church office by April 15, 2023. Applications are also available in the church office. Please contact Marianne Bryant with any questions at mariannebryant@gmail.com or (850) 508-2964.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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Thank you from A FULL SUMMER!

stjohnadmin — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:46:00 +0000

Thank you, St. John’s, from the organizers of A FULL SUMMER. Because of you, this year’s program was a FULL success!

A FULL SUMMER raised nearly $41,000, and with these funds volunteers were able to pack 5,000 snacks for Second Harvest to distribute this summer to area agencies that provide services for at risk children. A FULL SUMMER is also underwriting the monitoring fee for the Hope 24/7 Food Locker at Sabal Palm Elementary and sponsoring eight Leon County School food pantries for the 2023-24 school year.

This year, St. John’s allocated funds for A FULL SUMMER in the annual parish budget and individual church members donated funds and worked on a St. John’s team at the snack pack event on June 4. The St. John’s Foundation has provided support as well! This community partnership is nearly a decade strong. Back in 2012, St. John’s approved A FULL SUMMER as a “Visioning the Vineyard” Strategic Plan initiative and in 2013, A FULL SUMMER held its first meal assembly in Alfriend Hall. Since then, our parish has supported A FULL SUMMER’s efforts to feed local children who struggle with hunger. Thank you, St. John’s, for loving your neighbor as yourselves!

Photography: Dennis Howard

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Youth B.E.A.T. Celebrates Nine Years!

stjohnadmin — Tue, 24 May 2022 21:03:00 +0000

By Caroline Devitt, Interim Director of Youth Ministries
(Originally published in the Diocese of Florida’s Bishop’s Institute Newsletter, V. 41)

Final plans are in the works for St. John’s 9th Annual “Youth B.E.A.T.” week of service, coming up June 6-10, 2022. A committee of staff and lay leaders has been hard at work coordinating with local community service agencies, to identify service opportunities for the more than 80 local youth who will be taking part in this summer’s camp.

Earlier this month, Caroline Devitt shared the background on Youth B.E.A.T. in Q&A form with an electronic publication that is distributed throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. We invite you to learn more about this long-running week of service, that was miraculously able to sustain its mission throughout the pandemic. This year, we are excited that Youth B.E.A.T. will return to its traditional format, and work alongside local agencies to serve the Tallahassee community in better and better ways than ever before!

What is Youth B.E.A.T.?

Youth B.E.A.T. Week stands for Youth Being Extraordinary Around Tallahassee. It is a week that happens each summer where our youth come together to serve throughout the Tallahassee community. This year, it is scheduled for June 6-10, 2022.

Each day of that week, the youth arrive at church by 9 a.m., and, after checking in with their group leaders, packing a lunch, and a devotion, split up into assigned groups of 8-10 and head out to their designated service sites, accompanied by two adults, via bus. Youth work at their assigned service sites from roughly 10 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. each day. Busses bring the youth and chaperones back to the church from their service sites where we have a closing devotion and wrap up until parents pick up their youth at 2 p.m.. Service sites range from homeless shelters and food banks to nursing homes and schools.

Is this a new summer event for young people?

Youth B.E.A.T. has happened every summer since 2014! It was started by a small group of St. John’s parents and has turned into an incredible week-long event with over 80 student participants this year! In 2020 and 2021, Youth B.E.A.T. had to look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but St. John’s was still able to orchestrate a virtual week of service for our youth. This is the first year since then that we’ve been able to return to a more traditional model.

Is this camp based at St John’s?

Our service sites are all over Tallahassee, but we begin and end the day at St. John’s.

What are the goals of Youth B.E.A.T.?

The goal of B.E.A.T. Week is to love God, love others, and to see the face of Jesus in every person we encounter. Each organization that we are partnering with has different needs, so our mission is to meet the needs where God has called us to serve. Our theme verse for the week, Matthew 25:34-36,40, spells this out so beautifully.

Each day, our devotion time will focus on one aspect of our theme verse, and we will have guest speakers touch on each of these topics, allowing the youth to tangibly see how we can apply scripture to our daily lives.

What attracts young people to attend Youth B.E.A.T.?

I think there are a lot of aspects that attract youth in Tallahassee to participate in B.E.A.T. Week. Our youth group is incredibly service oriented. Summer mission trips and community service projects are two of the things that our youth look forward to the most while growing up in the church. My predecessor, Caroline Allen, now serves as a missionary in Quito, Ecuador, so our students have experienced a culture of service threaded throughout St. John’s.

Community is also a huge part of what draws people in. We all like to do things with our friends and ending the week having earned 25 hours of community service certainly doesn’t hurt either.

However, though that may be the initial draw for some folks, B.E.A.T. week has proven to be a way to bring in and engage families. B.E.A.T. Week is entirely run by volunteers, so not only are the students engaged, but their parents are as well. We’ve seen many families join the church from their initial involvement in B.E.A.T. Week which has not only grown our youth ministry program, but our church and community presence as well.

For some of our young people, our morning devotion time could be the first time they’ve thought about God and what a relationship with Him might look like. B.E.A.T. Week is a wonderful way to open that door and provide students with a safe space to explore those questions and a community of other students and adults to love and support them through their faith journey.

How will the young people benefit from this camp?

I hope the students who participate in B.E.A.T. Week take what they learn during the week and apply it in their everyday lives. They don’t have to wait until next summer to serve others. They can serve others in their schools, at church, even in their own homes. When we are living in Christ-centered service to others, we live out what we say in the Lord’s prayer: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

I also hope that this week is eye-opening for them and that they realize that there are a lot of different people that live in Tallahassee. The week is ultimately about seeing the image of God in every person and coming alongside others to love and support our community in a way that is helpful.

Finally, I hope the youth see that they are part of the church, and that their presence is welcomed and wanted no matter where they are on their spiritual journey. I hope they leave knowing that St. John’s is a place of them to come and learn about Jesus and have fun with their friends. I was so blessed by my experience in my home parish in Sarasota, FL as a youth, and I hope that they leave wanting to come back, knowing that they are loved and prayed for just as I felt as a young person in the church.

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A Message from Mother Abi Moon

stjohnadmin — Tue, 03 May 2022 15:55:00 +0000

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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St. John’s Returns to Masks Optional

stjohnadmin — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:58:00 +0000

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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Donations for Cuba

stjohnadmin — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 18:20:27 +0000

Haz las maletas que nos vamos a CUBA!!

Translated, that’s “Pack your bags, we’re going to CUBA!!” After two long years, St. John’s Compass Rose Commission is finally able to visit our good friends at our companion parish San Pedro Apóstol in Zorrilla, Cuba!

In early April, a trio of missionaries will travel to Cuba and take along some much-needed humanitarian aid. Please help us pack our suitcases with over-the-counter medicines and health care items. See what’s needed by visiting our online signup, where you can select what you’d like to donate, or contact Marian Lambeth at compassrosecommission@gmail.com.

This is an old signup. Please see our newer posts for the info about current mission efforts.

VIEW DONATION SIGNUP

Shopping from the list will help our missionaries get the necessary variety and number of items requested. New, unopened, unexpired products are preferred, and larger bottles and containers are appreciated. After you sign up on the online list, donated items can be brought to the church office by March 31.

More about our Cuban Partnership:

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“Take Stock in Youth” Fundraiser

stjohnadmin — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 15:49:00 +0000

Invest in the spiritual future of St. John’s Youth—specifically parish Youth mission trips—by taking stock in our Youth program!

On Sunday, February 13, our 6th through 12th graders, will be available in Eve’s Garden to discuss our program to potential “investors” and how we are “incorporating” under the laws of heaven. Stock will be available for purchase in person at the event, and then through the St. John’s website for $25 a share, through February 20.

PURCHASE SHARES

Upon making your investment, you will receive a stock certificate, and shareholders will be able to see the benefits of their investment, at a shareholders’ dinner when our mission team returns from Quito, Ecuador.

There is no limit on the number of shares you can purchase. We invite you to purchase as much stock as possible in our Youth program, as an investment in our faith community and mission trip fundraising efforts.

With your help, our young people are able to serve as Christ’s light in the world through annual mission work!

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St. John’s Choir School Moves Forward

stjohnadmin — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:45:43 +0000

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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2021 Market Grant Recipients

stjohnadmin — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:19:00 +0000

This year’s St. John’s Market was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of our extensive team of volunteers who baked, knitted, curated, donated, organized and more!

This year, we used the former bookstore and several of our newly renovated rooms on the main church campus. We were also blessed with beautiful weather on Market Day, which allowed checkout to take place outdoors. Everything was perfectly organized, thanks to this year’s Market Co-Chairs Taska Zorn and Lizbeth Childs. Thank you, ladies, for making this treasured event a success!

“It was so fun to have all the Market volunteers together again and it was our pleasure to open our doors to the community,” said Lizbeth Childs.

We received an overwhelming number of Market Grant applications this year. And despite the hardships of the pandemic, the 2021 St. John’s Market took in $28K after expenses, which enabled us to award $14K in grants to local organizations. The remaining $14K will help support St. John’s mission, programs, and ministries.

Congratulations to the 2021 grant recipients, whose projects were selected to receive funding from the St. John’s Market Grants committee, as approved by the church Vestry.

2021 GRANT RECIPIENTS:

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market covers one year of weekly music therapy at the Alzheimer’s Project’s newest respite location.

Visit the Alzheimer’s Project website to learn more about the wonderful things this organization is doing for caregivers in our community.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will cover electrical and plumbing repairs that are part of a Habitat warehouse renovation, a project that enables Habitat to provide on-the-job training and mentoring for local youth.

Visit the Big Bend Habitat for Humanity website to learn more about the wonderful things this organization is doing to changes lives and local communities through homeownership.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will provide robotic comfort pets, which are especially significant for BBH patients living with dementia.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will purchase lumber to build 20 dining tables for furniture recipients.

Visit the ECHO of Tallahassee website to learn how this organization is helping reduce poverty by providing emergency resources and support services to people in need in the Big Bend.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will purchase a smart TV and a popcorn maker for a “pod.” Due to COVID-19, ECS established pods to provide daily interaction for seniors in smaller groups. TVs keep the pods connected and involved in the same activities.

Visit the Elder Care Services, Inc. website to learn how they help improve the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers in the Big Bend.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will purchase a dozen air purifiers, tools that must be in place before Grace Mission can fully reopen.

Visit the Grace Mission Episcopal Church website to learn about the worship offerings, and programs and services, this organization provides to those in need in the Tallahassee community.

The award granted by the St. John’s Market will help provide temporary housing assistance for refugee families who have relocated to Tallahassee.

Visit the International Rescue Committee website to learn how they provide opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market is for a car seat safety program, specifically to help develop an educational component with area partners, provide resources for hands-on events, and develop publicity pieces about car seat safety.

Visit the Lutheran Social Services of North Florida website to learn how this organization is helping develop and administer programs to address unmet social service needs in north Florida.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will fund memberships to the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) for ten Youth from St. Michael & All Angels.

Visit the St. Michael and All Angels and Union of Black Episcopalians websites to learn how this national organization gathers together Black Episcopalians and allies of like mind who support UBE’s anti-racism agenda.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help Survive and Thrive hire a planner to assist with strategic planning funding. Due to the pandemic and several shifts in services, STAC is at a pivotal point in its history where professional assistance is needed to help secure funding so the organization can continue assisting local survivors.

Visit the Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center website to see how this organization is providing direct aid and case management services to survivors of sex and labor trafficking.

The grant awarded by the St. John’s Market will help the Garden Club’s Buddleia Circle provide a shade covering at Conley Elementary School, the local school where the Tallahassee Garden Club has been working with educators and students to build an outdoor learning environment.

Visit the Tallahassee Garden Club website to learn about the many ways this organization sponsors and supports programs that enrich our community.

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Enter the 2022 Chili Cook-off!

stjohnadmin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:27:21 +0000

The pandemic gave us plenty of time to practice our favorite chili recipes at home. Show us what you got by entering your recipe in our 2022 St. John’s Chili Cook-off, a fundraiser for this summer’s youth mission trips to Ecuador (high school) and Alabama (middle school)!

WHEN: Friday, January 7, 2022 at 5:30 PM, right before our annual Epiphany Pageant

DETAILS: A $5 donation at the door buys attendees a voting spoon and an opportunity to taste each chili in our lineup (plus Fran’s cornbread). You can buy as many spoons as you want for extra votes. When you add in the cute, costumed kids, it’s basically St. John’s Dinner Theatre!

WHY: You could be the recipient of the coveted “Golden Spoon Award!” Well, that AND your participation will help the youth raise money for their upcoming mission trips!

DEADLINE: Dust off your spoons and enter yourself (or the best chef in your family) by 12/20/21.

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CHEF NOTES:

Arrive in Alfriend Hall with your chili (ready to serve) by 5:15 PM.
One pot (or crock pot) of chili is the perfect amount. Make your family favorite!
If you would like to bring any toppings or add-ins, please feel free to do so.
You (or someone you choose!) will serve your chili. Be ready to talk about the ingredients.
You serve your chili until it’s all gone, then enjoy the pageant!

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St. John’s Parish Profile

stjohnadmin — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 17:22:44 +0000

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.

VIEW PARISH PROFILE

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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Ministry Updates (August 2021)

stjohnadmin — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 09:29:38 +0000

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.

JOIN A ST. JOHN’S CHOIR

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.

JOIN THE KEARNEY CENTER LIST

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.

JOIN A SMALL GROUP

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.

LEARN MORE

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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Prayers for our Family in Cuba

stjohnadmin — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:31:08 +0000

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve our brothers and sisters in Cuba, especially those who suffer coronavirus, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

A Message from St. John’s Compass Rose Commission:

Fellow Parishioners –

We ask that you please pray for the Cuban people and especially for our many friends in the Los Arabos Circuit who are dealing with tragedy and loss this week. As a Christian and Episcopal community, we have supported Episcopal churches in Zorrilla, Cuatro Esquinas, and Los Arabos and have installed Living Waters for the World water purification systems at all three churches. We have heard from friends in various areas of Cuba that the medical system is collapsing because it is completely overwhelmed with the number of COVID cases combined with a lack of vaccines, medical supplies, and personnel.

Saying goodbye to our friends and San Pedro Apóstol parishioners after the Compass Rose Commission’s most recent visit in November 2019.

Members of St. John’s Compass Rose Commission have received several recent distressing communications from our Cuba companion priest, Fr. Juan Carlos Diez Moreira, and from Aurora Mederos, Senior Warden of our companion parish, San Pedro Apóstol in Zorrilla. They tell us that Los Arabos, the largest town near Zorrilla, is completely quarantined due to COVID and that people are literally starving in their homes because there is no food to be found in the area. Tragically, this week a young mother who was eight months pregnant died of the virus and her unborn child was also lost. This woman and her husband and young child were members of La Trinidad Episcopal Church in Los Arabos.

Pica and Aida, San Pedro Apóstol parishioners

Two stalwart San Pedro Apóstol parishioners, a wonderful couple named Aida and Pica (Leonardo Delgado), have been receiving treatment in a Los Arabos clinic for COVID. Pica was extremely fragile and not eating. Late this week, we learned that he has died from COVID. Pica was a faithful servant of God and he loved his church family. He had been in charge of the garden behind the church in Zorrilla for many years. Whenever St. John’s visited, he would sing songs set to the tune of “Guantanamera” in which he would talk about us and name each one of us. Pica worked tirelessly to make our visits to Zorrilla special and memorable. We will miss him so much. Thankfully, his wife, Aida, seems to be doing better and may be released from the clinic in Los Arabos soon. Please pray for Pica and remember Aida and all of our friends in Cuba in your prayers.

We also invite you to join us in prayer at our 12:10 p.m. Healing Service, each Wednesday in the church, or you are welcome to come and pray in the church anytime during St. John’s office hours. If you have any questions about how to support our Cuban friends, please contact our new Compass Rose Commission Chair, Marian Lambeth.

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Summer Regathering Update

stjohnadmin — Fri, 28 May 2021 21:45:00 +0000

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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Youth B.E.A.T. 2021

stjohnadmin — Wed, 05 May 2021 19:57:00 +0000

ABOUT OUR CAMP:

Youth B.E.A.T. (Being Extraordinary Around Tallahassee) is a service-oriented camp for Tallahassee youth. Now in its 7th year, Youth B.E.A.T. helps teens gain a wider perspective about who and what makes up our community. Youth meet as a large group at St. John’s each morning for a devotion, then divide into small groups by age and travel to our partner sites to serve for the day. Each afternoon, all groups return to St. John’s for closing remarks and pick-up.

WHO CAN ATTEND:

While this is a faith-based camp offered by St. John’s Episcopal Church, it is open to all rising 6th-12th graders. Registration opens on May 11 to St. John’s Youth and on May 12 to the greater Tallahassee community.

CAMP DETAILS:

Due to COVID-related restrictions at St. John’s and with our partner organizations, we are offering two separate (two-day) Youth B.E.A.T. sessions. Each day begins at 9 AM and ends at 2 PM. Youth will earn five service hours per day.

Session A: Monday & Tuesday, June 14 and 15 (FULL)
Session B: Wednesday & Thursday, June 16 and 17

NOTES: Both sessions will be the same format and both are open to all grade levels. So we can include as many youth as possible, please select only one session per person.

CAMP FEES:

The fee is $50 for each two-day session. This includes transportation to sites via a charter bus with excellent air filtration systems and daily catered boxed lunches. Registration fees are non-refundable after June 6, 2021. Confidential scholarships are available. Email Caroline Allen with scholarship interest or indicate that on your registration form.

REGISTRATION PORTAL

NOTE: St. John’s takes reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 very seriously. Masks will be required at all times, groups sizes will be limited, and much of the service work will take place outdoors. More information about our procedures and strategies to reduce risk will be communicated post-registration.

ADULT VOLUNTEERS:

We are grateful to the adults who make Youth B.E.A.T. possible! If you are able to chaperone a small group during one or both sessions, please complete the form below. Two chaperones remain with each group throughout the day. This year, driving is not required and chaperones will ride the bus with their group between St. John’s and our partner sites.

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$28K Raised for Medical Debt Relief

stjohnadmin — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 10:14:15 +0000

This Lent, the people of St. John’s made a record-breaking impact in the lives of those struggling with crippling medical debt.

On Shrove Tuesday, we issued a challenge to St. John’s members to raise $10,000 to help relieve medical debt for families in Florida through the nonprofit organization RIP Medical Debt. RIP Medical Debt purchases medical debt at a deeply discounted rate, turning a $1 donation into $100 in forgiven medical debt.

Our goal was to raise $10,000 during Lent to purchase and forgive $1 million of medical debt for Florida families, a gift that could give those struggling a fresh start, allowing them to receive critical medical attention and support on their journey toward financial stability.

_{We are pleased to report that St. John’s rose to — and far exceeded — the challenge. Donations poured in during Lent helping us quickly surpass our $10,000 goal. At last count, we raised nearly $28,000, forgiving $2.8 million in medical debt for Florida families!}

This latest donation will be a welcome surprise for so many families in Florida. We can imagine the Easter joy on the faces of the individuals who will receive letters telling them their debt was forgiven by donations from St. Johns. Families can pay mortgages, utility bills, put food on their tables, and, most importantly, remain in the neighborhood.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Medical debt is crushing and debilitating for so many. Today, we are celebrating the many St. John’s members who rose to the challenge to help our neighbors pay off medical debt. THANK YOU!

For more detail on our partnering organization, we invite you to visit RIP Medical Debt’s Florida webpage to watch a great informational video about how these donations work.
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Maundy Thursday Agape Meal

stjohnadmin — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:54:05 +0000

During Lent, we remember Jesus’ final commandment to his disciples:

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” – John 13:34.

In this spirit, we invite you join us for Maundy Thursday at St. John’s, which includes reserving an “Agape Meal,” a Christian fellowship meal that recalls when Jesus broke bread with his disciples during his ministry, especially at the Last Supper before his crucifixion.

On Maundy Thursday, we invite you to recall the events of the Last Supper by receiving communion and experiencing foot washing in Eve’s Garden. You can also take part in quiet prayer time in the church. If you’ve pre-ordered Agape Meals, you can pick them up between 4-7:00 p.m. to enjoy later at home.

This box meal will be St. John’s take on the traditional Mediterranean-style Agape meal, and will include:

Lentil Soup
Hummus
Naan Bread
Pita Chips
Grapes
Fresh Vegetables
Dried Figs
Kalamata Olives
Almonds

The Agape Meal cost is $20 per box meal, which includes a $15 donation that goes directly to Second Harvest of the Big Bend. This means your meal purchase will assist food insecure families in our community. Specifically, each meal purchased will allow Second Harvest to provide four days worth of meals for a local family.

Order Agape Meals

Our pre-registration window has closed.

CLICK HERE if you would don’t wish to order meals, but would like to make a donation directly to Second Harvest. This will enable the organization to provide assistance where the need is greatest. Simply select “Pass thru/Second Harvest” from the drop-down menu on the donation page.

Additional donations can also be made from the meal purchase page. Here’s a message from Second Harvest:

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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race

stjohnadmin — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:42:23 +0000

Which member of our St. John’s clergy is YOUR money on this Shrove Tuesday? It’s the first annual St. John’s Pancake Race to kick off our 2021 Lenten Challenge! Together, we can relieve the medical debt of residents in some of our state’s most financially vulnerable communities.

Special thanks to St. John’s parishioner Charlie Belvin, of Charles Belvin Productions, for volunteering his time to produce this fun launch video. #covidcreativity

A Bit of Background: The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Shrove Tuesday, a time to indulge before the beginning of Lent. At St. John’s, Shrove Tuesday has often featured pancake suppers to raise outreach funds. In the UK, some communities hold pancake races on Shrove Tuesday, a tradition that dates back centuries. In recent years, these fun community races have raised money for charity, which is what prompted our clergy to race with pancakes to kick off a parish-wide outreach effort to relieve medical debt.

This photo was taken in 1944, when longtime rector Parson Alfriend flipped flapjacks at the St. John’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party.

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Lenten Medical Debt Challenge

stjohnadmin — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:44:00 +0000

Thank you for taking part in St. John’s Lenten Medical Debt Challenge, a parish-wide effort to raise $10,000 to purchase and forgive $1 million in medical debt for Florida families, all during the season of Lent! You can learn more about how this works below, and on RIP Medical Debt’s website, but we ask that you please make your donation through St. John’s. If you prefer to donate by check, please send it to the church office (Attn: Kate Kile) with “Lenten Medical Debt” in the memo line.

DONATE NOW

Our 2021 Lenten Challenge has ended.

Imagine a scenario where you need medical attention but must choose between going to the doctor or feeding your family. Or, imagine a situation in which a single trip to the emergency room ruined your credit rating and sent you into a debilitating debt from which you may never recover. As a parish, we can prevent such scenarios. During the season of Lent, St. John’s Episcopal Church is partnering with the non-profit organization RIP Medical Debt to buy the medical debt of residents of some of Florida’s most financially vulnerable communities.

This debt reduction will give struggling families a fresh start, allowing them to receive critical medical attention and support on their journey toward financial stability. In partnership with RIP Medical Debt, every dollar donated forgives approximately $100 of medical debt. Your gifts of any amount will help us to reach our goal of $10,000 to purchase and forgive $1 million of medical debt for Florida families.

No matter how hard some families work to break the cycle of generational poverty, crushing medical debt can be virtually impossible to overcome. Your support of this unique campaign will help us reach households to help break this debilitating cycle.

43 million Americans now owe about $75 billion in past-due medical debt
More than 1 in 3 Americans struggle to afford the cost of their medical care
Medical debt contributes to more than 60 percent of all bankruptcies in the USA
75 percent of all individuals in medical bankruptcy had health insurance coverage

Now, imagine a scenario when a Florida resident opens an envelope telling them that St. John’s Episcopal Church has paid for and erased their medical debt with no strings attached – they owe nothing and have no tax penalty! Families can pay mortgages, utility bills, put food on their tables, and, most importantly, remain in the neighborhood. Every gift will make a difference. Please join us in fellowship with our parish family and our neighbors to make a significant difference in our state.

MAKE A DONATION

Our 2021 Lenten Challenge has ended.

For more detail on our partnering organization, we invite you to visit RIP Medical Debt’s Florida webpage to watch a great informational video about how these donations work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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2021 Lenten Guide

stjohnadmin — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:16:00 +0000

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:

^{During Lenten worship at St. John’s, we experience the beautiful liturgy of the New Zealand Prayer Book, see the vibrant Lenten vestments, smell incense during select services and touch handmade wooden chalices and patens. We also hear the sounds of South African, Taizé, Spanish, and other world music, featured across the global Anglican Communion.}

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.

View Full Calendar

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Faith in Action: BBH, Books, and Backpacks!

stjohnadmin — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 10:48:00 +0000

God calls us to “love our neighbors as ourselves” and during a time when our neighbors are suffering, St. John’s is working to fulfill God’s calling by loving those in our community. In early 2021, St. John’s wrapped up several outreach projects that began in 2020.

COLLECTIONS FOR BIG BEND HOSPICE:

In December 2020, St. John’s began a collection to assist Big Bend Hospice (BBH) with bolstering its supply of Ensure ready-to-drive nutritional shakes for patients in need. Thanks to your generosity, through both online and in-person donations, the church was able to donate 475 eight-ounce bottles of Ensure to BBH, a donation that is already helping the organization meet the needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses.

This donation was delivered soon after we dropped off more than 200 holiday cards made by St. John’s Youth Group along with friends from Leon High School SGA. The cards were distributed to Big Bend Hospice patients and families to brighten their holidays with messages of love and hope!

YOUTH COLLECTION FOR RILEY ELEMENTARY:

St. John’s Youth also played a major part in our parish’s early 2021 efforts to support Riley Elementary School. During Virtual BEAT Week this summer, when in-person volunteering was not an option, youth collected gently-used books from their home libraries. Last fall, Youth Director Caroline Allen sorted the donations by grade level so Susan Walton could deliver them to Riley as part of our Lend-a-Hand efforts. Approximately 160 children’s books – board boards, through Young Adult fiction and nonfiction – were donated for class libraries.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE HELPS LOCAL TEACHERS

In Summer 2020, St. John’s sponsored a school supply drive for Riley Elementary, and the response from our parish was overwhelming. St. John’s donated $8,000 of much-needed school supplies to help local students start the year off right! A number of people also made monetary donations, leaving us with nearly $2,000 in funds. With the donors’ permission, these funds were used to purchase book bags for each of the Riley Elementary teachers, a much-appreciated gift as teachers now have to carry their computers and supplies between home and school daily. Please know that when the bags, embroidered with the school mascot, were delivered, the children and staff at Riley felt your love. They thank you for walking with them during a challenging year!

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Book & Gift Store Inventory Sale

stjohnadmin — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 06:37:00 +0000

**updated 12/27/20**

The St. John’s Book and Gift Store has been a fulfilling outreach ministry for parishioners and members of the Tallahassee community for nearly 20 years. But like many brick and mortar retail businesses, it has been a challenge to operate in this digital age. And the pandemic has made it even more difficult for small businesses, like our store, to survive.

As St. John’s prepares to close this chapter in our church history, we’re holding an inventory sale. OUR ENTIRE STOCK IS 60% OFF!! And, fill a whole bag of books for just $30! Our doors will close for good at the end of December. Take advantage of some great deals on Monday (12/28), Tuesday (12/29), and Wednesday (12/30) from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Due to regathering guidelines established by the St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force, we will limit the number of people in the store at one time and masks will be required! To reduce contact, payment is credit/debit card only.

We are grateful for the many creative individuals who have managed the St. John’s Book & Gift Store, and all of the dedicated volunteers who have cared for our customers over the years. We are in the process of discerning how to best use this space for future mission and ministry. Stay tuned!

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Faith in Action: Sandwich Success Story

stjohnadmin — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 02:15:23 +0000

Throughout the pandemic, Grace Mission has continued to love God and our neighbors by partnering with our local emergency service facility, the Kearney Center to serve daily meals, an effort that would not have been possible without the dedication of hundreds of community volunteers, including many St. John’s parishioners.

When pandemic-related closures began, volunteers were unable to help and the Kearney Center staff was tasked with making all of the daily meals and distributing them around town to temporary housing locations, a huge undertaking for an organization that relies heavily on volunteer labor.

Despite having to close its own doors to the public, Grace Mission found a way to continue its outreach to the Tallahassee community and lighten the Kearney Center’s load. They took over community wide meal creation and delivery two days a week. While not allowed inside Grace Mission, regular volunteers realized they could assist with this effort by rallying their own families and friends to make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for Grace Mission’s lunches.

One quick-thinking volunteer was St. John’s parishioner John Allen, a Grace Mission board member who regularly volunteered by serving meals in pre-pandemic days. He felt coordinating the PB&J effort was a natural way to stay involved, so he started personally recruiting friends weekly.

Grace’s need for PB&Js meshed beautifully with St. John’s parishioners’ desire to help! Though parish wide volunteerism was on hold, individuals could sign up to help from the safety of their own homes … and they did! John has been overwhelmed by the response and generosity of St. John’s parishioners. To date, more than 40 St. John’s families have personally contributed to the PB&J effort.

“Some of them have simply made this part of their weekly routine,” says John. “And for me, it’s been a delight to drive around and briefly check in with everyone face to face, especially at the beginning when that was my main excursion out of the house each week.”

Since those days of lockdown this past spring, John has put MANY miles on his car driving around Tallahassee to pick up sandwiches. This coming week, his PB&J crew will pass the 5,000-sandwich mark! John reports there are three St. John’s volunteers who have made more than 300 PB&Js and one St. John’s parishioner who is about to pass 500.

John jokes these volunteers won’t want to look at a PB&J until 2025, but there is still a need! Grace Mission continues to partner with the Kearney Center to keep the meal deliveries rolling in so their clients can remain well fed while staying safe at “home” in temporary housing.

Fortunately, John is in it for the long haul. “It’s a small way I can give back and pay it forward,” says John. “Jesus spent time with and cared for the ‘least of these,’ and that’s what Grace does.”

Can we take a vote to rename this effort “PB&John?!”

In all seriousness, St. John’s is profoundly grateful for the many hands that have contributed to this important work. THANK YOU!

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Ensure Drive for Big Bend Hospice

stjohnadmin — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 17:33:00 +0000

This holiday season, St. John’s Outreach Ministry will insure that Big Bend Hospice Patients have enough Ensure to stretch well into the New Year.

For years, St. John’s has been proud to partner with Bend Hospice (BBH), an organization that has been providing holistic care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses since 1983.

Our parish-wide outreach project for the remainder of December and through the first couple weeks of 2021, will help Big Bend Hospice bolster their supply of Ensure ready-to-drink nutritional shakes to be delivered to patients in need.

VIEW WISH LIST

(this supply drive/outreach project has ended)

Order Online. Use the link above to order through the Big Bend Hospice wish list. Select the BBH address when ordering and the Ensure will be direct shipped to the organization.
Buy Locally. As an alternative, you can purchase Ensure locally (Light, Plus, Original or High Protein varieties) and leave it in the collection box by the church office (Calhoun Street entrance).

Our collection, for both online and local purchases, will run through January 11, 2021.

Thank you, St. John’s for helping Big Bend Hospice meet the needs of their patients this holiday season.

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Helping our Neighbors

stjohnadmin — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 20:42:00 +0000

Due to the pandemic, we were forced to cancel the Grace Mission Family Christmas Service, held annually at St. John’s. Thankfully, Grace Mission will host a virtual holiday blessing, and gifts will be distributed to all children along with holiday meals for their families.

St. John’s will assist with these two projects. Please read on to learn how you can help!

CHRISTMAS MEAL BOXES:

Grace Mission will provide traditional holiday meals – takeout style for the children in the S.O.A.R. After-School Program and their families! Thanks to you, we saw a record number of donations for the Thanksgiving meals, so we’re all set for donations for Christmas dinners.

ANGEL TREE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Our Angel Tree gift collection is going online this year! Angels are needed to provide gifts for the children enrolled in the S.O.A.R. program. If you would like to help, use the button below to view the Amazon wish list. To allow time for wrapping and distribution, gifts must be received at St. John’s by Wednesday, December 2.

View Amazon Wishlist

NOTE: When you check out on Amazon, please do NOT ship to Grace Mission. Ship to your home or drop off at St. John’s, or use the following address and volunteers will ensure gifts reach Grace Mission in time for wrapping and distribution.

Grace Mission Christmas Gifts, c/o Mandy Schnittker, 4549 Timberloch Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301

If instead you wish to make a monetary donation and have our team do the shopping, we will accept checks. Please send to the attention of Kate Kile, payable to St. John’s with “Grace Mission Christmas 2020” in the memo line.

Questions? Contact Dawn Adams at Grace Mission – (850) 320-2233 or dawngracemission@gmail.com. We appreciate every bit of help you can provide during this difficult year!

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St. John’s Market Memories

stjohnadmin — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:38:00 +0000

This year, we’re skipping our annual St. John’s Market due to the pandemic. However, we look forward to holding a bigger, better Market in 2021, when we can gather as one church community!

This is the week when dozens of volunteers would typically be buzzing around church, preparing to host this beloved annual event, which has a long history at St. John’s. Here’s a look back at a few Market Memories. Hope they make you smile!

Thank you to Dennis Howard and Mother Abi for capturing these fun memories! Several of YOU sent in memories as well!

Below, Linda Carter reflected upon one of the newer Market booths to join the lineup. “The Man Cave” was an idea her late husband, Frank Carter brought to life. The booth was coordinated for several years by Frank, along with Roger Rumenik and David Wheeler. Thankfully, David says he will carry the torch, hosting the Man Cave when Market is held next.

“Frank would come and help wherever he was needed. He began to notice that most men who were not involved with the market were just following their wives around, looking totally bored. In 2011, Frank decided that the men needed something of interest to look at while visiting the market. He created the Man Cave.” – Linda Carter

We have some great photos of our chicken pilau chefs in Eve’s Garden. Shelby and Dan Augustyniak recently took over these duties with help from the couple who started this Market booth, John and Teresa Dean. The Augustyniaks use John’s cookers and recipe to carry on the tradition! How did the Deans come up with their recipe? Teresa shares below in her own words.

What’s the Secret Pilau Recipe?
“Good question, but we don’t have a good answer! It started many years ago when John bought his first 10-gallon cast iron pot, and when we attended yearly Coon Bottom chicken pilau dinners. John began tracking down pilau recipes and began experimenting until he finally settled on the one he’s used for years. According to our pilau file, we first cooked one 10-gallon pot for the 2006 Market. We increased the amount to two 10-gallon pots the next year. In recent years, we’ve added a five-gallon pot for a total of 25 gallons of pilau!” – Teresa Dean

There’s no pilau to buy this year, but John and Teresa are sharing the recipe! They’ve reduced the 10-gallon recipe to a 2.5-gallon recipe that they say can be cooked on your kitchen stove. All you need is a large pot of any kind. If anyone is interested in giving it a try, simply email John and Teresa Dean and they’ll send you the recipe.

Last but certainly not least, is a wonderful reflection on the growth of the Outdoor Garden booth from longtime chair Linda Harkey, and some amazing photos from our 1987 St. John’s Market, shared by Virginia Perkins.

What great Market Memories!

Over the past ten years, the Outdoor Garden has grown from several dozen plants that filled two benches along the walkway in Eve’s Garden to hundreds of bedding plants, shrubs, house plants and trees that cover the walkway and a fourth of the garden. As shoppers leave the bustle of Alfriend Hall and come into Eve’s Garden, they reminisce about plants they or their ancestors once had. They talk about new situations—retiring and downsizing, moving to live with a grandparent, or setting up a garden after moving to Tallahassee for a new job. After the Market, the remaining plants go to other Tallahasseans in transition—to Habitat for Humanity and to the International Rescue Committee. The most enjoyable part of the Outdoor Garden for me is seeing how much St. John’s parishioners love plants and how important gardens are in people’s lives.

– Linda Harkey

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Welcome Home Box Project Success

stjohnadmin — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 01:45:00 +0000

The Kearney Center Welcome Home Box project has wrapped up and all we can say is THANK YOU! Thanks to the generosity of St. John’s members, eight local families are getting a great start in a new home. A special thank you to the children of St. John’s who decorated the Welcome Home Boxes with beautiful hearts and to the St. John’s volunteers who faithfully sorted the donated items as they arrived and packed the boxes with love.

When Megan Duncan of The Kearney Center heard how many boxes St. John’s collected, she said, “Thank you all so much. I am so excited and can’t believe you have eight! This is such a blessing!” Two boxes were delivered to The Kearney Center in late October to greet families that were moving into their homes and six boxes were sent to Kearney just this week. There were families moving into new housing that day, so as you are reading this message, the recipients of your generosity are unpacking brand new items that will make their house a home.

Thank you, St. John’s, for loving your neighbor!

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14

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Welcome Home Boxes

stjohnadmin — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:30:33 +0000

During this pandemic, we are reminded that one of the most basic blessings of life is having a home. Now, a segment of the homeless population has an exciting opportunity to have a place to call their own. Funding associated with COVID-19 relief has been earmarked for people who have enough income to meet monthly rent payments but lack the funds required for security deposits.

Imagine finding a permanent place to live, but having nothing to make that place feel like home. St. John’s — let’s help our neighbors fill their new homes by providing Welcome Home Boxes during the month of October!

Throughout the month of October, parishioners are invited to purchase items for the Welcome Home Boxes. Below is a comprehensive list of supplies every new home needs. Purchasing through our Amazon Wishlist has closed, but you can drop off items purchased locally between 2 and 5 p.m. on Sundays at St. John’s, or during the Lively Cafe pickup windows (11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday).

The children of St. John’s will decorate the boxes with messages of love before they are distributed through The Kearney Center to our neighbors who are starting an exciting new chapter in their lives.

If you’d like to write a note to someone who will receive one of our “Welcome Home Boxes,” bring them by the church or mail them to us:

St. John’s Episcopal Church, “Attn: Welcome Home Box Neighbor,” 211 North Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Please share this opportunity with your friends!

Photo provided by and used with permission from The Kearney Center.

Bedroom:
• Sheets/pillowcases
• Blanket
• Pillows x 2
• Hangers (5-10pk)
• Hamper

Living room:
• Lamp

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Supply Drive Success

stjohnadmin — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 19:03:13 +0000

Thank you St. John’s, for giving the student body at Riley Elementary a fabulous start this school year!

Riley Elementary lies within the 32304 zip code, which is the poorest in the state of Florida. St. John’s has partnered with the school for years, providing one-on-one student mentoring, reading programs, and support and appreciation for faculty and staff. Due to the pandemic, it won’t be possible to help through our usual channels, but we were confident that the people of St. John’s could assist Riley from afar with an online school supply drive. Well St. Johns, you exceeded our expectations!

“WOW! What an amazing outpouring of love from St. John’s! We are so blessed to work with you!”
Lindsey Brown, Assistant Principal

During our two-week drive, more than $8,000 worth of school supplies were purchased for the children of Riley Elementary School. On top of that, an additional $1,900 was donated by parishioners and members of the community for administrators to use for other school needs. That’s approximately $10,000 in support for our young friends as they started the 2020-21 school year!

That’s a lot of school supplies! 202 pocket folders, 66 spiral notebooks, 22 packs of dividers, 310 red pens, 411 pairs of scissors, 240 bottles of glue, 109 packs of notebook paper, 125 composition notebooks, 630 glue sticks, 276 boxes of crayons, 61 packs of sharpies, 3,363 pencils, 215 three-ring binders, 480 colored pens, 144 dry erase markers & 1,376 colored pencils

Our outreach and compassion care teams said it felt like “Christmas in August” when they delivered the 40 boxes off school supplies off to Riley Elementary. Thank you, St. John’s, for your generous hearts! By loving your neighbor, you helped the children of Riley when they needed you most.

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Grace Mission Summer Update

stjohnadmin — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 05:28:22 +0000

Grace Mission remains closed for its usual in-person services but that hasn’t stopped this organization from continuing to assist the Tallahassee community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since meal distribution at The Kearney Center was put on hold this spring, for safety precautions, more than 17,046 meals have been prepared by volunteers for the Kearney Center to share at designated facilities. Socially-distanced volunteers and donors from St. John’s have played a large part in that ministry.

You can read all about what’s happening at Grace Mission in their Summer Newsletter and take a peek at Grace Mission’s present needs, all volunteerism that can be done with social distancing and online, to see how you can help.

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Faith in Action: Virtual Volunteerism

stjohnadmin — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 20:52:00 +0000

**updated 1/12/20**

Because of our compassion and love for the community, our St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force has decided we are only comfortable having parishioners volunteer on a limited basis at this time. Whatever benefit is realized would be outweighed by the possibility of spreading the virus. Please rest assured that St. John’s intends to continue to support the groups and organizations within our community as we always have, and understand that this is temporary. Once the storm passes, we will mobilize volunteers to safely assist those in need.

Please see our church calendar for limited in-person volunteer opportunities. In the meantime, our outreach and compassion care teams remain busy identifying new, creative ways to give.

VIRTUAL (or limited contact) OPPORTUNITIES:

Big Bend Hospice: This organization has identified a specific need to obtain Ensure ready-to-drink shakes for patients who are experiencing life-limiting illnesses. Please drop donations at the Big Bend Hospice office.

Grace Mission: Despite closing its doors to the public due to the pandemic, Grace Mission has continued to love God and our neighbors by partnering with the Kearney Center to serve daily meals. Email kate@gracemission.net. Want to donate? click here

Capital City Youth Services (CCYS): CCYS works with homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth to alleviate issues and strengthen families and are in need of your support. Visit their website to donate or purchase their most needed items on their Amazon Wishlist.

Shared Grace Tallahassee: For a comprehensive list of ways to help in Tallahassee, visit the Shared Grace Tallahassee website. This site is organized by area clergy and community volunteers living out love for neighbor through support of local human and public services providers.

Support for Healthcare Providers: TMH is accepting donations of hand-sewn masks and commercial-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) at two drop-off locations: TMH Marketing & Communications, 1308 Hodges Drive, and the TMH Foundation, 1331 East Sixth Avenue. Click here

Masks for Tally: Are you looking for masks or would like to create them for our community? Visit the Masks for Tally website to learn more about who in our community needs masks or even how to procure one yourself.

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Commissioning Sabrina Hartsfield

stjohnadmin — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:01:00 +0000

Congratulations to St. John’s Parishioner Sabrina Annette Hartsfield as she prepares to serve with the Episcopal Service Corps in the Bronx. Take a few moments to learn more about Sabrina and this exciting program.

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