Sunday, April 19 | 10 AM–5 PM | Rain or Shine | 1600 Miccosukee Road | Tallahassee, FL 32308

Join us for a joyful, all-parish day together at Goodwood Museum & Gardens on Sunday, April 19. We’ll gather for a combined service at 10 AM, followed by a full day of fellowship, food, and fun for all ages and stages.

Spend time in the Carriage House enjoying indoor trivia and a special talk on the shared history of St. John’s and Goodwood, or head to the Jubilee Cottage for hands-on creativity, including a string art project and other arts & crafts.

Outdoors, the lawns will be alive with games and activities for the young and young at heart—sidewalk chalk, a scavenger hunt, sack races, and plenty of space to play and relax.

Plus a parish-wide game of kickball – dress casually and wear your sneakers!

Whether you stay all day or just stop by, there’s something for everyone.

We’ll conclude our time together with prayer and music, sending us out refreshed and connected.

Bring a reusable water bottle, a lawn chair, picnic blanket, a hat, a guitar (if you play), and anything to help you enjoy a beautiful sunny day outdoors.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
+The 7:45 AM service WILL take place in the church and be livestreamed.
+A combined 10 AM service will take place at Goodwood Museum & Gardens (no 9 or 11:15 AM services).
+Handicapped parking will be available at the Carriage House. Dining will be made available at the Carriage House for those who are mobility impaired.
+7:30 PM Sung Compline will take place in the church.

Worship, Fellowship, & Food for All

10:00 AM – Worship Service + Holy Eucharist
A joyful worship service to begin the day.

11:45 AM – Picnic on the Lawn (East Lawn)
A fried chicken lunch will be served in the Carriage House, then you can find a spot on the lawn to enjoy!

12:00 PM – Tallahassee Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble (Lynn Ricks & Friends) (East Lawn)
Enjoy live brass music while you picnic and relax.

2:30-4:30 PM – Lofty Pursuits Ice Cream Truck
A sweet treat for all ages—available before and during the kickball game, while supplies last.

4:30 PM – Closing Worship
Wind down the day in the air-conditioned Carriage House with a liturgy led by Father Lonnie, singing, and prayer together. Bring your guitar if you play!

Carriage House (Talks & Presentations)

10:00 AM – All Day – Welcome / Info / First Aid
Stop here for directions, assistance, and general information throughout the day.

12:30 PM – Shared History of St. John’s & Goodwood (David Proctor)
This talk will explore how both St. John’s and Goodwood emerged from the same early Tallahassee world, including the story of Hardy Bryan Croom’s family, who are memorialized at St. John’s after the shipwreck of the Home in 1837 as they traveled to Tallahassee to occupy Goodwood.

1:30 PM – The Great Episcopal Quiz Challenge (Jonathan Jackson)
A fast-paced, team-based quiz game combining Bible knowledge, the Book of Common Prayer, and interactive challenges.

2:30 PM – What We Nurture Grows (Kate Kile)
Using flowers as a point of reflection, Kate Kile will consider how beauty draws us toward God, invites wonder and care, and reminds us that what we lovingly nurture in creation and in spirit has the chance to flourish.

3:30 PM – The Episcopal Church in Cuba (Heather Jordan)
This talk will present a brief history of the Episcopal Church in Cuba, showing how the Diocese of Cuba came under the umbrella of The Episcopal Church rather than the Church of England, and how it fits within the wider Anglican Communion. It will conclude with a look at St. John’s companion parish and the joy and vitality emerging from Zorrilla today.

Center Lawn (Games & Activities)

All Day – Lawn Games & Bounce House
Drop in anytime for cornhole, Jenga, sports, and a fun all-ages scavenger hunt. Parental or guardian supervision is required for use of the bounce house

2:00 PM – Sack Races
A classic, high-energy race for kids and the young at heart.

2:15 PM – Three-Legged Races
Grab a partner and test your teamwork!

2:30 PM – Balloon Tower Challenge
Work together to build the tallest (or most creative) balloon structure.

3:00 PM – Tug of War
Team Christmas People vs Team Easter People – let’s go!

3:30 PM – Parish-wide Kickball Game
Let’s go! Join Captains Erik Salsgiver and Jay Lacy for a friendly game of kickball.

Jubilee Cottage (Arts & Crafts)

12:30–2:00 PM – String Art Project (Jay Lacy)
With wood, nails, string, and a bit of cheerful hammering, this lively hands-on project turns simple materials into works of art.

2:00–3:00 PM – Flowers and ‘Flies (Elizabeth Crowe)
Participants will craft colorful paper flowers and butterflies, full of charm and springtime delight.

3:00–4:30 PM – Open Studio
Paint a gift bag or a watercolor masterpiece on your own, then pin your work up to dry on the clothesline for everyone to enjoy.

Historic House

1:30–3:00 PM – Self-Guided Tours
Explore the historic home of Goodwood at your own pace.

Laundry Cottage (Kids Area)

10:00 AM–5:00 PM – Nursery
A quiet, comfortable space for younger children to rest and recharge. Open all day!

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Every year, the Church tells the same story. We return to it again and again because it is the story that reveals the depth of God’s love for the world. Holy Week is the Church’s most profound way of telling that story.

Beginning with Palm Sunday, we step into the final days of Jesus’ earthly life—walking the road from shouts of “Hosanna,” to the table of the Last Supper, to the cross, and finally to the wonder of the empty tomb. This year, Palm Sunday will be especially meaningful at St. John’s as Assisting Bishop Chip Stokes joins us in worship to confirm and receive new members of our parish family.

At the heart of Holy Week is what the Church calls the Triduum—the “three days” from Maundy Thursday evening through Good Friday and into the Great Vigil of Easter. Across these days, the Church keeps one continuous act of prayer: beginning at the table where Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends, continuing at the foot of the cross, and culminating in the deep night of Easter when a new fire is kindled and the first proclamation of resurrection is spoken.

These liturgies are not separate events, but one unfolding story of love stronger than death. We invite you to walk this sacred journey with us. Below you’ll find the full schedule for Holy Week and Easter at St. John’s. We hope you will make plans now to join us as we gather again, speak the ancient words again, and enter this holy story once more.

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

Holy Week Schedule

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

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

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

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

The post Holy Week & Easter 2026 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Our 2026 Lenten Guide is built around a simple and hopeful theme: “And so we say it again.”

Lent invites us to return to the words, prayers, and practices that quietly shape our lives—spoken not once, but over time, and together. This guide is designed to help you slow down, listen more carefully, and discover how God uses repeated prayer and Scripture to form us in truth, humility, and hope.

What you’ll find inside the guide

The guide walks you through how repetition works in Christian life and worship—why returning to the same prayers and words is not dull, but deeply formative. You’ll be invited to notice how shared language trains our instincts, gives us words when our own fail, and helps us tell the truth about ourselves and the world before God.

Praying with the Great Litany

A central focus of this Lent is the Great Litany—one of the Church’s oldest prayers. The guide explains its history, its steady rhythm of honest petition, and why its repeated response, “Good Lord, deliver us,” is especially fitting for this season. Below is a recorded version of the Great Litany you can pray at home, on a walk, or whenever you need faithful words to lean on.

Words Jesus speaks—and words we carry

Each Sunday in Lent centers on a short, powerful phrase from the Gospel—such as “It is written,” “Come and see,” “One thing I do know,” and “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The guide invites you to dwell with one phrase at a time across the week, allowing Scripture to work slowly on the heart and imagination rather than rushing past it.

Simple practices for everyday life

You’ll also find gentle, realistic Lenten practices designed for busy lives—ideas such as carrying one short prayer through the week, noticing repeated responses in worship, reflecting on which words stay with you after prayer, and creating space through fasting or new rhythms of prayer and service. These are not meant as spiritual achievements, but as steady ways of making room for God.

Resources to go deeper

The guide includes a curated list of books and devotional resources—ranging from Scripture and prayer, to memoir, fiction, and cultural reflection—to accompany you through Lent and help you notice what is shaping your thinking, attention, and prayer.

Download the full Lenten Guide to explore the prayers, practices, weekly Gospel journey, and recommended resources in depth—and to walk this season with words the Church has trusted, and returned to, again and again.

Lenten Events & Services

Vessels of Faith: Crafting a Lenten Communion Set

Sunday, February 15 | 10:15 AM | Carter Chapel

Learn the story behind the handcrafted wooden Communion set created for Lent.

Ash Wednesday: The Beginning We Return To

Wednesday, February 18 | 7:00 PM, 12:10 PM & 6:30 PM*

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” *6:30 PM service will be livestreamed and have incense.

Friday Book Study

Fridays during Lent | Starting February 20 | 12 PM on Zoom

Book study featuring “Psalms, The Prayer Book of the Bible,” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Lent I Worship Service

Sunday, February 22 | 7:45, 9, & 11:15 AM | Church

On the First Sunday in Lent at St. John’s, we will begin the season by praying the Great Litany together, with the choir processing among the congregation at the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services.

Morning Prayer in Carter Chapel

Tuesdays during Lent | Starting February 24 | 7:10 AM | Carter Chapel

Join St. John’s lay leaders as we gather and pray the Daily Office.

Lenten Quiet Day

Saturday, March 14, 9 AM – 12 PM | St. John’s Campus

Step away from the noise of everyday life for a gentle Lenten Quiet Day of rest, reflection, and renewal, complete with an Anglican Prayer Beads Workshop, contemplative prayer, and an Instructed Holy Eucharist led by Fr. Lonnie Lacy. This event is sponsored by the St. John Chapter of the Daughters of the King. (Attending the Lenten Quiet Day is free, but the Anglican Prayer Beads Workshop is $15 for supplies.) REGISTER ONLINE.

Lenten Service of Comfort & Healing: Feast of the Annunciation

Wednesday, March 25 | 12:10 PM | Carter Chapel

Lent can be a heavy season, but even in sorrow, light breaks through. This special 12:10 p.m. Wednesday Comfort & Healing Service, tied to the Feast of the Annunciation, invites us to bring our burdens before God in prayer, music, and anointing.

A Model Passover Seder with Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky

Thursday, March 26, 5:45 – 8:30 PM | Alfriend Hall

Join us at St. John’s for a two-and-a-half-hour, guided model Passover Seder led by Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky—a participatory, prayerful, and gently paced ceremonial meal that invites all ages to learn, listen, and linger with traditions familiar to Jesus and his disciples (cost: $20 adults, $10 children). REGISTER ONLINE.

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We are currently seeking individuals to fill the following positions at St. John’s Episcopal Church:

Administrative Assistant

ABOUT OUR PARISH

St. John’s Episcopal Church is a historic downtown parish in the capital city of Tallahassee. We are a people who joyfully and continually seek to grow through worship, study, and fellowship as we become who God has created and calls us each to be.

We profess God’s love for every human being and welcome all people regardless of age, race, income, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. St. John’s believes that God loves all – no exceptions. And together we continue to build that legacy.

St. John’s is an energetic, thriving church with growing membership. We value excellent liturgy for parishioners of all ages; we love music and make it part of weekly worship and fellowship programs; we are seriously committed to outreach; and we constantly work to invite, encourage, and welcome others to join us.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Administrative Assistant serves as a welcoming and reliable first point of contact for parishioners, visitors, and community members, both in person and through phone and email communication. This role provides essential administrative support to clergy and staff and contributes significantly to the smooth and effective daily operation of the church office.

Success in this position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, a service oriented spirit, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion and care. The Administrative Assistant works collaboratively across staff teams and helps ensure that communication, records, and systems support the mission and ministry of the parish.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB

Front Office & Hospitality

• Provide courteous and professional receptionist support, including answering phones, responding to emails, and welcoming visitors and vendors.
• Serve as a calm, helpful, and informed presence for parishioners and guests seeking assistance or information.
• Receive, log, and maintain records of incoming phone calls and messages as needed.

Administrative Support & Office Operations

• File correspondence, reports, and records in both digital and physical formats.
• Monitor, sort, and distribute internal and external mail; assist with bulk mailings and delivery to the post office as required.
• Maintain common office areas in an organized and professional manner to ensure a welcoming first impression and accessibility of files and records.
• Perform accurate data entry and assist with database maintenance and reporting.

Database, Systems & Technology

• Help maintain the parish database (Realm), ensuring records are accurate, current, and used effectively.
• Export, clean, format, and prepare data for mail merges, reports, and communications as needed.
• Assist with point-of-sale systems (e.g., Clover, Square) for events, programs, or parish operations.
• Support staff and parish activities using Zoom and other virtual meeting tools.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office, with particular emphasis on Excel, Word, and Teams.

Events & Program Support

• Assist with planning, registration, and fee collection for parish events and programs.
• Support coordination of event logistics, communications, and follow-up as requested.

General Support

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Administrator for the Clergy or the Clergy, in support of parish operations and ministry.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to spelling, grammar, and clarity
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with individuals and groups of all ages
• Working knowledge of the Episcopal Church and its practices, or willingness to learn
• Experience with Microsoft Office and database or donor-management software (e.g., Realm)

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Work is conducted in an office setting and requires the ability to move throughout church buildings. A valid driver’s license and access to an automobile are useful. The position may occasionally require transporting bulk mailings to the post office.

Tests/Examinations

Background check and Safeguarding certification as required by the Episcopal Diocese of Florida.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Kristi Leger, our Finance Director: kristi@saint-john.org

The post Join our Team appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

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

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

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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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Flower dedications are a wonderful way to show gratitude for or honor loved ones. When altar flowers are dedicated, the names and messages are listed in our weekly order of service which is available for those worshipping in person or those joining in worship online.

Use the link above to view the available Sundays and make your contribution. Please read the instructions carefully when you reserve your date, as we want to ensure we accurately capture your dedication.

A few helpful tips:

1. Find your preferred Sunday. There are no altar flowers during the season of Lent. Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias are dedicated through a special signup that will be available on the dedication page as the season approaches.
2. You may choose either Church or Chapel and the flowers will be placed in whichever location you choose. Church Altar Flowers are $100 and Chapel Altar Flowers are $75.
3. Choose the number of dedications (three are available weekly. If none are available, the Sunday will be listed as “out of stock.”)
4. Enter the dedication language (In Memory of, In Thanksgiving For, or In Celebration of), the person’s name, and any flower preferences.
5. Add to cart and follow the payment prompts to place your order.

Please contact our church office at (850) 222-2636 if you require assistance.

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St. John’s will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, February 8, at our combined worship service at 10 AM. If you are joining us online, simply stay on the worship feed. Those attending in person are invited to enjoy fellowship at our Annual Chili Cook-Off after the meeting!

We invite you to review our 2025 Annual Report to see all we accomplished last year. Inside you’ll find reports from our clergy, lay leadership, and commissions. (The file is large and may take a moment to load properly.)

We invite you to get to know the candidates who have been nominated this year for our St. John’s Vestry and Diocesan Convention Delegates. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to our parish and are grateful for the time and talent they regularly share through ministry. See below our 2026 slate of nominees.

When voting opens, you will vote for six candidates. Remember, only “members in good standing” (see definition below) are invited to vote on the 2026 slate.

This year we will elect five individuals who will serve St. John’s for a three-year term, and an additional individual will fill a one-year vacancy, due to an unexpired term. Vote for no more than six candidates for Vestry and two candidates for Convention Delegate. ONE BALLOT will be accepted per email address.

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.

2026 SLATE OF VESTRY CANDIDATES:

Stephanie Amidon

I joined St. John’s in 1998 after moving to Tallahassee with my family. Early in my time at St. John’s, I was an active volunteer, assisting Chef Fran in the café and helping with Vacation Bible School. My three children—Molly, Joseph, and Sean-Patrick—were all baptized at St. John’s.

While my children attended Holy Comforter Episcopal School, our family worshiped at that parish for several years. In 2015, we joyfully returned to St. John’s, drawn by the vibrant youth group. Since then, I have volunteered extensively, including many years serving during BEAT Week and mentoring first-year students in the Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) program.

As an AP Economics and AP Government teacher at Maclay School, I value opportunities to share my passion for civic engagement, service, and leadership with the youth involved in GPL. Myself, and my husband, Frank, actively participate in small groups, the Bun Run program, and the Christmas Eve meal deliveries. We have deeply enjoyed building relationships and friendships within the parish community.

I am profoundly grateful to St. John’s for the many years of spiritual growth, belonging, and friendship it has provided for me and my family. I would be honored to serve on the vestry to help foster these same experiences for others—whether lifelong members or first-time visitors. I believe St. John’s is something truly special and feels called to help share that gift with others.

Joe Dillehay

I am happily standing for vestry because I have a deep sense of love and gratitude for the city of Tallahassee and St. John’s Episcopal Church. I didn’t grow up in a church family and had always considered myself an agnostic. My wife Alison and St. John’s got me through the barrier of the door and kept me comfortable and feeling accepted long enough for me to realize that there had been a higher power at work in my life for years.  

After my baptism at Easter vigil in 2023, I consider St John’s to be my spiritual birthplace and will forever be grateful. I am blessed with love, health and energy that I’m eager to share with the parish. 

I struggled mightily as a younger adult. As I enter middle age I feel the privilege that I now have. I love my community and I want to use my gifts to serve those without it. 

I especially love my small groups at St. John’s. I have gained friendship and mentorship there that I have never experienced before. Also I love food, art, travel, and cats. Peace be with you.

Grady Enlow

Having grown up in Orlando, I moved to Tallahassee in 1984 to attend graduate school at FSU. My son was baptized at St. John’s in 1991. I married June Dollar in 2001 and at that time we attended another church in downtown Tallahassee. After living for some years in Sarasota and Thomasville, GA, we returned to Tallahassee in 2018 and joined in the summer of 2020.

I have served St. John’s in the Coffee and Conversations ministry since its inception. I love singing, playing the piano, and playing with our dogs, Gilbert and Sullivan. I also enjoy running, biking, and most recently, again, golfing.

I have a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.B.A., and a doctorate in education. I taught Sunday School at my previous church, led retreats, and served in music ministry. After a decade in the hospitality industry and 25 years in higher education administration, I now serve as Deputy Director for Administration for the Florida Department of Corrections Office of Health Services.

Myself and June feel like we belong at St. John’s and look forward to continuing to contribute to this faith community. I would be honored to serve my spiritual family at St. John’s by serving on the Vestry

Jennifer Guy-Hudson

I joined St. John’s with my husband, Matt Hudson, in 2019, and was baptized here later that same year. We appreciate our life in community at St. John’s as we celebrate our relationship with God, build meaningful fellowship and grow in our faith. I enjoy serving on the Flower Guild and previously attended EfM in Jim and Pat’s group for several years.

As I learn more about the Episcopal Church and deepen my spiritual life, I am grateful for the belonging I feel at St. Johns. 

George Mannheimer

I’ve been a lifetime member of St. John’s, and this church has shaped every chapter of my family’s faith journey. My wife, Michelle, and I were confirmed and married in this church, both of our children were baptized here, and our spiritual foundation continues to grow with this community.

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to serve St. John’s in many ways. I’ve bartended and DJ’d for multiple church fundraisers, helping create fellowship, energy and support for our ministries. I’ve had the honor of being a confirmation sponsor, walking alongside a member as they deepen their faith. I’ve also served as a “Shepherd”, reaching out to fellow parishioners in times of need, offering connection, prayer and care.

My father, Doug, and mother, Cricket, have been members of St. Johns for over 40 years, reflecting a family legacy of devotion and service. Alongside my wife, I lead MASH, a program designed to engage couples with young children and provide a welcoming space for their children to build friendships and community.

I feel called to serve on vestry to give back to the church that has given my family and me so much. I hope to support our ministries, be a good steward of our resources, and help ensure that St. John’s remains a vibrant, welcoming home for all.

Nan O’Kelley

I grew up in and was confirmed at St. John’s. I rejoined when moving back to Tallahassee in 2003 and am the daughter of longtime parishioners Mahaska and Tom Whitley.

At St. John’s, I have served in several capacities, including on the Vestry, the Stewardship Committee, the St. John’s Foundation Board, and as Co-Chair of the St. John’s Market and Co-Chair of the Market Preview Party.

I have a long track record of community involvement in Tallahassee. I have served in leadership roles with Leadership Tallahassee, the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Youth Leadership Tallahassee, United Way of the Big Bend, Goodwood Museum and Gardens, and the Trinity Catholic School Advisory Council. These roles have given me experience in governance, strategic planning, and working with diverse groups to move projects forward.

I currently work at Tallahassee State College in the Office of Transfer Services, where I support students as they navigate academic transitions and plan their next steps.

I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Vestry again and contribute my experience to the continued health and direction of St. John’s. 

MEAGAN OWENS

I love the things of God and God’s people, and from my earliest years, life always revolved around the church body. The Evangelical tradition raised me, with most of my life spent in Southern Baptist and non-denominational churches serving in various ministries in my youth group and into adulthood. While I am grateful for what I learned in those spaces, there came a time when they very deeply no longer fit who I was. After a few years in a spiritual wilderness, meeting God in incredibly beautiful and new ways, I sensed a calling to something ancient and yet fully equipped to meet the world of today. I found both of those strengths in the Episcopal tradition, and joined St John’s six years ago.

Over the years, St John’s allowed me to serve in several capacities and try new ways of ministry, ranging from leading small groups, serving in the St Francis Ministry, the Capital Area Justice Ministry, participating in Education for Ministry, and teaching Sunday School. While I love everything God allowed me to do, I truly found my place in Eucharistic Ministry and serving as a Lay Pastoral Care Minister.

Ann Elaine Rowe

I officially began attending St. John’s after moving to Tallahassee from my home state of Maine in late 1991. I was raised a Baptist – yet thank my college best friend, Janice Cooke-Wright and Westminster Choir College voice professor Lois Laverty for introducing me to the Episcopal faith in 1982.

I became a member of St. John’s in 1999, have actively served in the choir since then, I experienced Cursillo as a candidate and served on multiple Women’s Cursillo Weekend teams at Camp Weed in Live Oak, and was an adult volunteer during my stepson’s Happening Weekend there.

I am a Stephen Minister, volunteer annually for the St. John’s Market and other parish-based fundraisers, activities, and have accompanied St. John’s youth as a chaperone during day trips the past few years. My favorite trip thus far was the St. John’s England Choir Tour in 2015. I serve as a volunteer for the St. John’s Choir School and mentors choristers as they grow in their music life.

St. John’s truly is my home – and its congregation my family, on so many levels. As a veteran risk/crisis communications professional and public servant, I would be incredibly honored to help in the planning for and shaping of St. John’s future. As always, with God and our St. John’s family’s help!

Will Scarboro

I was drawn to St. John’s by my love of the music and liturgy of the Episcopal Church and a desire to renew and deepen my spiritual life. I have found this parish to be a place of welcome and grounding since becoming a regular part of the community. Singing in the St. John’s Adult Choir has become a meaningful way for me to participate in worship, offering prayer through music and shared fellowship. Through weekly worship, thoughtful preaching, and the richness of our liturgical tradition, St. John’s has become a place of spiritual nourishment and growth for me.

I am standing for Vestry out of a strong desire to serve the church that has nurtured me, and to support its ongoing discernment, ministries, and faithful stewardship. If elected, I aim to listen deeply, collaborate faithfully, and offer my gifts in service to the parish and its ministries as we grow together in faithful discipleship.

Susan Shelton

I have been a member of St. John’s since moving to Tallahassee with my family in 2015. I am a “cradle Episcopalian”—baptised, confirmed, and married in the same parish where my parents met as high school seniors. Originally from middle Georgia, my adult life has taken me around the southeast, and a consistent grounding point has been the Episcopal church. I have enjoyed serving each church in a variety of capacities.

At St. John’s I have participated with youth activities, small groups and the market, and most often I am seen serving as an usher and now verger. I enjoy the different outreach ministries here, opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection, and engaging activities within the parish and larger community. I view participation through vestry as another opportunity to serve the church and grow more connected with others.

I am married to Dayne Shelton who I met as a college freshman. We have three children who have all served as acolytes at St. John’s: Davis (23), Mary (21), and Forester (17). Professionally, I am a certified nurse-midwife and have taught undergraduate and graduate nursing in the university setting for nearly 20 years.

Wendy Wriggins-Ernst

I am a Miami native and lifelong Episcopalian, married to Jim, and mom to Brianna (28 yrs) and Matthew (23 yrs).  My journey at St. John’s began when Jim, Matthew and I moved to Tallahassee in 2020.  During a challenging move and career transition, St. John’s embraced us with warmth and support.  In gratitude, I am standing for Vestry to serve the community that has become our home. 

At St. John’s, I serve on the Community of Hope Pastoral Care Team, Daughters of the King, and Front Porch Committee.  I’m an EFM graduate and grateful for the many adult formation programs at St. John’s, and the opportunity to facilitate a Parish Discernment Committee.  At my previous parish home I served as verger, lay reader, outreach committee leader, and women’s group director.  I delight in inhabiting the seasons of the liturgical year and seeing God in everyday moments. 

Outside of church, I am an adjunct professor in healthcare administration at Tallahassee State College and an educational surrogate and reading mentor for Leon County Schools.  I hold a BA from Texas Christian University and an MBA from the University of Miami.  In my spare time, you’ll find me reading, gardening, or watching football. 

2026 SLATE OF CONVENTION DELEGATES:

Jenny Blalock

I have been a member of St. John’s since 2008 and would be honored to represent our parish as a convention delegate. Over the years, I have served on the vestry and youth commission, taught high school Sunday School, helped start and coordinate a young adults ministry, co-chaired parish weekend at Camp Weed, served on the flower delivery ministry and as a greeter, volunteered at and served on the board of Grace Mission, volunteered with Vacation Bible School, participated in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Foyers, and the Faith at 5:30 series, and currently serve as a lector.

I am married to Adam and we have two daughters, Anna and Eleanor. I work as a policy analyst for the Education & Employment Committee in the Florida House of Representatives.

Monique Ellsworth

I am the Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, where I lead regional efforts to address hunger and food insecurity across North Florida. I have worked in Tallahassee’s social services community since 2011, dedicating my career to serving individuals and families experiencing poverty, housing instability, and crisis.

Before joining Second Harvest in 2019, I served as the Executive Director of CESC, Inc., the nonprofit organization that operates The Kearney Center, providing comprehensive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. I hold a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University and continue to teach in FSU’s College of Social Work, helping prepare the next generation of social workers.

I am standing to serve as a Convention Delegate because I believe deeply in the Episcopal Church’s commitment to justice, compassion, and service in the world. My professional and personal life are rooted in the belief that faith should be lived out through action—by listening, showing up, and advocating for the dignity of every person. As a member of St. John’s, I am honored by the opportunity to represent the parish, contribute thoughtfully to the work of the Diocese, and help strengthen the church’s witness in our community.

Neil Rambana

I am honored to stand for election as a St. John’s Episcopal Church Convention delegate. My family has roots at St. John’s—my wife Elizabeth and I were married here, and both of our daughters have received sacraments at St. John’s. I currently serve as an usher and greeter, and I was privileged to serve on the rector search committee, helping guide our parish through an important transition to secure Fr. Lonnie.

Professionally, I have practiced immigration law for 25 years, specializing in complex immigration and deportation defense. Originally from Jamaica, I have become a recognized voice in immigration advocacy, with one of my cases featured on the cover of the New Yorker. I previously served as Congressional Liaison for the American Immigration Lawyers Association and have spoken at St. John’s about immigration.

I hold leadership positions throughout Tallahassee, including President of the Governors Club Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Tallahassee/St. Maarten Sister City Foundation. I am also an amateur pilot.

My experience in advocacy, governance, and community leadership has prepared me to represent St. John’s effectively, ensuring our parish’s voice is heard in the broader Episcopal Church.

Stephen Waltz

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida and Georgia. I am also a Licensed Psychological Examiner in Tennessee (retired, 1995). I have been a psychotherapist for 50 years.

I have been attending St. John’s since the early 1990s. I was, at the time, employed by Faith Counseling Center. While there, I joined with Father Dr. Bill Finlaw and Margie Watkins to serve on the Bishop of Florida’s Evaluation and Response Team, Commission on Human Sexuality, Episcopal Diocese of Florida from 1995 to 1997.

I have led a number of groups at St. John’s. in 1994, I taught a six-week course on Jungian Psychotherapist Thomas Moore’s Book Soul Mates: Honoring the Mystery of Love and Relationships. I have also conducted four 9-week courses on Dr. John Gottman’s The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.

I attend the early service each Sunday and the Sunday School that follows. I am honored to be asked to represent St. John’s in the Diocese.

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Las Posadas (Spanish for “Inns” or “Shelters”) is a tradition that is celebrated chiefly in Latin America, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Spain, and by Hispanics in the United States to commemorate the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph as they walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be registered in the Bethlehem census. As the story goes, baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a stable as the couple couldn’t find lodging at an inn because they were all full.

Once again this year, parishioners of all ages are invited to join the St. John’s Children’s Ministry and host the Holy Family during Advent. Rooted in a tradition more than 400 years old, Las Posadas began in Spain, where Catholic priests discovered that drama was one of the most powerful ways to share biblical stories with the faithful. The celebration traditionally spans nine evenings, from December 14–24, leading up to the Christmas Eve service. Throughout these nights, participants reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay, bringing the Advent story to life in a vivid and meaningful way. Starting on December 14, all the way until Christmas Eve, parishioners host figures of Mary and Joseph in their homes as they travel along their way to Bethlehem.

As Mary and Joseph’s stay winds down at one host’s home, that host will accommodate Mary and Joseph’s transportation to the next host’s home until the couple reaches Bethlehem (or rather, back to St. John’s for the 1 PM Christmas Eve service). We’ll provide you with a prayer book and more information on Las Posadas to make this a meaningful experience. And we’ll share the journey with our parish along the way!

Thanks in advance for signing up to host Mary and Joseph this year! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email Tyree (tyree@saint-john.org) at (850) 408-5092 with any questions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sundays at St. John’s Are Growing Again! 

We’re delighted to share that beginning Sunday, January 11, we will return to a three-service Sunday morning schedule. We had hoped to make this shift sooner, but we chose to pause until the right pieces were in place. That time has now come. 

Because of your faithfulness, our continued numerical growth, and the strengthening of our ministry teams, we now have the resources to offer more opportunities for worship, connection, and belonging. 

This change is not simply a schedule update; it’s a celebration. God is moving among us. New faces are coming. Long-time members are re-engaging. We are growing because God is growing us. And now—together—we’re ready. 

Below you’ll find answers to common questions about what’s changing, why now, and how this new rhythm makes more room to welcome members new and old into the love of St. John’s. There will be a place for everyone. 

Q: What’s changing about Sundays this fall?

We’re returning to three Sunday morning services starting January 11:

• 7:45 AM
• 9:00 AM
• 11:15 AM

Q: Why is this change happening now?

Because we’re growing. Attendance has steadily increased across the last three years—especially this past year. With only two morning services, our 10:00 AM has become crowded. This expansion simply makes space so newcomers and longtime members can worship with comfort and belonging.

Q: Didn’t we used to have three services before?

Yes, before COVID, the church had a rhythm of three services: 8:00, 9:00, and 11:15. We’re essentially returning to that structure, with one small tweak.

Q: What’s different this time?

The early service will start at 7:45 AM instead of 8:00 AM, which gives necessary transition time between services for the altar guild, clergy, and musicians.

Q: What will each service be like?

Each service will continue to offer a distinct experience: 

• 7:45 AM: A quiet, contemplative Rite I service. 

• 9:00 AM: Lively and family-friendly with organ, choir, choristers, and Children’s Chapel—similar to the current 10:00 service. 

• 11:15 AM: Solemn and traditional with chant, incense, and choral music. 

Q: When will Sunday School happen?

10:15–11:00 AM between the 9:00 and 11:15 services.

Q: Will this new schedule be year-round?

Almost. From Memorial Day through Labor Day we’ll return to our simplified summer pattern with 7:45 AM and 10:00 AM services.

Q: Will there ever be other combined services?

Yes. On special occasions—such as stewardship Sunday or the Bishop’s visitation—we may schedule a combined service. These will always be announced well in advance.

Q: What’s the big picture here?

This isn’t about dividing people up; it’s about making room for the people God is already sending. This is faithful hospitality, joyful adaptability, and the kind of growth every church hopes for. 

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Adult Sunday School (September 2025 – April 2026)

This program year, St. John’s offers a variety of Sunday School offerings. From lectionary discussion, to reclaiming our Biblical roots, to diving right into the afterlife: we want to give everyone the chance to try something new and grow deeper in their Christian lives. Below you will find descriptions, dates, times, and locations of the classes offered until we break for the summer. We have also included links to purchase the class book, if you so choose.

Year-Round Gatherings

Lectionary/Sermon Discussion Group
9 AM, Rutledge Room and 10:15 AM, Upstairs Meeting Room
Have you ever walked out of church wishing to dig even deeper into the scriptures and sermon of the day? Join us on Sundays after each service to further unpack the wisdom and insights revealed during the church service.

Learning to Speak God from Scratch
10:15 AM Sept. 14–Apr. 26,Killeen Hall/Zoom
Struggle to talk about faith? This class breathes new life into words like “grace” and “gospel,” helping us reclaim their biblical roots and find fresh language for sharing our faith. Click here to purchase a copy of Learning to Speak God from Scratch by Jonathan Merritt via the St. John’s Cathedral Bookstore & Gift Shop, Jacksonville. This class is hybrid and if you cannot attend in person, join us via Zoom.

NOTE: This class is also available to join via Zoom. If you cannot join us in person, click the meeting link below and join us. You’ll be muted upon entry, so enter any questions or comments into the chat!

Click the link below to join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81897508324?pwd=hOsbZ2sAMTa47vWhRy0GsSSO8MfPtD.1

Meeting ID: 818 9750 8324
Passcode: 1829

Beginning January 11

To Hell with the Rector
10:15 AM, Jan. 11–Feb. 1, Chapel
What does the Bible really say about hell? Join Father Lonnie for a fun, myth-busting dive into Scripture, tradition, and the Episcopal perspective on the afterlife.

Beginning February 15

Heroes of the Faith
10:15 AM, Feb. 15-April 26, Rutledge Room
Meet the bold voices and inspiring leaders who shaped Christianity—from Augustine and Julian of Norwich to Bonhoeffer and Desmond Tutu—and discover how their lives still speak to us today.

Children’s Sunday School (September 2025 – April 2026)

Children in PreK-5th grades are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation. This year, 4 classes (PK/K, 1st, 2nd/3rd grades, and 4th/5th grades) will meet weekly through April 27. Activities take place upstairs in the Sunday School wing.

Here’s what we’ll be learning!

PK/K: Godly Play– This nurturing approach honors the unique competencies and capacities of early childhood. Students’ innate spirituality will be engaged, and their growing use of religious language will be nourished as they make meaning from Biblical stories through a creative process of self-discovery.

1^st: Festal Eucharist– Students will participate in a special curriculum created right here at St. John’s to prepare our first-grade children for worship in the Episcopal tradition. They will focus on Worship, Holy Baptism, Christian Giving and The Holy Eucharist culminating with the Festal Eucharist in May.

2^nd/3^rd & 4^th/5^th: StoryMakers- Upper elementary students will become StoryMakers and use their imaginations to enter God’s story. They will engage with Biblical stories through creative visual arts, interactive storytelling, field notes, fun facts, thoughts to ponder, and hands-on activities. They will experience stories of The Promised Land, Isaiah, Advent, Lent, and Easter.

Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.

Middle School Sunday School (September 2025 – April 2026)

Middle-schoolers (6-8 grade) are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation in the Sunday School wing. 

Middle school students will become StoryMakers to express their questions, discoveries, and creativity as they explore the deep theological truths and faith in God. They will walk through the Signs of Grace—baptism and Communion—which contain the tangible means they can hang on to when all seems lost, and the Lord’s Prayer, which assures us we have been given the title of heirs—adopted into God’s kingdom and claimed as his own.

Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.

Youth Sunday School (September 2025 – April 2026)

High school Sunday programing this year revolves around loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Students will rotate through four themes each month with the Wellness Compass, the Prayer Book, Global Philanthropy Leaders (and other special topics), and a movement-based class. Students will also have the option to use the time for personal reflection or preparation on any or all Sundays. Students are welcomed AND encouraged to bring their homework with them on Sundays. They may use this time to prepare for the week ahead and get on top of any assignments.

We hope you join us for this Sacred Space on Sundays.

Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.

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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.)

Sign up to be a volunteer or inquire about sponsorship opportunities below!

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.

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In the Introduction to God Willing, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church, it says, “In 1829, a handful of Christians banded together under the leadership of a visiting missionary to charter a small Episcopal mission in the frontier village of Tallahassee, FL.”

Tallahassee is no longer a frontier village, and St. John’s is no longer a small Episcopal mission, but we are still Christians banding together to love and serve God. And by the grace of God, in less than 5 years, our congregation will celebrate its 200th year.

In preparation for this important milestone, St. John’s has formed a Steering Committee to keep us organized and energized. The members are:

Jim & Laurye Messer, Co-Chairs
Rollins & Sarah Ball Miller, Co-Chairs
Skip Foster
Sara Merrill
David Proctor
Mary Byrd Sims
Kelly Kibbey Smith
Claire Dodd
Marissa Hall
Fr. Lonnie Lacy
Mtr. Leslie Roraback

2029 will be a year of celebration, thanksgiving, education, and service. If you would like to join in the planning for this momentous milestone, please fill out the sign up form below by Sunday, September 14.

What a blessing to be part of such a significant anniversary. We hope you’ll help us prepare. It only happens once every 200 years!

The post St. John’s Bicentennial Planning appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Small Groups Are Back – Sign Up for 2025-26!

Whether you’re looking for connection, encouragement, or a space to grow in faith, Small Groups at St. John’s are a wonderful way to journey together. These groups offer friendship, fellowship, and spiritual reflection—supporting one another through both life’s joys and challenges.

Groups of 8–12 individuals (or a few couples) will gather once a month for conversation, prayer, and a shared reflection based on a monthly prompt. Each group will choose their own meeting time and place, with help from a designated facilitator. If you’d like to use a meeting room at St. John’s, just let us know—we’re happy to help.

Whether you’re returning or trying a group for the first time, we encourage you to sign up. Groups will meet through May 2026. Prefer to meet virtually? Indicate that on the form. Everyone—including past participants—must complete a new form for the 2025-26 program year. You can also note on the form if you’re signing up with a partner or would like to be grouped with specific people.

Let’s grow in faith and friendship—together.

If you have any questions about St. John’s Small Groups, please contact Claire Dodd.

Signups are closed!

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St. John’s bids a heartfelt farewell to Deacon Mike and Linda Hall as they depart from St. John’s. Their faithful service, compassionate presence, and unwavering dedication have deeply enriched our parish community. As they embark on this next chapter, we offer our prayers for God’s continued guidance, blessings, and peace in their journey ahead. All are invited to read their farewell letter below and please wish them well when you see them. Their last Sunday at St. John’s is June 22, 2025.

It is with bittersweet emotions that we share some important news with you. After much prayer, reflection, and discernment, we have decided to relocate from Tallahassee to Ocala. Recently Mike’s sister moved from Missouri to a retirement community in Ocala and at this point in our life we are called closer to family. This decision was not made lightly, and while we are excited for the opportunity to be near family, it is difficult to say goodbye to the incredible fellowship and community we have been blessed to be a part of.

Our time here has been filled with countless memories, many friendships, and a shared faith that has strengthened and uplifted us. We are immensely grateful for each of you—the love, support, and kindness you have shown us will remain in our hearts always.

Though we may be moving physically, our connection to St. John’s will never fade. We will continue to pray for each of you. We hope to stay in touch and welcome visits whenever paths cross again.

May God continue to bless and guide each of you, just as He is guiding us on this new journey.

With love and gratitude,

Yours in Christ,

Deacons Mike & Linda

The post Staff Update: Deacon Mike & Linda Hall appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

St. John’s Market has been a cherished tradition since the late 1800s, bringing joy, fellowship, and generosity to our parish and the wider community. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we’re taking a thoughtful pause to reimagine what Market can be—not because anything is wrong, but because we want this beloved event to thrive for generations to come. Below are answers to common questions about this year’s plans and the discernment ahead. Click here to watch Fr. Lonnie’s May 25 sermon where he preaches about St. John’s Market 2025 and beyond.

Q: What’s changing with Market this year?

For 2025, we’re taking a one-year pause from the traditional, full-scale Market. Instead, we’ll host a one-night-only event that combines the most joyful and meaningful parts of Market and the Preview Party in a simpler, more sustainable format.

Q: Why the pause?

The classic Market—especially the garage-sale-style elements like books, attic goods, and furnishings—has become increasingly complex and time-intensive over the last few decades. Organizing it requires months of year-round effort and a heavy volunteer lift, which has become harder to sustain.

Q: Is Market going away for good?

Not at all. This is simply a pause for 2025. There’s no decision yet about how Market will look in 2026 or beyond. As a parish, we will use this time in 2025 to reflect, regroup, and imagine what Market can look like in the future.

Q: What will the 2025 event look like?

We’re envisioning something like “Market Under the Stars” (name still TBD):

• One festive evening in both Alfriend and Eve’s Garden
• String lights, music, and great food
• Holiday shopping, silent auction, and perhaps even some live auction!
• Featuring:
  • Artisan goods and jewelry
  • Florals and plants
  • Jams, jellies, pies, and cakes
  • Honor cards, allowing guests to make donations to outreach ministries in honor of a loved one
  • Fellowship, conversation, and fun

Q: What won’t be included this year?

This year’s event will not include the garage-sale-style items: no books, dishes, trinkets, or furnishings. These are the pieces that require the most volunteer hours and space year-round.

Q: Will you still need volunteers?

Absolutely. Volunteer support will still be essential. More details on how to get involved will be shared in the coming months.

Q: Are you still taking donations?

For 2025, we are not receiving material goods like dishes, furnishings, or books.

Q: Will the 2025 event be open to the public?

Yes! It will be a ticketed event at an accessible price, open to all. We’ll spread the word through local media and social platforms. Unlike past preview parties, items will be sold at their regular prices—not marked up.

Q: Why not just ask for more volunteers?

This isn’t a simple logistics issue; it’s an adaptive challenge. Volunteer availability and energy have shifted over the years, and so have people’s patterns of giving, serving, and buying. This moment calls for listening, creativity, and care, not just a new signup sheet.

Q: Who made this decision?

Since there’s no formal Market committee, the Vestry made the decision based on a recommendation from a subcommittee they appointed after reviewing the current challenges. As part of our plans for 2026 and beyond, we plan to form a dedicated steering team—closer to the ground—to help carry Market forward and guide future adaptive decisions.

Q: How will the parish be involved in discerning Market’s future?

We’ll share more in the fall about how the discernment process will unfold. This will be a parish-wide conversation, with opportunities to listen, share, and shape the future of Market together.

Q: How can I share my thoughts or ideas?

We’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Senior Warden Leslie Redding if you have questions, insights, or inspiration.

Q: What’s the bigger picture?

We want Market to thrive, not just this year, but for generations to come. This lighter-lift version in 2025 gives us space to rest, reflect, and reimagine for the long-term future. The process is just beginning, and it will be a parish-wide conversation.

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Starting June 29, we’re taking worship on the move! Due to some needed restoration work on our sanctuary ceiling, we’ll temporarily relocate Sunday services to Alfriend Hall for 6 to 8 weeks. Everything you love about worship—music, preaching, Communion, and community—will still be there, just in a new setting. Think of it as “Summer Church”: same Spirit, different space, with a little extra flexibility. On June 25, the 12:10 p.m. Wednesday Healing Service will shift to Killeen Hall.

Below are answers to common questions about the change. Click here to watch Fr. Lonnie’s May 25 sermon where he discusses summer worship.

Click here to sign up to help set-up and breakdown Alfriend Hall for worship.

Q: Why are we changing worship locations this summer?

Our sanctuary ceiling has developed mold. We have had it professionally tested, and it is not harmful. It does, however, need to be cleaned and treated. This restoration work requires us to vacate the sanctuary for about 6 to 8 weeks.

Q: When will this begin?

We’ll move out of the sanctuary starting Sunday, June 29.

Q: Where will worship be held during this time?

Sunday worship will take place in Alfriend Hall while the sanctuary ceiling is being restored.

Q: What will worship be like in Alfriend Hall?

Everything you love about worship remains the same: Communion, music, sermons, just in a different room! The relaxed summer setting may even give us space to try a few creative touches, but the heart of our worship remains unchanged.

Q: How long will we be in Alfriend Hall?

We expect to worship there for about 6 to 8 weeks.

Q: Is help needed with the transition?

Yes! We need volunteers to help with weekly setup and takedown. If you’re willing to help, please contact Junior Warden Kathy Bye or click here to sign up.

Q: Do I need to contribute financially to this restoration?

Nope! The funds for the ceiling work are already secured. No fundraising appeal is being made.

Q: What about the Wednesday 12:10 healing service?

The Wednesday service will take place in Killeen Hall starting June 25.

Q: Will Vacation Bible School and Choir School Camp still happen?

Yes! Both VBS and Choir School Camp will continue as planned.

Q: What about livestreaming services?

We’re actively working on livestreaming options from Alfriend Hall to keep our online community connected.

Q: What should I do?

Stay flexible, faithful, and joyful—and come to church! Your presence matters, no matter the room.

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What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective tone.

Lent is a sacred invitation to slow down, reflect, and make space for God. It is not about striving for perfection or proving our devotion. Rather, it is about coming as we are—flawed, weary, hopeful—and allowing God to meet us on the road.

Like the ancient pilgrims who walked to Jerusalem, we embark on a journey that is both inward and outward. We set down burdens. We take up new disciplines. We press forward, not alone, but together, knowing that at the end of this road, resurrection awaits.

This guide is more than just a schedule of events. It is a companion for the journey—filled with teachings, practices, and invitations to deepen your walk with Jesus this Lent. Whether you fast, pray, study, or serve, know this: God is already walking beside you.

We invite you to take this journey with intention, with courage, and with hope. May this Lent be a season of transformation and grace. Download our Lenten Guide below for more information and guidance.

A Lenten Pilgrimage: Walking with Jesus 2025

We invite you to download our Lenten Guide by clicking on the image above. Inside we hope you will find ways to engage with prayer and penitence during this season. It is a pilgrimage with many possible stops along the way. A few are listed below.

• WORSHIP: During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross, the grave, and ultimately to resurrection. For other changes you will see and hear, check out this article from Fr. Lonnie.
• PRAY: Lent is a season to devote yourself to prayer. Whether it is following the Daily Office in the Book of Common Prayer, praying for your Lenten Prayer Partner, or simply sitting in reverent silence, set aside time every day this season to pray. Try a different place to pray than usual, like Eve’s Garden or other spaces around the church. For your convenience, there’s even an online version (written or audio format) of The Daily Office.
• DEVOTIONALS: Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence or prayer. Find Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditation Guide online.
• FAST: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that many have practiced throughout the millennia. “Fasting was part and parcel of a communal call on God to act when the odds seemed overwhelming. Fasting was not merely a rite used to ask for forgiveness but a plea to God to help those who couldn’t help themselves.” The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello. If you have health issues, please consult a doctor before fasting.
• RECONCILE: This is a season to stop for self-examination and introspection. It is a time to nourish the yearning to come closer to God. This practice can lead to a need for penitence. The Episcopal Church offers the sacramental rite called Reconciliation of a Penitent, the practice of 1:1 personal confession with a priest. You can read about this in the Book of Common Prayer, p. 861. If you feel the need for personal confession, please consult with our clergy.
• ENGAGE: As we clear our hearts and minds of focusing on ourselves and grow closer to God, we remember those in our community who are in need. Consider giving of yourself to a local non-profit or helping in a new area at St.John’s. Be the hands and feet of Christ for others.
• MAKE SPACE: The tradition of self-denial during Lent is a way to say “no” to what we want and say “yes” to the will of God. The purpose of this self-denial isn’t misery for misery’s sake. It’s for the sake of clearing space for prayer and making our hearts more in tune to the suffering of Christ. People often give up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits. When you give something up on your Lenten pilgrimage, with what do you fill that space?
• ATTEND COMPLINE: Join us for our weekly Sung Compline service, on Sundays at 7:30 PM. This ancient monastic service is held in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the St. John’s Compline Choir.
  

Lenten Events

“MEETING GOD IN MARK: REFLECTIONS FOR THE SEASON OF LENT”: FRIDAY BOOK STUDY
JOIN WEEKLY BY ZOOM | BEGINS MARCH 7
Meets Fridays at 12 PM on Zoom. During Lent, we’ll journey through Lent guided by Rowan Williams. No registration is required.

“Before his presence with a song”: An Exploration of Lenten Hymns
SUNDAYS, STARTING MARCH 9 | 11:30 AM | CARTER CHAPEL
Join us as we explore the theological depth of Lenten hymnody, led by Marissa Hall. Discover the meaning behind the hymns we sing and how they shape our Lenten journey.

LENTEN PRAYER BEADS WORKSHOP
MARCH 15 | 10 AM
Hosted by the Front Porch and led by Marcy Muldrow Sanders, this workshop will introduce the ancient tradition of prayer beads as a tool for contemplative prayer. Participants will make their own set of prayer beads to use throughout Lent. Register online.

LENTEN SERVICE OF COMFORT & HEALING: FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION
MARCH 26 | 12:10 PM
Lent can be a heavy season, but even in sorrow, light breaks through. This special 12:10 PM Wednesday Comfort & Healing Service, tied to the Feast of the Annunciation, invites us to bring our burdens before God in prayer, music, and anointing. The angel’s words to Mary—“Do not be afraid”—offer us the same promise of hope and renewal.

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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!

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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 website 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.

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.

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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St. John’s will hold our Parish Meeting on Sunday, February 2, following our 10 AM Holy Eucharist. Children’s activities will be provided for PreK-5th graders. If you are joining us online, simply stay on the worship feed. Those attending in person are invited to enjoy fellowship at our Annual Chili Cook-Off after the meeting! Click here to purchase your spoon.

We invite you to also take a look at our 2024 Annual Report to see all we accomplished last year.

We invite you to get to know the candidates who have been nominated this year for our St. John’s Vestry. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to our parish and are grateful for the time and talent they regularly share through ministry. See below our 2025 slate of nominees.

When voting opens, you will vote for five candidates. Remember, only “members in good standing” (see definition below) are invited to vote on the 2025 slate.

This year we will elect five individuals who will serve St. John’s for a three-year term. An additional individual will fill a one-year vacancy, due to an unexpired term. Vote for no more than five candidates. ONE BALLOT will be accepted per email address.

VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED.

2025 SLATE OF CANDIDATES:

ALEX BOLER

As a life-long Episcopalian, I have been active in the church from a young age at my family’s parish in the Clearwater area, then as a college student at Ruge Hall (The Episcopal University Center at Florida State), and at St. John’s since 2014. Shortly after joining St. John’s, I became an usher and then was tasked with coordinating the Usher ministry, and later came to lead the Greeter ministry, as well (both ministries contributed to our Invite-Welcome-Connect program). At St. John’s, I’ve also been involved in our fellowship groups, and occasionally volunteer doing audio/video and technical work. I appreciate the traditions of the Episcopal church, especially its liturgy, but my favorite part of St. John’s is the community that is formed amongst the congregation.

CATHERINE CONNOR

I was confirmed at St. John’s in 1990 while attending graduate school. After graduation, I moved away but attended and been active at Episcopal churches. When my husband passed away, I retired from 30+ years of teaching and moved back to be near my son and his family. I felt like I was “back home” when I came back to St. John’s. I’ve always had a servant’s heart and am the Sec./Treasurer for Daughters of the King, Bible school teacher, BEAT week, Lively Café, Hostess committee, Vacation Bible School, St. John’s Market, St. John’s Bible docent, and have helped serve at the SALT luncheon. I love St. John’s and its parishioners!

JEFF COUCH

I have been a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church since 2012. My wife, Janine, is a current Vestry member who is now stepping down after her term of service. Together, we have two children, Charlie, who is in the 11th grade, and Georgie, who is in the 7th grade. I have actively contributed to the church community, serving as a Youth Advisor, participating in the Property Commission, and acting as a Eucharistic Minister. I am eager to continue my family’s tradition of service by joining the Vestry.

DINA FOSTER

I have been attending St. John’s since 2015 when my family moved to Tallahassee.  Prior to that time, I attended Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Shelby, North Carolina where I served on Vestry and was very active in my church.

My Husband, Skip and I have three children. Our two sons were both confirmed at St. Johns.  I participated in Camp BEAT when my boys were younger.  Skip was previously on Vestry and served on the Covid Task Force.  Since 2021, I have been involved with Altar Guild. I also worked in the Lively Café for about one year (I loved it and miss it!).  I currently assist with Weddings at the church. In the past, I have volunteered at Market and St. Mary’s.  I truly love St. John’s and would be honored to serve on Vestry. 

DAVID GRIMES

I have been a member of St. John’s for ten years. Growing up as a Mennonite, I came to the Episcopal Church later in life after becoming interested in the Anglican tradition while studying in England during law school.  I have two siblings. I am an attorney for the Florida Legislature. I’ve been involved in the following at St. John’s: Youth Confirmation Instructor, Verger, Eucharistic Minister, Rector Search Committee member, Greeter, and Strategic Plan Implementation member.

As I discussed in my “Faith at 5:30” talk, I spent several years as a young adult alienated from the Church believing that my faith journey would be an individual one. After finding a spiritual home at St. John’s, I’ve been happy to be proven wrong. My appreciation for the beautiful and unique community we share has only grown through the years, especially after my service on the Rector Search Committee exposed me to so many new ways our parishioners love and serve God and each other. After prayerful discernment, I am standing for vestry to lend my time and talent to support the continued work of St. John’s as a needed witness of Christ’s unifying love in a divided world. 

CHRISTINE HANSEN

I can tell you a lot about St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, my childhood faith community in Sunbury, PA, but I can most clearly describe the back of the sanctuary, with its stairs to the choir loft, dark wood paneling, and pews with red velveteen cushions. That’s because, I so vividly remember standing on the pew, facing backwards, and whispering with Mrs. Breeon. She would pass me a little bag of cheerios or a box of raisins and chat with me throughout the service. I’m not sure how Paster Kieffer felt about our hushed discussions during his sermons, but I am sure of how I felt, loved. That’s why my home at St. John’s Episcopal Church is so important to me. This church is also, first and foremost, a place of love, and I would like to take an active role in the work necessary to increase that love within our walls and carry it out into our community and world.

I have been a member of St. John’s since moving back to Tallahassee from Philadelphia, where I was a member of the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, and before that, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Columbus, GA. I have one wonderful child, Davis, who also lives in Tallahassee and a sweet pup named CJ, short for Calamity Jane. I am the director of programs for the Askew Student Life Center at FSU and participate in lots of theatre in the area. Prior to my position here at FSU, I taught theatre for many years in Idaho, Georgia, and here in Florida. 

MEAGAN OWENS

I have been a member of St John’s since early 2020, and am so grateful to have found the Episcopal church. Loving the things of God and God’s people, I solidly identify as a church nerd. Over my time at St John’s I’ve been involved with the Capital Area Justice Ministry, Becoming Beloved Community, the Education for Ministry program, coordinated Lenten Prayer Partners, and served as a mentor to the Growing in Grace Adult Confirmation classes.

I currently serve as a Eucharistic Minister and participate in the Community of Hope International program for lay pastoral care.

MARTHA RAY-BROOKS

I have been a member of St. John’s for many years and serve as a Eucharistic Minister, founding member of the St. John’s Historical Society, volunteer for the St. John’s Choir School, and as a researcher and grant writer for the St. John’s Cemetery research project.  Past activities include high school youth Sunday School teacher and confirmation coordinator, EfM graduate and volunteer at Grace Mission.  I am a retired Leon County Schools High School Guidance Counselor.  St. John’s and it’s community are an important aspect of my spiritual life.

MICHAEL STEWART-MEZA

Since joining Saint John’s in 2018 and being confirmed in 2019, I have been blessed to be part of this wonderful faith community. I am an alumnus of FSU where I studied Philosophy and Religion. In my professional life, I lead FSU’s Medical Response Unit and am an adjunct instructor for TSC’s Emergency Medical Services Department, having previously worked as a paramedic in Gadsden and Leon Counties. These roles have given me opportunities to mentor students and serve the community.

My husband, Enmanuel, and I find deep spiritual nourishment at Saint John’s through attending the 10am Sunday service and Compline. I continue to learn and grow in faith through Education for Ministry (EFM) and Community of Hope classes. This church has blessed me with opportunities to serve in various ways, including as a greeter, usher, and Eucharistic Minister. Enmanuel and I have served as small group leaders, helped with New Members’ classes, and as discussion facilitators for Growing in Grace. Currently, I serve on the Adult Formation Committee and teach adult Sunday School classes.

I am willing to stand for Vestry because I have witnessed firsthand how God works through Saint John’s, particularly in the church’s dedication to welcoming all of God’s children, including those who may have felt excluded elsewhere. The grace and love I have experienced here has deeply touched my life and family, and I am inspired by the faithful leadership of the clergy and lay leaders. If nominated, I would prayerfully serve with God’s help, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance through this process and wherever God leads.

QUINN TOWNSEND

As a mom of three children, ages 9, 11, and 13, I am drawn to the idea of serving on St. John’s Vestry because I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has been a cornerstone of support for my family. Since joining St John’s in 2016, our church has become a second home, a place where my kids have found friends, mentors, and a sense of belonging. By joining the vestry, I hope to help shape and sustain this space for other families and contribute to programs that nurture faith and connection.

I believe this role would be a meaningful way to serve, grow, and set an example of community involvement for my children. Serving on the vestry would allow me to help our church flourish and ensure it remains a vibrant part of our lives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Las Posadas (Spanish for “Inns” or “Shelters”) is a tradition that is celebrated chiefly in Latin America, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Spain, and by Hispanics in the United States to commemorate the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph as they walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be registered in the Bethlehem census. As the story goes, baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a stable as the couple couldn’t find lodging at an inn because they were all full.

Once again this year, parishioners of all ages are invited to join the St. John’s Children’s Ministry and host the Holy Family during Advent. From the first Sunday of Advent, on December 1, all the way until Christmas Eve, parishioners host figures of Mary and Joseph in their homes as they travel along their way to Bethlehem.

As Mary and Joseph’s stay winds down at one host’s home, that host will accommodate Mary and Joseph’s transportation to the next host’s home until the couple reaches Bethlehem (or rather, back to St. John’s for the 1 PM Christmas Eve service). We’ll provide you with a prayer book and more information on Las Posadas to make this a meaningful experience. And we’ll share the journey with our parish along the way!

Thanks in advance for signing up to host Mary and Joseph this year! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or text Tyree Jordan, our Director of Youth & Families at (850) 408-5092.

The post Host the Holy Family 2024 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

The St. John’s Foundation is accepting nominations to fill a position on the Foundation Board of Trustees. The Trustee would serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025.

The Foundation Board is responsible for growing and protecting its endowment, annually deciding how to spend a portion of the endowment for St. John’s programs and activities, and increasing membership in the Foundation’s Legacy Society which recognizes a person’s intention to make a planned gift to the Foundation.

Please submit nominations or self-nominations in writing to Charley Redding (credding2008@gmail.com), chair of the Foundation Nominating Committee, by November 7, 2024. Please include a short statement regarding why the nominee is interested or would be a good fit for serving on the Board. The new Trustee will be elected by the current Board in late November and announced thereafter.

The post St. John’s Foundation Accepting Board Nominations appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

— Ezekiel 36:26

The Stewardship Committee is holding the entire parish in prayer as we begin the Stewardship Season for the upcoming calendar year 2024. Pledge packets are being mailed out during the month of October. If you do not receive one by October 31, please email Kristi Leger or call (850) 222-2636 ext. 17. Your Stewardship Committee members include: Ben & Sarah Bowersox (Chairs), Lynn Bannister, Graham Demont, Kyle Griffis, Chuck Hinson (Vestry Chair), Jen (Jennifer) Hinson, Kelly Kirby, Jenni Morris, Katie Proctor, Manny (Enmanuel) Stewart-Meza, and Andrew Wiggins.

St. John’s is continuing our new tradition of a shortened pledge season, now happening during the months of October through mid-November. Please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment and let us know by November 15.

You can return your pledge card in the mail, place in the offering plate (in the envelope provided for confidentiality) or try your hand at making your pledge online by logging in to your Realm account!

We know that many people have questions about Stewardship and what it means. How do we engage with Stewardship at St. John’s and in our own lives? Join us during the month October at one of our Gratitude Gatherings to enjoy each other’s company and to visit with Father Lonnie to learn more about Stewardship and the impact it makes in our lives and our community.

These gatherings will take place from 5:30-7:00 PM and will begin with fellowship and light hors d’oeuvres followed by a conversation with Father Lonnie. Conversation will touch on new beginnings in our church, the renewal of our spirit of giving, and the role stewardship plays in the vision of our church.

We hope to see you there. All are invited, but we ask that you kindly RSVP to help our hosts plan accordingly. Choose the gathering that is most convenient for you, simply click on one of the links below.

October 16, 5:30-7 PM at the home of Jim & Laurye Messer

October 23, 5:30-7 PM at St. John’s – join us for Chorister Evensong!

October 30, 5:30 – 7 PM at the home of Chuck & Jen Hinson

The St. John’s Stewardship Committee is looking forward to a joyful and generous stewardship season with you!

The post 2024 Stewardship Season is Underway appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

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.

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.

The post 2024 Market Grant Applications Available appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Adult Sunday School (September to December 2024)

This program year, St. John’s offers a variety of Sunday School offerings. From dedicated prayer groups, to lectionary discussion, to diving right into Paul’s letters: we want to give everyone the chance to try something new and grow deeper in their Christian lives. Below you will find descriptions, dates, times, and locations of the classes offered until we break for Christmas.

Year-Round Gatherings

Lectionary/Sermon Discussion Group
9 AM and 11:30 AM, Rutledge Room
9 AM led by Betty Lou Joanos and Frances Hart
11:30 AM led by Marda Messick and Erik Salsgiver
Have you ever walked out of church wishing to dig even deeper into the scriptures and sermon of the day? Join us on Sundays after each service to further unpack the wisdom and insights revealed during the church service.

Prayer Group
9 AM, Rear of the Nave
Led by Meagan Owens
When it comes to intercessory prayer, there’s no better way to learn than by doing. This group will meet on Sunday mornings between the church services to pray for our leaders, members, and world.

Walk in Love: An Episcopal 101
11:30 AM, Killeen Hall and YouTube
Led by Jonathan Jackson, Mike Stewart-Meza, and Sarah Michael Trupiano
Take a journey through The Book of Common Prayer to learn what we believe, why we do what we do, and how it all shapes who we are as Episcopalians. Using the book Walk in Love by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe, this class is perfect for newcomers and longtimers alike. This class will be recorded and posted online. Click here to purchase the book.

Beginning September 22

The Gospel of John
9 AM, Killeen Hall
Led by Jen Hinson and Bo Shippen
John’s Gospel is full of intriguing language—of being born anew, of living water, of wind and spirit, of the “I Am”—that enhances how we understand the Divine, experience the world, and participate in the mystery of faith. Using Amy-Jill Levine’s The Gospel of John, we’ll deep-dive into this unique gospel to unpack all its riches for today. Click here to purchase the book. (Runs Sep. 22 – Nov. 3)

Teach Me to Pray
11:30 AM, Carter Chapel
Led by rotating facilitators
Are you unsure of how to pray? This class will explore multiple types of Christian prayer and will give practical applications for a full and fruitful personal prayer life. Journaling, prayer beads, and more are on offer. There’s truly something for everyone. (Runs Sep. 22 – Oct. 27)

Beginning November 10

Richard Rohr: The Work of the People
9 AM, Killeen Hall
Facilitator TBD
Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within mystical and transformational traditions. His video series “Work of the People” is perfect for anyone who seeks meaning and direction in their spiritual journey. We will enjoy the films together and then discuss the direct implications and lessons for our lives. (Runs Nov. 10 – Dec. 22)

Paul’s Perplexing Passages
11:30 AM, Carter Chapel
Led by Fr. Lonnie Lacy
Many modern-day Christians struggle with the writings of the Apostle Paul, especially his passages on women, marriage, slavery, government, and homosexuality. A closer look, however, reveals that Paul was a progressive pastor far ahead of his time. Join Fr. Lonnie for this six-week class exploring the social, cultural, political, and religious contexts behind Paul’s most difficult passages. Together, we’ll learn how the writings of this 2,000-year-old curmudgeonly saint still offer abundant grace for people today. (Runs Nov. 10 – Dec. 22)

Adult Sunday School Schedule (Click the image to download a pdf of the schedule)

Children’s Sunday School (September 2024 – April 2025)

Children in PreK-5th grades are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation. This year, 4 classes (PK/K, 1st, 2nd/3rd grades, and 4th/5th grades) will meet weekly through April 27. Activities take place upstairs in the Sunday School wing.

Here’s what we’ll be learning!

PK/K: Godly Play– This nurturing approach honors the unique competencies and capacities of early childhood. Students’ innate spirituality will be engaged, and their growing use of religious language will be nourished as they make meaning from Biblical stories through a creative process of self-discovery.

1^st: Festal Eucharist– Students will participate in a special curriculum created right here at St. John’s to prepare our first-grade children for worship in the Episcopal tradition. They will focus on Worship, Holy Baptism, Christian Giving and The Holy Eucharist culminating with the Festal Eucharist in May.

2^nd/3^rd & 4^th/5^th: StoryMakers- Upper elementary students will become StoryMakers and use their imaginations to enter God’s story. They will engage with Biblical stories through creative visual arts, interactive storytelling, field notes, fun facts, thoughts to ponder, and hands-on activities. They will experience stories of The Promised Land, Isaiah, Advent, Lent, and Easter.

Middle School Sunday School (September 2024 – April 2025)

Middle-schoolers (6-8 grade) are invited to join us from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for weekly Christian formation in the Sunday School wing. 

Middle school students will become StoryMakers to express their questions, discoveries, and creativity as they explore the deep theological truths and faith in God. They will walk through the Signs of Grace—baptism and Communion—which contain the tangible means they can hang on to when all seems lost, and the Lord’s Prayer, which assures us we have been given the title of heirs—adopted into God’s kingdom and claimed as his own.

Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.

Click here to register.

Youth Sunday School (September 2024 – April 2025)

High school Sunday programing this year revolves around loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Students will rotate through four themes each month with the Wellness Compass, the Prayer Book, Global Philanthropy Leaders (and other special topics), and a movement-based class. Students will also have the option to use the time for personal reflection or preparation on any or all Sundays. Students are welcomed AND encouraged to bring their homework with them on Sundays. They may use this time to prepare for the week ahead and get on top of any assignments.

We hope you join us for this Sacred Space on Sundays.

Families are asked to complete Sunday School registration form online for the year using the link below. Any questions, please contact Tyree Jordan, Director of Youth & Families.

Click here to register.

The post Sunday School at St. John’s 2024-2025 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

We wanted to give everyone a quick refresher on how to get logged on to Realm, as well as introduce a new function: Entering your Skills and Interests. If you have any questions, please contact Claire Dodd.

You can log on to Realm by clicking here.

Skills & Interests: Why This Is Important

We believe that everyone is unique. We all have time and talents that we wish to share with everyone. St. John’s would love to know where your passion lies and what you feel called to do. Through Realm’s Skills & Interests function, St. John’s can help you identify those areas where you would like to serve most. There is a place for everyone and adding your skills and interests to your profile will not only help St. John’s serving teams find YOU, but YOU find St. John’s serving teams! For example, do you love the way the altar looks on a Sunday morning? Do you have a gift or a “Skill” for organization and cleaning? Perhaps the Altar Guild Ministry is the “Interest” for you.

At St. John’s, we believe everyone should have a ministry, but don’t let that intimidate you. At its core, “ministry” is simply anything we do to extend God’s love beyond ourselves. Ministry can be behind-the-scenes or out-front. It can happen one-on-one or in a crowd. It can take place at church, in the community, or even in your own home. There are infinite ways to serve God. What’s yours?

You can log onto Realm by clicking here. Follow the instructions below to enter your Skills & Interests.

The post Realm Refresher – Are you logged on? appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Due to the fact that the Episcopal Diocese of Florida’s Annual Diocesan Convention was postponed from January 2024 to September 21, 2024, we were unable to post St. John’s slate of convention delegate nominees. During worship on Sunday, September 22, Fr. Lonnie and our current delegates will share news about the convention, which will have been held the day before. Following this update, we will open voting for our new convention delegates who will attend the 2025 and 2026 Annual Diocesan Conventions.

Below is the slate of parishioners prepared by your vestry nominating committee in the fall of 2024. We appreciate these individuals’ ongoing commitment to St. John’s and the time and talent they share through parish ministry.

Stay tuned! St. John’s will still hold a parish meeting in February to elect new church vestry members, and we will most likely elect additional delegates to attend the 2026 and 2027 Annual Diocesan Conventions. That slate of nominees will be published in December.

CONVENTION DELEGATE VOTING:

This fall, you will be asked to vote for two candidates. The two individuals who receive the most votes will be our new convention delegates, and the two nominees who receives the second most votes will serve as alternates. ONE BALLOT will be accepted per email address. Remember, only “members in good standing” (see definition below) are invited to vote on this slate.

2024 SLATE OF CANDIDATES:

Gene Adams

I am currently an attorney with Pennington P.A., Attorneys, in Tallahassee. I am married to Susan Adams.

I currently serve as an usher at St. Johns. I also serve on the Property Committee and also served on the Search Committee to Select Father Lonnie as the  new priest after the resignation of Father  Killeen. I formerly served on St. John’s Vestry, a two-year term as  Junior Warden, and  with Susan as Stewardship Committee Chair. I have previously served as a member of the Finance Committee of St. John’s and as Chair of the Discernment Committee for Gray Hodsdon seeking Diocesan sponsorship to attend seminary and become a priest. Susan and I have attended St. John’s for over 24 years. I am a Past Board Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Tallahassee and enjoy reading history and biographies.

Kristina Nilsson

A lifelong Episcopalian, previous to my St. John’s membership (as of 2021; my grandchildren were baptized here the following year), I have been a member of parishes in Minnesota and Massachusetts. Glad always to serve the Church in whatever capacity I’m called to do so, I have enjoyed the camaraderie, education and service opportunities that have come of my involvement at St. John’s, as part of the tower bell-ringing crew, as a member of the altar guild, as a Eucharistic Minister and lay reader, and as a violinist — when instrumental music is needed. I have garnered spiritual enrichment from the Sunday adult education offerings, from the Friday noon book discussions (zoom) — most recently, of C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, and from participation in one of the parish’s “small groups” (ours is dubbed “The Shepherds”) dinner/discussion gatherings. I’ve appreciated expanding my acquaintance with other members of every generation, through SPUDS and other social occasions at St. John’s, and I am in awe of the “something-for-everybody” nature of the many activities available at this parish. I feel strongly that God destined me to be here, and I embrace St. John’s as my Christian home.

Mary Byrd Sims

I am from a multi-generation St. John’s family, and was baptized and confirmed here before attending Sewanee with my husband, Ramsay. We returned to Tallahassee and rejoined this parish in 2004 with our daughters, Melissa and Holly (former choristers, acolytes and Quito team members). Since that time I have served twice on the Vestry, and found myself involved as Youth Director Search Committee Chair, Nominating Chair, the original Youth BEAT Co-chair, Parish Retreat Co-chair and the HVAC Fundraising Committee Co-chair. I have enjoyed serving alongside many of you at the Lively Café, Sunday School, VBS, Parish Life events, various Youth activities, as well as Adult Formation. It is truly a privilege to be able to faithfully serve and worship among family and friends at St. John’s.

Greg Springer

I love St. John’s. I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 2009 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral (Jackson, Mississippi), and I joined St. John’s when I moved to Tallahassee in 2018 with my partner Jonathan Jackson. I remain active at St. John’s through music and worship, singing with the Adult Choir on Sunday mornings and the Compline Choir on Sunday evenings. I also participate in various ministries and programs throughout the year (e.g., the Greeter Ministry, Invite Welcome Connect Ministry, Men’s Bible Study, Integrity Tallahassee, St. John’s Choir School Advisory Board, Growing in Grace class discussion leader, Education for Ministry program), and I completed a term on the Vestry in 2023. It would be an honor to represent St. John’s as a delegate at Diocesan Convention during this important time in the Diocese of Florida.

Voting is now closed!

The post 2025-26 Convention Delegate Elections appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Small Groups are back for the 2024-25 program year and it’s time to sign up!

In times of need and times of fun, small groups are a source of friendship and support. They are also a great place for spiritual growth. Your small group will receive a discussion prompt each month to think about and share with one another.

• Small Groups are made up of eight to 12 individuals or a few couples, that gather monthly for conversation around a topic, fellowship, and prayer.
• Small group facilitators will guide the group in selecting a meeting time and location once groups are formed.
• We encourage people who have participated before and those who are looking to meet new people to sign up.

We know that finding the time and the space to meet can be difficult. If you would like to use any of St. John’s meeting rooms, that can be arranged. Call the front office for more details.

The small groups that are forming now will meet through May 2025. If you prefer online-only gatherings, please indicate that on the sign-up form below. All participants need to fill out a new form for the 2024-25 program year. There is a section on the form for you to list others you would like to be in your small group or to list your partner if you are a couple signing up together.

If you have any questions about St. John’s Small Groups, please contact Claire Dodd.

*After you complete this form, make sure you press “submit” to record your response!

Sign-ups are now closed.

The post Join a Small Group! appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

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.

The post GPL Enters 5th Year! appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

We have compiled a list of resources that help explain what General Convention is and why it matters to us. There is also a link to the Diocese of Florida’s website listing all of our clergy deputies and laity deputies who will be attending General Convention.

Why does the General Convention matter?

The Episcopal Diocese of Washington has a fantastic breakdown of the General Convention’s structure and it’s impact on churches. Click here for more information.

What are the legislative issues being discussed?

Well, quite a few resolutions have been submitted. The General Convention has created a “virtual binder” detailing everything. Click here to view the binder.

What is the most exciting action happening at General Convention?

This year there will be an election for a new presiding bishop. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry comes to the end of his term this year and the General Convention will elect our next presiding bishop. Click here to see the nominees.

Who from the Diocese of Florida is attending?

The Right Reverend Scott Benhase will be attending, along with clergy and laity deputies. Click here to see the full list.

How can I keep up to date with the General Convention?

The General Convention has newsletters you can sign up to receive and the convention will also be livestreamed.

To livestream the House of Bishops – click here.
To livestream the House of Deputies – click here.

The post The 81st General Convention and why it matters appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Dear St. John’s,

I am pleased to announce that after a long and thorough search, we have called a new Director of Youth & Family Ministries.

Tyree Jordan comes to us with a wealth of experience with young people and a deep, abiding faith. Having spent most of his career as a middle school educator, he truly understands the complexity of what young people face in today’s world and what it means to mentor and form them in positive ways as they grow. Creative, insightful, relatable, and kind, Tyree will be a wonderful addition to our St. John’s team.

Tyree begins at St. John’s on June 1.

The Director of Youth & Family Ministries is more than a “youth minister.” This role is meant to oversee, organize, and support the many ministries we offer our young people at St. John’s, from birth to graduation. While Tyree will work directly with our teens to build faith and community, he will also recruit, organize, and support the many adult volunteers and programs it takes to love our children and form them spiritually.

Our rigorous discernment process included two applicants; was overseen by Corinna Strayer, Steve Rogers, Kelly Kibbey Smith, and Mtr. Leslie;  and included multiple interviews with several other adults and youth from St. John’s. Thank you so much to all who dedicated your time to this process!

Grace and peace,

The Rev. Lonnie Lacy

ABOUT TYREE: Tyree and his wife, Heather, were married right here at St. John’s almost exactly 16 years ago. They have two wonderful kids, Carolina and Tiago. The whole family is excited to be back in their hometown surrounded by relatives and friends.

Tyree has been a teacher for 15 years (mostly middle school science and math) in and around Tallahassee but also New Orleans, Nashville, and Luanda. He considers himself a lifelong learner and has studied philosophy at Florida State and education at Vanderbilt. Tyree believes that we are all on a sacred journey and that St. John’s is a fantastic place to experience what it means to be a follower of Jesus. He looks forward to deepening his relationships with the youth and families of our community and working together to support our growth in faith, hope, and love. In his free time, Tyree enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outside. (You might remember he received a Chef’s Choice Honorable Mention at this year’s Chili Cook-Off!)

Tyree invites everyone to participate in this ministry so we can all benefit from each other’s experience.

The post Welcome, Tyree Jordan! appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective tone.

What is your role?
This Lent, we invite you to make a pilgrimage of penitence, reflection, silence, and stillness. Lent is a 40 day journey that cannot be rushed. Take your time. Pray with intention. Set your own pace. Pause often. Recognize where Lent is leading you. The destination is the same for us all: Christ’s glorious resurrection. This season is led by Christ’s deep and abiding love for us. We hope during this time you will rediscover the great love that is Jesus Christ. Our pilgrimage will ring with joy when we come together to celebrate at the Great Vigil of Easter.

Lenten Guide 2024

We invite you to download our Lenten Guide by clicking on the image above. Inside we hope you will find ways to engage with prayer and penitence during this season. It is a pilgrimage with many possible stops along the way. A few are listed below.

• WORSHIP: During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross, the grave, and ultimately to resurrection. For other changes you will see and hear, check out this article from Fr. Lonnie.
• PRAY: Lent is a season to devote yourself to prayer. Whether it is following the Daily Office in the Book of Common Prayer, praying for your Lenten Prayer Partner, or simply sitting in reverent silence, set aside time every day this season to pray. Try a different place to pray than usual, like Eve’s Garden or other spaces around the church. For your convenience, there’s even an online version (written or audio format) of The Daily Office.
• DEVOTIONALS: Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence or prayer. Find Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditation Guide online.
• FAST: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that many have practiced throughout the millennia. “Fasting was part and parcel of a communal call on God to act when the odds seemed overwhelming. Fasting was not merely a rite used to ask for forgiveness but a plea to God to help those who couldn’t help themselves.” The Rev. Canon Dana Colley Corsello. If you have health issues, please consult a doctor before fasting.
• RECONCILE: This is a season to stop for self-examination and introspection. It is a time to nourish the yearning to come closer to God. This practice can lead to a need for penitence. The Episcopal Church offers the sacramental rite called Reconciliation of a Penitent, the practice of 1:1 personal confession with a priest. You can read about this in the Book of Common Prayer, p. 861. If you feel the need for personal confession, please consult with our clergy.
• ENGAGE: As we clear our hearts and minds of focusing on ourselves and grow closer to God, we remember those in our community who are in need. Consider giving of yourself to a local non-profit or helping in a new area at St.John’s. Be the hands and feet of Christ for others.
• MAKE SPACE: The tradition of self-denial during Lent is a way to say “no” to what we want and say “yes” to the will of God. The purpose of this self-denial isn’t misery for misery’s sake. It’s for the sake of clearing space for prayer and making our hearts more in tune to the suffering of Christ. People often give up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits. When you give something up on your Lenten pilgrimage, with what do you fill that space?
• ATTEND COMPLINE: Join us for our weekly Sung Compline service, on Sundays at 7:30 PM. This ancient monastic service is held in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the St. John’s Compline Choir.
• LENTEN EVENTS: St. John’s will have the benefit of special guest speaker Tim Ternes on Feb. 28-29. Tim is a gifted tour guide. His intimate knowledge and enthusiasm for the Bible is both amazing and inspiring. As the Director of The Saint John’s Bible, he travels extensively throughout the year (over 150,000 air miles annually!). Come and let him open your mind and see the Bible with fresh eyes. Tim will join us for four special events during Lent. Additionally, there are several special series and events being offered during Lent. See the list below and check out our calendar for details.
  

Lenten Events

“GET OVER YOURSELF; GOD’S HERE!: A FORTY DAY JOURNEY OF REPENTENCE”: FRIDAY BOOK STUDY
JOIN WEEKLY BY ZOOM | BEGINS FEBRUARY 16
Meets Fridays at 12 PM on Zoom. During Lent, we’ll journey through Lent guided by Dean Kate Moorehead in her book. No registration is required.

A LENTEN MORNING RETREAT
FEBRUARY 28 | 9 AM- 12 PM | REGISTER ONLINE
Join us for a special Lenten mini-retreat entitled: “For She is a Reflection of Eternal Light: Women and Wisdom in The Saint John’s Bible,” led by Tim Ternes. We will travel through the Wisdom books and reflect upon women in the Bible.

EVENSONG & DINNER FOR ALL AGES
FEBRUARY 28 | 5:30 PM
Led by the St. John‘s Choir School, Fr. Lonnie, Mtr. Leslie, and Tim Ternes, this Choral Evensong for children and families will celebrate the feast day of Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, a writer, teacher, and activist. We will focus on the love of learning and how that leads us all to God‘s wisdom. All are welcome to stay for supper!

JOHN’S PROLOGUE
FEBRUARY 29 | 7 AM
Hosted by the Men‘s Bible Study, all are welcome to examine John‘s prologue with guest speaker, Tim Ternes.

AN EVENING OF WORD & IMAGE: GOD’S LOVE STORY FOR HUMANITY
FEBRUARY 29 | 10 AM-12 PM | REGISTER ONLINE
Following a light reception, special guest speaker Tim Ternes will lead us through Visio Divina (a “sacred seeing”) of The Saint John’s Bible as we consider the Bible as God’s never-ending love story for all of humanity.

A LENTEN EVENING OF SOUND & STILLNESS
MARCH 22 | 6 – 8:30 pm | REGISTER ONLINE
Toward the end of your Lenten pilgrimage, The Front Porch invites you to an evening of sound and stillness with a sound bath. Enjoy an oasis of communal peace and quiet as we approach Holy Week.

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(Emailed to the parish on 2/5/24. If you are not receiving the weekly eChimes or special parish emails, we invite you to update your information or join the list.)

Thank you all for braving the wind and the rain to attend our Parish Meeting yesterday morning!

Despite the weather, St. John’s celebrated all we accomplished in 2023, and looked forward to what promises to be an amazing 2024. It was also Youth Sunday and we are so grateful to all the youth who helped usher, greet, serve, and so much more.

New Vestry members were also elected. Those election results have now been certified.  

New Vestry members elected for a three-year term are:  

Kathy Bye
Jen Garretson
Chuck Hinson
Sara Beth Shippen
Kelly Kibbey Smith   

Thank you to everyone who agreed to stand for our Vestry slate this year. St. John’s looks forward to 2024 and all the blessings to come.

Click below if you missed the parish meeting or Fr. Lonnie’s state-of-the-parish sermon. Additionally, we invite you to download St. John’s 2023 Annual Report for recaps, shared by ministry leaders.

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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!

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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.

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 furnish the chapel in their new in-patient hospice program at TMH.

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 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.

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.

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 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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St. John’s will be hold our Parish Meeting on Sunday, February 4, following our 10 AM Holy Eucharist. Children’s activities will be provided for PreK-5th graders. If you are joining us online, simply stay on the worship feed. Those attending in person are invited to enjoy fellowship at a parish lunch after the meeting. / We also invite you to download St. John’s 2023 Annual Report so you can follow along at our parish meeting.

VOTING IS NOW CLOSED.

We invite you to get to know the candidates who have been nominated this year for our St. John’s Vestry. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to our parish and are grateful for the time and talent they regularly share through ministry. See below our 2024 slate of nominees.

Please vote for five candidates. Remember, only “members in good standing” (see definition below) are invited to vote on the 2024 slate.

2024 SLATE OF CANDIDATES:

BRIAN ARSENAULT

Brian Arsenault was raised Roman Catholic in Massachusetts and moved to Tallahassee in 1998 to attend FSU. In 2015, after 22 years of not attending any church, he joined the St. John’s Choir in search of community. His wife Valerie joined St. John’s that same year, and they were both received into the Episcopal Church in 2016.

At St. John’s, in addition to choir, Brian has been involved as Welcome Committee Chair, Compline Choir member, Evensong Officiant, member of the Discernment Committee for a candidate seeking Holy Orders, Communications Advisory Board member, Parish Profile Committee member, and member of the 2021-22 Rector Search Committee. This Fall he began attending the Education for Ministry program.

Brian is a Faculty Librarian at FSU’s Strozier Library where he is the lead developer for a National Institutes of Health-funded online repository of learning and development research data. Outside of work, he performs on viola and sings with the Tallahassee Bach Parley and other groups in the area. He is also a regular retreatant to the Society of Saint John the Evangelist monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In his service at St. John’s as well as at the university, he strives, with God’s help, for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being. If chosen for the Vestry, Brian will prayerfully serve this church community that he loves.

LISA ASKINS

Lisa Askins was raised in Winter Park, Florida and moved to Tallahassee in 2010. Lisa was raised a United Methodist until she and her husband, Jeff, decided to move their membership to St. John’s in 2019. Lisa’s home church in Winter Park was much more formal, and with time was beginning to miss the formal liturgy which is part of what brought them to St. John’s as well as the welcoming community.

Lisa serves as the chair of the Angel Food Ministry. She and Jeff are past chairs of the Stewardship Campaign. They both enjoy participating in the SPUDS ministry and various activities within the life of the church.

Lisa’s husband Jeff is a Financial Advisor with Synovus Bank and she has the unique job of being his assistant. Lisa and Jeff both love the St. John’s community and are so grateful to be here. Lisa has always been involved in her local church as well as the church at large, she believes being a member of a church community is the giving of your gifts as well as the giving of your time and talents.

KATHY BYE

Kathy Bye has been a lifelong Episcopalian and has been a member of St. John’s since 1996. She has served on St. John’s vestry and served as senior warden in 2011. In 2016, Kathy served on the leadership team for the most recent capital campaign. She has served as chair of two discernment committees for parishioners seeking to understand and respond to God’s calling to the ministry. She has helped with the wedding committee and served as director for 10 years. She is a regular volunteer in the Lively Café and served on the grant committee for the Market. Kathy is a member of St. Mary’s Circle.

Kathy and her husband, Ray, and two children moved to Tallahassee from Washington, DC in 1995. Before moving to Tallahassee, she worked for the US House of Representatives for 23 years. Once in Tallahassee, she worked for the Florida Legislature and Senator Bob Graham. She retired in 2000. Kathy currently serves on the boards of the Tallahassee Symphony and Capital City Country Club. She has served on the boards of the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence (INIE), the Oasis Center for Women & Girls, Refuge House, Oleander Garden Circle, and Leadership Tallahassee.

She and Ray, both retired, love to travel, play golf and visit their two children and five grandchildren, all living in the DC area.

Kathy would be honored to serve on the vestry as St. John’s continues to grow in faith and fellowship. She understands the challenges St. John’s faces in the coming years and is committed to supporting the mission and vision of St. John’s in whatever way she can.

GRADY ENLOW

Having grown up in Orlando, Grady Enlow moved to Tallahassee in 1984 to attend graduate school at FSU. He married June Dollar in 2001 and they attended another church in downtown Tallahassee. After living for some years in Sarasota and Thomasville, GA, they returned to Tallahassee in 2018, began attending St. John’s in 2019, and joined in the summer of 2020.

Grady and June sing in the choir and volunteer in other ways, including June teaching yoga and Grady joining a home group for the Capital Area Justice Ministry. Over the years in other churches, Grady has taught Sunday School, delivered sermons, led retreats, and served in music ministry. Currently, June and Grady also assist with the Coffee and Conversation time following the 10:00 service.

Grady has a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.B.A., and a doctorate in education. After 25 years in higher education administration, he now serves as Deputy Director for Administration for the Florida Department of Corrections Office of Health Services.

Grady and June feel welcome and loved at St. John’s and look forward to continuing to contribute to this faith community. Grady would be honored to serve his spiritual family at St. John’s by serving on the Vestry.

JEN GARRETSON

Jen Garretson has been a member of St. John’s since April 2017. She moved from Rome, Georgia where she was confirmed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. She was highly involved at St. Peters and knew she wanted to be a part of a similar community in Tallahassee. She would describe her time at St. Johns as a wonderful experience of creating community with her church family and growing in her faith. She has had the pleasure to serve in a plethora of areas at St. John’s, but she most enjoys the New Baby Ministry, Stewardship Committee, Small Groups, and the Usher Ministry.

Jen is an accountant and a lover of all things spreadsheets. She works as a Business Analyst with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection where her love for numbers and the environment collides. Outside of work, Jen loves creating and learning new things! Always jumping at the opportunity to bake something, start a woodworking project, or travel somewhere new. Jen is excited about the possibility of bringing a different perspective to the St. John’s Vestry and would be honored to serve St. John’s in this role.

CHARLES O. HINSON (CHUCK)

Chuck was born in Thomasville, GA, and raised in Tallahassee where he was a lifelong member of Trinty United Methodist Church. In 2017, Chuck and his wife, Jen, began considering other churches and, after attending a wedding at St. John’s, started attending services. They became members in 2020, and Chuck and Jen joined the Episcopal Church in 2021, with Chuck being confirmed and Jen being received at the beautiful outdoor service at Holy Comforter.

Chuck and Jen soon found ways to serve together by hosting Growing In Grace retreats and acting as small group facilitators. Together, Chuck and Jen are members of the Flower Ministry and, bi-weekly, they make PBJ sandwiches for Grace Mission. Chuck serves as an Usher/Greeter for worship services, weddings, and funerals, and is a member of the St. John’s Diggers team which maintains the church cemetery. He also serves as a docent for The Saint John’s Bible and is a member of the Men’s Bible Study group.

Now retired from a career in government relations, Chuck is ready to give more in service to the St. John’s community. He would be honored to serve on the Vestry.

SARA BETH SHIPPEN

Sara Beth Shippen is honored and thrilled to be considered as a candidate for the Vestry. Sara Beth and her husband, Bo, have raised their four children in the church, spending time with several denominations before settling permanently here at St. John’s. Sara Beth enjoyed visiting St. John’s with her grandparents when she was a child and especially loved the candlelit service on Christmas Eve.

The Shippens have been actively participating in St. John’s worship and fellowship for several years and officially joined the church a little over a year ago. At St. John’s, Sara Beth has served in many capacities including being a volunteer with the youth, a cashier in the Cafe, a member of EfM, and co-chair of the 2022 St. John’s Market. Sara Beth is currently serving on the Stewardship Committee, The Saint John’s Bible steering committee, and is a member of St. Mary’s Circle.

Sara Beth has had the privilege of serving her previous church in various capacities. She has formed two prayer groups, been the moderator of her previous church’s women’s organization, led Bible studies, and chaired a Thanksgiving food drive.

Sara Beth looks forward to serving St. John’s for years to come.

KELLY KIBBEY SMITH

Kelly Kibbey Smith came to Tallahassee to attend FSU in 2009 and never left. She and her husband, Ryan, had visited St. John’s through the years but decided to make it their spiritual home when they got engaged in 2019. In 2020, Mother Abi performed not one, but two wedding ceremonies for them! Kelly and Ryan are co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee this year. Kelly has also been active in the Flower Guild, Small Groups, and Children’s Ministry.

Kelly is a board-certified health care attorney. She serves on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and is Chair of the Florida Bar’s Government Advocacy Committee. Her greatest achievement is her almost 2-year-old Lawrence Lee (who many of y’all have heard at the 10 AM service). She and Ryan look forward to building their family at St. John’s. In her spare time, she loves hiking with their dogs and experimental baking.

Kelly was born and raised in an Episcopal Church in Fort Myers. She watched her parents, Keith and Lorna Kibbey (now St. John’s members), contribute their time, talents, and treasures to the church. Keith served on the Vestry and Lorna volunteered for seemingly everything else. The parish merged with another and became the nation’s second Lutheran Episcopal congregation. The parish struggled and without several dedicated parishioners, would not have survived. Being a part of the thriving St. John’s community often feels surreal to the Kibbeys. Kelly would be honored to contribute to St. John’s by serving on the Vestry.

MICHAEL STEWART-MEZA

Michael moved from South Florida to Tallahassee in 2011. Coming from a conservative evangelical tradition, he deeply appreciated the welcoming and loving embrace that the Episcopal tradition and St. John’s offered. He visited St. John’s for several years before finally joining as a member in 2018 and was confirmed in 2019. His husband, Enmanuel, joined St. John’s in 2022. The two of them can usually be easily spotted on Sundays because of their matching outfits. They do this as a way to make others smile and to be a visible testimony to visitors that St. John’s is an inclusive church home for all to worship and serve.

At Sunday morning worship services, Michael enjoys serving as a greeter, usher, and Eucharistic Minister. He loves ending his week by attending the Sunday evening Compline service. He serves as a small-group leader and is a student in St. John’s EfM class.

Outside of St. John’s, Michael works for FSU’s Medical Response Unit providing emergency medical training and mentorship to student-responders. Before working at FSU, he worked as a paramedic. Serving the community as a paramedic allowed Michael to comfort and care for people at the most delicate and difficult times in their lives. In addition to working at FSU, he continues to serve as an adjunct EMS instructor at TCC.

Michael has experienced God’s grace, love, and acceptance at St. John’s. He would be honored to now have the opportunity to serve his church family through the Vestry.

ANDREW WIGGINS

Andrew Wiggins moved to Tallahassee from Jacksonville, in 1998, after graduate school at the University of Florida to begin working in public policy. Raised a Southern Baptist, he was drawn to the grace and community offered by the Episcopal tradition. Andrew and his girlfriend Jenni Henderson, a lifelong St. John’s member found their spiritual home at St. John’s. In 2022, Andrew joined St. John’s and further explored his faith and what it means to be Episcopal, he was confirmed by the Bishop in May 2023.

Andrew enjoys serving as a Small Group leader with the purpose of fully exploring our blessed faith and delving into why we believe what we believe and living our faith out daily.

Andrew is the Political Director for the Florida Chamber of Commerce and has more than 25 years of experience in public policy.

His family has truly found a home at St. John’s, and Andrew would be honored to support a faith community that means so much to him through serving on the Vestry.

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

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

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

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

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

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Las Posadas (Spanish for “Inns” or “Shelters”) is a tradition that is celebrated chiefly in Latin America, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Spain, and by Hispanics in the United States to commemorate the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph as they walked from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be registered in the Bethlehem census. As the story goes, baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem in a stable as the couple couldn’t find lodging at an inn because they were all full.

Once again this year, parishioners of all ages are invited to join the St. John’s Children’s Ministry and host the Holy Family during Advent. From the first Sunday of Advent, on December 3, all the way until Christmas Eve, parishioners host figures of Mary and Joseph in their homes as they travel along their way to Bethlehem.

As Mary and Joseph’s stay winds down at one host’s home, that host will accommodate Mary and Joseph’s transportation to the next host’s home until the couple reaches Bethlehem (or rather, back to St. John’s for the 1 PM Christmas Eve service). We’ll provide you with a prayer book and more information on Las Posadas to make this a meaningful experience. And we’ll share the journey with our parish along the way!

Thanks in advance for signing up to host Mary and Joseph this year! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or text Stephen Rogers, our annual Posada Chairperson at 850.510.9039.

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Due to the fact that the Episcopal Diocese of Florida’s Annual Diocesan Convention was postponed from January 2023 to November 11, 2023, we were unable to post St. John’s slate of convention delegate nominees. During worship on Sunday, November 12, Fr. Lonnie and our current delegates will share news about the convention, which will have been held the day before. Following this update, we will open voting for our new convention delegates who will attend the 2024 and 2025 Annual Diocesan Conventions.

Below is the slate of parishioners prepared by your vestry nominating committee in the fall of 2022. We appreciate these individuals’ ongoing commitment to St. John’s and the time and talent they share through parish ministry.

Stay tuned! St. John’s will still hold a parish meeting in February to elect new church vestry members, and we will most likely elect additional delegates to attend the 2025 and 2026 Annual Diocesan Conventions. That slate of nominees will be published in December.

CONVENTION DELEGATE VOTING:

This fall, you will be asked to vote for two candidates. The individual who receives the most votes will be our new convention delegate, and the nominee who receives the second most votes will serve as an alternate. ONE BALLOT will be accepted per email address. Remember, only “members in good standing” (see definition below) are invited to vote on this slate.

Online voting has closed.

2023 SLATE OF CANDIDATES:

SARAH MICHAEL ANDERSON

Sarah Michael Anderson has been a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for 24 years. She was baptized as a baby at the Episcopal Church of the Advent – Tallahassee and her family joined St. John’s shortly after. During her youth, she was extremely involved on a Diocesan level with Camp Weed, New Beginnings, and Happening. Within St. John’s, Sarah Michael has been involved in our youth group, as an acolyte, a Club 45 volunteer, a Sunday School teacher, and a Eucharistic Minister in addition to being a member of the Stewardship Committee (2015) and the Renewal Works Committee (2020). Some of her greatest joy has come from serving on the Rev. Gray Hodsdon’s Discernment Committee (2017), the Same-Gender Marriage Consultation (2019), recently on the Rector Search Committee (2022), and on Sundays as a Verger.

Outside of St. John’s, Sarah Michael works as a Program Coordinator for Florida Virtual Campus and as an Adjunct Professor teaching College Success at Tallahassee Community College. Sarah Michael is the daughter of St. John’s members, Pam and Paul Anderson, and she has three siblings who also attend St. John’s. She and her fiancé, Giuseppe Trupiano, are excited to be married at St. John’s this December.

SUSAN CROSS

Susan Cross was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Diocese of Connecticut and became a member of St John’s on moving to Tallahassee in 1984 with her husband, Tim.  They have been choir members since the late 90’s, following their 2 now-grown children who served as choristers from the ages of 6 & 5 till high school graduation.  Susan served once as a convention delegate in the early 2000s and was on the vestry 2014-16.  Since retirement she has worked at the Lively Café, been a booth chair and a knitwear, marmalade, and bread maker for Market, is on the advisory board for the choir school, and was privileged to visit our companion parish in Cuba in 2019.

She is a retired pediatrician, having practiced full time from 1985-2017, primarily at Tallahassee Pediatrics, also serving as assistant and then Medical Director at Children’s Medical Services for the last several years of her practice life, and teaching both family practice residents and FSU medical students till 2012.  She continues to serve on the boards of the Tallahassee Pediatric Foundation and Tallahassee Primary Care Associates.  During the pandemic supply shortage 4/2020-6/2021 she made over 2000 masks, most for donation to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH), and volunteered with other retired physicians and nurses giving Covid shots at the drive-by vaccination site in the TMH parking lot during the spring of 2021.

Susan is grateful to St John’s for both the inspiration and the opportunities continue to serve.

KEITH KIBBEY

Keith Kibbey grew up at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Middletown OH. serving as an acolyte through high school.  After marrying and settling in Fort Myers FL, he and his wife Lorna became active members of Saint Joseph’s Episcopal, where he served on the vestry as Secretary, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and convention delegate.  In the early 2000’s St. Joseph’s merged with Lamb of God Lutheran Church forming the second combined Lutheran Episcopal Congregation in the nation, where Keith served on the Board of Trustees. 

Keith a retired chemist, is a graduate of the University of South Florida and spent most of his career in environmental laboratory management and automation.

In 2019, Keith and Lorna moved to be close to their daughter Kelly who had relocated to Tallahassee ten years earlier.  With Kelly already a member, and being familiar with St John’s from multiple visits over the years they quickly became members.  Keith and Lorna now enjoy being able to worship with Kelly, her husband Ryan, and their infant son, Lawrence.

LAUREN SOTO

Lauren Soto has been attending St. John’s since July 2020. Prior to Tallahassee, Lauren was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral throughout her childhood and young adult life. Since moving to Tallahassee at the height of the pandemic, St. John’s has been a place of comfort and community through an intense period of transition and adjustment. 

Music has been an integral part of Lauren’s spiritual life for over 20 years. Lauren is currently a member of the St. John’s choir and enjoys helping the choristers during Sunday worship. She has earned her Gold Award from the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), which is the highest possible level to achieve. In addition to her musical contribution to St. John’s, Lauren is a member of the Junior League of Tallahassee and has chaired Kids’ Boutique since 2022, which focuses on providing back-to-school clothes and supplies to 250 children in the Big Bend area. She has also assisted the youth at B.E.A.T. Week.

Lauren graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a double degree in music and chemistry. During her years at Sewanee, Lauren credits the University Choir and the time she spent worshipping in the chapel as critical to her adult spiritual life and formation. Currently, she loves teaching AP Chemistry, Advanced Honors Chemistry, and Honors Physics at Maclay. Lauren and her husband, Israel, have been married for two and a half years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling.

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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.

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.

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

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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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Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent Invite Welcome Connect survey and participate in our summer hospitality series focused on welcoming newcomers. We’re still reviewing your suggestions, but we’ve already put a few of them in motion.

COFFEE & CONNECTION:

In the survey, many of you shared the importance of a warm welcome. The simple act of greeting the person next to you and introducing yourself can be transformative. This fall, we aim to create opportunities where there’s plenty of time for connection and fellowship.

On your way to Sunday School each week, we invite you to stop by Alfriend Hall for our enhanced coffee hour. We’re now brewing Red Eye Coffee, and last week our Invite Welcome Connect team rolled out new St. John’s mugs to enjoy during the “Coffee and Connection” hour. Each week, a different ministry group will be serving as your baristas. Please help them out by leaving your used mugs in the provided bins. We’d also love some help with this new ministry. If you can lend a hand on Sunday mornings (making and serving coffee, helping with cleanup, etc.) please contact David Campbell.

NAME TAGS:

We have so many new and returning members, so please wear your parish name tag regularly for worship and at faith formation and fellowship events! If you don’t have one, or if you need a new nametag, please contact Deborah Dugger in the church office.

JOY & WONDER STATION:

In the survey, you cited the importance of being welcoming to people of all ages, and we want our young children and their parents to know they are welcome and wanted in worship at St. John’s!

On the first Sunday of the program year, we debuted our “Joy and Wonder Station,” currently housed in the north transept. The shelves are filled with quiet imagination items (plastic animals, sewing cards, coloring books, etc.) so little ones can fill a bin as they arrive at church on Sunday mornings. By selecting their favorite items to take with them to the pew, children are given agency in their church morning. At the end of the service, bins can be left in the pews where St. John’s staff will collect them to be cleaned and sanitized.

NURSERY EXPERIENCE:

Please help us welcome Jessica and Genesis, two new St. John’s staff members who will be greeting our youngest children weekly in the nursery. In addition to offering an engaging nursery experience during the 10 AM service, our nursery team will be sharing “Year of the Bible” activities and lessons with children who remain in this space during the Sunday School hour (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM). The Bible truly is God’s love story for all of humanity … and for parishioners of all ages at St. John’s!

The nursery is a beautiful and inviting space, conveniently located just off the courtyard. When it moved to this location in 2020, the walls of Cobb Nursery were decorated with playful murals painted by local artist and St. John’s parishioner Honey Hilliard. We want children to want to come and enjoy this space when you are at St. John’s for faith formation and worship. But, please know that your children are welcome in the Sanctuary too. We recently added a pair of rocking chairs in the nave and south transept to assist parents who are helping soothe our youngest worshippers.

Here’s a sentiment that came up this summer at our Sunday series on Christian Hospitality: Churches that nurture a common life among members can live more easily into the ability to offer hospitality to strangers. Hospitality must be taught and nurtured, learned, and practiced. As we put these new hospitality initiatives into practice this fall, we are broadening our sense of welcome to the church and forming deeper relationships with old and new members!

Thank you again for the wonderful feedback you shared on our newcomer survey. Stay tuned for more exciting enhancements as we work our way through your suggestions.

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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.

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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As we ramp up to start the Year of the Bible at St. John’s, Sunday School for all ages, and a new year of Parish Life events, we’d like to take a minute to hear from you about how St. John’s welcomes newcomers. Let us know where we can improve! Our Invite Welcome Connect teams are continuing to work on rejuvenating all things hospitality. We talked about this over the summer during our weekly post-worship conversation series on Christian hospitality.

Please help us by taking a simple survey that addresses everything that might make a newcomer feel welcome (or not!) on Sunday mornings, like adequate signage, clean facilities, and easily accessible information. We want to know your thoughts! We’ll keep this survey open until August 27, and then our Invite Welcome Connect teams will review the answers and get to work ensuring that St. John’s is a friendly, welcoming, safe space for all!

If you’d like to discuss hospitality at St. John’s in more detail, please contact Claire Dodd, Rector’s Assistant and Membership Coordinator.

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Small Groups are back for the 2023-24 program year and it’s time to sign up!

In times of need and times of fun, small groups are a source of friendship and support. They are also a great place for spiritual growth.

• Small Groups are made up of eight to 12 individuals or a few couples, that gather monthly for conversation around a topic, fellowship, and prayer.
• Small group facilitators will guide the group in selecting a meeting time and location once groups are formed.
• We encourage people who have participated before and those who are looking to meet new people to sign up.

If you’re looking for a small group that is focused more on a specific kind of support (parents with young children, coping with aging parents, divorce, etc.), we will be starting our Phoenix Caring Groups in October, so be on the lookout for information around those groups, too!

The small groups that are forming now will meet through May 2024. If you prefer online-only gatherings, please indicate that on the sign-up form below. All participants need to fill out a new form for the 2023-24 program year. There is a section on the form for you to list others you would like to be in your small group or to list your partner if you are a couple signing up together.

*After you complete this form, make sure you press “submit” to record your response!

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This past week, Fr. Lonnie introduced the Year of the Bible at St. John’s, our parish’s exploration of God’s love story to all humanity. Every Christian—whether liberal or conservative, free-thinking or fundamentalist—has a right to holy scripture, and it is only together that we come to know it best.

The Year of the Bible at St. John’s begins with Miqra, our 72-hour Bible reading marathon. Enjoy this video and visit our website to learn about Miqra and all the activities that will shape our year.

Our deep-dive into the Bible is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and time commitments. Come journey with us in music, word, worship, and art. Together we will encounter afresh the ancient writings that provide the road map to a loving, life-giving, and liberating relationship with God.

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

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

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

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

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

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This “Lay Leadership Spotlight” was originally published in the Diocese of Florida’s Bishop’s Institute Newsletter, V. 41 (May 2023 issue). The wonderful Marcy Muldrow Sanders, a dedicated parishioner and a member of our church vestry, is no stranger to the people of St. John’s. However, we are pleased that our brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of Florida have been given a chance to get to know Marcy. Her personality and dedication shine through in this interview, a testament to her growing faith to love and serve the Lord.

An Interview with Marcy Muldrow Sanders

By the Rev. Cn. Dr. H. Douglas Dupree,
Canon Theologian & Rector, The Bishop’s Institute for Ministry and Leadership

Marcy, I have enjoyed meeting you through the current Bishop’s Institute LLM Pastoral Care course that meets monthly since March. I was particularly struck by your commitment to your church—St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee—and willingness to serve on their Vestry and assume other leadership roles in the church.

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May 9, 2023 – It didn’t take long for the scammers to start sending emails that appear to be from Mtr. Leslie. Reports of fake emails started rolling in as soon as we added her to our church website! Below is an example of one of these “phishing” emails. Note the fake “from” address. Emails from St. John’s clergy will ALWAYS come from an official saint-john.org account. If something looks suspicious, we suggest checking to see who the email is from. This can be done by “right-clicking” on the message in your preview pane or mobile inbox and previewing its contents.

Most of these emails ask the recipient to purchase gift cards or to reach out to help with “a favor.” Typically, they use phrases such as “Immediate attention required,” or “Urgent request.” If you reply, you could be prompted for more information and/or redirected to a phony website that is designed to harvest your financial information. Remember, St. John’s will NEVER contact you by email with a request to purchase gift cards, nor will we ask for personal verification information by email.

Please know we ARE aware of the situation. Be safe and contact the church office staff at (850) 222-2636 if you have questions or if you need clarification on precautions to take when receiving spam emails. We are happy to help!

October 6, 2022 – We’ve received reports from a number of parishioners today regarding of a new round of fake emails that look like this. If you reply to the email, you’ll typically receive a follow up asking you to purchase gift cards.

Please rest assured that neither Fr. Lonnie nor the Episcopal Diocese of Florida will ever solicit money or make such a request via email for any reason. Any such requests are fraudulent and should be ignored and deleted.

There has been a recent rise in “phishing” scams, or fake emails attempting to secure your personal or financial information. Churches are a particular target. Typically, scammers create a fake email similar to that of your priest or bishop, and then send out a request to a broad range of people in the church or diocese.

Always ensure that email is from the named person before you share any information or make any purchases. Look closely at the email. Is it really from the stated person? Call the person to make sure. Fr. Lonnie will only email from his St. John’s email address (lonnie.lacy@saint-john.org) and if it’s not from that address, it’s not official.

Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns, and thank you your patience and for making us aware that St. John’s has been the target of a phishing scam.

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Eastertide is the season of joy. It’s also full of new life and new possibility. For us, Easter is more than just a day. It’s 50 days of unrestrained joy, all the way to the Day of Pentecost – the day when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and started spreading the gospel.

You’ll notice some changes this season. Every service begins with the words, “Alleluia. Christ is risen.” And, you’ll see the Paschal candle present and lit on the altar each time we gather for worship. Additionally, during Eastertide, every service ends with “Alleluia, Alleluia!” At St. John’s, you will witness unrestrained joy and many new possibilities through this season’s programming. Read on for a rundown of special services, unique musical events, and classes that promise to introduce, engage, and enrich. Alleluia, Alleluia!

“TOWER BELL TUESDAYS” BEGINS
Tuesday, May 2 | 12 PM | Eve’s Garden
Mini bell concerts and tours of our historic bell tower and sanctuary (Tuesdays in May).

*NEW* CONTEMPLATIVE LUNCH
Thursday, May 4 | 12:30 PM | Rutledge Room
Gather in community to deepen your centering prayer practice (1st and 3rd Thursday).

TOUR ST. JOHN’S HISTORY CEMETERY
Sunday, May 7 | 3 to 4:30 PM | Cemetery
St. John’s Historical Society shares all about the parishioners who came before us.

YOUTH END-OF-YEAR EVENT
Sunday, May 7 | 5 to 7 PM | Off-Campus
St. John’s Youth wraps up the year with a pool party at the home of Sarah Beth and Bo Shippen.

SERVICE OF CHORAL EVENSONG
Sunday, May 7 | 5:30 PM | Church
One of the oldest services in the Anglican tradition. The pre-service organ recital begins at 5 PM.

“EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY” (EFM) OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, May 9 | 5:30 PM | Killeen Hall
All about the program that studies scriptural, historical, theological reflection, and relational ministry.

THE GOOD FUNERAL: HOW TO PLAN
Thursday, May 11 | 5:30 PM | Killeen Hall
Join the St. John’s Episcopal Church Foundation to learn about the theology of a funeral at St. John’s.

FESTAL EUCHARIST SUNDAY
MTR. LESLIE’S FIRST SUNDAY
Sunday, May 14 | 10 AM | Church
First graders receive Eucharist together and we welcome Associate Rector, Mtr. Leslie Roraback.

NEW MEMBERS’ RETREAT
Saturday, May 20 | 8:30 AM to 1 PM | Chapel
Half-day retreat on the Episcopal faith and traditions, church history, and getting involved at St. John’s.

BACCALAUREATE SUNDAY
Sunday, May 21 | 10 AM | Church
Sermons will be delivered by our soon-to-be high school graduates, and we’ll celebrate the St. John’s parishioners graduating from the EfM program.

DAY OF PENTECOST
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Sunday, May 28 | 10 AM ONLY | Church
Youth and adults will be presented for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation on one of the seven principal feasts of the church year, the Day of Pentecost.

For more information on the events and services above, visit our online calendar.

As we wrap up the spring program year, two of our weekly classes will be wrapping up as well. We invite you to enjoy “Bible Stories for Grownups” on Wednesdays, at 6 PM, through May 31. It will take a break beginning in June. We are also bidding farewell to our dedicated yoga instructor. Parishioner Chris Collins has been teaching our weekly classes since before the pandemic, and his family will be relocating this summer. Please come and enjoy yoga classes on Monday evenings at 5:30 PM through May 22.

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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.

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 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.

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 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

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 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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A Message from the Rev. Lonnie Lacy:

Dear Friends,

I write with gratitude, St. John’s, for our last seven months together. Your support and love for our parish energize me daily and fuel our shared ministry. I am encouraged by what the Holy Spirit is doing here in this holy space, and I am thankful every day for the new life we share.

Today, I am pleased to share a special announcement. In God’s good time—just as we knew he would—God has provided a second priest to join us in this new season of growth and vitality at St. John’s. With great joy, I have called the Rev. Leslie E. Roraback to serve as St. John’s Associate Rector. She will oversee the areas of Pastoral Care, Outreach, and Parish Life. Mother Leslie officially begins her ministry with us on May 8, 2023. Her first Sunday preaching at St. John’s will be May 14.

I have enjoyed getting to know Mother Leslie, and I know you will, too. She is kind, grounded, loves people, and has an impressive set of gifts that will serve us well. As we began searching for an associate rector, we prayed for an individual with the unique ability to focus inwardly on parishioners and their families at challenging times, as well as outwardly to welcome, serve, and build community with our parish body and those around us. We found that and more in Mother Leslie. Her recent ministry at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church and the experience gained through her previous career have equipped her well for this role. In addition to participating in the full range of preaching and sacraments, Mother Leslie will guide our Pastoral Care and Outreach ministries and oversee the intergenerational fellowship opportunities that make St. John’s a true church home.

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, May 14. While it is Mother Leslie’s first Sunday, it is also Mother’s Day and our annual Festal Eucharist, in which we celebrate our first graders’ participation in Holy Communion. Come celebrate all these occasions with a festive reception following the morning’s 10 AM service.

I know you join our vestry, staff, and me in welcoming Mother Leslie, whose note to the parish is below. Please hold her in your prayers in the coming weeks as she makes her transition to Tallahassee.

Grace and peace,
Fr. Lonnie+

In his Sunday, March 26 sermon, Fr. Lonnie shared how Mtr. Leslie discovered St. John’s was seeking an Associate Rector.

Dear People of St. John’s,

It is my great joy and honor to write to you today as your new Associate Rector.

The story of how we have come to be together in ministry overflows with the active presence of the Holy Spirit. I could not be happier and am anxiously awaiting my first Sunday with you.

I come from Wilmington, North Carolina where I have served for the past two years at St. Andrew’s On-the-Sound Episcopal Church, Diocese of East Carolina, following my time as a student at Virginia Theological Seminary where I served for two years as the Seminarian at Washington National Cathedral.

As a brief introduction, I am a life-long Episcopalian and a native of North Carolina, though born on a military base in Okinawa, Japan. While I had my fair share of years in lay leadership, liturgy planning, and diocesan work; I finally said yes to God’s call to the priesthood after lengthy careers in Non-profit healthcare and theatre administration. I have three perfectly fabulous children—Jillian (age 31), Laurel (age 27), and Benjamin (age 20). They will not be accompanying me to Tallahassee as they remain busily adulting in Torrance, California; Fayetteville and Wilmington, North Carolina respectively. I do hope you will get to meet them as they visit their Mom from time to time.

As a priest, I believe God calls me to foster a community where all are welcomed, comforted, and inspired, and where there is plenty of good room to explore and grow our faith. I am passionate about the treasures of liturgy and scripture and the stories of the communion of Saints. For me, there is nothing better than Sunday morning worship when we gather in the steadfast love and hope of God. I am a practical preacher exploring the presence of the living Word inside each of you that is the fuel for our steps to love and serve the Lord. In my off-time, I enjoy rest and creativity in baking, reading, movies, music, and theatre. I also love to explore with my English Springer Spaniel, Bridget.

Some of you may have met me during my brief undercover visit in March [My disguise: “This is Fr. Lonnie’s friend Leslie from North Carolina” (wink, wink)]. It may have been brief, but I was with you long enough to know St. John’s is a parish overflowing with opportunity and with fantastic people who worship and love the Lord inside and outside of the walls of this beautiful, historic, and holy place. I am grateful to Father Lonnie, the staff, and the parishioners I met (while incognito) for welcoming, encouraging, and supporting me during my time of discernment.

I look forward to being with you, to our caring for one another, growing in our understanding of our place in God’s unfolding story together, and daring to do courageous acts of love in Christ’s name.

Faithfully,
Mother Leslie+

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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.

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 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.

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 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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A Lenten Message from Fr. Lonnie Lacy

Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross, the grave, and ultimately to resurrection.

CHANGES YOU SEE & HEAR:

PURPLE: The liturgical color for Lent is typically purple, symbolizing penitence. Unbleached linen may also be used. St. John’s has utilized both over the years. 

VEILED CROSSES: Our more ornate processional and altar crosses represent the glory of the resurrected Christ. In Lent, we veil these items in purple to shift our attention away from glory and splendor and to remember that God is also found in the simple, the humble, and the sacrificial.

ALLELUIA: “Alleluia” is a joyful word derived from the ancient Hebrew “hallelujah.” It is the most festive word we have. As such, we lay it aside during Lent and do not employ it in our music or liturgy until Easter morning.

MUSIC: Our music, like in all liturgical seasons, seeks to reflect and magnify the liturgy. You’ll hear anthems often without accompaniment (a capella), hymns with haunting harmonies, (major and minor), and texts that prompt introspection and renewed intimacy with God.

DECALOGUE & CONFESSION: In Lent, our Sunday worship begins with the recitation of the Ten Commandments (also known as the Decalogue) and the Confession of Sin. Placing the Confession up front allows us to acknowledge our sins and to seek God’s forgiveness at the outset before we enter into the rest of worship.

KYRIE ELEISON: In place of the usual triumphant Gloria, we sing, “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy,” also sometimes sung in Greek as “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison.” The Greek is pronounced keer′-ee-ay ee-lay′-ee-sohn, crist′-ay ee-lay′-ee-sohn.

LAMB OF GOD: At the breaking of the bread, we sing the words, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us,” in place of our more festive fraction anthems.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER C: Affectionately known by many Episcopalians as the “Star Wars prayer” thanks to its reference to “the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses,” the true beauty of Eucharistic Prayer C lies in its penitential theology. As we gather around the Holy Table and tell the story of our salvation, we use this prayer to proclaim the fundamental truth of our atonement: “By his blood, he reconciled us. By his wounds, we are healed.” It is only by the selflessness and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ that we obtain healing, mercy, grace, and everlasting life.

Related Articles:

• What Should I “Give Up” for Lent?
• 2023 St. John’s Guide to Lent

The post Lent: Changes You See & Hear appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

A Lenten Message from Fr. Lonnie Lacy

Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross.

We look forward to seeing you on Ash Wednesday, the official start to the holy season of Lent and one of the two major fast days of the Church year. The Church rightly expects all practicing and able-bodied Christians to participate in the solemn Mass and Imposition of Ashes on this sacred day. For your convenience, St. John’s offers three services on February 22 (7 AM, 12:10 PM, or 6:30 PM).

GIVING SOMETHING UP

This time of year, you often hear Episcopalians declare, “I’m giving up __ for Lent.” Sometimes it’s a favorite food like chocolate or pizza. Other times it’s a leisure activity like watching television. Those who are truly austere may go so far as to refrain from eating altogether on certain days such as Fridays, though that is always best done in consultation with a physician.

Giving something up for Lent is intended to be a continual 40-day mini-fast, a denial of something unnecessary in order to create new space for God in your life. Whatever you give up, be sure it’s for the right reasons. It is well and good to refrain from eating cheeseburgers during Lent, but your motivation should have less to do with watching calories and more to do with pursuing God. Lent is about sacrifice and prayer; don’t cheapen it by giving up that which is trivial.

Here are some suggestions on things you could give up during Lent:

• Give up dining out and use the money saved to buy food for Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
• Give up Netflix, Hulu, TV, movies, or other media and use the time for prayer, spiritual ready, or meaningful time with your loved ones.
• Give up Facebook, Instagram, or other time-consuming social media and use the time to visit (in person) with friends or to write real cards, letters, and thank-you notes to loved ones.
• Give up sleeping in on weekends and offer your time to organizations that need it.

TAKING SOMETHING ON

Instead of giving something up, some people elect instead to “take something on,” adding a discipline to their lives that will deepen their spirits. This is a great practice for those who don’t know what to give up.

Some suggestions for added disciplines:

• Commit to a Bible study. St. John’s offers a variety of Christian education all year long. One easy option is to join me at “Bible Stories for Grownups” on Wednesday evenings at 6 PM. I explore a different story each Wednesday. We also have two Thursday groups (Men’s Bible Study at 7 AM and The Good Book at 12 PM) that discuss weekly Scripture readings.
• Commit to weekly worship. If you’re not already in the habit of regular weekly worship, Lent is a fine time to recommit. Sundays at 8 and 10 AM are primary, but many people also find our 12:10 PM Wednesday Eucharist to be a mid-week boost to the soul.
• Take a prayer walk every morning to clear your mind, invigorate your body, and spend time with God. Walk in your own neighborhood, or visit one of our area labyrinths.
• Pray with others. There are lots of good ways to do this. One good one is our weekly Centering Prayer group that gathers online on Mondays at 7 PM. Or, come learn a new form of prayer at our Prayer Beads Workshop with Marcy Muldrow Sanders (details below).
  

Related Articles:

• 2023 St. John’s Guide to Lent
• Lent: Changes You See & Hear

PRAYER BEADS WORKSHOP
MARCH 4 | 10 AM-12 PM | REGISTER ONLINE
Join us for a special workshop, offered by the Front Porch and led by parishioner Marcy Muldrow Sanders. Participants will make their own set of Anglican Prayer Beads to use while praying during Lent. These beads, or rosaries, can help us think about, and be mindful of, praying and being in the presence of God. Register online by March 1.

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What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day season of fasting and prayer leading to Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the Old English “lencten,” referring to Spring and the “lengthening” of days that occurs at this time of year. Why 40 days? Because that’s how long our Lord fasted and prayed in the wilderness after his baptism. During this season, our worship adopts a uniquely reflective and penitential tone. In place of our typically festive approach to worship, these changes allow us to experience a different side of the Christian life as we journey with Christ to the cross.

What is your role?
During Lent, we especially focus on communal prayer and worship. It begins on Ash Wednesday, the official start to the holy season of Lent and one of the two major fast days of the Church year. The Church rightly expects all practicing and able-bodied Christians to participate in the solemn Mass and Imposition of Ashes on this sacred day. For your convenience, St. John’s offers three services. Please join us on February 22 at 7 AM, 12:10 PM, or 6:30 PM.

After we gather for the Imposition of Ashes, you are encouraged to make a personal commitment to give something up or take something on during Lent, adding a discipline to your life that will deepen your spirit.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR LENT

Spiritual disciplines are part of Christian life year-round, but they also enhance our Lenten journey. Here are some suggestions:

• DAILY PRAYER: Begin or end the day with Morning or Evening Prayer, found in the Book of Common Prayer. For your convenience, there’s even an online version (written or audio format) of The Daily Office.
• DEVOTIONALS: Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence or prayer. Find Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditation Guide online.
• FASTING & REFLECTION: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus practiced. Hunger pains can remind you to pray for others and enter into self-reflection. If you have health concerns, please consult a doctor before a fast.
• SELF-DENIAL: Giving up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits is an alternative to fasting that forces you to be mindful of the hunger of others each time you crave that item or revert to a certain behavior.
• GIVING TO OTHERS: How do Lenten sacrifices bring you closer to God? Consider giving the money you would have spent on those items/habits to a charitable organization or cause. Or donate your time & talents!
• PRACTICE YOGA: The practice of yoga is accessible to all ages and a positive way to cultivate inner peace and tranquility. Extend the discipline beyond Lent. St. John’s offers classes all year long on Mondays at 5:30 PM.
• ATTEND COMPLINE: Join us for our weekly Sung Compline service, on Sundays at 7:30 PM. This ancient monastic service is held in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the St. John’s Compline Choir.
• PERSONAL CONFESSION: A practice for Christians to seek Christ’s healing power through guided self-reflection, admission of sins, and reconciliation with God through forgiveness. Consult with Fr. Lonnie about opportunities for personal confession.
• STATIONS OF THE CROSS: This devotion 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. Walk the stations in St. John’s Carter Chapel at your leisure.
• ATTEND A CLASS: St. John’s offers Christian education classes and Bible studies all year long. Our “Bible Stories for Grownups” class with Fr. Lonnie explores a different story weekly at 6 PM on Wednesdays. We also have two different groups that meet on Thursdays (Men’s Bible Study at 7 AM and The Good Book at 12 PM) that discuss weekly Scripture readings. Additionally, there are several special series and events being offered during Lent. See the list below and check out our calendar for details.
  

Related Articles:

• What Should I “Give Up” for Lent?
• Lent: Changes You See & Hear

LENTEN PRAYER PARTNERS
SIGN UP ONLINE BY FEBRUARY 15
Participants of all ages are assigned a partner for whom they agree to pray for daily during Lent.

BREATHING UNDER WATER
BEGINS FEBRUARY 23 | REGISTER ONLINE
Join us to discuss Richard Rohr’s spiritual study of the Twelve Steps and how they can be a straight line from our biggest struggle directly to God. This series meets on seven Thursday evenings throughout the season of Lent and into May. Register online by February 20.

THE ART OF LENT: FRIDAY BOOK STUDY
JOIN WEEKLY BY ZOOM | BEGINS FEBRUARY 24
Meets Fridays at 12 PM on Zoom. During Lent, our book will highlight a painting a day from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Explore the spiritual riches to be found in some of the world’s most famous works of art! No registration is required.

PRAYER BEADS WORKSHOP
MARCH 4 | 10 AM-12 PM | REGISTER ONLINE
Join us for a special workshop, offered by the Front Porch and led by parishioner Marcy Muldrow Sanders. Participants will make their own set of Anglican Prayer Beads to use while praying during Lent. These beads, or rosaries, can help us think about, and be mindful of, praying and being in the presence of God. Register online by March 1.

MONTHLY SOUP SUPPER
MARCH 12 | APRIL 9
Join The Front Porch for fellowship and a light soup supper at 6:45 PM before Sung Compline.

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(Emailed to the parish on 2/5/23. If you are not receiving the weekly eChimes or special parish emails, we invite you to update your information or join the list.)

Dear Friends,

What a wonderful day we had at our Special Parish Meeting and Youth Sunday! Whether you participated in person or joined us online, we appreciate your willingness to share in the business, celebrations, and future plans of our parish.

Today, we also voted to elect new Vestry members. Those election results have now been certified, and I am pleased to share them with you.

New Vestry members elected for a three-year term are:

• Debby McNamara
• Leslie Redding
• Steve Rogers
• Erik Salsgiver
• Corinna Strayer

Additionally, Susan Walton will be joining the Vestry to fill a one-year vacancy, due to an unexpired term.

I give thanks to God for all of the faithful leaders who were willing to serve on this year’s Vestry slate. We are blessed to have so many share their time and talent through parish ministry.

Grace and Peace,

The Rev. Lonnie Lacy, Rector

Click below if you missed the parish meeting or Fr. Lonnie’s state-of-the-parish sermon. Additionally, we invite you to download St. John’s 2022 Annual Report for recaps, shared by ministry leaders.

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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!

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We are thrilled to announce that Nicolas Mandolini will soon be joining St. John’s as Director of Youth and Family Ministries. Nic comes to us with 10 years of youth ministry experience in the Tampa and Jacksonville areas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of South Florida, an associate degree in mass communications, and he is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Nic has also trained with the Youth Ministry Institute. He’s passionate about working with young people and their families to create a gospel-centered ministry that welcomes all. In his new role at St. John’s, Nic will be part of both our youth and children’s ministries. His first day is on Monday, January 23, so please plan to say hello during Sunday School, or come meet him at Club 45 (1/29) or February Youth Night (2/5).

Nic and his wife, Emma, have been married for three years. They are excited to be relocating to Tallahassee with their dog (Olive) and cat (Caper). They can’t wait to meet everyone, and get to know you! In their free time, Nic and Emma love cooking, playing card games, hiking, and visiting national parks and Disney. Nic also loves driving his Jeep! Please join us in warmly welcoming Nic and Emma to our St. John’s family.

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St. John’s will be holding a Special Parish Meeting on Sunday, February 5, following our 10 AM service. Children’s activities will be provided for PreK-5th graders. If you are joining us online, simply stay on the worship feed at the conclusion of our 10 AM service. Those attending in person are invited to enjoy fellowship at a parish lunch after the meeting. You can vote below for our new 2023 Vestry members. We also invite you to download St. John’s 2022 Annual Report so you can follow along at our parish meeting.

VESTRY VOTING:

Get to know the candidates below who have been nominated this year for our St. John’s Vestry. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to St. John’s and are grateful for the time and talent they share through parish ministry. Remember, only “members in good standing” (see definition below) are invited to vote on the 2023 slate.

Vote for no more than five candidates. ONE BALLOT will be accepted per email address.

The 2023 voting window has closed.

2023 SLATE OF CANDIDATES:

STEPHANIE AMIDON

Stephanie Amidon joined St. John’s in 1998 when she moved to Tallahassee with her family. Early on she was a regular, helping Chef Fran in the Café and with Vacation Bible School. Stephanie’s three children – Molly, Joseph, and Sean-Patrick – were all baptized at St. John’s. When her children attended Holy Comforter Episcopal School, the family joined that parish for several years. In 2015, they returned to St. John’s for the vibrant youth group.

Stephanie currently volunteers each summer with Youth B.E.A.T. Week and she is in her second year leading the first-year students in St. John’s Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL), a program now in its third year at this parish. As an AP Economic and AP Government teacher at Maclay School, Stephanie enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion with the youth in GPL. Stephanie and her husband, Frank, participate in small groups and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know other families within the parish.

ALISON PARKER DILLEHAY

Alison Parker Dillehay grew up at a Baptist church in Crestview, Florida. She and her husband, Joe, have been attending St. John’s since 2019.

At St. John’s, Alison serves on the Front Porch and Adult Education committees. Recently, she joined Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) Year 3 as an adult mentor. She is a spirited proponent of St. John’s small group ministry, believing that it is an accessible mechanism to strengthen one’s faith while concurrently bolstering the faith of the other group members. She is a fervent member of the Friday lunchtime Bible Study and relishes the mentoring she has received from the other participants.

Alison is an attorney and yoga teacher by trade and you can occasionally find her subbing the St. John’s yoga classes. She has worked at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation since 2014. St. John’s has been a balm to her and her family and hopes that it is for you as well.

WHITNEY LANGSTON FASON

A life-long Episcopalian, Whitney has been a member of St. John’s for over 25 years. Growing up she was active in many of the youth ministry programs, and after returning to Tallahassee after college, she has served as a Sunday school teacher, eucharistic minister, and verger. Whitney previously served on the Vestry from 2017-2020, where she co-chaired the adult education commission.

Whitney is the daughter of Lance and Cary Langston. She and her husband Brandon were married in 2020; they have three very large dogs (including two Great Danes). Professionally, Whitney is a senior attorney with the Florida Division of Bond Finance where she works with a legal and financial team to issue bonds to finance public works projects for state agencies and universities; she is also a member of Tallahassee Women Lawyers. Outside of work, Whitney enjoys spending time with her nieces, baking, running, and riding mountain bikes with her husband.

DEBBY MCNAMARA

Debby McNamara moved to Tallahassee from South Florida in 1990 to attend FSU. Previously Roman Catholic, she was comforted and inspired by the familiar liturgy of the Holy Eucharist and the warm and welcoming parishioners of St. John’s and became a member in 2018. Her partner, Patti, became a member the following year, and their son, Nate, is an active youth member. In 2021, Debby was received into the Episcopal Church at the beautiful outdoor service at Holy Comforter.

Debby enjoys serving as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Choir. She is a Small Group leader, Choir School Advisory Board member, Youth Commission member, and Capital Area Justice Ministry house member. She is happy to serve on the Bread Run Team, driving bakery donations from Tasty Pastry to the Kearney Center. She performs the altar guild functions for Compline, serves as the Choir’s card minister, and volunteers annually with the Summer Choir Camp. She served as coordinator or volunteer for the 2019 England Choir Mission trip fundraising events and volunteered for the St. John’s Market and VBS Service Squad. Most importantly, she has been able to do most of these activities with Nate!

Debby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Project Management Professional working as a healthcare consultant with a focus on publicly funded healthcare programs and systems. Her family has truly found a home at St. John’s, and Debby would be honored to support a faith community that means so much to her through serving on the Vestry.

LESLIE REDDING

Leslie Redding was born and raised in Tallahassee and grew up in the Catholic faith. She and her husband Charley were previously members at Advent Episcopal Church and have been members at St. John’s for about 10 years. Leslie and Charley have three children and three grandchildren (and one more on the way!). They spend much of their free time at St. Teresa Beach with friends and family.

Leslie has served as Co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee, is a regular volunteer in the Lively Café, has served on the Advent Luncheon Committee, as a volunteer at the St. John’s Market, and is a member of a St. John’s small group. She is currently the Chairwoman of the Boys Town North Florida Board of Directors and has been a board member for five years.

STEVE ROGERS

Stephen Rogers grew up in Rochester, NY in the Roman Catholic faith. He began attending the Episcopal church after completing college in Colorado. Upon moving to Florida in 2005, Steve found St. John’s Episcopal Church and became a member. Both of his children, Abigail (12) and William (10), were baptized at St. John’s and enjoy the many activities St. John’s has to offer its children and youth. Abigail is a chorister in the St. John’s Choir and William currently enjoys Club 45. Steve hopes to continue serving with the church youth programs as his children grow in their faith. Steve has enjoyed participating in Men’s Bible Study and leading Children’s Chapel for numerous years. He is a Sunday School teacher at St. John’s and an active member in the Children’s Ministry.

In his free time, Steve enjoys running, walking, and biking and is known to run obstacle course races to keep in shape. He currently works for the Florida Department of Transportation in the Project Finance Office where he oversees the financing of major transportation projects and the Department’s State Infrastructure Bank lending facilities.

ERIK SALSGIVER

Erik Salsgiver was raised in a small non-denominational church in Western Pennsylvania. He has been married to his wife Melanie for 32 years, and they have two children (Mason and Emma), as well as two grandchildren (William and Wakefield). Erik and Melanie were very active in the Southern Baptist churches they attended while living in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida. Erik was ordained as a deacon in the Southern Baptist Church in 1999. He also served as an Elder for an ARC congregation in Destin, Florida. His ministries over the years included outreach, evangelism, children and families, couples, Sunday School, small groups, hospital visitation, benevolence, and family financial planning prior to coming to St. John’s.

Erik and Melanie moved fully to Tallahassee in 2018 and began attending St. John’s along with Erik’s father Jim. They knew St. John’s would be their new home after experiencing the loving spirit of the people and the richness of the worship on their first Sunday. Erik and Melanie became members in April 2019 after attending the “Growing in Grace” classes.

Erik has been active as a Greeter and is one of St. John’s Stephen Ministers. He is also one of the leaders/facilitators for Walking the Mourner’s Path grief recovery care at St. John’s. Additionally, Erik has been a Board Member at Grace Mission since 2019 and is very active in their ministries to the homeless and underserved in our community. Recently, he also began serving as the Faculty Sponsor for the Ruge Hall Episcopal University Center at FSU.

Erik has been a Nurse for over 28 years serving in multiple roles in that time. He is currently a doctorally-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner and teaches in the College of Nursing at Florida State University. Erik has always believed his career in nursing is both a ministry and a profession. He has observed that striving to serve people through healing and maintaining their health is a true blessing to both the caregiver and care receiver. God faithfully shows up to intervene in people’s health and uses nurses and other health professionals to participate in administering His grace (and occasionally miracles) in this aspect of their lives. If chosen for a vestry position, Erik will prayerfully seek opportunities to serve God in this role and further His work in this world through the ministries of St. John’s.

CORINNA STRAYER

Corinna Strayer and her family have been members of St. John’s since 2011. She is married to Wayne, and they have three children who were all confirmed at St. John’s.

Corinna has been involved in many St. John’s ministries throughout the years including the Rector Search Committee, Rector Transition Team Co-Chair, Parish Profile Chair, Vestry, Eucharistic Minister, Greeter, Market volunteer, Youth Bible Study leader, Youth Commission, Mothers of High Schoolers co-leader, Youth B.E.A.T. Week planner/volunteer, Cafe volunteer, St. John’s Bookstore volunteer, Preview Market Committee, Parish Weekend Activities Chair, Foyer Group coordinator, Advent Luncheon Speaker, Flower Ministry, Block Party Chair, Sunday school coordinator/teacher, Universal chaperone, and Newcomers’ Ministry.

Corinna has also served on two missions to Ecuador and is looking forward to returning to Ecuador in July.

KATHY SULLIVAN

Bio available in office.

SUSAN WALTON

Susan Walton was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, married her husband, Jay, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Atlanta, GA and joined St. John’s after moving to Tallahassee. They have two married daughters and two granddaughters. Both daughters were baptized, confirmed, and served as acolytes at St. John’s.

Susan has degrees in education from the University of Florida, taught grades 4 & 5, and served as a Reading Specialist in Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. At the Florida Department of Education, she oversaw Intergenerational School Programs and served as the director of three programs: Special Projects, Family Involvement, and School Volunteer Programs before retirement. At St. John’s, Susan’s activities include Sunday School teacher at most grade levels, VBS co-chair, B.E.A.T. Week team, Market volunteer, Grace Mission’s Summer Reading Academy, and Chair of the Mentor/Lend a Hand Project. She is a member of St. Mary’s Circle and has supported Front Porch activities and events.

As a community volunteer, Susan has served as president of the Junior League of Tallahassee and as State Junior League SPAC Treasurer, and has served on the Tallahassee Museum Board and also as Tallahassee Museum Market Days Chair, Friends of the Library Board, and Florida Association of Partners in Education Board. She is a lifetime member of the Florida PTA and Leadership Tallahassee.

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Please join us in welcoming Deacons Mike Hall and Linda Liebert-Hall to St. John’s!

Mike and Linda, who have been married for 35 years, will begin serving alongside Deacon Joe after the first of the year, sharing in diaconal duties both during worship and beyond our church walls.

Deacons are typically non-stipendiary, and are either retired like Deacon Joe or maintain full-time secular work while ministering in their communities. Since 2007, Mike and Linda have served as deacons in liturgical, pastoral, and evangelistic ministries at Episcopal churches in North Dakota; Lecanto, FL; and Inverness, FL. Linda is also a retired attorney who owns a business consulting company and teaches online university courses. Mike’s position, as an Emergency Medical Services Administrator with the Florida Department of Health, is what brought the couple to Tallahassee. Fortunately they found their way to St. John’s! Please welcome Deacon Mike and Deacon Linda and keep them in your prayers as they prepare to join our team.

Also, please continue praying for our search for an Associate Rector and a Director of Youth and Families Ministries, and help us share these opportunities to join our St. John’s family.

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St. John’s is searching for an Associate Rector to join our team led by our new rector, the Rev. Lonnie Lacy. This individual will work closely with the rector and assume responsibility for pastoral care, outreach, and parish life ministries. This is a position that requires a unique set of skills: an inward focus on parishioners and their families at challenging times, and an outward focus to serve, welcome, embrace, and build community with our parish body and those around us. Our Associate Rector will also participate in the full range of preaching and sacraments.

We invite you to download our position description for more information about St. John’s, including who we are and who we are seeking in our search for an Associate Rector.

ABOUT OUR CHURCH:
St. John’s began as a frontier church in 1829. We are now a congregation of approximately 1,500 members with average Sunday attendance of approximately 350. We are an active congregation offering varied programs and participating in a multitude of outreach efforts. We strive in all that we do to live our core values: worship, compassion, openness, community, and stewardship. Our church mission “to love and serve Christ and our neighbors in Tallahassee and the world.”

LOCATION:
St. John’s is located in Tallahassee, FL, the state capital. Tallahassee and Leon County are located in the Big Bend region of north Florida with a population of nearly 200,000. The church’s downtown location is just three blocks from the state Capitol complex. Education is excellent pre-K through college. Tallahassee is home to Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College, and other institutions of higher learning. The area is famous for its nationally ranked park system, canopy roads shaded by emblematic live oaks, gardens, and college football. With close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola National Forest, outdoor recreation abounds.

HOW TO APPLY:
Help us get to know you by providing the following materials:

• an updated OTM Portfolio
• a current resume
• a cover letter expressing why you are interested in St. John’s
• responses to short-answer questions (found in position description)

Please also let us know where you are canonically resident and whether or not your Bishop has released you to pursue opportunities outside your diocese. Send your completed application materials to Mark Ascani, Parish Administrator (mark@saint-john.org) by December 15, 2022.

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

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

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

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

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The St. John’s Foundation is accepting nominations to fill a position on the Foundation Board of Trustees. The Trustee would serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2023.

The Foundation Board is responsible for growing and protecting its endowment, annually deciding how to spend a portion of the endowment for St. John’s programs and activities, encouraging planned gifts to the Foundation from parishioners, and increasing membership in the Foundation’s Legacy Society which recognizes a parishioner’s intention to make a planned gift to the Foundation.

Please submit nominations or self-nominations in writing to Charley Redding (credding2008@gmail.com), chair of the Foundation Nominating Committee, by October 17, 2022. Please include a short statement regarding why the nominee is interested or would be a good fit for serving on the Board. The new Trustee will be elected by the current Board at its November Meeting and announced thereafter.

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September 1, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ,

In many churches, including St. John’s, September is a season of welcome. For you, it may be “welcome back” as you return to regular worship after the summer months. For newcomers, it will be “welcome here” as they visit St. John’s for the first time. For my family and me, you’ve made it a wonderful “welcome home” as we continue to settle in and enjoy our new life among you. Thank you for the good humor, grace, joy, and love you have lavished upon us, all of which have made the Lacy family feel so much at home. God has brought us together for a reason, and we already love St. John’s, Tallahassee, and you!

While there’s much to be grateful for at St. John’s, I find myself most grateful for YOU and all you have done for our beloved church during the past 12+ months of transition. It has been a long season of uncertainty and change but trust me—the Holy Spirit is present. You can feel the buzz as we gather as a congregation around the altar on Sundays. St. John’s is one big, magnificent family, a church community that is excited to be back together growing in faith.

This fall, St. John’s is offering several new opportunities for spiritual formation and connection—such as my Wednesday evening “Bible Stories for Grownups” class, some special Front Porch speakers, and a Global Philanthropy Leaders series adapted for adults from our popular Youth program. Additionally, many St. John’s favorites are returning—including the Fall Parish Dinner, the weekly Faith at 5:30 service, and the beloved St. John’s Market. Please see our fall schedule highlighting several offerings that will help us deepen our faith and experience God’s love together.

I ask your prayers as we continue to fill out our remarkable staff. Our new Parish Administrator, Mark Ascani, starts September 6, and we are on the search for an Associate Rector and a Youth & Children’s Minister. Filling these positions will take some time, but I have every reason to believe God is already preparing the right people to join our team.

Above all else, I invite you to worship. Worship is the most important thing we do at St. John’s. It anchors us, feeds us, and keeps us connected to the love of Jesus Christ and one another. For now, we will continue with an 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. schedule, giving us a chance to renew our relationships and revel in the joy of worshipping together. Come see what God is doing at St. John’s.

Grace and peace,

The Rev. Lonnie Lacy, Rector

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To honor Mother Abi and celebrate her new position at Trinity Church Boston, St. John’s will be making a contribution to a scholarship fund at Sewanee: The University of the South, Mother Abi’s two-time alma mater. St. John’s will make a donation to the fund in Abi’s honor, in gratitude for all she has done for our parish over the past 11 years. Parishioners are invited to contribute as well.

Mother Abi’s time as a Sewanee undergraduate student and as a seminarian laid the groundwork for her years of dedicated ministry at St. John’s, and this fund will help another young priest receive the same wonderful start.

Gifts made to the scholarship fund are tax deductible and can be made online by June 30, 2022.

Thank you for your generosity!

St. John’s was able to made a wonderful donation to Sewanee in Mother Abi’s honor!

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Dear Friends in Christ,

Praise the Lord! God has done great things! Father Lonnie Lacy and his wonderful family are coming to St. John’s! This joyful news is the culmination of almost a year of discernment. The Rector Search Committee has been thanked profusely and we are honored that you put your trust in us as we sought God’s guidance. Now it’s our turn to give thanks.

Thank you, God, for leading us to Father Lonnie! We also thank God for leading Father Lonnie to us. Discernment is a two-way process. God can’t simply show us Father Lonnie. Father Lonnie seeks God’s will when deciding if he is called to us. So, to God be the glory!

Thank you, the people of St. John’s! You gave us encouragement and patience, you prayed for us, and you loved us. Father Lonnie will need encouragement, patience, prayers, and love as he begins his ministry at St. John’s and we know you will give him these gifts in abundance.

Thank you, St. John’s staff! Mandy Schnittker provided vital communications between our committee, the church, and the wider world. Lindsay Hardy, Claire Dodd, and Deborah Dugger gave us invaluable support. Alvin Bennett, David Wheeler, and Israel Leonard stayed late many nights waiting for us to finish our work. Fran Doxsee and Vivian Leonard cooked beautiful meals for our kickoff gathering and our applicant interview dinners. Kate Kile and Nancy Barfield reimbursed our travel and food expenses. Angela Shelley guaranteed that we provided regular parish updates at Coffee Talks. Caroline Devitt kept the church Youth active, an important element to rectors who are seeking a healthy parish. Betsy Calhoun, Elizabeth LaJeunesse, and Mike Norris gave the church exceptional music. We can’t tell you how many applicants said they were drawn to St. John’s because of our music! And of course, though not officially a staff member, we have to thank Cindy Sessions, our church treasurer. She’s our “church treasure!”

Thank you, Doug Sessions and Lynn Solomon! Doug was the Senior Warden and Lynn was the Junior Warden when this rector search began. Together they spent countless hours helping to form a search committee of diverse members last summer. After the committee was chosen, Doug selflessly remained with us, attended meetings, and counseled our group wisely.

Thank you, Parish Profile Subcommittee! This subcommittee was made up of search committee members, Corinna Strayer, Brian Arsenault, and Virginia Perkins along with congregation members David Campbell, Cheryle Dodd, Sarah Ball Miller, Pat Peters, and Jennifer Guy. They created a product that told the story of who were are and what we sought in a rector in an engaging and illustrative way. Thanks also goes to Dennis Howard for his incredible photos, Charlie Belvin and Rodrigo Diaz Garcia for the beautiful videography, and Mandy Schnittker for putting it all together. If you haven’t seen the St. John’s profile, we invite you to TAKE A LOOK. So many applicants expressed how excited they were at the possibility of serving at St. John’s after viewing our profile. It certainly impressed Father Lonnie!

Thank you, St. John’s Vestry for your support and faith in our committee. Your leadership through this process helped us feel supported and encouraged. We also thank you for your unanimous vote to call Father Lonnie!

Thank you, Diocese of Florida, especially Canon to the Ordinary, Reverend Allison DeFoor, his assistant, Deanna Peck, Reverend Nancy Suellau, and Bishop John Howard. You trained us on how to interview, supported our process, and approved our call without reservation.

And thank you to Father Bill Trexler, Deacon Joe Bakker, and especially to Mother Abi Moon! You held our congregation together and gifted our committee the space to do our important work in God’s time. Your leadership and love bridged the “in between” time and allowed us to emerge from this search a church united in love.

So, we’ll end this message of thanksgiving with the words of an old hymn,

God has done great things at St. John’s! Praise the Lord!

And the entire Rector Search Committee says, “Amen!”

Martin Proctor, Chair
Laurye Messer, Vice Chair
Gene Adams
Sarah Michael Anderson
Brian Arsenault
Alan Asker
David Grimes
Lina Knox
Cricket Mannheimer
Virginia Perkins
Neil Rambana
Corinna Strayer

The post From the Rector Search Committee appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

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

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

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!

The post Youth B.E.A.T. Celebrates Nine Years! appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

Our high school seniors aren’t the only ones beginning a new adventure this summer! Below is an update from Mother Abi about a brand-new chapter for Caroline Devitt, St. John’s Interim Director of Youth Ministry.

St. John’s is a space where people are truly called, and then often sent back out into the world to continue in ministry. I give thanks for this gift that St. John’s has for the larger church. Today, I write to share that Caroline Devitt will be leaving us soon to head to seminary, a decision that comes following nearly two years of discernment with the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. In August, Caroline’s home parish, Church of the Redeemer, will send her off to the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. This past year as youth director, Caroline has met St. John’s young people exactly where they were and walked with them as they discerned God’s call in their lives. We will all miss Caroline, but know she will be an amazing priest! Caroline’s last Sunday with us will be July 24, after the youth mission team returns from Ecuador. Plan to join us to celebrate her ministry and send her off with blessings for this next chapter of her call. In the coming weeks, we will form a discernment team to find St. John’s next Youth Minister. – Mother Abi

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A MESSAGE FROM THE SR. WARDEN

May 17, 2022

Dear St. John’s family,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Mahaska Whitley
Senior Warden 

A MESSAGE FROM FR. LONNIE:

Dear People of St. John’s,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,
Lonnie Lacy

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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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An Update from Your Rector Search Committee Leadership

Martin Proctor, Committee Chair
Laurye Messer, Committee Vice Chair

Your Rector Search Committee continues to work hard to seek God’s choice for our next priest. The application window closed on February 28, by which date 16 applicants submitted materials for consideration. Since January, the committee has been meeting candidates via Zoom for informal first interviews. These first interviews are scheduled to end on March 28, and then the committee will meet to discern who will be chosen for the second round of interviews. Easter may pause this phase of the process, but as soon as Easter is over, second interviews will resume.

SECOND INTERVIEWS:
A second interview is a major step. First interviews are casual, “get to know you” meetings and only involve talking with a candidate via Zoom. Second interviews are conducted by a team of three or four committee members. Depending upon the prospective rector’s location, the team will fly or drive to a candidate’s city of residence, and conduct an interview with the candidate at a neutral location. This interview will last three to four hours.

Afterwards, the search team will take the candidate and his or her spouse, if applicable, out to dinner. The following day, the rector search team will attend the candidate’s church to observe the campus, the priest’s preaching style, and the priest’s interaction with his or her congregation.

THIRD INTERVIEWS:
Once second interviews have been completed, your Rector Search Committee will meet again to discern who will be invited for a third interview. Third interviews involve a visit to St. John’s by the prospective priest. It’s an opportunity for the candidate to meet the entire committee in person, and it also allows him or her to see St. John’s and the city of Tallahassee. For the sake of the candidate, all interviews are done with the strictest confidentiality.

TIMELINE:
The committee’s hope is that we will have a priest by the beginning of the summer, but we realize God’s time may not be our time. As your Rector Search Committee navigates through our timeline and the “Discernment Phase,” please continue to pray that we seek God’s guidance and hear His voice so that we have a new priest that fulfills His will for St. John’s. We appreciate everyone who joined us last month for a Coffee Talk with the Rector Search Committee. We also thank you for your prayers, patience, and faith.

We are honored to serve in this very important ministry.

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Dear St. John’s Parishioners,

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

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

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

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

A few important points:

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

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

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

Mahaska Whitley, Senior Warden

Steve Peters, Junior Warden

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What is Lent?
Lent is a season of transformation and self-examination, when we ask God for forgiveness while creating space to talk about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Learn how these 40 days can lead us into closer unity with God, and how St. John’s will observe the season.

What is your role?
During Lent, we come together for communal prayer and worship, walking through the season as a church community. Begin by worshipping on Ash Wednesday, then make a personal commitment to one or more spiritual practices.

What is Holy Week?
The forty days of Lent prepare us for Holy Week, a special week where each service allows us to journey with Jesus through the events leading to his death on the cross. Services are devotional in nature and encourage self-denial, intentional worship, and attending to needs of others.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR LENT

Spiritual disciplines are part of Christian life year round, but they also enhance our Lenten spiritual journey. Here are some suggestions:

• DAILY PRAYER: Begin or end the day with Morning or Evening Prayer, found in the Book of Common Prayer. For your convenience, there’s even an online version (written or audio format) of The Daily Office.
• DEVOTIONALS: Establish a set time during Lent to read and then sit in silence or prayer. Find Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditation Guide online.
• FASTING & REFLECTION: Fasting is a spiritual discipline that Jesus practiced. Hunger pains can remind you to pray for others and enter into self-reflection. If you have health concerns, please consult a doctor before a fast.
• SELF-DENIAL: Giving up favorite foods, drinks, or bad habits is an alternative to fasting that forces you to be mindful of the hunger of others each time you crave that item or revert to a certain behavior.
• GIVING TO OTHERS: How do Lenten sacrifices bring you closer to God? Consider giving the money you would have spent on those items/habits to a charitable organization or cause. Or donate your time & talents!
• PRACTICE YOGA: The practice of yoga is accessible to all ages and a positive way to cultivate inner peace and spirituality. Extend the discipline beyond Lent; St. John’s offers classes on Mondays & Thursdays.
• ATTEND COMPLINE: Join us for our weekly Sung Compline service, on Sundays at 7:30 PM. This ancient monastic service is held in the candlelit church, led by clergy and the St. John’s Compline Choir.
• LECTIO DIVINA: Encounter God in scripture using Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase meaning divine or sacred reading. This unique approach features slower and more reflective reading of the Scriptures.
• PERSONAL CONFESSION: A practice for Christians to seek Christ’s healing power through guided self-reflection, admission of sins, and reconciliation with God through forgiveness. Consult with a member of the St. John’s clergy about opportunities for personal confession.
• STATIONS OF THE CROSS: This devotion 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. Walk the stations in the chapel, or join us for a spoken version on Good Friday at 5 PM.
• ATTEND A CLASS: St. John’s offers Christian education classes and Bible studies all year long. There are several classes being offered specifically during Lent. See the list below and our calendar for details.
  

LENTEN PRAYER PARTNERS
SIGN UP ONLINE BY FEBRUARY 23
Participants of all ages are assigned a partner for whom they agree to pray for daily during Lent.

PRACTICING THE WAY:
Lent for Everyone: Luke, Year C
FRIDAYS | MARCH 4 TO APRIL 8
Join Mtr. Abi on Zoom for our 12 PM Friday book study. During Lent, we’ll dive into how Luke’s text is relevant in our own lives.

COFFEE TALK: LENT EDITION
SUNDAYS | MARCH 6 TO APRIL 10
Six weeks of special seasonal topics, including scripture, reason, tradition, and more. Offered at 11:15 AM Sundays, in person or over Zoom.

MONTHLY SOUP SUPPER
MARCH 13 | APRIL 10
Join The Front Porch for fellowship and a light soup supper at 6:45 PM before Sung Compline.

LENTEN QUIET DAY
MARCH 19 | 9 AM-12 PM
Through quiet prayer and reflection, the Rev. Kathy Walker will help us prepare for Lent. Offered in person or by Zoom. Register online.

The post Lenten Guide 2022 appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

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.

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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Dear Friends,

What a wonderful Annual Meeting Sunday! We were blessed to be able to gather as one St. John’s family through the gift of technology. Whether you participated yesterday in person, or via live stream, we appreciate your willingness to share in the business and future plans of our parish.

We also voted to elect new Vestry members and Diocesan Convention delegates. Those election results have now been certified and I am pleased to share them with you.

New Vestry members elected for a three-year term are:

Lucy Carter
Janine Couch
Susan Gwynn
Steve Peters
Mahaska Whitley

New Diocesan Convention delegates are:

Skip Foster
Kelly Kirby

I give thanks to God for all of our faithful leaders who were willing to serve on this year’s slate.

Gratefully,

The Rev. Abigail W. Moon
Interim Rector

The post Parish Election Results appeared first on St. John's Episcopal Church.

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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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.

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 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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It was wonderful to worship online and in person with you this Christmas Eve! While everyone remained masked in the church during worship, in keeping with our updated policy, masks were not required outdoors as we captured family photos. Below is a link to view all of the photos from our time in the garden.

Feel free to use the link above to download and share. If sharing photos on social media, please tag Ashley Pridgeon (Instagram: @ashleygraysonimages or Facebook: Ashley Pridgeon).

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Below is a staffing update from the Rev. Abigail W. Moon, St. John’s Interim Rector:

I am delighted to share that you will see two new faces in ministry here at St. John’s.

Beginning December 1, Angela Shelley will join the St. John’s staff working with Adult Education and Pastoral Care in a part-time capacity during this interim period. Angela brings with her an extensive background in Christian formation and a gift for encouraging people on their faith journey. While she has a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University and a Master of Divinity from Emory University, Angela has lived in Tallahassee before and has returned home to be closer to her family.

She has served on a parish staff in New Haven, CT, in roles from Parish Administrator to running the Episcopal Service Corps ministry for young adults in New Haven. She also served as a hospital chaplain, meeting families where they were in various life situations. Angela has a passion for teaching the youngest and oldest of the congregation and we are delighted she will be joining the staff during this interim time.

A familiar face will be joining our Sunday morning worship team! Pat Garner will be assisting us in worship as she continues to prepare to be a deacon. You will soon see her at Sunday services processing the Gospel, and setting and clearing the altar during the liturgy. Pat is well on her way to becoming a deacon and we are delighted that she, too, can assist St. John’s in this way at this time.

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

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

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

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

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

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The St. John’s Vestry Nominating Committee is now accepting names for consideration in Vestry elections held in early 2022. Names are due by November 28, 2021.

Those who are nominated by others must have given consent. If you are interested in being considered as a nominee, or if you wish to suggest a name to the committee, please send written notification to Shelby Augustyniak, Nominations Committee Chair, at shelbyaugust@hotmail.com.

The St. John’s Vestry leads the parish in partnership with clergy. The Vestry governs in three primary capacities: fiduciary (budgets and buildings), strategic (long-range planning) and generative (providing wisdom, guidance and creative ideas for mission and ministries). Vestry members, who represent the congregation in every area of decision making, are elected at the annual parish meeting held in late January or early February and serve staggered three-year terms. The group meets monthly to discuss new business and vote on the business of the parish.

Click below to learn more about the individuals who are currently serving St. John’s as members of the Vestry.

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Your Rector Search Committee has an update!

PARISH SURVEY:

• 366 people responded to the Holy Cow survey.
• This represents 83% of our average weekly attendance rate.
• We are very pleased with this incredible response. Thank you!
• The Rector Search Committee met with Holy Cow Consulting on October 20 to review the survey results.
• Holy Cow reported that St. John’s is a high energy and highly satisfied congregation.

PARISH PROFILE:

• During this part of the Self Study Phase, we are working to incorporate the survey analysis into the parish profile.
• The parish profile is essentially a job description.
• Once the parish profile has been completed, we will begin the Seeking Phase of our search.
• This means we’ll begin taking applications for the role.
• The congregation will have access to the parish profile.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION:

• In preparation for the Seeking Phase, your Rector Search Committee took part in a three-hour “Search Committee Interview Skills” training session on October 23.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

• Pray for your Rector Search Committee.
• Know a priest you love? Share their name with the Rector Search Committee and encourage that individual to apply during the Seeking Phase.
• If you have any questions or comments, please fill out a feedback form found on the St. John’s Rector Search webpage or contact a member of the Rector Search Committee.

Thank you for your support as we seek God’s choice for our next rector.

Martin Proctor, Chair
Laurye Messer, Vice-Chair

Date published: October 28, 2021

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Updated: October 1, 2021

This week, the St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force met regarding in-person formation and seating for worship. With guidance from our medical professionals, we’ve decided to resume in-person formation beginning next Sunday, October 10. We will also ease some restrictions regarding seating for worship in the church.

Please note that masks are still required on campus, especially in the church, where congregational singing will now be permitted. Masks also help us protect our youngest parishioners who are still unable to receive the vaccination.

WORSHIP:

• Services will return to full capacity (October 3)
• Self-regulated distancing in the church (October 3)
• Children’s Chapel resumes and children will be invited forward for the Children’s Homily (October 10)

EDUCATION:

• After church, at 11:15 AM, Coffee Talk returns to a hybrid format in Killeen Hall & Zoom (October 10)
• Sunday School (grades PreK-5) will begin its weekly curriculum (October 10)
• Youth (grades 6-12) will meet for Bible. Conversation. Donuts. (BCD), a twice monthly gathering (October 10)
• Although some of our weekday adult education and spiritual formation offerings will eventually return to a hybrid format, most will continue to be offered via Zoom.

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— I Corinthians 12:27

The Stewardship Committee is holding the entire parish in prayer as we begin the Stewardship Season for the upcoming calendar year 2022. Pledge packets should have arrived at your mailbox this week. If you have not received one, please email Kate Kile or call (850) 222-2636 ext. 17. Your Stewardship Committee members include: JR & Ken Saginario (Chairs), Carolyn & Bob Gosselin (Vice Chairs), Jeff & Lisa Askins (Immediate past Chairs), Jen Garretson, Katie Proctor, and Linda Scott.

St. John’s is continuing our new tradition of a shortened pledge season, now happening during the month of October. Please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment and let us know by October 31.

You can return your pledge card in the mail, place in the offering plate (in the envelope provided for confidentiality) or try your hand at making your pledge online by logging in to your Realm account!

If you still haven’t worked up the courage to do that, Claire and Kate are more than happy to walk you through that process. Simply call or email them to set up a time for tech support.

The St. John’s Stewardship Committee is looking forward to a joyful and generous stewardship season with you!

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From Claire Dodd, Membership Director

Each day, more and more of you are logging on to Realm to update your contact information, as well as your online giving and pledging information, and to register for events. If you haven’t already done so, look for an “Invitation to Realm” email in your inbox. We send these invitations and reminders every Friday to those who have yet to log in. Tip: if you haven’t been receiving them – check your “Junk” or “Spam” folders.

One of the greatest benefits about Realm is the church directory. It’s easy to use and it puts your fellow parishioners’ contact information right at your fingertips! However, Realm sets strict privacy settings that YOU need to adjust so that others can see your contact details.

IF YOU’VE LOGGED INTO REALM PREVIOUSLY:

• ensure you have adjusted your Privacy Settings
• click on your Profile, then “Manage Privacy”
• select “Anyone in the Church” to allow others to see your phone number, address, and email address

IF YOU’D LIKE US TO MANAGE THIS FOR YOU:

• simply fill out THIS PERMISSION FORM
• this invites our office to adjust profile settings on your behalf

For more information, you can always refer back to Claire and Kate’s RECENT COFFEE TALK, where they explained how to access and use Realm. If you have any questions or if you would like us to assist you in any way, please contact Claire Dodd. Remember – Realm is how St. John’s parishioners can connect with each other. We’re excited to see all this program can do, but we need your help to do it!

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As we begin our new worship and program season, several familiar offerings are returning!

Our weekly 5:30 PM service took a hiatus, due to the pandemic, in March 2020. Now we are bringing back this 5:30 PM Service of Holy Eucharist in a brand-new format, “Faith at 5:30!” This Rite II service, with piano accompaniment, will be held in the church and will feature St. John’s parishioners sharing stories weekly about where they have experienced God amid their faith journeys.

Below is the weekly schedule of speakers. And by the Tuesday following each “Faith at 5:30” service, we will post an audio recording of the weekly sermon on the church website. Whether you’ve missed the service or just want to listen again, check in weekly on our “Faith Talks” page.

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The St. John’s Rector Search Committee is busy laying the groundwork to find God’s choice to be our next parish Rector. However, before this search can begin, our congregation must first discern who we are and what we are seeking in a Rector. To do this, we need you!

St. John’s has contracted with Holy Cow Consulting to conduct a parish survey. The results of this survey will essentially provide a Rector job description designed specifically for St. John’s. Please complete the survey on or before October 6, 2021. See the tips below before you begin, then click the button on this page to get started!

This survey will help our search committee collect and understand the range of views that exist within our parish, and the possibilities, capacity, and energy for moving our ministry into the future. The more people who take this survey, the more accurate it will be. Finding the person God has chosen to become the next rector of St. John’s is our entire congregation’s responsibility. By completing this survey, you are doing your part to ensure our plan is God’s plan.

Questions?

Martin Proctor, Chair
martin_proctor@proctorcars.com
850-509-9513

Laurye Messer, Vice Chair
LauryeMesser@gmail.com
850-510-0941

HELPFUL HINTS:

• Set aside 30 minutes to answer all of the questions.
• You must complete the survey in one sitting.
• All survey responses are strictly anonymous.
• Each person in your household, age 18 or older, should complete the survey.
• Only one member of the household should complete the last seven questions of the survey (family demographics).

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“Guide us waking, O Lord and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.” - from the Service of Compline (BCP page 134)

Dear Friends in Christ,

The service of Compline is a beautiful lullaby in which we say our final prayers of the day and invite God into our presence before bedtime. At the end of the Compline service, we hear the words of Simeon who, with Anna, waited their whole lives to meet the infant Jesus. The words shared above reflect this couple’s patience and trust in the Lord.

These very same words have been my prayer for St. John’s this past 18 months. Guide us O Lord and guard us all as we live in this community, as people of faith. September kicks off a brand-new worship and program year for our St. John’s community! Several familiar offerings are returning to our weekly schedule, and you’ll see that we have added some exciting new opportunities for your faith to be renewed.

As we begin this program year, I am delighted to share some good news! Caroline Devitt has accepted the call to be St. John’s new Interim Director of Youth Ministries. Caroline is a recent graduate of the University of Florida and a lifelong Episcopalian. She has been serving as a Youth Ministry Intern at Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota (her home church). Caroline was also very active in the campus ministry at UF, where she earned a degree in communications and enhanced her passion for ministry. You’ll be able to meet Caroline on her first Sunday – September 12.

And in October, the Rev. William Trexler will begin assisting our clergy team monthly on Sundays. We’re eager to welcome Fr. Bill and learn from his preaching and teaching!

MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE

Mark your calendar for the following, taking place from mid-September through mid-October.

September 12 – WORSHIP ADDITIONS
A brand-new 5:30 p.m. Service of Holy Eucharist is joining current Sunday worship offerings. This service will be held in the church and will feature St. John’s parishioners sharing stories weekly about where they have experienced God amid their faith journeys. Our Service of Compline, a sung, candlelit opportunity for prayer and contemplation, also resumes on September 12. It will be held weekly in person at 7:30 p.m., in the church.

September 12 – YOUTH KICKOFF
Youth will get to know Caroline Devitt at outdoor kickoff event. Please Note: programming for ages 12 and under (Sunday School and Music Ministry events for our youngest parishioners) will wait to start fall activities until at least the beginning of October, but we encourage you to pre-register now for all three ministries.

Mid-September – SMALL GROUPS BEGIN
If you signed up for a group this fall, stay tuned for a call from your group leader!

September 18 – ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP with Fr. Wallace
This event kicks off The Front Porch, a Spiritual Life Center, St. John’s new hub for learning about the spiritual awareness and the intersection of faith and life. Register for the workshop today and help us kick off The Front Porch!

September 26 – FAREWELL TO FR. WALLACE
Wish Wallace well on his final Sunday! We’re grateful for his three years of ministry at St. John’s and wish him much success as Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Thomasville.

October 3 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Our annual pet blessing will be back at Cascades Park again this year. Mark your calendar for 3-4 PM so you can bring your furry and feathered friends!

October 16 – BRIAN MCLAREN VISITS
Acclaimed author and speaker Brian McLaren will visit St. John’s to speak about his most recent book, Faith after Doubt. McLaren’s talk is presented by The Front Porch, and it will be streamed live. Please join our notification list so we can you apprised of possible changes to the meeting location and format.

While the past year and a half has been challenging, St. John’s continues to share the light of Christ in familiar and modified ways. Your leadership team is in ongoing consultation with our COVID-19 Task Force and other medical professionals, for guidance on St. John’s path and assurance that we are protecting all those who might visit the St. John’s campus.

Guide us waking O Lord that awake we may watch with Christ. In this season of in between, we look forward to continuing our faith journey and growing in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I look forward to seeing you soon!
The Rev. Abigail W. Moon
Interim Rector

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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At St. John’s, we are committed to keeping our church family safe from COVID-19. Our Task Force consults regularly with medical professionals and gathers often to evaluate safety protocols and make decisions in the best interest of our neighbors and parish community.

We are extremely concerned with the spread of the Delta variant — which seems to be a completely different COVID-19. Due to the surge of cases in our community, St. John’s will be taking additional precautions to keep our people worshipping and safe.

We ask that MASKS BE WORN AT ALL TIMES ON CAMPUS, despite vaccination status, and that everyone within the church community becomes vaccinated if they are medically able to do so.

Please also note the following temporary changes:

WORSHIP:

• No congregational singing
• Limited attendance at services, with marked pews for social distancing
• Sunday afternoon “Said Eucharist” (2 PM) joins worship schedule

GATHERINGS:

• On-campus education, fellowship, and administrative gatherings move online
• In-person Youth, Children’s, and Music Ministry gatherings begin after Labor Day

CAMPUS:

• Nursery available during Sunday morning worship, with safety protocols
• Lively Café staff, volunteers, and patrons remain masked, unless eating

The St. John’s COVID-19 Task Force will continue to evaluate the status of the above changes and identify ways we can help slow the spread of the virus.

We are living through an incredibly fluid and complex time. If you are interested in hearing what our COVID-19 Task Force is talking about and how we can best navigate the situation, we invite you to join us online for a special Coffee Talk with Dr. Don Zorn, this Sunday, August 15, at 11:15 a.m.

As always, please stay home if you are sick, and exercise good judgement as you physically participate in life at St. John’s. We want you to stay engaged and stay tuned, but most of all, we want you to stay safe.

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Dear Friends,

I am pleased to announce that the following individuals have graciously accepted the call to serve as members of our Rector Search Committee.

The committee members, in alphabetical order, are:

• Gene Adams
• Sarah Michael Anderson
• Brian Arsenault
• Alan Asker
• David Grimes
• Lina Knox
• Cricket Mannheimer
• Virginia Perkins
• Neil Rambana
• Corinna Strayer

These individuals join our Chair and Vice Chair, Martin Proctor and Laurye Messer, on the Rector Search Committee.

On behalf of the entire Vestry, I would like to offer my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the St. John’s members who put their names forward to serve in this capacity. The final committee was established after prayerful consultation between me and Lynn Solomon, our junior warden, along with Martin and Laurye. I am pleased to share that the Vestry approved this slate unanimously.

You can learn more about the Search Committee members and find other important information about this process on the Rector Search section of our website. This is an exciting time in the life of our parish, and we look forward to sharing it with you!

Change can bring anxiety, but it can also provide an opportunity for transformative growth. As we face this time of change, let’s be mindful that St. John’s is not alone. God is always with us!

Blessings,

Doug Sessions, Senior Warden

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Desmond Tutu once wisely said that “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” What he meant is that everything in life that seems daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible can be accomplished gradually by taking on just a little at a time. The same principle applies to learning new technology tools like Realm, St. John’s upgraded membership and financial software. Since there is much to see and do with Realm, we will start off simply – a bite at a time!

On Friday, July 30, all church members should be on the lookout for an important email from Realm with an invitation to start using the upgraded version of our very secure membership and financial software. Once logged in, you’ll be able to easily manage your personal information and privacy settings! Below are samples of what that email invitation may look like.

Simply follow the link in your email and create a password. Then, join us this Sunday, August 1, at 11:15 AM, at Coffee Talk, when the St. John’s staff shares how our parish will use this upgraded software. Our number one priority is connection to God, self, and other, so come learn how Realm will help us all stay informed and connected. We’ll also provide beginning instructions on how to download and use Realm on a mobile device. If you’re ready to take that next step now, read on. Otherwise, we’ll see you at Coffee Talk!

REALM ON MOBILE DEVICES:

Realm replaces St. John’s previous member and financial software, ACS, and the “Realm Connect” mobile app takes the place of the Church Life app. When logged in to either the desktop or mobile interface, members will be able to access and edit their personal contact information, privacy settings, and view their giving history. Below is a quick “getting started” tutorial for mobile devices. Our staff will walk you through Realm on desktop computers during Coffee Talk.